Snowden

        

Photo Cited:https://www.wired.com/2014/08/edward-snowden/

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    Edward Snowden has become a famous whistleblower on the various surveillance programs that have been conducted by the C.I.A. and the N.S.A. The mass surveillance programs generated a lot of attention to the public view and showed just how easy it has become to gather private data, leading to the ethical debates on whether Snowden's actions to release such documents were justified or an act of espionage. He is a 31-year-old U.S. citizen and was an officer in the Army and former Intelligence Community and N.S.A. as an infrastructure data analysis.

      The United States has punished Snowden with ten years without a trial with peers, due to this unconstitutional act by our government he has been living in Russia under temporary asylum until he can get a jury with his peers.

 Empathy Tours Quotes 

“We like who we become in response to injustice: it makes it easy to choose a side. Our capacity to care, to get angry, is called forth like some muscle we weren't entirely aware we had" (Jamison 173).

"If you show teeth, you are laughing; if you can laugh, you are surviving" (Jamison 176).

The Empathy Exams

    "I didn't know what I felt, I told him. Couldn't he just trust that I felt something, and that I'd wanted something from him? I needed his empathy not just to comprehend the emotions I was describing, but to help me discover which emotions were actually there" (Jamison, 10). 

    Understanding helps empathy grow, even if you don’t fully understand where the other person is coming from. However, by observing and listening fully heartedly, you’ll discover what is exactly happening between one another; Listening is much more important than talking. Therefore, by casting out judgment and attitude it will open the doors of peace. Consequently leaving both parties with a sense of understanding rather than a state of more confusion.

    I've tried to remind myself that I don't have the right to cast out whatever I think is wrong without first trying to understand the situation. many time this has occurred in past relationships and empathy and love were the reasons they prevailed through difficult times. 

Don't Know Much About History?

            The World Health Organization defines GMOs as an organism within its DNA material being unnaturally coupled with individual genes and or produced from non-related species.” By conducting these new food bases its main objective is to cut cost by having a higher yield. Also, the increase stainability of the crops immunity towards insects and diseases is achieved by incorporated toxins produced in the crops genetically modified skin called, Bacillus thuringensis. Which is currently used in conventional insecticide used in farming today and is considered safe for consumption by the FDA. But not all see this to be way for the future of agriculture,
Hersey’s dumps sugar beets because of commutative coalition concerning the usage of genetically modified beet seeds as a key ingredient in their chocolate. These days many commercial companies like Hersey’s and general mills have decided to switch to traditional means of agriculture seeds. Hershey communications director Jeff Beckman confirmed that the kisses and many other products stocked on shelves since Halloween no longer contain beet sugar. The company also is transitioning away from artificial to natural ingredients, he said. 
Biotech companies like Monsanto and Dow have been producing genetically modified agricultural produce since around the nineties and were approved by the FDA for thirteen main crops like corn and cotton for the commercial markets. The FDA and others like Todd Geselius, vice president of agriculture at the Southern Minnesota said “There’s this discernment out there that GM have deprived healthy standards for people and has led to worsening farm environments, when that’s just not what the science says,” Even so, Genetically Modified Organisms still seem to extant a viable and conceivable health distress to the public and feasibly detrimental effects on the surrounding agricultural environment; consequently, they should be put under rigorous regulation, testing, and heavy oversight; to ensure the safety of the public. 
Genetically Modified Organisms have been shown to pose a health risk by being able to cause potential allergic reactions and running the risk of toxically affecting the organs and systems of the human body. For instance,

Outline

Outline

Thesis: Genetically modified foods have gained proliferating popularity but has there been enough extensive research conducted to consider them safe for consumption?

1.      Introduction

A.      Are feeds made from genetically modified foods entering the livestock we eat?

B.      Genetically modified foods have been a contributing factor in the disappearance of bees and butterflies

C.      If claims about genetically modified organisms are well intended, then if this is true how come there is a plethora of money spend on preventive labeling in the United States?

