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HERO AND HACK NOV 4

Page history last edited by J.M. Conway 12 years, 4 months ago

Hack: Herman Cain

 

I've been wanting to hack Herman Cain since this past Sunday. On this past Sunday's edition of Face the Nation, Bob Schieffer interviewed Cain about, among other issues, his new internet commercial. The commercial features Cain's chief of staff Mark Block smoking a cigarette, blowing smoke right into the camera. Cain argued that this commercial was meant to say "Let America be America," and that he respects any American's right to do as they please, even smoking. He said that this fits in with the overall theme of the campaign, which is apparently "let Herman be Herman." Schieffer absolutely destroyed Cain on this, pointing out what a bad message the ad sends, and said that as the front runner, Cain needed to "raise the level" of his campaign. Schieffer even strong-armed Cain into basically changing his stance, and having Cain tell the viewing audience, "Young people of America, all people, do not smoke. It's hazardous and it's dangerous to your health. Don't smoke. I've never smoked and I've encouraged people not to smoke." Uhm.... you've encouraged people not to smoke? Just about thirty seconds prior, he had supported it. Interesting how quick someone's stance changes. I wonder what the cigarette makers that he so strongly supported in fighting against smoking bans in restaurants will have to say about this. This shows the major flaw in Herman Cain and his lack of political experience. Throughout his campaign he has constantly had to back track. It would seem that he has no idea of what is the right and wrong thing to say in a political campaign. He says whatever crazy thing comes to mind, then it seems his advisers have to tell him that's not right and he goes back on what he said. I've seen instances in which Cain has said that things have been "meant in jest." Well Herman, there's no room for "jest" in a political campaign. Voters only have Cain's word to go by as he has no prior legitimate political record, and there is no place for jesting and constantly having to correct what you've said. I could go on about many things regarding Cain, from his stance on the Occupy movement to the recent sexual harassment claims, but I'll contain myself. If this is the front runner GOP candidate, I've lost any worry that Obama won't be re-elected.    

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQZ3pl2TQwQ <- Here's a clip from this past Sunday's Face the Nation if anyone would like to see.

 

HACK: Herman Cain

I hacked Herman Cain for this week. He has been all over the news for the past week or so because he has been accused of sexual harassment. I particularly agreed with what Curt Anderson had to say about the matter: "Candidates, when they get into a firestorm like this, have sometimes come unraveled. It seems to me that they're kind of grasping at straws and fishing around trying to figure out what to do, how to get out of this." I couldn’t have said it better myself in regards to what I think Cain is doing. Herman Cain is in a predicament. I believe his weaknesses are really coming out with this issue. It’s easy to be in charge when everything is going smoothly, but it’s the people who can maintain their composure when times are tough that are the ones admired and respected. I don’t think that Cain is addressing the situation in the correct way. He is pointing fingers and it seems to me like he wants to blame everybody else, especially Rick Perry, for the problem. Whether he is at fault or not for the harassment, Cain is wrong in how he is handling it. 

http://www.cnn.com/2011/11/03/politics/cain-allegations/index.html 

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1111/67581.html

~Chelsea Ann Rovnan

 

Hero: Curt Anderson

-Sarah Hammer

 

 

 (Herman Cain)

 

 

 

After being accused of sexual harassment, Herman Cain was quick to blame his former co-worker Curt Anderson for spilling the untrue rumor. Anderson replied to Cain's claim in a cool, collected manner, and was surprisingly very kind towards Cain. First, he replied to a CNN reporter "I didn't know anything about this, and it's hard  to leak something you don't know anything about." Anderson then goes on to even compliment Cain, saying that he loved working with him, and really believes he is a great man with good ideas. Although he is disappointed in Cain, he is very forgiving. He lets it roll off his back, understanding that in this pressure situation, Cain cracked. Not only does this exemplify Anderson's character, but his honesty and integrity as a politician. Cain in this case, not so much. He holds true to his denial against any leaked information. 

http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2011/11/03/perry-aide-i-didnt-leak-the-cain-story/

 

 

 

 

HACK: Occupy Oakland

http://www.nationalreview.com/corner/282129/anti-capitalist-movement-turns-violent-stanley-kurtz      

            I am hacking the Occupy Movement in Oakland because they successfully closed down a major American port. They also threw rocks through building windows, and set off fireworks at police. This not only was an attack that interrupted the economy, but these acts endangered lives. You have the right under the Constitution to protest, but you have to protest peacefully to protect other’s lives. When you no longer can make a statement peacefully and have to resort to vandalism and violence, you are a danger to the lives of others around you.

