Current Event (Silvia Gaucin)

On Friday April 10, Andrew Cazares and Fausto Manzera were pulled over on the Dan Ryan because of a flat tire. An alleged drunk driver was speeding and slammed into Andrew’s car causing his gas tank to explode leaving his car completely dismantled and tragically killing these two friends. The man then leaves the scene, but was shortly caught and taken into custody. It turns out that his blood alcohol level was more than three times the legal limit. Now the controversy comes when we find out the drunk driver was Joseph Frugoli, an 18 year veteran of the Chicago Police Department who was off-duty. The policeman was charged with reckless homicide, aggravated DUI and leaving the scene of an auto accident, yet still let out on bond. He has been reported to be in at least three other accidents one of which was similar to this one, yet all charges were either dropped or thrown out. Here is a link to a news video clip describing the accident. Do you think justice was served? Do you think police officers get away with much more because of their occupation? Do you think that they are being too harsh on Frugoli?

http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=6754291

Current Event (Silvia Gaucin)

On Friday April 10, Andrew Cazares and Fausto Manzera were pulled over on the Dan Ryan because of a flat tire. An alleged drunk driver was speeding and slammed into Andrew’s car causing his gas tank to explode leaving his car completely dismantled and tragically killing these two friends. The man then leaves the scene, but was shortly caught and taken into custody. It turns out that his blood alcohol level was more than three times the legal limit. Now the controversy comes when we find out the drunk driver was Joseph Frugoli, an 18 year veteran of the Chicago Police Department who was off-duty. The policeman was charged with reckless homicide, aggravated DUI and leaving the scene of an auto accident, yet still let out on bond. He has been reported to be in at least three other accidents one of which was similar to this one, yet all charges were either dropped or thrown out. Here is a link to a news video clip describing the accident. Do you think justice was served? Do you think police officers get away with much more because of their occupation? Do you think that they are being too harsh on Frugoli?

http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=6754291

Current Event (Silvia Gaucin)

On Friday April 10, Andrew Cazares and Fausto Manzera were pulled over on the Dan Ryan because of a flat tire. An alleged drunk driver was speeding and slammed into Andrew’s car causing his gas tank to explode leaving his car completely dismantled and tragically killing these two friends. The man then leaves the scene, but was shortly caught and taken into custody. It turns out that his blood alcohol level was more than three times the legal limit. Now the controversy comes when we find out the drunk driver was Joseph Frugoli, an 18 year veteran of the Chicago Police Department who was off-duty. The policeman was charged with reckless homicide, aggravated DUI and leaving the scene of an auto accident, yet still let out on bond. He has been reported to be in at least three other accidents one of which was similar to this one, yet all charges were either dropped or thrown out. Here is a link to a news video clip describing the accident. Do you think justice was served? Do you think police officers get away with much more because of their occupation? Do you think that they are being too harsh on Frugoli?

http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=6754291

Current Event (Week 11 - Mike)

This is a clip from CNN after shortly after Michael Vick was arrested. As you will see the crime he committed was very horrific. When the commissioner of the NFL decides whether Vick should be reinstated, he will have to decide if Vick has remorse for the crime. Do you think it is possible for him to be remorseful for these actions?

Current Event (Week Twelve - Kaitlyn DelSanto)

The media clip you are about to view is about Madonna and how her petition to adopt a child from Malawi got turned down.

http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/showbiz/2009/04/03/bpr.madonna.adoption.ntaba.cnn

In order to internationally adopt from Malawi, an individual must be a resident there for more than a year. Madonna did not fit this requirement and that is why she could not adopt 4-year-old, Mercy James. However, in 2006, Madonna adopted her son, David, and the discussion of residency requirements did not come up. Human rights activists accused Madonna for using her fame in the past to take advantage of Malawi’s weak child protection system, and they wanted to make sure it did not happen again. However, Madonna and many Malawian citizens felt she was being treated unfairly especially after all she has done for Malawi. For several years Madonna has had ties to Malawi and has been trying to make a difference. She made a documentary, “I Am Because We Are,” which focused on poverty, AIDS, and other diseases devastating children in that country. Also, because Malawi is one of the poorest and least developed countries in the world, Madonna began a non-profit organization called, “Raising Malawi,” which provides programs for the many that are needy. After Madonna’s efforts in Malawi, she and many others were stunned when she was unable to adopt. However, others argue that it is important for the child to grow up where they are born and to stay close to their heritage, even if it means living in an orphanage like Mercy James will have to do.

