Favorite Literature

In this semester, we read many different examples of literature. There were a couple of stories or speeches that caught my eye, but my favorite one was Patrick Henry's speech "Speech in the Virginia Convention". This was my favorite piece of literature we studied because it showed the true American spirit of independence. He was in a room filled with people doubting still if they need to fight or not for their independence, and through his speech, he motivated many people in the room to fight alongside him against the tyranny which rules the colonies. The amount of pathos he used in his speech inspired me because it was not pathos in importunate matters which can only be applied to certain people. The pathos was used for the subject of independence, and fighting for it. Showing his love for his country, the love of his people, and the love for justice really caught my attention, and I really felt what he was saying. Being Armenian, I know how it is to be under a tyrant and in horrible situations, and I completely understand the justification behind his cause. The piece of literature is truly an inspirational speech which really got me to further understand the American spirit.

Egypt Boiling Again

On November 30, 2012, Jeffery Fleishman and Reem Abdelatiff of The Los Angeles Times wrote an article called "Egypt Protests Intensify After Passage of Draft Constitution". It discusses what President Morsi of Egypt has done. He has passed a constitution which gives his office majority of the power. The Muslim Brotherhood is also a part of this power given people, and because of that citizens of Egypt have begun protests. The country recently kicked out Mubarak, the old President of Egypt, because of his autocratic policies. Some Egyptian citizens believe President Morsi is the same type of leader. They have rallied together to begin protests, being led by people like Mohamed ElBaradei, a nobel peace prize laureate. It is interesting to see that the people of Egypt are divided in this protest though. There is a part of Egypt that follows the Muslim Brotherhood and President Morsi, and have been called to a rally today to see if that base is still prominent in Egypt. If not, President Morsi has a big problem, but if they show up, it is going to be another new type of conflict in the Middle East.
 

An Amazing Memory

When I was eleven years old, me and my dad went hunting at Hammerhorn Mountain, California. It was a B5 Hunting zone, so we were not expecting any type of dangerous company from animals; only deer or buck. We arrived and set up camp around the edge of the forest, and had planned that next morning we would go out walking to begin the hunt. When morning arrived, my dad gave me the rifle I was assigned for the trip to put on my back. I put the strap over my back and started to follow my dad. We walked for couple hours, and there were no sign of deer. The trees were tall, the air cold, and every step we took seemed to be the only lively noise there was in the forest. Yes, we heard the birds chirping in the distance and the ordinary forest sounds, but it was weird hearing our own footsteps constantly. Eventually, there was a type of bypass that divided the road into two, one going up towards a very tall tree with bunch of bushes around it, and the other going down toward a side of a hill. Couple of minutes before we reached this point, I asked my dad to hold the rifle for me, because I was getting tired (remember I was only eleven years old, now I can walk for days). As we reached the bypass, I accidentally took the wrong path, and headed down the path toward the bottom of the hill, and I did not notice that my dad went up toward the big tree. I kept walking until I started to hear noises in the distance. In my surprise, there were three wolves about twenty feet away from me. They had noticed me, and I did not know if they wanted to harm me or not. But I got my answer soon enough. They started to get closer, and I started to get scared. I did not dare run because then my chances of survival were very minimum. In all of that suspense, I heard a rifle fire from top of me, hitting one of the wolves necks causing it to have the head dangle on the neck. The shooter of the rifle was my dad. The other two wolves ran off, and my dad rejoined me. All he told me was "Never leave your rifle with me, always have it on you". I love this event in my life because after all of this happened, my dad knew all along where I had went, and had kept track of me from the big tree. I felt protection at its finest from my dad that day, and now I always know my dad has my back in anything, as I have his back for anything. It also taught me a lesson for hunting that one should always be aware of their surroundings and must always have necessities for hunting on them at all times; one of those necessities being a rifle or firearm. After this hunting trip, I started going much more often, and started to grow into the hunter I have become today.

Is it Time to Separate From Afghanistan Now?