~Christine McLaughlin

 

 

 

HACK: HERMAN CAIN 

     I chose to HACK Herman Cain because of his reaction and response to the recent sexual harassment charges against him that have been brought to the public’s attention. Throughout this whole ordeal, Cain has managed to change his story several times and has remained inconsistent with his details and facts. At first on Monday, Cain claimed that he did not know how much the settlements were for or even how many settlements took place, and in fact, claimed to have no knowledge of any settlements made at all. Just later on the same day, Cain tweaked his story and admitted to knowing of some settlement and expressed that he believed that it was only a month or two’s salary pay. His story again changed when he said that the settlement was three to four month’s salary pay, and then again admitting to the $45,000 and $35,000 settlements that the two women received.  

     Throughout this scandal, Herman Cain has proved himself as a dishonest and unreliable man. How can someone expect to earn the trust and respect of the American people if he can’t even remain honest and consistent in telling the truths of his past? The key to winning an election is having the trust of those who are electing you which Herman Cain has obviously lost.

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1111/67551.html

Hayley Hanuscin

 

Hero: Bob Barker

http://www.cnn.com/2011/11/02/politics/barker-circus-animals-bill/index.html?iref=allsearch 

Although many know him solely as the host of "The Price is Right", Barker is also well known for promoting the cause of animal protection, which is why i heroed him.  Barker believes that traveling circuses train their animals via cruelty.  He is in favor of the Traveling Exotic Animal Protection Act. The bill would amend the existing Animal Welfare Act.  It has recently attracted bipartisan support.  Although most Americans top concern is not animals, it would reflect our nation's moral character ny passing the bill.  Laws similar have already been passed in numerous other countries, and many are expected to follow after America.

-Alexandria McNamara

 

 

Hack:Judge Steven R. Emmert

 

My hack of the week is Texas Judge Steven R. Emmert who rejected the request of a death row prisoner to test his DNA that can prove his innocence. Judge Emmert did not give a reason why he denied Hank Skinner request.  Back in 1993, Skinner was charged for killing of his girlfriend-Twila Busby- and her two sons in Pampa. Skinner and his attorneys are deeply disappointed by the judge’s ruling. Robert C. Owen, one of Skinner’s attorneys, has planned to proposal to the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals for help. Owen is sure that the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals will do a careful review on the case, including DNA testing. 

-Diana Nguyen

 

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/nationnow/2011/11/texas-judge-rules-against-dna-testing-for-death-row-inmate.html

**NO image was available

 

HERO: Curt Anderson

Emily Gumpper

Recently there were allegations against Herman Cain accusing him of sexual harassment. I am heroing Curt Anderson because after Cain’s Campaign accused him of leaking this story he appeared on Fox and made it very clear that it was not him. Part of his statement was, “This is exactly why people hate politics, all this foolishness.”  Anderson only had nice things to say about Cain and even gave any reporter he has shared information with in regards to Herman Cain is now permitted to publically use him as a source. In that case, the website which came up with this story of sexual harassment is now allowed to use Anderson as a source.

http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/11/03/cain-adviser-walks-back-accusation-of-perry-aide/?ref=politics

 

 

 

I couldn't find a decent picture of ANDERSON so i settled for CAIN. -Emily Gumpper

 

 

 

Hack Big Business

 

I am hacking big business because it was recently announced that 30 companies have paid less than zero taxes in recent years. The businesses get around tax laws by moving off shore to avoid taxes. There were some businesses that gained more in tax rebates and credits than they paid. It’s not right in the struggling economy for businesses to be making money on their taxes when our government is broke. The money could be used throughout our government.

 

http://bottomline.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/11/03/8617728-30-companies-paid-less-than-zero-taxes-in-recent-years

Michael Fiore

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

November 4, 2011

Hero/Hack

Marygrace Urmson

 

This week I’m hacking the School District of Philadelphia. In a news article released earlier today, the Philadelphia Inquirer broke the news that “Faced with declining enrollment, aging facilities, and a brutal fiscal situation, Philadelphia School District officials on Wednesday recommended closing nine schools and making grade changes at 17 others.” I find this to be absolutely unacceptable. If education is such an important issue in the country, then the state government shouldn’t be taking away learning opportunities for the kids that need them.