Current Event (Week Twelve - Johanna Del Rio)

On Sunday morning, North Korea defiantly launched its long range rocket which it had been threatening to do. North Korea describes the launch as a way to put a communication satellite into orbit, but the US and allies believe it was a cover for a long range missile test. President Obama says North Korea shouldn’t get away with this, “The launch was a clear violation of U.N Security Council Resolution 1718.” North Korea's rocket launch has been widely denounced as a “reckless and provocative threat to world security.”

What do you think was North Korea’s purpose in launching this missile? What do you think will be the consequences? What do you think the US/ Obama should do? The rest of the world?



(at 4:55 a new reporter is introduced)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQiwEgAIcPQ

Current Event (Rob Sesso)

NFL Comissioner Looking To Extend Regular Season
Commissioner Roger Goddell is looking to propose a deal to NFL owners to extend the regular season to 17 or even 18 games. In order to do so, the league would have to cut the preseason short or not have one at all. The fans do not derive much satisfaction from such preseason games, and this would be an opportunity to increase revenue in spite of the poor economic times. From an economic standpoint, the NFL would be able to make more money from extra games and possibly be able to retain more employees as a result. On the other side of the coin, the players would demand more money for the additional games that are being played, and they would have to risk injury in addition to the 16 game strenuous season that is currently in place. There are two sides here -- basically the owners and the players. The additional compensation could be a problem that slows the negotiation process between the owners and the players association whose collective bargaining agreement expires after the 2010 season. This is something not quite set in stone, and there are foreseeable roadblocks that could curtail such negotiations. Goddell thinks that this would be a chance to keep the NFL out of debt and garner the interest of fans. It might also help the NFL generate global interest.

Here are some article to spark your opinion on the issue.
http://www.reuters.com/article/sportsNews/idUSTRE52P40L20090326
http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_10310155

Some questions for thought:
Is this a plausible idea for the NFL moving forward?
What kind of effect could this have on the NFL as a whole?
Are the players being put at a disadvantage in this situation?
Do you think that this is a good idea with respect to the economy?

Current Event (Week 11 - Jim Faklis)

This Media Clip is an interview with the President of the NCAA, Myles Brand. In this short interview, he addresses the importance of the student athlete and how universities should treat these people as students first rather than athletes. Also, this clip briefly examines commercialism of the NCAA. Commercialism has become somewhat more apparent intercollegiate athletics in the past few years, but Myles Brand hopes that this does not dictate how the NCAA will be portrayed in the future.  It should be noted that this is only one side of the issues. The other side of this issue deals with the NCAA and how these student athletes should have the opportunity to receive some type of financial gains or benefits from the performances they put out on the field.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O59vEd7o8_s

Obama questions viability of GM, Chrysler

According to MSNBC.com President Barack Obama refused further long-term federal bailouts for General Motors and Chrysler. President Obama believes that more concessions are needed from unions, creditors and others before they could be approved. According to cnn. com "The federal government will give GM "adequate working capital" over the next 60 days to work in conjunction with the administration in developing a better recovery plan, Obama said." He also granted Chrysler a 30 day period to complete a merger between Chrsyler and Italian auto maker Fiat. There are two sides to this argument. Some people believe that there is no place for the government in the auto industry, while others believe the government should continue to give the industry more money to bail them out.

Below are the links to the two articles I have sited, along with the video of President Obama's speech:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29944834/
http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/03/30/obama.autos/index.html

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/29957543#29957543

Do you think that the plan outlined in the articles or speech can solve the problem? Do you have any suggestions for what should be done?

Do you think that the government has too much control over the struggling auto industry?

Spring Break Warnings

With spring break coming up, it is important for students traveling south of the border to understand the risks involved. It is always important to use common sense and stay away from shady areas, but this year drug violence in Mexico has caused the U.S. Department of State as well as many Colleges and Universities to issue warnings and travel alerts. According to Foxnews.com, the five main drug cartels in Mexico are involved in an increasingly violent war with each other and with Mexican military and police personnel over drug smuggling routes near the border. Although tourists have not specifically been targeted, there have been innocent victims caught in the crossfire.