On November 7, 2012, David S. Cloud of the Los Angeles Times wrote the article called "As 'Insider Attacks' grow, So Does U.S-Afghanistan Divide". He discusses the attacks and the tensions between recent Afghani attacks on United States troops. The story he has written in his article sound somewhat from a movie, but unfortunately, these do not have happy endings, and they are completely true. The first attack that took place at a military base which housed Afghanistan Colonel, Rhamatullah Atrafi, was suicide bombed. Army Specialist Steve Beaty was on watch with his M4 rifle. A man approached the camp, looking very suspicious. Spec. Beaty raised his rifle, and at that moment the man blew himself up.  Over four American soldiers killed, seven injured, and dozens of Afghani soldiers injured. An attack much more severe as this one, recently given out to the public, happened on June 19 of this year. A pickup truck filled with four men and the driver drove into a camp claiming they were new recruits. The driver dropped off the four men, and quickly left the camp. These four men went off to two groups, each group containing two men, and started to attack the camp with AK-47 rifles and grenades. They started to shoot up the camp, attacking tents filled with American troops sleeping. As they progressed through the camp, Sgt. P.J. Dunleavy had woken up early and heard all the gunshots. He came face to face to one of the assailants and stood there until the man raised his rifle, and pressed the trigger. The gun was jammed, and the sergeant ran for his life. He heard rounds being fired behind him, but fortunately he did not get hit. Eventually, a shooter on top of a tower took out three of the enemies, and the last one was killed by an army cook, which had been injured by a grenade. All of this sounds like it came straight from a video game, but sadly its reality. Intense fighting and tensions have been growing in Afghanistan for the past couple of months, and we are just witnessing the actions taking place because of these tensions. We are starting to realize that we are not wanted in Afghanistan, and the withdraw of troops in 2014 might as well be an escape of insanity. In my opinion, if fighting such as this continues to a point that majority of Afghanistan is against our troops, we should stay in countries surrounding Afghanistan, such as Pakistan, to ensure that a country does not begin to work with terrorist groups to attack the common enemy, being the United States.

Moral Values

The past three days felt like a breeze. Realizing that the three moral values I have chosen were already morals in my life which I had been following. The three aspects I had chosen were industry, sincerity, and resolution. Gladly, I passed all three of these moral values, because I was constantly thinking about them, and also they were aspects in my life that I always wanted, or had to have.
The aspect of Industry was successful the past three days because I was able to get stuff done in a close timed manner, and was able to lose no time between work. Yesterday was my brother's birthday, and there was a lot of work to be done; to help my mom, clean the house, prepare the barbecue, prepare the tables, ect. I love environments like this because I can test my aspect of industry best here. We prepared everything in a matter of three hours, and had more time to celebrate with our cousins and family. I felt that the past three days, industry was successful.
The aspect of Sincerity was successful the past three days except for one event. While driving, a man driving a Toyota Camry cut me off on the freeway and I exploded with anger because we were about to crash. I started thinking of all the stuff I can do to this man because I was driving a Ford Expedition, and he was driving a small Camry. But eventually I started thinking to myself that this is wrong, and I have failed in the matter of Sincerity, so I stopped the thoughts and calmed down. Other than that event, I passed Sincerity the past three days.
 The aspect of resolution was very easy for me because I always like finishing what I started, or finishing what I want. The past three days have been a time of work, because I had a Model UN paper due on Friday, I have a Mock Trial meet on Monday, and have some homework due on Monday. I ought to finish my extra curricular work on Friday, which I did, and leave my homework to Sunday (because I had my brother's birthday on Saturday) and now I am working on my homework.

Western Hatred by Our "Allies"

On October 25, Ned Parker of the Los Angeles Times wrote the article called "Two U.S Soldiers Slain by Gunman in Afghan Uniform". Here, the article discusses two more deaths caused by an Afghan police member. The United States has planned by 2014, to train and leave Afghanistan to handle its own problems, and to start to develop its own type of homeland defense. Unfortunately, killings such as these complicate the problem. The tension from the people of Afghanistan is rising, and people, such as this police man, are taking initiative themselves to kill our men personally. This is a whole new different scenario because before we were versing certain terrorist groups, and the people of Afghanistan were helping us out, but now we see a shift of character in the citizens of Afghanistan. Recently, men have been getting close with out soldiers and getting training by them, but then turning on them when they wont realize it and successively escaping. The United States claims that it is doing investigations for these problems, but to what point are they going to find these murderers? Instead, the United States should start either stop all training programs of Afghan soldiers or begin conflicts with these men. We are ready to leave in 2014, but how are we going to leave Afghanistan behind us?

