As the Death Toll in Africa Rises; Ebola Reaches our Backyard.

The Center for Disease Control announced the first diagnosis of Ebola in America on Sept. 30. The patient has been isolated at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital after showing symptoms of the Ebola virus. The CDC confirmed the virus being in Dallas,Tx on Sept. 29. The Ebola virus has created growing concern in America after two patients working closely with the virus were flown to America for treatment. A questionable decision on the part of our Government, since this disease has never been in the country before; Why take the chance? In recent, alarming interview, a top German virologist stated the virus could kill upwards of 5 million people in Ebola-stricken African countries.


As for containing the virus; CDC officials have a decision to make that could impact every citizen in the USA. A recent emergency measure has been passed giving the federal government authority to detain and quarantine anyone showing signs of carrying a communicable disease. However, the CDC and federal government also have the authority to deatain and quarantine "healthy" citizens. I whole heartedly agree the CDC should quarantine citizens who show any signs of the Ebola virus. On the contrary, I believe it is an egregious violation of our rights to detain any citizen who appears "healthy" or appears not to have any of the Ebola symptoms.


By. Erik Skaarnes

How Safe Are Airports? - Crystiana Schlitz

Last Friday, September 26, a man that wrecked hundred of weekend plans for those flying in and out of Chicago O'Hare and Midway, had unsuccessfully tried to take his own life by starting the blaze. Brian Howard, 36, was a contract employee at the FAA radar center in Aurora. According to the FAA, the Aurora facility will not be fully operation until October 13 and O'Hare and Midway are still feeling the effects of the fire this week. It has raised the question of how safe are airports? There are over 87,000 flights throughout the United States each day. With all of the restrictions for passengers, it makes you wonder if the rules are the same for the employees. What is being done that ensures the safety and efficiency of the structures that control all the traffic? If one goes down, last weekend is a perfect example of the domino effect they cause. It is not just one flight, it is incoming, outgoing, connecting and thousand of people's jobs. I do not think that anything is protecting other airports from the same thing happening again.

Check out one of the latest article on the sentencing of Howard and the clean up of both airports:  http://goo.gl/0v04Nv

LeBron James 67 Day Diet

I just read on Yahoo that LeBron James went on a diet for 67 days and had nothing but meat, fish, veggies, and fruit and lost "a ton of weight."  I wasn't surprised by the post because it's common for an athlete to go on a diet.  I give him credit for being on the diet because I wouldn't be able to skip out on sugar, dairy, and carbs.  He went on the diet over the summer- that is when I especially like to snack.

-Amanda Gyzen

Rachel Kennow-Blog Post #1

On September 10, 2014 President Barak Obama spoke to the nation concerning the be headings of American journalists Jim Foley and Steven Sotloff. He encouraged citizens of the US by reminding us that America does not tolerate terrorism or threats of any kind. His call to action that he plans on, and has already done, is to attack Isis from the air. He assured us that he would not put troops on the ground. 

I am not a huge fan of any kind of public address by our president or really anyone else in politics. I'm smart enough to know that he doesn't write his own speeches and every sentence is orchestrated to reassure and comfort us as citizens. While I'm really glad that there won't be any Americans on the ground, I do worry what kind of result military air strikes could produce. There is no telling what kind of machinery Isis has to retaliate or what innocent people could get caught in the madness. While I agree that something has to be done, because it is disgusting and saddening what has happened to our fellow Americans, I am not a supported of war of any kind. I genuinely feel as though Americans should avoid places like that at all costs, even if it is in the name of releasing very important stories and news. It makes me sad to think of any human life dying from acts of war, American or not. While I know that war related issues are important and urgent it does not make me any more excited to write about them. 

I hope that something positive comes from Obama's plans of action and I most importantly hope that no more innocent people are hurt because of it. 

Obama on ISIL-Janette Ream

Janette Ream

Comm 255

Professor Elie

18 September 2014

First off, I would like to note that I have viewed two of the videos from ISIL that involve the be-headings of the American journalist James Foley and the American-Israeli journalist Steven Sotloff and they are rather uncomfortable to watch and I am glad that Obama is doing what he believes to be best in response to these killings.

