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“All the news that fits…”
Violence in Iraq
By: Hugo M. Valdez The terrorism is the biggest fear for the world. Since the attack on the Twin Towers in New York, the world has changed in different ways. Some Middle East countries have suffered the biggest impact. In Iraq hundreds of innocent people have died in bombing attacks or been shot by gunmen. Before the capture of Saddam Hussein by the U.S. troops, the war destroyed many cities in Iraq. Two years have passed since the war started against Iraq. Many civilians escaped from Iraq to another country looking for a better life out of the war. In the recent elections the new president proposed to fight terrorism and do his best to build a new Iraq. The rebels do not let him do his job as president. Also hundreds of families from around the world have lost their loved ones fighting in the war. On December 19, two car bombs exploded in the sacred cities of Karbala and Najaf located in the south of Iraq. The explosion killed at least 70 people and wounded 175 more. The explosion in Najaf killed 54 people. The same thing happened in Baghdad when three employees of Iraq’s Independent Electoral Commission were killed by gunmen. The rebels photographed the criminal scene, and they did not care to hide their faces. December 19 was one of the bloodiest days in Iraq since the invasion of U.S troops on March
- Two days later the U.S. military base in Mosul was attacked with an explosion in a dining hall, and 22 people died in that explosion. Najaf’s provincial governor announced one day after the explosion that 51 people were arrested for having connections with terrorism. A few days before the attacks in Karbala, a car bomb exploded on December 15. The blast killed 12 Iraqis and injured dozens. (“Iraqi Insurgents”) Insurgents made the biggest attack against the American troops using car bombs and an array of weapons, on April 1. Forty to 60 rebels initiated the attack against the American prison from two directions. The attack wounded at least 20 American soldiers and marines were seriously hurt, and 18 were wounded with minor injures. The Americans repelled them in a battle of 30 to 40 minutes. The American forces needed support from three Apache attack helicopters. The reason for the attack appeared to be an attempt to release prisoners. This attack was the latest in well-organized bands of guerrillas against American forces. American and Iraqi security troops are holding 3,446 prisoners in Abu Ghraib. Last year in that prison eight American soldiers were charged for
“All the news that fits…” prisoner abuse. (Wong, pA11) Seven U.S. troops were killed on May 8 in action against rebels in Baghdad. Police reports said that the attacks were made in disagree for the alliance of Iraq and U.S. troops. Since the cabinet was sworn on April 28 until now more than 300 people have died, including U.S. soldiers. In an explosion near Khalidiya, west of Baghdad, two soldiers were killed the same day. One day before the attack, three U.S. Marines including one sailor died in a bombing in Haditha, located 140 miles northwest of Baghdad. The Sunni Arab is majority in the town where the attacks occurred. They are insurgents who have the most brutal and effective guerrilla war fighting against U.S. troops. (Roug, McDonnell, pA1) I think that the war in Iraq has affected the whole world in different ways. One way is that many countries have lost hundreds of soldiers. The United States has fought against terrorism since 9/11. The violence in Iraq has destroyed too many innocent families. Everyday in Iraq too many people die in an awful way. It is important to finish the war in Iraq because is affecting everybody. I think that is why the gasoline is more expensive everyday. The Middle East people have become the more discriminated against race when they come to the U. S. I think that it’s unfair to think that all the people from there are terrorists. I think that the U.S. government should bring the troops back, and avoid more soldiers to be killed. Newspapers Cited: Roug, Louise and McDonnell, Patrick J. “7 U.S. Troops Killed” San Francisco Chronicle. 9 May, 2005: pA1. 11 May, 2005 <http://www.sfgate.co m/cgi-bin/article.cgi> “Iraqi Insurgents Strike” World News Digest. 23, Dec.2005: pA1.6, May 2005 <http://www.2facts.co m/stories /index /> Wong, Edward. “Conflict in Iraq” The New York Times. 3, April 2005: pA11. 5, May 2005 http://www.sfgate.co By Randall Lopez In the year 2003 people from the Federal Government of the United States thought that Saddam Hussein, a dictator that ruled Iraq for over fifty years, was making nuclear bombs of mass destruction. For that reason the United States attacked Iraq. No bombs in Iraq have been found jet.
