Four years ago, a now 13-year-old boy was reported missing by his mother. This last saturday the two were reunited after those four long years apart. The police found him behind a false wall in his father and stepmother's home. The first time police searched the home for the child they weren't able to find him, but the boy called his mother and told her where he was. The police returned to the house and found the child. His father and stepmother were arrested and charged with false imprisonment, cruelty to children and obstruction.
Ralph Ellis, Jason Hanna and Chandler Friedman wrote this article for CNN on November 29th. Before reading this article, I had seen part of this story on the news but did not know all of the details. I think there are a lot of aspects about this story that should be questioned. For instance, why did the boy keep quiet all those years? Why had he not contacted his mother earlier? Nonetheless, I'm glad the boy was reunited with his mother and that the police were able to find him.
http://www.cnn.com/2014/11/29/justice/georgia-missing-child-found/index.html?hpt=hp_t2
Sunday, November 30, 2014
Officers sue Cleveland over 2012 police shooting- Ausia Jones
Nine officers
involved in a Cleveland shooting in 2012 are suing due to alleged racial
discrimination.They claim the defendants have a pattern of treating non-African
American officers harsher than African American officers, when it comes to
officer-involved shootings of African Americans. The plaintiffs in the federal
suit are not African American.The shooting involved a nearly 25-minute
chase and ended in a hail of 137 bullets, killing two people. Both were African
American. A couple of months later most of them were permitted to return
to full duty, but they were then ordered back on restrictive duty, in a move
the lawsuit claims was "politically expedient."The nine plaintiffs
allege their treatment was because of their race. The lawsuit comes on the heels of another
high-profile police shooting in Cleveland. Recently the police and the citizens have run into many problems.
So many people have been against the police due to justice not being
served. This situation reminds me of the civil rights movement and the 1960s. Many African Americans believe they didn't have a place in the U.S. and they didn't have the rights they deserved.
Site:http://www.cnn.com/2014/11/30/us/cleveland-police-lawsuit/index.html?hpt=hp_t2
Black Friday - Pearson Chambers 4th
Police have been called to supermarkets across the UK amid crowd surges as people hunt for "Black Friday" offers.
Greater Manchester Police appealed for calm after attending seven Tesco shops, at which three men were arrested and a woman was hit by a falling television.But this wasnt the only city where crazy incudents like happened. Police were called in places including Dundee, Glasgow, Cardiff and London.
We've all heard of those crazy stories of people getting trampled by the rushing crowds or 52 inch tv's falling and crushing individuals. All for a new hand bag thats 50% off. Its almost ironic that Black Friday takes place right after the day we say were thankful for all we have and accomplished
Ferguson protests reach Dallas. Faith Cleaver-- P4
On Tuesday night protesters gathered for a peaceful rally outside of the police station on Lamar st. At around 8pm, protesters began taking to the streets. (For the record, no one was aware this was going to turn into a march, it just happened.) Demonstrators caused minor issues as they walked through reunion arena but quickly caught the attention of police. The march continued through downtown Dallas where marchers blocked traffic by walking the opposite way in the streets through the already congested entertainment area of downtown. One of the most appropriate chants of the night was, "Whose streets?! Our streets!"
Soon police were notified and nearly every intersection had a blockade stationed at it. I later found out from a news story that people in their cars had called 911 because they were frightened by the protestors. The increased police presence created tension in the situation as we marched towards I-35 freeway. I recall my sister telling me that we were going to be marching on the freeway soon and laughing at her statement because it seemed so ridiculous. Little did I know, we were actually going to walk on the freeway. Protesters jumped over freeway barricades and waited for the perfect moment to run into oncoming traffic. By perfect moment, I mean a moment where there weren't as many cars coming our way. We quickly caused a backup of one side and walked through the stalled cars triumphantly. More police appeared quickly, calling for us to exit the freeway. Did anybody listen? Of course not. News reporters have been continuously praising police for keeping calm in the situation to which many respond by questioning what it means for an officer to keep calm.
With one side of the freeway blocked (and a group of people sitting in it) a woman began yelling for us to block the other side. Now two sides of the freeway are blocked, with many angry drivers honking at us. Some of the drivers did not honk. Some of the drivers stuck out their hands for high fives and yelled from their windows in support. A few drivers even exited their cars and walked with us until they got too far from their vehicles and had to turn back. Most drivers however recorded what they were seeing on cell phones.
After about two hours of blocking traffic, police began leading drivers to a detour while others tried to get the crowd of protestors to disperse. "Please leave or you will be subject to arrest," was something I heard many times that night along with sirens. For the crowd of 100 to 300 people on the freeway, there was an equally staggering number of police vehicles. The lights, sirens, and amplified voices were dizzying as protestors grouped tighter together linking arms so as not to be torn apart and arrested. On the edge of the crowd was a man who was not linked to anyone else yelling to the police about the history of civil rights in our nation and the rights we were given in the constitution. He once yelled to the officer that the first right in the constitution was to assemble and how dare he try to take that right away from them. I stood in awe as i marveled at the man's bravery but was quickly reminded of the present situation by the harsh shoving of police.
This is when police began arresting people. Police began pulling people from the crowd to arrest them as protestors hopped over the barricade. (I was standing on the barricade and had to get help from someone to get down due to the shoving around me.) Several people were arrested in this moment as we walked down the exit ramp back to the streets. Down the ramp we continued the chant, "No justice for Mike Brown, shut this mother f***** down!" When we returned to the police station, officers would not allow us to leave the sidewalk area. They formed a blockade of cars and bodies to keep us from leaving and were soon being hit by the yelling of protestors. My sister and I included.
Looking back, I do believe we took advantage of our right to assemble but it begs the question if we went beyond assembling. When we asked officers why they were trying to arrest us, they said for obstructing major streets and freeways. It is important to note that we weren't violent and remained peaceful throughout the night. We did disturb the peace though, but is disturbing the peace unconstitutional?
Colleges Adjudicate Their Own Campus Crimes/ Madeline Boreham
A White House report earlier this year stated that one in five women will be sexually assaulted in college. Since then there have been multiple protests for women as well as protests against how colleges handle cases.
The reason why colleges are put in charge of handling sexual assault cases is Title IX "Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 protects people from discrimination based on sex in education programs and activities that receive federal financial assistance." - National Center for Education Statistics The federal government has stated clearly that they are watching the Universities and will stop federal funding if they mess up.
