Ivy Reporter's Blog

Montgomery Formally Apologizes to Rosa Parks

2006-04-20T08:45:00.000-07:00

Government officials of the city of Montgomery, Alabama are formally apologizing to the Mother of the Civil Rights Movement, Rosa Parks for her treatment at the time o her arrest in 1955.

Officials voted to apologize to Parks, for other Black woman who filed law suits and any other Black person who experienced poor treatment at that time from government officials.

Montgomery Blacks are responding positively to this. Although Mrs. Parks died last year, I guess it's better late than never. Citizens say that this is evidence of how Montgomery has changed.

To view this story visit http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/04/19/national/main1515657.shtml

Cool Christians

2006-04-20T08:14:00.000-07:00

In the past it was never cool for teen Christians to openly express their spiritual beliefs. However, today many teens today think that Christianity is cool.

Many churches are doing things to make church more appealing to teens like one church in Alabama that holds a "Fear Factor" youth ministry event, where teens swallow goldfish and try to escape a locked coffin to learn how to overcome fear in their lives. It may sound crazy but it has a profound effect on the youth of America.

I am in total favor of such events. Growing up such events (although not as extreme) had a positive impact on my life and the lives of those around me. There is absolutely nothing wrong with having a little fun in the name of Jesus.

For more details visit http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Beliefs/story?id=1403056

The Hotel Rwanda Story Not Fully True

2006-04-20T07:40:00.000-07:00

Many survivors of the Rwandan genocide are displeased with the depiction of the events portrayed in movies like Hotel Rwanda. Some have boldly said that the story lines in such Hollywood films do not tell there story, and hold many inaccuracies.

While some survivors have negative feelings, others feel that there was a need for such films because they 'opened the eyes of the west' to the injustice that they faced.

I fully agree with those survivors that say that such films are a needed eye opener for the west. Had it not been for the movie I may have never had any knowledge of these events. At the same time however, I do feel that perhaps American Film makers didn't put enough care into researching this issue before bringing it to the big screen. I hope that this wasn't intentional, and that these individuals just made a simple human mistake.

For more details visit http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20060419/film_nm/Rwanda_genocide_dc

Sextuplet Scam

2006-04-13T14:31:00.000-07:00

Sarah and Kris Everson might be facing criminal charges after taking advantage of the kindness and generosity of neighbors and other citizens. The couple staged the pregnancy of Sarah Everson, and claimed that she had delivered 4 sickly babies. As a result of this they claimed to be in great financial need. At that time they started begging for donations of neighbors from all over.

I appreciate it when the media covers stories like this one. I feel that the purpose of the media is being fulfilled, which is to keep the public informed. When individuals like the Everson's are wronging good people they deserve to be exposed. That is exactly what CNN did in covering this story. Good Job CNN.

For more details visit http://www.cnn.com/2006/US/04/13/sextuplet.scam.ap/index.html

Gay and Lesbian Families Attend Annual White House Easter Egg Hunt

2006-04-13T13:40:00.000-07:00

The office of First Lady Laura Bush has invited all families to attend the 2006 White Houes Egg Roll. Families of all types are rushing to get tickets to this event including gay and lesbian families.

Some say that these families are in protest of some sort, but these families say that all they will do is wear the rainbow flag to show gay pride.

Personally, I don't think that these couples should be banned just because they are gay, but I do have a problem with the fact that they are using a family function such as this to promote gay pride.

For more on this story visit http://www.cnn.com/2006/POLITICS/04/13/eastereggroll.ap/index.html

Gov't Official's Misconduct With Minors

2006-04-05T21:18:00.000-07:00

Department of Homeland Security deputy Brian Doyle has been suspended from work and faces possible child sex charges.

Doyle was caught trying to meet with a minor for sex. He made these arrangements on line and when he went to his supposed first meeting he met with the cops instead.

I think that no matter what is position is with government he needs to go down for his behavior. This just shows us that no matter who the person is that they are capable of doing bad things. This gives Americans another reason to keep a watchful eye over their children.

For more on this story visit http://www.cnn.com/2006/LAW/04/05/homeland.arrest/index.html

Just Say No to Snitching

2006-04-05T21:01:00.000-07:00

Ronnie Thomas of Baltimore who created and promoted a "homemade" DVD that prompted a Stop Snitching campaign has been arrested as a result of beat a Baltimore woman.

The DVD featured everyone from NBA stares, and neighborhood drug dealers wishing misfortune or making death threats on those who talk to the authorities.