Poor Chillingworth

The book finally finished. We find out that Dimsdale dies through self grief and Chillingworth cannot get his revenge. Through all of this, I feel most sorry for Chillingworth because through all his years efforts, at the last scene of the book he is not able to kill Dimsdale once and for all and get his revenge. I also feel sorry for him because Dimsdale was a reverend that went against his oath to God and have a child with a woman. As a religious figure, he must set an example to all other people in the town. Chillingworth, in my eyes, would have done the town a favor if he took the life of an adulterer, a lier, and a person who separated from his promise with God. Yes, Dimsdale is a human too, but in my eyes a lier and someone who cannot keep his promise is not worthy of living an honest life, and therefore Chillingworth should have killed him. I feel sorry for Chillingworth more than Dimsdale, but in reality I do not feel sorry for both of them because both of them got mingled in awful affairs, which led to both of their deaths. None of them deserved to die, but at the end I have an ounce more sympathy for Chillingworth.

Syria Escalates into an International Problem

On October 12, 2012, the Los Angeles Times wrote the article called "Syrian rebels seize government missile base". This article discusses a recent attack by Syrian rebels toward a governmental missile base. The rebels took control over the missile base, which contained different types of weapons, such as anti aircraft firearms, surface-to-air missiles, and rocket propelled grenades. The government responded quickly after through an airstrike, destroying the missiles in the base. Because of the reaction time of the attack, many countries fear that governmental chemical weapons are starting to be threatened and the government is responding with quick attacks to destroy them. The United States, being one of the countries fearing this, fears that if these missile bases contain chemical weapons and are taken over, they can land into the wrong hands, such as al 'Quada. An al 'Quada militant group named Al Nusra Front, was part of the attack on the missile base. They claimed that they took most of the weapons and equipment from the missile base, and are ready to keep fighting Assad until their front is back into power in Syria. This statement fears the United States and their ally Jordan, because they have become a huge threat to both countries. As the threat of the terrorist group gaining power grows again, the threat of an international war based in Syria also rises. Russia, being Syria's greatest ally, sent a transport plane filled with radio and communication equipment to Syria. Turkey intercepted this transport plane, claiming it carried ammunition and firearms. Turkey also sent tons of equipment to military bases bordering Syria. The problem in Syria is escalating from a revolution to a complete regional conflict.

Important Quote

In the novel The Scarlet Letter, it is based on a period of time that is ruled by Puritan beliefs. Because these beliefs were so narrow minded and sometimes impractical, they led to misjudgment of people. In the book there is a quote that shows this narrow minded idealism. "Pearl," said he, with great solemnity,"thou must take heed to instruction, that so, in due season, thou mayest wear in thy bosom the pearl of great price. Canst thou tell me, my child, who made thee?". This quote is said on page 76, when the minister, Chillingworth, and Reverend Dimmsdale were interrogating Hester and Pearl to see if they should keep Pearl or let Hester keep her. The minister says this quote. He is asking a three year old child, who already has many problems on her hands, who created her. They are expecting an answer to be God or some form of religious answer, but Pearl has not had contact with church and has been neglected by everyone who is involved with church. This is very unfair for Pearl because if she answers incorrectly, then she is going to be taken away from her mother. This is a significant part of the story because it shows how the Puritans thought,  and how they treated people, even the young, immature children.

Who is the Adulterer's Partner?

So far in the book The Scarlet Letter, Hester's partner has not been revealed. There have been hints and clues that I have seen, and hoping to actually be clues. From what I have seen from the book, I think it is Reverend Dimsdale because this book is talking about Puritan beliefs and how important religion is, and a twist of having the Reverend being the partner will make the book great. Also, I feel it is him because he was the one that interviewed Hester and was not too demanding to see who the partner was of the baby, which in my opinion hints out that it is him and he does not want to pressure Hester of saying it. I think by the end of the book, Roger will find out that the Reverend is the partner and either murder him, make him lose his position as reverend, or demand that he is thrown into the prison that the town had made. I would prefer the murder because that will make the book much more dramatic and interesting.