In regards to the speech that Obama gave on Wednesday, I think that it was given really well, and that Obama is a really good public speaker regardless. I would like to mention that it is commendable that he mentions right away that the group ISIL is not "Islamic" and that "no religion condones the killing of innocents". This is important for the American people to hear because many Americans are still blaming a religion as the cause for all the hate toward America, it simply is not true and we need to end this assumption.

I find it very agreeable that the action that Obama is taking is in the interest of not creating another ground war in the Middle East and instead trying to focus more on distanced strikes and helping the newly formed government in regards to humanitarian efforts. As for the fact that these "precision" strikes are hitting exactly what they should be (the enemy), is taken for granted by the American people. American media will always try to do what it does best, that is put America on a "we can do no wrong" pedestal.

In the end, I think that Obama did his best with the speech by making it simple and outlining the steps that he plans to take, also by appealing to America's heroic leadership, and ending very optimistic approach about the future.   

Obama Isis Speech

My Reaction
 After listening to our Commander in Chief it is glad to hear out leader talk about being on the offensive and why he is justified in doing so.  A counter terrorism plan he lays about airstrikes and it doesn't matter if they are in Syria or Iraq shows to me strong will and determination.  He says "if you threaten the America you will find no safe haven" displaying the level of seriousness in which he wants to display.  I am confused if it is pronounced isis or isil or if the difference is a big deal but either way I feel like although he is directly talking about taking out a enemy he knows that once people fight for a similar cause it will bring us all together and move us forward for the better which is why I believe he talks about the future of America and technology and what not. 

Obama's Speech on ISIS- Mel Webster

Mel Webster

Comm 255

Professor Elie

18 September 2014

My Reaction

After hearing Obama's speech, I believe he got his point across. After watching the news for several weeks on videos about our Americans being beheaded by ISIS, I think the public was a little concerned that Obama was not doing much or saying much. In my head, I was thinking how many American people does ISIS have to brutally murder in order for Obama to stand up and do something about it? I believe his speech was full of confidence and dogmatic statements. He was no longer messing around about this situation and came up with something to defeat this horrifying group. His plan was to start firing off airstrikes and destroy ISIS. I am not sure that just doing this is going to defeat ISIS. I feel in his speech he was very straightforward and to the point but in the end is that going to be enough? I feel that after the airstrikes he needs to have another plan. This has been a very long and brutal conflict between us and Syria and if you don't have a plan B or C for your every move will it back fire on the U.S. and maybe start something on our grounds? I am not exactly sure how I feel about this whole speech. I think it was great that he finally said something and came up with a plan to let the American people know he is in action to destroy ISIS but how it is actually going to happen will depend on his actions and that is something we are just going to have to wait and see.

REACTION TO OBAMA'S SPEECH ON ISIS- STEPHANIE KOHEL

Watching President Obama's speech, specifically being reminded of the horrific and devastating acts ISIL is doing to innocent children killing them, enslaving individuals, raping and forcing women into marriage is heartbreaking.  The beheading of journalists as threats to the United States has made their violence even more real knowing that it is happening to our very own Americans.  In my opinion, this current situation has escalated due to his commitment to remove troops in Iraq as a campaign promise instead of seeing the dangers that were in front of him.  Even though there's an eminent threat he didn't act upon the threat quick enough, and then when he voiced concern there was no quick immediate action.  I am happy to see that action is finally being brought to the table.  His focus in my opinion has been on other recreational things, and not the safety of this country.  I am hoping that this speech is finally the start of him being a leader instead of taking a backseat role, and letting others take charge.  What is going on is scary, and it is real.  One of his strategies being to arm the rebels with weapons to fight Isis may have negative repercussions.  We are not absolutely sure who the rebels are. Some of them are possibly Al Qaeda fighters or Iranians that may eventually use our weapons against us.  Although I can appreciate his effort in getting a plan strategized, I feel these ideas should have been devised and implemented long before this tragedy that is striking innocent people.

