The Hurricane Sandy Story (Final Project)

Jon Kest, Advocate for Low-Wage Workers in New York, Dies at 57

John Kest, a founder of the Working Families Party, organized the recent strike by the city’s fast-food workers, among many other initiatives. He recently died on Wednesday at his home in Brooklyn because of cancer. He was involved in many community services in New York that helped bring balance to the community and job opportunity to the low-income people. He founded the Working Families Party, which begun in 1998. The organization planned on organizing new labor unions and other advocacy groups in New York. “The party, which has chapters throughout New York State and in Connecticut, Delaware, Oregon and South Carolina, seeks to advance a liberal agenda on a range of issues.” Jonathan Lee Kest was born on June 17, 1955, in Mount Vernon, N.Y., He went to school at Oberlin College, and earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania. One of the events he organized, which is greatly recognized is the “squatting drive” in the East New York neighborhood of Brooklyn, in which neighborhood residents took over hundreds of apartments in abandoned buildings. As a result, the city agreed to convert the buildings into low-income housing. He also helped stop Mr. Giuliani’s plan to privatize the city’s public schools. Mr. Kest was involved in the continuing effort to unionize workers in the city’s carwashes. He was a great man and will be recognized for his had work in the community. 

What’s fair – tax the wealthy or tax small businesses?

Wouldn’t it be nice to have a tax system that was fair, simple, and generated economic growth? Is it fair to raise taxes only on the wealthiest Americans? These were the questions in a recent article about the tax dilemma going on in our country. Many people believe that tax should be increased to have a balance in the economy. Others believe that taxes are too high already and needs to be decreased. For many, big businesses need to pay more for taxes. Big businesses believe they should have taxes waivered because they provide most of the jobs for the country. President Obama debate on taxes showed which side he was supporting. “President Obama believes that the wealthiest Americans should contribute more than their less wealthy counterparts to solving the federal government’s fiscal crisis.” According to Obama, “taxes should only increase for the wealthiest taxpayers, in part because they benefited the most from the temporary tax cuts that were first enacted under President George W. Bush.”

The question is now: is it fair?

I believe an increase in taxes, is not the solution for anybody. I think as an economy we should limit the need of spending more money. I feel big business should have an increase in taxes because most of their taxes are waivered and government should have more control of their spending and cost. At this day in age, we should focus on how we can save our economy by saving our money rather than increase in taxes. Increasing taxes is only going arise complaints and arguments. I feel the government and Obama should work on a plan that will help small businesses and the middle class. The middle class is the majority of the income for the United States and constantly taxing the majority holder will result in extreme consequences. 

Dozens Arrested in Prescription Drug Crackdown

There was a huge crackdown on prescription drugs like, meth, extasy, and other drugs. Over 100 people were arrested for being involved. They were charged in New York City and Long Island. Many which were nurses, doctor’s nurse practitioners and drug dealers were accused. Many of these cases have been starting to arise. It feels like many doctors are satisfied with distributing drugs to adults and young adults to sell. I am glad that the government has decided to crackdown. Many of the drug dealers went to doctors for prescriptions to sell for up to $4,000 dollars worth of prescription drugs. Investigators said, “one doctor who wrote prescriptions linked to the suspects in the Medford pharmacy massacre on Long Island last year is among those charged.”

It is great to hear this. I can't believe the stories I hear from kids on Staten Island about this. The sellers target them. People not only get addicted, but beg, borrow and steal to purchase it. The federal, state and local law is planning to continue to combat the growing threat of prescription drug trafficking and abuse. U.S. Attorney Loretta Lynch said “the approach involves criminal investigation and prosecution but also the use of civil enforcement, regulatory action and community outreach.”

Benefit’s Producers Condemn Scalpers

        Many music fans complained Friday because of the tickets from the Benefit Concert for Hurricane Sandy victims. Many scalpers bought a good percentage of the tickets in attempt to resell the tickets at a higher value than their original value. The profits from the tickets were going to charities like the Robin Hood Foundation, who plan on helping rebuild homes for victims in New York and New Jersey. It is unfortunate that people take advantage of something that was meant to be a beneficial project, and turn it to something that is ugly and money hungry.

