Bloodshed in Iraq

On April 25, 2013, Ned Parker of the Los Angeles Times wrote an article called "Iraq Fighting Leaves at Least 41 More People Dead". The article discusses about an event that occurred on Thursday, when Iraqi security forces fought against Sunni Arabs. Thirty one of the casualties were from the Sunni Arabs, but the rest were security forces. There are two ways of looking at this. The good way to look at it is that Iraq has the capability now to protect itself and has a force that can do so. The bad part of this is that the forces are not well trained, causing casualties, and also there is a rise of conflict again between the people. To start of with the casualties, it is crucial that a force that has been newly developed has as least casualties as possible because it begins to make the morale of the men go down, and their effectiveness on the battlefield can lower also. Next, rising conflicts in Iraq can cause international danger again also. Because the United States settled the country down, but did not clear the country completely from the fighters, problems like such can occur. Yes, the United States trained the forces and supplied them as much as they can, but the fighters gave so much trouble against the United States, so we can just imagine how much trouble they will give to the Iraqi security forces. Hopefully, nothing big begins again in Iraq.

Suspicion of Chemical Weapons in Syria

On April 25, 2013, David Cloud of the Los Angeles Times wrote an article called "White House Suspects Syria Used Chemical Weapons, Seeks Inquiry". The article discusses how the White House has a suspicion that the Syrian government is using chemical weapons. This, of course, is against international law, and it can not be done. But, during the time of war, Syria has seen it necessary to use. The White House is searching for clues and answers to see if there was such a use of weapons in Syria, and if there was and they have well enough proof to prove it, then they will take action. The chemical mainly being seen in Syria is sarin. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel has made it obvious that he wants some steps to be taken for Syria. The United States is using what proof it has so far to push something to change in the United Nations. If the United States can get the United Nations to act, then it will be able to work much more easily and drive the actions down the road they want to go. If the United States intervenes into Syria, its the last of the Assad government as we know it. 

America Preparing for Intervention in Syra

On April 17, 2013, David Cloud of the Los Angeles Times wrote an article called "Step Toward Possible Military Intervention in Syria". The article discusses how America is taking steps which hints out a possible intervention into Syria. Syrian refugees have been fleeing to places such as Turkey and Jordan. America has decided to send troops and aid to both of these countries to support these citizens, and stop any violence from occurring if the Syrian conflict will spill over to those countries. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel announced that these measures are to ensure peace in the region and to help out these countries in any way possible. He also stated that if America would intervene into Syria, these forces will be the vanguard of the assault. Two hundred troops were deployed in Jordan, including a lot of aid. In my opinion, something may happen in the next couple of weeks, but anything is possible. If America does intervene into Syria, the main reason will be to stop the terrorist threat growing in Syria.

A Win for the Rights of All Americans

On April 17, 2013, Michael Memoli of the Los Angeles Times wrote an article called "Senate Rejects Gun Background Check Measure". The article discusses the news that the senate rejected the background check measure, also, rejecting bans on assault rifles and other types of weaponry. In general, I am very glad because at least the Senate has the sense of mind to reject some outrage of such, but also I am disappointed for only one part of the bill. That part of the bill is the background check part. This was the only sensible measure Liberals had offered, but the Senate declined. In my opinion, if liberals introduced different bills for each type of change they wanted, the background check measure would have passed, but they attached other absurd measures to it, such as banning assault rifles. The only change America needs in the gun debate is to add background checks and education before buying a firearm the first time, but 90% of America does not understand that, and therefore they keep demanding a ban. What people do not understand is that criminals will still get their hands on these weapons, even if the government bans them, but now they are lowering the chances of a civilian protecting him/herself from a criminal. It was a great victory for gun rights advocates, but there is still a huge hill to climb.