Obama broadcasts message on ISIS crisis - Aron Yohannes

President Barack Obama broadcasted a statement September 10 after the recent deaths involving two American journalists that were captured and executed by the Iraq-Syrian (ISIS) terrorist group within the last several weeks.

"As Commander-in-Chief, my highest priority is the security of the American people." Obama said Wednesday evening.

"Still, we continue to face a terrorist threat.  We can’t erase every trace of evil from the world, and small groups of killers have the capacity to do great harm.  That was the case before 9/11, and that remains true today.  And that’s why we must remain vigilant as threats emerge.  At this moment, the greatest threats come from the Middle East and North Africa, where radical groups exploit grievances for their own gain.  And one of those groups is ISIL -- which calls itself the “Islamic State.”

Steven Sotloff, 31, was a freelance journalist and was beheaded after being kidnapped in Syria last year in August. James Foley, 40, was also a journalist and is an alum of Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wis. Foley was also beheaded by Islamic militants.

"In a region that has known so much bloodshed, these terrorists are unique in their brutality." Obama said. "They execute captured prisoners.  They kill children.  They enslave, rape, and force women into marriage.  They threatened a religious minority with genocide.  And in acts of barbarism, they took the lives of two American journalists -- Jim Foley and Steven Sotloff."

The killings have made waves around the globe and many are wondering if Obama and his administration will retaliate. Tuesday he addressed those concerns and notified the world what course of action him and his staff will take going forward.

"I know many Americans are concerned about these threats." Obama said. "Tonight, I want you to know that the United States of America is meeting them with strength and resolve."

"Our objective is clear:  We will degrade, and ultimately destroy, ISIL through a comprehensive and sustained counterterrorism strategy."

-
Aron Yohannes

President Obama's speech on ISIL. - Markiz Johnson

On September 10th, 2014, President Obama gave a speech concerning the situation ISIS. It seems

 like he was very active and concerned about the issue. Obama has faith in our military when it 

comes to getting revenge with the terrorists. I think it is so bad how this situation has turned out.

From what I saw on social media, a lot of people did not agree with Obama's statement saying they 

do not feel confident about foreign issues and making jokes about how he should stick to golf. 

I think it is because religion is a very touchy topic to most people. The fact that religion 

plays a role in this entire fiasco, everyone is in an uproar over everyone's opinion. I think the speech 

was very informative and I learned so much about the topic after watching it because I did not have a

clue what is going on. 

Obama Vs ISIL speech - Quinshaw G

On Wednesday September 10^th president Obama spoke to an entire united nation on the current Isis crisis issue. The president promised that he would degrade and ultimately destroy Isis, also referred to as the Islamic state or ISIL. Obama mentions how ISIL is not “Islamic.  And how the vast majority of ISIL’s victims have been Muslim. ISIL is a terrorist organization and has no vision other than the slaughter of all who stand in its way.

“In a region that has known so much bloodshed, these terrorists are unique in their brutality.  They execute captured prisoners.  They kill children.  They enslave, rape, and force women into marriage.  They threatened a religious minority with genocide.  And in acts of barbarism, they took the lives of two American journalists -- Jim Foley and Steven Sotloff (President Obama)”.

While Obama was saying this quote in monotone with a straight expressionless face, he still showed a state of grievance for the death of Jim Foley and Steven Sotloff. He then mentions his four step plan to eliminate the ISIL terrorist.

First, they will conduct a systematic campaign of airstrikes against the terrorists while working with the Iraqi government. They will hunt down terrorist where ever they are. There will be no safe haven for terrorists even if this means bringing the air strikes to Syria, as well as Iraq.

Second, they will increase their support to the forces fighting these terrorists on the ground, by aiding them with training, intelligence and equipment. They will also support Iraq’s efforts to stand up to help Sunni communities secure their own freedom from the ISIL’s control. They will do this without fighting another war.

Third, they will prevent ISIL attacks and put in higher efforts to cut off their funding. The US military will improve their intelligence; strengthen their defenses; and stem the flow of foreign fighters into and out of the Middle East.

