OTM 2

Syria and Immigration

             There is a very interesting article talking about how many states welcome Syrian refugees. I was surprised by how many opposing states there were. Some reasonings being that they are afraid of terrorists invading their state and America itself. After the attack in Paris, they were to believe the terrorists were refugees who were accepted. Many just don't want to take the chance. I am hopeful though, that the other accepting states see that these refugees are fleeing from the very terror that we are afraid of. Ultimately the decision is up to the President, forcing a lot of states to do anything they can to keep the refugees out themselves.

              Before this class I knew very little about Syria and their trouble with immigration. When I thought of Syria, the word 'terrorist' came to mind. Now, I do not believe that they are all terrorists, but, the media usually portrays them negatively. I appreciate documentaries for showing us the truth and to get different and important perspectives. I whole heartedly understand that fear is the factor of holding the states back from acceptance of refugees. It's a scary thought that we could potentially be letting in a terrorist with a plan. But I think of it this way, there are a lot of awful Americans who have contributed to acts of terror. Sometimes we just don't know who is going to do what. There is a thorough process that refugees have to go through just to be accepted, what else do they have to do just to be accepted into a place where they no longer are living in fear just like the luxury we receive? They are human, just like us who just want to make a life.

Well Informed 2.0

Radicalization & Religion

                I have always thought that there were some shape or form of extremism laced with religion. When I think of radicalization and religion, I think of the Muslim religion. I have read many times about "peaceful Muslims." This never sat well with me because if every Muslim chose to go by their most sacred text, the Quran, this most definitely is not a peaceful religion. Of course, not all Muslims go by the Quran and just choose to believe bits and pieces of the texts, but saying as a whole, that this religion is peaceful.. just is not true.

                   I understand not to categorize people by acts of others. For example, claiming that all Muslims are ISIS, or capable of critical threats is unjust. There are many religions who don't take particular parts in sacred texts literal, but why wouldn't you if it's the religion you choose to believe and follow? Yes, for moral reasons but when hate for non Muslims is so unexplainably extreme, it's just a little hard to believe that they entirely practice peace. 

                    Now, I am not negatively speaking toward all Muslims, there are enormous amounts of Muslims who do not practice or choose to believe the verses. I just simply do not understand how someone chooses not to connect ISIS with the Muslim religion but just as "an extremist group." The most terrifying part of this to me, is the fact that what ISIS is doing is not radical to them. What they're doing and their beliefs is EXACTLY what the Quran states. The Quran acts as a 'guide' for Muslims. I chose to read more thoroughly through some of the verses and the insane hatred and violent acts are just disgusting. 

             In my opinion, this also goes for all religions. There's some sort of extremism within them, but anyone on the outside are the only ones who see it.

Well Informed #2

    WI: Security and Privacy

             This topic was a big eye opener for me. I have always heard talk that the "NSA was watching our every move." It was never clear to me how serious this was. I have a strong feeling of an invasion of privacy with everything I do now. I have always thought we just had to be careful what we say/google/post etc on the internet but after reading these articles and videos, I never knew how important this really is.

              After watching the United States of Secrets video on frontline, it left me feeling uneasy that the government is doing things we really don't know about. In a way, I felt as though it's the right idea to have this type of heavy surveillance on citizens for the intent to watch for terrorist or wrongful activity. But, to an extent. Once they have enough information that a citizen is not a threat, the surveillance shouldn't continue on those citizens. This is a tough subject but my opinion is that having "The Program" is safer than no type of surveillance at all. I found it surprising that so many major companies such as AT&T, Facebook, etc were helping the government collect information on individuals. It was also interesting to read that the government wasn't lawfully allowed to seek through emails but, certain companies could for advertising purposes. Like Obama states, "We cannot have 100% security with 100% privacy."

               Catherine Crump on Ted Talk talked about how the police have cameras taking pictures of our license plates and cars to see where we go about during our daily lives. I feel so violated learning this information. This now makes me feel uneasy even leaving my house. If there were a crooked cop with bad intentions of stalking someone, it could be really deadly. 

                Even with the possibility of consequences, I think the use of technology to prevent criminals/terrorists around us could be a useful thing.