Current Event 9: Oklahoma's botched lethal injection starts new front in battle over executions

CACorrections. "Lethal Injection Room." Photograph. Wikimedia Commons. MediaWiki, 3 Aug 2010. Web. 30 Apr 2014. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:SQ_Lethal_Injection_Room.jpg> 

Lethal injections are in the spotlight after an Oklahoma man's death sentence took a grave turn. Clayton Lockett was supposed to executed by lethal injection Tuesday in Oklahoma but something went terribly wrong. The first drug used to make inmates unconscious in a matter of minutes was not working after about fifteen minutes. Prison officials say they stopped the injection and Lockett lived for about another hour be forte he died of a massive heart attack according to the prison. Lockett's lawyers are outraged by the process and want a full investigation to why Lockett's injection was botched.




In the POL 120 class juniors take. we have to write a paper on a big political issue in the United States, I chose to do lethal injection. Through my research, I found many different cases where injections were botched and the inmate suffered serious pain. The only way lethal injections are still legal in the U.S. is because of the first drug used to knock the inmate out. If this drug does not work correctly the death penalty is rendered cruel and unusual, a violation of the 8th amendment.




I think the way the way this inmate died was very sad and traumatic for the staff, press, and family of the victim. I support the death penalty but only in extreme cases. The inmate was convicted of murder and rape; grounds for the death penalty in my eyes. I do, however, realize this man died in such agony that the country needs to look at a better way of administering the injection so botched injections like these do not happen again.





What is the impact of using [statistics/quotations/headings/bullets/personal experience] (choose one of the options and write only on it.) If you have another element that you would like to discuss on this question, get the okay from me before proceeding. Use evidence from the selection to support your answer.

The author uses several eyewitness quotes from not only Lockett's execution but another man named Dennis McGuire in Ohio. Startling evidence that the drugs do not work sometimes are used within the quotes. McGuire was said to have"'repeated cycles of snorting, gurgling and arching his back, appearing to writhe in pain"' during his execution; his family filed a lawsuit against the prison for cruel an unusual punishment. The botched injection has opened up the new, stronger barrage to abolish the death penalty in Oklahoma. Adam Leathers, the co-chair of the Oklahoma Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty, has jumped into action over Lockett's injection. Oklahoma "'tortured a human being in an unconstitutional experimental act of evil,"' said Leathers after word of the botched execution got out. This and the many other cases of botched injections just might win the fight to end all death penalty rulings forever.

Works Cited

Levs, Josh, et al. "Oklahoma's botched lethal injection starts new front in the battle over executions." CNN U.S.. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., 30 Apr 2014. Web. 30 Apr 2014. <http://www.cnn.com/2014/04/30/us/oklahoma-botched-execution/index.html?hpt=hp_t1> 

Current Event 8: In Nigeria, the mass abduction of schoolgirls isn't shocking

Over  200 young girls were kidnapped a week ago from a school in Nigeria. No one seems to know any whereabouts of the girls. An Islamist military group is said to have abducted the girls; the village people are mourning but they point out it is not uncommon. 190 girls are still missing and will likely never be reunited with their families.

In English 10 and 11 we've looked at how people's rights aren't all the same. Nigeria has a weak government and in the region the girls were taken from has little governmental influence. We read about  children being taken in Africa on accusations of witchcraft this year; even though these kids aren't accused, they are still taken. The president and the military are stepping back and not doing anything to help find the girls or to alive worry from the parents.

What is happening in Nigeria is sickening. No one should be captured ever. The fact that the government and military are not even thinking of getting involved is vilely repulsive. This effects me as a student because people younger than me are being taken for no reason and that's scary.

"Nigeria." Photograph. Wikimedia Commons. MediaWiki, 19 Sep 2005. Web. 21 Apr 2014. <http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/9b/Nigeria_carte.gif> 

• What is the purpose for using [statistics/quotations/headings/bullets/personal experience] (choose one of the options and write only on it.) If you have another element that you would like to discuss on this question, get the okay from me before proceeding. Use evidence from the selection to support your answer.

The author uses specific quotes from a parent of an abducted girl. The people see the as "using 'blatant propaganda' to [make] a 'blatant lie'" (Yhan). Using direct quotes from a girls father shows exactly what the Nigerian people of the region think of the government and military. They also use quotes describing how the native village people felt about the capture. "The people in the village are not surprised," the principal of the school reported. These quotes show how the people in the region feel about the incident and the horrible lack of governmental and military aid.



