Thursday, July 23, 2009

City smoking ban begins

News Story
LOCAL

No more smoking in Norman city parks.

The no smoking ordinance was approved by the city council on June 23. Signs were posted on Monday and people are expected to comply. Norman Police Capt. Leonard Judy said, "We expect that our primary role will be one of education about the ordinance, rather than enforcement of it."

Violators can recieve a citation from a police officer. If the defandant appears in court within five working days and pleads guilty or no contest the fine will be from $10
-$100 and a $44 court fee.

Opinion:

This could effect the number of people that go to summer events and concerts. Many people go to parks to relax and smoking is apart of their process. If people cannot smoke at events they might not go.

Even though I do not smoke, I do not believe that this law should exist. If people choose to smoke they should at least be allowed to smoke outside. This is one more unneccessary law.

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Native Americans Protest Plan to Build Rail Stop on Historic Land

News Story
NATIONAL

Indian Tribes in Utah are protesting the construction of a commuter rail stop on what was once a Native American village.

Gov. John Huntsman signed a bill for a land swap and the subsequent development of the Utah Transit Authorities FrontRunner stop as well as, a private development.

Five tribes in Utah have said that they are going to deliver resolutions to the governors office opposing the project. The site of the railstop would be built on a 3,000 year-old Native American village where priceless artifacts have been discovered.

"We've been told they found over 30,000 objects in less than one percent of the area," Parry said. "It's a significant, significant site."

Lt. Gov. Gary Herbert, who is expected to take office next month after the current Gov. becomes embassador to China, says that he will call a meeting together of the Tranist authority, Indian tibes, and officals to find an alternative solution.

Opinion:

Native American heritage is more important than a train stop. The governor should have never signed a bill that would destroy that heritage. There must be some way that the Transit authority could build around this site.

Pakistan Worried Afghan Offensive Pushing Taliban Across Border

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,534360,00.html
INTERNATIONAL

Pakistan is concerned the U.S. offensive in southern Afghanistan could cause Taliban member to cross the border. The U.S. launched 4,000 marines into the Helmand province on July 2 attacking the Taliban.

Baluchistan is a province in northern Pakistan where a low-level insurgency group has been trying to gain more autonomy. An influx of Taliban into this province could destabilize the area into violence.

India is still believed to be Pakistan's greatest threat, the two counties have fought three wars over the past six years. If the influx did happen Pakistan would be forced to move troops from its border with India to Baluchistan province.

Pakistan is currently fighting Taliban terrorism within its own borders along the lawless tribal border with Afghanistan. The U.S. provides funding to the foreign army to arm its security forces and battle insurgents. Prime Minister Yousurf Raza Gilani is asking the United States to share more intelligence, equipment, ammunition, and unmanned vehicle technology.

Opinion:

How many more years are we going to have to stay and fight the Taliban in Afghanistan? It seems as if the United States war on terror is going to be indefinite. I believe that it is inappropriate to give money or supplies to Pakistan. If the U.S. gives Pakistan more information and more money, should we not be allowed to enter their country to fight terrorism?

The Pakistan government should move forces away from their border with India and fight harder against the Taliban. The Taliban operates inside the borders of Pakistan and is a threat to the safety of citizens.

Even though the war in Iraq is supposed to come to an end in the near future, how long will the war in Afghanistan last?

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

40th Anniversary of The Moon Landing

"We choose to go to the moon!" Today we are celebrating the fulfillment of John F. Kennedy's dream; man's first landing on the moon.

In the summer of 1969 Neil Armstrong was the first man to step foot on the moon. The Apollo 11 Mission took three astronauts to the moon; Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins.

The moon landing inspired our nation to reach impossible goals. President Barrack Obama addressed the need for our nation to invest in research and technologies in order to exceed levels of success achieved at the height of the space race.

Can we still achieve space exploration goals in this time of economic downturn?

CNN reports that NASA is planning to retire its space shuttle fleet by 2010 leaving a five-year gap until the Orion spacecraft would be ready to launch. During this gap American astronauts will use Russian spacecrafts to travel on missions to the International Space Station.

NASA still has dreams of traveling to Mars, but first it plans on returning astronauts to the moon. The Constellation Program will be the new fleet of space exploration vehicles that will carry to the moon and eventually Mars.

How long it will take NASA to achieve its goals will depend on how much funding Congress grants the organization.

40 years ago the United States accomplished the impossible. Our citizens now celebrate that accomplishment and will continued to be inspired by our progress in space.

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Toll increase approved for Oklahoma turnpikes

http://newsok.com/toll-increase-approved-for-oklahoma-turnpikes/article/3385460?custom_click=lead_story_title

Local
The toll prices on Oklahoma turnpikes will increase an average of 16percent at the end of the summer for all passenger and commercial vehicles. The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority approved the increase with little opposition. The new tolls will bring in an additional $21 million a year.

