Assignment 10- Thomas Ueland

If zombies attacked, I probably wouldn’t be the best suited for survival. I never got into the Walking Dead and the only movie with zombies in it that I’ve seen is Shaun of the Dead, which makes fun of a zombie apocalypse.  I would just find one of those guys that built a shelter for the end of the world last year and hang out there. There are probably some guns, food, and armor to last a long enough time until we kill all the zombies. I have faith that within a week, Sarah Palin will kill 90% of them by herself and then the common public can take out the other 10%. If you want to survive, though, you have to find a group of people (at least according to the 3 episodes of the walking dead that I have seen). Honestly, I would go find a military base or George Bush’s house because I’d be safe there for sure. The key would just be to wait it out and let all the stupid people run out in the streets and try and kill the zombies. 

Assignment 10 - Jonathan Tungate

Zombies have attacked. But it's no biggie, we all knew it was going to happen anyways, right? There are several possible plans of action that would end in my survival. However to add some fun into the mix, I'd get myself to the nearest Wal-Mart. If you think about it, Wal-Mart has everything anybody would need to survive for pretty much forever. They've got inordinate amounts of food, clothing, guns, and toys, what else would you need? All I do rush over there quickly, and board the place up and completely fortify it before any other survivors can start looting, and before the zombies come. It goes without saying, the first rule of living in the mall is that I'm not going to let any people in, because every zombie movie ever has shown me that it's not the zombies that get you killed, it's the people you thought you were doing the right thing by helping. Granted, I would be living on my own in a Wal-Mart for the rest of my days, or maybe it would be just a long time, because eventually a cure would be found, and I'd be able to leave without the threat of zombies, if I even wanted to, because Wal-mart of pretty awesome.

Assignment 10 - Jacquelyn Engel

As a little kid, I used to dig for worms which I’m sure everyone did when they were little. I guess you could say I enjoyed playing with the little creatures, but not for long. It was like it happened overnight; I was completely grossed and creeped out by them. It wasn’t just worms but any creepy, crawly, slimy thing. This small mindless creature frightens me so much that I can barely say, write, or read the worm without chills running through me. I think my fear and hatred arose from watching too many Animal Planet and Discovery shows; I don’t remember what it was called, but it scarred me. I distinctly remember watching an episode where this one girl woke up and a tape worm was on her bed because it crawled out of her nose when she was sleeping. Needless to say, I was pretty affected by that, and my hatred and horror of these animals arose. In fact, I’m not even sure I would be willing to touch a worm with the bottom of my foot with a shoe on for money.

Assignment 9-Garrett Uebelhor

Well first off let me just say if you’re a pacifist like Mennonites, you often don’t really understand why you can take that anti-violence stance. The whole reason you can live in a country and be a pacifist is because that country is most certainly not completely against violence and will protect you if anything happens. So with that said in this day and era yes going to war is sometimes necessary, hopefully one day we will rise above violence but as of now-not going to happen.  We live in a very imperialistic type of world; you seize a territory and hold on to it. If you don’t hold on tight to what’s yours someone surely will take that loosely gripped object. In response to the second question, is it morally right? Well in my mind murder is never right but in the right cases it can be justifiable and admissible.  It is definitely a evil, but a necessary one in certain situations. I think to a certain extent war is a responsibility for a country. A country has an obligation to protect its citizens, so if those citizens are being harassed and hurt by other countries then yes, was might be  a justified solution. War, however, should never be plan A. Diplomacy, compromise, and every other method of preventing violence while protecting the citizens’ rights should first be exhausted, but once these things have been tried and have failed, one must fall back to the last case scenario-war. This is when I believe war is acceptable, only after all other methods have been tried and have failed.

Assignment 9 - Jacquelyn Engel

For the most part, I don't believe there is a time for war. It's killing people primarily over different perspectives, and I don't think it's appropriate and necessary. Most of the time the US goes to war is to fight for immoral issues such aw terrorism, right to liberty, etc which is imperative to protect, but the needyo go to war is unnecessary. Talking, discussing, and compromising issues can go a long way, but a lot of people don't resort to this solution. Discussing issues can save a lot of time, money, and lives, but I guess people don't have the patience or want to take the time to discuss their problems. In the case of 9/11 though. I believe that was an appropriate time for war. It may be wrong to kill, but I think it's also wrong to be a bystander to an immoral issue. I believe it was important to go to war in order to convey that we are stronger so another event like that wouldn't happen again. There are many factors that go into war, and I think most people are unaware of that. Going to war may be the quickest way, to some people, to solve something, but it only has a short term effect. What is proving strength going to do?

Assignment 10: BOO - UPDATED

ZOMBIES HAVE ATTACKED. Detail your survival plan.

OR

Explain what scares you the most and why.

OR

Describe a moment in which you were fraught with peril. Tell it as a ghost story.

OR

In the vein of David Sedaris write an observational humorist piece related to your daily life: school, home, social, etc. (don't be mean)

Happy Halloween!

Minimum of 150 words - due Sunday, October 27th at 11:59 pm

Assignment 9- Julian Perry

In a perfect world, everyone would get along. In a perfect world, we wouldn't need war. We don't live in a perfect world. When a world such as ours grows at such an immense rate, conflicting interests arise. The ideal response to this unideal situation would be to negotiate and come to an agreement of mutual understanding, but things aren't always ideal in this imperfect world. Never meaning to say war is a "need," I now beg the question of whether or not war is avoidable. Certainly, two intelligent human beings can come to a nonviolent solution to a conflict... Right? We've lived and died for thousands of years believing that strength is one of the most important values, and so today when two nations disagree, war is the solution. It is the wrong solution, but it is still a solution. In Nazi Germany, the poor citizens needed help. Hitler started a war trying to bring his country out of poverty, but helped no one in the end. World War I had a very similar end: one of zero accomplishment. War never really solves anything, it's just a quick fix. Desperate times do call for desperate measures, as they say. In a desperate situation, when someone is in need of assistance, sure a nation might wage war to provide. It won't, however, bring salvation. Peace breeds betterment, war welcomes destruction. A formal discussion over any matter can bring out mutual interest in the end, but hey, war is just easier for some people. 