Works Cited

Yhan, Holly and Duthiers, Vladimir. "In Nigeria, the mass abduction of schoolgirls isn't shocking." CNN. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc, 21 Apr 2014. Web. 21 Apr 2014. <http://www.cnn.com/2014/04/21/world/africa/nigeria-abducted-girls/index.html?hpt=hp_t3>

Current Event #7: Charlotte mayor resigns; accused of taking bribes

The former mayor of Charlotte has resigned after being arrested on the 25th of March. He resigned the day after he was released from jail on bond. The former mayor was arrested for taking and distributing bribes to officials of the FBI. Patrick Cannon, if convicted, could face 50 years in jail and up to one million dollars worth of charges.

Lately in Sociology, we have been studying about white collar crimes. This recent arrest is a perfect example of a white collar crime. We, as a class, will probably be following the trial in class and discuss more as the story develops.

I think former Mayor Cannon should definitely have been arrested and go to jail. The amount of money he gave away and received is ridiculous. The city of Charlotte needs a strong, corrupt leader to lead not be there for his or her own reasons. I hope he goes to jail for the longest time the law allows and has to pay the biggest fine he can.

Kimura, Yumi. "Crime Scene." Photograph. Wikimedia Commons. MedidaWiki, 25 Mar 2009. Web. 6 Apr 2014. <http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Do_Not_Cross,_Crime_Scene.jpg>

How does the structure of the text refine and support author's claim? use evidence to support your answer.

I think the author is appalled at this white collar crime. The authors add how many political ties Cannon had. After all the hardships Cannon had growing up, "McCory was saddened and angered by the charges" (Weiss). McCory and his family has know Cannon for 30 years. They also uses an example of getting "12,500 dollars from an undercover agent to help him develop a feminine hygiene product" (Weiss).


Works Cited
Weiss, Mitch and Foreman JR, Tom. "Charlotte mayor resigns; accused of taking bribes" WBTV. Worldnow, 26 Mar 2014. Web. 6 Apr 2014. <http://www.wbtv.com/story/25084282/charlotte-mayor-resigns-accused-of-taking-bribes>

Current Event 6: ‘Duck Dynasty’s’ Willie and Korie Robertson: We’re proud to be the ‘religious’ people

geopungo. "Willie Robertson." WikiMedia Commons. MediaWiki, 22 Jun 2013. Web. 23 Mar. 2014.
<http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/ed/Willie_Robertson.jpg>  

This article is about the main characters of Duck Dynasty, Korie and Willy Robertson, and their upcoming roles in the new movie God's Not Dead. The show and the family have come under scrutiny lately because of their Christian views, talking about God, and praying during the show. The family sees no problem with being their true selves on t.v. and keeping their faith a constant part of the A&E hit. Their roles in the movie portray how they balance faith and fame.


This connects to English 11 because we are learning about different ideas of the American Dream. Fame is an important American Dream to many people. The Robertson's American Dream, however, is keeping their faith through all the fame.




How does the author support their claim? Use evidence from the selection to support your answer.

The author wants to show that you do not have to compromise your faith just to be famous. They are also trying to show the family has not always been religious and you have to let God speak to you in time. Willie admits, "My father didn't come tot he Lord until he was in his late 20s." (Bogursky) The family tries to stay true to all the morals and beliefs they have founded in God, while being conscious of others. "We're just being ourselves, it's positive," Willie and Korie say, they don't want to change just for television and act the same way they would behind the cameras. (Bogursky)

Bogursky, Sahsa. "‘Duck Dynasty’s’ Willie and Korie Robertson: We’re proud to be the ‘religious’ people." FOX News. FOX News Network,LLC, 19 Mar 2014. Web. 23 Mar 2014. 

<http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2014/03/19/duck-dynastys-willie-korie-robertson-proud-to-be-religious-people/?intcmp=features>

Current Event #5: Major Changes in SAT Announced by College Board

Wednesday, College Board announced that the SAT will be undergoing a major change in how and what parts of the SAT will be administered. Some changes that will happen include: the essay part will become optional, changes in vocabulary, and the minimum score changed from 2400 to a 1600 minimum. These changes will take effect in 2016.