Schools have improved on who is listening to the cases, they now have staff who are trained for such situations. Students can still go to the police, but for the majority of cases the victims don't. It is much easier to win at a university then in federal court, because the standard of proof is much lower. They basically state that it was more likely to have happened than not. When they are tried on campus the accused can only be expelled, where in the federal court they would go to jail. This has caused some victims to drop their charges, because the accused can just enroll in another college.
This has its pro and cons, they are vastly improving on the action they are taking in these situations. Its great that they are educating and training the people who will decide these students fate. They are able to asses the situation with a better understanding. Though I'm not sure if the accused will receive a fair punishment. The offender will have this on their record and it will affect them in other colleges, jobs, and social stations, but still if the offender can walk away freely from this and still have the opportunity to repeat their crime; you have to ask yourself was proper action taken in the first place? Also since in the trial it is so easy to be found guilty innocent people can be kicked out of college, now the likely hood of this happening is small it is still a possibility. I believe that the universities are still improving and that as time passes the trails and verdicts will become smoother. The federal government needs to step in more instead of just saying "Do this or we will cut off the universities funding"
Kalena Rodriguez P5 Boys make a horrific beach find
on a popular Sydney, Australia beach called Maroubra, a young boy tells officials that he first spots a crowd of people with puzzled looks on their faces as if they have no liked what they have seen at all. at the same time of this soon to be discovery, the beach was busy with a public carnival going on near by. arounf 10 a.m., two boys of the ages six and seven were digging in the sand when they found the naked body of a baby 30 centimeters away from where they were playing.
after the body being recovered, the sex and age of the body is still undetermined due to the decomposition of the body. the rest of this case is challenging to piece together since the shifting sands make up the setting of the crime scene.
http://www.cnn.com/video/data/2.0/video/us/2014/10/30/wish-you-were-here-blind-kayak-grand-canyon-orig-cfb.cnn.html
there are numerous laws that the U.S. government have created and enforced stating that murder is strictly against the law. whoever was responsible for this crime will face the supreme court and will be punished if proven guilty after a trial.
after the body being recovered, the sex and age of the body is still undetermined due to the decomposition of the body. the rest of this case is challenging to piece together since the shifting sands make up the setting of the crime scene.
http://www.cnn.com/video/data/2.0/video/us/2014/10/30/wish-you-were-here-blind-kayak-grand-canyon-orig-cfb.cnn.html
there are numerous laws that the U.S. government have created and enforced stating that murder is strictly against the law. whoever was responsible for this crime will face the supreme court and will be punished if proven guilty after a trial.
St. Louis Players Raise Their Hands for Mike Brown- Pearson Chambers 4th
Five St. Louis Rams players stood with their arms raised in an apparent show of solidarity for Ferguson protesters before trotting onto the field for pregame introductions.
A Rams spokesman said Sunday the team was not aware the gesture had been planned before the game against Oakland.
I wonder is these five players will recieve fines or will be encouraged by the St. Louis Rams organization. With such a controversial topic this NFL team might not want any negative light shined on them. This year has been a shaky one for the league with all domestic abuse and assualt charges popping up. On the other hand they might commended on listening to their community and taking part in something bigger than themselves.Stnad for an issue that is prevalant in todays society.
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/st-louis-rams-players-show-apparent-solidarity-with-ferguson-demonstrators/
Missing Football Player Found Dead - Olivia Lambert 3rd period
About a week and a half ago on a Wednesday an Ohio State football player, Kosta Karageorge, didn't show up to practice. People were very suspicious and wanted to know where he was. Police officers soon were set on the look out for the missing football player. One Columbus officer found his body, dead, in a dumpster. A gun was nearby the scene and it appears that Kosta had committed suicide by shooting himself. No one could really tell how long he had been in the dumpster.
This is so terribly sad to know that a successful football player has killed himself for whatever reason. No reason should be horrible enough to commit suicide. There are a plethora of things that could have been going on either inside his mind, his personal life, or even his career that caused him to kill himself. The second amendment to the Constitution states that all the people have the right to keep and bear arms and I think people should be more aware of murderers and suicide threats and things because they are becoming more common in today's society.
Link: http://www.cnn.com/2014/11/30/us/ohio-state-player-dead/index.html?c=us
Olivia Lambert 3rd Period
This is so terribly sad to know that a successful football player has killed himself for whatever reason. No reason should be horrible enough to commit suicide. There are a plethora of things that could have been going on either inside his mind, his personal life, or even his career that caused him to kill himself. The second amendment to the Constitution states that all the people have the right to keep and bear arms and I think people should be more aware of murderers and suicide threats and things because they are becoming more common in today's society.
Link: http://www.cnn.com/2014/11/30/us/ohio-state-player-dead/index.html?c=us
Olivia Lambert 3rd Period
Gabby Giffords Completes Another Milestone, This Time It's 11 Miles (Elizabeth Muscari 6th Period)
Former Rep. of Arizona Gabby Giffords is no short of a strong-willed
citizen and representative to America. In 2011, Giffords was shot in the head
in 2011. What seemed to be the end of Giffords’ career and almost her life, she
bounced back with the determination and newfound love for cycling. This
weekend, Giffords participated in the 11 mile cycling bike event, "El Tour de Tucson", riding a recumbent bicycle. Although her arm was in a sling, she finished strong and without any assistance. Her husband, former astronaut Mark Kelly, informed CNN that she is hoping to
continue participating in races and getting more involved with the cycling
sport.
Analysis: I remember when Gabby Giffords was shot, and the
months after that in which she endured extreme pain and had to regain a lot of
her strength and muscle memory. Giffords is a true American in the way that in
spite of her situation, she continued to represent her country as someone who
is strong and capable of overcoming any challenge. It relates to APUSH in a
sense that we must remember our leaders are people too, and we must acknowledge
that they can be shot at, hurt, and killed just as easily as we can. The fact
that Gabby Giffords was able to survive and make a strong comeback this early
is something we, as Americans, should admire. As citizens of the United States,
we must remind ourselves that we should always be like Gabby Giffords; keep
fighting for our lives and freedoms no matter who or what circumstances attempt
to rob us of them.
Written by Elizabeth Muscari, 6th Period
Courtesy of CNN U.S News:
http://edition.cnn.com/2014/11/23/us/giffords-11-mile-bike-ride/
Who will win the senate?, Madana Kloss 4th
Like the steam-powered printing press, airplanes, and televised debates, computers have altered the election process. Today's computer-aided political forecasting allows politicians to determine where to campaign and how they compare to their competitors. They also potentially allows citizens to make more informed decisions.