Assignment 9 Siobhan

I've been putting a considerable amount of thought into morals as they seem to be a present issue in my life right now, more than ever. Morals are the source of controversy. They split people into groups and factions and when you believe so greatly in something, it's frustrating and confusing why others can think differently.
In regards to war, morals play a significant part. I can see both sides of the arguments of war. For example, the argument that evil forces threatening the lives of innocent people needs to be contained by military actions. For example the hate Hitler instilled in millions of people as well as the intiative to act on this hate. The opposing argument for this would be humans shouldn't kill their fellow specie. We should all be looking out for each other. I have to say I find myself leaning more towards the second argument but it's so far from ever happening that I'm incredibly discouraged by the unlikeness. We live in a world where genuine care for others is over run by selfishness and greed. Unfortunately, power is the the greatest contributed to this selfishness and greed, and it is those in power who make the important decisions in this world. It's an interesting thought that human nature could destructing our world.
Killing another person is wrong. But passion, anger, or fear, all of which are natural instincts, can over shadow common sense.

Assignment 9- Megan Woodrum

War is a touchy topic for many people , and everyone seems to have a different option on the matter. I personally haven't spent much time contemplating it. To be quite straightforward nowadays countries use war for morally unjust and selfish means, but there can be just means for war. I hardly think that I am qualified to list the justified reasons, but I could try and explain what I believe. Countries should only go to war if they are directly involved in a conflict or if the conditions of a country have deteriorated to the point that their government is lacking and its citizens needed assistance. Wars for the soul purpose of power and money can only have negative outcomes.

Assignment 9- Taylore Jordan

I do think there is a time for war; there always has been. It's hard to approach issues on a global scale between nations of people with so many differing ideas. The voice of the people is powerful- when there are issues at hand, many will push towards starting war. It may be to harm the other side, or simply to just come to a solution. I would argue that "drastic times cause for drastic measures".

 

While war, to me, would appear to be inevitable and even unavoidable, I do not think it is morally just. When would the slaughtering of thousands of people ever be morally just? When I think of war, I think of all of the bombing and killing and bloodshed that takes place. So many people see our world as a place of unity and cohesion, but we mustn't forget that in this same world, God's children are killing one another. I don't need reasoning or justification for the cause of the war, murder on such a large scale will never be justifiable to me.

 

All countries have a right to go to war, but to say that a country would ever have a "responsibility" seems a bit of a stretch to me. "You choose your own battles", so I've heard. I do feel, however, that countries will feel responsible for entering in conflict. After the Revolutionary War (in which French aided the U.S.), the U.S. felt obliged to enter in the conflicts going on during the French Revolution (as an attempt to "give back", perhaps feeling like we owed them something for the victory). The U.S., with George Washington in office as president at the time, knew that our country was too young and lacking to enter any more battles. Many felt it was a responsibility, but clearly it was a matter of choice.

 

There are definitely alternatives to going to war; ones that don't cause bloodshed or millions of dollars or people to be unhappy. They may take more time and they may seem tedious, but I promise you... there still are patient people left in this world who have faith in our system. What ever happened to a little compromising? Coming to a consensus? Pleasing both sides? Going to war is the impatient route. I'm not saying we should all hold hands around the fire and sing Kumbayah after we've hugged out our issues, but can we not come to some compromise, at least over most issues? If the compromise would work and settle the issue, it would be so much more effective. Each side could get a piece of what they want without lives lost or hatred to follow.

Assignment 9- Andy

Violence is almost never necessary. Violence is caused by simple conflicts that escalate over time. If these conflicts can solved as soon as they begin there would be little violence in the world. This phenomenon can be seen all around the world. In the Middle East past conflicts have led to war and strife. It comes to our generation to stop the cycle of hate and violence. Every time one side strikes out they reform the same grudge, resulting in more violence than ever before. To solve these seated conflicts often requires another player. Though many are opposed to others interfering in wars it often the only way to end cyclical violence.

Though it is not very often, there are times when violence is necessary. Sometimes, in the face imminent violence, preemptive action is necessary. If one or a few lives can be taken as an alternative to genocide violence is not only acceptable. but the best course of options. Sending thousands of people from either side of a conflict to die is pointless, and in the end only shows which side was more willing to throw away lives. Violence and war is just a waste of life no matter the justification.

Assignment 9

Like most people, I grew up being strongly against war. I thought this because of the obvious; war has killed countless individuals. However as I grew older I realized that war can be very necessary. Originally I thought that a war would put the country further in debt and hurt the economy because of the increase in spending on weapons, however I have learned that a war actually improves the economy, and has pulled many countries out of recessions/depressions at times. There have also been times in which the lives that were sacrificed in war have been for the greater good, in WW2 if America didn't step in Germany could have taken Europe and Japan would have dominated the pacific. However, although wars can be a strong economic stimulus, and prevent very negative situations, I still think they should only be a last minute resort, something we shouldn't do unless we absolutely have to.

