HERO - John Burri

Sarah Hammer

John Burri, father of a fallen soldier who lost his life in Iraq, burned the New Jersey State flag. He reasoning was that it was unnecessary and disrespectful for governor Chris Christie to lower the flags to half staff at the death of Whitney Houston. Yes, she had a great voice and was a spectacular entertainer, but she did not "give..life and shed blood for this country." Lowering the American flag is something that is caused by much more than the death of an entertainer. The flag is a symbol of freedom and those who fight for that freedom every single day.   

 

 

Jason Amado

HEROS: MITT ROMNEY AND RON PAUL

Ok so my heros are Romney and Paul. I heroed these two because recently, they double teamed the poop out of Rick Santorum. I personally don't like Santorum because he erks me. I also heroed them because I enjoy very much watching people duke it out with words and its even better when one person gets completely crushed. Its funny for me. I like watching that stuff. Its especially fun for me because they teamed up on someone that I don't like.

 

 

HACK: RUSSIA AND CHINA

 

My hack of the week is Russia and China for vetoing against helping Syria. Secretary of state, Hillary Clinton said, ""It's quite distressing to see two permanent members of the Security Council using their veto while people are being murdered - women, children, brave young men - houses are being destroyed". Day after day, people in Syria are constantly dying. "It is time to stop the killing of Syrians citizens by their own government,"Obama said to Washington. Syria is gradually turning into a chaotic mess and is in desperate need for aid and organization from the UN. Russia and China, what happen to "To maintain international peace and security"(Article I, UN Charter)?

-Diana

 

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/S/SYRIA_DIPLOMACY?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2012-02-24-19-14-55

 

HACK: Newt Gingrich

John Conway

I am hacking Newt Gingrich for this week for his criticism of President Obama for apologizing to the Afghanistan nation/government for the burning of the Quran. He sees this as a surrender, saying that the president has been quick to apologize but has refused "demand that the government of Afghanistan apologize for the killing of two young Americans." This shows a complete lack of skill in leadership and diplomacy in Newt Gingrich. If American is the great nation that so many say it is, surely we would be above petty "eye for eye, tooth for tooth" dealings. We are supposed to be a more developed nation, not just in terms of infrastructure, but also in social and diplomatic terms. It is better to set an example for people in that nation, apologizing when wrong has been done, even when the other side has not been apologetic. THAT is diplomacy and leadership. Newt also went as far as to say that if the Afghan government does not apologize, we should leave the country. So the president apologizing is a surrender, but leaving a nation we are supposed to be helping for not apologizing to us is not? Bad Newt strikes again. He lacks not just diplomacy and leadership, but also tact in foreign policy. He stated that the United States "should say goodbye and good luck, we don't need to be wasting our time and money." He probably used the same line on his first and second wives.

 

Marygrace Urmson

Hero: Government Auto Bailout

I don’t really know if this is a legitimate hero, but it’s what I chose. I really respect the government—and yes, Obama—for going through with the auto bailout. I think that it’s a really important step in “jumpstarting” the economy and preventing a job “stall out” (hehe, I got #punny). The reality is that in bailing out GM and Chrysler, the government saved thousands, maybe even millions of jobs. I like where I got my information because it shows both sides of the argument (for bailout and against it). Also, there is a mention at the end of the article about “Newt being Newt”. It made me giggle.

 

http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120221/POLITICS01/202210418/1148/auto01/Fact-Check-Artful-swerves-auto-bailout

 

Hero: Obama

 

I am heroing President Obama this week for promising to continue pushing for alternative energy sources.  Gingrich claimed he had "developed a program for American energy so no future president will ever bow to a Saudi king again and so every American can look forward to $2.50 a gallon gasoline” at the Arizona debate.  Obama came back at him by saying "anyone who tells you we can drill our way out of this problem doesn't know what they're talking about -- or just isn't telling you the truth." Obama said that he knows the problem is going to be fixed over night, but he is going to continue to work on it.  He plans to open more territory in the Arctic region to exploration and development and made an agreement with Mexico to cooperate on developing oil and gas reserves along their maritime border.  Obama is planning to develop alternative energy sources such as wind and solar power as well.

http://www.cnn.com/2012/02/23/politics/obama-energy-speech/index.html

-Alexandria McNamara

 

 

 

HACK: Barak Obama

As many of Americans have seen, gas prices are soaring and it has become a huge setback for many Americans. So this week I chose to hack Barak Obama for the way in which he has chosen to handle this issue. The rising costs of gas prices are really hurting the American economy especially at a time when many don't have a job. Barak Obama is just sitting back and letting all of this happen without really coming up with any solutions. As president he really needs to fix this problem before it gets out of control.