The data shown in The New York Times's news graphic is very interesting; I find one aspect particularly striking, namely the probability trend at the top of the page. It reminds me of an inevitability vs. time graph. Here the distance between the red and blue lines may be thought of as the certainty, or inevitability, of one party or another controlling the senate. There appears to be a point in mid-September where the probability of the Republicans controlling the Senate starts steadily climbing towards 100%. While these graphics may be interesting to look at, I still wonder how this information might be helpful to the average citizen. I personally, would not vote for the party that seems will win. I would think that that would then enable more people to be encouraged to vote for the losing party. This can be because then there would be more advertisement for the party and then convince more people to vote for the losing party. while the Winning party based on the graphs would then feel like they have a sure win and not try as much any more. But i agree with how they would think that the majority would just follow the group, that is common. but i think thsi would also be a possible response
Police: Boy missing 4 years found hidden in Georgia home - Jack VanGorden 4th per.
After being found behind a false wall in a home near Atlanta, a 13-year-old boy was returned to his mother on Saturday. The boy's father, Gregory Jean, and stepmother, Samantha Joy Davis, were arrested and charged with false imprisonment, cruelty to children, and obstruction. The community is shocked by what's going on. Julie Pizzaro, a neighbor who lived across the street from Jean, says, "they were really nice people, very open, they said come over anytime you want." Police visited the home to look for the boy after an anonymous source told them to check there. When they didn't find him, they thought the couple were no longer suspects. However, the boy had gotten a hold of a phone and contacted his mother telling her to tell the police to come back and look behind a false wall. It is still not clear which parent had legal custody of the child.
This article was written by Ralph Ellis, Jason Hanna, and Chandler Friedman of CNN News on Sun, November 30, 2014 at 2:40 PM. I found this story extremely interesting. I can't believe that so many of the neighbors had seen the boy but never knew that he was a prisoner. I wonder if there was any abuse to the child while he was staying with the couple. I also wonder how much jail time they will face. Hopefully the mother and son can make up for the four years that they were away from each other.
http://www.cnn.com/2014/11/29/justice/georgia-missing-child-found/index.html?hpt=us_c1
This article was written by Ralph Ellis, Jason Hanna, and Chandler Friedman of CNN News on Sun, November 30, 2014 at 2:40 PM. I found this story extremely interesting. I can't believe that so many of the neighbors had seen the boy but never knew that he was a prisoner. I wonder if there was any abuse to the child while he was staying with the couple. I also wonder how much jail time they will face. Hopefully the mother and son can make up for the four years that they were away from each other.
http://www.cnn.com/2014/11/29/justice/georgia-missing-child-found/index.html?hpt=us_c1
Kalena Rodriguez P5 A missing Ohio State University football player
The Ohio State football player's parents told police that he was complaining about concussion symptoms before he disappeared. Kosta Karageorge was a reserve defensive lineman. according to a tweet sent from his personal account, he was last seen at about 2 a.m. on Wednesday night. Susan, his mother, received a text from him at about 1:30 a.m. that said ""I am sorry if I am an embarrassment but these concussions have my head all f***ed up."
The 22-year-old, a fifth-year senior, missed football practice at 6 a.m. Wednesday. Karageorge's sister, Sophia, told officials that he was upset about something Tuesday night and that his roommates said he went for a walk.
http://www.cnn.com/2014/11/28/sport/missing-ohio-state-football-player/index.html?hpt=us_c2
the us government have developed a system to acquire officials that are skilled and intelligent enough to take on a case like this and have the best chances of finding missing people and to solve these cases.
The 22-year-old, a fifth-year senior, missed football practice at 6 a.m. Wednesday. Karageorge's sister, Sophia, told officials that he was upset about something Tuesday night and that his roommates said he went for a walk.
http://www.cnn.com/2014/11/28/sport/missing-ohio-state-football-player/index.html?hpt=us_c2
the us government have developed a system to acquire officials that are skilled and intelligent enough to take on a case like this and have the best chances of finding missing people and to solve these cases.
Change-Alyssa Hamilton
The light that recent sexual assault allegations are shining on colleges brings the darkest stories to light, helping drive people to do something. In September President Obama announced a new campaign, It's On Us, to help battle the sexual assaults in schools around the country. Many schools already had programs like this designed, but are starting this one as well. However, many schools bring up the point that, while having these programs is a step in the right direction, many of the men who would be directly involved with such sexual assaults aren't going to want to come to a program that seems like it's attacking their lifestyle.
When this point is brought up I believe that it comes back to the home. It is the parent's duty to teach their sons, and daughters, when they're young that sexual assault is never right. If our generation was raised without media influence, and with parent's teaching their children what's right and wrong, sexual assault wouldn't be as big of a problem as it is.
http://www.arcamax.com/currentnews/newsheadlines/s-1590488?fs
When this point is brought up I believe that it comes back to the home. It is the parent's duty to teach their sons, and daughters, when they're young that sexual assault is never right. If our generation was raised without media influence, and with parent's teaching their children what's right and wrong, sexual assault wouldn't be as big of a problem as it is.
http://www.arcamax.com/currentnews/newsheadlines/s-1590488?fs
Deadly Shooting at Nordstrom by Laura Walton 4th period
Via CNN, Originally written by Dave Alsup
story here :http://www.cnn.com/2014/11/28/justice/chicago-nordstrom-shooting/
The illustrious shopping day, Black Friday became deadly for one Nordstrom store in Chicago. Friday night a man entered the store, shot a woman and then himself. Shoppers bolted from the store as soon as gunfire was heard.
John Escalante, the chief of police, described the motive as a revenge plot, as the woman targeted in relation to the shooter was an ex-girlfriend. The ex-girlfriend was a seasonal employee of the store, she was rushed to critical care, the man died in the store.
A shopper and eye witness described the urgency of the moment as he was knocked over multiple times.
The Nordstrom will remain closed until further notice.
Personally, this is alarming that the man targeted his ex-girlfriend. That definitely makes me apprehensive about ever breaking up with someone. He also targeted her at work and had a plan for how he was going to end up. Nordstrom is a very nice and I assumed safe store to shop at but I also never recall a Nordstrom with any source of obvious security system.
story here :http://www.cnn.com/2014/11/28/justice/chicago-nordstrom-shooting/
The illustrious shopping day, Black Friday became deadly for one Nordstrom store in Chicago. Friday night a man entered the store, shot a woman and then himself. Shoppers bolted from the store as soon as gunfire was heard.