Assignment 9- Margaret Cashman

In my opinion, yes, there is a time for war. I don’t think war should be used unless it is a last resort, though. When the Germans, more specifically Hitler, were exterminating the Jews in WWII, was it not America’s responsibility to step in a stop the genocide? Now I’m not saying saving the Jews was the main reason we entered WWII, but I do think it was America’s moral obligation to do everything in its power to save them from quite literally their hell on earth. While war caused people to commit evil crimes, I do not think it is evil in itself. War essentially comes from a conflict between two entities that has been terribly exaggerated, and conflict in itself is not evil. Conflict is a difference in wants, and just because I may want gay-marriage to be legal and you may not, the difference itself is not evil. How we act on those differences is where the evil stems from. There are a multitude of different ways to solve conflicts, but when it gets to the point where both parties are pointing guns at each other, it seems those other ways didn’t quite get the job done. Yes, examining why each party wants different things and how to compromise on those in theory is a great idea, sometimes people are so blinded by what they think is the right idea or way to act that their stubbornness prevents them from reaching a middle ground. These are the times where war can be effective, but it should only be an absolute last resort option. So yes I think there is a time and place for war, but war should not be treated casually because it can revolutionize the world we live in. 

Assignment 9- Brittany

I do not think that war should be used as a solution. War leaves destruction and many more problems in its wake. It may resolve one problem, but at what cost? The ends do not justify the means. That being said, I feel that in some instances war is a necessary evil. Some things must be fought for. Some things cannot be discussed calmly at a table. Does that make war morally right though? No, it does not. With all the death and devastation that follow war, such an act could never be morally right. No reason on earth could possibly make what occurs during a war okay. However, it seems that at times it is necessary. I think that if a country is attacked or threatened, they have a responsibility to protect the citizens of their country and go to war. In order to protect the whole, they must make some sacrifices. In other instances, though, war can be avoided. If we could get ourselves out of the habit of attacking people when we don’t like something then much pain and tragedy could be avoided. If we could just learn to be more open-minded, then many conflicts could be resolved through peaceful means. As horrific and devastating as it is, in some situations war is necessary, but in other situations it is not. 

week 9: Hannah Pulley

No, I don’t think that there is a time for war. 

Often, the first question that comes to mind is “why does it seem like the countries of the world constantly at war against each other?" I’m pretty sure it comes down to territory and power, whether it’s politically or religiously motivated. One group attempts to move beyond what physical or figurative territory they already have, conflict ensues on a small or large scale, and so on. In the grand scheme of things, what is actually accomplished? While one generation may reap the benefits of a war won, the environment and the people are often left with consequences that long outlast the benefits of war. This kind of legacy is what makes war unethical, and should be considered by the leaders of the world.

So inequality, in one form or another, is usually the cause of war. If one nation has the means to intervene in an ongoing conflict, with positive effects, while remaining neutral, they should. However, I disagree with parts of United States policy because it often seeks to impose a new form of government or societal structure on a nation with a complex underlying culture and history which affects almost every aspect of life. This is the responsibility of the home country, not a nation which has come to be seen as the overseer of the world in some people’s eyes. I admit I do not know everything about the political states of every country, but I think that in general, a less interventionist type of thought needs to be considered by our nation.

Or still yet, think about this: mutually assured destruction, a military policy adopted in the Cold War, advocates to nations to keep enough firepower to ensure the destruction of a country that fires at them. This was considered a peacekeeping strategy, for neither side would reasonably fire first, for fear of complete destruction. There has to be an alternative to this policy: not just operation, but an existence based in fear. 

Assignment 9- Katy

War is usually a controversial topic because people have such extreme opposing opinions. Some people say "Yes, war is okay" and "No, war is not okay" at all times. I, on the other time, think that war is very circumstantial.
Is there a time for war? Is there really any justification to send out our relatives into combat to fight against men with one goal of killing them? Or is there any way to deny war when fighting for the "undeniable truths" granted to men? Either way you look at it, you're stuck.
I believe that in times, there is reason to go to war. When the rights and/ or lives of people are being taken away by a nation, it is time for someone to step in and make it right. If the nation can't make it right, then it'll never get better by the rest of the world sitting by and watching it happen. The leaders of that nation obviously want to pursue what they're doing (taking away rights/ killing citizens for whatever reason) so why would they ever change it on their own? Sometimes it takes a bigger nation, with the right morals in mind to fight for the rights of every person on this earth. I don't think that presents an evil, pursuing the rights of others, I think that presents courage. I think it presents the good defeating the evil.
Responsibility implies that you are expected to do the task and it is your duty to do so. I feel the only time a nation SHOULD be responsible to go to war is if a threat is being presented to that nation (ex: terrorism). I feel each country has their own sense of responsibility to guard themselves.
However, if a country is abusing their responsibility of protection by using it against the citizens, someone else should step in. They shouldn't be necessarily held responsible for another country's problems, but they should want to help others in need.

Of course I believe in alternatives. Treaties, agreements, peacemaking, contracts... they're all perfect alternatives to war. I don't think every situation needs to come down to killing other people to defend an argument. I think some cases can be settled easily by sitting people down and compromising.

Assignment 9-Eliot Smith

Is there a time for war?
If there is a time, is it morally right and just or is it the lesser of two evils?
If there isn't a time, why not?
Are there certain times when a country has a responsibility to go to war?
Are there any alternatives? Could they be more effective or less effective?

