Blog Post 8: Dokdo/Takeshma Paper Outline

I. Topic introduction

A. Introduce topic (Dokdo/Takeshima conflict)

B. Provide a brief history of the islets

C. State the importance of the islets (why are two nations fighting over the rocks?)

II. Events that have triggered conflict over the years/inspired action

A. Describe actions taken by the Japanese to upset South Koreans over Dokdo/Takeshima

B. Explain why these actions upset them

C. Describe actions taken by South Koreans to upset the Japanese over Dokdo/Takeshima

D. Explain why these actions upset them

III. The rights to the islets

A. Provide reasons/proof for why South Koreans believe they own Dokdo/Takeshima

B. Explain any fallacies

C. Provide reasons/proof for why the Japanese believe they own Dokdo/Takeshima

D. Explain any fallacies

E. Explain how Dokdo/Takeshima affects the global community

IV. Solution

A. Explain the difficulties the two nations have experienced with creating a solution (both nations want the islets for themselves)

B. Explain why a solution would improve relations between the feuding nations

C. My solution

1. Both South Korean and Japanese evidence should be carefully examined by both nations

2. If conflict continues, an outside nation(s) should examine the evidence

3. Based on the conclusion from examining evidence, the proper nation should be awarded rights to Dokdo/Takeshima

*D. Provide solutions to the conflict that others have thought of

V. Conclusion

A. Re-state the topic

B. Re-explain the difficulties with coming up with a solution

C. Re-explain the importance of finding a solution for the feuding nations

An asterisk (*) means I am not sure if I will include this information in my paper.

Blog Post 8

The Tibetan Quest for autonomy from China

1. Background
   1. How the stage was set up
   2. The invasion of 1904
   3. The Tibetan Uprising
2. The Tibetan view
   1. The Dali lama thought’s
   2. Actions they have taken
3. The Chinese view
   1. the governments thought
   2. actions they have taken
4. World view
   1. What countries have recognize Tibet
   2. What are the thoughts of the people not involved in the conflict
5. Issues at hand
   1. Human rights
6.  Solutions
   1. Pro Tibetan solution and why
   2. Pro Chinese solution and why
   3. Most likely solution

Blog Post 8- John Lippens

I. Introduction- The claim is that the rise in 3D printing of firearms

            A. Summary/Overview of the conflict as it stands

            B. Explanation of how firearms are regulated

            C. Explanation of how the Federal Firearms License is regulated and what privileges come with it

                        1. The varying types of a licenses and what they provide

                        2. How they are regulated for what they can and cannot do

            D. Various laws throughout in recent years that have covered similar topics

                        1. Undetectable Firearms Act of 1988

II. Causes and Triggering Events

            A. Direct Causes

                        1. Michael Guslick’s 3D printed AR-15 lower receiver

                        2. Defense Distributed’s  AR-15 lower receiver and Liberator handgun

                        3. “CanadianGunNut” and his “Grizzly” .22 caliber rifle

                        4. Steve Israel and the governors of New York State lobbying to extend the Undetectable Firearms Act

 

            B. Triggering Events- An explanation of how the blue prints were distributed, leading them being to be brought to the attention of the state government of New York.

III. Closing and Desirable Resolution

            A. Desirable Resolution- Explaining a solution in which the items in question are allowed to be viewed and used, but regulations do exist for the possession and manufacture of said items.

            B. Closing statements

Outline

1. Intro

-Conflict in Syria consist of Syrian civilians “rebels” and Assad’s regime or the government.

-talk about religion in Syria (Sunnis and Alawites)

-civilians want to get Assad out of power, democracy, economic change.

-Assad’s regime wants to remain in power (fear of losing special privileges under law, being targeted etc)

-civilians perform protest

-violent outbreaks

2. Historical Background/Conflict Theme

-Arab spring is a middle eastern movement to revolutionize

-Conflict theme: political unrest, human rights

-Assad’s father as a leader

-discrimination/violation of rights, a reoccurring theme

3. Direct Cause

-Civil war in Syria was caused by years dissatisfaction of the government to its people

-Human rights violation (free expression, assembly, equal oppurtunity)

4. Triggering event

-kidnapping, torture, and killing of young protestors

-government opened fire on peaceful protestors

5. Desirable Conclusion/Resolution

-Syria’s civilians should overthrow the government and it should be converted into a democracy.