Fourth, they will continue to provide assistance to innocent civilians who have been displaced by the terrorist organization.  This includes Sunni and Shia Muslims who are at grave risk, as well Christians and other religious minorities.

This four step plan shows that America is heading in the right direction in terms of advancement. The decision Obama made to help stop ISIS terrorists without entering another war was a very clever method. Jobs are being created, allies are being made and the United States is growing safer by the day. All evil cannot be eliminated and the cancer like Isis crisis will take time to cure, but in the end only confidence and victory will prosper.

 

Obama against ISIS - Szymon Owczarek

Turning to the Americans on the day before the 13th anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11, the president of the United States announced strategies to fight against enlarging terrorist groups in Iraq and Syria- ISIS. He assured that the United States will lead the "broad coalition" and would try to cooperate with other countries to finally destroy the radical groups and acts of terrorism.

 He split his strategy into four basic moves:

 - Systematic raids with the support of the Iraqi government

 - Americans will not be directly involved in the fight. Obama will send 475 people to Iraq who have to deal with coaching, support intelligence and equipping Iraqi and Kurdish troops

 - The fight against jihadist ideology and obstruction of migration of foreign people who want to work for ISIS

 - The United States will continue to support humanitarian civilians, especially religious minorities

 In my opinion, these ideas will not bring anything new to the war against terrorism. The speech was more written with the anger from the situation with two reporters who were beheaded in front of the whole world. He gave this speech to show his outrage, but not consulting his movements with other countries are not a smart move. -Simon

Obama ISIS Speech- Yazlyn Perez

Just weeks ago the United States mourned the loss of two fellow citizens who were innocently beheaded by the terrorist group ISIS. This cruel act is what lead President Obama to give a speech on the night of September 10th. During Wednesday nights speech President Obama revealed his strategy on taking down the terrorist group. Part of his strategy includes airstrikes against ISIS, and support to forces fighting the terrorist group on the ground. The President made it clear that the additional service men he will be sending will not have a combat mission. My reaction to this speech is that I am glad that we will not be entering another war. I feel that if the President stands firm behind his strategy this terrorist group can ultimately be destroyed. I felt President Obama was very detailed and informative while explaining his strategy. He also let all viewers know, "if you threaten America, you will find no safe haven." That line made me feel confident that this country can take down this terrorist group.

ISIS Crisis-Brianna Morgen

President Barrack Obama gave a speech Wednesday, September 10th on the crisis with a terrorist group known as ISIS. The speech included details about the terrorist group itself and all the inhuman things that are associated with their organization. This group kills for no Godly reason; which also stated by the president is nor accepted or promoted in no such religious practices. Other things that this terrorist group is known for is using their power as a harm towards innocent people, including raping woman and children of their own country. As President Obama continued on with his perfectly written speech, which was probably looked over and perfected by multiple cabinet members to be sure the awareness and the logical words of the president were heard, the president addressed the fact that we would stop at no measures unnecessary to protect our country. I have two questions with this address. First, wasn't our country already threatened with the violent beheading of two of our own people? While secondly, why do we find it completely necessary to have to involve ourselves in all other country affairs? I feel that we need to end our "war", even though it is noncombat right now, before we start rough ties with another country. While the president's speech was extremely mono-toned and quite honestly not as heart-felt as it could have been, the president continues to keep the same stance on the ISIS crisis and will fail to no grounds but to protect our country which in the end is all the matters.