Stereotypes

The question "Discuss Adolf Hitler's reported statement, "who still tells nowadays of the extermination of the Armenians?" Does this statement have any validity?" is a very important question today. This statement has no validity today because the ten million Armenians living today proves the statement wrong. Turkey failed to wipe our nation out of this planet, and Hitler's statement is wrong. People all around the world remember the genocide, and are demanding Turkey to accept the genocide also. No matter what happens, the genocide will never be forgotten. The second question "Why do some people join groups such as the KKK?" discusses an issue which has been solved long time ago, but still exists today. People join these groups because the prejudice and hatred to a certain race has grown so much that they need to do something about it. These people have no sense of humanity left in them , and therefore conduct acts in these groups that are horrific. They feel superior over people, but in reality they are as weak as animals. Though groups such as the KKK have been banned, people still join covert groups, but cause no problems today because we have a functional police force and have laws protecting the rights of citizens.

CIA Gets Involved

On March 15, 2013, Ken Dilanian and Brian Bennet wrote an article in the Los Angeles Times called "CIA Begins Sizing Up Islamic Extremists in Syria for Drone Strikes". The article discusses how the CIA is getting involved in the turmoil in Syria. They have begun to do recon missions throughout the country to spot possible terrorists or extremists in the rebel group of Syria, to begin possible drone strikes on specified targets. This does not mean they are going against the rebellion in Syria, but they are stopping terrorists groups of getting involved in the freedom fighting in Syria. The CIA will be doing this job because they will be able to take out targets without having troops sent into Syria. Though there intentions are such, Obama has not issued any drone strikes in Syria yet. From what I see from this, the CIA will first give Obama the evidence on where to strike and if there is such terrorist groups in Syria, then Obama will make the decision. Also, I believe that America has to stay out of this because they stated before that  the Syrian conflict is for the Syrians, but yet again America has lied about their foreign policy.

Chuck Hagel's First Visit To Afghanistan

On March 9, 2013, Shashank Bengali of the Los Angeles Times wrote an article called "Afghan Suicide Attacks Mar U.S. Defense Secretary's Visit". The article discusses on the problems the United States is going to face in the future of Afghanistan, and how Chuck Hagel will respond. Unfortunately, the war in Afghanistan is not going to end when the United States pull out, but there is still ways of helping the Afghan government run. Coincidentally, while Chuck Hagel visited Afghanistan for the first time as Secretary of Defense, two bombs were exploded. Hagel was worried about the safety in the country from the start, and now the two bombs were a way to seal his opinion. Taliban officials said that the bombs were directed to him, to show him fear. With Hagel visiting Afghanistan, Obama is working out plans with President Karzai to assure that everything continues like the United States want it to continue, except without having the United States do most of the work. Obama wants Karzai to keep the law that terrorists do not need to be tried for any crime, and Karzai agreed with him. But in a speech on Wednesday, Karzai announced that he will release all prisoners, because they are the "innocent people" of the country of Afghanistan. As we know, pulling out of Afghanistan is going to be very troublesome, but it must be done.

Increased Amounts of Drone Use in Afghanistan

On February 21, 2013, Shashank Bengali of the Los Angeles Times wrote an article called "U.S Drone Strikes Up Sharply in Afghanistan". The article discusses how drone use is increasing in Afghanistan, due to many factors. As we know, a huge portion of the military stationed in Afghanistan is going to pull out by 2014, and preparations must be done to control any threats that may rise because of this withdrawal. A 72% increase of the usage of drone strikes has occurred in 2013, and it proves that the United States military will be using drones instead of soldiers to carry out many operations in Afghanistan. As there is controversy over the usage of drones, I agree with what the United States military is using. Yes, I would rather have an army stationed in the country to carry out military operations, but as we know, we have been in Afghanistan for too long. But we can not just leave and hope terrorist organizations do not rise again; that is why the usage of drones is very practical. As 66,000 troops withdraw out of Afghanistan, a drone fleet will be on constant patrol over the country doing attacks on designated areas. As the United States wants, the Afghanistan army is ready to designate targets for the drones, which is a good sign of alliance between both armed forces.

