Vietnam Artifacts

Artifacts from any war play a huge part in how a war is perceived. During the Vietnam War era, soldiers were looked down upon after returning home from Hell. They were called baby killers, were unsupported and looked at as  strung out murderers on drugs. Being the first war to be shown on TV, many citizens saw the atrocities committed using chemical experimentation. The media played a huge part in giving leads for people to be for or against the war. Many soldiers carried around photographs of their loved ones or strangers they were simply just writing to. Today, the remains of this war have changed the perception many of us had. The Vietnam War Memorial leaves just the memory of the lives lost in battle and offers more respect to Vietnam veterans throughout the country.

Final thoughts on SB1070

Well finally I am DONE with researching immigration and SB1070, so here are some final blurbs about the topic. I was personally never affected nor did I really think about immigration and migrant workers as a huge part of my life. I grew up and still live in a town that shelters thousands of these workers, and other agricultural cities that cherish these workers are not too far away. Therefore, I am accustomed to seeing these people every day be it on the street waiting for work, or actually working on farms or in restaurants. However, and we all know this, it is HIGHLY unappreciated when three workers in a truck are sitting next to me while I am in my car and they are gawking and whistling disrespectfully and obnoxiously. I'm sorry. I just had to get that out there because I am positive it happens to a lot of women in all states and cities. Back to my point, I have gained more knowledge and opinion on SB1070 as I have done all of my research. I feel like SB1070 isn't worth all of the trouble when it is putting Arizona police officers in a very tough situation. They work hard to gain the trust of the citizens and to protect communities from actual criminals that really do do horrible things. It's wrong for Arizona governors and senators to put more weight on these police officers by having them risk the trust they have gained with the people due to the danger of too much racial profiling. Mind you, these officers are not trained in immigration enforcement, so it is hard for them to determine whether or not a person is illegal or not. Also, these immigrants are coming into the US to look for work and make a living. Why can't we pride ourselves on being the place people turn to for help, instead of giving them the cold shoulder and make America into an uninviting and savage place??  I hope SB1070-like laws do not come to California because I do not want the cops I know to become racist assholes and have to not trust them. Well, I would still trust them when I need them, but I would despise having to see Latinos of all origins be persecuted just because of their skin color.

My feelings on SB1070

Many of us complain that migrant workers take our jobs from us and that legal citizens' job are being jeopardized. But most of us really don't have the right to complain about this. If you think about it, would a white middle-class American want to work in the blistering hot sun or freezing cold weather all day for just a few bucks a week? Times have changed indeed, and workers today might be paid a bit more, but not much for the amount of intense work they have to do. So in this case, jobs are not really being "stolen."

SB1070

My reaction to SB1070 at first was anger. I was angry that government official had the nerve to pass such a racist and controversial bill. But then I actually thought about it, and realized Arizona is probably just tired of being flooded with illegal immigrants. If they are that tired of them, then there must be a serious problem bigger than the one here in California. I'm not saying immigrants should be allowed at all, because we actually need these guys! But maybe, though it is probably a pain in the ass, the bill will encourage immigrants to get the proper documentation before running into our country. I still think it is wrong for cops down there to have the power to stop someone for the littlest things and then ask, "do you have your papers?" Hopefully officials will come to a thoughtful decision about this bill, but for now all we can do is just wait and see.

Corporate Financial Profile: American International Group, Inc.

In September of 2008, AIG's shares fell up to 30% while its stock was deflated by 70% after warning investors that it would be hit severely due to credit default swaps written to guarantee security to subprime mortgages. This was all during the time AIG was providing $400 billion in credit protection to banks and other clients around the world. On September 16, 2008, FRBNY (Federal Reserve Bank of New York) graciously gave AIG a two-year security loan to prevent any reverberations in the world economy, as well as to stabilize AIG itself. The loan was for $85 billion. Due to the large amounts of money AIG owed to the U.S. government and FRBNY, I say that this corporation as largely contributed to the recession we are in today. In recent quarters, AIG CEO Robert H. Benmosche has stated that it is AIG's top priority to eventually repay the United States the money it owes although they do realize it will not happen immediately due to how much money they owe.

-USA Today http://www.usatoday.com/money/perfi/insurance/2008-09-12-aig-shares-drop_N.htm

-http://www.aigcorporate.com/aboutaig/index.html

Sweatshops

I have recently learned a lot about free trade, sweatshops, and how globalization affects the world we live in. Whether you like it or not, sweatshops are huge components to free trade which plays a significant role in globalization. Based on the information I have collected, I cannot and will not change my consumer habits. There is really nothing in my power that I can do to "fix" the labor practice of sweatshops. Answer this question for me bloggers: what would I be able to do? Let your opinions loose!

My first blog EVER

Hey Everyone,

My name is Lauren and this is my first blog ever. I've never done this before, but I think it's a good idea for posting information on discussions I am having in class so I can get other people's opinions! I am majoring in psychology and hope to eventually become a psychiatrist for the Air Force, but that's just an up in the air idea. This quarter in English I hope to learn how to write about many different topics on a broad spectrum. This blog can help because I could get responses and input from people all around the world.

I guess I'll tell you a little bit about myself :) I currently work at a dress boutique in which I sell special event dresses and it's actually prom season so it's a little crazy and stressful >.< It's funny because out of my friends I feel like I am one of the only ones to say I actually love my boss! She's amazing! My favorite place I have vacationed is Hawai'i. I am a huge beach bum, so you can see why it would be my favorite place :D Speaking of beaches and being outside, I love nature! Besides my Air Force idea mentioned above, I hope to one day work with animals or own a huge ranch with hella different kinds of farm animals. Maybe even a baby tiger! But that's probably illegal :p

I am honestly a very happy person right now. For about 3 years I suffered from depression. Most of my high school career was spent in pathetic misery. Why was i so depressed? I don't feel like getting into it becasue even I don't know. The point is, I am full of life now. In literally the same week, I got myself an awesome job and an amazing boyfriend :D Hopefully after I graduate from Foothill, I will attend Sonoma State or get my own place with my boyfriend and attend San Francisco State. GO GIANTS!!!! In case you didn't just notice my sudden sports team outburst, I am a sports fan. Mainly I watch football and baseball and volleyball.  I also play volleyball! I've been exposed to it my whole life and playing since I was in fourth grade. I currently play for Foothill and we are undefeated in our league. Although balancing my job, boyfriend, volleyball, and school is a little tough I like it. Everything keeps me busy and out of trouble, which is a new thing for me ;) I'm busy, happy and living a great life! Right now I am just focusing on getting my classes done with good grades!

 

Recently in class I completed a worksheet about the process of free trade and where most of the world's goods and materials come from. It was made relevant to me that the people who make most of the clothes I wear, harvest the food I eat, and assemble the technology I use are very young, poor, and struggling people. They are unfortunately paid a few cents a day and work in the most horrific conditions. The companies that run and own the free trade zones are only out to make more money because it is believed that struggle is an inevitable part of the process of a developing country becoming a developed one. The only worry of these huge companies is providing for the masses in the most efficient way possible. Repost and let me know you thoughts!