Blog post #6, Anti War Voices

After reviewing the antiwar pages, i now see that it is much harder to find these type of posts in mainstream media. I feel that the cause for this widespread silencing is that the government relies on wars to make money and distract from other issues that could ruin their reputation. The sites provided access to a large library of posts that show a clear level headed viewpoint without too much bias that encourages the reader to question the choices of the government, which is obviously something people in power want to avoid. 

On "The American Conservative," there are articles with titles such as "Yes, The Iran War Has Destroyed Trump's Presidency" which is clearly an inflammatory title that criticizes the war in Iran. Posts and pages like these can lead to more people speaking out against war, which is bad for press. I also think that despite the laws and regulations put in place to stop the government from applying prior restraint, they seem to bury these voices and hide their articles once they are published, which isn't illegal, but very sketchy nonetheless. 

In my opinion, less of the fearmongering, clickbait, mainstream news should be praised and more serious, unbaised sources should be the ones we listen to the most. 

Blog Post #5, Privacy On and Off line

Blog Post #4, EOTO

The Telegraph: The Technology That Made the World Smaller

This is an image of the original telegraph machine.

Today, sending a text message takes only a few seconds. Whether you're contacting a friend across town or someone on the other side of the world, instant communication feels completely normal. However, less than 200 years ago, long-distance communication was much slower. Messages had to be carried by people, horses, ships, or other forms of transportation. The invention of the telegraph changed all of that and became one of the most important communication breakthroughs in history. 

Before the telegraph, one of the fastest methods of communication involved semaphore systems, which used towers with movable arms to relay messages over long distances. While effective for the time, these systems depended on clear weather and required a direct line of sight between towers. As a result, communication was still limited by geography and environmental conditions. 

Everything began to change during the 1830s and 1840s when inventors experimented with electricity. Samuel Morse and his collaborators, including Alfred Vail, developed a practical electric telegraph that could send signals through a wire. Their system also introduced Morse code, a method of representing letters and words using combinations of short and long signals. Instead of physically transporting information, messages could now travel as electrical pulses almost instantly.

Samuel F.B. Morse

The telegraph's most famous moment occurred on May 24, 1844. After receiving funding to build a telegraph line between Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, Morse sent the message, "What hath God wrought." The message traveled approximately 40 miles and demonstrated that information could move across long distances in seconds rather than hours or days. While the distance may seem small by modern standards, the achievement proved that communication no longer had to travel at the speed of transportation. 

The success of the telegraph led to rapid expansion. Telecommunication networks spread across the United States, connecting cities and regions that had previously relied on much slower methods of communication. By 1861, telegraph lines crossed the American continent. An even bigger milestone followed in 1866 when a durable transatlantic cable connected North America and Europe. For the first time, messages could cross the Atlantic Ocean on the same day instead of waiting for ships to deliver information. 

The telegraph had a major impact on everyday life and business operations. Newspapers could receive breaking information faster, helping create a more connected news environment. Businesses could send prices, orders, and financial information across long distances almost immediately. Railroads used the telegraph to coordinate train schedules and improve operational efficiency. Governments and diplomats also benefited from the ability to communicate quickly across large territories. In many ways, the telegraph helped create a world that felt much smaller and more connected. Although newer technologies such as the telephone, radio, and eventually the internet replaced the telegraph, its influence never disappeared. The core idea behind the telegraph was simple but revolutionary: information could be encoded, transmitted through a network, and reconstructed somewhere else. This same concept remains at the heart of modern communication systems. Every text message, email, social media post, and online notification can trace its roots back to the innovations that made the telegraph possible. 

The telegraph's greatest legacy is not the device itself, but the idea that information could travel independently of people and transportation. By separating the speed of information from the speed of travel, the telegraph laid the foundation for the connected world we live in today. At a time when instant communication is often taken for granted, it's worth remembering the invention that started it all. 

AI DISCLOSURE: This post was a collaboration using Microsoft Copilot, I researched a brief history of the origins of the telegraph. In addition to facts that I learned, I emphasized my own knowledge by using AI to assist in organizing information. I then asked Copilot to correct and polish the text. I also added appropriate images and captions.

Blog Post #3, Speech Theories/ 8 values

Out of all of the free speech theories out there, the one that makes the most sense to me is the theory of individual self fulfillment. In life, we all have a purpose, and I feel like to fulfill that purpose, you need to fulfill your own personal dreams and goals. 

The first amendment, aka Freedom of Speech, allows Americans to fully express themselves without fear of legal repercussions. From the birth of the amendment in 1791, people have been able to speak, write, protest, and practice religion freely in the United States. 