“All the news that fits…” become what they want. This is what is happening to Iraq at this time and for them is more difficult to advance because of the war. Citizens of Iraq need to decide which person is rite for each spot of the government positions so they don’t worry that some man would do the same thing as Saddam Hussein did to them. Knickmeyer, Ellen “Iraqi Kurd Set To Name Shiite Leader To Top Post. Two Groups Long Subject To Domination Under Hussein Dictatorship Take Charge.” San Francisco Chronicle. 7, April, 2005: Pg.A-1. May, 2005. <http://www.afgate.co m/cgi-bin/article.cgi? file=/chronicle/archive
Worth, Robert F. “Iraq Leader Says Cabinet Is Ready After Long Delay.” The New York Times. 28, April, 2005: Pg.A12. 7 May, 2005. <http://web2.infotrac.g alegroup.com/itw/info mark> The Editor: “The Editor: What they said about …the week in Iraq.” The Guardian. 5, May, 2005: Pg.26. 7 May, 2005. <http://web2.infotrac.g alegroup.com/itw/info mark>
Hostages
in Iraq
By Jie ying Chen Everyone knows about the conflict in Iraq, and a series of terrible events between Iraq and America. There were many hostages were killed in Iraq. The terrorists want other countries to withdraw away from Iraq, and then they kidnap hostages for intimidate them. The conflict is influencing the world, and it’s important for the world. In September 2004, kidnappers beheaded British hostage Kenneth Bigley after twice releasing videos. The hostage wanted to escape, and he was found in a deserted area, carrying a gun. He was killed soon. U.S officials received the reports from Bigley, and officials in Baghdad refused to comment on the report. Bigley was a 62- year-old civil engineer. He was the first British hostage killed in Iraq and at least the 28th overall. A militant and the hostage were in the video, and he declared the Briton would be slain because his government refused to release women prisoners in Iraq. The speaker severed the hostage’s head by a knife. U.S. and British officials in Iraq declined to confirm Bigley's death, but Bigley’s brother said the family had received absolute proof of his death. The militants refused to drop their demands even though they were aware there were no women in British custody in Iraq. There were also rumors of a rescue attempt. More than 150 foreigners had been kidnapped in Iraq by that time. (“British”) Iraqi police officers were trying to dismantle what appeared to be a bomb was hit by a suicide car bomber. The event killed
“All the news that fits…” 12 officers and hurt four others. A police officer said officials believe the original bomb was not real. A Marine base near the Syrian border was hit by a three-car bombing. The event used mortars, rockets, car bombs and rocket- propelled grenades in the same attack on the U.S.-run Abu Ghraib prison in western Baghdad. An Arabic- language Al-Jazeera satellite television channel aired a video that it said showed an American contractor who had been kidnapped near Baghdad. The U.S Embassy said the man appeared to be Jeffrey Ake, of LaPorte, Ind, and he was president and CEO of Equipment Express and he was one of at least 14 Americans who had been kidnapped or had gone missing by that time. White House spokesman said the United States would not discuss with kidnappers. Insurgents blew up a fuel tanker in Baghdad, and drove a car bomb into a U.S. convoy, killing five Iraqis and hurt four U.S. contract workers. Interior Ministry spokesman said the militants had lost the initiative now and are in a desperate situation. To combat the rash of car bombs was called VBIEDs. The U.S. Army rolled out the Buffalo, a 23-ton armored motorized vehicle specifically used to find out bomb- laden cars. The Secretary of State said to bring a city back to life, and it has to be done by the people of that city. (Jervis) An Alamo man was kidnapped by militants, and he was shown in TV and he pleaded for his life and asked President Bush to withdraw the U.S. military. The hostage identified himself as Douglas Wood, and hooded militants were holding automatic weapons at his side. His wife said she had seen the video and confirmed that it showed her husband. She said he had been working as an engineer in Iraq for about a year and a half. The video brought to the Bay Area one of the most difficult aspects of the war on terrorism. Wood said the captives are fiercely patriotic. He spoke in an emotional tone, and men wearing hoods over their faces stood on each side, and one was pointing an automatic weapon near Wood’s head. Wood desired the troops to withdraw. He said he needs help. The video was first released to Al-Jazeera television, and the militants last year kidnapped a Turkish Arabic-language translator. Wood’s kidnapping had followed the naming of the country’s new government. 195 foreigners had been kidnapped in Iraq, and the organization said 86 were released, 33 were killed, and 3 escaped and 2 were rescued. The reporters found Wood’s wife to answer about the event. The Australian prime minister responded to the video, and he said his government would do everything it can free Wood but couldn’t meet the captors’ demands. He said his government never alters his position. Australian Foreign Affairs Minister said they were preparing to go to Iraq to try to free Wood, and Wood was the second