     Right now, I am at war with two different entities.  My dog has set out to replace the computer sitting on my lap with himself, and I am resisting.  He is barking at me, and I am constantly silencing him.  At the same time, the already chilly temperature continues to drop, forcing me to put my blogging on pause and go fetch a blanket.  The idea may sound ridiculous: I am currently engaged in war with a 18-pound jack-russell and Mother Nature, but it's true.  War can be defined as a prolonged state of conflict between two or more parties, something that is undoubtedly occuring between Buddy (my dog) , the weather, and me.
     Humans are innately warring creatures.  We enter a state of war every day, maybe even multiple times per hour.  From the underlying human competition of natural selection to the everyday soccer game, it is evident that war is programmed into our systems, and, at times, we even enjoy it.  Given this, and given the fact that a slightly annoying noise can provoke us to declare a constant state of struggle on its creator, it makes sense that human-specific warfare is a frequent, guaranteed occurence.
     War is not right.  It is not good, and, depending on who you ask, it might not even be bad.  Maybe it's just part of human genetics--a necessity, such as eating or drinking.  When just "talking it out" doesn't satisfy each party's needs, war is arguably needed.  Whoever comes out on top experiences a sense of honor, and the war's champions even receive awards.  The concept has been incorporated into our society, and we have yet to grow out of it.

Assignment 9

The concept of war is something I have always struggled to wrap my head around. Is it really necessary?  I see both sides of the argument. For thousands of years humans have engaged in wars for various reasons. In no way do I think war is something that should be taken lightly. It should be something that should only even be considered if NOTHING else has worked and humanity as at risk. Sometimes it might be necessary... What would have happened if no one declared war on Germany during World War II? There were still however, major consequences. War is a major source of discontent in America and has been since the beginning. Should we get involved in other people problems? This was a question even during the day of the Federalist and Jeffersonian Republicans. Should we have gotten involved in Britain and France's confrontations? We have many of our own issues in America. It is important for us to support what we feel is right but might not always be smart to enter a war, especially one we have no fight in. War should be avoided at all cost and discussed thoroughly. It is something that comes with many tragic consequences, that majority of the time are not worth it.

Assignment 9- Saba

I do not believe that war is ever the answer. The key to ending injustice is for mankind to out aside their indifferences. The cause of most injustice is usually power. Humans seem to have a this desire with power, because with power comes fame. Scientist have actually begun to experiment on fame and its effects on the human brain. Nowadays, people do anything to become famous- including eating feminie products(ewww). So if it takes political figure to threaten a world power with nuclear weapons, to gain some attention and power, some people aren't afraid to do so. For all to be able to coexist, people have to be able to discuss open mindedly, which is much easier said than done, but we can all at least ty to keep in mind where others are coming from and try to listen. If leaders of countries could meet and try to work out problems, threats would decrease, and countries would have better relationships overall.

Assignment 9

War is very complex issue that I have a hard time really making my mind up about about. Of course, war is never a good thing. Nothing that results in so much loss of life can be. But is it ever necessary? That is debatable. When people want freedom, which I'm sure we can all agree is a virtue, it often results in war, so the outcome of war is typically good. It can, however, often be reached in a different way. For example, I'm sure we can all agree that the outcome of the Civil War was a good thing. Slaves needed to be freed. Slavery had been debated for a long time before this, though, and an agreement could've been reached peacefully if James Buchanan hadn't have been a huge idiot and just sat around while threats of secession lingered. War can have a good outcome, but it is almost always avoidable. I think America has certainly become a war-hungry country. We involved ourselves in other country's business when we should just stay out. It's made us many more enemies than allies, and in the end, has accomplished very little. Is Afghanistan really any better now than when we first entered it? Not really. America has declared itself world police, and since then, war has become almost entirely unnecessary, at least to our country.

Assignment 8

Fears: Losing my loved ones, regret, loneliness, writing on chalk boards (It's a weird texture thing), animals doing people things, mirrors at night, and Udo Kier, even though he's one of my favorite actors.
Annoyances: Deadheads, Sting's voice, posers, manufactured outrages over relatively minor things (Paula Deen controversy, etc.), people who think they're better than everyone else, when people have to put a label on everything, people who are stuck in the past, too many more to name.
Confusions: Why we still have a two-party system when it has proved to be so ineffective so many times, which one is Bill Paxton and which one is Bill Pullman.
Accomplishments: Won some journalism award for newspaper last year, finished writing a screenplay, lost 50 pounds over the summer before sophomore year and didn't gain any back.
Sorrows: In general, I live with too much fear of regretting things I do, so I neglect to do many things that probably would have had positive outcomes in the end. This has lead to numerous sorrows in my life.
Idiosyncrasies: Pretty much infinite, including, but not limited to, my random and sometimes semi-ironic obsessions with assorted, usually D-list, pop-culture figures, my addiction to TaB diet cola and gum, touching my hair pretty much all of the time (My apologies to everyone that annoys, by the way), not finishing a lot of things I start, and many more.
Risks: Due to my fear of regret, I don't take as many risks as I should, and most that I have taken, I prefer not to list.
Beloved Possessions: My grandfather's old high school letterman jacket, this stuffed bear my grandmother gave me, a signed DVD of The Lost Boys given to me by Corey Feldman, my vinyl copy of the soundtrack for the film Hausu.
Problems: Time management, not being able to sleep, never being able to make up my mind.

     Due to my many idiosyncrasies, I am often referred to by friends and acquaintances as "eccentric." I am unsure of how I should feel about this classification. For every Crispin Glover and Salvador Dali, theres always a Howard Hughes, or even a Jeffery Dahmer. When people throw out the word "eccentric," are they leaning more towards quirky or towards "it's only a matter of time until this guy loses it?' I certainly hope it's the former. Another word that is often thrown in my direction is "hipster." This one bothers me a bit more, not only because it has a fairly negative connotation, but because it really has no meaning at all. What exactly is a hipster? I've been called one for listening to a variety of different artists, as diverse as Serge Gainsbourg and the Wu-Tang Clan, and for liking a variety of different films, from those of Werner Herzog to those of Russ Meyer. I've even been called one for superficial reasons, like my style of dress and my hair. Is a hipster just anyone who isn't incredibly dull? If so, I know very few people who couldn't be considered one. I guess I'd rather be called a hipster than most other things, as most so-called "hipsters" seem to be alright people, but I just wish people would decide what in tarnation it meant in the first place.

