My Final Paper II

The more I've heard about other paper topics, the more I decided against writing a major research paper. While rereading the final assignment, I saw there was an option to write two-1000 word essays instead of one-2000 word essay (If it's still alright with professor of course!).

I've taken the idea of writing one big essay on sports and politics and decided to try something a little more creative. Instead of dragging on a simple topic, I've decided to create more of a "Sports Series." One essay will relate to sports in politics while essay number two will compare sports to religion. These two essay's will parallel each other in a series format. I'm sure after writing the two essays, there will be driving correlations between the comparisons in both essays.

Responsibilities of The Media & Trayvon Martin

Freedom of the press is one of the most important amendments in our Constitution's Bill of Rights. However, major news networks have a social responsibility to deliver accurate news that takes a rational stance. Unfortunately, biases and ratings often come in between accuracy and stretching the truth. Both conservative and liberal media stations have been guilty of reporting twisted facts in order to drive ratings and prove their bias. 

The Trayvon Martin case is just another example of the media gone wild. Yahoo stated, "The Trayvon Martin case has exposed some of the media's worst tendencies--selective editing, rushing to judgment, stoking anger for ratings and page views." The article goes on to talk about ABC exaggerating injuries, NBC twisting Zimemrman's words to make him look racist, and CBS  making other false claims about a lack of injuries. Yahoo's explanation of NBC's coverage sickened me. NBC reported Zimmerman saying, "This guy looks like he's up to no good. He looks black." When in reality, Zimmerman was answering a dispatcher's question: 

Zimmerman: This guy looks like he's up to no good. Or he's on drugs or something. It's raining and he's just walking around, looking about.

Dispatcher: OK, and this guy--is he black, white or Hispanic?

Zimmerman: He looks black.

Any death is a tragedy and it's extremely unfortunate that this happened. I have faith the American justice system will make the right decision based on their investigation. I don't want the media drawing conclusions to a case they weren't there or an investigation hasn't even been solved yet. They should present what they know, exactly how it happened, and let the American public draw conclusions based on facts. The media twisting facts and drawing uneducated/ inaccurate conclusions needs to stop. 

This case's media coverage has been horrific. However, if the case really does prove his innocence than I hope Zimmerman gets the death penalty. Anyways- guilty or not- rest in peace Trayvon.

Comment Post for Paul Krugman

All are welcome to post comments on my Paul Krugman essay on this blog post. Hope you all enjoy!

The Future of SHU

Every college student wants their university to be a top tier school. Sacred Heart is a young school, but it's quickly taking steps to becoming a gorgeous university with respected programs. With rumors of updated athletic facilities, a pool, a new health center, a parking garage, and purchasing the Jewish Home; I'm really excited for SHU's future. As jealous as I am that I won't get to attend SHU during its "prime years" I'm really proud. The latest sketches of the new College of Business and Education building have leaked onto the internet. It's innovative, beautiful architecture, and state of the art as described by the Minute Man News…


"The lowest of the four levels will consist of parking for 138 vehicles and will be out of sight. There will be parking for 72 more vehicles in a parking lot to the northwest of the building.


The second level will consist of classrooms, a library area and a dining area. The third level will have academic offices and classrooms and the fourth level will be primarily faculty offices."

That description would get even Fairfield U students jealous. I truly believe that at this rate my kids will be in shock when I tell them my alma matter. 

  

Final Essay Picture

While searching for topics for my final paper, I wanted to find a way to combine sports and politics. I feel that sports and politics is very intertwined under the radar. A big example of this was a few years back when the U.S government took over the steroid problem in baseball. This picture that I've attached is the perfect picture example  especially considering NASCAR is the most watched and "patriotic" sport. Personally, I'm not a NASCAR fan. However, the image of Jimmy Johnson and his huge republican following in front of Barack Obama and the White House really gives a feeling of unity between all parties. My only problem I'm going to have to get around here is avoiding skipping topics and connecting everything back to the picture. I'm excited to look into this considering it combines my two passions and two of the most followed aspects of American society.

President Obama Speaks On American Energy

Barack Obama's latest national speech put aside the economy and troubles in Iran to discuss American energy. Finally, a topic we can all agree on! Or can we? Obama cleverly opened up by taking a shot at the Republicans protests to dill baby drill. His retaliation- there's no quick fix and only steps towards renewable energy will solve this problem.

Since Obama took office, America's dependence on foreign oil has gone down every year. It's dropped from 60% to 45%. Obama is one hundred percent correct when he states we need a strategy combining both oil and pursuit of new energy. Republicans need to stop calling for more drilling all the time because that will not lower gas prices! It's not about the American supply of oil because oil is sold on a global market, therefore, prices are affected by world instability. It's not as simple as supply and demand within our country. And Republicans often ignore that under Barack we have more oil rigs than the rest of the world combined and more oil production in our history.

The president once again threw out the stat every American cringes at; we only produce 2% of the world's oil but use 20%. Barack's approach on American energy is one all parties should adopt. It's a realistic one that also looks out for our future. His conclusion to his speech hammers in the best viewpoint of all- he refuses to see the battery, natural gas or any clean energy industry go to China because we refuse to commit to it. Well said Mr. Obama, well said.

China's View Of The U.S

While casually reading through Chinese newspapers to see how they viewed America's situation in Iran, I came across an interesting article. I was a bit taken back by this writers perspective and wondered if this article portrays what a majority of Chinese think about the U.S. In short, this writer called for a Chinese- Russian alliance in order to over power any future U.S- NATO decision to police the world. He says, "Mainstream forces in Washington are trying to sell a ludicrous standpoint to the American people: that it is worthwhile to bear financial costs and even lose some lives to confront lurking dangers to US security in the Middle East." As an American I wonder, have I really been tricked by the U.S government?



Now I'm not one to question the government, but if they don't keep an ear open to Chinese voices, this could cause problems. After all, China and Russia have the two most powerful militaries in the world right along us. If combined together, we would bow down to their commands. Therefore, taking into account Chinese beliefs in further military actions would be a safe bet.