Obama's ISIS Speech - Sara Strauss

President Barack Obama’s speech regarding ISIL, the growing Iraq-Syrian based terrorist group, outlined a four step plan to inevitably degrade and destroy ISIL. According to Obama, the first step to destroy ISIL was to use American and Iraqi air force strikes to strategically target and demolish ISIL terrorists, weapons and camps. The second step Obama suggested was to increase our force on the ground in Iraq with the mission to “support Iraqi and Kurdish forces with training, intelligence and equipment.” The third step in Obama’s plan prevents future ISIS attacks by mobilizing international forces to ally our efforts. Obama’s last step in destroying ISIS provides assistance to victims affected by the terrorist activities of ISIL. Obama never used the word war during his speech to describe the action he was going to take against ISIL. However, when Obama said “we will degrade, and ultimately destroy, ISIL through a comprehensive and sustained counter-terrorism strategy,” and continued to describe sending additional military ground forces into Iraq and violent air strikes against ISIS, I immediately thought of war. “Degrading and ultimately destroying ISIL,” seems like war to me, no matter how it is completed. We can only hope that by avoiding the word war Obama is assuring hesitant Americans like myself, that this will not be another long Iraq war, but instead a short lived military movement that will quickly destroy ISIL and any threat they pose.

President Obama's ISIS address - Kelsey Krimmer

On September 10th, 2014, President Obama addressed the terrorist threat, the beheadings of two American journalists: Jim Foley and Steven Sotloff, from the group called ISIS and shared his plan of action. President Obama reassured us Americans that he has complete faith in our military going against the terrorist group ISIS. President Obama gave his new plan of action regarding the events that just took place, while also informing us again of the over 150 air strikes we have already had a success with. President Obama believes that with the new Iraqi government in place, Allies abroad, and the help of Congress here at home, America will be able to retract and take control of the terrorist threat that the group ISIS poses. One thing that really made me proud to be an American was that President Obama reassured that terrorists will not get away with any threat and that he will hunt down terrorists WHERE EVER they are. President Obama says “If you threaten America, you will find no safe haven.” President Obama will be sending an additional 475 service members to Iraq, but not as a combat mission but more for support and strength to the Iraqi forces. President Obama also says that he will be calling on Congress to show us that our nation is united in this matter. Personally, I would have liked his address to be with the entire Congress, so that that part of the plan seemed sincere. It is very unfortunate that people act in such a disgusting, barbaric way, but I have faith in our military and with the help of other forces that we will come out on top and stronger than ever.

President Obama's ISIS speech- Cheryl Solomon

President Barack Obama’s speech on September 10th about the terrorist group, ISIS, was very informative, but I found that there were a few moments where he contradicted his self. It was great that he made sure to mention that ISIS doesn’t represent all Islamic views, which is apparent because a majority of their victims were Muslims. The president continued by listing some of the terrible acts from the group, such as killing children, raping women, and beheading American journalists. I loved all of the points he was making until he said, “… [We] can’t do for [them] what they must do for themselves.” I wouldn’t have been confused if he didn’t also mention the airstrikes sent by our country that killed several members of the terrorist group. It’s great that the weaponry saved lives, but it seems as if he went against what he said. He also stated that 475 service members would be sent into the country, but he made sure to repeat that it isn’t meant to be for combat; their presence would be to offer ‘training’ to the groups in the country fighting against ISIS. I found myself asking, “What kind of training?” I do agree that something needs to be done about this group. It is a problem because these horrific acts have the possibility of spreading. I only wish that the president could’ve been direct. He seemed to want to reassure Americans that there wouldn’t be a war, but the acts done previously seem to be leading us right to that.

President Obama Isis Response - Zach Loewen

In President Obama's speech on September 10, 2014, he discussed the plan of action in regards to the Islamic militant group known as Isis. The speech was triggered after a second U.S journalist was beheaded at the hands of Isis. I do not usually tune in for political speeches of any kind whether it be from our governor, the president, or any other government official, but I knew this time it would be different. I knew it would be different because the two journalists, James Foley and Steven Sotloff, that lost their lives at the hands of Isis were U.S citizens, people from the land I love and am proud to so say I live in. In his address President Obama made it clear that the objective was to degrade and to eliminate ISIL. The president stated that he would not involve American troops in this effort to destroy ISIL, like he did with the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. He spoke professionally, was concise, and made his point quickly. The gist of the speech was that the U.S is going to take action and will not stand by while this corrupt militant group continues killing innocent people, like it has been said many times before, we do not negotiate with terrorists.

