FBI wants social networks to search user's data.

The FBI has recently proposed an idea to have social networks automatically send "scraps" of users data to them. This is opposed by Christopher Maag, who believes, with many others that it is a violation of user's privacy. The goal of this is to look for "possible emerging threats to national security". After further investigation, it was also found that the department of homeland security is already doing something similar to this. Then, the electronic privacy information center filed a lawsuit. This is backed by many members of congress and the U.S public. This is extremely prevalent in today's society because as technology advances, simple freedoms such as the freedom of speech are being regulated and reduced.
http://www.opposingviews.com/i/technology/gadgets/fbi-wants-companies-spy-users-facebook-and-twitter

Paying for Stem cells. A bad Idea

This article argues that despite the ease at which stem cells are made and regenerated, they are not worth the money in the long run. Stem cells are patient specific meaning that "there might be one or two donors that are a good match for stem cells." Also, the article argues that by allowing stem cells in america, it would be considered a rogue nation because stem cell registries abroad would cut off access for american patients. The stem cell registry already has nine million donors, but thats not the problem. The problem is finding funding for genetic research, which is limited. The ability to save life is a great cause for stem cells, but the reality is the money is better spent elsewhere. This is extremely important in today's day and age because stem cells are a budding technology and are the topic of many heated debates.

http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/opinionla/la-ed-bonemarrow-20120205,0,3594255.story

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

The arab awakening and Israel

Tom Friedman analyzed the ongoing threats in Israel as a result of the Arab Awakening. Israel is "alienated from turkey" and even Iran, its enemy, is thought to have a nuclear bomb. The lack of Institutions in Israel as a result of a disorderly government weakens Israel and as a result they are open to any attack from outsiders. There is a constant fear in Israel of "islamists taking power". Friedman believes that "Israel's best defense is to strengthen Fayyadism". He believes that in doing so it will result in better relations with the Arab world. He communicates his position through a fact based analysis and by explaining that in adopting Fayyadism, Israel would achieve peace.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/30/opinion/israel-and-the-arab-awakening.html?ref=thomaslfriedman

November 26 Post

Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/27/opinion/sunday/Friedman-in-the-arab-world-its-the-past-vs-the-future.html


Thomas Friedman updates his column weekly over the issue of the Arab spring. Recently, the Syrian and Egyptian youths have tried to overthrow their government and Friedman is "awed by [their]  bravery"; however, he feels that "But I am deeply worried that the longer the fighting continues in Syria and Egypt, the less chance that any stable, democratizing order will emerge anytime soon and the more likely that Syria could disintegrate into civil war." He also feels that a peaceful democratic transition is necessary immediately. Friedman is in support of the Arab spring but with some precautions. He supports the Arab spring as long as it does not result in a military dictatorship, but rather a Democracy which is a result of peaceful negotiations. 

Synthesis of Stem Cell Opinions

Personally, I believe that stem cell research, whether the stem cells come from the Embryo or other sources,   are completely moral. Unlike the catholic church and conservatives who are "against embryonic stem-cell research, and against cloning to create embryos for use in stem-cell research", I believe that the benefits far out way the small negatives. The anti stem cell activists only evidence to back their position up is that stem cell research is immoral and hurts embryos. But the fact of the matter is that the only embryos being used are embryos that would have been aborted and the stem cells can come from other locations in the adult body. The greatest benefit to stem cells is that "Stem cells are cells that can become any of the two hundred and twenty different cell types present in the human body", and many scientists support this view. It is clear that the benefits of stem cell research carry a greater value than the few negatives. 

The Middle Ground

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/opinion/2002256638_lopez29.html


From the view of the Vatican, President Bush and the writer, they are  "against embryonic stem-cell research, and against cloning to create embryos for use in stem-cell research (or any research). But [they're] not against stem-cell research", meaning that there is in fact a middle ground. According to the editorial, it is immoral and cruel to take stem cells from an embryo for scientific research; however, that is not the case when they are adult stem cells. They are not the "pie in the sky" hope but are currently viable and many cases have been cured as a result. According to the editorial they satisfy all viewpoints and are moral and beneficial. 