            James Dolanm, producer at Madison Square Garden, and Harvey Weinstein, producer of Clear Channel television urged people “to stop buying tickets from secondary ticket websites.” “It’s despicable,” Mr. Weinstein said. “Don’t buy them.” Every dollar should be contributed to the charity that would go in rebuilding lives for victims. The tickets sold out on Ticketmaster.com shortly after it was posted on Monday. The tickets from the floor in front of the stage jumped from $550 to almost $48,000 while those in the upper level went from $225 to $3,000.The concert is said to be the largest rock band in a long time. It will be featuring artist like Kanye West, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, Dave Grohl, Eric Clapton, Billy Joel, Eddie Vedder, Roger Waters, the Who and Paul McCartney, among others.  

       It is sad that big businesses are taking advantage of music fans. I believe that what they are doing is unmoral. The concert will be televised over 100 national and global stations. They encourage people to donate from their homes as well. I believe the event will be successful and the people that got the tickets will enjoy the show. Unfortunately for the other people who tried to get the tickets weren’t able to get them because of the scalpers. 

Bus Driver Found Not Guilty of Manslaughter in I-95 Crash

A former bus driver was acquitted from all charges after being so tired that he caused one of the deadliest crashes in New York City. The man was found not guilty of manslaughter and negligent homicide on Friday. The bus driver was unstable while driving the vehicle and was later found to be under sleep deprivation for three days before taking control of the vehicle. Ophadell Williams, the driver, was coming from an overnight trip in Connecticut when he loss control of the wheel and killed 15 passengers. The article stated, “his bus struck a guardrail on Interstate 95 in the Bronx, flipped over and ripped open. One of the victims’ arms was torn off. They presented evidence that Mr. Williams was speeding and driving erratically before the bus flipped over.

 Mr. William’s lawyers’ claims,  “driving without a full night’s sleep is a common practice.” Can a driver be too tired to responsibly get behind the wheel?” Mr. William’s lawyer centered their whole case surrounding this questionable argument. Mr. William’s sleep deprivation was the cause of this misfortune accident.

The Bronx Supreme Court found the defendant Ophadell Williams, guilty on only one misdemeanor charge of unpaid tickets.

 The victims did not take the verdict well. Many of them are taking Mr.William to civil court to dispute their case there.

I believe that Mr.William was completely guilty and shouldn’t have been acquitted for any of the charges. He was aware that he was tired and unable to operate a vehicle. It was his own free will that he decided to get behind the wheel to drive. He was incapable of performing any kind of operation system because of his sleep deprivation. The courts should have definitely accused him of all the charges. My heart and soul goes out to all the victims that loss somebody in that deadly accident.

White House makes request for federal aid funds for Hurricane Sandy victims

President Obama and the White House officials plan on requesting 60.4 billions dollars to go to a federal aid package to help the victims from Hurricane Sandy. Hurricane Sandy has destroyed millions of homes in New York and New Jersey and the cost to repair all that was lost is very expensive. The victims of Hurricane Sandy have been struggling and the money from the federal aid would help restore damaged homes and lives in each state. The need for the federal aid is still being debated amongst government officials. President Obama recent visit to New Jersey after the storm shows a great deal of support he has for the victims from Hurricane Sandy. Obama signed an executive order establishing a Sandy recovery task force that will bring together officials from more than 20 federal agencies and offices to coordinate the government's ongoing response to the storm. Obama’s plan adds significant flexibility on how the states can spend the money. Committee Chairman Rogers said his committee would consider the request “very thoroughly, with an eye towards prioritizing urgently needed recovery efforts that will have the most benefits to the victims of this storm.”

I believe the federal aid money will benefit the states that have been affected by Hurricane Sandy. I live in Long Island, and I have seen different parts of Long Island that have been destroyed by Hurricane Sandy like Long Beach, Fire Island, and Breezy Point. These areas of Long Island have the most damages because they were alongside the water. Many people lost their homes and others have had no power. The federal aid package can start a new life for many of these victims. I believe these times of agony, the government should help fund the people that need it most.

The Supreme Court consideration on Gay Marriages

The Supreme Court has decided to review the same sex marriage policies in California. Many people have become major supporters of same sex marriages and the Supreme Court will consider revising the laws for the future. The Supreme Court agreed to enter a national debate over same sex marriages, to hear cases that challenge the state and federal laws that govern marriages. One of the cases will determine if gay marriages should be allowed or rejected in America. The other case will determine if gay marriages are allowed to have benefits.

The Supreme Court has to determine if each of these cases will be beneficial for the Unites States. They have reviewed the cases and came up with many alternatives. One way is to overturn the law in California. They can also choose to allow a federal law that abolishes gay marriages in every state. The Supreme Court can also allow the California’s ban on same sex marriages to be overturn.  