Taylor Howard

http://whitehouse.blogs.cnn.com/2012/02/23/soaring-gas-prices-and-energy-focus-of-potus-speech-today/?iref=allsearch

 

 

Hack:Obama 

     Surprise.....I am hacking President Obama for the rising gas prices. I believe it is his turn to take the blame for the outrageous amount it costs for one gallon of gas. I think Obama deserves to be hacked because he has done nothing to help the situation. He is all about the environment ad helping the economy...but I haven't seen any improvement. The rising price in gas will hurt the economy because it brings down consumer spending. I drive a Mercury Sable with a small engine and I am afraid to fill up my gas tank. All the money that I out into my gas tank could have been put back into the economy instead of my gas tank. I saw the price of gas raise 3 cents within 7.5 hours. The price of gas has actually risen 29 cents since December and by the summer it should be up to $5. If the gas prices continue to rise the confidence in the economy will being to drop. I understand it is hard for the President to deal with rising gas prices, but I believe Obama has done little to help. However, what annoys me the most is that nobody will challenge Obama on the rising gas prices. He is immune to public criticize unlike Bush. In the one article from Fox News, it seems Obama is more concerned with campaigning then challenging the rising gas prices. Also, there is a lot of oil in this country, which everyone is afraid to use because of the tree huggers in this country. They rather same the environment (which they are hurting) instead of helping the economy. I am hacking Obama for the rise in gas prices and acting like nothing is wrong. Why is Obama immune to rising gas prices and the other presidents were crucified for it. We need to stop treating him like he is "special". 

--Maddie 

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/behind-the-numbers/post/obamas-rising-gas-prices-problem/2012/02/01/gIQAA3mQRR_blog.html

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2012/02/23/obama-to-address-rising-gas-prices-draw-attention-to-his-energy-policies/

 

HERO: Virginia

I am heroing the government of Virginia, particularly the House, because they passed a bill that would require a woman to have an external ultrasound before having an abortion. I think this is a great idea because many women are not aware of what exactly is in their womb before they have an abortion. As someone who is pro-life, I think that requiring women to have an ultrasound before an abortion will show them exactly what is inside them, hopefully showing them that their baby is actually a baby and changing their decision to get an abortion. Also, I think this offers a better chance to educate people who think that the baby is only a bunch of cells because the ultrasound will show them otherwise.

~Christie McLaughlin

 

HACK: Barack Obama

Like many others, I am hacking Obama for the rising gas prices.  No the president doesn't have much control over it, but at this point I feel as though the problem has been getting out of hand.  There hasn't really been any proposed solutions, and I feel as though Obama isn't necessarily trying to come up with anything.  Our economy is in a bad shape as it is and the rising gas prices have just been adding to the problem.  I agree 100% with Maddie in saying that it is like Obama is immune to all criticism and is "special".  It's time the public sees what is actually happening, instead of choosing to live in a fantasy world.

http://nbcpolitics.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/02/23/10486149-obama-addresses-gas-prices-pitches-energy-policy

    - Michelle Deacon 

 

 

HERO: President Obama

                Obama is the hero this week for planning to reduce the corporate tax rate from 35 to 28%. This is a great step in bringing jobs back to America. Also included in this plan is the closing of several loopholes that allowed corporations to avoid paying a tax. In a struggling economy this is a great way to bring jobs back to America and keep them here.

