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Copyright Stillwater Area High School MMX
February 17, 2012
Graphic by Nick Winkler
The battle against internet piracy has stepped past the pleads from famous actors and musicians recently. Congressman Lamar Smith, a republican from Texas, proposed the Stop Online Piracy Act to the House of Representatives on Oct. 26, 2011. The Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA), has received criticism from not only the online community, but from the owners of some of the world's biggest websites, such as Wikimedia Foundation and Google, who have been leaders against the bill that would bring censorship to the internet and be a step away from America's right to free speech. READ
A recent study by World Bank stated that by 2030, almost two-thirds of the middle class will live in China. In 2010, China's GDP surpassed Japan in terms of GDP becoming the second largest world economy. Economists have estimated that by the year 2035, China's economy will have passed the United States to claim the title of "world's largest economy". READ
With the recent crash of the Costa Concordia cruise ship on Jan. 13, many wonder why this happened and what needs to be done to prevent it from happening again. In order to prevent another disaster again safety protocols for cruise ships need to be better. READ
In a world revolving around oil, establishing a secure supply is high up on the list of most politicians' goals. The Keystone XL Pipeline proposal would do just that for the United States, during a time in which the nation is craving a secure economy. Permitting the Pipeline is a logical step in reaching this level. READ
From businessman Mitt Romney, to Tea Party leader Michelle Bachmann, career politician Newt Gingrich, Libertarian Ron Paul, pizza mogul Herman Cain, to Christian conservative Rick Santorum, the candidates for the 2012 Republican nomination reflect the diversity and sometimes, colliding values of the Republican party. Though many of these candidates have resigned from the race, republican voters still have to choose between four very different candidates, and it is not going to be easy. READ
North Korea is frequently (and accurately) referred to as an oppressive, violent and totalitarian regime. Its isolation from the rest of the world is unmatched by any existing government, but following the death of "dear leader" Kim Jong-Il some believe this may be the key opportunity to more aggressively pursue negotiations with the secluded nation. Unfortunately, little has changed regarding the politics of North Korea and the State will most likely continue to oppose any and all U.S intervention of their affairs. READ