According to the Travel Alert issued by the U.S. State Department, there have been large firefights throughout the country, but mainly in the north closer to the border. Cities of particular concern are Tijuana, Chihuahua City and Ciudad Juarez, which has seen over 1800 drug-related murders since January 2008. However, there has been drug violence in resort towns such as Acapulco and Cancun, both popular vacation spots. Violent warnings have been sent by the cartels such as dumping headless bodies in the streets. Although the State Department has not gone so far as to warn spring-breakers not to travel to Mexico, they are urging people to use common sense. They don't expect Americans to be targeted and it is generally believed that resorts will remain safe.


This clip from CBS News talks about some of the dangers spring break travelers may face this year in Mexco:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXa-BqB79ZQ

Has the current increase in violence in Mexico caused any of you to alter your spring break plans? Are any of you going to Mexico? If so, where, and what precautions will you take to stay safe? How do you think Mexican and American authorities should handle this? Would you let your children go?

Dora The Explorer Controversy- Angela Ingrassia Week 7

The popular children's toy "Dora the Explorer" has sparked controversy over her new image. Mom's across the nation are upset with the new doll's image that has been rumored to be "too sexy" for young girls.  One source called her "Dora the Streetwalker" and another headline said that she was "turned into a tramp".  She has a new shape, long legs, and flowing hair and looks similar to a miniature Barbie. 

However, Mattel and Nickelodeon, the maker of the doll and the station the show is aired on, say that the doll is just a more "grown up version" of Dora. Dora, invented in the late 1990's, has had to grow up with some of her fans, since they relate to her.  Therefore, unlike the original dora, this image is geared more towards girls from 5 years to 8 years. Along with the new doll, a new series will be featured on Nickelodeon entitled "Go Diego Go".  But not to fear, the new show will be aired along side with the old Dora. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fl4-v90mK4

What do you think? Should Mattel back off? Should it raise the target age for the new Dora? Or should parents accept that culture is changing, and the new Dora is a peek of what future cartoons will look like for kids?

The following clip below is from a  Fox news airing on the doll. 

World Baseball Classic (Week 6- Ben Kalal)

March 5th marks the start of the 2nd annual World Baseball Classic. The Classic is an event that originated in 2006. Its original intention was to showcase the game of baseball on a world level. Essentially players are selected by their home countries and asked to represent their country in the competition. The idea sounds fairly good in principle, right? Problems come into place when these players want to play, but the major league club that they belong to do not want them to play. So they go out in the open and adamantly campaign against their players participating in the Classic, or in some cases petition Major League Baseball so that they can block players from playing in the classic. Is it right for these parent clubs to simply deny their players the opportunity to represent their country on the one of the biggest stages the game has to offer? Furthermore, it is sad to see that some players are simply refusing to represent their country because they feel like if they participate in the Classic, they will lose out on playing time to their fellow teammates in the upcoming regular season. Should these players have an obligation to represent their countries if asked to play? Or should these players only have an obligation to themselves, and simply worry about getting themselves ready for the upcoming season? The clip I have included, (sorry you have to click on it, I couldn't figure out how to embed it), talks with team USA manager Davey Johnson and USA team member David Wright. In the clip, the two discuss team USA's chances, their excitement on representing their country, and briefly touch on players who could not play in the Classic.
http://web.worldbaseballclassic.com/media/player/mp_tpl.jsp?vid=1&pid=&fid=300&cid=mlb&v=2&flv=http%3A//mediadownloads.mlb.com/mlbam/2009/01/19/mlbtv_1437243_800K.flv&id=898864&streamType=Progressive%20Download&domain=worldbaseballclassic.com&adUrl=http%3A//ad.doubleclick.net/pfadx/mlb.mlb/mlb%3Bpage%3Dmedia%3Bsect%3Dplayer%3Bmatch%3Dvideolanding%3Bpos%3D1%3Bsz%3D512x288%3Btile%3D1%3Bord%3D1235586527879&adBannerUrl=http%3A//ad.doubleclick.net/adi/wbc.mlb%3Bpage%3Dmedia%3Bsect%3Dplayer%3Bmatch%3Dwbc%3Bpos%3D1%3Bsz%3D728x90%3Btile%3D1%3Bdc_seed%3D197548186%3Bord%3D1235586527879&adType=flash&_mp=1