Assignment 9 Kaylyn Torkelson

Is there a time for war? Personally, I'm never going to straight out say that yes, there is a time for war. I don't like war. I don't support unnecessary war. But I also can't reasonably say that there isn't a time for war in certain situations. War is never truly black and white; there's a lot of moral grey area to work around. I don't want people to die at the hands of armies from foreign countries, but I also don't want people to die at the hands of members of their own countries or corrupt governments or militant terroristic groups. War is the lesser of two evils in my opinion. As kids we were taught that there is right and there is wrong, but as we grow older we learn that everything doesn't neatly fit into those two categories. Right will always be found in wrong, and wrong will always be found in right. Some countries do feel obligated to go to war to help the people of other countries- we always feel responsible for helping people that need it. But sometimes war hurts more than it helps, and that's something that countries should keep in mind before declaring war. Diplomatic alternatives always exist, but often times they aren't plausible in certain situations, and war is the only option. War should always be the last option, after all diplomatic routes have been exhausted. Honestly, war is complicated. And it's never going to be any less so.

Assignment 9-Thomas

I have always thought of war as a last resort, only used when people have tried all other alternatives to solve an issue. It’s sad that we have to resort to mass murder for a solution, but I believe there are some times when it is necessary. For example, how did America gain independence? Though it was a brutal war with many casualties on both sides, it paved the way for the formation of the greatest country in the world and gave countless people in the future an opportunity to make a living. Without the war, we would have remained British and might still be today, and so it’s hard to say that the fighting wasn’t worth it (for me, at least, because I just reaped the benefits without doing any of the work). I never think it is a moral decision to go to war, because everyone would rather get what they want and still keep the lives of thousands or millions of soldiers. But, when there is a disagreement and one side feels passionate enough to make that sacrifice, then they forgo the moral choices in hopes of improving the future for the country. Personally, I am not a fan of the United States interfering in other country’s wars. We have too much to focus on in our country (economy!!!) to be spending billions of dollars (that we don’t have) on a cause that hardly affects us directly.

Assignment 9-Thomas

I have always thought of war as a last resort, only used when people have tried all other alternatives to solve an issue. It’s sad that we have to resort to mass murder for a solution, but I believe there are some times when it is necessary. For example, how did America gain independence? Though it was a brutal war with many casualties on both sides, it paved the way for the formation of the greatest country in the world and gave countless people in the future an opportunity to make a living. Without the war, we would have remained British and might still be today, and so it’s hard to say that the fighting wasn’t worth it (for me, at least, because I just reaped the benefits without doing any of the work). I never think it is a moral decision to go to war, because everyone would rather get what they want and still keep the lives of thousands or millions of soldiers. But, when there is a disagreement and one side feels passionate enough to make that sacrifice, then they forgo the moral choices in hopes of improving the future for the country. Personally, I am not a fan of the United States interfering in other country’s wars. We have too much to focus on in our country (economy!!!) to be spending billions of dollars (that we don’t have) on a cause that hardly affects us directly.

Assignment 9- Jonathan Tungate

There is a time for war. Sometimes there can be no other option than to fight to defend yourself, others, and what is right. Country's should fight for themselves, while it may not always be the best option, many times it is the only good option available to defend themselves. I believe war is very much a lesser of two evils, because we use war to fight for what is right. If you're being bullied, and you tell him to stop but he declines. Will you just let the bully keep harassing you? No, you have to stick up for yourself, much like you should on a global scale. A country does not have a responsibility to go to war. For example, if you're going to help someone after a car accident, rule number one is to make sure you yourself are safe, and there is nothing dangerous around. A responsibility to help another country in need should work the same way. Think of what you're doing to yourself first, it's not worth attempting to save another group in need, when it will just hurt yourself. Alternatives are treaties, and compromising. A good option to maintain somewhat good relations with another nation, and not hurt your countries. However, this is not always the best option.

Assignment 9-Gibbs

Is there a time for war?

If there is a time, is it morally right and just or is is it the lesser of two evils?

If there isn't a time, why not?

Are there certain times when countries have a responsibility to go to war?

Are there any alternatives? Could they be more effective or less effective?

You can argue the point that fighting and wars are in human nature-after all, we have been participating in such activities for all of our known existence. Some would even say that war is a necessary part of our society for it to function properly. But with that argument you can also say that cruel people existing is a necessary part of our society, or that ignorance of a large part of the population is a benefit. Obviously these are not requirements-so why should war be? I believe that if every person were to be on the same page and agree to work arguments out peacefully there would not have to be a time for war. If you laughed at the ridiculousness of that statement, I agree with you because every person in the world agreeing is obviously an impossibility. My family of five rarely every agrees on anything, and we are talking about 7 billion people from hundreds of different cultures and backgrounds that have thousands of differing opinions. The majority of these disagreements are small, but some are important enough that they have caused wars, such as religious differences. But that is just a reason for war-does this mean there is a time for war? No. There is never a "time" for something as horrific as killing millions of people. But that doesn't mean that it won't happen and that it is not necessary.   

Saying this, I would not go as far as to agree with war being morally right. I would almost never out killing people in the "morally right" category. However, I do not believe that there are always alternatives that all people would agree on. 