Who Sent the Drone?

On October 6, 2012, the Associated Press of the Los Angeles Times wrote the article called "Fighter jets shoot down drone over Israel". The article discusses the shooting down of a drone that was sent into Israel. The UAV drone was sent as a recon drone to spy over Israel. The drone flew in Israel borders for twenty minutes. A drone has not penetrated Israel since 2006, and this is worrying Israel. The owner of the drone has not been found yet, but there has been speculations that it was the Lebanese terrorist group Hezbollah. Israel is worried that after this drone others can be sent to cause harm, and they are ready to retaliate if anything comes through the borders. The air force responded in twenty minutes, which is an average time of retaliating to a threat that comes through the border from air. If the owner of the drone is found to be Hezbollah, I have a feeling that Lebanon is going to go into turmoil if the problem escalates because in 2006, a similar incident had happened. The middle east is is enough turmoil, I am hoping nothing else comes up.  

Casualties Rise in Afghanistan

On September 24, 2012, David Zuccihno of the Los Angeles Times wrote the article called "Drone strikes in Pakistan have killed many civilians, study says". He is reporting casualties that have begun to rise because of United States drone strikes on tribal villages around Pakistan. The number of civilian casualties have risen to 130 in the past two weeks, and it continues to rise. Now why would the United States begin to attack tribal locations? Terrorist groups have been using these tribes as hideouts and have been working with them. Unfortunately, with little hesitation the United States are attacking these tribes. As the number of casualties rise, the anger of the Islamic population in Pakistan and Afghanistan rises also. They have started to burn United States flags in public, and have protested for the past two months. Many professors and people that are expert around the Middle Eastern region say this is a start of something new. For once, the people and terrorist groups have problems against one nation, and that nation is the United States. This is a huge problem for both human rights and the United States because the US are starting to attack innocent citizens, and now the civilian population are against them. The situation is getting much worse, and people are beginning to realize that America's time in Afghanistan and Pakistan is coming to an end. Of course, America will not back down from a fight ever, and this can potentially cause a huge conflict in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Leaving Afghanistan in 2014? I Don't Think So.

On September 18, Laura King from the Los Angeles Times wrote the article called "NATO halts routine joint patrols with Afghan forces". After the release of the anti-islam film last week, the Middle East has erupted. Because of his, many Afghan trainees have turned on their super-ordinates and killed them. Violence has rose, and due to this fact NATO has decided to halt patrols with Afghan troops unless they are approved by the Generals from both armies. NATO's plan was by the time 2014 comes along, they will be able to leave the country trusting the trained Afghan troops to keep the peace. The problem is that this objective is very unlikely to happen. The importance of this is that we must hope violence stops between allied troops because if we are planning to leave Afghanistan in 2014, then we have to keep some sort of defense to keep peace and to make sure to have a stable country on America's side in the Middle East. We have very little time left for our goal, but so much to do. But in my opinion, this can be done because if we are able to stop the violence caused by the anti-Islam film, then the rest will be easy to bring the country back to peace. Establishing a safety force after we leave is very crucial because we do not want the Taliban to rise again after we leave the country.

"Give Me Liberty, or Give Me Death!"

In the 1770s, during the revolution, Patrick Henry gave his speech at the Virginia Convention discussing why the colonists must revolt against the British nation. He is speaking towards the president of the convention, to delegates, and to the rest of the people listening to his speech. He wants the colonists to fight and join their friends which have already begun the fighting. To do that, he uses persuasion and attempts to inspire the colonists with his words. To persuade and to inspire the audience, he tries to assure the audience that he is willing to go fight right after he finishes the speech, and is ready to fight aside any other colonist which pleases to fight with him. In my opinion, that is a great way to get a bandwagon going of people to follow him because to move the masses of people, one must have a leader. He says during his speech "Their clanging may be heard on the plains of Boston! The war is inevitable-and let it come! I repeat, sir, let it come!". This statement shows that he is ready for war, and he is trying to inspire the audience that is listening to him to also be ready for the inevitable; which in this case is war.  He uses a diplomatic, demanding and enthusiastic tone to appeal to the audience, which helps his purpose. The subject of the speech is freedom and independence, which he demands.