Thomas's vision behind making such a film was smart, but the message that he was sending was just wrong. He used the media with negative intentions. Even if he were able to justify his message better it has the potential to be acceptable. For instance if he was uncovering a corrupt police department. The problem is that his DVD promoted a message that if acted upon could make a community unsafe.

For more on this story visit http://abcnews.go.com/US/LegalCenter/story?id=1808122&page=1

9/11 Relived?

2006-04-04T12:30:00.000-07:00

This month a movie focused on the events of September 11th, specifically the crashing of United Flight 93 will be released. Americans have expressed mixed feelings about this issue.

Film makers say that prior to making the movie they asked the families of each victim for their consent, and it was granted. However the American public thinks that it is just too soon for such a movie. Their outrage has prompted some famous American theaters to pull previews of this film.

Like the American public I too have mixed feelings. I agree with them in saying that it is just too soon for a 9/11 movie. The media should think twice before capitalizing on the September 11th tragedy. But being that they got permission from that families I don't see much of a reason to object.

For more on this story visit http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/story?id=1803506

Zacarias Moussaoui Case Still Being Deliberated By Jurors

2006-03-30T08:55:00.000-08:00

September 11th terrorist, Zacarias Moussaoui's admitted to being assigned the task of flying a fifth plane into the White House on 9/11.

My personal feeling on this is that anyone who is or ever was a threat to American lives especially on 9/11 should be put to death. I don't feel that the there is a need for the jury to dwell on this issue.

I have heard reports that said that he lied about the fifth plane so that he can be put to death and die a heror's death. By all means I think that his wish should be granted.

I just don't think that tax dollars should be spent to finance the duration on a terrorist's life.

For more on this story visit http://www.cnn.com/2006/LAW/03/30/moussaoui/index.html

Border Security

2006-03-30T08:37:00.000-08:00

President Bush and President Vicente Fox of Mexico will meet today in Mexico to discuss border control options.

Being that we have such a large population of illegal immigrants from Mexico in the Southwest United States, somthing needed to be done to alleviate this problem.

Currently, in LA protests are taking place about legally allowing illegal immigrant workers to work in the US with out fear of action being taken against them. Bush's stand on this is actually agreeable. I think that his approach shows that he is acknowledging a problem and making moves to fix it, even though his political party doesn't fully support him.

So I commend President Bush on these moves.

For more on this story visit http://www.cnn.com/2006/POLITICS/03/30/bush.cancun/index.html

US Journalist Jill Carroll Freed

2006-03-30T08:26:00.000-08:00

Journalist Jill Carroll has been freed today after being held captive in Iraq for over two months. Carroll claims to have been treated very well during that time.

While in Mexico President Bush said that he is glad that she is free, and that he is happy that he is alive. But this was no thanks to him. Was it just me or did he seem willing to let her die when he refesued to compromise for her freedom?

Secondly, her family has requested that the media respect her privacy upon her return to the states. What are the odds of this actually happening? One might think that they media would respect their own. But I doubt that they will.

For more on this story see http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/meast/03/30/carroll/index.html

37-year-old Bride Charged With The Statutory Rape of 15-year-old Husband

2006-03-16T07:12:00.000-08:00

Thirty-seven year old Lisa Clark pleaded guilty to the statutory rape of her son's 15-year-old friend who fathered her one month old baby. Clark and the 15 year old were able to marry under a state law that was changed after this happened. Clark will not be allowed to have any contact with her husband until he is at least 17, she has to spend 9 months behind bars, and if she contacts him she can face 20 years in prison.

There is a thin line that separates love from stupidity. What in the world would make a 37 year old woman be attracted to a 15 year old boy? Clark's punishment was way too lenient. It will make other sick individuals think that it is fine to commit these acts because the penalty of law is not that harsh.

For more on this story visit: http://www.cnn.com/2006/LAW/03/15/child.groom.ap/index.html">

Online Child Pornography Group Busted

2006-03-16T06:11:00.000-08:00

Charges have been filed against 27 people living in the US, Canada, Britain, Australia for exchanging acts of child pornography via the internet in the form of video clips and photos. Some of the images were of some of these individuals committing acts of molestation. One location where these events occurred was in Florida.

Although files have been charged in all of the countries involved, filing charges against these individuals was only a baby step in this battle. Instead of the media covering this story one time and moving on, it is important that they continue to push the issue. This will put pressure on law enforcement and government agencies, and all concerned citizens to work harder to alleviate this problem.

A child is born totally innocent and obscure to the evils of this world. No child should have to pay for the perversion of those who should be loving and protecting them.

