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.