The Middle East Erupts

On September 14, 2012, Ned Parker and Reem Abdellatif from the Los Angeles Times wrote an article called "Anti-American Unrest Spreads in Muslim World'. He discusses about all the violence and protests that are occurring in the Middle East because of a video that spread the internet portraying Muhammad as a womanizer and a child molester. Protesters in Tunisia, Egypt, Tripoli, and many other Middle Eastern countries began to protest and invade United States embassies all around the Middle East. Governments of each country clashed with these protesters with police. Protesters also attacked American brand fast food restaurants such as Hardee's and KFC. So far the death toll for protesters is 5, but the United States lost four diplomats: one being an ambassador. President Obama and Hilary Clinton honored these diplomats during a conference. President Obama stated that "The United States will never retreat from the world" during the conference. These protests have become a huge problem. The United States have sent Marines to improve security all over the embassies throughout the Middle East. But violence still continues, and protesters demand forgiveness directly from the United States' government. All of these protests are a huge problem and they are highly important for people to know about them and for the United States government to take action for the protection of our diplomats around the world. Even though what the protesters have done has violated the laws, in my opinion I believe that the message must have been sent to the United States government to punish the person who created that insulting video. I hope the United States make smart decisions because the Middle East is frowning upon them as we speak.

New Terrorists to this Waring World

On September 7, 2012, Ken Dilanian of the Los Angeles Times wrote the article called "U.S Designates Haqqani network a terrorist organization". The network of rich Pakistani Pashtuns, called the Haqqani, have been designated terrorists by the United States. They have been a problem to the United States' forces, killing 1200 soldiers and capturing one sergeant. They have become such a powerful force in the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan because of drug trade, real estate, construction, and autos. The US hopes that by designating them as a terrorist group, foreign trade will stop to the Haqqanis, and they can slowly start to weaken out economically. Unfortunately, the Haqqanis are allies with the Taliban, and are sympathetic to Al Quada plans on attacking US troops, diplomats, and soil. Having another terrorist group in this region is a big problem because now there is a fresh group of militants that are ready to fight US troops with proper funding. The Haqqanis are the descendants of the Mujahedin fighters during the Soviet/Afghanistan war, and they are using the same principles of back then today; to drive out any foreign invaders. The Haqqani family have a long line of succession, just recently gaining leadership from the son of the original Haqqani. Even though they have been designated terrorists, the US is trying to diplomatically find a solution to this problem, but have recently been in vain. It is very important that we get the Middle East calm again, and if it means deploying out of there, or catching the last of the terrorists in the region, then that is what we must do.

Mmmmmm...... Cookies and Cream......

Ice Cream. One of the greatest forms of dessert ever to be created on this world. Any time of the year ice cream is eaten and enjoyed from the consumer. But if there was one ice cream that crowns over all other ice creams, it will be Cookies and Cream. It is the combination of America's two favorite things; cookies, and cream. The chunky bits of Oreo cookies in the cream frozen down to a perfect temperature just makes it irresistible to anyone who puts their eyes on it. This ice cream is the best in the world, or the most amazing ice cream created. The first day I tried Cookies and Cream was one of the greatest days of my life. I was a little kid, trying to decide which ice cream to get from the huge menu, but my mom finally decided that she will get one for me, and I will for sure be happy with it. I became angry and started asking for something else, but once my mom brought me that wonderful bowl of Cookies and Cream.... I had been transported to another world of ice cream. Since that day, I have to get Cookies and Cream anywhere and everywhere I go. It is the only ice cream which makes every taste bud in one's mouth happy, and it is the only one that is enjoyed more than any other ice cream in the world. The creaminess, and the chunkiness, and the taste of this ice cream does not compare to anything on this planet.  