 

Mike Fiore

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/23/obama-seeks-to-reform-bus_n_1296502.html 

 

 

 

HACK: Obama's Energy Policy

 

 

A month ago the country was filled with mixed emotions over Obama's rejection of the Keystone Pipeline.  He turned down thousands of new jobs and a chance to decrease dependeny on foreign oil, which he states is a priority for him.  The Keystone Pipeline had bipartisan backing and support from various groups across the country.  However, it was rejected and this, in addition to delayed sanctions on Iran have contributed to rising gas prices.  The average price is $3.53 ($3.61 today, 2/23/12) and is expected to be as high as $4.25 by Memorial Day.  Europe and the USA have placed sanctions on Iran with the fear that they may be harboring nuclear weapons and be planning to attack Israel.  However, in December, Obama slowed the pace of these sanctions and reacted too slowly.  Now, Iran has threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz, the waterway that 1/5 of the world's oil flows through.  This would be catastrophic to gas prices, as well as our country, and the world's, economy.  Also, an interview with the widow of a scientist in Iran who died under mysterious conditions was published in Tehran's government newspaper; she said he was indeed working on nuclear weapons and his goal was the annihilation of Israel.  In addition, Obama has ignored more than 100 offshore drilling plans for the Gulf of Mexico, which would surely lower gas prices; the Gulf of Mexico accounts for more than 25% of our nation's domestic oil production.  He also encouraged drilling in other countries, including ones that are unfriendly towards us.  Today, Obama said not to listen to the campaign promises of the GOP to lower gas prices.  However, he is being a little hypocritical because his campaign promises have mainly gone unfulfilled.  Then again, his $14 million algeae grant may just save us. 

 

-Deirdre O'Leary 

Pipeline: http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/OTUS/president-obama-rejects-keystone-xl-pipeline/story?id=15387980

Gas Prices: http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/02/18/gas-prices-are-highest-ever-for-this-time-year/

Iran: http://www.commentarymagazine.com/2012/02/22/iranian-scientist-goal-annihilate-israel/#more-784657

 

 

HACK: NATO

  

This Week I am hacking the NATO troops who burned the Quran among other Islamic religious items that were located inside the Bagram Airfield in Afghanastan. After Islamic Afghans heard of this, riots broke out all over Afghanistan in response to the actions caused by NATO soldiers. President Obama stepped up and apologized to Afghan President Hamid Karzai saying the burning of the Qurans were mistakes and not intended to offend anyone. Protests got worse as the Taliban called on Muslims to attack NATO military bases and convoys. This is obviously not the first time the Muslim religion and Western powers conflicted. Also, as a result, two American soldiers were killed by members of the Afghan National Army. As the Afghan government is trying to remain calm and keep peace, many Muslims became furious when receiving the news about the burnings and I believe NATO should release an apologetic statement to the Muslims for their actions.

http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2012/02/23/obama-apologizes-to-afghan-president-for-burning-of-qurans-by-nato-troops/ 

- Dan Nucero

 

HERO: BARACK OBAMA 

This week I chose to HERO Barack Obama for pushing Congress to extend the payroll tax cut while also encouraging legislators to pass the rest of the economic support plan for the middle class. He said that now that the tax cut is extended for the rest of this year, he is hoping that Congress will continue to avoid gridlock and partisanship and keep moving forward in passing important pieces of legislation. Obama assured the American people that he is going to continue to push forward in trying to better the American financial system at any and every chance he gets in order to establish an economy where everyone gets an equal and fair share. By dropping the tax rate from 6.2% to 4.2%, the average person making $50,000 a year will gain about $83 extra dollars each month. Hopefully the extension of this tax cut will help better the life of the average American and boost the economy as well.

http://www.cnn.com/2012/02/21/election/2012/obama-payroll-tax/index.html

--Hayley Hanuscin

 

Hero: John Burri

http://news.yahoo.com/john-burri-father-fallen-soldier-burns-nj-flag-023336328--abc-news.html

     John Burri is my hero of the week for burning the state flag New Jersey. He is a father of a fallen soldier from Michigan. John Burri decided to burn the New Jersey state flag, after Gov. Chris Christie ordered flags to be flown at half-staff to honor Whitney Houston. Burri was offended by the governor's order, because being a father of a fallen soldier, he believes flags should only be lowered for those who died serving their country. He believes that the term of what a true hero is being watered down these days. Burri hopes that his actions will result in a new law for flag etiquette to be passed, so cultural icons like Whitney Houston can't be honored by having flags flown at half-staff. I agree with Burri that it was very offensive to people, that a person who only contributed good music was honored by the flags being flown at half-staff.