Without this increase the Turnpike Authority was looking at a $21 million shortfall. Since the increase was improved the capital budget was cut from 64 to 35 million dollars.

I find it interesting that they are still charging tolls on the Turnpike, because I thought the tolls were supposed to stop when the highway was paid off. It turns out that turnpike tolls are going to be indefinite. Why isn't the stimulus money given to the state by the federal government going to pay for the shortfall? If people are going to be paying more for the turnpike maybe they should be allowed to drive faster or there should be less police on the road.

Obama Tells Congress to 'Buck Up,' as Clock Ticks on Health Care Reform

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/07/15/obama-accuses-health-care-critics-defending-status-quo/

NATIONAL
On Wednesday Obama called on Congress to support and pass his health care reform plans. Obama believes that American people are ready for a change in their health care system. He called those who opposed his plan "cynics" who are defending a broken system.

The President wants the House and the Senate to pass reform bills before the August recess, so that he can sign the bill into law shortly after Congress returns after break. The estimate costs of one bill being formed in the senate estimates the reforms to cost between $1.0-1.5 trillion over ten years. Virtually all Republicans and a few Democrats are against the plan, but the majority of Democrats will vote in line with the Presidents wishes.

On both sides of the government lawmakers are arguing on how to pay for the expensive reforms. In the House of Representatives there is a bill that would tax people making over $350,000 per year, but Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House, says that the bill does not have enough votes to pass. Virtually all Republicans in the House are against the health care reforms claiming; the reforms are too expensive and would create a whole new bureaucracy in the government.

The nation needs health reform badly, but I do not think a government health plan is the answer to the problem. The government does not manage programs well. If the government cannot manage Social Security without having massive problems; I have no faith that they can do a better job with health care.

4 killed, 32 wounded as 6 Baghdad churches bombed

http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/meast/07/12/iraq.violence/index.html

INTERNATIONAL
On Sunday there were 6 churches bombed in Baghdad. Four people died and 21 people were wounded after a car bomb exploded outside of a church. The first bombing took place on Saturday night when two bombs exploded inside St. Joseph's Church in western Baghdad.

According to estimates 1 million Iraqi Christians have fled the country in order to escape from Muslim extremists. Some people are concerned that if the attacks continue there will be no more Christians in Iraq.

At least 1000 families left the northern city of Mosul last October after a violent attack against non-muslims left 14 people dead.

Even after several years of American occupation civilians still resort to bombings. Why does their society accept this behavior? I fear that after the United States leaves the country there will only be more violence that occurs.

With Caddo County meth ring raid, agents send ‘message’ Nine-month Caddo County investigation ends with 40 arrest warrants

http://newsok.com/with-caddo-county-meth-ring-raid-agents-send-message/article/3385365?custom_click=lead_story_title
LOCAL

Narcotics agents raid a meth. ring in Caddo County.

Officers in Caddo County believe that they have taken down a major drug cartel involved in methamphedamines. The drug ring is expected to have made $60,000 a week. The drugs were made in Mexico and brought to Oklahoma.

In this drug ring the alleged drug dealers thought that they could operate safely out in the open country, outside of the laws of the urban cities. In the investigation there were 40 arrest warrants issued and 7 search warrants. Investigators used 24 hour cell phone surveillance to learn about the illegal activities.

Agents intercepted calls between Juan Ramos and Estanistao Casas regarding a drug deal in Oklahoma City that led to a seizure of a bag of Methamphetamine worth $20,000 on the street.

Both men are illegal immigrants. Casas was arrested in may posting a $20'000 bail. He has been deported four times, but has somehow always managed to return.

This story is frustrating since this situation could have been avoided. Most of the people involved in the drug ring are illegal aliens. They come to the state and start an illegal business that cause trouble for the citizens. The government must do a better job of stopping illegal immigrants from entering the country.



Sotomayor Returns For Senate Panel Grilling

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=106618973
NATIONAL

In the Hart Senate office building Sonia Sotomayor answers questions during the Supreme Court confirmation hearings; if confirmed she will be the first Hispanic Supreme Court justice in history.

Sotomayor is being asked questions during the hearings about the most controversial topics in America including; abortion, gun rights, and stem cell research. The judge has answered her questions cautiously sometimes referring in detail to cases that have already set precedents. She has stated that she will uphold the precedents that have been set in the past.

Becoming a justice in the lands highest court is Sotomayor's life dream. She graduated at the top of her class at Princeton and went to Yale Law School. Although the judge has never made millions of dollars like many other lawyers, she has more experience as a appeals judge than any other court justice.