Afghanistan Brewing Up

On September One, two LA Times journalists, Laura King and Hashmat Baktash, wrote the article called "Bombs in Volatile District kill 12 Afghans, injure US troops". In the article they discuss what happened, how it happened, and the result of the bombings. On Saturday, which is the day the article was written, two suicide bombers bombed the Sayedabad District of Wardak province, killing eight civilians and four police officers, and also injuring several NATO troops which were identified as American. The first bomber was on foot, which caused not as much damage as the second one, which was a car bomb. Now why is this so important to discuss? It is important because the United States are trying to gain control over Afghanistan with their military, but so far they are having trouble controlling small attacks such as this one. Eventually, if these small attacks keep going, the Al 'Quada stationed in Afghanistan can start getting their edge back, and that is when real problems will occur. People think that the Afghanistan war has slowed down or is close to finish, but we are far from finishing, but fortunately we are on the right path. As I said in the other blog post, we must have a powerful police force taking control and holding all liberated areas so car bombings such as these become nearly impossible. Unfortunately, the police forces we have set up in liberated areas are having much trouble controlling those sectors. The United States should expect more car bombings or suicide bombings from Al 'Quada because that has been their traditional way of attacking and killing foreign invaders.

"The Declaration Of Independence" Soapst Discussion

As every American citizen knows, the Declaration Of Independence was the first document which gave our nation freedom. One of the best pieces of literature ever written, the Declaration of Independence discusses why the colonists needed independence, all the mistakes King George III made, and the rights that all human beings need to have. It was presented to the Second Continental Congress on July 4,1776, which until today we celebrate as the Fourth of July, or our Independence day. Thomas Jefferson being the main author of the piece, wrote it in such a way that it seems as if the colonists have all come together to write this one piece of literature which demands their independence and their inalienable rights. Example of one of the inalienable rights are "Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness". Also, it was written in a way to give reason to all the colonists to fight for the Revolutionary cause, and to separate from England. The different tones used in this document appeal to the whole audience, which are King George III and the American Colonists. The demanding tone used in the beginning of the piece is for King George, the inspiring tone is for the colonists, and at the end, a conclusive tone is used to finish the piece. An example for the inspiring tone for the colonists is " We therefore the Representatives of the United States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the SUpreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of RIght ought to be Free and Independent States". In entirety, the subject of Independence is discussed, and used as a driving force for the colonists to fight.

Syrian Conflict: Getting Better, or Worse?

On August 25, 2012, the Los Angeles Times staff wrote a article called "In Syria, Islamic militants may complicate uprising". It discusses the conflict occurring in Syria, and talks about what type of outside aid is coming in for the rebels. The Syrian conflict began about six months ago, and from then on it has escalated to an uncontrollable state. The Rebel groups have grown and have become a serious problem for President Bashar Al Assad. A reason why the Rebel groups have become such a problem is because first, they have aid coming from the majority of people of Syria, and second they have foreign fighters coming in and helping them out. Such of these fighters are Chechens, Libyans, and Tunisians. Also, there has been influence of the Al Quada terrorist group in Syria, which fears many NATO leaders. In May, a car bombing killed 55 people in Damascus, and when confronted with the news, the Rebel groups of Syria denied that they had done that attack. This was the first time Al Quada was accused for an event that happened in Syria. A powerful, yet diverse rebel group in Syria, called Al Nusra Front, has many of these different type of races fighting for them, but still assure to the public that majority of their men are Syrian freedom fighters. Now the problem in all of this is that if more and more people keep coming to the aid of Syria, what, or who is going to control the vacuum of power in these rebel groups, and who is going to lead these rebel groups? In recent weeks, Al Nusra Front members beheaded and threw the body into the street of a man that was accused of raping and killing his wife. Without trial, without evidence, he was killed in such a manner and was beheaded in the public so everybody will take example of his death. Eventually, the public found out that it was not  a Syrian rebel that accused him of this crime, it was one of the foreign rebels in the Front. This was a second event in which foreigners, which are helping the rebels, did what was according to their plan, and not according to the Syrian Freedom Fighters plan. Also, because of all these outside influences, extremist Muslims are starting to come back into the region of Syria, and forcing women to wear hijabs and men to fast during religious days. To me, fasting during a time of war that is this important from the eyes of the rebels is not the greatest idea. The article also discusses that during those fasting days, many of the Syrian rebels, which are fighting because of revenge for their loss of their families, go out and fight on their own to seek that revenge for themselves. In a sense, the Syrian Freedom Fighting group is turning in all out anarchy, everyman for themselves, as long as they are opposing Bashar Al Assad's regime. This is very important for any person who has family or a background in the Middle East because most of our family members came from Syria, Lebanon, Egypt ect.