John Escalante, the chief of police, described the motive as a revenge plot, as the woman targeted in relation to the shooter was an ex-girlfriend. The ex-girlfriend was a seasonal employee of the store, she was rushed to critical care, the man died in the store.
A shopper and eye witness described the urgency of the moment as he was knocked over multiple times.
The Nordstrom will remain closed until further notice.
Personally, this is alarming that the man targeted his ex-girlfriend. That definitely makes me apprehensive about ever breaking up with someone. He also targeted her at work and had a plan for how he was going to end up. Nordstrom is a very nice and I assumed safe store to shop at but I also never recall a Nordstrom with any source of obvious security system.
"Egypt: Hosni Mubarak's charges for deaths dismissed" by Sam Schaffer
The despotic Egyptian ex-president Hosni Mubarak has been acquitted of charges based on the killings of hundreds of Egyptian protesters during the Arab Spring, we learned this Saturday. The ex-president, toppled from his position of power during the 2011 military coup, was accused of corruption on multiple levels of his administration due to the killings of more than 200 protesters which seemingly went unaccounted for, according to his persecutors. However, a Cairo judge declared him cleared of all charges in a re-trial this Saturday. The 86 year-old dictator, resting on a hospital gurney (he has been suffering from various forms of disease), nodded stoically as his supporters in the courtroom cheered joyfully and a few aides kissed him on the forehead, seemingly unaffected by his miraculous (and perhaps, ironically, corruption-motivated) sudden acquittal.
This isn't good, I don't think. Tons of Egyptian protesters died in the Arab Spring, and their deaths shouldn't go unanswered by an increasingly corrupt government.
This isn't good, I don't think. Tons of Egyptian protesters died in the Arab Spring, and their deaths shouldn't go unanswered by an increasingly corrupt government.
Saturday, November 29, 2014
Gun Sales Boom on Black Friday- by Rachel Devine (6th)
Black Friday is one of the busiest shopping days of the year, and it was reported that there was a huge boom in gun sales. There was an unbelievable number of backgroung checks- an average of almost three per second, which is nearly three times the daily average! Officials think that about 2% of the checks will fail because of incomplete information, but the majority will pass. The sales were so intense that the agency had to bring in 100 extra employees to sell the guns. They wanted to make sure that the guns weren't getting sold into "the wrong hands."
I found this article to be a little concerning. Most people go out black friday shopping to buy cheap sweaters or iPhones, not guns. With all the violence that has been going on throughout our country recently, you can't help but wonder why the gun sales soared so high. In terms of the constituition and the 2nd amendment, Americans do have the right to own guns, but lets just hope they all have good intentions.
http://www.cnn.com/2014/11/28/us/black-friday-gun-sales/index.html?hpt=us_c2
I found this article to be a little concerning. Most people go out black friday shopping to buy cheap sweaters or iPhones, not guns. With all the violence that has been going on throughout our country recently, you can't help but wonder why the gun sales soared so high. In terms of the constituition and the 2nd amendment, Americans do have the right to own guns, but lets just hope they all have good intentions.
http://www.cnn.com/2014/11/28/us/black-friday-gun-sales/index.html?hpt=us_c2
Wednesday, November 26, 2014
"Report: China building 'airstrip capable' island in disputed waters" - Addison Norman
In the past several months China has been constructing a man made "island." A large mass of sand, rock, and coral in the area is being dug out of the water and built up in order to make an airstrip and harbor. The location of the airstrip is in the South China Sea. The Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnam are just few of the countries that surround the South China Sea. Recently countries in the are have been disputing who has rights to uses the waters. The debate is over who has rights to the fishing area and who can tap into the large oil and natural gas deposits in the area. That is why China's presence in the sea threatens the territory debate. Many have made projections based on satellite images that the airstrip will most likely be used for a military base and harbor. The island is being built on top of Fiery Cross Reef and is expected to be two miles long and about 980 ft wide. In a statement the a Chines official stated that China had "sovereign rights" and the airstrip was "ligament."
As technology progresses it is important to think ahead to problems that could occur. The new technologies developed in oil and gas drilling continue to advance, and many of these advancements will lead drilling to the oceans. Then there is the question of where countries can begin sea drilling.
Sourcehttp://www.cnn.com/2014/11/24/world/asia/china-south-china-sea/index.html?hpt=hp_bn2
As technology progresses it is important to think ahead to problems that could occur. The new technologies developed in oil and gas drilling continue to advance, and many of these advancements will lead drilling to the oceans. Then there is the question of where countries can begin sea drilling.
Sourcehttp://www.cnn.com/2014/11/24/world/asia/china-south-china-sea/index.html?hpt=hp_bn2
Monday, November 24, 2014
Chaos Erupts In Ferguson - Froy G. 4th
http://www.cnn.com/2014/11/24/justice/ferguson-grand-jury/index.html?hpt=us_c1
Riots break out in the streets as fires engulf buses. The Saint Louis airport was shut down temporarily. Protestors have shut down interstate 44, lootings are taking place in tons of stores. Its safe to say that all hell is breaking loose in Ferguson, and the most tragic thing is this is exactly what the parents of Mike Brown are advocating against. Hopefully we can resolve this in a peaceful way, but its incredibly astonishing to think that racism to this extent thrives in places like Ferguson in 2014.
Riots break out in the streets as fires engulf buses. The Saint Louis airport was shut down temporarily. Protestors have shut down interstate 44, lootings are taking place in tons of stores. Its safe to say that all hell is breaking loose in Ferguson, and the most tragic thing is this is exactly what the parents of Mike Brown are advocating against. Hopefully we can resolve this in a peaceful way, but its incredibly astonishing to think that racism to this extent thrives in places like Ferguson in 2014.
Chaos in Ferguson- TD Simons 2pd
As of minutes ago, the announcement was made that the grand jury decided not to indict Ferguson police officer, Darren Wilson. He was accused and put on trial for shooting Michael Brown. Since the decision has been made there has been breaking news of chaos throughout the city. Restaurants and buildings have been set on fire and flights being restricted. It has been said that an entire row of businesses have been set on fire on West Florissant Avenue (a major street in the city) and that the fire department is having trouble keeping up.