 

http://www.philly.com/philly/education/133125748.html

 

 

 

HACK: The United Nations

 

 

The United Nations has $2 billion dollar renovations for their New York headquarters still more than two years from completion, and the dates are being extended later and later, and yet they are trying to raise $3 billion more for both the New York and Geneva locations.  The budget for the Manhatten location's renovations has ballooned to 225% of the original budget.  The United Nations is a vital organization and another 3,000 workers and representatives are expected to be involved by 2034, however, the cost is making contributing countries uncomfortable, which certainly won't help relations.  In addition, the United States, which is already paying for almost a quarter of the New York renovations, claims costs may once again increase by close to $700 million.  This is an extraordinary amount of money, millions upon millions of dollars being poured into "new furniture", when we are in the middle of a bad recession.  Government officials, including senators, have complained about the high costs and advised President Obama to step in.  If the United Nations, who must have some of the best financial planners in the world, had a specific budget they foresaw to cover all costs, why has the budget inflated so much?  In addition, there are rumors some of the money will come from taxpayers.

 

-Deirdre O'Leary

http://www.foxnews.com/world/2011/11/03/gift-that-keeps-on-giving-un-lobbying-for-3b-in-future-projects-while/

 

 

 

 

 

Hack: Police Officer in the NYPD

 

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/02/nyregion/dismal-tale-of-arrest-for-tiniest-of-crimes.html

 

Samantha Zucker, a Senior of Carnegie Mellon University, was arrested and held for 36 hours, in New York, for not having her I.D.

After spending time with classmates on their trip to scout out New York design industries for potential work, her and a classmate, Mr. Fischer, took a trip to see the Hudson River around 3AM. They were notified by one officer that the park was closed, and they agreed to leave. "Almost immediately, a second police car pulls up," Mr. Fischer says. The officer in this car was citing them for trespassing, and because Mrs. Zucker did not have her ID, she would have to be held for a court appearance. The law allows officers to allow people to send someone for their paperwork, as is usually done; however, the holding officer "said it was too late for that, I should have thought of it earlier," Mrs. Zucker stated. Her ID was in her hotel room a few blocks away.

Mrs. Zucker was ferried around the inner workings of the police department, going from the local precinct, downtown for booking, only for it to be too late for booking, so she made the trip back to Harlem. The following day, she was taken to booking where she was held for another night. The judge dismised the ticket in less than a minute.

This story leaves me dumbfounded. How can the government agencies who are supposed to protect our well-being allow officers to act in such a fashion? The officer could have just let them off with a warning and escorted them off the property, no tickets involved. Or, should he be so adamant about ticketing these two, he could have allowed someone to bring her ID. Such a short temper over such a misdemeanor offence, if you can even call it that, is uncalled for. There are much bigger issues to be facing in the world of law enforcement, and to take 2 days of the internal workings of the NYPD away from those issues to deal with a woman who didn't have her ID is a disgrace to being a law enforement officer.

~Charles Unruh

 

 

HERO: OAKLAND POLICE DEPARTMENT

http://www.cnn.com/2011/11/03/us/occupy-demonstrators/index.html?hpt=us_c1 

Early Thursday morning, Occupy Oakland protesters continued to protest in the port of Oakland in California. Before today, no major violence has occurred and the protesters were peaceful, for the most part. Thursday morning, as Oakland police officers were doing their jobs to maintain peace, protesters began to use violence such as throwing rocks and shooting fireworks at the officers. In response, the officers used teargas against the violent protesters after their initial acts of violence and disorderly conduct. 

     The reason I chose to hero the police department is because they didn't let the protesters get the best of them. The police allowed all the protesters to use their rights of speech and assembly as they are entitled to, however, when things got violent, police stepped in and did their job. Today, police forces are either too cautious or too harsh when dealing with issues like this. However, in this case, the police didn't abuse their power, yet, they used their power in the way it should be used rather than using senseless violence that could injure innocent people. Other police forces should follow the example of the Oakland Police Force, who demonstrated textbook police work.

- Dan Nucero 

 

Taylor Howard

November 3, 2011

http://www.cnn.com/2011/11/02/us/air-force-civilian-cuts/index.html?hpt=us_c2

This week I have chosen to hack the United States Air Force for their decision to "restructure" their civilian workforce which will call for a cut in thousands of civilian jobs. Overall it will include nine thousand job cuts in levels of management, staff and supporter positions. This decision was directed by the Secretary of defense who believes they need to stop civilian job growth and focus on new priorities. One thing America needs is it's military and no matter how big our national debt is, I do not believe it is necessary to make cuts in our military. People are struggling enough in the current economy, the last people we should be going after with job cuts are the men and women who defend our country.

