Politically Incorrect Wildcats

I am responding to the blog titled, “Three Cheers for Kentucky Grand Jury: Bucks Trend to Criminalize un-PC Speech,” by Debbie Schlussel. Two college students that attend the University of Kentucky created an effigy of Barack Obama from a tree on their campus. They were charged with stealing the pants and shirt from their fraternity, even though other members claimed this to be false. Charges were dropped; however, the lawyer fees were not.

Where should the line be drawn? What is free speech? The line is blurred in this case. Campuses across America have plenty of free speech zones where students have the freedom to say and present what they wish. Although offensive, immature, and downright ignorant, these two students should not have gone through the hassle they did. University officials should have just simply told them they need to take it down, just in case violence would ensue. These students should have been reprimanded and told to try and act like a Kentucky Wildcat, and show a little class.

College campuses need to make a valid effort not to stifle the freedoms of their students. This election has given a voice to the college youth; therefore, has made them a force to be reckoned with. Usually, with the good comes the bad. Even at Arizona State University, officials allow preachers to enrage students by telling them that they are doomed and going to hell for acting like a stereotypical college student. Anti-abortionists are allowed to blow up pictures to a billboard status of fetuses that have been aborted. Should this be allowed? Absolutely! If not, a public university is only taking away what Americans have fought so hard for. Like it or not, we all have to deal with it.

As far as a response to the people who commented on this blog. I am not sure if Independent Conservative was being sarcastic or simply informing us where he/she stands. It sounded more like his response belongs on the DailyKos. I agree with Richard who states, “Who polices the police?” Is Obama above the law? I do not know, I hope not; otherwise, we are all in for one wild rollercoaster ride.

This is just how it is! With Obama in office, we are all going to see acts like this pop up all over the country. Although, I am not shocked this happened in Kentucky. Their will always be two sides; therefore, one would hope people could be tolerant of others who have different views. In addition, I think events like this will only increase if Obama makes any errors in judgment with the many decisions he will have to make. He has a lot to prove to the American people, even though he has reached an almost scary level of celebrity.

Jan 28 Reading Assignments

Bloggers: an army of irregulars, by Paul Reynolds

Explain in your own words how Reynolds thinks that blogs are most useful. What do they do well, and what do they do poorly? Is Reynolds fair in his criticism?

Blogs are most useful because they have given the power to the people to hold others accountable for what they say or do. Bloggers have been able to point out when mistakes or false accusations have been made and action has resulted because of this. However, they have been known to criticize and attack in an almost ruthless manner. Yes, I believe he is fair in his criticism because he looks at both ends of the spectrum. If bloggers did not criticize and attack, then they might not have been able to point out some mistakes that have been made.

Why bosses blog - and why it's cheesy, by Stephen Evans

Why does Evans think that many corporate blogs are, in his words, "regulation corporate speak"? What's wrong with that?

It seems to be very easy for executives and employees to side with their products and services; in addition, take shots at their competitors. The difficulty with that is there might be legal consequences for some of things that are said due to contracts that employees have signed.

Michael Crow's blog

Look through President Crow's blog and see if you can find instances of Evans' "regulation corporate speak" or times when Crow is being more personal. Quote him in your reply. Which do you find more effective? Why?

President Crow seems to use “regulation corporate speak” throughout the blogs. He states, “If adopted, they would take ASU back to the per student state investment levels it had in 1989.” He speaks of the policy surrounding the budget cuts. He is trying to be more personnel when he starts out with, “I am deeply concerned for the future of Arizona State University.” I believe a man in his position needs to be talented at providing facts about what is currently going on, while trying to reach the audience on a personnel level. Only then can he garner the appreciation he wants from his audience.

GM's Official Blog, "FastLane"

Again keeping Evans' article in mind, how would you describe the usefulness of this blog? Who might find it interesting? In other words, who is the blog's intended audience?

This blog is useful because a large automobile corporation is trying to provide cars that environmentally efficient. Even though cars have been a huge factor in polluting our environment, electric cars can help clean up the mess. The intended audience would be anyone that is in the market for an automobile, especially and electric car. Even GM’s competition or people who a concerned for the environment.

SYNNEX CEO's blog

Again keeping Evans' article in mind, how would you describe the usefulness of this blog? Who might find it interesting? In other words, who is the blog's intended audience?

The blog is useful because it is providing tips from different authors of effective strategies for becoming a better employer and employee. Setting goals and priorities would make for a more effective employee and working environment. This audience would employers and employees who are looking to make their jobs more manageable and even profitable.

First post!

This is my first post for ENG216.