This article was written/currently being updated by Moni Basu, Holly Yan and Dana Ford from CNN. The format of this article is being written in listed updates that are happening throughout the night. My dad and I earlier tonight watched the announcement of the jury's decision because it was a made a public announcement and automatically changed the channel. This case reminds me of the Dred Scott Decision in the way of how big of an impact it had on the people.
http://www.cnn.com/2014/11/24/justice/ferguson-grand-jury/index.html?hpt=hp_t1
This article was written/currently being updated by Moni Basu, Holly Yan and Dana Ford from CNN. The format of this article is being written in listed updates that are happening throughout the night. My dad and I earlier tonight watched the announcement of the jury's decision because it was a made a public announcement and automatically changed the channel. This case reminds me of the Dred Scott Decision in the way of how big of an impact it had on the people.
http://www.cnn.com/2014/11/24/justice/ferguson-grand-jury/index.html?hpt=hp_t1
GoPro Water Glob - Trevor Haueisen 6th
Summary:
NASA astronauts on the International Space Station put a GoPro in a big blob of floating water and made some awesome footage!
Analysis:
This is a creative idea. That's one thing that America does best. Our test scores in science, reading, and mathmatics are very low in comparison to other countries. The main reason thet we're still doing so well economically is that we are creative. Americans think of things that others don't, create things that others want to buy. For example the iPhone was made in the U.S., and we invented the assembly line. An invention that changed manufacturing. I think this is a great example of that American ingenuity.
http://www.cnn.com/2014/11/07/us/astronauts-floating-water-ball-gopro/index.html?iid=article_sidebar
NASA astronauts on the International Space Station put a GoPro in a big blob of floating water and made some awesome footage!
Analysis:
This is a creative idea. That's one thing that America does best. Our test scores in science, reading, and mathmatics are very low in comparison to other countries. The main reason thet we're still doing so well economically is that we are creative. Americans think of things that others don't, create things that others want to buy. For example the iPhone was made in the U.S., and we invented the assembly line. An invention that changed manufacturing. I think this is a great example of that American ingenuity.
http://www.cnn.com/2014/11/07/us/astronauts-floating-water-ball-gopro/index.html?iid=article_sidebar
12 year old with air gun Killed by Police: Margaret Canady 2nd period
In Cleveland Saturday, police shot and killed twelve year old Tamir Rice as the boy reached for an air gun on his waist. Chief Police Calvin Williams said the air pistol looked like a real firearm, and "an orange tip indicating the gun was not a real firearm had been removed".
Police were summoned to a recreation center when someone called 911, concerned that a man was "pointing a pistol" at people. The caller said "it's probably fake...he's probably a juvenile", but it's not clear if this information was passed to the responding officers. When the two officers arrived at the center, the boy did not threaten them, but the police ordered the boy to stop and show his hands. Rice instead went to his waistband and pulled out the "weapon", and that is when he was shot. Rice died early Sunday at a Cleveland hospital.
Both officers have been placed on leave, but the police union defends the quick decision actions of the officers. Residents of the community reacted angrily; Rice's family has not yet commented on the event.
The actions of law enforcement are currently being scrutinized by the public, especially where racial connotations may be involved. Widespread protests have erupted over police violence against African Americans, especially with the Ferguson decision and debate. And it is shocking events like these that make us wonder if we've truly overcome racial discrepencies, or if there is still a racist undertone engrained in our society. The Civil Rights Movement occurred over 100 years after the Civil War and the Emancipation Proclamation were issued: will it take another 100 years or so before we reach true equality for all?
Source: http://www.cnn.com/2014/11/24/justice/cleveland-police-shooting/index.html?hpt=hp_t3
Police were summoned to a recreation center when someone called 911, concerned that a man was "pointing a pistol" at people. The caller said "it's probably fake...he's probably a juvenile", but it's not clear if this information was passed to the responding officers. When the two officers arrived at the center, the boy did not threaten them, but the police ordered the boy to stop and show his hands. Rice instead went to his waistband and pulled out the "weapon", and that is when he was shot. Rice died early Sunday at a Cleveland hospital.
Both officers have been placed on leave, but the police union defends the quick decision actions of the officers. Residents of the community reacted angrily; Rice's family has not yet commented on the event.
The actions of law enforcement are currently being scrutinized by the public, especially where racial connotations may be involved. Widespread protests have erupted over police violence against African Americans, especially with the Ferguson decision and debate. And it is shocking events like these that make us wonder if we've truly overcome racial discrepencies, or if there is still a racist undertone engrained in our society. The Civil Rights Movement occurred over 100 years after the Civil War and the Emancipation Proclamation were issued: will it take another 100 years or so before we reach true equality for all?
Source: http://www.cnn.com/2014/11/24/justice/cleveland-police-shooting/index.html?hpt=hp_t3
What's Next For Officer Darren Wilson? Elisa Weich p. 5
Officer Darren Wilson of Ferguson, Missouri shot and killed an unarmed boy, 18-year-old Michael Brown on August 9, 2014. Today, November 24, 2014, Wilson was not found guilty by a Missouri Grand Jury. These facts are undisputed. What lies in wait for this man is not so clear, though. There are a number of things that could happen, the least likely of which being that Wilson returns to the Ferguson Police Department, or even Ferguson at all. Wilson could demand his job back, as he has been cleared of his crimes as far as the state is concerned. However, the police department still has to conduct an internal investigation of that fateful day and Officer Darren Wilson's actions. Furthermore, if the federal government can come up with a strong case saying that Wilson was trying to take away Brown's civil rights, then they can try that, but for now there is not solid evidence for that since that ventures into the territory of intent of a crime, which is hard to prove. What will happen to Wilson in the future cannot yet be said, but he still has a future to debate.
It disgusts me that the law is not being upheld. Above all, this case is a matter of race and racism in America. Slavery may have been abolished after the Civil War, but today racism has once again prevailed in a country that esteems its freedom so very highly. As a white cop Darren Wilson was able to literally get away with murder on the basis of self defense and standing his ground. In the case of any black person this argument will not hold up, as proven by several cases in that past. The most disgusting fact is that a person like Darren Wilson gets to keep living his life free and alive, while an innocent boy lies in the ground.
http://www.cnn.com/2014/11/24/justice/missouri-ferguson-darren-wilson-grand-jury-outcome/index.html?c=mobile-homepage-t&page=1
It disgusts me that the law is not being upheld. Above all, this case is a matter of race and racism in America. Slavery may have been abolished after the Civil War, but today racism has once again prevailed in a country that esteems its freedom so very highly. As a white cop Darren Wilson was able to literally get away with murder on the basis of self defense and standing his ground. In the case of any black person this argument will not hold up, as proven by several cases in that past. The most disgusting fact is that a person like Darren Wilson gets to keep living his life free and alive, while an innocent boy lies in the ground.
http://www.cnn.com/2014/11/24/justice/missouri-ferguson-darren-wilson-grand-jury-outcome/index.html?c=mobile-homepage-t&page=1
Philae: The Space Probe Who Lived -Jazmin Garcia (2nd Period)
http://www.cnn.com/2014/11/24/world/philae-lander-revival/index.html?hpt=hp_c2
The comet lander Philae fell silent when scientists weren't receiving any data and that's when they found out that the batteries drained out. They thought all chances of getting new data would be over. After looking closely, they realized that Philae has another chance at life. Even though it bounced off a comet and didn't land where it was supposed to, it got scientists different views of what they've never seen closely before. A scientist explained that Philae was able to complete the original mission with the battery it had, but it landed on a place without sunlight. Luckily, engineers were able to rotate the probe before it officially died so a large solar panel would be exposed to sunlight. They believe that with enough sunlight, it will be able to warm itself and be enough to automatically restart the spacecraft.
