Controversies Tech SOPA and PIPA

This editorial outlines the reasons for why major websites such as Wikipedia and Google went dark in protest of SOPA and PIPA. In reality, the bills, as outlined in the article, will be detrimental to our economy.The supporters of the bills are mainly the music business, but the cons far out way the pros. There are other ways to deal with piracy such as the Millennium Copy right act. The writer also believes that SOPA is infringing on a citizen's free speech and access to content. As a result, SOPA and PIPA are unanimously opposed. If these bills were to pass, it would change the internet as we know it, so it is important that they do not pass.

Synthesis of Thomas Friedman

All in all, Thomas Friedman looks at the Arab spring in Egypt with an open mind. His defining statement on Egypt is that there must be "ideological adjustments" before a stable and peaceful government can come to power. By weighing the pros and cons of the political parties and their beliefs, as well as the citizens and their votes, Friedman sees a long road ahead of Egypt and the Arab countries before true peace can be obtained. Not only does he use fact based analysis in order to support his cause, but he has successfully predicted the stalling of the Egyptian elections as well. As a result, he believes that before peace is obtained, there must be reform in the government and citizens mind sets.

Egypt, the beginning or the end?

This week, Thomas Friedman debated whether or not Egypt will finally enter peace with the elections rolling in. He believes that since the "muslim brotherhood and the even more fundamentalist Salafist Nour party" gathering more than 65 percent of the votes, that the violence is not yet over. Thomas Friedman lists a series of five questions debating whether or not the "secular parties" have learned from their mistakes and will be able to negotiate peace. In the end, he feels that this is only the beginning and that the state of Egypt  has a long way to go before true peace will be achieved. He believes that true peace will require some "idealogical adjustments" by the muslim parties.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/07/opinion/friedman-egypt-the-beginning-or-the-end.html?ref=thomaslfriedman