“All the news that fits…” large gap between these two powerful countries in Asia. (Onishi A3) On Sunday, April 17, 2005, the foreign ministers of China and Japan continued to discuss the anti-Japanese protests in many cities of China. However, the meeting failed to resolve the dispute. The Chinese foreign minister refused to apologize for giving permission for the protest demonstrations. In fact, he stated that the Japanese government had committed atrocities for which it should apologize. However, there were no demonstrations in Shanghai or Beijing during the first day of the Japanese minister's two-day visit. In the southern cities of China, there were protests on the streets but no violence. (Pan A3) China's foreign minister, Li Zhao Xing, finally decided to stop the anti-Japanese protests. Li stated that "the masses" should, at this time, stay off the streets. The demonstrations, he said, might "upset social stability". He said the Japanese government would deal with all issues properly. In recent public speeches, Li has accused Japan of denying the truth regarding territorial disputes and history textbooks. Li has repeatedly stated that the Japanese government has to take responsibility for what they did to the Chinese people during World War II. However, the Japanese Prime Minister stated that Japan has its own point of view about history and each country has different traditions and opinions. At the same time, even Japanese citizens want their government to be more careful, but Japan's leadership is still being critical of China. (Kahn A9) I am very glad that the Chinese government stopped protestors from marching on the streets and damaging Japanese properties for three successive weekends. However, the Chinese people have reasons to get upset and they should be allowed to express their feelings or anger calmly and rationally. Neither the Chinese or Japanese citizens deserve to pay the consequences for what happened sixty years ago. I hope that Japan and China will have a successful resolution to their dispute that could benefit both the Chinese and the Japanese people . Newspapers Cited Kahn, Joseph. "'Masses' told to stop anti-Japanese protests." San Francisco Chronicle. 20, Apr.2005:A Onishi, Norimitsu. "Protests strain ties between Asia's 2 big powers." San Francisco Chronicle. 11, Apr.2005:A Pan, Phillip P. "Japan, China fail to ease dispute." San Francisco Chronicle. 18, Apr.2005:A 56 years of ice- cap between Taiwan & Mainland China
“All the news that fits…”
Student name:
Qifan Li
Lien Chan who is the chairman of the Nationalist Party China landed at Nan Jing International airport on April,26 2005. He was the first Taiwan opposition leader who has visited Mainland China in last 56 years. This visit was very meaningful. It was a symbol of the both sides of Taiwan gullet can be sit and do some communicate with each other. Follow by him, another Taiwanese opposition leader James Soong had visited Mainland from May,6 to May 10. These two leaders visiting made the tense relation which is between Taiwan and Mainland China had a little bit rest. The president of China, Hu Jintao, said any leaders who in Taiwan could visit China if he conceded Mainland China was the only legal China in the world. He also said everything can be talked after this precondition. Even the visiting did not have any progresses on real problem, but it also made a new modality of relation between the both side of Taiwan gullet. At least, it would gave a chance to let the leaders who were between the both sides of Taiwan gullet to communicate with each other when they had different opinions. For sure, Talking is better than fighting. Everybody on the both sides were focus on this historical meeting. Even they had totally different opinion nobody wanted to fight with their countryman if they had any other chance for sure. Taiwan's opposition leader shook hands with Chinese President Hu Jintao in a landmark meeting in the Great Hall of the People on Friday, symbolically ending a standoff between their political parties that had existed for nearly six decades (Ching- Ching A7) People on both sides of the divided strait were able to watch on live television as the former enemies reached out to each other in the heart of the Chinese capital for the first time since the Nationalists, who once ruled all of China, fled to Taiwan in 1949 after losing a civil war to the Communists. This historical meeting also bring some different thinking to the people of both sides. It gave a totally new impression to the people of each others’ Party. This was the first handshake in 60 years between the top leaders of the KMT and the CCP. It marked the beginning of a new phase in the relationship between the two parties. It was a historic moment that brought a spring-like atmosphere to the future of both sides of the strait (¡°Beijing” A11) The handshake between the two party leaders also boosted the self- confidence of all the sons and daughters of the Chinese nation across the whole world. If even the KMT and the CCP can come together in spite of all the political and historical barriers, we can certainly believe that the
