BaROCK my world !!

Barack Obama: Obama opposed the War in Iraq since day one. Back in 2002 he warned of “an occupation of undetermined length, with undetermined costs, and undetermined consequences.” Obama intends to remove troops from Iraq immediately. Every month he will remove either one or two brigades. Within 16 months Obama plans to have all of the combat brigades out of Iraq. Nevertheless, he will keep some troops in Iraq to protect the US embassy and diplomats.


Hilary Clinton: Even though Hillary mistakenly voted yes to the war in Iraq, she too wants to end US military interference in Iraq’s civil war. She plans to bring our troops home. In her first 60 days of office Hillary Clinton plans to convene the Joint Chiefs of Staff, her National Security Council, and her Secretary of Defense in efforts of directing them in conducting a feasible plan to bring the troops home. She also intends to direct the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs to prepare an inclusive plan to provide the best health care and benefits to every service member.

John McCain: McCain on the other hand doesn’t mind if US troops stay in Iraq for another 100 years. One of McCain’s first goals is to build an Iraqi army because he thinks that will ensure Iraq’s ability to govern properly. McCain wants these troops to play a key role in keeping Iraq secure. He does not want to withdraw US troops until Iraq is stabilized. McCain believe that a withdrawal of US troops from Iraq would merely condemn Iraq to civil war.

I think Barack Obama’s proposal was the strongest solution oriented one because it’s the most pragmatic, and you can tell by his devotion, perseverance, and speech that he truly wants to make a change. Barack beautifully states that “we will come together because we believe that in the face of war there can be peace. In the face of despair we believe there can be hope. And in the face of a politics that’s shut us out, told us to settle, that’s divided us for too long, we believe we can be one people reaching for what’s possible.”

A fallacy that I came across was how Hillary Clinton continues to say “I oppose the Iraq war” when in reality she voted yes to the war! She keeps using the excuse “I trusted Bush to be responsible but he abused the trust”. I can not say anything negative about Barack Obama. Every word that he utters is golden. Every notion that he engenders is sheer ingenious. McCain’s remark about the Iraq war saying he will keep the troops in Iraq for 100 years more if he has to was uncalled for. He gave off the impression that he was abusing his authority with such remarks.

First first question goes to Barack Obama: Do you have a back up plan if your plan to withdraw US troops from Iraq within the first 16 months of your presidency fails?
Second question goes to Hillary Clinton: Why do you keep saying that you bring “experience” to the table and belittle Obama by saying he brings “speeches”?




I joined the facebook group “One Million Strong for Obama” a year ago after Senator Barack Obama’s first visit to George Mason University. Since then, I consider myself an “Obama advocator”. This group keeps us up to date with Obama’s campaign events and we learn more about his movement for change. You too can join this group; it is only a click away.

Michelle’s discussed the big issue of health care. She pointed out that Hillary and Barack have relatively similar approaches to withdraw US troops from Iraq. McCain wants the patients themselves to be able to make decisions and carry on more responsibility. Michelle introduced the GMU College Republicans or Democrats groups that provide many opportunities for persons to take action.

Noor discussed the Iraq war. She seems to be so passionate about this topic and deliberated it exceptionally. She explained how Obama wants to withdraw US troops from Iraq immediately but not completely.

To Pirate or not to Pirate? That is the quesiton!

Hassanah El-Yacoubi: Hello everyone! And thank you for tuning in today. Our guests for the day are Jason Shultz and Scott Mathews disputing such a controversial issue on file-sharing ,illegal downloading, and the “steeling” of unauthorized files such as music downloads and/or videos. People who download music illegally without paying for it or acquiring legitimate authorization do not know that they are being watched and could potentially be sued for piracy. Let talk to our guests about this and see what they have to say. Scott, how did file-sharing stir up such a controversy over something we seem to think so little”?

Scott Matthews: Hassanah, thank you for having me. Let’s get right to it. It is simply against the law to pirate. And those who will disobey shall be punished whether they are college students or adults. What these people are failing to see and acknowledge is the fact that these recording companies and producers are working extremely hard at what they do. In the end the amount of income they should be obtaining is virtually cut in half do to illegal downloading and file sharing. Do you think that is fair?


Hassanah El-yacoubi: No not at all, but I myself never knew the severity of this issue. Jason how can you argue this?

Jason Shultz: Hassanah, I’m sorry but no matter what Scott says about “punishing those who disobey the law” pirating is something that will continue to reign until the end of time. It is literally impossible to track down the thousands of people who file share and download illegally. Although I do agree that it is not fair to record companies because some computer wiz has found a way to sell them short of their efforts. That is why I propose a comprehensive license that allows people to attain music and movies from many different sources. As for students they are poor enough. They do not need superfluous charges held against them and unnecessary law suits to add the pile of bills that they are already paying for. It just isn’t right.

Scott Matthews: You see Jason that’s what you do not understand. Even if they are students, that doesn’t make them indifferent to abiding by the law. These students or who ever are doing the crime and therefore they must do time. File sharing and illegal downloading can result in up to $250,000 in fees and 5 years in jail. This is how serious it is. I suggest these students look at the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America) website to fully broaden their understanding of what constitutes piracy and finding other ways around it.

Hassanah El-Yacoubi: Well, now we have a better understanding of file-sharing and I’m sure we will think twice next time we download music illegally. That’s all the time we have today folks. I’d like to thank our esteemed guests for being with us today Jason Shultz and Scott Matthews. See Ya!