President Obama Speaks Out; Adressing the ISIS Situation and US Involvement.

      President Obama gave a speech on September 10th, 2014 regarding the growing threat known as ISIS. ISIS, or Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, is a terrorist organization that has been wrecking havoc in the middle east. Recently, in barbaric fashion, ISIS beheaded two American born journalists and video taped the whole thing. In this video an ISIS member issued a threat towards President Obama and America. These recent events forced the American government to take action and attack ISIS members by way of air strikes.


      The speech President Obama gave was a very formal, almost cookie cutter speech. The President explained who/what ISIS is, described some of the disturbing actions acted out by ISIS, and Obama expressed how serious of a threat ISIS is to America. The President topped his speech off by proclaiming that he will hunt down and destroy any terrorist group that threatens American citizens.


     The overall feeling I had after watching this speech was that Obama did not really talk about how he will stop ISIS, but the speech acted as a type of rally cry to gain support from American citizens. President Obama laid the speech out perfectly. Inform the people of the threat they are facing, paint a descriptive picture of this threat and their evil ways, and finally reassure the viewers that we will not stop until this threat is diminished. A flood of American pride washed over all of social media after the President's speech.


      The threat brought upon by ISIS has yet to reach American soil but, now more than ever, there is a definite cause for concern. The ISIS situation is progressing at a rapid pace and citizens across the globe may want to pay closer attention from here on out. One thing is certain; Innocent bodies will continue to pile until action is taken against ISIS.




By. Erik Skaarnes

Obama's Speech 9/10/2014 - Zachary Ketzer

I sat down and watched President Obamas speech about ISIS on September 10, 2014 with my father. During this speech, he kept telling me how this speech was very similar to a speech that former President George W. Bush gave in the days after 9/11. Much like Bush, Obama has a serious dilemma on his hands; how can we get the support needed to act on these terrorist groups from Congress? I was too young to remember Bush's speech, but Obama's speech seemed as it was geared to accomplish two things; inform the public about what is actually going on with ISIS and to rally the American people to believe that they need to be eliminated. For the most part, I believe that Obama gave us enough information about the issue that will help us to have a better grasp on the conflict. Yes, there are some things that I would have liked for him to clarify on, but I was able to do my own research on those topics. The one quote from this speech that led me to believe it was a rallying speech was "If you threaten America, you will find no safe have." Just hearing that gives me chills and I'm sure it does for many Americans. This speech wasn't perfect, but it accomplished the two things that I feel are very important to the public. We will find out if this speech was truly successful in the upcoming weeks, months, or years.

Obama Isis Speech- Devon Hickey

Devon Hickey

Comm 255

Sept. 14, 2014

                 In President Barrack Obama's speech regarding the terrorist organization Isis, he addressed and explained how Isis is a threat and listed a few things they have done. Regardless, Obama stated that we are not going to back down and began to discuss how we are going to fight back to this terrorist group. The President's speech was very well organized. It explained what the government plans to do, he did not "beat around the bush" but addressed the issue at hand. The speech even covered prevention plans for the future and how we are even going to help the people who have been displaced from their homes from this terrorist group. The speech was very informational, precise, and got to the point.

Obama ISIS Response - Crystiana Schlitz

In a speech on September 10, 2014 regarding ISIS, President Obama instilled the feelings of bravery, commitment, and pride in the American people. Again and again he mentioned the value of what amazing work the United States forces are doing and what the benefits are of troops being stationed in the Middle East. Those troops are really his main concern and while there will be an additional 475 service members will bee send over, they are not being sent there to be put in harms way, they are there to help other who cannot take on this fight alone. The fact that he took a very humanitarian stance and not one of total war, really showed that while the U.S. is concerned about the injustices happening, the country will not be dragged into another war. I think that is a good stance because while the events are terrible, we should not have to endure mass casualties in someone else's fight.

ISIS President Obama Speech-Stephanie Parco

President Obama spoke very professionally as he should, but it was very formal. I think that he got his point across in a strict professional matter. He didn't leave out anything or dance around the actually point that he needed to discuss.