“All the news that fits…” can govern the church in a beneficial way. They worked together and they had a bible study, the new pope received the majority 77 votes. Wakin, Daniel “Cardinal sequester themselves today for election of new pope (San Francisco Chronicle 18 April 2005 AI) The new pope waved at people from a white car. A hat was placed on Benedict XVI’s head and an organ played church music. The ceremony ended, and Pope Benedict became pope he said he will listen to the word of the Lord, and that only with friendship is beauty. He said he will be accessible and respect the Jewish faith. Don Lattin. “Pope expressed belief that only through Christianity is the great potential of human existence truly revealed.” The people in Rome are very sad about the death of John Paul II, and very excited for the election for Pope Benedict XVI. And a lot of cardinals pray to God for new pope. Lattin, Don “Pope expressed belief that only though Christianity is the great potential of human existence truly revealed. (San Francisco Chronicle 18 April 2005 AI). http/www.cnn com/2005 world Europe 048 pope funeral. Wakin Daniel J “Cardinal sequester themselves today for election of new pope (San Francisco Chronicle 18 April 2005 AI). THE CONTINUING POLITICAL BATTLE OVER ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION By Liling Chen (Evan Caravelli/ Arizona Daily Wildcat) The increasing concern about illegal immi-gration is becoming a growing problem for politicians such as President Bush and California Governor Schwarzenegger. As the political arguments continue, some citizens have taken the matter into their own hands. In the end, there is no clear resolution to the concern over illegal immigration. For decades the US immigration policy has been largely un-enforced. This has generally been caused by two forces, industry and the middle class. Industry wants cheap labor to increase their profits and the middle class wants cheap agriculture goods and manual labor. As these two sides colluded together, the Hispanic population and their political power has grown. As the middle class now becomes more aware of the costs of illegal immigration, a battle has emerged between them, industrial and Hispanic political forces. The 9/11 Commission Report recommended that steps need to be taken to strengthen the internal security of the United States. Last month on April 16, the House passed legislation that bans giving driver licenses to illegal immigrants. (Tucker) In Atlanta, crime and substandard schools are
“All the news that fits…” being blamed on immigrants, both illegal and legal. (Tucker) In financially strapped California, an estimated $750 million is spent per year on illegal immigrants who are serving time for committing crimes in the US. (Chorneau) In attempting to address the illegal immigration problem, President Bush has proposed a policy that would put “willing workers” together with “willing employers.” (Tucker) Bush does not make mention of increased enforcement of current laws prohibiting the hiring of illegal immigrants. (Tucker) Some criticize Bush for not doing enough to address the immigration issue. In February, Bush proposed adding 210 border guards across the US. Lawmakers stated that more were needed. In response, in March, the Department of Homeland Security announced an additional 534 boarder guards being sent to Arizona. (Bustos) California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has recently drawn criticism for his comments regarding illegal immigration. Soon after being elected, Schwarzenegger pushed legislation that repealed a law allowing illegal immigrants to obtain a driver’s license. (Chorneau) Recently, Schwarzenegger made comments regarding the closure of the boarder and on Spanish television station that indicates that it serves “Los Angeles, Mexico.” (Chorneau) His comments were denounced by Democrats and immigrant rights groups but were applauded by Republicans. (Chorneau) Taking a stand on this issue may cost Schwarzenegger in a state where the Hispanic political structure is increasingly growing. (Chorneau) Some citizens have tired of the political fear of addressing the illegal immigration issue and have taken the enforcement of the boarder into their own hands. In April, a group known as the “Minutemen” began patrolling the Arizona/ Mexico boarder. (Bustos) While some call them vigilantes, it demonstrates the growing opinion