Support Don't Ask, Don't Tell

     In Girl From The North Country's blog entry, "Don't Ask, Don't Tell", she speaks for the gay and lesbian soldiers within the military.  The issue of a soldier's sexual orientation has been a pressing issue for our military for almost 20 years now. In her blog entry, she states that our military passed a law in 1993 forbidding openly gay men and women from serving in our military. Her entire blog entry is dedicated to broadening the reader's views on this topic and stating the facts on "don't ask, don't tell."
     Throughout her blog entry, she talks about the debates between the Republicans and Democrats.  She states that it's an ongoing battle between the two and that our country is looking for more support from the Republicans.  Supposedly the Republicans aren't going to show much support for the bill until tax cuts are extended. Instead of focusing on people's rights for the benefit of our country, the government is more focused on their agendas.  In one paragraph she talks about the Chiefs of Staff's plan for an eventual repeal, but their fear of change is holding them back.  I know that change is hard to cope with, but if a person wants to server our country, they should be able to. A person's sexual orientation doesn't affect the skills they're able to learn or their ability to fight.  Our countries ignorance may be affecting the outcome of our war. If all men and women were to have the ability to serve our country, we may see a change in our war.
     I agree with everything stated in this blog entry. She stated facts and gave personal experiences from her time in the military. Her opinions lean towards the incorporation of gays and straights in the military.  People stereotype gay people into the same category, but everyone is their own person.  Not everyone is the same.   I agree with her when she states that incorporating gays into the military may disrupt war time efforts. It would be something new that most soldier would have to get use to.  The gay lifestyle is something most people haven't been exposed to. Just like she said, "...we don't know, until we try."

Not Our National Security

     The 111th United States Congress is coming to an end at the end of this year.  Our new 112th United States Congress will be meeting in January of 2011.  Congress has overcome many issues and has informed us about what occurs behind closed doors. Although they have been adamant in dealing with pressing issues, they have failed to make improvements to our national security.  They failed to provide funding for the U.S. Agency for National Development and the State Department. Their inability to support these organizations has affected job opportunities for the public and the creation of new programs. Our overseas relations with other countries has also been affected with Congress' tactics. Senate has held nominee's positions for our national security hostage, which has left us with little representation overseas. Their lack of interest in our national security has also left us with little political representation within the states. Their performance in national security has been declining over the past 30 years due to our country's diverse political background and globalization. Congress cannot stop globalization or impose a particular political ideology on a person, because ideas change.  The work week our lawmakers undertake is not enough time to allow them to contemplate on issues our country is facing. Instead of them working three days a week, they should be forced to work five days.  If they have more time to think about issues our country is facing, then it would benefit us.  Many lawmakers within Congress sit on different committees which affects the amount of time they can spend on different issues. If they were limited to a certain number of committees they can sit on, our national security may improve. The relationship that Congress and our executive branch share needs to improve. If the two were to consult each other regularly on stagnant issues, progression can finally be made.
     Is there anything Americans can do to help Congress contribute to our national security?  The answer is yes.  If Americans were to come together to write letters to Congress about the issues affecting our country, they may take into consideration what needs to be done.  Society as a whole needs to become more involved in our government because the policies made by officials affects our life everyday.  Our world is ever-changing and our government needs to constantly make changes to fit our lifestyles.  Congress should really focus on what would benefit our country, instead of doing what they feel is best for themselves.  Once Congress transforms their behavior in reforming our country, our national security will be much stronger than before. 

The Census...What?

     In Girl From The North Country's blog entry, "Don't be a Kermudgeon", she talks about the census that occurs in the United States every ten years.  Her opinion on the census is that it's important to fill out the form, because it determines the growing population of the United States.  She allows the reader to form their own opinion on the topic, but states the facts. 
     In one paragraph she provides statements that average American citizens would think about when asked to give the government their personal information.  This paragraph reinforces Americans fear in our government due to the amount of power they uphold. She blatantly states that it's possible to access our personal information without our  knowledge. The technology society has created grants different organizations, groups, people, and institutions the ability to view our personal information from anywhere.  In her blog, she conveys her opinion on what Americans should do to overcome their fear of our government. The attitude the American people have towards our government and their practices is somewhat languid. If we were to change our attitudes towards our government, society may benefit from the government's systems.  From her concluding paragraph pertaining to the census, one can conclude that she supports it fully. I believe citizens need to become more knowledgeable on the benefits our census brings our community.  She provides information  for the census regarding the different projects and systems that arise. Her blog entry pushes the reader to form a positive opinion towards the census and eradicates any negative opinions.
     I agree with everything she stated in this blog entry.  It helped change my opinion when it came to the census that occurs every ten years.  I filled out the census for my mother this year and didn't understand why we had to do it.  I thought it was a waste of time, but after reading this entry it showed me that it's important. The many benefits we (Americans) can obtain from filling out the census is endless.  Whenever it comes time for the next census, don't forget to participate. 

