"White Like Me"

    Through the use of Tim Wise's documentary and novel "White Like Me," he was able to spread his views on race relations and his advocacy for the African American community. The difference between the races is that "being white is better than not being white." People of color did not receive the same amount of freedoms that those who were white did. African Americans were not citizens until the 15th Amendment, which was many years past the making of the constitution. Loans and insurance were not available for blacks as they were singled out in their professions, many of the blacks worked in agriculture and domestic housing services. By electing Obama to the executive office as the first African American president we, as a country, made history that would have been unheard of years ago.  However, I do not agree with any of his political views, it was still a move in the right direction for race relations and equality. I did feel that when Obama was elected that racism would be less of an issue in America, but situations seem to have become worse. According to Wise, the criminal justice system is the most unequal factor for African Americans. There are more black people in jail now than were enslaved in 1850.

THEN



NOW

Baltimore City Riots

      I have been following the Baltimore City, Maryland riots for the past few days now and I have to say the actions of the rioters have been quite upsetting. I understand the African Americans' frustration with police brutality and the racial bias that comes along with this situation, although I feel the actions that have been shown from this ordeal are extremely immoral and unjust. It is one thing to peacefully assemble, which is anyone's god-given right under the First Amendment, but physically harming police officers and innocent bystanders is by no means they way to get your point across. It is unfortunate for these people to be victimized for something they shared no part in. Another issue that bothers me is that, besides the violence, these rioters are breaking into local businesses and looting everything in sight. Martin Luther King Jr. was a peaceful and just protester who abided by the law and eventually his goals of integration were reached. I think he would be outraged to find that these young men and women are resorting to violence and stealing just because they feel that they are entitled to it. The most troubling instance of all was when a fire was set to an assisted living community for the elderly. To make matters worse, when firefighters tried to put out the flames, protesters cut holes in the fire hose. This is absolutely ridiculous, it is not solving anything, and now there are elderly men and women who do not have a place to live because some juveniles burned it to the ground. I hope for everyone involved sakes that these riots end peacefully without anymore innocent people being harmed in the process.

Bakke Case

      In 1973 and 1974 a white male, Bakke, applied to medical school at University of California at Davis. He was turned away because of his age, which was 35 at the time; however, his accomplishments were exemplary. He had a GPA of 3.51 and he was also a National Merit's Scholar. He sued under the 14th amendment, specifically the use of affirmative action under the equal protection clause. Black males were admitted who did not have as high test scores as Bakke. He believes he was discriminated against because of his age, which is not fair. The school claims to want, "the best and the brightest," but he was turned away. The minimum GPA requirement was only a 2.5. He was a veteran who wanted to pursue a degree in higher education, which he was extremely qualified for. The university claims that they are trying to provide a compelling interest of diversity among its students; however, does the program achieve this goal? I believe not because while the university may be helping achieve diversity with blacks, they are discriminating against other parties. Yes, Bakke may be of an older age, but he was fighting for our country while other applicants may have had the opportunity to receive their education at an early age. I feel that this is unfair because here is a man who fought for our country, he is extremely qualified to be a medical student at this university, and he is denied just because he may be a little bit older than the rest of the students. He beat out 16 other minorities, mostly African American,  in terms of qualifications, grades, and test scores. There is a discrepancy making society more "racially acceptable," by accepting more black doctors than that of picking the doctors that are going to be the best qualified for the field.

Klansville USA

    After watching this documentary, I am no aware of how the KKK started. I had no clue that it was originally just like a fraternity and meant to be a joke. They would dress up in "elaborate" costumes and go around scaring freed slaves into thinking they were ghosts of Confederate generals. Once people saw the reaction of the freed slaves, they realized their fear could allow the whites to take control over the blacks once again. In small, rural South Carolina there wasn't a lot to do in the 1960s, so people would be thrilled to go to klan rallies and participate in all the activities they had. It wasn't hard to get whites to join the KKK and many of the people found it easy, considering their children were being integrated into schools with other black children. Many parents resisted this idea. Bob Jones was the most successful Grand Dragon in the KKK, as he was a native of Salisbury, North Carolina and he had a chapter of members 10,000 strong. He gained a decent amount of members because they were uneducated and poor white men, who were angry with blacks and wanted to feel superior. He would hold daytime marches in small towns in North Carolina to show he wasn't afraid to show his views. However, wealthier people did not join the klan or openly say that they agreed with it, but they did not mind it as long as it was by the book and didn't cause trouble. Jones did not condone violence, or promote it, but it was known to happen from time to time. Mississippi and Alabama, at this time, were much worse in reference to violence.