D.     Is genetic engineering a useful tool for sustainable agriculture?

2.      Historical Background

A.      What environmental and social aspects brought genetically modified organisms to the table in the first?

B.      What was the main motive behind GMO’s and was there any other viable options or routes we could have taken to solve the problem?

C.      Congressional background on the laws passed.

3.      Definition of Topic

A.       GM crops versus breeding or marker assisted selection.

B.      What properties makeup GM crops and how do they differ from traditional crops?

C.      What are the agriculture pro and cons of GM crops?

D.     How do GM crops affect overall health?

E.      How does this affect our local community here in Minnesota?

4.      Proposed action for solving the problem

A.      Potentially for other ways of agricultural means and research. (Marker Assisted Selection)

B.      Social movements towards companies that support Non-GMO; building organizations that underpin the public's notions and beliefs on GMOs.

C.      Support local community farms

5.      Conclusion

A.      Drawbacks that come with GMOs must be considered and weighed against their benefits.

B.      What and how extensive has the research been on genetically modified crops.

C.      Health concerns from eating GM crops.

Bibliography

"Introduction to Genetically Modified Food: At Issue." Genetically Modified Food, edited by Tamara Thompson, Greenhaven Press,

2015.

The introduction to GMF: At Issue has a non-bias view on genetically modified foods and takes both sides of the facts while maintaining well laid out sources of information. The material covers both the biotechnology behind the process of GM crops and the social standing on Gm crops in the United States.

Bakshi, A. (2003). Potential adverse health effects of genetically modified crops. Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, Part B, 6, 211-225.

This is a short article that gives a deep contrast on the topic of genetically modified crops and their potential to either help or harm society. It goes over various topics of well thought out questions that one should be concerned about while researching this topic. For example, he talks about how GM crops might be enhanced with heavier toxins due to the genetic process than non-genetically modified foods. While introducing the potential behind them by claiming how they could eliminate hunger and starvation in millions of people. Overall for how short the article is it has a well laid out contrast to the debate as to whether genetically modified food is safe for consumption.

Bernstein J.A., Bernstein I.L., Bucchini L., Goldman L.R., Hamilton R.G., Lehrer S., Rubin C., and Sampson H.A. (2003). Clinical and laboratory investigation of allergy to genetically modified foods. Environmental Health Perspectives, 111(8), 1114-1121.

The article talks about the clinical and laboratory investigations of allergens to genetically modified foods. In depth, it talks about the first corn to be grown genetically in the united states under a company called StarLink and used different protein structures that are more resilient than traditional corn crops. However, signs of the allergic reaction showed up on some of the workers dealing with these new strains; leading the CDC to convey tests and other governmental validations. Mainly the article has a non-bias view on genetically modified foods by showing the extensive research done on GM crops while portraying potential side effects that they had to people in the agriculture workforce.

Weeks, Jennifer. "Global Population Growth." CQ Researcher 16 Jan. 2015: 49-72.

In “Can the planet support another 4 billion people?” by Weeks has vast amounts of information not only on GM crops but also Acknowledges the counterparts of the various problem. For example, she states that Johnathan Foley, director of the institute on the Environment at the University of Minnesota claims that GM crops could be intended to help solve world hunger issues. However, the biotech companies should be focused on third-world corps not just what we eat here in the states.  While stating that the critics have other viable solution such as marker assisted selection techniques.

"MAS, What Is It? Marker Assisted Selection." MAS, What Is It? Marker Assisted Selection. N.p., 2013.

           

The article goes over the different aspects of marker assisted selection and GM crops.

Why bother?

4.)Reflect 

What is the problem? 

The overall premise of the proposal; “Why Bother?” by Michael Pollan shows how limited thinking can cause limited outcomes. Why wallowing around in a 'why bother' attitude gets us in these types of worldly problems in the first place. When action and opportunity are knocking on the door just waiting to be opened. 