Assignment 9- Isaac

For me, the questions posed boil down to whether someone is more of a mind to agree with the just war theory as opposed to the theory of militarism, or the other way around. The just war theory has many outlying stipulations depending on which philosopher you ask, but there are some things everyone basically agrees on: The cause for war must be just, meaning it cannot be to sustain an economy, punish peoples who have done meager wrongs, or recapture taken things- only if innocents are in imminent or immediate danger may a war be started. There can also be no ulterior motives associated with the war. Also, the probability of success in the war has to be reasonable. Any "evil acts" committed in the war must be outweighed by the outcome of the acts, force should be kept to a minimum, and P.O.W's must be fairly treated. That is the essence of just war.

Militarism, on the other hand, is the theory that a government should maintain a strong military and be prepared to use it aggressively in the interest of the nation. It is also associated with glorification of the military or violence in general in popular culture and/or propaganda. Nations often associated with militarism are North Korea, Nazi Germany, and The United States of America (yes, seriously).

So, is there a time for war. Just war theorists and militarists can agree that there is... but under different circumstances. "Is the war to stop human rights violations?" asks the just war theorist. If yes, he's on board. "But," says the militarist, "will it aid our economy and make our nation stronger". "If so," he muses, "then I'm all for it. Otherwise I'll need to sleep on it." (he's not heartless, after all). In short, no matter which side you fall on, there is a time for war. Unless you're a pacifist.

I'm not sure what you mean by "the lesser of two evils," but the war ought to be morally right- now is a good time to mention that I fall more on the "just war" side of the coin. But many would argue that, if the war were to boost the economy of their country and strengthen nationalism, and toss the morality.

Alternatives are tricky. Just war theorists, myself included, feel that if there is an alternative to be had, it should be taken. Militarists might agree... assuming that it would aid their country in some way. Alternatives also have to be determined on a case-by-case basis, and you would be hard pressed to find an infallible solution to each and every war. Also, if an alternative is ineffective, it's not really an alternative.

Assignment 8: Catherine Curtright

Fears: getting my leg pulled down the stairs by whatever unknown person might be in the basement, heights (except for roller coasters)
Annoyances: wearing a retainer; when every radio station is playing commercials instead of music at once; when my car passenger won't sing along with my music
Accomplishments: surviving the high ropes course at camp, learning how to surf, can drive a stick shift
Confusions: why people continue to bother you when you directly tell them to stop (i.e. "Please stop poking me.")
Sorrows: being forced to move during Junior year
Dreams: I don't have any exotic dreams.  I want to go to a SEC university, get married, and live happily ever after...
Idiosyncrasies: double jointed thumbs and big toe
Risks: So many of the things I do at YL camp are very risky and out of the box for me (i.e. zip lining, high ropes course, mountain biking, etc)
Beloved Possessions: (Then) American Girl Dolls & (Now) My Home
Problems: Procrastination

Allow me to talk about things that annoy me...  I had braces for almost four years, and I got them off last Wednesday.  I hated my braces.  When they were finally gone, I was ecstatic, but, now, I have to wear this goofy retainer that makes me have a lisp.  That. Bugs.  It is especially bothersome when you are meeting people and can hardly talk.
Radio issues can really get on my nerves as well.  On many mornings, I get into my car expecting to listen to some tunes that will pump me up for the coming school day because I usually need a little boost.  However, when I get in the car, it seems to be my luck that every radio station decides to advertise at the same time.  No music for me... Then, if I am blessed enough that there is music for me to listen to, I cannot get the girl I drive to school to sing along to the radio.  I love to sing out loud, but if my passenger won't sing too, it gets awkward very quickly.

Julian P. assignment 8

Writing Territories
Fears: Being unhappy.
Annoyances: Unreliability and any time that a sad song starts up, destroying my good mood.
Accomplishments: Being (hopefully) a reliable Kroger "associate" for more than a few months, Teaching myself to play instruments, and having good grades.
Confusions: Life. Why assumptions are ever assumed to be true. Justin Bieber's hit single, "Baby."
Sorrows: How motivation and time management are two things I'll never understand.
Dreams: Having the chance to travel, being happy.
Idiosyncrasies: Literal addiction to music (figuratively, of course). Being vegan. Using too many parentheses (in writing).
Risks: Stayed in some trashy town on the border of Mexico, near Guatemala, where I almost got my phone stolen. Climb mountainous areas too steep to safely climb as much as I possibly can.
Beloved Possessions: Then- My old dogs, I guess. I don't have many beloved "possessions."  Now- Definitely my kitties.
Problems: Organization and time management (oddly enough, both of these are only problems in school).


Animals are the best. Pets are OK, but animals are where it's at. They're hip, they're a hit, they're legit, they're it. It's really interesting, though, because the only difference between the two is the how. If I were to ask you how you got your puppy, you'd probably say you picked him up from 'the shelter downtown," but I find it an unnecessary middle man. Most, if not all, of my "pets" come from random crossing of paths. What I mean by this is that, rather than going to the rescue shelter, I've rescued them myself. Take my two kittens, as an example. One, I had noticed, used to wander around my neighbor's cat when he would let it out. Eventually, after discerning that the cat had no real home, we decided to take this strange new cat in. This loving animal has a bond with me and my family that we couldn't give to a rescue shelter cat. This cat is more personal. This cat, we've spared the trauma of the rescue shelter. The same goes for my two dogs, one of which fought through cancer with our loving support. These animals are my family. I didn't pick them. They picked me. Jazz found me down at Rockcastle River. Clyde wandered into my life just two years ago, right in my front yard. I love both of them more than any animal I picked out as if I were in a shop. They mean more to me, now and then, and in my future, than anything else I can possibly think of.

Assignment 9: What is it good for?

Genocide in Sudan

North Korea testing nuclear weapons

Iran creating nuclear weapons
Egypt
Syria

Terrorism

Injustices and threats surround so many lives in this world. When injustices or threats progress to dangerous and harmful levels though, it seems logical for war to come into play as a way to combat the situation. . .or is it?  The conservative Christian group known as the Mennonites believes that war (violence) is never appropriate.

