Senior Reflection 4

Last Blog! I wanted to use this reflection to say thank you Mr. Stroud! the past two years in AP Gov. and APUSH have been great. I can honestly say that I have learned a lot in my two years in the learning cabin. I think I've been well prepared for both of my AP exams and now never have to take another history or government class again. So thanks PaPa Stroud.

Current Event 4

The Supreme Court ruled unanimously that immigrants convicted of minor drug offences should not face automatic deportation. This decision could allow thousands of legal immigrants that chance to argue leniency from immigration judges. The court over ruled the legal interpretations of the federal government and a lower appeals court saying that Jose Angel Carachuri-Rosendo should have the opportunity to state his case to stay in the country. Carachuri-Rosendo was a citizen of the United States for five years before he was deported back to Mexico after being convicted of possessing a single tablet of Xanax and a small amount of Marijuana earlier that year.

I think that this is an important decision for the court. Although zero tolerance policies are effective, they leave no room for discretion. the Ability to be subjective is an important aspect to the government in the United States.

Senior Reflection 3

I'm going to use space to rant about the dumbest class our school offers, AP Study Hall. I was pushed into taking this class by Mr. Paganan three days before school started because I had a conflict in my schedule. It's only third period so I have the class every day. Usually its just a nuisance, but now that we have finished AP exams I literally has nothing to do in that class. So for the past month I have just sat in study hall, not allowed to talk, move, or go to the bathroom. It is ridiculous, and tomorrow I have two hours of study hall, two hours to sit.

Current Event 3

Today, June 4th President Obama will meet With the Governor of Arizona Jan Brewer. Brewer said that the meeting was cordial, despite the disagreement over the state law signed in April, which granted Police in the stat of Arizona greater power to enforce federal immigration laws. Obama declined to announce whether the Justice Department plans to file a lawsuit to block the legislation. The white house would like Brewer to work with Obama to help pass comprehensive changes to the immigration system that would provide citizens already in the state with a path to citizenship. Press Secretary, Robert Gibbs, said that the president particularly wanted Brewer to help persuade Arizona senator, John McCain, to support broad immigration legislation as he has in the past.

It is interesting to see federalism at work in our own country. All though its not going off with out a hitch, the president is clearly using the power of publicity to try and sway the Arizona Governor. Its also funny to see that there is a significant amount of post election interaction between President Obama and Senator John McCain. Hope there are no hard feelings.

Senior Reflection 2

I must admit that sense AP Exams I have found myself in a terrible habit of slacking. All through this year I've done a relatively good job of not falling into and bad habits of procrastinating. But once I finished all my AP Exams all bets were off. I used to carry at least six pencils, all perfectly sharped, and at least six pens. But now your lucky if I have anything to write with, forget about it being sharp. I hate senioritis. And this is why my blog is so late.

Current Event 2

President Obama signed a memo in June of last year extending some benefits to same sex partners of federal workers. On June 1st The Office of Personal Management broadened the definition of relatives to include same sex domestic partners of federal workers. This allows same sex partners to apply for benefits beginning next month. This extension of the definition of relatives did not apply, however, to opposite sex domestic partners because they can obtain the same benefits through marriage. The federal worker must simply submit a form, which states that the two people are domestic partners and intend to stay together indefinitely, to their employer. These couples are not required to provide further evidence of the relationship because the Office of Personal Management said that it would burden the couples more than other relatives.

This change in federal policy is a big step in, what seems to be the right direction, for equality for same sex couples. The federal government as proven to be very proactive on this particular issue compared to others. I hope that this will set a trend of political tolerance and acceptance for all same sex couples.

Senior Reflection 1

I am so ready to move on from Herndon. Senior year has been great and all, I'm just really excited for JMU next year. I just signed up for an "outdoor excursion" at JMU and I get to go backpacking and rock climbing along the Appalachian Trail. Next year I'll get so many more opportunities to get out and do fun things in the Shenandoah area. I can go biking, camping, hiking, what ever I want, because even though Harrisonburg isn't the nicest town, the area around it is absolutely beautiful. I'm so glad that that is where I'll be next year, not here in Herndon.