 

Hero: Mayor Michael Nutter

My hero for the week is Mayor Michael Nutter. I am heroing him this week because he is taking the initiative to make Philadelphia look better, as well as cut down on certain crimes and trash. He will be fining the owners of vancant builders who cannot keep their residences up to code. For example, windows and doors need to be in good working condition, not boarded up. He feels as though these lots accumulate much trash-since they look as though they should be the trash-and crimes, since people know that they are currently not in use. Aside for these reasonings as to why he is "declaring war" on the owners of such neglected buildings and lots. He wishes to clean up the city to make it seem more appealing. The more appealing the city is, the more people want to move here which makes property values increase. In my opinion it is about time someone is trying to bring out the beauty this city holds.

http://www.philly.com/philly/news/breaking/20111026_Nutter__Blight_court_for_owners_of_decrepit_properties.html

~ Michelle Deacon

 

http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/senate-blocks-60-billion-infrastructure-plan/2011/11/03/gIQACXjajM_story.html?hpid=z1

Jessica Phares 

     The United States Senate is being hacked for shooting down another portion of Obama's $447 Billion Jobs Bill. America is just beginning to emerge of the recession, and though some jobs have become more available, and the unemployment rate is continuously decreasing, there are still plenty of people in the nation who are struggling financially. Obama wants to utilize the money from the bill to allow jobs to open up, therefore stimulating the economy which would allow the citizens to escape from this nightmare recession. During this time that the bill is being analyzed, most of what is contained in the document has been blocked, and Obama doesn't understand why the Senate is doing this, because the proposals within it have been promoted for before by the Senators.

 

http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2011/11/mitt-romney-directs-new-attack-at-rick-perry-telling-him-deficits-matter/

     For November 4, 2011, I would like to hack Presidential Republican candidate Mitt Romney. Mitt Romney has been attacking fellow Presidential Republican candidate Rick Perry for his belief that deficit does not matter. Perry’s polls have dropped and he has been lacking solid debate performances. I believe that Romney should be less concerned with Perry’s political agenda and more concerned with what he will bring to the table if he was elected President. It seems that Romney is not concerned enough with proving to the world that he has the political experience to be President. Instead, he rather “gossip” about his opponents. I believe it would be more productive speak about the issues and no instead of childish topics. 

—Maddie Clifford

 

 

 

My HACK for the week is Greece. Greece borrowed billions of dollars from Europe to help out their retired residents and to put a boat load of money into their social security system. Because they borrowed so much money, they can not pay it off. Their eyes were bigger than their stomachs and now they put themselves in great debt. Since they will not be able to pay back their debt to Europe, that means that Europe will go into a depression. Since America does so much trading with Europe, this will no doun push Amerca back into a depression. So, this little country, as one can see, has caused huge problems for multiple countries. That is why they are my hack.

 -- Jason Amado 

 

 

Hero: Oakland Police Department

http://www.mercurynews.com/occupy-oakland/ci_19255290?source=autofeed#

http://www.mercurynews.com/occupy-oakland/ci_19246904?source=autofeed#

     My hero of the week is the Oakland Police Department. I chose the Oakland police force because of their action towards the occupy movement in downtown Oakland. Occupy Oakland held an assembly on wednesday during the day, which was calm, and civil. Although wednesday night into thursday morning the protesters broke out in violence, removing the barriers blocking the port of Oakland and taking the port over. They also took over a vacant building in the downtown district. The crowd at one point became so violent the some protestors were attacking the police with homemade launchers to fire  M80s, rocks, and bottles. The police responded to the attacks with tear gas and bean bag rounds. The police department handled the protesters in a safe, civil, and responsible manner by arresting 80 of the protestors, and only three police officers and five civilians were injured.

-Anthony Nicolo

 

 

 

UPS is my Hero for the week. This particular company is being hired because of the mass hiring of employees for seasonal jobs in the Western United States. UPS is hiring cyclists for seasons holiday jobs, which will not only help the environment from the lack of carbon footprints, but also it will create seasonal jobs that will lower the unemployment rate for the few months leading up to the Christmas holidays. Some will even stay as a permanent job, thus reducing the quickly rising unemployment rate.

 

http://www.kgw.com/home/UPS-hiring-Portland-cyclists-for-seasonal-jobs-133118953.html

-          Mary Radziszewski

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