Homeward Bound

      Are American troops ever coming home?  This is a question that all Americans have asked themselves at one point.  The withdrawal of our troops from Iraq has been a contentious issue since the beginning of the war.  In a survey, 55% of Americans agreed that the war was a mistake and 51% were in favor of having troops withdrawn from their stations.  Public opinion on the war has changed drastically, making the withdrawal of troops highly possible.  In April 2007, Congress passed a bill for Iraq that set a deadline for American troop withdrawal; but President Bush disapproved of this bill shortly after. The president said troops will begin to withdraw until the end of August 2010, and troops left behind will remain in Iraq until December 31, 2011.  December 31, 2011 is an important date because American troops will completely withdraw from Iraq.  This deadline was set under an agreement the Bush administration signed with the Iraq government in 2009. 
     The ending of our war relies heavily on the conduct of the people in Iraq. The faster our troops maintain stability amongst the Iraqi people, the faster they can come home. Troops cannot police Iraqi civilian's behavior frequently until the area is completely safe.  The commitment of U.S. combatant troops in Iraq is declining and our military tactics are changing.  Instead of using brute force, our troops are committed to sustaining peace amongst groups.  Is reducing violence a positive way for American troops to get through to the people of Iraq?  This tactic seems to be working because the Pakistan government supports our troops efforts. 
     There were 142,000 American troops in Iraq, and Obama pledged to have all of these troops withdrawn within a 16 month period; but the deadline has been extended.  The troops that were withdrawn from Iraq have a chance of being redeployed to Afghanistan.  There is also a chance that troops may be redeployed to Iraq if the country becomes unstable.  More violent outbreaks occurred when troops began to withdraw.  Without the force of American troops, the population is in a state of fear. Our troops have been training Iraqi police and army forces so they can defend themselves adequately against militant groups; such as the al-Qaeda.  Their effort has helped Iraq security forces maintain their defense.  Without the U.S. troops in Iraq, the country would be in a worse state than what it is presently. Until our troops are completely withdrawn, they will continue to service the people in Iraq so there may be peace in their future.  There are pros and cons when dealing with the withdrawal of troops. If all troops were to withdraw, chaos may break loose in Iraq.  If a limited amount of troops were to remain in Iraq, problems would decline and a sustained peace may be enacted. A question one can ask themselves is: will the war in Iraq end once all the troops are gone?  American's won't know the outcome of Iraq until our troops are completely withdrawn. All Americans can do now is hope for a better tomorrow.

Robot Planes

     In the commentary article from the The Huffington Post, "Obama's Escalating Robot War in Pakistan is Making a Terror Attack More Likely", the columnist Johann Hari explores the drone plane attacks in the Middle East.  His article begins with a statement that makes the reader imagine their life in another person's position. It prompts the reader to ask the question, what if my life were affected by robot plane bombings?  Our government won't admit that such programs exist.  The idea for this type of attack method is that it's easier to kill a person, than take them prisoner because there are little questions about killings. If we were to take a person prisoner, we would bear the responsibility of that person's life.  The attacks from these robot planes are causing more fatalities among innocent citizens than those of the jihadi.  The bombings from these drone planes pushes the people who practice jihadism to retaliate. The information provided in this article influences a person to believe that we (Americans) are the cause of our war.  David Kilcullen has shown that two percent of the people killed by the robot planes are jihadis. The remaining 98% of the people killed are innocent. The use of these drone planes are a threat to the United States because it angers people in Pakistan causing them to attack, which makes jihadism worse.  The best way to deal with jihadism is to strip them of their best recruiting tools, so they have no way of gaining new followers.  Hari makes it a point to illustrate the secrets the government attempts to conceal from the rest of society. His article explains the tactics used when going through with an attack.  The statistical data and professional reports he receives, provides back up for the main idea of this article: is it okay for America to kill innocent people?  Hari does not appeal to a particular audience, but strives to incorporate people from all over the country.  He wants the U.S. to be informed on this topic, because our country may be attacked one day.  If Americans are more knowledgeable on the robot plane attacks, then we can get involved and try to stop these atrocities.
     I agree with the everything Hari stated in his article.  I don't agree with jihadism, but the jihidis who are retaliating are angered by the death of innocent people.  I believe that the government should be more tactful in avoiding innocent bystanders.  Just because a person resides in a specific area should not make them a target.  Professor John Cole states, "When you bomb people and kill their family...they will be." This statement lead me to believe that we are the main cause of our problems.  If we handled conflicts more gingerly, the war with the Middle East would not be so drastic.

