The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

Dennis Flores                                                                                           LCS-101FF-WB

The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

        The struggle between this two peoples stretches back to the early 19th century. The Zionist Movement sparked by worsening persecution of the European Jews became motivated to find a home for all Jews and was supported by Britain at the time. On the other side in 1915 Britain had pledged to help Arabs gain independence if they rebelled against their Ottoman overlords. As a result of world war one Britain gained control of Palestine from the Ottoman Empire for 30 years Britain lords over both the Arabs and Jews living in the area. In 1921 the first violent act erupts between the two peoples. After control of it was given to Emir Abdullah by Britain to form the Hashemite Kingdom of TransJordan. After years of conflict between  the two communities the united nations suggests two states be created one for the Jews and one for the Arabs. More fighting breaks out as the Arab states reject the plan. Soon after both declare themselves states and as Britain moves out fighting erupts between the two nations. Years of conflict give way to incidents like the Six Day War and other incidents. leaving us where they are today locked in a constant struggle. I for one believe both parties are at fault and that co-existence is the only option for these two nations.

           

            Both sides would disagree with my solution simply because they each believe they have a right to the holy land and the other side doesn't. They both use their historical back rounds as a foundation of their argument. The Israeli find that every time they dig in the area they find archeological proof that their ancestors had a presence in the area. Historically Israel was around up into the point of the Roman Empire they use this fact to prove the point there was a Jewish presence in the land. Others would also say it is in Americas best interest to support the Jews in Israel as they impede many would be aggressors to American interests so having a strong single Israeli nation is the best solution. They also believe in their biblical right to the holy land. The Palestinians don't believe any of it and that Israel has no right to exist. They also believe the territory to be theirs as they were legally living in it before being pushed out by the Israeli people. Like the Israeli they use their history and the Quran their holy text as a foundation for their right to live in the holy land.

           

            Both the views of the Israeli and Palestinian people are too narrow minded. Yes you both have history in the area. But that does not give the Israeli the right to displace Palestinians from their homes in the Six Day War. Although I think the Palestinians have every right to fight back against such blatant aggressive behavior it does not condone the use of more violence. It is no secret both parties involve originated from the same area historical findings prove this but that is not the real issue. The issue is that neither side wants to give an inch Palestinians don't recognize Jewish history. Organizations like Hamas only aggravate the situation these childish bickering and fighting about who shot first makes things worst. If both parties are only interested in living peacefully they should do just that. Together they could share the holy land rather then taint it with blood through the endless fighting over it.   

Gun Control

Dennis Flores                                                                                           LCS-101FF-WB

Gun Control

             

            The second amendment is part of the American constitution and protects citizens right to bear arms. 40% of American households  have guns about 1.500 children are harmed by guns and over 100,000 people are killed by guns every year. I feel that the second amendment may have been a necessary law back in the 17th century with Americans feared British rule. Now how ever we live in a different time and it is simply unnecessary.

            Those who would seek to protect the second amendment argue that guns make people safer with facts like "The United States is #1 in the world in gun ownership, and yet it is only 28th in the world in gun murders per 100,000 people." Aaron B. Powell came up with a pretty good statement saying that  “GUNS ARE NOT THE ISSUE. WE ARE.” ―Aaron B. Powell, guns. Although I agree with him I still feel guns should be controlled.

            My opinion is that there are to many guns in America it is estimated that there are 270 to 310 million guns in the U.S. which is almost as much as the population of the U.S. itself.

             

             

I also find it startling that is some places they are sold in this fashion as if these things are not responsible for the countless deaths of our fellow man. In my opinion the only solution is to keep a tight lid on them to make sure only the most sane individuals have access to something so dangerous. So we can avoid things like this.

  

ISIS the latest Threat to the Civilized World

Dennis Flores                                                                                           LCS-101FF-WB

10/19/2014

ISIS the latest Threat to the Civilized World

            ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq) Is an Islamic Terrorist group waging war in the middle east for their so called god. Where ever they go they leave a trail of destruction and use their god as an excuse for the atrocities they commit. They have been rapidly gaining ground all over the middle east under their mysterious leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. Right now America has taken small steps to quell this organization that harbors delusions of world domination. These steps are not enough with a threat of this nature the retaliation has to be just as harsh. To stop ISIS  and ensure the safety of the world as a whole we must take swift action.