Pro + Anti Stem Cell research in judge's ruling

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2050467/Euro-judges-outlaw-life-saving-embryo-stem-cell-research-immoral.html

Recently, European judges have outlawed stem cell research on the basis that it is immoral. From their standpoint it is costly to research and often results in no breakthroughs and is a waste of money. They say it is immoral to take cells from an undeveloped fetus. On the flip side, the opposers of this ruling support stem cell research due to its untapped potential. There are methods which take stem cells from adult organs without harming them. It also has the potential to save millions of lives by curing diseases.Stem cells can also be used to screen new drugs.

Anti Stem Cell Research

http://www.catholicplanet.com/articles/article95.htm

From the Catholic side, embryonic stem cells are immoral. The womb is a prenatal human being, meaning that by aborting the womb for stem cell research, one is killing a human being. Even if it is impossible for the embryo to develop into a human being due to health complications, the Catholic Church teaches that it is aways immoral to kill a human being no matter what the circumstances. Even a technique in which the embryo divides is immoral because it is a form of human cloning which is gravely immoral.

Pro Stem Cell research

http://articles.mibba.com/Health/2982/Pro-Stem-Cell-Research

Stem cells can be used to cure and treat many extreme diseases that were previously thought untreatable such as leukemia and Parkinson's. There are also multiple ways to harvest stem cells without harming the embryo such as embryo cloning and harvesting living stem cells from dead embryos. The most important application is the generation of cells and tissues to help with muscle therapy. The pros far out way the cons of stem cells.

Pakistani Floods Affect 5.4 Million

http://lightbox.time.com/2011/09/23/the-best-pictures-of-the-week-september-16-september-23/#1

The Picture depicts a displaced Pakistani child and her mother who have taken refuge in a college campus after their home had been flooded. The effect of the mother looking away creates a mood of uncertainty as if she is looking to see where she will live now. The Child looking into the camera gives the viewer a sense of pity for the helplessness of those affected. They are placed at the edge of the flood waters to parallel the large scale affects of the flood to their small scale existence and how it has affected millions. The darkened shading to the right of the women carrying her child in contrast to the light shining on the flood waters draws the viewers attention to the problem of the encompassing flood waters and the new terrain that the locals must face.

Editorial: Lockerbie Justice eludes us again

http://www.poughkeepsiejournal.com/article/20110918/OPINION01/109180358/Editorial-Lockerbie-justice-eludes-us-again?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7CPoughkeepsieJournal.com%7Cs

This editorial is saying that the United States should help rebels overthrow Gadhafi. Instead of aiding the establishment of peace, the editorial suggests capturing Gadhafi first. It also pushes for Barack Obama to issue military action to capture Gadhafi as well as aid civilians. Similarly, it pushes for the execution of Megrahi, someone recently released who was tied to the Lockerbie plane bombing.

"Lockerbie justice eludes us again." Editorial. Poughkeepsi Journal 17 September 2011.
     <http://www.poughkeepsiejournal.com/comments/article/20110918/OPINION01/109180358/Editorial-Lockerbie-justice-eludes-us-again>

Gaddafi's son flees Libya to Niger as rebels close in on regime's last bastions

Article Link: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/sep/11/rebels-gaddafi-last-strongholds

This article focuses on the ongoing events in Libya pertaining to Gadaffi and his family. Recently, Gaddafi's son, Saadi Gaddafi, crossed the border to Niger to flee the rebels which are getting closer and closer to his home. The rebels have recently encountered some resistance, though with the help NATO they have been able to overcome most of their enemies. Recently, the rebels have surprised enemy forces by launching an attack at Gaddafi's birthplace of Sirte. This and many other attacks have recently taken place as the rebels slowly but surely increase their control over Libya.