Scotland's Vote for Independence

On September 18, 2014 the citizens of Scotland age 16 and above will be heading to the polls to vote on whether or not they will remain part of the United Kingdom or become an independent nation.  The implications from this vote can have long term and far reaching impacts on Scotland, the United Kingdom and Europe.

This vote, some would say, has been in the making for about 300 years.  This is the length of time Scotland has been part of the United Kingdom along with England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.  Over the past three hundred years, these countries have become dependent on one another economically and militarily.  But many feel the relationship has run its course and it is time for a change. 

If Scotland chooses to become independent, the work and questions would increase.  There would be many decisions and issues to resolve including what would be their currency, what to do with the United Kingdom’s national debt, and how Scotland will go about establishing a national defense.  Additionally, a “yes” vote could be the inspiration to many other groups to politically fight for their sovereignty, such as the Basque and the French Canadians. 

Recent polls are predicting the vote to be extremely close.  The approximately 6% of undecided voter will be the deciding factor in the election.  What the poll indicates is there are just about as many people in Scotland who would like to remain a part of the United Kingdom as those who would like to be independent.  The opinions of the people have much to do with the age of the voters, where in Scotland they live, their education, and careers.  It has been a long a contentious debate. 

What do you think about this vote for Scotland’s independence?  If you were voting, which way would you vote and why?  What are your thoughts about 16 year olds voting? Do you think the United States should consider lowering the voting age?  Why?  

September 11, 2014

Thursday marks the 13th anniversary of the attacks on the United States in New York and Washington, D.C.  While truly tragic, it was also a day which demonstrated the incredible will and strength of the human spirit.  There were as many stories of heroism as there was destruction.  We witnessed countless acts of bravery and selflessness.  And these are only the stories we know.  Many of the incredible stories forever died with the victims.

The following is a brief timeline of the day’s events.

At 8:45 am, the first plane crashed into the North Tower of the World Trade Center.  The crash instantly killed hundreds of innocent people and trapped hundreds more above the 110^th floor.  While emergency crews sprang into action, a mere 18 minutes later, a second plane crashed into the South Tower.  It was evident to all, this was not a coincidence, the United States was under attack. 

At 9:45 am, a third plane crashed into the Pentagon.  The jet fuel caused a devastating fire causing a small structural collapse. 

15 minutes after the Pentagon crash, the South Tower collapsed.  It was less than one hour from the time the plane crashed into the building to when it fell to the ground.

 At 10:10, the country became aware of a fourth plane wreck.  United Flight 93 had left the Newark airport late.  40 minutes after departure, terrorists took control of the plane.  The passengers on the plane, aware of the events of New York and Washington, decided to take action.  They overtook the terrorist and in the process crashed the plane into a Pennsylvanian field.  All aboard were killed instantly.

At 10:30, the inevitable occurred.  The North Tower of the World Trade Center collapsed.  While the nation watched in awe, the brave firefighters, police officers and other city officials continued to respond to their call to duty.  Due to the devastation created when the Twin Towers collapsed, four other building would fall to the ground during the day. 

 

As the day concluded we began to hear the devastating carnage from the day.  In New York City approximately 3,000 people were killed, including 343 firefighter and paramedics, 23 police officers and 37 Port Authority officers.  In Washington, DC, 125 military personnel and civilians were killed at the Pentagon in addition to the 64 people on board the flight.  An additional 45 people were killed in the Pennsylvanian field from Flight 93.

Since this day, the world has changed dramatically.  For example, we have increased security at airports and ball games.  We are much more aware of extremist groups and their acts of terror.  Likewise, we have built a new building at the site and commissioned a museum so that we never forget what happened. 

Do you think the world is safer or more risky since September 11^th?  Why?  If you could lead the nations of the world, what would be your plan to achieve world peace?  Details please…..

Power of Social Media

On August 27, the middle school is completing the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge.  While I hope this provides us with some fun and laughs as well as increase knowledge about the disease and its effects, I want to spend some additional time discussing the immense power of social media. 

Too often we only focus on the negative impacts of social media.  Things that go viral are often negative or pointless.  This is neither.  With imagination and simplicity this campaign may have changed forever how we raise awareness and funding to special causes that more often than not go unnoticed. 

The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge started with the story of one man, Pete Frates.  Using his story as an inspiration, a simple and direct fundraising idea was born.  It success has shocked everyone.  According to Wikipedia between the dates of July 29^th and August 21^st, $41.8 million dollars have been donated to aid ALS research and education compared to $1.8 million a year ago.  Between June 1^st and August 13^th 1.2 million videos have been posted to Facebook.  Lastly, between July 29 and August 17 there have been 2.2 million tweets. 

Why do you think the Ice Bucket Challenge has been so successful?  What did you learn about ALS this week?  