This relates to APUSH because with the technology we have today, it can open many doors and the history that happened now can help with what we can discover in the near future. I found this interesting because luckily, engineers were quick enough to rotate a solar panel on the probe so it could get sunlight and hopefully recharge. Who knows what we can discover once Philae starts up again and shows us new data?
The comet lander Philae fell silent when scientists weren't receiving any data and that's when they found out that the batteries drained out. They thought all chances of getting new data would be over. After looking closely, they realized that Philae has another chance at life. Even though it bounced off a comet and didn't land where it was supposed to, it got scientists different views of what they've never seen closely before. A scientist explained that Philae was able to complete the original mission with the battery it had, but it landed on a place without sunlight. Luckily, engineers were able to rotate the probe before it officially died so a large solar panel would be exposed to sunlight. They believe that with enough sunlight, it will be able to warm itself and be enough to automatically restart the spacecraft.
This relates to APUSH because with the technology we have today, it can open many doors and the history that happened now can help with what we can discover in the near future. I found this interesting because luckily, engineers were quick enough to rotate a solar panel on the probe so it could get sunlight and hopefully recharge. Who knows what we can discover once Philae starts up again and shows us new data?
Violence Erupts in Ferguson By: Zaria Chambers
An outbreak of violence erupted throughout Ferguson, Missouri once the verdict was read for officer Darren Willson. Darren Wilson was involved in a shooting that killed Michael Brown early in August. After the verdict of Darren Wilson not getting charged with murder violence took over the town. Many people began to scream and shot and even begin to burn cars and restaurants. There has been a state of emergency declared once the verdict was read.
I think that people shouldn't act this way because it's not going to solve anything. Many people have their own opinion about this case but I don't think it's okay to act a certain way if things didn't go the way most people wanted it to go. I really hope there can be peace found so that this town can move forward from this situation.
Source : http://www.cnn.com/2014/11/24/justice/ferguson-grand-jury/index.html?mobileSource=blogs.cnn.com
Earthquake shakes North Texas By: Harrison Epstein
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/earthquake-shakes-north-texas/
At about 9:15pm on Saturday an earthquake shook North Texas. It was a 3.3 magnitude quake with a center in Irving and a radius that spread around Dallas and Fort Worth. The quake shocked many people because one of that magnitude, aka one that could be felt was unheard of in the area. Even thought no one was injured and there was no serious property damage, many are still frightened by the possibility that the drilling done in Texas and Oklahoma is not entirely safe.
I personally felt the quake and at first I thought it was just thunder, but then I learned and was kinda shocked because that had never happened before. It makes you wonder about the laws regarding drilling in the US and especially in places where it is a huge part of the economy. There are plenty of other examples in history about laws being ignored to make money such as Wall Street ignoring financial laws in the 1900's and still some today. I don't know about y'all but I would prefer no more earthquakes.
At about 9:15pm on Saturday an earthquake shook North Texas. It was a 3.3 magnitude quake with a center in Irving and a radius that spread around Dallas and Fort Worth. The quake shocked many people because one of that magnitude, aka one that could be felt was unheard of in the area. Even thought no one was injured and there was no serious property damage, many are still frightened by the possibility that the drilling done in Texas and Oklahoma is not entirely safe.
I personally felt the quake and at first I thought it was just thunder, but then I learned and was kinda shocked because that had never happened before. It makes you wonder about the laws regarding drilling in the US and especially in places where it is a huge part of the economy. There are plenty of other examples in history about laws being ignored to make money such as Wall Street ignoring financial laws in the 1900's and still some today. I don't know about y'all but I would prefer no more earthquakes.
Make way for the re-invented Barbie doll by Madeline Ibarra Period 2
26 year old toy maker Nickolay Lamm had a vision back in 2013 of what would a Barbie doll look like if she had the dimensions of an average woman. Starting as an art project, Lamm created a 2D model of the new doll side by side with a Barbie doll. The response to the image started a fund to have the doll created in 3D format. Lamm raised upwards of $500,000 within 30 days to produce his dolls. Also known as the Lammliy doll, this recreation of the popular children's toy sports the figure of an average American woman with additional stickers to add moles, tattoos, ache, and scars onto the doll. The name comes from the combination of the creators last name 'Lamm' and 'family'. Lamm says that the goal of the doll is not to create a perfect image but to see what the doll can actually do. The first shipment of dolls is said to be out before Black Friday to those who pre-ordered and then to store shelves soon after the beginning of the holiday shopping season.
There have been maybe outbursts about the unrealistic expectations that children's toys create and how it can negatively affect how a child views themselves. With this new doll however, a child can have more entertainment with the toy as well as being able to view themselves as pretty and fun. Nickolay Lamm took the initiative that so many others have been reluctant to take because of opposing ideas. The potentially groundbreaking movement in toy production about the go underway could possibly change how the next generations grow up to view what beauty is. Our generation is excessively into being thin, tan, in style, and on top of what media deems pretty. By a doll, we could be able to accept ourselves for who we are instead of trying to be a fake for someone else.
http://www.cnn.com/2014/11/19/us/anti-barbie-doll-lammily/index.html?hpt=us_t4
There have been maybe outbursts about the unrealistic expectations that children's toys create and how it can negatively affect how a child views themselves. With this new doll however, a child can have more entertainment with the toy as well as being able to view themselves as pretty and fun. Nickolay Lamm took the initiative that so many others have been reluctant to take because of opposing ideas. The potentially groundbreaking movement in toy production about the go underway could possibly change how the next generations grow up to view what beauty is. Our generation is excessively into being thin, tan, in style, and on top of what media deems pretty. By a doll, we could be able to accept ourselves for who we are instead of trying to be a fake for someone else.
http://www.cnn.com/2014/11/19/us/anti-barbie-doll-lammily/index.html?hpt=us_t4
Violence on Ferguson Streets- Joe Katinas
Tonight in Clayton, Missouri, the prosecutor for the Michael Brown Shooting case announced that the grand jury has decided not to indict or charge the officer that shot him, Darren Wilson. After much waiting and protesting since August in Ferguson, the announcement was made tonight as protesters stood outside the police station of the city.