     Hari, Johann.  "Obama's Escalating Robot War in Pakistan is Making a Terror Attack More Likely", The Huffington Post.  15 Oct. 2010

In the End

     Eugene Robinson, a writer for The Washington Post, conveys his opinion about the war in Iraq in the article, "Afghanistan: A war without end, or rationale".  He explains how the government is functioning in the war and how they are doing a poor job of recalling troops. Robinson feels that the continuation of the war is pointless because our problems persist elsewhere.  His main focus can reside in the question of, should Americans remain in the Middle East?  Criticizing the president's strategic plans shows that our American troops may remain in the middle east longer than expected.  Robinson grasps the readers attention by providing statements directly from the president himself and his fellow government officials.  He provides statistical information, as well as how the American people are being affected by our war.  His argument is clear and concise aiming towards the American population as a whole. Since all of us (Americans) are experiencing the same obstacles, Robinson does not aim his commentary towards a specific group.  His argument is not meant to offend anyone, but instead enlighten the reader on how the war is affecting their life.  He does not disregard those who support the war. The main topic of his argument is: do we benefit from the war in the Middle East?  The other point that Robinson is trying to get across is the need for a new strategy. Robinson receives his information through direct quotes, articles, and information written by journalists and government officials themselves.  This makes his argument stronger because he provides facts and not trivial information.  After reading this opinion-related article from The Washingtong Post, one can experience a change of heart towards the war.
     I agree with the information Robinson provided because Americans have not gained any benefits from the war in the Middle East.  The statement that caught my attention in this article is, "You have to recognize also that I don't think you win this war. . . . This is the kind of fight we're in for the rest of our lives and probably our kids' live."  This statement leads one to believe that we will be fighting this war longer than we anticipated.  The fact that our children may be fighting in this war, makes it hard for a person to fully support our governments decisions. I personally do not support the war in Iraq because it's hindering our progression as a united people.  

      Robinson, Eugene. "Afghanistan: A war without end, or rationale", The Washington Post.   1 Oct.2010.    <http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/09/30/AR2010093004684.html>

America's Plan

      In this article by The New York Times, the Obama administration is attempting to change the government in Iraq, so that it may better suit the country.  The change to their government will be to share power, limiting Nuri Kamal al-Maliki's authority significantly through a coalition.  The new form of government will establish a committee with the authority to approve military appointments, review their budget, and shape security policy. In an attempt to form a coalition, these three groups will be brought together: Mr. Maliki's State of Law party, Ayad Allawi's Iraqiya party, and the Kurdish alliance.  The new state of authority will be classified by new legislation not requiring that the Constitution be amended. It is said, that even if the American proposal succeeds that it is too weak to undertake tough problems in the future. If Iraq's government went another six months without change, concerns about their military intervening in politics may arise. Our American Officials are not trying to tell Iraq how to run their government, but help shape an arrangement susceptible to compromise.  Mr. Maliki and Mr. Allawi have wrote papers stating how the government shall function. Both sides have made slight progress. Mr. Maliki believes that his shift in power to the committee should be "events based".  There are still many disagreements between the two men. Hopefully in the future these disagreements will be resolved.    
      I think that this article is worth reading because it deals with government nationally.  American officials are trying to make the Iraq government better. In doing so, we may be able to stop the war and come to a peace agreement.  This should be important to everyone because it affects all of our lives.  We may have loved ones fighting in the war who we want to come home.   Through helping to form a new government for Iraq, some of our financial problems may cease.  The prices for oil and gas may decline after resolving their issues. Through shaping the Iraq government, many people may be granted freedom. The people's lives in Iraq should become better.  If this isn't important to you, then think about how your life will be affected.