The main strategy that Sotomayor is taking during these hearings is giving answers to questions that are not controversial. In order to achieve the number of votes necessary she must give answers that are not offensive to any specific group.

I believe that Sonia Sotomayor will be confirmed as a Supreme Court Justice. Since Sandra Day O'Conor stepped down from the bench, there is only one other woman on the court. Sotomayor has a great story that could inspire young people in the future to reach higher in their lives.

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Nigerian militants claim pipeline blast, tanker crew's seizure

http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/africa/07/06/niger.militants/index.html


A militant group called the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta is claiming they destroyed an oil pipeline in the Niger Delta. The group also claims to have taken captive six crew members from an oil tanker. The Niger Delta is most oil rich area of the country is home to some of the most densely populated areas.

This group announced this action was taken "to serve as a warning to others that there are root issues that have to be resolved that have to be resolved with the Nigerian government before normalcy can return."

The government controls all of the oil production and many citizens are not happy that there homes are being destroyed to make way for new oil refineries. Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa with over 148 million people.

The pipeline carried 80% of Chevron Nigeria Limited's crude oil to the platform refinery. The militant group allegedly behind the attack citizens of the area that were moved out of their homes against their will. The group also has declared an "all out war" on the Nigerian government; they believe that politicians are stealing money from the countries natural resources and not reinvesting the money in the county's infrastructure.

Nigeria has such a valuable natural resource in oil it is sad to see that more people are not benefiting from its profit. I can understand why people are angry at the oil companies. The people of the Niger Delta are being used. No matter how angry these people are, violence is not the answer. Blowing the pipeline creates more problems than it solves.

These people need change and they need it peacefully.








Wednesday, July 1, 2009

FBI looking for Oklahoma City bank robber

http://newsok.com/fbi-looking-for-oklahoma-city-bank-robber/article/3382163?custom_click=headlines_widget

LOCAL
FBI agents are looking for a man that robbed a bank in northwest Oklahoma City today. The man went into a Bank of Oklahoma branch and demanded money. He put the money in a red draw string bag and then ran in an unknown direction. Luckily no one was injured in the event.

The man is described as a black male about 6 feet tall. The man wore a disguise while robbing the bank and little else is known of his disappearance. A reward of up to $2000 is being offered for an arrest that leads to this mans capture and conviction.

It is frightening to learn that this incident happens all to often. Just yesterday I learned that the gas station down the street from my house was robbed. Hearing this story reminds me that there are people in this world who will do anything to get ahead. I am glad that I have never resorted to violence in order to get ahead in life. From now on when I am in a public place I will remember to be more cautious.

Sanford Admits Affair After Secret Argentina Trip

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/06/24/report-south-carolina-governor-traveled-argentina-appalachian-trail/

NATIONAL
South Carolina's Governor Mark Sanford admits to having an affair with a woman living in Argentina. He told reporters that he was going on a trip hiking the Appalachian Trail. He later returned on a flight from Argentina.

His wife had learned of the affair months earlier and kicked him out of the house and told him not to talk to her or the children. Sanford has since confessed to the affair and has tried doing damage control on his image to no avail. There are many leaders from the state of South Carolina that are calling for the resignation of the governor.

One of the reason people are upset about his affair is the fact that he used taxpayer money to make multiple trips to Argentina to visit his female friend. The governor has more than a year left on his term and cannot run again.

This man is another example of lying politicians. He has abused his voters faith and has broken the law. He should not be allowed to remain as governor of South Carolina, because he stole money from the taxpayers and used it for his own personal vacation. I hope that his career in politics is finished.

13 Killed as Train Derails, Explodes in Italy

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,529494,00.html

In Italy a train traveling from the seaside village of La Spezia to the city of Pisa derailed, carrying liquefied petroleum gas, into a residential neighborhood in the town of Viareggio. The accident killed thirteen people and left 5o more injured in the hospital.

300 firefighters and rescue workers worked through the night to contain the fire and rescue victims of the accident. Special forces were brought in to deal with the biological elements of this disaster and help contain the toxic effects of this crash. The cause of the crash is still unknown and the national government is doing a full investigation to find out what happened.

This accident was terrible. It is sad to think that a train carrying such a dangerous product was running so close to a residential neighborhood. I hope that Italy finds out what caused the problem and takes more precautions in the future. The country also needs to find a safer way to transfer dangerous products.


Friday, June 26, 2009

OU Regents approve raises for Stoops, Capel

http://hubdev.ou.edu/news/2009/jun/25/ou-regents-approve-raises-stoops-capel/

LOCAL
OU head football Coach Bob Stoops will make $4.675 million in 2010 as part of a change in his contract. This does not include performance bonuses and a bonuses for staying with the team till 2011.