Once the prosecutor, Robert McCulloh announced the decision, there was violent protesting almost immediately in Ferguson.
Michael Brown's family, repeatedly since the shooting, has asked protestors not to protest violently but rather peacefully as their son would've wanted.
President Obama also spoke on the issue shortly afterward. Stating that this problem wouldn't be solved with violence against the police, he tried to prevent the protests that were just beginning as the people used bottles and bricks and broke windows.
But now the situation has grown much worse. Tear gas is being thrown at the citizens from police as a result of them setting fire to police cars. One woman had a heart attack due to this and another told news reporters this on live tv. Gunshots have even been fired and people are getting arrested now. Even public stores that belong to the people of Ferguson are being looted.
The police have been very ruthless and have thrown beanbags as well as way too much tear gas. A woman who was being carried back due to being wounded was also reportedly gassed. The media has been covering all of this and throughout they've been told by police to leave areas and were even gassed at once.
Now, a Little Ceaser's has caught fire and protestors are starting to block the highway.
This is event is so shocking to me. I'm still watching this on tv as I write this. I've never seen anything like else. I'm surprised that Wilson wasn't charged at all. I completely support peaceful protests and agree that the police force of Ferguson is awful. But like Obama and Michael's family, I think this violence is going on too far. I hope we find justice for Michael Brown's death peacefully. This reminds me of several times in history where a announcement or an asassination led to a conflict or rebellion, such as Arch Duke Ferdinand's death and World War I, Abraham Lincoln becoming president and the start of the Civil War and Martin Luther King Jr.'s death and an escalation in the Civil Rights Movement.
More on the article can be found here: http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/11/24/ferguson-protests-michael-brown/70067388/
Once the prosecutor, Robert McCulloh announced the decision, there was violent protesting almost immediately in Ferguson.
Michael Brown's family, repeatedly since the shooting, has asked protestors not to protest violently but rather peacefully as their son would've wanted.
President Obama also spoke on the issue shortly afterward. Stating that this problem wouldn't be solved with violence against the police, he tried to prevent the protests that were just beginning as the people used bottles and bricks and broke windows.
But now the situation has grown much worse. Tear gas is being thrown at the citizens from police as a result of them setting fire to police cars. One woman had a heart attack due to this and another told news reporters this on live tv. Gunshots have even been fired and people are getting arrested now. Even public stores that belong to the people of Ferguson are being looted.
The police have been very ruthless and have thrown beanbags as well as way too much tear gas. A woman who was being carried back due to being wounded was also reportedly gassed. The media has been covering all of this and throughout they've been told by police to leave areas and were even gassed at once.
Now, a Little Ceaser's has caught fire and protestors are starting to block the highway.
This is event is so shocking to me. I'm still watching this on tv as I write this. I've never seen anything like else. I'm surprised that Wilson wasn't charged at all. I completely support peaceful protests and agree that the police force of Ferguson is awful. But like Obama and Michael's family, I think this violence is going on too far. I hope we find justice for Michael Brown's death peacefully. This reminds me of several times in history where a announcement or an asassination led to a conflict or rebellion, such as Arch Duke Ferdinand's death and World War I, Abraham Lincoln becoming president and the start of the Civil War and Martin Luther King Jr.'s death and an escalation in the Civil Rights Movement.
More on the article can be found here: http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/11/24/ferguson-protests-michael-brown/70067388/
Police Kill Boy With Toy Gun- Iris Hughey p.5
On Saturday in Cleveland, Ohio, a 12-year-old boy carrying a pellet gun was shot and killed by a police officer for "appearing to be pulling a gun in and out of his pants". Officers went to the area to respond to a 911 call about a male with a gun, who apparently said in the call that the gun was "probably fake". Police say that Tamir Rice, the "male with the gun", had an airsoft gun that appeared to be indestinguishable from a real firearm. Authorities also say that the boy was told to raise his hands and was shot when he pulled the pellet gun from his wasitband.
Although the pellet gun the young boy was carrying could have looked very close to a real gun, I still think it is very wrong of the officer to have shot the boy in such a short amount of time, especially while he was so young. What's even worse is that the officer was no more than 10 feet away, so there is almost no excuse for the reasoning behind shooting the boy. I hope that the officers involved with this case take the death of young Tamir Rice into consideration the next time they are responding to a call.
Link: http://news.yahoo.com/probe-begins-fatal-shooting-boy-officer-065908018.html
Although the pellet gun the young boy was carrying could have looked very close to a real gun, I still think it is very wrong of the officer to have shot the boy in such a short amount of time, especially while he was so young. What's even worse is that the officer was no more than 10 feet away, so there is almost no excuse for the reasoning behind shooting the boy. I hope that the officers involved with this case take the death of young Tamir Rice into consideration the next time they are responding to a call.
Link: http://news.yahoo.com/probe-begins-fatal-shooting-boy-officer-065908018.html
Grand Jury reaches verdict regarding Darren Wilson - Madison Escano
http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/grand-jury-wont-indict-ferguson-cop-in-shooting/ar-BBfxHNc
On Monday, a grand jury decided not to indict Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson for shooting and killing Michael Brown nearly four months ago on August 5. Brown was unarmed at the time of his death, which led to a series of protests in the Missouri town for weeks following. It only took minutes before crowds began to protest the decision, with a few taunting police, breaking windows, and vandalizing vehicles. Several gunshots rang in the town as well. Prosecutor Bob McCulloch stated that the jury of 12 met on 25 separate days and heard over 70 hours worth of testimony from around 60 witnesses, as well examined several pieces of evidence. McCulloch maintained that the jurors were the only ones who heard every witness and saw every piece of evidence.
Needless to say, this decision will be circulating in the news for weeks. The fight for justice for Michael Brown isn't over. Race plays too much of a role regarding coverage and handling of this event and it's disgusting, really. The fact is that this young man was fatally shot while he was unarmed, and there shouldn't be any kind of questioning as to why he didn't deserve this. Another event similar to this one is the Trayvon Martin case. Although it took place in recent history, it still relates to our nation's image and judicial system as a whole.