Is there a time for war?

If there is a time, is it morally right and just or is is it the lesser of two evils?

If there isn't a time, why not?

Are there certain times when countries have a responsibility to go to war?

Are there any alternatives? Could they be more effective or less effective?

Due Sunday, October 20th at 11:59 pm

Assignment 8: "I never had to choose my subject- my subject rather chose me"

Writing territories are a range of ideas that one generates to spark their writing. In general, it is just one of the many ways one can brainstorm for different types of writing.

This week's blog is more undefined than others because it depends so much on your unique personal experiences. Below, is a list of 10 writing territories and you'll begin by answering them. Your answers do not have to be lengthy, they only need to be definitive enough so that you, the writer, could look back at it weeks from now and it could trigger what you were thinking about.

Writing Territories

Fears

Annoyances

Accomplishments

Confusions

Sorrows

Dreams

Idiosyncrasies

Risks

Beloved Possessions, Now and Then

Problems

For instance, my list looks like:

Fears: drowning, loosing family in catastrophe

Annoyances: rudeness, expecting fairness in this world

Accomplishments: still being married, being a dad my children want to be around

Confusions: inequity (different than fairness)

Sorrows: anger management, weight, (totally working on both but to be honest "weight" is harder than "anger" 'cause food is goooooooood)

Dreams: retirement, travel,

Idiosyncrasies: nerd, paper/pencil RPG (redundant?)

Risks: pilot's license (want), jumped out of an airplain (did)

Beloved Possessions: comic books (then), friendships (now- i know, cheesy)

Problems: Organization

Simple, right?

Now, once you have your list, choose one topic to expand upon in-depth (or at least 150 words). This may be as simple as an explanation of this topic (e.g. I discovered I had an anger management problem when I realized that I was taking out my frustrations on my family. . . .). It may turn into to a short-story or a beginning of a short story. It may turn into a narrative of a memory. It may turn into a social commentary. It may turn into 150 words of freewrite. It may turn into something all together different and weird and delightful. Whatever you wrote down in your list, reflect upon it and allow it to guide your entry for the week.

"There is no rule on how to write. Sometimes it comes easily and perfectly; sometimes it's like drilling rock and then blasting it out with charges." -Ernest Hemingway

Due Sunday, October 13th at 11:59 pm

Assignment 8 Gibbs

Fears: Heights, unavoidable oblivion, not making any difference, not being happy, being annoying 

Annoyances: Being late, self-imposed ignorance, people who do not care

Accomplishments: Decent GPA, not killing my sisters, books I've read

Confusions: How people can give up easily, anything to do with math, why we are alive

Sorrows: my incredible ability to procrastinate, thinking too much

Dreams: Find a job that makes me happy and enables me to feel accomplished, like I am making a difference; write a book (big dream), have a family

Idiosyncrasies: Reading when I should be doing home work 

Risks: I am a very cautious person

Beloved Possesions: My family and friends, my books, my phone, tennis shoes and other workout stuff

Problems: Concentrating on things I don't find interesting, procrastination, overthinking 

I will elaborate on one of my fears, that of oblivion. Almost every day I think about this-how what I am going right now won't matter in 1000 years, or probably even in 109 years. I find this a very scary idea. The fact that we as individuals will not matter that much in the long run, that no one will remember or care me in 1000 years freaks me out. Being afraid of some thing like oblivion also brings in a whole host of other problems and questions. If no one will remember me why should I try to be important? Should I try to be important? What is the point? I have to remind myself not to think about this fear too much because it could drive anyone crazy. But I don't have that much control over it because it's what I'm afraid of and those ideas don't usually go away easily. 

assignment 8- megan woodrum

Fears: poisonous snakes, not making an impact before I die, being stuck with a boring job
Annoyances: ignorant people, my brother
Accomplishments: I'm still in the academy, and not just because they can't technically kick people out, and I haven't gotten in a car wreck yet which is pretty good considering how bad I am at driving
Confusions: Social situations, today's youths
Sorrows: problems existing in impoverished countries
Dreams: to be a veterinarian, to get a good scholarship to college, to leave home
Idiosyncrasies: I cant listen to anyone talk a long time without doodling
Risks: Does jumping off really big rocks into not so deep water count? Because i do that often in the summer.
Beloved possessions: I had a blanket I really liked when i was little (then) My friends, my phone, my kindle, etc. (now)
Problems: procrastination, and anxiety (they kind of cause an endless cycle with each other), no attention span at all
Have you ever had the feeling your chest was going to explode? I have. It begins by tightening and you begin to breathe quicker and quicker, and then the pressure just continues to build until all you can manage are short, shallow breaths. Next thing you know you can't sit still and you're pacing the room, which really does not help the breathing situation. This wonderful sensation most often accompanies some extreme anxiety. I'm not saying I'm an extremely anxious person, I'm just someone, that if they don't know how to handle something, who gets a tiny bit stressed. It can be anything really; from not knowing how to do a project for school (so i put it off more so I get more stressed) to being in a new situation with a lot of pressure on me. Some people, and things, tend to have more of an ability for heightening my anxiety levels than other, but those are always the people and situations I am more invested in. Because it's always the things one cares about, that gets them worked up.

Week 8- Margaret Cashman

Fears- Big bodies of water, crickets and grasshoppers

Annoyances- long fingernails, close-minded people

Accomplishments- grades, sports accomplishments, having a poem published

Confusions- how people can’t grasp that everyone is equal, it’s quite a simple concept.