President David Boren supports this approval by the board of regents and believes that this salary is necessary to remain competitive in the national marketplace.

Bob Stoops does not need a raise in his contract. I love OU football, but I do not believe that the highest paid person at this University should be the football coach. I believe that his salary is sending the wrong message to college student and prospective students that education is not nearly as important as a sporting event.

Football brings money into the University. The amount of money Bob Stoops makes, makes OU look like a corporation rather than a school. Maybe I should forget a college degree and become a football coach.

Investigators Probe Washington D.C.'s Worst Subway Crash

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,528343,00.html

National
The National Transportation Board is investigating why this train crash happened. The investigators in this casse do not know the reason why this accident happened. Nine people died and dozens more were in injured in the deadly crash in Washington D.C. Metro history.

This accident occurred when one train filled with passengers slammed into the back of another stationary train. The scene of the accident has been describes as horrific and the female conductor of the train is being hailed as a hero (http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,529142,00.html).

The investigators are looking into whether or not the trains were outdated and needed to replaced; as the cause of the accident.

This situation is devastating, because of the loss and the fact the people at the metro do not know what caused the crash. I am tempted to not ride the train anymore. This accident undermines all public confidence in the transit authority, not only in D.C., but around the country.

My heart goes out the the survivors and their families and I hope the government makes sure this tragedy never happens again.

Honduras president challenges government over referendum

http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/americas/06/25/honduras.general/index.html

INTERNATIONAL
On Thursday the President of Honduras Jose Manuel Zeyala led a protest of hundreds of citizens to a military base to take possession of ballots used in a contested referendum. The president is trying to pass a referendum that would allow him to run for another four year term. The county's congress and top military leaders do not support the referendum and are saying that it is illegal.

This political crisis has created made created fear that the government is moving away from democracy and back to military dictatorship. The Honduran government believes that Zeyala is forming a coup in order to become a dictator.

This situation is terrible for the country of Honduras. Zeyala needes to back down and give up his presidency if that is the law in the constitution. Nearly 70 percent of this country lives in poverty. The people of Honduras need democracy desperately to give the people hope that their situation may improve.

I believe this man deos have the right to protest the government, but I dont think what he is doing is right for his country. He needs to step down when his term is up.

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Ex-Oklahoma official accused of embezzling more than $1.1 million

http://newsok.com/former-oklahoma-official-indicted-on-174-counts-of-embezzlement/article/3378778?custom_click=lead_story_title

LOCAL
Roger Nelson former director of audits for the royalty audit division of the state's school land office was indicted by a grand jury for embezzling more than $1.16 million. Nelson was indicted on 174 counts of embezzlement.

Allegedly the accused had a gambling problem that led to unlawful activities. This man is probably one of many officials in the state government that has broken the law. I believe that if he is found guilty of these crimes he deserves a long prison sentence.

He wasted taxpayers money and took money from the school system. Anyone who works for a government agency should be held to a higher standard of law. If they break laws of the system that they are supposed to represent then they need to be held accountable.

I hope that this man serves as an example to other government officials who abuse their power.

Critics Attack ABC News for Refusing to Air Opposing Ads During Obama's Health Care Special

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/06/18/critics-attack-abc-news-refusing-air-opposing-ads-obamas-health-care-special/

NATIONAL
ABC has refused to air ads during a prime time special that oppose President Obama's health plan. The RNC raised nearly $100,000 in order to run counter ads but ABC rejected the offers.

This is not that surprising to me. I find that the media is biased when it comes to politics and that they have a clear agenda. The media loves Obama. During the elections the major networks gave much more air time for Obama than for McCain. Even in the short time that Obama has been President he has made more television appearances than Bush did during both his two terms.

President Obama definitely has higher approval rating than President Bush, so the network are trying to capitalize on that popularity and capture ratings; unbiased reporting has been replaced by entertainment.

Iran Ivestigates 646 Poll Complaints

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/8106211.stm

NATIONAL
Why do they even have elections in Iran?

Apparently The Iranian government is calling many of the election protests illegal, while trying to silence the global media. I am surprised to find out that Iran has a constitution where elections are supposed to be held every four years. The whole idea of having elections and a constitution shows the world that they are trying to display some form of democracy. I thought that since the United States did not get along with the Iran government that the country would be against any form of democracy.

It seems that the leader of Iran, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, is a dictator rather than a President. The government is corrupt and their idea of democracy is a laughable.

I like the idea that the people of the country are standing up demanding an honest government and are asking for reforms.

If the government continues to deny any wrongdoing and keeps trying to surpress its people they could have another revolution.