#ThanksMichelleObama: Students criticize school lunches - Jack VanGorden 4th per.
Students have begun to use #ThanksMichelleObama to take out their frustrations about school lunch on social media. They are sarcastically tagging pictures of mushy lunch trays in response to the first lady's promotion of her "Let's Move!" campaign. The initiative took effect in 2012 and is an attempt to reduce childhood obesity through better eating. Lunches have included more whole grains, vegetables and fruits. She's also reducing fat and sodium. However, students are saying that the food is now unpalatable. Some are criticizing the students for taking out their anger on Michelle Obama. They suggested that they instead target the school districts. Many, including Whitney from Richland Center High School, say that students deserve better options when it comes to lunch at school.
This article was written by Emanuella Grinberg of CNN News on November 22, 2014 at 4:12 PM. I think that this is article is very interesting. While I agree that there does need to be some reform on school lunches, I think that the students are ignorant for prosecuting Michelle Obama. Her initiative has been beneficial in the larger scheme of things and the issue that the students have should be taken up with the independent school districts.
http://www.cnn.com/2014/11/22/health/thanksmichelleobama-school-lunches/index.html?hpt=us_c2
This article was written by Emanuella Grinberg of CNN News on November 22, 2014 at 4:12 PM. I think that this is article is very interesting. While I agree that there does need to be some reform on school lunches, I think that the students are ignorant for prosecuting Michelle Obama. Her initiative has been beneficial in the larger scheme of things and the issue that the students have should be taken up with the independent school districts.
http://www.cnn.com/2014/11/22/health/thanksmichelleobama-school-lunches/index.html?hpt=us_c2
Tragedy Worsens- Kennedi Mayes
In Ferguson, Missouri, Officer Darren Wilson, the man who killed Michael Brown, has been liberated from the threat of indiction. Protesters gathered outside the Ferguson police station advertising justice for Brown. Before the heading today, Brown's parents requested for everyone to have four and a half minutes of silence before protesting began. The four and and half minutes represented the four and a half hours their son's dead body was left on the ground before he was found. Wilson has yet to apologize to Mr. And Mrs. Brown or the community.
I can't describe the disgust I feel for this situation. Personally, being apart of the African American race, it honestly saddens me to see the continuation of discrimination against Black people. I wonder would this had played out the same if Brown was the officer who shot a teenage Wilson. Sadly, I am unable to say it would.
http://www.cnn.com//2014/11/24/justice/ferguson-grand-jury/index.html
Stand Your Ground Case in Florida - Hannah Kalan 6th Period
Florida mom of three children was given a twenty year sentence for firing a gun towards a room with children in it. In the trial she tried to invoke the state's Stand Your Ground law, which states that if the person has no duty to leave if they have a lawful right to be where they are and that they can use any force necessary, including lethal, if they feel that they are in a situation of serious harm or death.
The original incident happened in August of 2010, when the woman convicted was trying to flee from her husband who, according to her account, was in the process of strangling her.
Monday, she took a plea deal that considerable reduced her sentence that resulted from a new trial due to the mishandled instructions given to the jury.
I personally think it's an interesting matter how things worked in this case for this woman. The only reason the law didn't protect her was because prosecutors insisted that it happen on the account that she shot in the direction of a room with children. It just amazes me that on that one account, that she was given a twenty year sentence, as no one was hurt and it was in an act of self defense. And at the very least she gets to be reunited with her family sooner than they'd originally planned, which is just fantastic.
Click HERE to read the full article!
The original incident happened in August of 2010, when the woman convicted was trying to flee from her husband who, according to her account, was in the process of strangling her.
Monday, she took a plea deal that considerable reduced her sentence that resulted from a new trial due to the mishandled instructions given to the jury.
I personally think it's an interesting matter how things worked in this case for this woman. The only reason the law didn't protect her was because prosecutors insisted that it happen on the account that she shot in the direction of a room with children. It just amazes me that on that one account, that she was given a twenty year sentence, as no one was hurt and it was in an act of self defense. And at the very least she gets to be reunited with her family sooner than they'd originally planned, which is just fantastic.
Click HERE to read the full article!
Families Feel Sidelined As U.S. Reviews Hostage Policy/ Madeline Boreham 4th period
The Americans James Foley, Steven Scotloff, and Abdul Rahman Kassig were all murdered by the self proclaimed group the Islamic State. After all three of there deaths the U.S. announced that it will review its hostage policy. Now one thing is for sure, the U.S. will not pay any ransoms. What is up for discussion is how the government conducts itself in hostage situations and how the families of the victims are informed
Many of the families who lost loved ones to hostage situations, are never even contacted by the government. James Foley's family found out about his death through a journalist. There was no confirmation or any statement for the Foleys from the government. The family even considered raising their own money for his return.
The government had no interaction what so ever. It is now being said that maybe a little interaction can be of good use. But at this time the White House will not speak further on the subject.
The White House needs to organize a plan for communication with families of the hostages. To know that these people were never contacted on their sons condition and they had to find out with the rest of the world what had happen to him upsets me. The families had a right to be informed by their government and not be kept in the dark. These are our citizens overs seas and people have the right to know what is going on.
I understand and agree with the U.S. not paying ransom for it only gives more power to the terrorists. There is a false hope in that these families can bring their loved one back with a large sum of money. That is why it is so important that they are kept up to date on what is happening. Even though the family doesn't make the decisions, they should still be aware of what is happening. If not to bring hope, but to bring closure.
http://www.npr.org/2014/11/23/365995990/families-feel-sidelined-as-u-s-reviews-hostage-policy
Many of the families who lost loved ones to hostage situations, are never even contacted by the government. James Foley's family found out about his death through a journalist. There was no confirmation or any statement for the Foleys from the government. The family even considered raising their own money for his return.
The government had no interaction what so ever. It is now being said that maybe a little interaction can be of good use. But at this time the White House will not speak further on the subject.
The White House needs to organize a plan for communication with families of the hostages. To know that these people were never contacted on their sons condition and they had to find out with the rest of the world what had happen to him upsets me. The families had a right to be informed by their government and not be kept in the dark. These are our citizens overs seas and people have the right to know what is going on.
I understand and agree with the U.S. not paying ransom for it only gives more power to the terrorists. There is a false hope in that these families can bring their loved one back with a large sum of money. That is why it is so important that they are kept up to date on what is happening. Even though the family doesn't make the decisions, they should still be aware of what is happening. If not to bring hope, but to bring closure.
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