-chance that if this happens another dictator will come in his place (even if they were anti dictator at first)

EDWARD SNOWDEN TRAITOR OR WHISTLEBLOWER OUTLINE

EDWARD SNOWDEN TRAITOR OR WHISTLEBLOWER
Dave Mohler
I. Conflict
A. Edward Snowden was a CIA and NSA contractor who released 200,000 classified documents to the press. The disclosed documents contains details about the United States’ NSA mass surveillance program, as well as the British GCHQ and Israel’s ISNU.
Vs.
B. On June 14, 2013, United States federal prosecutors charged Snowden with theft of government property, unauthorized communication of national defense information and “willful communication of classified communications intelligence information to an unauthorized person”. He has been charged under the 1917 Espionage Act.
II. Background Information
A. ‘On May 7, 2004, Snowden enlisted in the United States Army Reserve as a Special Forces recruit but did not complete any training. He said he wanted to fight in the Iraq War because he “felt like [he] had an obligation as a human being to help free people from oppression.” In an email to The Guardian the US Army confirmed his enlistment as Special Forces recruit and said he was discharged on September 28, 2004. The email said, “He did not complete any training or receive any awards”. Snowden stated that this was the result of breaking both of his legs in a training accident.’ Wikipedia (background info).
1. Snowden’s background is important to the leaks because it gives us a sense of who Edward Snowden is. In his case, it seems to give the impression that he is a patriotic, sincere guy who would’ve risked his life for this country.
Article supporting the claim that Snowden was sincere in his leaks and that the NSA was overstepping its power-
http://mashable.com/2013/06/10/edward-snowden-internet-freedom/
This article talks about Snowden’s motivations for leaking the documents.
It also talks about a former secret court order which allowed the NSA collect metadata of Americans’ phone calls for months at a time; a secret system codenamed PRISM that intercepts Internet communications; a presidential directive asking for a list of targets for cyberattacks; and “Boundless Informant,” a NSA tool to data-mine the world. “I don’t want to live in a world where there’s no privacy and therefore no room for intellectual exploration and creativity.” -Snowden

B. In Snowden’s own words, his ‘sole motive’ for leaking the documents was “to inform the public as to that which is done in their name and that which is done against them.” The disclosures have fueled debates over mass surveillance, government secrecy, and the balance between national security and information privacy.
III. Thesis/Cause- Edward Snowden is a patriot. (Working Thesis)
A. “Snowden spent months meticulously studying every document.” As Snowden planned to release the information he realized what the people needed to say and what would actually jeopardize national security such as U.S. military plans or any secret conversations. The leaks mainly tell us that the government without any court warrants seized phone logs of millions of Americans without authority to do so, and that the NSA tracks user data from large sites.- Huffington Post
1. This article is important because it speaks of how Snowden carefully selected specific documents that did not compromise any military plans. His leaks only focused on illegal domestic wiretapping done by the NSA. He was careful not to jeopardize any ongoing military operations. This adds to the data that Snowden genuinely thought the NSA was out of line and that he thought he was acting in the best interest of the American people.
B. The triggering event of my conflict is a simple one, in May of 2013; Snowden released classified documents to The Guardian. But what caused him to release these documents was the NSA wiretapping millions of Americans without warrant.
IV. Opposing side
A. Politicians and reporters alike have come out against Snowden including, Dick Cheney, John Kerry, Barack Obama, John Boehner, and Dianne Feinstein. They insist that Snowden broke US law and should be tried on espionage charges. They have stated that Snowden should have called the House Intelligence Committee and the Senate Intelligence Committee.
B. Realistically, these reports would have been squashed due to the power of the CIA and NSA. Snowden could not risk losing his job and being blacklisted by the government, without these transgressions publicized.
V. Desirable Resolution
A. Technically, Snowden did break US law. We cannot allow him to come back to America free. He has lost that privilege, and he knew he did when he leaked the documents. But he should not be extradited back to the US. He did a noble thing that helped the America and her people. He did it with the best intentions, and made sure his actions wouldn’t jeopardize any military actions. He should be allowed to live in Russia for a long as he likes, without persecution.

Outline

Gang Violence in Washington D.C.

1. Introduction

• My conflict is gangs of Washington D.C. Vs. the residents of Washington D.C.