What should be done?

We should fix the world rather than wait for its dismiss. Just because other people have a limited outlook on the bigger problem humanity faces doesn’t mean you should follow along. For instance, Pollan states that you should plant a garden! It will not only benefit you and your neighbor it will also help the earth Co2 emissions low; keeping the planet a healthier place to live. 

Bullying

According to Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development bullying can lead to physical harm, social anxiety, and emotion turmoil, and even suicide. Not only that but the bullies are susceptible to depression as well. The NICHD labs have also concluded that cyberbullying poses a greater chance of depression than traditional styles of bullying. One strong way to end bullying is to stop it in its tracks by standing up for others. Not talking to another adult can make things worse in the long run. Also, have affection for those around the simplest 'hello' can change anybody's day!

Sources

https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/bullying/conditioninfo/Pages/health.aspx

https://www.stopbullying.gov/kids/what-you-can-do/

For Christ’s Sake (Profile Rough Draft)

Justin Segner

Proff. Thomas Maltmann

English 1101-09

2/1/2017

For Christ’s Sake

Over the years, we’ve seen many different facets of Christianity come and go around the world. Christianity is just one of the many different steadfast religions that can help accompany one’s necessity for spiritual growth. Today, there are about 2.2 billion followers of Christ and his teachings. Christians devote their life to upholding the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth, son of David. Whom taught a multitude of his lessons on forgiveness, healing, serenity, and the proper conduct of a successful life. All of which are contained in the Bible throughout various gospels, written by his twelve disciples. After the death of Christ, his disciples formulated the foundation for the church on which Christianity would arise over the years to come. Making way for generations of pastors (teachers) to pass on the proper conduct of what a devoted Christian should be. It’s through these pastors that one can gain a better understanding of what Christianity is and what it means to be on the path of success.

Senior pastor Mac Hammond of Living Word Christian Center, a humble, five-o-clock shadow, gray-haired, and highly knowledgeable man. Whom graduated from Virginia Military Institute in 1965 with a bachelor’s degree in English. Soon after, applied for his wings in the Air Force as an office commissionaire and promptly reported for his arduous pilot training down at Moody air Force base in Georgia; receiving his wings in November 1966. Continuing his passion for leadership into dedicating his time to two long tours in the Southeast Asia, acquiring 198 combat missions in total. Earning the rank of Captain after being honorably discharged later in 1970. His expletory achievements and disciplined background persistently reflect upon his pastoral passions for Christianity and what a life for Christ can do for one’s success in life.

“A pilot never stop accruing knowledge”

One of the prerequisites to becoming a devoted Christian in the eyes of Mac is to have patience in your faith. Mac holds a tenacious sense of proficiency in his tenets concerning faith based persistence. “We see people reach a level of fame or accomplishment in business and we assume our lives can become like theirs. We tend to ignore the fact that overnight success is most often preceded by years of faithfulness.” Just as a carpenter builds his projects one nail at a time. Mac holds to the idea that goals fall under this very same principle and can only be reached one day at a time. So, by developing faith day by day one can ensure a more successful life in Christ. If you want to reach a higher understanding of Christianity, Mac challenges you to follow this admonition from the infamous Beethoven. “Then let us all do what is right, strive with all our might toward the unattainable, develop as fully as we can the gifts God has given us, and never stop learning”

However, patience in your faith isn’t the only imperative practice one should develop in their Christianity but also, providing space for other religions and beliefs. “To not let anger, get in the way for anger is not an argument.” To allow an opportunity to arise from conflict. Mac personal beliefs, asking the right questions is paramount to discovering what people can know. In other words, are your questions providing opportunity or they simply dictating? Rather, ask questions to help others find the answer to their faith. Help them identify, rather than persecute the reason behind their decisions. “Remember you’re not a dictator for Christ but a servant based on your actions to help others grow.” Conflict, on the other hand, isn’t necessarily as bad as it is. We often exaggerate the conflict at hand and hold these tendencies in our thoughts which in turn speak through our actions; often overlooking the greater opportunity and perspective that could be had.

