Post 14: Data spying - are we being told the truth?

Data spying - are we being told the truth?

While Obama defends US spying on internet and phone data in Europe, the debate about data spying increases and enrages society. It became a hot topic after the American Edward Snowden released NSA files about CIA’s spying.  With a live interview with The Guardian he said: “I don't want to live in a society that does these sort of things … I do not want to live in a world where everything I do and say is recorded. That is not something I am willing to support or live under.”

99 words

My opinion

I see Edward Snowden as a hero who sacrifices his safety and future for the people. I don’t understand how Obama has the guts to say that we shouldn’t worry. Of course note, because it’s not happening in the US. He does it to Europeans and we still have no idea why. It isn’t even used to look for possible terrorists but it’s used for political reasons. They can check and control everything. Even if you know that you have nothing to hide, it is still a violation of our privacy. Like Bradley Manning and Julian Assange, he’s a hero. But I fear that sooner or later they will ‘conveniently’ kill them.

114 words

Channel 4 News. (2013, June 10). Data spying - are we being told the truth? – video.

Retrieved from: http://www.channel4.com/news/data-spying-are-we-being-told-the-truth-video

Post 13: Police killer Dale Cregan given whole life sentence

Police killer Dale Cregan given whole life sentence

Dale Cregan, 30, ambushed two female police officers in his hairdressers’ house in September 2012. He called 999 and reported a fictitious crime while he was waiting with a loaded glock pistol and a hand grenade.  He shot the police officers several times and finished it off by throwing a hand grenade to their lifeless bodies. Fiona Bone, 32, and Nicola Hughes, 23, were killed that day by someone who hated the police and planned the attack ahead. During the trial today he admitted the killing of two other men in a pub. Today he was given a whole life sentence.

109 words  

My opinion

This mad man finally got what he deserved, a lifelong sentence in jail. He was known in Manchester’s underworld as someone who hated the police, like many other criminals. He was aware of what he was doing because he gave himself in at the police station. I also heard that other prisoners have him in high regard because he killed two from the police. I feel so sad for the family and friends of the victims.  Fiona Bone her father said that he can never forgive him and he is sickened by the killer’s lack of empathy and feeling.

101 words

Jenkins, C. (2013, June 13). Police killer Dale Cregan given whole life sentence.

Retrieved from: http://www.channel4.com/news/dale-cregan-sentenced-murder-policewomen-manchester

Post 12: Act of Terror: arrested for filming police officers

Act of Terror: arrested for filming police officers

Gemma Atkinson filmed an incident when her boyfriend was questioned and searched in the London Underground. An officer stopped her from filming and wanted to take her phone from her. Two policewomen in regular clothing came to help the officer, they cuffed Gemma and restrained her. According to the law she was allowed to film, only if there was an act of terror. Now years later she made a video to inform adults and children what their rights are when it comes to filming the police. She says that the police continue to misuse their power since 9/11 and the terrorist attack in London.

112 words

My opinion

I think Gemma is very brave by standing up to the police. I read many cases there are similar to hers and they have been unjust.  After the terrorist attack in London the police gained more power and the laws were changed. But that doesn’t give them the right to misuse it. When Gemma was being searched she asked the police officer to stop touching her and she asked him why he wanted her phone. He replied that he does it to protect himself; he didn’t want his face to be seen in the video. Then Gemma knew for certain that he was doing something wrong.

108 words

Atkinson, G. & Grace, F. (2013, April 29). Act of Terror: arrested for filming police officers – video.

Retrieved from: http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/video/2013/apr/29/act-terror-arrest-filming-police-video

Post 11: Children transcribe ancient texts in citizen science project

Children transcribe ancient texts in citizen science project

Dr. Dirk Obbink, director of the Ancient Lives Project at Oxford University, decided that he needed help with the transcription of 2000-year-old documents. Pensioners, schoolchildren and office-workers help the scholars with ancient Egypt papyri that archaeologists dug up in the 1980s. The scholars have thousands of people register online in rapid speed. The so called ‘citizen science’ resulted in an astounding amount of transcriptions in short time and more texts than the scholars have managed in a hundred years. It is a new and effective way and it involves numerous of viewpoints that scholars don’t have.  

104 words

My opinion

I love this initiative by the Oxford University. I agree with them that ‘citizen science’ is the new future and everyone can benefit from it. The volunteers feel important because they help scholars transcribe the ancient papers. Many users use a keyboard with the alphabet and the only thing they have to do is recognize the symbols. In the end they can see what they have transcribed and understand what they have found out. There are some that work hours and hours on a piece and there are some who do this between chores. It’s amazing!

98 words

Newton. (2013, May 17). Children transcribe ancient texts in citizen science project – video.

Retrieved from: http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/video/2013/may/17/children-ancient-texts-citizen-science-video

Post 10: Oxfam: food bank use increase linked to benefit changes

Oxfam: food bank use increase linked to benefit changes

Chris Johnes, director Oxfam, speaks about the effects of the changes to the benefit systems on families. This is one of the biggest reasons why more people cannot afford food for their families and go to the food bank. The governments’ cuts and Jobcentre errors are causing destitution in Britain. There are more than half a million people who use the food bank to stay alive. The cuts to social safety nets have gone too far and are leading people to poverty and destitution. According to Oxfam and Church Action Poverty it is unacceptable and call for a parliamentary inquiry.

109 words

My opinion

I am so happy that there are food banks that provide for the ones that cannot feed their family. But if the government can prevent this and the food banks wouldn’t be even needed in the first place. It can happen to anyone that doesn’t have a job or simply can’t pay the bills and therefore can’t feed themselves. The safety net is something that should secure the poor, but if there are cuts it will get worse. Not for the rich but for the hungry ones. Food is essential in life and you should help people to get it.

102 words

ITM. (2013, May 30). Oxfam: food bank use increase linked to benefit changes – video.

Retrieved from: http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/video/2013/may/30/food-bank-use-increase-benefit-video