Argument Assessment

I was surprised to learn it too, but artist that you hear over the radio do not get paid royalties. The writer of the song does. The anonymous columnist from the Chicago Tribune argues strongly that is the responsibility of the radio stations to pay the performers for the music they play. The columnist goes on further to say that the radio stations should take after their online, cable radio, and satellite radio brethren and start paying the bands that they play. The author also argus that new legislation proposed by several congressman in California should be passed. After all, artists don't even get paid when their music is played overseas, where over 50% of the music played on the radio is created in the United States. The author maintains a steady feeling that the radio industry is really screwing the musicians. He or she also fails to recognize the damage that this sudden change in expense would have on the radio industry. All around, I think this was a pretty easy argument for the columnist to win. I mean, who wants to know that the hard working artists aren't being awarded for their efforts as you cruise down the streets enjoying their work. 

No Regulation!... help

In a time in which capitalism should be flourishing with exciting advancements in technology and tight competition that is evident by the hundreds of adds we are berated with each day, many people are stunned at what is happening in Wallstreet. They need help from our federal government. It is no surprise really, when the government doesn't step in when billions of dollars were invested in subprime mortgages that crashed and revealed the true achilles heal of our economy: with so much money on the line, there is no way we can operate without the government stepping in and questioning the greed and foolish investments that are made with taxpayers hard earned money.

It is no surprise now, that in these economic times of peril, that the fed has agreed to bail out not one, but two multi-billion dollar corporations from the sudden bankruptcy that shook the world at its economic foundation. The combined bailout from investment firm Leeman Brothers and insurance company AIG could reach over one trillion dollars leaving one heavy bill for the American taxpayers who are still burdened with unemployment and the cost of the war on terrorism. In times of peril, we do look to authority for strength and solutions.Whether it is our AS class willing to leap off the school at our teachers words during a simple practical joke, or Wallstreet hypocritically begging for the help from the fed. 

From all of this, I think we should be thankful our government doesn't go hammer and sickle on us to prevent further collapse. We as americans rely on Wallstreet to make smart, lasting decisions that won't burden our families further and that won't merely fuel the politcal storms on Capital Hill or in the elections.

We Need a Hero

It is no secret that the residents of Northern Illinois and Northwest Indiana are suffering after the recent storms drenched the area. In fact, the rain has prompted Cook County Board President Todd Stroger to declare that our county is in a state of emergency. Families living near rivers have lost their homes and communities have come together to alleviate the pressure on those most greatly affected by the raising waters. But when Times of Peril normally spur citizens to look for strength in the numbers, there are those who go above what is expected of them to show how powerful the individual can be. 

When John and Mark Thanos (father and son respectively) heard the perilous cries of two children, they rushed to the scene to find the two kids struggling to stay afloat in the               Pope-O'Conor ditch in Chesterton, Indiana. One of the boys managed to pull himself out, but the other was being sucked into a 36'' drain. John Thanos, age 74, jumped in first trying to save the boy. When he began to struggle, son Mark did his part to try and save both of them. But fate being cruel, took both John and Mark. The boy made it out safely. 

These two men have broken the mold and showed how we do not always need to look to a council or congregation to get things done in frightful times. It is men like these and also men like Preacher Hooper who spur us to question their motive. Would the Puritans look at men like Hooper or the Thanos'  as heroes? Or would they try to poke a hole in their confidence as people to purge out the sin that they are compensating for? The two minute news report did not give John and Mark Thanos the credit they deserve. The story did teach us all one thing; we shouldn't bury ourselves in the layers of fear and suspicion and panic that often coincide with Peril. 

Salutations

Hello! This is the first post in my examination of history and modern event on the Western Hemisphere... Heck, why now the whole world! Sure your local anchor man or women can tell you what happen's, but I will give provide you the news that matters to a high school student from none other than a high school student's point of view.