German Woman Pregnant at 65

     In Berlin, Germany there is news of a 65-year-old woman who is now pregnant with quadruplets. This same woman is also the mother to 13 more children. The mother is a Russian and English teacher in Berlin and has been traveling overseas to receive artificial insemination for the last year and a half. These attempts worked, and now the mother is going to have 17 children before the age of 70. In my opinion, this instance is morally wrong because the woman is not a young, vibrant woman that she used to be. She may still be working and very much alive; however, it is not fair to her many children to have to grow up without a mother. I also do not understand how she can afford to feed and clothe all these children on a teacher's salary, even with millions it would be hard to support a family of 17. My father is 60 years old, but he will be able to see my graduate college, unlike the mother of these quadruplets. Also, I do not think that it can be healthy for a woman of that age to undergo a birth, much less safe for the babies.

http://news.yahoo.com/german-woman-pregnant-quadruplets-65-reports-134258349.html

Freshman Focus Group

     Yesterday, we were given the opportunity to speak with some of our other freshman peers, as well as some faculty members from High Point University. We were able to touch on a variety of topics while we sat comfortably in the Greek Village Ballroom. There was even a baked potato bar, amongst other goodies, that we became privy to and were able to divulge in. At first, many of my classmates, including myself, were unsure of what we were getting into. However, it turned out to be an enjoyable afternoon and a break from the norm. That is one reason why I really enjoy this school, especially my seminar-style classes. It is not everyday that I get to sit around with people going through the same situations I am struggling with, and freely express how I feel. I thought that I was on my own with some of the things that I felt about HPU, but I was not.
          Many people, just like me, are struggling with the transition between high school and a higher learning setting. Math has always been a struggle for me, but the services we have in place are quite remarkable. I was not alone when I mentioned that the amount of support and compassion that the faculty at HPU gives is truly a blessing, and I'm not sure that any other school could make me feel this at home. Even Beth Holder, in her southern accent saying, "Go on, honey, grab another plate," just reminds me of home and my mother. High Point really sealed the deal for me when I had my last ankle surgery during my senior year. I was laid up in bed for about a month. I was already accepted into the University, but the fact that the staff took time out of their busy day to write me a hand written note, on beautiful card stock, and send me a blanket to help provide me with extra comfort during my recovery really touched me. Knowing that the faculty really wanted me as a part of their family was an amazing feeling. One question that was asked at the end of the focus group was, "If you had to do it all over again, would you choose HPU," and everyone in the room had the same answer. We would choose High Point again and again.

Investigation over black man found hanging in a tree in Mississippi

The police investigating the matter were able to identify the victim as Otis Byrd; however, Byrd was convicted of the murder of a woman and spent 30 years in jail, and released just two years prior. He was found hanging from a tree in southwest Mississippi, covered in a sheet for a length of about two weeks. At first, the authorities were not sure if he had committed suicide or if it had been a murder and the death remains undetermined. The NAACP feels that it is a "suspicious hanging death," so they are seeking help from the Justice Department. The FBI is also investigating further into the case.

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2015/03/19/authorities-investigating-death-black-man-found-hanging-from-tree-in/?intcmp=latestnews

A night with Bill Cosby: It's Complicated

Bill Cosby is widely known for his performance on the hit TV sitcom, "The Cosby Show." Many Americans looked up to him and watched the show, not only because he was wholesome and made them laugh, but because off the screen he was known for being a philanthropist, benefactor, and his support of the black community. However, he has been under scrutiny lately because of his alleged sexual assault charges. It did affect High Point University, which is why I chose to relay this article. He was also let go from our board that he served on. Cosby hosted a comedy show in Augusta, Georgia with many supporters that purchased tickets, it was not however a sold out show. As Cosby walked across the stage for the first time, a man in the audience shouted his support for Cosby and his recent legal allegations. Cosby's response was, "No, no, we will not cover that today," Cosby says. "We are not talking about that tonight. What we're going to cover is the performance of Bill Cosby."
Obviously, it would not be a good legal move to comment on his current case, but I feel that he is just trying to avoid the subject altogether. There are too many women who came forward and too much evidence to deny that he is guilty.

"Bill Cosby

        ...far from finished tour"

-above show is part of this most recent tour

http://www.cnn.com/2015/03/18/entertainment/bill-cosby-concert-feat/index.html

Plessy V. Ferguson

On June, 7 1892, Homer Plessy bought a train ticket for a white train car in Louisiana. He was 1/8 black and did not want to sit in the black train car, as the white train cars were much nicer. He was arrested for such an act, and the litigation team that argued against Mr. Uckermark and me made a few convincing arguments that ultimately took legal precedence. I felt it was difficult to argue for a man that has any amount of black in his DNA at this time. Separate, but equal shows that, legally, Plessy could have still been served, the service just would have not been as good and neither would the condition of the train car he would have had to sit in. Morally, our arguments show that in fact the separate but equal clause is not equal, or fair. Due to earlier court cases, the case could not be in the favor of Plessy, regardless of if he was fully black, or only 1/8 black. 