For more on this story visit: CNN.com

Bush Knew The After Effect Of Katrina Before She Hit Land

2006-03-02T07:55:00.000-08:00

Reports have surfaced that prove that President Bush and his homeland security chief knew the results of Katrina Days before it hit Louisiana. Confidential tapes show Bush receiving numerous warnings. It also captured him not asking any questions and saying, "We are fully prepared."

All I have to say to that is that the blood of over 1,000 people are on his hands. The opportunity to do something was practically handed to him on a platter, but he chose not to act on it. As a result families are separated, lives have been lost and good memories have been shattered and replaced with the horror of hurricane Katrina.

For more information on this story visit http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/03/01/katrina/main1361404.shtml

The US and India Make a Nuclear Weapons Deal

2006-03-02T07:23:00.000-08:00

On Tuesday, president Bush made a deal India's Prime Minister Manmohan Singh that has committed the USA to disclose nuclear weapons knowledge to them in order to protect there growing economic power from there enemies. In return India must open its civilian projects to international inspectors.

Is it just me, or should the United States' nuclear weapons insight be kept in America. With all the turmoil going on in the east why would our president make a deal about something so sensitive with India?

This is his second stupid move in a two week period. The first was the Arab port deal. Who is advising him to make such stupid moves? Perhaps he sees a light at the end of the tunnel that I just don't see.

For more information on this story visit http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/asiapcf/03/02/bush.india.visit/index.html

Hip-Hop is Added to the Smithsonian Museum

2006-03-02T06:54:00.000-08:00

After over thirty years hip-hop gets added to the exhibits seen at the Smithsonian Museum. Hip-hop pioneers came together and donated historic trademarks and artifacts such as turn tables, jackets, gold records, and other memorabilia.

I think this is a part of our culture as Americans that can't be ignored because of the way that it has and continues to shape our society. The hip-hop community should feel honored by this addition to the Smithsonian.

For more information on this story, visit: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060301/ap_en_ot/hip_hop_smithsonian

Would Dr. King and Malcolm X Have Had The Same Impact Today?

2006-02-23T07:33:00.000-08:00

A Black ABC News reporter seems to think that if the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X would have been around in 2006 that they would not have had the same impact. Though he brought up some valid points, I disagree with him.

Though many advancements have been made in Civil Rights since the 1960s issues of the same level of sererity face the Black community of today. I think that the only thing that would have changed would be the stance taken.

Yes, there are established black leader today but they seem to have a heart for politics and not for their people. Dr. King and Malcolm X had a unique approach and I think that they would be capable of being just as affective today as they were in the 1960s.

To view this story see

Bush, and the Arab Port Deal

2006-02-23T06:49:00.000-08:00

President Bush is working in favor of allowing an Arab shipping company own 6 major ports on the eastern shoreline of the United States. These ports include ports in Miami,Baltimore, Pittsburgh, New York, New Jersey, and Massachusetts.

Some lawmakers like Senator Clinton of New York see this as security risk, and are fighting this issue with full force. While Bush is doing the same on his end. He claims that he will exercise his veto power against any law or entity that get in the way of finalizing this deal.

I totally agree with Senator Clinton. It makes me question the president's rational. Why on earth would he want to give a middle eastern company power over such an important part of our economic stability.

Our ports are a gateway into our country. You would think that our government would have learned after 9/11, but obviously our president missed that lesson.

For details on this story go to

Stop Smoking, Or Else!

2006-02-16T16:13:00.000-08:00

Cincinnati, Ohio employers are drastically increasing the cost of health insurance for employees who smoke in an attempt to make them stop smoking, and to decrease health care costs for themselves.

research shows that this plan actually worked in some cases. Smokers were costing their employers about 25 percent more than non-smokers. Some employers even offered financial rewards to non-smoking employees.

Though it might seem a little harsh for smokers, all parties involved benefit. The employers don't have to worry about paying more money, the employee decreases their chances of lung cancer, and it gets rid of the risks associated with exposure to second hand smoke which causes lung cancer.

Maybe we should try this in Florida.

Entwistle Pleads Not Guilty

2006-02-16T15:07:00.000-08:00

Neil Entwistle plead not guilty of the double murder of his wife and nine month old daughter Lillian. After the murders her ran away to England, but he was taken into custidy by American authorities, and returned to the states for his Boston trial.

It's strange that Entwistle was bold enough to plead guilty when both his DNA and his wife's DNA was found on the gun. At one time criminals were innocent until proven guilty in the court of law alone, but with today's technology new factors are constantly being presented.