1. The residents of Washington D.C. would like to try and deteriorate the level of gang violence, in doing so they hope to see it go away eventually.
2. The gangs want to continue to cause crime because of the rival gangs between neighborhoods.

• There could be many different outcomes between both sides such as:

1. The residents could find a way to crack down on gang violence laws and, programs for kids and this could potentially lead to an end to gang violence.
2. The gangs could continue to cause trouble within the cities neighborhoods and, the residents wouldn’t do much of anything as far as prevention goes from stopping the gang activity.

• The causes if the gang violence were to not come to an end would lead to more gangs acting as they already do and the problem wouldn’t really get solved as fast or as well and this could also lead to the creation of more gangs and more violence among the residents and the gangs.

1. History

• Gang violence has existed in the United States all throughout the 20^th century and, attacked major east coast cities.  Cities like Chicago, Philadelphia, and, New York City. It eventually spread to many different areas in the United States like Washington D.C., Los Angeles, and, other urban areas.
• The history of gangs in Washington D.C. has many periods of ups and downs when it came to crimes and, the amount of gang activity. It started to become a problem around the 70s and 80s but hit its peak around the 90s.
• The 90’s were a particular time period where Washington D.C. went through a lot of gang violence and gang activity within its cities neighborhoods.

1. Triggering Event

• The main triggering event was the formation of gangs in the early 1900s because these gangs that were in the big cities lead to the gangs eventually spreading to many different cities around the nation.
• There were other events that helped to contribute to the increase in gang violence in Washington but it was mainly the increase in gang violence through out the late 1900s.

1. Side 1: The Gangs of Washington D.C.

• The gangs of Washington D.C. would like to continue to do what they’re doing because they don’t really think that they’re doing anything wrong they’re just doing what they’re doing to get by or they just don’t really care.
• There are three main things that gangs participate in violent crimes.

1. Drugs
2. Social acceptance
3. Money

• For most that live in poverty or just don’t feel accepted in school and at home then they often get involved with gangs because it’s a form of social acceptance.
•  There are many that live in very low-income families and they choose to sell drugs because it’s a fast way to make money and, many gang members sell and do drugs.
• The gangs also have rivalries among different gangs and, this often leads to gun violence because in order to feel in charge they have to prove themselves the be more powerful so sometimes they get into bad situations and, usually people end up injured or, dead because of this.
• Although the gangs bring many bad things to Washington D.C. they’re doing what they seem fit in order to feel in control, to feel social accepted, and to make money.

1. Side 2: The residents of Washington D.C.

• The residents of Washington D.C. want to see and end to gang violence because it often interferes with their everyday lives and many of there loved ones have been lost due to the increase in gun violence between the gangs.
• They want to try implementing different after school programs for the younger crowd that get into gangs at a young age mainly between twelve and thirteen.
• For the older generation mainly the older members they want to see stricter laws put in place for the different crimes they commit.
• These two solutions the residents believe could bring about safer neighborhoods and a decrease in gang activity around the city.
• They could bring a decrease in areas like:

1. Gun Violence
2. Crime
3. Gangs

1. Desirable solution

• Each side views their solution as the best one or the more desirable one.
• However the best solution to solve this conflict would be side two’s approach in trying to have more after school programs and, stricter laws on crimes and gangs.
• This solution could lead to a decrease in gangs, gang violence and, would lead neighborhoods being safer and less dangerous.

1. Conclusion

• Gang violence in Washington D.C. has been an ongoing problem within the city and throughout the world. The only was to see it stop is to act and come up with a solution.
• Each side wants completely different things but when it comes down to it the best solutions are to try to get rid of the violence and, the gangs in the city eventually.
• They all present different and, interesting arguments and, the out comes can vary depending on the solution that the city sees fit.

Outline

The Debate for Scottish Independence

Introduction

I.       Thesis Statement

A.    Britain and Scotland have been in a long debate over the independence for Scotland for over 700 years, but debates are settling and there are some options on the table to help clear the air.

1.      Scotland would become independent from England, cutting all political ties while keeping economic ones.

2.      Britain will remain to have control of Scotland both politically and economically.

II.    Views of the Scottish

A.    Rights are being violated by the British.

1.      The British keep trying to change the Bill of Rights.

2.      England is taking control of the police academies in Scotland and training the soldiers to deal massive damage where it shouldn’t be used.