This article relates to the junior class because on Tuesday we were made to take the ACT. Even though the ACT and SAT are different tests, they are both used to measure readiness for college. Both are very difficult, I speak from experience with the ACT and PSAT, the tests are hard! Being a junior and senior, you need to start looking into colleges and colleges normally won't take someone under the minimum score for their school.

Wong, Kevin. SAT I. Photograph. Flickr. Yahoo, 2 Feb. 2008. Web. 5 Mar. 2014. <http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2406/2237806717_0e8f54ee84.jpg> 

I think the change in scoring and administration is great! Students who don't perform well on standardized testing now have a chance to really show colleges they know what they are doing. I always get nervous and go blank minded during big tests because I feel like the pressure is immense. In 2016 I would be able to take the new SAT test and maybe would be able to take part in the new test.

The author thinks that this new way of giving the SAT is very smart. They also think colleges will like it better because, "high school grades are a better predictor of college success than standardized test scores." (Lewin) "The test are mysterious and 'filled with with unproductive anxiety,"" Lewis quotes from David Coleman, the director of College Board. (Major Changes...Board) The author loves the new idea of how the SAT is being administered.

Works Cited

Lewin, Tamar. "Major Changes in SAT Announced by College Board." The New York Times. The New York Times Company, 5 Mar 2014. Web.  5 Mar. 2014. <http://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/06/education/major-changes-in-sat-announced-by-college-board.html>

Current Event #4: Panda Dies Suddenly in Chinese Zoo Amid Mistreatment Claims

A zoo in China is under scrutiny for the claims of one of their pandas dying because abuse. They tried putting the claim to rest by saying the panda was away for mating. They later affirmed the panda had died, but they refuse to give any more information until the autopsy report comes back.

This reminds me of last year in English class, we were studying the Rights of the Human Race; why does this not apply to animals? Yes, animals don't need some rights that humans have but they still should be treated fairly no matter what species or country they are from. It is sickening to me that the zoo would lie about the panda dying. They clearly have something to hide if they were not truthful to begin with.

 Sheilalau."Panda."  Photograph. Wikimedia Commons. Media Wiki, 12 December 2006.

                             Web. 23 Feb. 2014. < http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/cd/Panda_Cub_from_Wolong%2C_Sichuan%2C_China.JPG/800px-Panda_Cub_from_Wolong%2C_Sichuan%2C_China.JPG>

What is the central idea of the passage and how is it developed and refined throughout the selection? Use evidence from the selection to support your answer.

The central idea of this passage is, China's Zhengzhou Zoo lost one if it's pandas on February 9th and lied about it, "[the pandas] mental and physical health 'quickly deteriorated' and [the panda] died early on February 9th" (Chan). Visitors to the zoo said the panda "was fed a meager diet of corn cakes instead of a proper diet of bamboo" (Chan). These claims lead people to believe the panda was abused; the zoo lying does not help these claims disappear. The lies, in fact, make it seem like the zoo knows they are guilty of abuse and don't want people to know.


Chan, Wilfred. "Panda Die Feb. s Suddenly in Chinese Zoo Amid Mistreatment Claims." CNN. Turner Broadcasting System Inc,18 Feb. 2014. Web. 23 Feb. 2014. <http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/18/world/asia/panda-zoo-death-china/index.html?hpt=hp_bn2>



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Panda_Cub_from_Wolong,_Sichuan,_China.JPG

Current Event #3: India and the Sochi Olympics

The start of the Olympics was just a few days ago. but one country went into the opening ceremony suspended. India had been suspended from the Olympics and it's athletes entered as independent competitors. The International Olympic Committee originally suspended India in 2012 because of corrupt leaders being elected. 

This article reminds me of The Crucible in English; all the people in both The Crucible and the India Olympic team were wrongly punished for things out of their control. Every person in the town of Salem was convicted falsely as were the Olympic athletes. 

I think India should have been allowed to fly their flag at the opening ceremony no matter what their country's political status. This effects me because I feel bad for the Indian athletes not being able to represent their country in the beginning of the Olympics. 

Joshi, Yogendra. "Indian Flag." Photograph. Flickr. Yahoo, 26 Jan. 2010. Web. 11 Feb. 2014. <http://www.flickr.com/photos/yogendra174/4331356987/>

What is the purpose of using quotations from an Olympic athlete? Use evidence to support your answer. 