within America that something needs to be done to address border security. The political war over the immigration issue appears to have no end in sight. President Bush sent agents to the border in an effort to gain favor with citizens who are unhappy about the porous boarder. At the same time Bush has proposed uniting “willing workers” and “willing employers” and he has done little to enforce current laws regarding hiring of illegal immigrants. This has been done possibly in an attempt to gain favor with industry. Governor Schwarzenegger’s comments on illegal immigration have placed him at odds with the growing Hispanic political structure but won him praise from conservatives. The “Minutemen” have attempted to represent those who see the growing cost of illegal immigration. The “Minutemen” have been called, by some vigilantes and yet received support by others such as Gov. Schwarzenegger. With all the competing interest of the different groups, no clear policy has emerged which addresses
“All the news that fits…” In addition, the same source says, “Gun violence is a leading cause of death for people of color in America. Gun violence is the number one killer of African Americans ages 15-34. It is the second leading cause of death for Hispanic youth ages 15-24.” Many shooting cases involve criminals who are teenagers or those who had previous convictions. How about the victims? They are the innocent, the victims of domestic violence, and the police officers. That is not right for those who died or got hurt from these shootings. An example of the dangers of such easy gun access occurred in Atlanta, Georgia, March 11, 2205, Brian Nichols, a 33 year-old, shot up a courtroom, killed three people, and wounded several others during a 26-hour crime spree. Nichols walked into the courtroom and opened fire, killing the judge and court reporter after he overpowered sheriff’s deputy Cynthia Hall who led him to the courtroom. He killed another deputy who tried to stop him from escaping. He assaulted several people, and took a woman hostage in Duluth, Georgia, after he left the courthouse. He held the hostage for 13 hours in her apartment. The woman called 911 when he let her go. On March 12, Nichols surrendered to police without a fight. The event left many people question about the safety of U.S courthouse. (“Courtroom.” B1) Also, on the Golden Gate Bridge, on April 09, 2005, Marcellus Cookery, a 42-year-old city resident, who was already on probation and wanted on traffic- related warrants, was shot by a bridge security guard after robbing and shooting a 58-year-old toll collector. The action was in lane 7 on Saturday at 9:30 p.m. Cooksey was arrested on suspicion of two counts of attempted murder, robbery, and other charges. The victim got hurt from bullet wounds to her neck and chest. Now, she is doing well after she went through many surgeries. The guard, who was not identified, was placed on paid administrative leave for at least three days, as is standard procedure. Currie, who is a District spokeswoman, said the shooting was the first of its kinds at the historic span’s toll plaza-which is on the San Francisco side. It was the first attempted robbery there in more than two decades. (Demian Bulwa B1) In Pittsburg on Sunday police arrested two Antioch teens. Alexander Rashad Hamilton is an 18 year old and his accomplice, a 17 year old, was not named. They allegedly were involved in the shooting of a 35 year old Pittsburg patrol officer Larry Lasater, who was a former Marine tank commander and had only three years on the job, was clinging to life in critical condition on life support at the Walnut Creek hospital for two wounds from bullets that struck him even though he was wearing body armor. Hamilton, and his accomplice the 17year old, allegedly robbed a supermarket, a bank clerk, and crashed their getaway car. Police said Hamilton and his accomplice face federal armed robbery charges because they held
“All the news that fits…” up the Wells Fargo branch in the supermarket. (Demian Bulwa B1) Why are those important news items? It is so easy to have a gun in this country. People who are innocent don’t want to die or get hurt from the shooting. But the stories of the people who die or get hurt from shooting come up almost everyday. These stories were the serious news for Americans and those who want to live in this country. Newspapers Cited: “Deaths and Gun violence- A civil rights issue.” (Briefing book of) The Educational Fund to Stop Gun Violence. www.efsgv.org.12, May 2005 “Courtroom.” News for you. 23, March.2005: P Demian, Bulwa. “Suspect in shooting of toll- taker arrested.” San Francisco Chronicle. 11, April.2005: B “Police officer clings to life after shooting.” San Francisco Chronicle. 25, April.2005: B
Digital TV