I did not know much about the ISIS threat, and President Obama discussed that and how he will be putting a plan into place to shut them down. They are now threatening the U.S. and Obama was making sure that everyone knows that this will not happen and we will fight back.

I thought this was a great speech by President Obama, he was very straight forward with what he wanted to say and what plans he has put in place. He made America feel as if they could continue to support the great country and the things we stand for each and everyday!

Obama Speaks - Sept. 10, 2014 - Cortney McCarthy

     A not-so-impressive fact about me is that I do not keep up with politics. I am not particularly worldly and you will never find me deep in debate. I have my individual opinions; however, I do not get angry and fight. For that sole reason alone, I look forward to this class. It is going to yank me out of my ignorance and force me to acknowledge the news. Starting with Obama’s speech, I have already learned a lot.

     My favorite part of his speech was the style in which he addressed it. The President spoke professionally, yet he also was particularly concise. He covered each thing that is important in a short amount of time.  Obama honorably gave his condolences, and then summarized the cold, truthful facts. He will be supporting a “broad coalition” that will use air strikes and different supports. He says ISIS will be shut down because they are posing threats to American life.

     I admired Obama’s closure, where he recognized American strength. He listed our various successes and gave comfort for what will come next. The U.S has a thriving future, he said, and our unity is firmer than ever.

 

-- Cortney McCarthy

ISIS Speech Blog - Matt Kelly

The speech President Obama gives is both strong and concise. He starts by stating what is being done about the terrorist group ISIL and the progress that the United States has made against it. The military took out the leader of the Somalian faction, while bringing 140,000 troops home. This is very good news on both fronts, dismantling ISIL, and getting more soldiers back home.

President Obama then breaks down what ISIL is and the atrocities that it is causing to the people in their country. "It is a terrorist organization, pure and simple and it has no vision other than the slaughter of all who stand in its way".

As the speech continues President Obama displays his effortless ability of rhetoric. Keeping a wonderful tempo while going through his presentation. Stating how the United States will fight, dismantle, and bring down anyone and anything that is helping this organization. This speech was a good sign for the Obama administration, and a good strong statement from the Commander-In-Cheif.



-Matt Kelly

Obama's Speech on ISIL Threat

I watched Obama's speech on the ISIL threat and was surprised to hear what the Islamic group is doing.  ISIL kills children, enslaves, rapes, and enforces women into marriage.  They also took two American journalist's lives.  Now the group is threating the United States while they are in Iraq, Seria, and the broader middle east.  Obama said that ISIL will come to us if we aren't doing something about it.  Obama does not want this attack to happen.  I was impressed with his strong attitude, especially when he said there will be consequences when one threatens our country.  Obama has a plan and I am pleased with it.  I was surprised to hear that there will not be a war.  When I hear that there's a threat to the United States, I automatically think of a war.  I think the air strikes are a good idea but for some reason I feel they might not solve the problem and that there will be someone left behind from the group and continue to threaten us all.  I hope we get this problem cleared up so we are all safe.

-Amanda Gyzen

Let's Bring It!

Let's Bring It!

I'm really excited about our new class blog. Sorry I didn't get it up and running earlier tonight. You are to write 5 posts for the semester. You may post more often if you would like, but you will be graded only on the 5 required posts. I will assign two of the posts. You may write three of the posts on a topic of your choosing.

Some suggestions for your individual posts include current events, what you're doing related to this class - such as a particular story you're working on, who you're interviewing, or concepts discussed in class. You may also discuss what's happening on campus and in your community, etc.
Have fun with this blog. It doesn't have to be a chore. It can be witty and humorous as long as it pertains to this class and the news developments happening around you. You may also feel free to give your opinion on an issue, since opinion writing is one of the topics covered in class. Other ideas include writing a movie or theater review, entertainment news, etc.

Of course, your first post will focus on President Obama's press conference announcing airstrikes on Syria as part of an aggressive mission to destroy ISIS.
I can't wait to see all the exciting things you're going to discuss in this blog.

Now go get em, Journos!