Entwistle had every reason to have been found guilty in a court of law by a jury, like the fact that he his DNA was on the murder weapon, and he surfed the internet for websites that tell viewers different ways of killing people.

I hope that Entwistle is found guilty, and spends the rest of his life caged in a prison like the animal that he is.

For more details on this story go to http://www.cnn.com/2006/LAW/02/16/entwistle.arraigned/index.html.

Leave Chaney Alone!

2006-02-16T08:21:00.000-08:00

Vice President Dick Chaney, accadentally shot his friend and hunting partner while bird hunting. Chaney has been getting a lot of heat from the American public, his colleagues, and especially from the media for making a decision not to reveal the details of the shooting incident, and his involvement therein.

Personally, I don't see why America thinks that Chaney was under some obligaion to them to reveal such an intimate detail of his personal life to them. Any normal person who accadentally shot their friend would be devastated as I can imagine chaney is at this time. And as they would be, Chaney is probably in need of some time to himself to cope with the whole situation.

Of course it was wrong for his to try to cover up the incidnet by cajoling someone else into taking the blame, but being that he lives in a world where the media hunts down and devours Americans like prey for the sake of getting a good story, who wouldn't have behaved that way?

Chaney's friend survived the shooting, but at this time he is in critical condition.

See details at http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/story?id=1626134&page=1

6-year-old Charged With Sexual Harassment

2006-02-09T07:48:00.000-08:00

Disiplinary actions are being taken against a 6-year-old Massachusetts boy after he stuck his fingers in the waistband of a female classmate's pants.

His mother is outraged, saying that the boy is only six years old and did not know any better. The six year old says that this accusation is not true and that he only touched the girl's shirt.

Some experts agree with the boy's mother, and other's feel that no matter what his age is he should be disciplined.

I agree with the second group of researchers. Although I feel that small children who commit these acts are most likely copying acts that they have witnessed other people do at home, or on TV. Sadly, some of these children might be copying acts performed on themselves.

Nonetheless, these children need to be punished so that they will understand the severity of what they have done, and will not do it again.

View story here. http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/02/09/national/main1300098.shtml

The Senate Scare

2006-02-09T06:37:00.000-08:00

More than 200 hundred people were forced to evacuate the Russel office building in Washington, DC due to an assumed detection of nerve gas.

The Russel building is where the U.S. Senate meets. The senators quickly exited the building and the premises were investigated by authorities. They found the scare to be a false alarm. The substance detected was possibly a cleaning agent.

Though authorities reacted quickly they still didn't feel that this was a major threat. There were no complaints of chocking or burning sensations in the eyes of these working in the building.

Most Americans may not see the fact that the media informs us of events such as these as being a big deal, but from the time immediately following 9/11 I have seen a lack of sensitivity and discretion in the way in which the media covers issues of American safety.

By the media reporting stories such as this one in unnecessarily scares the American public, just so that media sources can add a bit of suspense to the end of their story by saying "... But it was just a false alarm."

Secondly, does the media ever stop to consider that by disclosing small details such as the presence of toxin detecting devices in the senate building for the sake of keeping Americans informed might also be keeping our enemies informed of our security practices as well?

These are just a few things that I thought should be considered.

View story here. http://www.cnn.com/2006/US/02/08/nerve.agent/index.html

FAU Student Shot by Campus Police

2006-02-09T06:01:00.000-08:00

A Florida Atlantic University Student was shot in the back by a campus police officer at about 3 a.m. Wednesday morning.

It was said that the student had been vandalizing cars in the student parking lot near the Indian River Towers Residents Hall. He refused to follow the police woman's orders to stop. He then reached into his pocket for some reason unknown by police, and was shot in self defense.

In the days following this occurrence many variations of what actually happened have surfaced the media. At this time the university and the campus cops are not commenting. But how hard could it be to find a few students to interview that could actually give the media a few first hand accounts of what occurred so that a story could be compiled?

In my opinion this is how rumors come about. And the worst end result of rumors is the possibility of ruined reputations and credibility. Even in stories such as this one, the media needs to make a greater effort to respond quicker.

Charges Dropped on T-shirt Wearing Mom

2006-02-02T07:04:00.000-08:00

The charges were dropped against Cindy Sheehan, the woman wearing anti-war paraphernalia to President Bush's State of the Union. She received apologies from the Capital Police for removing her from the event in hand cuffs. The head of the Capital Police apologized, and took full blame for the improper training of those working under him. He acknowledged that her freedom of expression was violated.

Cruel and Unusual Punishment

2006-02-02T06:22:00.000-08:00

Inmate Arthur Rutherford was scentenced to death after being convicted of the murder of an elderly Florida woman in 1985. Rutherford robbed and drowned the woman.