Party!! (Not What Your Expecting)

The day is Sunday, and all preparations are finished. The house is ready to go for the party. Everyone is here. There is about thirty five people at the party. As they enter the drive way, they see four security guards in front of the door, checking off the names of the people coming in. As they come in, there is one huge table that could seat maybe forty people, surrounded by chairs. There is music playing in the background, and if people recognize it they will realize it is Armenian music. There is a bar, where Blue Label, Hennessy, Buffalo Trace, Jack Daniels, and any type of beer is abundant, but if there is something else someone wants there will be some there. As they move around the house, they see a kitchen with with people running around to prepare all the food. Outside, the three grills are set making all the barbecue as possible. There is a pool, which the kids and young adults are playing in. There is a basketball court also, which one can see a game going on between ten people. As you continue through the house, there is a room guarded by a security guard. As you say the correct phrase, he lets you into a room with an Armenian flag on the wall, a case with bottles of whiskey, and a big desk. The person sitting on the chair behind the desk is me, waiting for the correct people to come into the room. As everyone is here, I press a button which opens a huge screen showing a map, a big shelve filled with firearms, and chairs come out of the floor. The map explains the next move on which this group of people will take, while I am thoroughly explaining what the objective of the map is. As I explain, the people in the room choose their firearms of choice, and one man who always fills the alcohol, starts filling shots in for everyone. As the explanation is over, and everyone is well-equipped, we swear an oath on a Bible and proceed out of the room. As we come out, we join the party, begin to eat, dance, and drink (at a moderated level, since everyone in that room knows what they have to do later on). By now, it is 11:30 P.M, and people begin to come inside and eat desert. There is cake, different types of Armenian deserts, and a bunch of liquors to go with everything. After desert is over, it is about 1:20 A.M, and people are starting to leave. As the last of the visitors leave, the only people left are the people from the room. It has been six hours since they took their shots in the room, and they have not drank anything since. As we proceed to the garage, everyone gets their field gear on, and begin to get into two Jeep Wranglers.After that, the rest of the night is confidential....
Prices include- 600 dollars on food, 3400 dollars on alcohol, 10,000 dollars on a stereo system with music, 15,000 dollars for five security guards, 15,000 dollars for eight M4-SPs, tactical equipment, and ammunition; 55,000 dollars for both Jeep Wranglers, 200 dollars for basketball rim, 800 dollars for furniture.

Afghanistan May be Calming Down

On February 14, 2013, Shashank Bengali of the Los Angeles Times wrote an article called "U.S Fatalities in Afghanistan Declining". This article discusses how finally United States troops are not doing the main fighting in Afghanistan. The Afghan people are now doing the fighting. For the past twenty five days, not one United States service member has died. This statistics all sound good, but analysts say that this may not necessarily mean the war is over. Even though US troops are planning to move out, there is still a huge terrorist threat in the region, and the burden is just being passed down to the Afghans. Analysts believe that if the situation starts to get bad again, then the Afghans are going to plead for United States help because they were the ones who trained them. In my opinion, having Afghans fight there own battles is a huge victory for both nations, but I have a feeling that if the situation starts to get a little harsh, many afghans wont be able to stand up for the job. Hopefully, they will be able to hold the front while America takes a rest for the first time in about twenty three years.

The 1920's

As we have read in the Great Gatsby, the 1920s were years of breaking the law, superficiality, and was filled with mysterious people. The greatest criminal from this time was Alphonse Gabriel Capone, or as we know him as Al Capone. He was a murderer, an alcohol dealer, and did many other things that people did not know of. During the years of the prohibition, Al Capone was able to supply the people with alcohol, and he became rich off of it. He brought alcohol from Canada mostly, or produced it himself. While supplying people with alcohol, he had to stay away from the police and not get caught. Therefore, he began murdering people who can potentially rat him out, or could personally kill him. Because of the corruption throughout the country, Al Capone charged with many counts of murder, but was never convicted because he would pay the judges off. He had created his empire in America, and his headquarters was in Chicago. After about ten years of ruling the gangsters around the country, the police found out that he had not payed his taxes. Immediately they arrested him, and finally he was charged for tax evasion. He was sentenced for eleven years in Alcatraz, where he developed a brain disease which crippled him. He eventually died in his mansion many years later from cardiac arrest. This man connects to the book because as we can see, there are many mysteries surrounding the "Great Gatsby". In the book, Gatsby calls Chicago during the party, in a very mysterious way, which made me think that he may be involved in the mafia's work. Also, having this much money and being able to afford a party of that caliber every weekend raises suspicion of how he can do such things. In my opinion, Gatsby does these parties to hide a greater evil in his life, which is haunting him and his friends.