"Graduation" Soapst Discussion

Maya Angelou wrote the essay "Graduation". The occasion in this essay is her graduation in Stamps, Arkansas, during the year of 1940. She is graduation the eight grade. She is an African American woman, which affects the story greatly. The story is about how during her graduation, she felt she was going to be free when she graduates, but when the graduation plan went wrong, she started to lose hope on herself and the black community. But when the valedictorian of the class rallied the class together to sing the African American anthem, she gained her hope back and she started to write what she wanted the reader to remember and know about the African American community. Her purpose is to inform and to inspire the reader. She is trying to inform people outside of the African American community to learn about the troubles that the African Americans went through, and also to learn about all the great people they had and have. But her purpose to inspire is to the African American audience, which she wants all of them to learn about their history and never to give up in anything to do. She wants them to keep rising and show the true colors of the African American community to the world. The subject of this story is her graduation experience, and the whole story is revolving around her pre-graduation experience, her feelings during the graduation, and her message to the audience in the last paragraphs. In my opinion, the last paragraphs are the most important from the whole story because this is where her purpose shines and this is where she proves to the world that even an African American can write as well as she wrote.

Afghanistan Police Force

In the Los Angeles Times, David S. Cloud is discussing the plans Obama has for reinforcing Afghanistan's police force in the article called "U.S plans to beef up rural police forces in Afghanistan". During the armed conflicts in Iraq and AFghanistan, the united states have depended on heavily armed police forces to maintain control of areas in which were liberated by United States troops. The problem with having AFghan police controlling these liberated regions is that they can go against the US troops by joining the Taliban, or they are not going to be well armed. Marine General John Allen issued an order to increase the size of the police force from 16,000 to 30,000 officers, also arming them with AK-47s, and russian HMGs (Heavy Machine Guns). Now one problem has been solved which is arming the police. Now how do you control them from not going against their government or the United States? That is what the Pentagon is discussing at the moment, and they are forming together in making militas only for their own areas of control. Also another problem is putting all of this into system; it is  going to be very tough for both Afghan police officials and United States special forces. In recent years, tribe leaders of the liberated areas have lost the weapons and the men given to them to protect their villages, and in return the Taliban has gained from them .Now how can this affect us in the United States? If these villages and regions are not protected by the set police, the Taliban can gain control again, and the Afghanistan conflict can raise again forcing Obama to redeploy troops into the country. Obama has plans on removing all troops by 2014, and having the police lose all these liberated areas will become a huge road bump for this plan. If all things proceed according to plan, Afghanistan will be locked down and protected by trustworthy and well armed police officers.

My Favorite Book

My favorite book would most probably be The Usborne Introduction To The Second World War. This was the one of the only books that I have actually read on my own time, and it was by far the most interesting book I have ever read. It was very descriptive, describing each battle scene like I was watching a movie. I am very interested in war, especially World War 2, and this book was one of the main reasons why I began loving the history of war. This book explains all the technological advancements of each country, key battles and also battles that were important to the war, and descriptions on how each country's economy, war machine, and leadership worked. I understood the point of views of each country throughout the whole war, and I understood fully on how each one needed to work to win. It also explained post war agreements and treaties on dividing Germany, and it also explained the costs and benefits each country had to pay or gain. It also connects social, economical, and military efforts all together to present a massive effort to keep hope on our front lines, and to keep people working back home to support our troops. This book also sparked a huge interest in me for history, and after reading this book it became my best subject throughout school. Since childhood, I have always loved the army and throughout the years, reading books and studying online resources like this book, I have gained a HUGE interest in war, military strategy, and military history and technology. Basically, it was because of this book that my interests are like what they are today, and I am very happy that one of the books that I actually read on my own time had such a great impact on me.