Record 15 tons of Marijuana Seized

   

 Recently in San Diego, a tractor trailer was seized while going through US Customs and Border Protection agency. The truck came under suspicion when it was traveling through an x-ray system, that caught an "anomaly," during the process. After further inspection of the vehicle, by US border officials, 31,598 pounds of marijuana had been seized. This total amount of pot has an estimated street value of $19 million. This is the largest reported drug bust at this entry point into the US. It is located right in between San Diego, California and Tijuana, Mexico. The 46-year-old Mexican driver of the tractor trailer, who has a valid border-crossing pass, was turned over to US immigration. The tractor trailer was disguised as a mattress transporting vehicle; however, according to reports there were only a few mattresses barely covering the pot. 

http://news.yahoo.com/u-border-officials-seize-record-15-tons-pot-031040541.html

Causes of the Civil War

        Issues have been brewing between the north and the south from the beginning of the nation. By the late 1850s, tension had become too much. One of the main differences between the north and the south was that the north was more industrialized, while the south had more of an agricultural economy where slaves were beneficial. Each side had their own beliefs which led to disagreement over taxes, tariffs, and states rights versus those of federal rights. The Dred Scott case, along with slavery discussions in general played a large role in disrupting the union. The north did not want to have slave, where the south did.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=blNSI2taJr0

Mom is Suing Target Over Son's Wrongful Death

     Graham Gentles, a 22-year-old from California committed suicide by jumping off of a hotel roof just three days after his termination from Target. Gentles had Asperger's Syndrome and was "hyper focused" on the loss of his job, which caused him to be very depressed. His mother is outraged because when he was being fired he was subject to the alleged Target policy of punishment, the "walk of shame." This is when he was handcuffed when he came into work, on time I might add, and taken to the back of the store with a police officer. He had no idea what he had done wrong and was later taken to the police station. He was later released and not charged with anything; however, he was emotionally harmed. He was punished for an argument that happened outside of work at a bar. Target denies any such policy and sends their condolences to the family. Gentles was completely devastated over the loss of his job and embarrassed. He claimed that it was the "worst day of his life." What I do not understand is that there cannot be any way that they can punish an employee for something that happens outside of work, as well as the fact that he is not emotionally stable and the management at Target humiliated him publicly.

http://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/Target-Faces-Lawsuit-Over-Employees-Suicide-289662711.html

 
    In Peroj, Croatia, a three-year-old mutt, named Medo, has been hit with a no-barking injunction. The pet's owner, Anton Simunovic, has been sent a court order stating that if his dog does not cease barking, he will be faced to pay a nearly $3,000 fine. Medo is now forced to stay in the barn from 8am to 8pm everyday. He is not free to run and play as a young dog should. I agree that it is important to be courteous to neighbors; however, the extent to which the neighbor went about the situation is a bit overboard.

The neighbor is still seeking damages...



http://www.foxnews.com/world/2015/02/09/croatian-court-orders-dog-not-to-bark-at-night-or-owner-faces-fine/?intcmp=latestnews

US oil workers on strike

       


















It is said that nine oil refineries have members that have gone on strike after disagreement with the national contract with large oil companies. This is the first strike of its kind since 1980. The strike began this past Sunday after many workers were outraged due to contract expiration and non renewal.  The strike is led by United Steelworkers Union (USW). According to strikers, they had to in order to get basic needs met by these oil companies, who are "too greedy". The companies themselves have experienced setbacks financially because of the crude prices of oil. They are trying to slow spending currently. USW has members from 65 refineries in the United States, which produces 64% of our country's oil. The union has rejected five proposals since they started negotiating the national contract January 21. They claim to want pay increases, increased healthcare coverage, and less use of non-union contract workers. Shell and Marathon are two large companies that have been affected by the strikes; however, they have set up strike contingency plans. The strike of 1980 lasted about three months. Hopefully, this series of strikes will not impact the low prices of oil that we have seen recently.






http://www.bbc.com/news/business-31087658

Winter Storm Juno

   

  Over the past week or so, there has been great talk among many New Englanders, who have been under the reign of the blizzard, Juno. It has been reported that there may be a staggering two to three feet of snow in many states in the northeast. Many people have been unable to leave home due to the current weather conditions. Cars are trapped in the abyss of snow as well and are unable to leave. The storm also has a great track record of delaying thousands of flights in busy airports, such as JFK. The National Weather Service has warned about extreme road conditions, which may be "life threatening." It is not all bad though. Most students have been out of school for a couple of days, which can make any child ecstatic. Although, with children being out of school, who would not want to sled on a snow day? Almost everyone would; however, not everyone can safely have fun. Unfortunately, Sean Urda, a 17-year-old male from Long Island, was killed in a sledding accident when he collided with a light pole. This was the first reported death caused by Winter Storm Juno.

            

 file:///Users/bennettsterling/Desktop/0a0d04c2-2c9a-4486-a45b-880e73ac4d4f.jpg

            http://www.ibtimes.com/blizzard-2015-first-reported-death-winter-storm-juno-new-york-teen-sean-urda-17-year-1796114