Nationalization of Banks? (Week 6 - Kelly Gibbs)

As worries about possible bank failures have intensified, the Obama administration is working on creating a plan that would give the government ownership of some banks without scaring away private investors. In order to restore confidence in the financial markets and to jump start lending, the Treasury said it would buy preferred shares of stock in the U.S. banks, savings and loans. The plan promises shares that taxpayers will own will be paid back with an alleged "reasonable return". The hope is that this will create an incentive for banks to remove themselves from the plan or the government will take a larger portion of the returns. The Treasury Department insists that banks that participate will have to abide by rules which prohibit large golden parachutes to corporate executives when the tax payers money is at risk.

This is an extremely important issue to consider especially since our generation will be paying the deficit that is created during this administration. Do you think this 'bank bailout' will be effective? And if not, what options do we have as citizens to stop these kinds of decisions from being made in Washington?

This clip from Fox News is extremely informative and outlines ways in which our tax money may be spent on this plan.

http://www.youtube.com/watchv=5Tluf7OSR-Q

Michael Phelps Caught Taking Bong Hit

Earlier this year Michael Phelps was photographed taking a bong hit at a University of South Carolina college party. The story was first reported by a British tabloid with the headline, “What a Dope.” Below there is a video of reporter Shelly Palmer reporting the story. He states that he could argue for both sides of this event, but he definitely takes the stance that this was entirely overplayed and blown out of proportion. This is one of many videos that take the side of Michael Phelps doing nothing wrong. However there is another side that argues Michael Phelps was completely out of line by smoking pot. Other articles talk about how he lost his sponsorship from Kellogg’s and banned from the USA swim team. I chose this video because I like the comparisons to other athletes and criminals Palmer uses to describe the Phelps incident. There are two clear sides to this argument. Was Phelps wrong in his actions or did the media make a mountain out of a molehill?





http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V91RNzUya3E&feature=related

Current Event Assignment (Week 5 - Brendan Murphy)

On January 26, 2009, Nadya Suleman gave birth to octuplets, through In-Vitro fertilazation. Suleman was already a mother to six children at home three of which are disabled. In this video, which was on the Today Show,Suleman is interviewed by Ann Curry of MSNBC's Dateline, regarding the octuplets. This video touches on all the issues of controversy; single mother parernting, unemployment, and In-Vitro fertalization. Do you think this mother is being selfish? What are your views on the doctor that allowed such a procedure?

This is only a short clip from youtube that highlights the interview, for the full video go to: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29129311 and click on the link to the hour long segment.

Current Event Assignment (Week 5 - Catie Wojciehowski)

On January 22, 2009, President Obama issued three executive orders requiring that the Guantanamo Bay detention facility be closed within a year. With the closing of Guantanamo Bay, the controversy lies in where the United States will send these detainees. One solution is for prisoners to be brought to the United States and held in jails or on military bases. Other prisoners could be set free and return to their home countries due to inadequate evidence. Should the Guantanamo detainees be sent to the United States? Is it safe?

Codex Alimentarius Current Event Assignment--Week 4--Ryan Widerberg

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-5266884912495233634

While it would be beneficial to watch this entire clip, as my current event will include details from its entirety, these segments are the most important: 3:30-10:00, 11:00-15:00, 20:00-23:00.

Codex Alimentarius is a list of food standards and guidelines and if passed will be a global law under the UN. It is an important piece of legislation because it trumps the sovereignty of our national law, yet includes groups for and against its passing.

Sorry I initially posted this on the wrong blog...sorry if you didn't have a chance to watch it.
http://codexalimentarius-ryanwiderberg.blogspot.com/

Current Event Assignment (Week 4 - Valencia Moore)

The Controversy over Michael Phelps Bong Picture



This is a video about Michael Phelps and a picture of him smoking marijuana from a bong. He acknowledged regrettable behavior after a photo in a British newspaper showed this picture and also gives a background of the situation he is involved in after this photo being taken. What do you think about his behaviors and loosing deals with Kellogg's becuase of this photo?