- Anthony Nicolo

 

 

Jessica Phares

     I am going to hero the Senate of Maryland for signing to legalize gay marriage. Now, the only person who could possibly hold back the legislation is the governor, and because he supported the bill from the beginning, this would be very unlikely. However, last year the same bill was passed, but died in the House, but people are keeping a positive outlook on it and hope it passes. If the bill does officially pass, Maryland would be the eighth state to legalize gay marriage. It's  just amazing that three states are legalizing this in a matter of two weeks, and hopefully other states will pass similar bills so there is marriage equality for all. 

 

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/23/maryland-gay-marriage-bill_n_1297910.html

 

 

My hack for this week is the United States Postal Office. THe service announced Thursday that it will cut 35,000 jobs and merge mailing facilities and stop Saturday mail delivery. This may prove to have more negative outcomes than positives. Though snail mail has become somewhat obsolete and mega chains such as FedEx and UPS have taken some of the USPS' business, the post office still plays a vital role in everyday life. In order to obtain a postal job, one only must study for a test and have a high school diploma. By eliminating these simple, low skill labor jobs, the unemployment rate may fall farther than it already has, especially when other companies such as Bank of America also are laying off mass amounts of people. Lastly, the post office not only delivers mail, but it also provides services such as passport application, stamp distribution, and the like. With the post office closed two days a week, the two days that some people only have available to visit the post office in order to obtain a passport, are out of luck with the cutbacks.

-Mary Radziszewski (http://money.cnn.com/2012/02/23/news/economy/postal_service__plant_closings/index.htm)

 

HACK: CHRIS CHRISTIE

   

My hack of the week is the Governor of New Jersey, Chris Christie. I’m hacking Chris Christie for his decision to lower all the flags to half-staff in honor of Whitney Houston. Sure I have a heart and I think it’s a shame she passed away and struggled with her drug addiction/disease. However, Christie is wrong for honoring her the same way officers, soldiers and firefighters are supposed to be. I don’t remember anyone lowering their flags when Michael Jackson died. So why does Christie find it appropriate to lower flags for Houston? Honestly, I think it’s a disgrace that he would even have the nerve to group her with fallen heroes that serve our country every day risking their lives for our safety. Of course what people said about her in their complaint emails to Christie was uncalled for and harsh, but it is only out of their disgust and frustration with his choice. For some people, they aren’t even upset at the fact that it was because she died from her drug abuse, they’re more mad that Christie did this because it’s like a slap in the face to all those who die every day for others. It’s not like I’m putting her down or anything like that, it’s fine if you want to honor her and do something in her memory since she was from your state, but there are other ways to do just that. Christie may say that what people said in their emails was “ugly” and “awfully disrespectful,” but I for one think it is him that is guilty of being “awfully disrespectful.” The “ignorant” one is not the person who emailed you to disagree with your choice, Mr. Christie....the ignorant one is you. 

 

http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2012/02/christies_sympathetic_view_of.html

 

~Chelsea Ann Rovnan

 

 

 

I'm HERO-ing: MARYLAND SENATE for voting to legalize same sex marriage. Six states (now seven) and the District of Columbia have legalized same sex marriage. Governor Martin O’Malley said, “All children deserve the opportunity to live in a loving, caring, committed, and stable home, protected equally under the law." It’s amazing, less than two weeks ago Washington legalized same sex marriage and now Maryland, it’s almost like this is a movement sweeping the nation. I think that even though it is against my faith people have a right to be with whomever they choose, boy or girl. I also do not feel that government should be able to control such a thing.

Emily Gumpper

http://www.cnn.com/2012/02/23/us/maryland-same-sex-marriage/index.html