Summer 2014

Welcome back to school.  I can only imagine many of you feel as through the summer went by way too quickly and are stunned to think we are back in school for another 9 months.  While it may have seemed to go by at the speed of light, this has been an incredible summer for world news.  Here are some highlights:

The Ongoing Issues in Ukraine

Not a week can go by without another incident concerning the ongoing border dispute between the Russians and the Ukraine.  This dispute has not only resulted in the constant threat of military actions, but on July 17^th 283 passengers tragically lost their lives when flight MH17 was shot out of the sky.  The United States and European countries have issued numerous sanctions against Russia, but with little effect to date.

The World Cup

Brazil hosted the world’s largest sporting event.  The FIFA World Cup was held between June 12th and July 13^th.  The attendance and viewers from all over the world was phenomenal.  In the end the men from Germany defeated the Argentinians to host the cup for the fourth time in the history of the tournament.

Trouble in Israel

Beginning July 8^th, the Israeli military and the Hamas have been engaged in an ongoing conflict.  The conflict continues to escalate and the casualties continue to rise as neither side is able to find a reasonable resolution.  One of the great tragedies of the conflict is the loss of the lives of civilians caught in the middle of this war zone.  The Egyptian government has been working diligently with both sides to enact ceasefires to provide civilian aid, but with limited success.  The latest ceasefire is set to expire at midnight August 18, 2014.

Iraqi ISIS

The Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) has been working to create a militant Islamic state at the expense

of religious minority groups in the region.  ISIS has been working to rid the area of Sunni Muslims and Yazidi.  The acts committed against these minority groups have prompted the United States to attempt to provide humanitarian aid. 

Racial Tension in Missouri

On August 9, 2014, Michael Brown, 18, was shot and killed by a police officer in Ferguson, MO.  Michael Brown was unarmed, but according to reports Brown assaulted the officer.  The candlelight vigil held the next evening turned into a riot claiming 30 injuries.  As more information and action is taken, the community continues to struggle with the relationship between law enforcement and the people they are to protect. 

These are just a sample of the many news stories from the summer of 2014.  In your opinion what was the biggest news story from the summer and why?  You can choose from one of the items above or whatever other news stories captured your attention.  What types of news stories are you more likely to pay attention to?  What about these stories interests you? 

Memorial Day

Thank you to all those who gave their lives so that we may continue to enjoy our freedoms.  God Bless.

First Year of Middle School

Congratulations.  You are two and a half weeks from completing your first year of middle school.  As you are well aware, school is more challenging.  You are expected to take more accountability for yourself and your work.  I say you have done a nice job.

Middle school requires you to change classes every 43 minutes.  You have 6-7 teachers instead of 1 or two.  Each of you teachers has a different personality and expectations.  By now you have a good idea what upsets each one of your teachers and what makes us happy.  You understand the nuances with our tests and teaching styles.

You have also realized that with middle school come more privileges.  You have your own locker.  A private space to hang up your pictures of One Direction or whatever else you may have an interest.  You have lunch with the older students and use the annex for afternoon break.  You no longer have to wear the school plaid or blue shorts and pants.  Next year you get even more privileges.  You are eligible to fully participate in TVCS sports and dances.  In addition, you get to play in the Hallissey tournament and enjoy the assembly.

Before we move on to next year, I would like you to reflect on this past.  What was your favorite part of being in the middle school?  How would you describe each of your middle school teachers?  What advice would you give to next year’s sixth graders?

Nigerian Kidnapping

On April 15, 2014 more than 300 teenage girls were abducted from the secondary boarding school Chibok in Lagos, Nigeria.  Boko Haram, and Islamic terrorist group has claimed responsibility and is threatening to sell the girls in the market. 

This is just another in a series of heinous acts committed by Boko Haram.  The organization has been classified as a terrorist organization by the United States and there is a $7 million bounty on the group’s leader, Abubakar Shekau. 

While Boko Haram is responsible for countless murders and kidnapping, the size and atrocity of this act has captured the interest of international groups and governments, including the United States and China.  As recently as Tuesday, the U.S. State Department has pledged assistance with technical experts in intelligence, investigation and hostage negotiations.   China has offered to assist with satellite imaging and other technical assistance.  Unfortunately, the Nigerian’s initial reluctance to accepting help has given the terrorist organization a three week head start.

Boko Haram’s name is translated “Western education is sinful”. They believe in pure translation of Sharia law which considers everything Western as evil.  The leader, Abubakar Shekau recently released a video in which he says, “I abducted your girls. I will sell them in the market, by Allah. There is a market for selling humans. Allah says I should sell.  He commands me to sell. I will sell the women. I sell women.”

The Nigerian leaders, including President Jonathan Goodluck, have not demonstrated the ability to effectively handled Boko Haram or recover the abducted girls.  What should be done to recover these girls?  What role should the United States play in the recovery?  How do you think the international community should deal with groups like Boko Haram?  Lastly, please say a prayer for the safe return and recovery of the girls and their families.