In my personal life I use the first amendment to express my political views and ideals amongst other things. By engaging in self fulfillment by expressing my beliefs, i feel like I can make a difference in the world by teaching those around me to be more tolerant and accepting of others. Although it isn't a large scale revolution, my personal goals and experiences help to make little changes in my community. For example, over the summer i participated in several peaceful protests in my hometown advocating for equal rights and an end to pointless wars, this encouraged others to use their voice for good as well, and some of my friends even ended up joining me. 

This theory also helps to explain how people can use their freedoms for good purpose and help create a better world for everyone.  When we use our First Amendment rights to stand up for what we believe in and whats right, we get to experience true self- fulfillment while helping to make our communities a little better for everyone. Ultimately, this theory helps explain how everyday people can utilize their basic rights for a good and useful purpose and build a better world together. 

Blog Post #1

My Top 5 News Sources:

The U.S.A. has one of the most active press networks across the globe.

    The top 5 news sources that I typically use and trust are The New York Times, Washington Post, CNN, evening talk shows, and certain Instagram or TikTok accounts such as "aplasticplant" I usually start off by seeing the headline on social media or TV and then go to the written sources to fact check what I see, just to be sure i am understanding the information properly. 

NY Times building in Times Square

    Sources like The Washington Post and The New York Times are widely known and trusted by many readers. Personally, I agree more with certain biases that these outlets have; Although, there should not be a bias in news sources to begin with. Aside from that, I see stories there that can easily be cross checked with other news outlets that do not typically share similar views, showing that they are trustworthy accounts and not just clickbait headlines. For example, during the COVID-19 health crisis in the United States, these news networks provided scientifically based information that helped keep Americans safe.

    CNN is a more controversial network, publishing stories with clear biases and motives, so I try not to use this as my main news source; However, I do occasionally read an article or two on their Instagram just out of curiosity. I grew up watching "CNN 10" with Carl Azuz and that was my introduction to global news. I feel more connected to this network because I actually visited their headquarters in my home city of Atlanta when I was in elementary school. 

Jon Stewart Hosting "The Daily Show"

    Evening talk shows like "Late Night with Seth Myers" and "The Daily Show" provide a more comical delivery of the happenings around the world. I find this much more refreshing and easy to digest compared to the grim news we see broadcasted so often. I typically fact check what I see on these shows, just because sometimes things are embellished for entertainment purposes, but I do notice there is less of a bias than some news networks and more of a satirical view of today's political climate.

    Every politics teacher I've had would be highly disappointed to know that I seek out global news on social media, but since I am on my phone for several hours a day, it makes sense for me to check the news while I scroll. Instagram accounts like "aplasticplant" and "Good News Network" provide strong headlines and brief descriptions of current events, I always like to see how people in the comment sections react to each post and see what the masses think. I also feel more connected to a story when i can comment on it or share it to my story for others to see.

    With that being said, I feel that if you are receiving your in formation from a credible and trusted source, it should not matter what exactly that source is. These are just my top 5 sources that fit my interests and views. 

Blog Post #2

The Supreme Court: A Closer Look

The U.S. Supreme Court is the most powerful court in the world.

    After watching this video about the U.S. Supreme Court, I came away with a greater appreciation for just how important and influential the Court is within the American government.

    One of the most interesting things I learned was the sheer number of petitions the Court receives each year. Before watching the video, I did not realize that thousands of people and groups ask the Supreme Court to review cases annually. A petition, as I learned, is a request asking the Supreme Court to take action on a case.

    I was especially intrigued by the fact that the Court deals with around 7,000 cases each year. That number surprised me because it highlights how many people seek the Court’s attention and how much responsibility rests with the justices. It also helped me understand the enormous workload associated with being a member of the nation’s highest court.

Current Supreme Court

    The most important takeaway for me was recognizing that the Supreme Court is the most powerful judicial body in the United States. Its decisions can have a lasting impact on laws, government actions, and the lives of citizens. While I knew the Court was important, I did not fully appreciate the extent of its authority before watching this video.

    Another detail that stood out was the description of serving on the Court as being “akin to being struck by lightning.” I found that comparison memorable because it emphasizes how rare and extraordinary it is to become a Supreme Court justice. Very few people ever have that opportunity, which makes the position seem even more significant.

    The most surprising thing I learned was just how much power the Supreme Court holds. I had always viewed it as an important institution, but this video helped me understand its unique role in the judicial system and its influence on major legal decisions.

    Overall, the video changed the way I think about the Supreme Court. Rather than seeing it as simply another part of government, I now see it as a powerful institution that handles thousands of requests while shaping important decisions that affect the country. That realization made the Court seem both more important and more fascinating than I had previously thought.

AI DISCLOSURE: This post was a collaboration using Microsoft Copilot, I took detailed notes while watching a 20 minute video about the history of the supreme court. In addition to facts that I learned, I emphasized my own reactions and opinions while watching. I then asked Copilot to correct and polish the text. I also added appropriate images and captions