I believe that the gay marriage policies should be overturned by the Supreme Court because gays have been persecuted by people in this country for long enough. The battle for equality amongst the gay population has been a struggle for many gay Americans. These cases shouldn’t be used to strip the rights of gay couples in America. I believe the time for change is now. The Supreme Court should implement a federal law that allows gays to be married anywhere in the United States, and to have federal benefits in each state. President Obama stated in his presidential campaign that he believes in same sex marriages. I believe Obama can be the start of change for same sex marriages in the country. 

Jamal's Movie Trailer

My Thanksgiving Slide Show

Friday's Restaurant Radio Commercial

Radio Commercial

Notorious B.I.G vs Tupac Shakur

President Obama Second Term

President Obama is back in the White House and has lots of work to do. During his election speech Tuesday night, he declared that he would work with both the Republican and Demorcratic party to resolve the issues with increases in taxes, education improvement and national growth. President Obama plans on replacing the members in the cabinet.  New York Times stated, " Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and Treasury Secretary Timothy F. Geithner long ago said they would depart after the first term, and Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta, previously the head of the Central Intelligence Agency, has signaled that he wants to return to California in the coming year. Also expected to depart is David Plouffe, one of the president’s closest confidants. I believe this drastic change with the members of the cabinet could make a difference in our society. Maybe that is what exactly what this country needs, a change. Obama plans on changing not only the cabinet but his inner circle as well. One of his main officials, Jacob Lew, is said to become the next Treasury Secretary. There also has been talk in bringing in Republican and business executives to help rebuild both parties. I believe the change in political power will be a guide for the future goals. I trust Obama to do the right thing for our country and if he feels that change in political seating is what our country needs then I am all in. 

Colorado, Washington Become First States to Legalize Recreational Marijuana - ABC News

Colorado, Washington Become First States to Legalize Recreational Marijuana - ABC News

Last Tuesday the new 64th Amendment passed in Colorado, which legalizes marijuana for recreational use. Governor John Hickenlooper was against the proposal, but realized that it was best for the people.  He stated, “ the voters have spoken and we have to respect their wishes.” Colorado being declared the first state to legalize marijuana, is a huge step in the progress of legalizing weed in the United States. The amount of marijuana in the underground market projects to about 3.5 billion dollars according to NBC news.

Even though Colorado is the first official state in the United States to legalize weed, the state patrol has developed and organized an non-tolerance rule against the exporting, distributing, and growing of the plant. The new law will have some benefits as well. The happy-go-lucky marijuana smokers from California and other western states will sure be traveling over to Colorado to smoke. The taxation on marijuana will also bring in addition revenue and possibly eliminate underground sales. I believe this law is great for many reason. For one, many people who are smokers will not have to hide in the closet. People will not have to face the cruel stereotype of being a marijuana smoker.  Another reason why it is beneficial is because many states will lean towards legalizing marijuana in the future if the transition shows positive gain to the economy. 

Hofstra University is holding the Second Presidential Debate

The second presidential debate of 2012 will be held at Hofstra University in Long Island, NY. Many news stations are set up all around the university waiting for tonight’s debate. Hofstra University has had some experience in holding the debate. In 2008, the presidential debate with Senator Obama and John McCain was held at Hofstra University. Many of the students at Hofstra have said,” we are excited for the upcoming debate.” My friend, Bryan Hector, is a junior at Hofstra University and he feels that the presidential debate sets a standard of excellence to the community and school.

I am a current resident of Long Island. My family has been living in Long Island for a very long time, and we feel excited to know that the presidential debate will be held at a local university. I have been going to Hofstra University’s basketball games and charity events since I was kid, and I feel that the debate will be a step forward in the right direction for the community and university.

I am an journalism major at Saint John University, and the presidential debate is something I have been following for a while. I am a Democratic and I am going to vote for president Obama in this upcoming election. The last debate in Delaware was very competitive as Presidential Obama and Governor Mitt Romney faced off against the issues in the economy. Even though there was no actual winner, the press favored Mitt Romney as the debate winner. I am hoping tonight we can see a stronger presence in Obama’s debate strategy. I am sure Mitt Romney will also be well prepared going into the debate tonight.  