He was to be put to death by lethal injection on Tuesday, Janurary 31, but his execution was called off by the Supreme Court. Rutherford fought against his pending execution, saying the the lethal cocktail used in the state of Florida causes unnecessary pain, and is therefore "cruel and unusual."

Question...How can a murderer fight against his death scentance, and argue that the Florida State method of lethal injection is cruel and unusual? Rutherford has taken the life of an innocent woman. Wasn't taking her life cruel and unusual? I would imagine that drowning someone would cause them pain in their last moments of life.

The death penalty is a needed institution in a society. The supreme court needs to back off and allow justice to be done.

View news story here:
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/01/31/national/main1263935.shtml?CMP=ILC-SearchStories

In Loving Memory of Coretta Scott King

2006-01-31T20:11:00.000-08:00

This morning news stations across the country announced the death of Mrs. Coretta Scott King. Mrs. King was the widow of one of America's hero's, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. She also played an active role in the fight for the civil rights of Blacks at the side of her husband, and she continued to do so even after his death.

Since the assassination of Dr. King in 1968 Coretta Scott King worked painstakingly towards developing the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change in Atlanta, GA in honorable memory of her husband's life and "dream".

Overall, Coretta Scott King has devoted her life to making the world a better place for all people. Her work and legacy will never be forgotten.

Cures

2006-01-25T23:22:00.000-08:00

Peggy Matson a cancer survivor was featured today on ABC news. Her story covered how she had a life threatening form of breast cancer in its advance stages, yet she was fortunate enough to survive with the help of new drugs. http://abcnews.go.com/WNT/CancerPreventionAndTreatment/story?id=1541177

It is great that Matson survived cancer, but why is it that more people with chronic illnesses don't share her good fortune? With all the years put into doing research on such diseases, all of the brilliant minds carrying it out, and all the good Samaritans who constantly supply funding, why don't we have cures for cancer and AIDS?

We would hate to think that this is some kind of conspiracy by the government or our big time pharmaceutical companies. This seems to be a common belief between most Americans.

Perhaps things really are as they appear to be. We must hope that innocent people are not dying simply because of greed.

Osama Bin Laden Strikes Again

2006-01-19T07:50:00.000-08:00

Osama Bin Laden released another tape today where he threatened to carry out attacks in America if Americans don't agree to remove our troops.

Question, what is the purpose of American involvement in Iraqi affairs? If their way of life is to spend their time fighting each other, and functioning under a corrupt government the American government should allow them to do so. As long as they follow through on their obligations to the US, then we shouldn't care about what else goes on in their coutry, because we have enough problems in our own country.

We should pull our military forces from Iraq. Who are we to impose democracy on a nation that wants no parts of it? America does not need a repeat of 9/11. We should worry about our own affairs, and allow the Middle East to handle theirs. Let's spend time offering our aid to nations that want it.

http://abcnews.go.com/International/story?id=1521491

Has America Already Forgotten About The Victims of Katirna?

2006-01-19T07:10:00.000-08:00

During the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Katrina news stations across the country continually reported news centered around the distruction, and the needs of the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Today however, less than a year later, coverage of Katirna is getting placed on the back burner of other 'more important' news stories.

Officials in Louisana seem to be placing more emphasis on drawing tourism to reestablish economy, than on caring for the needs of those who have lost all that they have ever known to love. Will Katrina Victims be at all compensated from the money gained by the return of tourism?

With Hurricane Katrina becoming old news, are charities and other help organizations still collecting donations in the name of Katrina?

As Americans we need not forget to set our priorities in order as it relates to helping our own brothers on the home front.

Another American Hostage In Iraq

2006-01-19T05:58:00.000-08:00

American journalist Jill Carroll was captured on Saturday, Janurary 7 by Iraqi militants and scentanced to death at 12 pm Friday if she American authorities do not agree to the release of 8 Iraqi female prisoners before that date.

Carroll, 28, lived in Iraq for 2 years prior to her kidnapping, where she worked for The Christian Science Monitor, and fully submerced herself into the culture by learning the language fluently, wearing head covers in public settings, and developing relationships with the Iraqi people.

Carroll's mother, Mary Beth Carroll released a statement pleading for her daughter's release on CNN. Mrs. Carroll spoke of her daughter's love and respect for the Iraqi people and their costoms. http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/meast/01/19/iraq.journalist/index.html

American government ofifials reported that Caroll's safe release is a priority. However, despite this fact, President Bush says that Americans will not negotiate with terrorists.