B.     Scotland can support themselves without the British.

1.      The SNP has made a rise in power in the past 10 years, and they already have experience running a minority government.

2.      Salmond can rely on the Banks and industrial factories to support the economy, but won’t cut all ties from England so they can keep the oil supply.

3.      Salmond has been devoting a lot of time to establish strong relationships with China and the Persian Gulf.

III.Views of the British

A.    Scotland won’t be able to last without the resources of England.

1.      Scottish government isn’t capable of running the government on their own

2.      Scotland wouldn’t last without the oil supply from England, and if they did try to drill on their own than all of the major resources have been depleted already.

 

 

B.     Scotland would never be able to cut all ties, not after using them for so long.

1.      Scotland’s banks have been successful, but they collapsed in 2008 only to be rescued by the British.

2.      Scotland hasn’t been able to make any strong connections with other countries without the help of Britain.

 

IV.Other Concerns

A.    Scotland would break Oaths made with Britain.

1.      Acts of Union 1706/07

2.      1998 Scotland Act of the United Kingdom Parliament

Conclusion

The debate for independence has been a very drawn out debate that began bloody over 700 years ago and has now turned into political disagreements. The Scottish people and government have different ideas than the British, but in a way they both want the same thing. Neither want a change to their lives that would drastically upset balance, but both want changes that would cause a separation.  The Scottish government wants to have the ability to govern their own people, but England doesn’t want that quite yet because it would upset balance and destroy previous agreements.  Also, Scotland wants to be able to keep economic ties with England, but in the eyes of the British, that isn’t possible to do if political ties are broken. I believe, after all of my research and with the opinion that I have formed, that it is possible for Scotland and the UK to separate, but it won’t be something that will happen anytime soon. For Example, the Scottish government does need to get stronger and they will need to find more ties before cutting the ones with the British. Also, I believe it is possible for the Economic ties to last between England and Scotland as long as they can agree on things in a new truce and break the ones previously made.

Outline

Introduction

• Conflict Summary

1. What was the Voting Rights Act, and what it was need for
2. The Verdict, how it impacted the country
3. Why was the Voting Rights Act called into question

• Conflict

1. What the Voting Rights act actually means without section
2. Chances of the discrimination continuing
3. Discrimination is still active in this country

Sources Analysis

• What my sources where and what knowledge they gave me

Discussion

• What I think the best outcome for the conflict can be.
• the rulings language allowing the court to change it back at their discretion.
• Pros and Cons of the outcome of section 4 remaining unconstitutional.
• Why what I think could be true, why it could be wrong
• Without section 4b how effective is the VRA

Conclusion

• This will be a continuing conflict until the supreme court reverses it
• The country is not in post racist America we are in currently racist America.4
• Why the VRA of ’65 was so influential until present day
• It still guards against discrimination and allows for more voting progression.

Blog Post 8

In my paper I will discuss the conflict of the Dream Act. The DREAM Act is a piece of federal legislation which would legalize the status of several million undocumented youth. The DREAM Act stands for the Development Relief and Education of Alien Minors Act (Lopez, Janet). The Dream Act would allow the undocumented youth to graduate from high school and further their education. In order for these youth to further their education they must meet the following requirements: Entered the United States at the age of 15 or younger, Able to prove 5 years of presence in the United States prior to the bills passage;Obtain a G.E.D. or high school diploma;Under the age of 30 (some bills the age cap has been 35). The DREAM Act was passed on December 8, 2010 when it was voted into congress. The people had to vote on the Act and decided if they wanted it to be passed or not. Once the DREAM act was passed it started a brand new chapter for the illegal immigrants in the United States. The direct cause of my conflict is that too many illegal immigrants are entering the U.S. Supporting this claim I have discovered that According to (Preston, 2013) “there are about 11.7 million immigrants living in the United States illegally.” (para 1). The Dream Act will help to decrease the amount of illegal immigrants living in the U.S, and will give some freedom to these immigrants. Therefore the immigrants will finally be able to be treated as citizens and won’t have to deal with restrictions. Through out my paper I will discuss how the Dream Act started, the pros and cons of the Dream Act, and my position in the Dream Act.

