Gadhafi: the "King of Kings"

The following response is based upon this article by Mike Pearson, CNN.

In the past month, especially these past few weeks, much newsworthy events have been taking place in the Middle East. Protesters are emerging from many countries, like in Egypt and now in Libya, fighting for their natural human rights and trying to stop the oppression from their leaders. Libya, which is a country in Africa, has been ruled by Moammar Gadhafi for 42 years and the people have finally had enough. Unfortunately he is a corrupt leader, who has had a past of terrorism and violence towards many other countries, especially the United States. Despite his lack of popularity among most people, the article reports that he shows up in public dressed up in ridiculous attire that is flamboyant and obnoxious. Another sad factor mentioned is that while Gadhafi has many enemies within Libya, there are still many who can't deny his supposed economic achievements. Apparently he stood up to the West who nationalized oil companies and a good number of people still respect him for that.


Who: Gadhafi (the ruler of Libya) and all the Libyan people, including the protesters
What: Gadhafi, despite the recent protests, refuses to show any weakness or signs of cooperation with his people.

When: These events began occurring sometime in the past week, starting on February 14 with protests and the violence is still continuing today.
Where: Libya, which is in northern Africa.

Why: The unrest in Libya has recently been caused by protesters striving for democracy and human rights, but this has only caused their leader to be outraged at their defiant actions.

After reading through this well-written and informative article, I came to the conclusion that it is journalism. I enjoyed reading this article because it was very relevant to what is going on right now in the world. I believe I was better informed about the ruler of Libya, and I'm sure other readers were as well. It is extremely important for people to be aware of the situation going on in that country and they need to do so by having all the facts and background about Gadhafi, who is the center of the issue. This article succeeds in better informing the nation about this topic, so that we may decide how feel about it and make our own opinions. Also, the information is reliable and backed up with sources and a numerous amount of quotations.

CBT - Social Studies - Creation 2
This CBT fits perfectly with this article, because while Gadhafi may have control over Libya now, it is truly God who has all power over this world. God controls which leaders and rulers take power, and when their nations rise and fall. Gadhafi seems to be completely unaware of this and continues to violently murder and torture his people who are just seeking equality and freedom.

Mars luckily dodges prosecution charges

  

The following response is based upon this article by Alan Duke, CNN.

He'd catch a grenade for you, put his hand on a blade for you, and jump in front of a train for you... Yes, Bruno Mars claims he'd do any of those things for the girl of his dreams. But those are just lyrics and he is just an ordinary man. Unfortunately due to his sudden fame, he is in the spotlight more than any other ordinary citizen would be. This is why his offense of being found possessing cocaine in last September in a Las Vegas casino, is such a huge ordeal. Celebrities are looked upon as role models and are worshiped as idols in this country, which can be a double-edged sword for those in the entertainment industry. Bruno Mars found this out the hard way when he was arrested for illegal drug possession and then later charged. The media can either be on your side by puffing up your image, but as soon as you take a wrong step, they are there to record your downfall. Luckily, the judge on Mars' case let him off the hook with "deferred adjunction", another plus to be famous. His charges will now be dropped if he stays out of trouble for a year, pays a fine, completes community service, and gets counseling.

Who: Bruno Mars

What: Judge offered a deal to Mars, so that charges in his case could be dropped.

When: Last Wednesday morning.

Where: In a Las Vegas, Nevada courthouse.

Why: He was charged for cocaine possession, but the charges have no been dropped if Mars stays out of trouble for a year.

This article is NOT journalism. In no way does it provide information that made me or would help others to become more self-governing or aware of what is going on in our nation. One of the only reasons this article was published is because Bruno Mars is popular artist, therefore people suddenly care about all the aspects of his life. As much as some people might care whether Mars gets prosecuted or not, there are much more important issues being dealt with that deserve more publicity.

CBT - Social Studies - Sin

Mankind is totally depraved, as this CBT states, and is illustrated especially in this article. No one is above the law, not even famous actors or singers. Therefore we need the government to enforce laws, and then to deal with those who break the law. God has set up the government and put leaders in charge to hopefully limit some of the nation's depravity.

Obama pushes broadband expansion proposal

The following response is based upon this article by the CNN Wire Staff.

This article discusses President Obama's plan to extend wireless coverage to more than 98% of Americans, which is one of his main goals for our country right now. He has had this idea for quite some time and highlight it specifically in his State of the Union speech a few weeks ago. Obama believes that this plan is necessary for the new and developing global marketplace. In order for our economy to thrive he believes our telecommunications need to be improved greatly, yet he has many opponents in this idea. Even the GOP disagrees with this potential proposal, for they say it won't create more jobs and it is unnecessary spending. Yet, Obama believes that increasing wireless connection is the key to creating new innovations, new investments, and more jobs for the people. And according to the White House, the 2009 stimulus package included $7 billion for the adoption of greater broadband access for America.

Who: President Obama and his administration.
What: His proposal for broadband expansion throughout America.
When: He outlined plans for a broadband expansions proposal this Thursday.
Where: This will effect all people in America.
Why: He wants to rebuild our economy by expanding wireless connection, and making us more competitive next to other countries, such as South Korea.

This article is journalism. Not only did it lack a overly prominent bias, but it was extremely informative and helpful for readers. It is important that we recognize what is going on in our country and the plans our President has for us. So the author did their job in reporting facts, to better help people govern themselves.

CBT - Salvation - Social Studies
This CBT states that God has partnered with people, in order to further His kingdom on Earth. He works through others in order to bring about salvation and redemption, which can only be found through our Lord, Jesus Christ. This article displays Obama's need to expand broadband in order to get all Americans connected and make our economy stronger. While, he may want this proposal to be passed so we become a more up-to-date nation, God can use to bring together His people closer and bring more to salvation.

Advice for Palin & Gingrich

 
The following response is based upon this article by Ed Rollins, CNN. 


The main point of this article was for the author to express his opinions on what he feels Sarah Palin, and Newt Gingrich should do to better their public appearance. So, the who of this article would be exactly those two Republican politicians, Palin and Gingrich. The what of this article is the author's opinion or view on how these two politicians act in public speaking situations and what they could do to improve their images. This subject doesn't necessarily have a specific location, so the where cannot be defined or found. Since this was written on January 19, 2011, that date would be the when of this article. The 'why' of this article can be explained as a response to a recent interview that Palin appeared in on Fox's Sean Hannity show, where she claimed she was not going to "shut up" anytime soon. In the beginning of this article the author begins by bashing on Palin and her inability speak intelligently, or represent Republicans in a positive light. Then towards the end of the article, the author brings up Newt Gingrich, a fellow Republican, who seems to be in the same position as Palin and therefore offered some advice for her. They both could be potential presidential nominees, although unlikely, it is a possibility, and the author acknowledges that they both need to do a better job at represented themselves. The piece of advice that Gingrich offers Palin is that she needs to, "be more careful and think through what she's saying and how she's saying it". 

I believe from observation that this article was not journalism. It merely was based upon opinion, even though there were supporting quotes from both Palin and Gingrich. The author's main point was to provide criticism about these two politicians, therefore I do not think it provided information for people to become more self-governing.


CBT - Language Arts - Growth 
This CBT relates best to this article, because as it states, "courage is fallen man's response God's imprinted truth", aligns with the issue the author wrote about. Earlier in the article he writes how Palin boldly proclaimed she would not "sit down or shut up", which is bold courage, but could be considered a false sense of courage.