Interview with Nicole: Revision

Obama admits having 'bad night' but denies debate changed race's 'fundamentals

Obama plans to bounce back from the last presidential debate with the Republican candidate, Mitt Romney.  In the interview with ABC news, Obama said “I had a bad night. Mitt Romney had a good one.” Obama plans on overcoming the loss by preparing more for the next debate. President Obama said to the press that he plans on doing more to prepare and by exposing the truth in Mitt Romney's policies in the next debate. He has many questions about Mitt Romney policies that he feels needs to be answered, for example the loop holes in the federal budget.

Mitt Romney has closed the gap in many states ever since the debate, and it seems that it will be a close election this coming November. With less than 5 weeks left, president Obama still has a lot of campaign work to do. The vice presidential debate involving Paul Ryan and Joe Biden is on the way. “Joe has to be Joe,” said Obama to his vice president Joe Biden.  

I feel like this is important because I am pro Obama and I feel like Obama could have done better with the debate, but I don't feel like he did a bad job. I believe Obama is still ahead in the polls and feel that his next debate with Mitt Romney is going to be more demanding. I believe Obama is going to talk about the major issues regarding the health problems in America, and battle Mitt Romney's plan to cure America. 

MultiMedia Class interview with Nicole

Interview Questions with Nicole: Q: Where are you from? A: Franklin Square, NY Q:What high school did you go to? A:H.Frank Carey High School Q:How was your transition from high school to college? A:I thought it would go more smoothly than it did. I originally went away, but hated it. I went to a community college for a semester and then transferred to Saint John University. Q:What do you like about Saint John's University? A:I love Saint John's campus. I also love the location in queens. Queens is very diverse, and at Saint John you can see the diversity in the university. I love the fact that Saint John University gets students involved in on campus activities and clubs. Q:What is your major? A:Public Relation Q:What do you want to do after you graduate from Saint John University? A: I would really like to move to California and find a public relation job there, or move to the city and find a job. Q:If you could witness any event, party, or person who or what would it be and why? A:I would love to have gone to the Inauguration when Obama was voted in. I have friends that went there and they said they loved it. I would have loved to be there and experienced the moment.

9/11 Tribute in East Meadow Park

At night, I went to East Meadow to view the 9/11 tribute that was recently created, in honor of the people who died on 9/11. The memorial is huge, with bright aluminum towers on top of a fountain, to represent the World Trade Center. The memorial also had the two pieces of steel from the wreckage of 9/11. The two pieces of steel had the names of all the victims from Long Island. The families of the victims wept, as many loved ones threw flowers into the fountain. It was a very emotional experience. Looking firsthand at the amount of people who came out to offer their condolences was simply a mind-blowing experience. Many people gathered together and sang “God Bless America” and spoke on behalf of their lost family members. It was definitely a heart-warming experience.

The Lion King on Broadway

I went to see "The Lion King" on Broadway this Saturday. The people were crowded around the entrance when we approached the doorway. It was the first time I had ever ( experienced a play like that, so the experience was very new. The play was simple amazing. The costumes were very well put together and the dancers were incredible. I felt like I was on stage, actually being a part of the ensemble. The show was so much better than the actually movie, because the show captured my attention in a way I never thought possible. I have always been a fan of the Lion King, but now I can say that I have done it all.I was surprised because majority of the audience were adults. I had great seats that were in front of the stage. It really felt like I was onstage. The actors really put on a show Saturday and I will definitely go see the show again.

Ryan says Obama’s foreign policy ‘unraveling,’ Romney’s will be about US ‘strength

Paul Ryan believes that the Mitt Romney campaign is going to give the American public a clear choice between the different presidencies. He feels like The Mitt Romney reform is going to change the economy, by lowering taxes and bringing change back to the U.S. Paul Ryan feels that there campaign still has a good chance of Mitt Romney becoming president, even though they are down in the polls. He feels like the Obama campaign is unrevealing and is not expressing there true intentions. Paul Ryan explains that Obama’s foreign policy is unclear and compares it to the recent attacks on the American Embassy in Benghazi where three Americans were killed including the Ambassador Chris Stevens. Ryan explains that the media first proclaimed the attacks were the cause of a recent YouTube video called “Innocence of Muslim”. They later found out the attacks of September 11th were planned and associated with the drone attacks that occurred earlier in the year. The White House initially said the attack was a “spontaneous” response to an anti-Islamic video trailer but has since acknowledged it was a planned terror attack” Ryan said. In the interview with Paul Ryan, he states “ Iran is the biggest threat we have today.” Ryan explains that the President has lost his credibility. He concludes by stating, “the president has moved his rhetoric a bit to look more like ours, and that’s good, but the problem is it’s built upon a mountain of non-credible actions.”