Blog Post 5: Annotated Bibliography

Greenblatt, A. (2008). Immigration Debate: can politicians find a way to curb immigration. Volume 18: Issue 5. Retrieved from http://library.cqpress.com.proxy-ub.researchport.umd.edu

In this article Greenblatt discusses immigration to be a central topic. He mainly focuses on the growing population and the opinions of democrats as well as republicans. Another huge topic he hits in this article is employers of illegal immigrants and if illegal immigrants should be able to attend public schools and universities. Greenblatt also discusses voters, he feels as though maybe they are ignoring the topic of illegal immigration. The article also talks about the more recent discussions on immigration. He also gives his own opinion both pros and cons on the topic and suggests steps that he thinks may better the situation.

I chose this article because to me it seemed like it addressed more than one problem when dealing with immigration. Although it really didn’t speak too much on children other than about schools and universities, it was helpful on seeing where things were at and how people felt. Its presents more of a broad overview, the article has both sides of the argument and it also gets it from a range of different people.  It relates to my conflict basically by giving background information and telling the challenges that not only immigrants but us citizens go through when dealing with this topic. I wish the author would have spoken more on the ways republicans and democrats are working together to fix the problem (if it even is a problem).

Ignatow, G. (2011). New Media and the ‘Anchor Baby’ Boom: Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication

            This article focuses on anchor babies, immigration, new media, blogs, segmented news media, critical theory, and media convergence. Ignatow discusses the popularity of the word “Anchor baby”. He shows graphs and goes into depth about how many times, and when and where the term was used. The article also talks about different theories and why he believes immigrants want to have babies in the U.S.  The bigger picture of this article is about the change in media since the boom and how it influences the term “Anchor babies”.

            I chose this article because it talks about “Anchor babies” and the media. It does focuses on Anchor babies but it talks more about them constantly being in the media. This article is helpful because it gives specific dates and times of when the term originated and how much it were used. It also gives background information and newer information on Anchor babies and how they affect the U.S. I wish the author would have given his opinions on the different theories of why he thought immigrants chose to have their babies in the U.S.

Kendall, E. (2012). Amending the constitution to save a sinking ship? The issues surrounding the proposed amendment of the citizenship clause and “Anchor Babies”: Berkeley la raza law journal. [Vol. 22:2

            This article is separated into four main parts. The first part is on the history of birthright citizenship, legislation, and court cases in the U.S. The 2^nd part is on comparisons of birthright citizenship in other countries, how the deal with and regulate problems concerning birthright citizenship. Part 3 talks about recent movements and accounts of people trying to change birthright citizenship in the U.S. how it could help or hurt. The 4^th part talks about ending birthright citizenship all together in the U.S.

            I chose this article because of the title. The title was exactly what I was looking for. I found this article to be extremely helpful when discussing the alternative motives for both immigrants and how U.S. citizens feel about the 14^th amendment and birthright citizenship.  This article focuses on birthright citizenship and how it affects the U.S. and illegal immigrants and their children. There is nothing the author could have added I feel as though she did a phenomenal job in discussing both sides of the argument form the point of view of U.S. citizens, Anchor babies and illegal immigrants.

Landale,N. Thomas,K. Van Hook,J. (2011). The Living Arrangements of Children of Immigrants: VOL. 21 / NO. 1

            This article focuses on the life and living arrangements of children of immigrants.  It talks about how the things they learn and take in shape the U.S. future.  The authors also take time to explore the strengths and challenges that illegal families and their children face on a daily basis. It also discusses how vulnerable these families can be; knowing that they can be broken apart at any time.

            I chose this article because it was more on the side of the children and their families. It was helpful when building on the for immigrant children side of an argument. This article focuses specifically on immigrant children and the challenges they and their families face as they are growing up. I wish the authors would have added some comments for an argument against or tell how some people feel they have it easy as oppose to the article talking about the many challenges.

Masci, D. (2000). Debate over immigration: does the us admit too many newcomers? . volume 10, issue 25.

            This article focuses on the economy of the U.S. It talks about how immigrants get the jobs Americans refuse/ don’t like to do. The author says immigrants work for less of pay just so they can support their children and give them a better life in the U.S.; the article suggest that employers should teach Americans skills for the job and raise their pay. The article also talks about better border patrol and the growing numbers of illegal immigrants rapidly raising each year in the U.S.

            I chose this article because it was more against illegal immigrants. The article was a bit broad it talked about several topics. It was helpful when dealing with the against side of the immigration debate. I wish the author would have added more on why Americans don’t want the jobs that immigrants get.