"Rapper T.I. sentenced to year on weapons charges"

I understand that I might be a little biased because I absolutely love T.I. but I think he has been a really positive role model for young people, showing that it's not about the mistakes you make it's how you handle them, how you grow and learn afterwards. I don't know if anyone has seen his show on MTV leading up to the actual sentence, "T.I.'s Road to Redemption" but it was amazing. Basically he would go around talking to at risk youth, dissuading them from joining or continuing affiliations with gangs or just people who don't mean them well. I'm not saying what he did wasn't wrong, obviously it was. Playing devil's advocate, what happens when people who have made past mistakes are still targets for whatever reason, how are they suppose to protect themselves. T.I. had a rough time as a teenager and young adult, paid his debt, and completely turned his life around. That doesn't mean that other people did the same. His best friend was murdered with a bullet intended for him, from a man who just wanted to hurt him. There has never been any indication that since his fame he has been involved in anything above reproach. Felons are not allowed to carry weapons which I do agree with, but, when released back into society they still need to feel as safe as every other American. What do you do when the lines are a little blurred like I believe them to be in this situation?

http://www.newsweek.com/id/191246/page/1

"Straight Into Compton"

I thought this article about Compton, California was super interesting and I learned a lot about the community and why it has had such a difficult history. Once known as the murder capital of the U.S. and the birth place of gangster rap, which explained the horrible environment that was Compton, Long Beach, or difficult California communities, Compton has been cleaning up in the last few years. Many people who were a part of the heavy gang movement in the 1980s and 90s are now contributing to city improvements. One underlying issue in the article is that of race and economics. The change of inhabitants and money played a huge role in the cities demise in the 1960s. Please also see the discussions of these issues underneath the article. Obviously those two topics are always loaded questions but also extremely important to discuss.

http://www.newsweek.com/id/190871/page/1

"Extreme Motherhood"

I do not know how familiar anyone is with the various shows on TLC that showcase huge families, like "John and Kate plus 8" or "17 (now 18) Kids and Counting", but there popularity sky rocketed with the birth of the idea a few years ago and continue to increase. While I thinking watching a ton of kids run around to be extremely annoying, like "John and Kate plus 8" I do not find them controversial or offensive. However, this article focuses on the Duggers, the family featured on "17 Kids and Counting", and their ultra-conservative Christian beliefs, specificially Quiverfull. Not associated with any particular denomination, Quiverfull prohibits the usage of ANY kind of contraception, even when used for family planning. The idea is rooted in anti-feminist beliefs, that working women, the usage of birth control, and teen sex (sex solely for pleasure) all go against God's original intent for women. We're simply here to reproduce. I have no problem with following religious beliefs being that I am a Christian, but these extremist are the biggest hypocrites of all. The Bible also has slavery and daughters can be sold off to men when they gain the ability to reproduce. You can't pick and choose to be extreme on one issue and not the others. Find the middle ground, live by the rules laid out if you believe and that's about it. Promoting irresponsible sex practices and encouraging women to forget hundreds of years of progress does not need to be televised.

Also, while I believe the "Octomom" to be truly certifiably insane, why are the Duggers any different. Why do they get a show on a family network and the "Octomom" is crucified by the media? Though America claims to not have a national religion, most people are Christian, those are just the stats. So, no matter how crazy, ridiculous the Duggers might be, anything done in the name of, or following the teachings of Christ is given some kind of reprieve and even awarded admiration by the media. This is evident by the fact the Duggers have a show.

http://www.newsweek.com/id/189763/page/2

"AIG CEO says employees starting to return bonuses"

I'm sure everyone has heard that despite the current economic climate in the country, AIG, which received a $182 billion bailout last year, still proceeded to awarded executives large bonuses. However, due to government pressure and societal outrage $165 million dollars has been returned. The Obama Administration says they cannot be blamed for the lack of stipulation that was put on the bailout but they will not repeat that mistake in the future. This brings up questions of government regulation. Do you think AIG should be under scrutiny and how much, if any, do you think the government from here on out regulate the country's economics?

http://www.newsweek.com/id/189515/page/1

"A Forgotten Contribution"

This story is about a woman named Claudette Colvin, who at 15 (now 69) was arrested in Montgomery, Alabama for refusing to move to the back of the bus 9 months before Rosa Parks. Though many activists in Alabama supported Claudette, including Martin Luther King Jr. who argued on her behalf in court. Many civil rights organizations took interest like the Women's Political Council. However, they worried Claudette's age and personal life would not make her a suitable face for the movement. I thought this story was interesting not only because of the historical value but because it is particularly pertinent to this class. A young girl's courageous and brave actions were quickly forgotten and with the passing of time unknown because of marketing concerns. At the beginning of the semester we talked about news as a story. Various civil rights organizations decided this was not the right person for the story and so 9 months later it is retold by Rosa Parks, who they considered to be more appropriate. In situations as desperate as trying to attain the rights one's already has it seems any story that would garner attention is a positive thing. However, it is interesting to think the Rosa Parks story is simply a "re-do", a "better version" of something that had already happened.

http://www.newsweek.com/id/187325

"The Enemy Within"

This article is about the recent issues with the Mexican drug cartel moving past border towns and into cities across the country. Historically, states like Texas and California are at the center of immigration issues whether it be population or drug trafficking. However, a man leaving a Radio Shack with his family in Phoenix, Arizona was kidnapped by a group of men. Police believe the orders game from a a high up official in the organization in Mexico. They are demanding $1 million dollars and are holding his Cadillac Escalade as collateral. Within the last few years, Phoenix has become the leading city for kidnappings, the majority associated with drugs. Though Arizona has quickly gained much attention from the government, issues have risen as far away from the border as Wiconsin and Alaska. One important question the article prompts is the ethical conflict in saving criminals. The people being kidnapped are smugglers and/or have stolen drugs and money, now the organizations are just taking care of business. By no means am I condoning the methods used to punish someone, especially murder, and I do not think those kidnapped should not be recovered, but it is an interesting thought. Is it not a little upsetting that we're having to spend time, money, and power trying to save those who after they are found are immediately taken to jail?

http://www.newsweek.com/id/189246