Christianity spans across the entire world and its followers rely on the knowledge of their pastors to help guide them in their attainment for spiritual growth. One Pastor that has influenced many on how to become a better Christian for over thirty-five year is a pastor named, Mac Hammond. His church started out with twelve people and over the years has grown into a growing multitude of about eleven thousand members today. Bring forth a Maranatha Christian Academy for grade pre-k through twelfth-grade school, prayer notes newsletters, and multi-faceted outreaches both in the city and online, providing the world and its local community a better understanding of what Christianity is and what it means to be on the path of success.

Adventure is Calling

Justin Segner

1-20-17

“Adventure” Assignment

Adventure Is Calling

What is it that brings a call to adventure? Is it the need to take time away from our day to day lives? Or just to have fun? Personally, I think adventures all differ from one person to the next. One thing, however, I truly believe makes for a good adventure is the surprise factor. What do I mean by this?

That most people usually tend to get every detail in place before leaving their home. Rather than getting out of their comfort zone and just hopping off the plane and going from there, so to speak. Why waste all that time and energy if there isn’t going to be any immersion in a culture or the unknown? What’s the point of an adventure if it hasn’t changed the mind but rather just the surroundings?

I woke up in the morning thinking all these things to myself and wondering how I was going to achieve my adventure. Soon after, I came to a realization while starring at the smiley face that seemed to pop out of the bubble ceiling. That I’ll let the adventure call me out rather than planning it out. But how could I achieve this, though? If I thought of doing something random then I’ve already planned on doing it, haven’t I? There was only one thing I could come up with that would bring a surprise into my adventure. That idea was to let ads determine my day. However, there being one rule that only non-digital ads could determine my day. (Be too many ads if I did!)

So, after deciding what was going to dictate my day I rolled out of bed and went through my mail only to find a delicious coupon for Mc, Donald’s. Onward, I went to the golden arches. On arrival, I promptly ordered my savory mc muffin with cheese. With delight on my face, I roamed through the daily newspaper. Only to find another coupon! For a world, I haven’t been to in the longest time! A culture so unknown to us we hardly have skimmed the surface of it. What is this place you ask? It’s a five-dollar coupon off admission to Minnesota Sea Life at the Mall of America! With glee, a hoped into my car and drove with “Californication” blaring on the radio.

While making my way to the entrance the smell of the ocean began to hit me. Flashing memories of the beach and the deep hum of waves crashing on the belly of the sea. The sunlight beaming down the feeling of safety as its warmth hits my face. (Oh, wait that’s just a bright light.) As I looked around my curiosity began bouncing off the walls. I was like a kid in a candy shop. Taking in all the magnificent animals swimming close by. Just overhead was a gorgeous female manta ray swimming along with two babies tucked under her spotted bleached fins. Just ahead at the junction was a tank separate from the main display. It read the “immortal” jellyfish. I couldn’t help but relate this jellyfish to a story I had heard from a friend earlier. The premise of his story was that you must die to come alive. (Not literally.) I didn’t fully grasp what he meant, though.

 Tell I got my own understanding while pondering upon this immortal jellyfish. That to grow you must lose a part of yourself to make way for the new. That in the end, it's ultimately the unknown or the surprise events in life that we find ourselves and grow to a better place of understanding. And this is what I believe makes for a grand adventure!

Imagine That!

   Imagine that here I am listening to my brother knocking on my door at 6:00 in the morning. I wonder to myself there is only one reason my brother would be up so early. He loved wakeboarding more than another sport or anything for that fact. I, on the other hand, didn't share this deep passion but I did enjoy the ride from time to time.

   I continue to open the door and see my attentive brother with what appears to be one thought on his face. "Why aren't you already in the boat!?"