Sorrows- insane procrastination, really bad time management

Dreams- to have a job where it doesn’t feel like going to work everyday 

Idiosyncrasies- I turn my head to the side when ever I’m concentrating really hard

Risks- getting into the college of my dreams, skydiving

Beloved Possessions- my blanket (don’t laugh) and all of my books

Problems- procrastination, short fuse, over thinking EVERYTHING

I guess I’ll talk about my fears. Both my fear of big bodies of water and crickets are irrational. (crickets and grasshoppers are synonymous in my mind by the way) There is nothing in my past that explains my fears, no tragic boat accident or cricket infestation. I really have no idea where they came from, but I do know that my fear of water did heighten after I watched Titanic. To this day I have a hard time getting on boats and I wouldn’t go on a cruise to save my life. There is not enough money in the world to make me go on a cruise, especially with all of the cruise ships capsizing and whatnot nowadays. No for my fear of crickets, I didn’t even know that existed until 7th grade zoology class. Anyone in that class remembers the day we had to dissect grasshoppers. Not just any grasshopper, but GIANT grasshoppers as big as my hand. I took one look at them and burst into tears and left the room. The teacher couldn’t quite understand why I couldn’t stand them, but she let me write a paper instead of dissect one. For some reason they freak me out terribly, I can’t even see/hear one without hyperventilating. 

Assignment 8 - Katy

Fears: dying alone, bridges, losing my family
Annoyances: excessive cursing,
Accomplishments: already obtaining a scholarship, maintaining a good GPA, being captain of an Allstar cheerleading team (in the past).

Confusions: the term "forever", physics
Sorrows: getting a "good" body, working out, doing my homework on time.
Dreams: becoming a very successful business woman, having a family, keeping good health.
Idiosyncracies: introvert, likes to write.
Risks: cliff dove, drank tap water in Mexico (AHH!), multiple concussions and back injuries.
Beloved possessions: (Then)- Barbie Dolls. (Now)- my iPhone
Problems: procrastination, getting enough sleep.

Sometimes I think I let my fears rule my life, seeing as I have many more than the three I listed at the beginning. Of course I'm scared of snakes and if I see a spider I will squeal and run away, but I have some more serious fears. For example, I have never liked bridges. Something about them never seems sturdy enough for my 95 pound self to walk across. I have seen way too many videos of bridges collapsing and people dying because of them to NOT hyperventilate every time I'm over one. I even keep a hand on my seat belt buckle while I'm in the car over one. It's a bit of a problem.
Losing my family is even more devastating. I depend on my family for everything and I seriously cannot and refuse to think of a life without them. Just imagining living away from them in college is difficult, but what if I could never go home? What if "home" didn't exist, because they didn't? I honestly have no idea how I would go on.
Lastly, and probably the most unthinkable for me, is dying alone. I know, it sounds cheesy and probably stupid for a kid my age, but I just worry about this more than anything. Every member in my family has married at an extremely young age (grandma- 15, other grandma-18, mom and dad-20). I feel pressure in finding someone early on, because that's what everyone else in my family has done. So, being in a young family where everyone has a partner and is happy, I don't see an alternative to finding someone to share my life with. It scares me to think that might never happen to me.

week 8: Hannah Pulley

fears: driving in the rain, isolation. oh, and sleep paralysis.

annoyances: bright lights, broken headphones

accomplishments: I got out of bed today. I will be a different person tomorrow.

confusions: this French girl who never answers my skype calls

sorrows: distance, weight, constant awareness of the fact that I stutter only when in front of a large group

dreams: travel, urban life

idiosyncrasies: really late nights, falling asleep in odd places during the day

risks: cliff diving (greatest thing ever), driver’s license (need, actually), more study abroad opportunities (want)

beloved possessions: rock collections (then) music (now)

problems: lack of motivation, anxiety over insignificant things

150+ word freewrite? It's not up there, but I'd like to ramble about fear and change.

Yesterday I broke into Sleeping Bear Dunes national park. It was obvious that the barriers had been moved at least a week ago, for sand had drifted against them, at least a foot high in some places. Someone (I doubt it was a park official) had taped a sign to the guard house that said: hike at your own risk. admission is free, thank the GOP. please consider making a donation to your local food bank or other organization. Obviously, the fifty or so other people who were there were okay with this. Yes, these shutdowns have happened before, according to the news, but the last one was before I was born. The night before that, I was awake until 4 in the morning, laying the biggest bathtub that I have ever seen in a hotel room, surrounded by pillows and the people that know and trust me more than my parents ever would. We watched the closing weekend of the Austin City Limits Festival, commenting on how the change of single word in the chorus of a song eventually changes its entire meaning. I think about how critical thought comes so easily in the early hours of the morning, yet I struggle to produce a response to a similar question during school hours. Yes, the American education could change to become more accommodating to the actual educational needs of students. I could change too. I could wake up and cut my hair, start running again, declare that I do not care about what people think of me. I want to change; I wish to be someone other than myself.

As of this writing, it is Sunday night and most of what has happened in the last five days is tainted with uneasiness. I blacked out this morning standing at the bottom of the hotel stairs, walking to breakfast. The last time that happened, I was on my bike on the side of a rural highway outside of Midway, one week before the end of last school year. I believe that it is part of the human condition to want to change, to be better. I also believe that our only constant is that we are constantly changing, and when we say that we want to change, we mean we want to step off of the figurative treadmill that dictates life, finally having built up the strength to drag said treadmill to the curb. Failure isn't just possibility, it's your next door neighbor. The mass the air on your shoulders can be measured, but not the weight of expectations. Death is riding in the backseat of every car on the highway. I can’t discern if these are changes in surroundings, or just changes in awareness. Was the rest of the world waiting here while I grew up?