In the article, Rawlings has quotes from Shiva Keshava, an Indian luge athlete, expressing what she thinks about not being able to fly her country's colors at the opening ceremony. "' When the Indian flag doesn't fly, people know it is because of corruption and it's not a nice image for the country,"' says Keshava for an Associated Press interview (Rawlings). All the athletes are definitely feeling the pressure to do better now that country has been reinstated "in time for the flag to fly in the Olympic Village." (Rawlings). The athletes also feel as if " more people are behind [them] when [they] go in with [their] country's flag." (Rawlings).

Citations

Rawlings, Nate. "Olympic Committee Reinstates India, Flag Will Fly in Sochi." Time. WordPress, 11 Feb 2014. Web. 11 Feb. 2014. <http://world.time.com/2014/02/11/sochi-winter-olympics-2014-india-russia/>

Current Event #2: Triple Murder Suspect Goes on Trail

This article features the story of a 2008 murder and the killer is finally being put on trial. Justin Hurd killed three people back in 2008 and set the house they were in on fire before fleeing the scene. This murderer is being represented by three different attorneys; all from out of state. This crime was huge in the Charlotte area and now the prime suspect is being put on trial and it's likely the prosecution will ask for the sentence of either life in prison or maybe the death penalty.

This relates to the Political Government class we took last semester and the English 11 class this semester. In POL 120 we studied the due process of law and I also did a project on Timothy McVeigh and the death penalty. In our English class we are also talking about law in a way by studying the Salem Witch Trials and The Crucible.

I think this man should be given at least 50 years in jail for what he did. Hurd brutally murdered three people, a young couple and their niece, for no reason the article states. I really want to know why he targeted this young couple or even their house. What Hurd did disgusts me and makes me lose a little respect for society that someone thought it was ok to do this and tried to get away from this.

Wiberg, D. "Murder." Photograph. Wikimedia Commons. Media Wiki, Jul. 25, 2005. Web.  Jan. 24, 2014. <http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/ac/Anatomy_of_a_Murder_2.jpg>

How does the author use language to advance her point of view? Give examples from the article. 

The author uses such words as gruesome, notorious and , mysterious to advance her point. In one sentence she uses all three of these to describe how the case affected the Charlotte area. Smith, the reporter, claims the cases was "one of Charlotte's most notorious and gruesome killings. It was also one of the [the cities] most mysterious (Triple Murder Supect)."

She also argues that Hurd came into court "like someone dressed for a job interview." Hurd came into court looking very professional, not as you would expect a criminal to come to a court date (Triple Murder suspect." This was interesting to me because I just couldn't see such a criminal in regular clothing like he had a nice demeanor.


Works Cited.

Smith,Sharon. "Triple Murder Suspect Goes on Trial. WBTV. Raycom Media Station, 2014. Web. 22 Jan. 2014. <
http://www.wbtv.com/story/24495371/triple-murder-suspect-goes-on-trial-for-his-life>

Current Event Post 1: Sochi Paralympic Games

Heather Mills was under extreme pressure over the New Year after withdrawing from the Sochi Paralympic Games after being accused of grabbing an official. The ex-wife of Beatles singer Paul McCartney claims a problem with a different boot she had been using caused her to drop out.

The author uses specific quotes from the British Paralympic Association to express how much time Mills had to change her boot and recover from her injury.

Officials state that Mills and Skiing Chief Sylvana Mestre got into an altercation following Mestre confronting Mills about her skiing boot; the boot was said to have been modified for the season " claiming she had a to wear the boot per her IPC instructions (Heather Mills...Paralympic Offical)."
   

Scholz & Friends. "Paralympic Symbol." Photograph. Wikimedia Commons. Media Wiki, n.d. Web. 10 Jan. 2014. <http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/53/Paralympic_flag.png> 

This connects to the World History class we took in ninth grade because we learned about Ancient Greece and  the ancient Olympic Games. Now with the 2014 Winter Olympics coming up in Sochi, Russia athletes are remembering everything that got them to that point and some may even be thinking of the first Olympic Games where only men could compete and how far women athletes have come.

The author uses specific quotes from the British Paralympic Association to express how much time Mills had to change her boot and recover from her injury.

Works Cited
Heather Mills accused of abusing Paralympic Official."  CNN. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc,20 Dec. 2013. Web. 10 Jan. 2014 <http://www.cnn.com/2013/12/19/sport/paralympics-mills-skiing-ipc/index.html>.