Caught red-handed (SSR)

Most people are aware of the current situation involving the well known terrorist group ISIS. Recently, three men from Brooklyn are are charged with providing support to the Islamic state. These men were your average everyday citizens. In fact, the one man named  Akhor Saidakhmetov was your average 19 year old who spent most of his time online; that is, until he watched ISIS beheadings and terrorists acts online. While watching these videos he found himself wanting to aid the terrorist group. According to The New York Times, Saidakhmetov was not the only man arrested. Along with him, were two other men named Abdurasul Hasanovich and  Abror Habibov Juraboev. In fact, this is the very first time in American history that terrorism charges have been brought publicly in the state of New York. 

What exactly did these men do? They were here in America not in Iran physically helping ISIS. In fact, these men roomed in an apartment together and their daily schedule never changed; they woke up, went to work, then came home. The act of defiance against this country that caught the FBI's attention those was a simple tweet. One of the men tweeted “Greetings. We wanted to pledge our allegiance and commit ourselves while not present there, I am in USA now but we don’t have any arms. But is it possible to commit ourselves as dedicated martyrs anyway while here.”  This is the tweet that changed their lives. Once the FBI saw that tweet they began to watch the men and soon concluded that these men were a threat. 

Their next step was leaving the country. Mr. Juraboev and Mr. Saidakhmetov purchased tickets — planning to travel to Turkey and then sneak into Syria — amd the closer these men got to leaving, te more excited te seemed. This is an obvious threat. Once the FBI heard this information they were waiting for these men at the airport in wednesday and arrayed them. It was said by an FBI agent, who wished to remain anonymous, claimed “These guys were for not doing much,” said the official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because the investigation was continuing. “They were spending a lot of time online, spending a lot of time at work, and that was it.” If they were not going to do much why arrest them? The answer is simple; these men were willing to break the law for ISIS, even though they would not have ended up doing much for the group. This threat is what scares the American people. Terrorist attacks, whether realistic or hypothetical such as the case may have been few, put the fear into Americans hearts. These men were American residants. They dressed as we do, they talked as we do, they were friends with other Americans. The thought that someone who lives here with us scares many individuals. They may not have fully went through with their plans but they had ventured far enough that they will be held accountable for their actions. 

One direction obsession? (PB)

Everyone is entitled to an obsession aren't they? Some people enjoy collecting stamps and some people enjoy reading books. While those hobbies are interesting, I have a different one; I enjoy everything one direction. One direction is a band including five young men: Niall Horan, Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Zayn Malik, and Liam Payne. These five boys started their careers by auditioning on a popular tv show known as the X-Factor. Why have I become so obsessed with this band? I heard of them one day and all I wanted to do was see who the curly-haired boy was and then I was sucked into this life of constant fangirling and obsession with five men that may never know I exsist.

Not only are these boys extremely talented, but also they have amazing personalities. While you constantly obsess about a band you come to know them very well. I have watched every single video diary numerous times and have come to love each boy for different reasons. Louis Tomlinson for example is the funny one in the band. He is constantly playing tricks and pranks on the other band mates. Harry styles is the flirt; he is smooth and cool. Liam Payne is known as the "father" of the group. He is not the oldest but he is the most mature. Zayn is the mysterious one and that is where his appeal comes from. Finally, Niall is the fun one with the forever young attitude. Many people believe that my obsession with one direction is like that of a child's obsession for spongenin, but it is so much more. These boys have changed my life.

One direction is a popular boy band like any other but there is something different about them. They are not afraid to be themselves and they have some of the most inspirational and meaningful songs on their albums. For example, the song titled "Diana" speaks to all of their fans. They sing about a girl named Diana and how she "saves their life." You can interpret their somg as being sung to a girl who is going through a tough time and thinking about harming herself. They sing about how they are saving her life and she is also saving theirs. One direction connects with their fans. For instance, they have their twit cams and also they had a "1D day" where they had a live video stream all day of them talking to us and singing and doing random silly activities such as Liam boxing a famous boxer. These boys are not afraid to be themselves, even in front of the camera and the paparazzi. Not only that, but they also love their fans and try to speak to us through songs like "Diana." That is why I love this band.

In conclusion,y obsession with this famous boy band is not misplaced. They are not just "some band" or "a group of attractive boys who do nothing," they are a group that wants to change the world one step at a time. The change the lives of every fan of theirs. They teach us to be ourselves and to love ourselves and it will never matter what others say. I will continue to love this band as they continue to change my life. You can have your obsession with books and I will continue to havey obsession with one direction.

Same-sex marriage in Alabama? (SSR)

Many states have legalized same-sex marriages while others have not. Alabama is currently in the process right now in legalizing same-sex marriages. In fact, "some Alabama officials lamented the supreme court decision, which denied a request by the Alabama attorney General to extend a hold on same-sex marriage." Many private judges are issuing marriage lisences to same-sex couples and ignoring the chief justices orders. Sunday night, the chief had ordered all probate judges not to issue marriage lisences to any same-sex couple. What is the difference tbough?  While reading this article on same-sex marriages from the New York Times, I contemplated the importance of same-sex over normal couples.

 In my opinion, any marriages should be legalized; whether it is same-sex or not. If two people of the same gender love each other, how is it different than two people of opposite genders loving each other. Just like Alan King, a probate judge, said, "this is a happy day for all of these couples, and if you ant be happy for people, than in sorry." I agree with King completely. I bieve that anybody that loves eachother shoul be given the opportunity to show their love through marriage.

As I previously mentioned, nor all private judges are issuing marriage lisences.  According to Susan Walson, an executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Alabama, she had heard of four counties where judges are refusing same-sex marriages. These judges face the risk of lawsuits and I believe that should be yet another reason to allow same-sex marriages. Also, in the Judge Callie vs.  Granade of Federal Court case, it was ruled unconstitutional for same-sex marriages to be denied. If it is unconstitutional, then why do these marriages still get banned?

In conclusion, I personally believe same-sex marriages should be legalized not only I. Alabama, but also in every other state that does not currently allow legal same-sex marriages. Every couple, regardless of their gender, should be able to recover a marriage license. Marriage is one of the most sentimental ways to symbolize a couples live for each other and depriving this sentimentality from them is wrong. There are many private judges already issuing licenses to same-sex couples and ignoring orders to do otherwise.  As long as these judges continue tobring justice and happiness to the lives of many Alabama citizens, I belive that Alabama will be on the right track. In the end, love is what matters; not the gender of couples.

This is my freebie!