Week 4 CE - Katerina

The clip below shows American citizens' reactions to the rise in stamp prices, when it occurred in May 2008. Last year, the stamp prices only raised by one cent and May 11, 2009 they are set to rise again by another 2 cents, making the price 44 cents. These reactions will still, most likely, hold strong today and will probably be even heightened because of the economic crises. All of the three reactions make strong points regarding the postage stamp increase and are worth looking into. What do you think about the rise in stamps for the fourth consecutive year?

Current Event - Week Four (Brian Mayer)

Current Event Assignment- Week 4, Alex Eckhout

The video below is an ESPN interview with New York Yankees third basemen Alex Rodriguez. In the interview he admits to using steroids from 2001-2003 while he played with the Texas Rangers. The confession was spurred by the leak of formerly confidential test results from 2003 which showed A-Rod and over 100 other players testing positive for steroids. Steroids have been banned from Major League Baseball since 1991, but there were no penalties for positive test results until 2004. So should A-Rod be punished his crime, even though it did not have a penalty when he committed it?

Current Event Assignment (Week Three - Greg Gayes)

This video discusses the recent stimulus package that President Obama has presented to the American people and to Congress. It recently passed the House of Representatives with a 244-188 vote, with no Republicans supporting the plan. There is a great deal of debate over the effectiveness of this plan, since it includes spending more than $800 billion. This video reveals both sides of the debate, with the Republicans saying that the money is not being spent properly, and Democrats insisting it is the best way to stimulate the economy. I will attempt to discuss both sides of this debate.

Current Event Assignment (Week Three - Sarah Forzley)

Three days after starting his presidency, President Obama signed to overturn the ban on funding overseas organizations that deal with abortion and provide counseling on the abortion topic. Many citizens are excited for the raising of the ban because they feel it will initiate help to women in foreign countries and attempt to prevent unwanted pregnancy, however others such as anti-abortion and pro-life groups do not agree with lifting the ban and are prepared for the uphill battle their campaigns will face due to the new policy. The clip below gives information about the history of the ban, how former presidents have dealt with the issue, and President Obama's personal feelings on lifting the ban along with his plans to bring peace to the minds of all Americans.

Current Event Assignment (Week Three - Adam Kaplan)

My current event is about now former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich appointing Roland Burris to the vacant Senate left by President Barack Obama. This clip is from the press conference where Blagojevich officially appoints Roland Burris. Before this appointment, Governor Blagojevich was under suspicion of and arrested for selling Obama's Senate seat to the highest bidder. Because of this, the Democrats in the Senate (the Senate approves Governor's selections to vacant Senate seats) openly said they will not take anyone Blagojevich appoints, if he does. Blago went ahead and appointed Roland Burris. Burris is a respectable and experienced politician who had no ties to the Blago scandal and is extremely qualified for the job. So what should the Senate do? Should they appoint a man that probably deserves the job or should they hold to their word no matter who is the appointee?

Current Event Assignment (Week Two - Grace Zalski)

I chose this clip because it is a good summary of what is happening right now in terms of what Obama is doing his first week in office. Making good on his campaign pledge, President Obama is proposing that states be allowed to set their own emissions standards. Global warming is a serious threat, but this clip does a great job of presenting both sides. It also incorporates opinions from people in two different area of the United States that could be affected by Obama's proposal.

Current Event Assignment (Week Two - Brittany Leddy)

My Current Event is about the decrease of the amount of traditional families and the dispute on whether it is or is not a crisis. In this clip, William Doherty (a sociology professor) touches a bit on the subject. There were some others but they were a bit more opinionated and biased.

You only need to watch from 2:00-4:00.

Current Event Assignment (Week 1 - Sample)

Just a little background on why I chose this clip...Commercials similar to this have been running on major broadcasting stations for a months now. They remind viewers that the DTV transition date is approaching and offer advice on how how they can prepare for the switch. It goes along with one side of my current event and how Congress is pushing for the February 17th date to be enforced.

Welcome

The purpose of this course is to help you become a critical consumer and conscientious producer of arguments. To begin the class, we will read some fairly difficult theoretical articles about argumentation. Then, we will use that theory to explore various topics. We proceed from the basic assumption that our ability to make arguments and participate in public debate is shaped by a host of influences, including education, life experience, personal background, institutional affiliation, and cultural and political trends. One major goal of Argumentation 323 is to prepare and encourage you to go out into the world to listen to others’ arguments and make your own arguments.  Along the way, your skills in constructing oral and written persuasive message will improve.