"The Daily Show With Jon Stewart"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EoG14Uer2Pw

"The Daily Show with Jon Stewart" is a show I usually watch on my own time. The video above shows a little segment of the show from a 2012 show. There are three satirical targets in this video. First, it is the people who regulate the lunch of students across america. Second, it is Israel's United Nations representative who discusses Iran's nuclear policies. And third, it is Amare Stoudemire. For the first target, the satirical purpose is to change the policy of school lunches, because clearly they do not work. For the second target, the purpose is to force a recognition of common sense, because how the representative was discussing the bomb threat in Iran was ridiculous. For the third target, it was again a force of recognition of common sense, because if one trains to be an athlete and nothing else, he better make it into professional sports because he would have wasted his time. For the first target, diminution and exaggeration is used because he takes the issue of children throwing away their lunch and not having proper nutrition, and shows it in such a simple way that makes the listener realize that this is a big issue. For the second target, innuendo is used because he directly insults the representative because he uses a very dumb way to represent a bomb. And for the last target, he uses irony because he used to play basketball but now he ended up as a tv host. Jon Stewart wants us to know from the first target that we should complain about the food policies in our cafeterias because the policies the government is using is not working. For the second target, he is trying to show that either the threat in Iran is not a threat after all, or that the manner in which the world is discussing this issue is ridiculous. And at last, for the last target, he is trying to tell us that do not rely on sports to make a living.

What Happened to the F/A-18 Super Hornets?

On January 21, 2013, The Onion wrote an article called "Obama Begins Inauguration Festivities With Ceremonial Drone Flyover". The article discusses Obama's second inauguration. There was something odd about this one, though. Since the 1970s, presidential inaugurations began with three combat jets flying over head. 1999 was the beginning of the F/A-18 Super Hornet. But this year, instead of Super Hornets to fly over head, three drones flew over head. The president, oblivious of all the reports media gives about these drones, still went through with the plan to have those fly over head. The past three years have been a rough time for the drones, because they have been killing innocent civilians. They are great technological and warfare capable machines, but they receive bad attention from the media. This article presents this inauguration in a satirical way, and basically makes fun of the decision the Obama administration made. In my opinion, they should have kept the Super Hornets to fly over head, because that is our Air Force's pride and glory.

Iran Backing Syria

On Saturday, January 26, Patrick J. Mcdonnel of the Los Angeles Times wrote an article called "Iran Issues Threatening Warning Against Attack On Syria". The article discusses how Iran has declared that if any foreign attack occurs on Syria, they will take it as an attack on them. The United States, Netherlands, and Germany have deployed Patriot Missile batteries across the Turkish border, with about 400 troops reports say. These can be used to either intercept Syrian jets, or Syrian rockets. NATO claims that these Patriot Missile batteries are strictly for defense purposes, but Iran thinks otherwise. This is a huge problem because Russia has joined this discussion also, and is backing Syrian and Iranian gains. Like predicted before, the Syrian conflict is slowly turning into an international conflict, and through these small measures taken by the western world, the Middle East and Russia can erupt. In my opinion, the western world should just back off and let Syria solve its problem alone, but it is already to late for that. Foreign countries have mixed into many areas of this conflict, and pulling out now can be a huge deficit and waste of time for these countries.