            Proof of the rising threat of ISIS can be seen in a timeline complied by major news station CNN. In a short few months the damage they caused in Iraq Forced 1.2 million of it's inhabitants out of there homes. Not to mention the kidnappings, executions, and bombings. The only action so far taken by the US is the training of Syrian rebels in the hope they can fight against them and Air raids on key strategic locations. These actions will only slow ISIS down we need an actual battle plan.

            Some Democrats believe that the limited action being taken by the us government at this time is enough. Others still believe that the fight needs to be taken directly to them. The question is whether or not US troops should get involved like they had in the past. Air superiority alone can not win a war especially when fighting a enemy spread through out a large nation. Ground forces are a necessity to beat back ISIS. In a recent battle going on Kurdish forces fighting ISIS were able to reclaim territory in Kobani. This was thanks to the joint efforts of Kurdish fighters on the ground and air strikes from multiple countries. Continued success against ISIS like this depends on if we are willing to take action and send men onto the front lines to deal with ISIS once and for all.                 

                   

             

Citizens United vs. FEC

Dennis Flores                                                                                           LCS-101FF-WB

Citizens United vs. FEC

            This law was passed in 2010 and it tore down a wall that was our only protection against the influence of big business. It gives corporations the ability to pour money into election campaigns. What this means is that these corporations can throw their weight around or rather their money in an attempt to influence political elections. this takes away the power from people and hands it to these corporations. This changes the whole flow of politics.

            Those who support this ruling believe that corporations have the right to fund organizations. They support the notion that these corporations are people which legally they are considered to be people. In addition they feel that these corporations retain the same rights that any person has which would imply they have the right to fund election campaigns. Another belief is that this law actually helps promote free speech and is beneficial.

            On the other side of the coin is those who think this hinders free speech by giving corporations more power then the average American. This limits the amount of influence the average citizen has since these larger corporations funding dwarfs that of every one else. These corporations are not people and therefore don't have the right to deep there fingers into the political process. These liberals believe that corporations shouldn't have the sort of influence that this law gives them.

            I myself feel that this is a terrible decision and that corporations are not people. My definition of a person is a human being one with a heart mind and body. These corporations don't fill the bill and as such should not have the same rights. This decision takes power away from people and sits it in the hand of these non-corporal things called corporations who talk with their money. A poll I found in a Washington Post article I found showed me that most people opposed this decision if it is true then why are we dealing with this today.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/02/17/AR2010021701151.html?sid=ST2010021702073 

             

             

What do you think Kenny?

Dennis Flores                                                                                           LCS-101FF-WB

Interview: Kenneth Fitzgerald

            I decided to interview a close friend of mine named Kenneth. His political identity has been molded by several factors. He was a raised by a single parent his father. He lived in Florida before he moved to Boston. This gave him a broader view of what life can be like in different places. He is part of the middle class and as such has to struggle with many of the problems all Americans face.

            Kenny considers himself independent he feels that people should make decisions based on there own thoughts and opinions. He feels one's choices should be made with out the influence of an out force trying to sway you. One of the issue he feels strongly about is America's economy. He believes that the government is squandering opportunities to create more jobs and income. Another is his stance on abortion which he believes woman have the right to do as they wish. Kenny hopes that the next person in line for the presidency will be able to lead America back into stability and out of debt.

            I feel my own political identity was helped formed by the family I was raised by. Seeing the struggle my mother went through raising me and my brothers helped me realize the importance of government benefits. I certainly wouldn't be where I am now with out my mother and my mother would not have pulled through with out welfare. My family is very religious and believes all life is sacred and so do I which makes me pro-life. Most of my views have been shaped by my upbringing. I believe a leader should be strong willed and willing to do what ever it takes to improve the lives of those he leads. I feel a leader should be able to look at a problem from multiple angles and choose what is best for every one. Also a leader should never neglect the minority.

            I learned more about the political views of my friend and how they differ from my own. I feel that people vote for liberals or conservatives in order to see there point of view represented. They feel their ideas are right and the solutions they have will bring about change. The Change they want that will improve their quality of life. Change is also what drives a voter's interest. At the end of all this my views were questioned by my friend who has vastly different opinions on many things. From him I've learned a different way of looking at things.

            Interview Questions

1. Who would you like to see run for president next election?
2. Why do you think they would make a good president?
3. What do you think is the greatest problem America is facing right now?
4. What do you think about the NSA?
5. Are you happy with the Obama Administration?
6. Who did you vote for last election?
7. Who will you vote for next election?
8. Do you consider your a liberal, conservative, or independent?
9. Do you think America should take action against ICIS?
10. Was Obama right to pull our troops out of Iran?