By Tang, Kwok Chu Television is one of the most important creations in our life. Right now, almost every house has at least one TV in America. And almost everyone would watch it everyday. The federal government ruled that TV stations must switch to digital technology over the next few years. The ruling promises the most sweeping change in TV viewing since color TV appeared 50 years ago (“Digital” Technology 3). A digital TV signal is like the signal a computer uses, so it can carry much more information. But in also cost much more than the broadcasts. We are stepping into a whole new version of TV now, which is digital television. Congress took its first tentative step on 2002 toward mandating that all television sets by 2006 include technology to foil piracy of digitized movies and television shows. The bill crafted by committee Chairman Billy Tauzin, R- La., and John Dingell, D- Mich would also shut off all analog broadcasts by Dec. 31, 2006. It would not only vastly improve television quality and interactivity, but also free an estimated $70 billion worth of spectrum that Congress gave away for free to television broadcasters (Carolyn Lochhead A6). Because of uncertainties about compatibility with cable systems and set-top boxes, many people have been reluctant to invest in the newest televisions. In 2003, federal regulators took another step in the transition to digital television, adopting rules to allow consumers to plug their cable-system line directly into a digital TV set without the need for a set-top box. Cable-ready digital TV sets should be available for purchase by the end of 2004, an F.C.C. commissioner, Kathleen Q. Abernathy, said (“F.C.C”. C7). A digital TV (DTV) signal is like the signal a computer uses, so it can carry much more information. And its signal is not bothered by “snow”
“All the news that fits…” innocent. The trail has been taken a long time since the first kid claimed to be sexually abused by Michael Jackson. After the first child many more have been said the same thing. In court some evidences as pictures have been presented to prove what they say. Look anywhere you go from the grocery cashiers at your local Safeway to the streaming news tape at the top of every on-line service and there is one constant, the Michael Jackson trial. As a consumer you cannot escape the commercial lure of the tabloid escapades of the extremely famous Michael. His image is everywhere and is definitely hard to ignore. The increase in value of Michael Jackson memorabilia proves again that the fans still want to own something that once belonged to the star. Most people agree however that, his behavior is not normal for an adult male at 42. Most of Mr. Jackson’s own collection of memorabilia including costumes, gold records, etc was awarded to a business associate to settle a $1.4m lawsuit the pop star was unable to pay. He is appealing this decision. Mr. Jackson has settled many of his problems out of court with private sealed settlements going back to 1993. It is estimated that he owes $450m to creditors and the government. (“Jackson sues family memorabilia” pA1) The latest, Quotes of the Day, sponsored by SFGATE.com. Today’s quote, “Give me the (expletive) Cheetos.” – Jackson’s accuser, as quoted by Vivanco. He said the boy was demanding he give him the snack food. The tabloids and late-night comics have an endless supply of head-lines and jokes, at least until the next sensational event. (Jackson Trail pA1). What makes the Michael Jackson case so interesting to such a diverse group of people? Everyone has an opinion, from disgust to sympathy towards the falling idol, who endured a strange and unnatural childhood. From the outside, it appears he does not protect himself well, while claiming he is an easy target. He is not the first and will not be the last celebrity who finds himself in front of the judge, but most will not face 20 years in prison if convicted. What will the future generations think about the media circus that is the Michael Jackson case? How will they perceive the media saturation of this desperate individual and the public’s consumption of it? Unfortunately it will probably fade away under the examination spectacle of human suffering. What will bump Michael from the front pages? Whatever it is, it is going to have to be big, because of the press’s continued fascination with the “king of pop”.(Ryan, p1) I think that some of the accusers want his money or want to screw him up. If he is guilty he has to pay for his acts. I think that it is the parents fault for leaving the kids to go with Michael Jackson. The pictures shown in the trail explain everything. I think the judge has to decide whether let him free and pay to the victims or send him to jail. Newspapers Cited: “Jackson sues family memorabilia” San
“All the news that fits…” Francisco Chronicle. 24, March2004:pA1. 17 May2005<http://www. courttv.com/news/ /0324/> “Jackson Trail” San Francisco Chronicle. 17, May 2005: p. 17, May 2005<http://www.sfgat e.com/cgi-bin/article.cg i> Harriet, Ryan “Jackson on Backruptcy”News. 11, March 2005: pA 17,May2005<http://ww w.courttv.com/trails/jac kson/>