Don't Tread On My Gun Rights

On January 19, 2013, Molly Hennessy from  the Los Angeles Times wrote an article called "Some Give Up Their Guns As Others Rally Against Tighter Laws". It discusses how in Dallas Texas, there are two distinct groups of people with the issue of guns. Some come to a local church and turn in their weapons to "get them off the street", others go to rallies to oppose the new gun laws. Many opinions were stated, but the majority of people oppose having gun laws. Not only in Dallas are people divided in this manor; every state has division like this. At the local church, people turn in their guns for money, and to keep the streets safer. People came to give their guns back, and they received their money back. But at the gun rallies, people were arguing that guns are what keeps the distance between you and a gangster, and that it provides safer environments all around the United States. My opinion in all of this: the people at the rallies are correct. Studies have shown that citizens who were armed and were attacked by a gunman had a kill rate of 2.8, but whenever they were not armed and the police showed up, the kill rate was 8.3. Also, states with license to carry permits have significantly lower assaults, robberies, shootings, and homicides then states who do not. All those people at the church went in to turn in their guns because of the money behind it, not because they agree with their ideas. This shows how people are blind to the facts, and just chase the money. Our country was raised with guns, gained its independence with guns, and until now had guns. No president, and no congress can take that away from us.

Into the Wild....

This weekend, I went to Angeles Crest Forest to go shooting. When I was there, I remembered I had an English blog due, so I asked my Dad to go out into the forest so we can walk around a little. When I went there, there was no one there, so I felt comfortable just walking around like I am lost and looking around at everything. It started off when I came to this tree that had a broken branch and it was drooping down. There were leaves on it, but mostly there were pine cones. I was looking at this branch until I realized the mere height of the tree. It was towering over the forest, and through my approximation I would say it was hundred feet tall. After this tree, I kept walking and I started to hear gunshots (the forest was near the shooting range), and at that moment I saw a squirrel run across the floor. I was surprised it was not running around on the branches, because the forest floor is a dangerous place for a little guy like that. After this, I reached an amazing view point of the mountains next to the forest, and stared at the majestic peaks for about ten minutes. Here, my mind was cleared and I felt no exhaustion, no stress, nothing. I felt a sense of comfort knowing that the forest and the mountains were embracing me at this moment. When I went home, I thought of everything, and realized that I like being in the nature, either hunting, fishing, camping, or even walking around at a local park or playing sports there, more than going to the local mall and walking around. No doubt I love the city life also, and appreciate everything it brings, but being in nature and doing one of those  activities are my favorite past time.

My Favorite Independent Reading Book (and My Least Favorite)

From all the books that I learned about through this independent reading assignment, the one that I will most likely read and was my favorite to listen to was "Crocodile Hunter: The Incredible Life and Adventures of Steve and Terri Irwin". It was the one I want to read because it describes the wild life very well, and shows all he adventures of Steve Irwin. Steve Irwin was one of my favorite TV shows growing up, and having a book written just by him talking about his experiences is very interesting. He also talks about the sense of family in the book, which I really respect because I think family is also very important in life. Even though he passed away, I want to learn about him and read this book.

The book that I did not want to read was "Me Talk Pretty One day". I do not want to read this book because it just did not spark any interest in me. The ideas and themes discussed in the book was not that interesting to me, and in a sense it was boring. The type of books I would like to read are adrenaline pumping books, and books about my favorite people, and this just did not fall into those categories. No offense to the person who read it in class though.

President Karzai and Afghanistan in 2014

On January 10, 2013, David S. Cloud and Alexandra Zavis from the Los Angeles Times wrote an article called "Karzai Faces an Altered Landscape in Talks with Obama". It discusses the plans President Karzai, the president of Afghanistan, and President Obama are going to make so troops can leave Afghanistan. The whole goal is to have Afghanistan fight its own war from now on. But that does not mean we are not going to leave troops behind. President Karzai requests that some troops stay behind for training and protection of key sectors around the country. Congress recommends that 6000-9000 troops stay at Afghanistan when all troops are taken out. But President Obama believes that only 3000 is needed. At this moment, 65,000 troops are in Afghanistan. The plan is to bring in however many troops are needed into Afghanistan and then start redeploying all the former stationed troops back home. These troops are going to be targeting Al Quada members only. Taliban has gotten off the list in Afghanistan, but is still a target in other areas around the world. The way in which Al Quada will be targeted in Afghanistan is through drone strikes and special operations with the use of special forces. The troops that are going to be deployed there as a safekeeping will not engage in offensive objectives unless given the order from the Pentagon. Hopefully, at the end of this, the troops being deployed there do not get into contact into another war.