Semester 2 Blog 12

Dear Obama,
regarding the events happening in the Middle East and North Africa, it is strongly suggested that you should consider instituting the Marshall Law in these countries. The Marshall Law, if used effectively, could "combat poverty and disease and allow the continent access to markets in the industrialised world". There is an opportunity for the US instituting the Marshall Law in these countries besides the growth of those countries. We can build a trade relationship with countries such as Libya, and Afghanistan. As it is, there are forces that dislike our occupation in such countries, but if we were to build up the countries, and help them prosper and become independent, then they could become mutually allied with us, or at least not against us. This would take a load off of debt that has been growing due to the war in Afghanistan and our efforts in Libya. Gordon Brown, the British Treasury Chief Gordon Brown has suggested some movements to instituting the Marshall Law. I like his idea of erasing debt, "Brown proposed erasing all the debts African nations owe to multilateral institutions like the World Bank, the African Development Bank and the International Monetary Fund." If we were to do this, erase the debt off the slate and allow those countries to grow and develop, then they could eventually assist us in efforts in the future such as stopping terrorism and keeping UN law enforced.
This quote sums up my feelings about the Marshall Law to be used in the 21st century,
"'A new Marshall plan should enable us to improve economic relations and development, but also improve security in the region. We cannot open a channel for a huge influx of desperate persons coming to Europe. We call for a new plan for the European Investment Bank to invest in the region, as was done by the EU to improve stability in the Western Balkans back in the 90s', said Franco Frattini, on behalf of the PA-UfM's Italian rotating Presidency."

I hope that you consider these actions.
Thank you for your time Mr. President,
Sincerely,
Tomas Pena

Honors Essay Blog

January 8, 1945

U.S. First Army

Ardennes, Near Bastogne.

Dear Mom and Dad,

Aside from knowing that the Germans are trying to kill me and my buddies, I have seen some of Europe while I was back in behind allied lines as an replacement for the war effort. The people of France were charismatic about the Americans when I had arrived. They were very friendly and accepting, and I could swear that the chicks there liked me and the other American soldiers. During the time of my arrival to France our forces were moving up, taking territory from the Germans.

It was a quick transition and before I knew it, I was sent to the front lines. That was in the summer. Now I am here with my buddies, hollowed out German tanks, and the harsh frost.

I have been freezing my butt off for some time now. The European Winter is taking its hold on me, and I am developing symptoms of a cold and frost bite. The temperature is so cold here that our vehicles have been experiencing engine freezing when they aren’t running, and our weapons need to be looked after constantly. Other than the cold though, I am still in one piece.

My company has been facing the Germans for days, and now there has been some withdrawal on the German’s part. As my unit moves on, we have seen many German tanks and other vehicles, abandoned. A buddy of mine told me that they must have run out of gas, and by some of my own exploring in a tiger tank, I discovered that the arrow of the gas meter was pointed towards the bright red E.

Thank god, I would not want to be facing one of those things. I have seen them in action before, and nearly got blasted to bits; thankfully artillery took it out before the shooting started. As of now we do not know what to do with the abandoned tanks, the higher ranked men in the Company are probably planning what to do with the tanks.

I bet a Commander somewhere would like to take one home as a souvenir. So far the only souvenirs I will be taking from the war are influenza and maybe a bullet wound, considering my chances in the future.

These Germans are getting desperate as we close in little by little. They pulled out, which thankfully gives us the chance to zone in. I think that this is going to be big, even though I am just a part of infantry, there are chances that I could step foot in Germany, and show the Germans a thing or two about how to fight for one’s country.

I want to return home but at the same time, victory is so close. For now I can only follow orders and do my mission to the end. If only an assassin somewhere ended Hitler, then I wouldn’t have to worry about being shot up. I’ve lost some of my closest friends during this damned freezing war, And I hate to see new recruits get hit hard. It is very… grim to see one of my own company getting blown to bits or shot…

Orders are to move out in the next couple of hours. We are reinforcing the lines that were held before the German attack. We will be moving up more afterwards, and then the Germans will be sorry.

I have to prepare, before I end this letter, how have you guys been? Are you doing good, holding up since my deployment? Tell my little brother that if he is good, I will bring something back from the war. If he acts up and gives you any trouble then I might just put him through physical training for a week or two. Brutal stuff.

I hope to hear from you guys soon, whether the war ends or just another letter is sent…

May the war end soon, with an American Victory.

Love, your son,

Thomas Wills

(Wikipedia on Battle of the Bulge- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_the_bulge  )

Semester 2 Blog 9

WW2 Propaganda

This is a picture of World War 2 Ally propaganda.

The picture was made to entice fear into the hearts of Americans. It shows Hitler and a Japanese soldier, ready to invade America. The sheer size gives a feeling that the two men are monstrous forces that are ready to move in and smash America.

My reaction to this is just... woah. It is freaky with the idea that these two men are bearing down on the US. On the other hand, I am slightly amused at how they depicted it, with the proportions of the men distorted.

WW2 War Photography

A sobering photo of some of the cost of World War II: 121st Seabees, 4th Marine Division 1944. Same photo in "Life's Picture History of World War II" page 330 is captioned "Two Marines are shot by Japanese snipers as they hit the Saipan beach. This remarkable photograph, made by a Coast Guard cameraman, shows these members of an assault battalion at instant of their falling."

My reaction to this picture... It looks tense. Clear landing but at any moment the enemy could attack.

The date and author of the picture is barely visible. This image shows children who are contributing Aluminum for the war effort. It shows the public cooperation and work to keep their side of the war strong. This is what defines total war as an example, since this is one part of a total work force towards strengthening the U.S. Army.

Blog #1: My First Year Here ("Welcome Back to School!" Response)

I am very glad to be attending High Tech High Media Arts!

1.) I hope to:
-Be successful with my classes (grade wise and work wise)
-Be able to learn new skills and new attributes that I could use later in life
-Be able to make new friends and be a part of a unique community
AND,
-Be able to make a good decision in what college I might want to attend in when I graduate from HTHMA.

2.) I hope to be able to improve on my literary skills, learn more about the United States history, and to be able to carry important lessons with me, lessons that are important in character and communication.

3.) Some things that I do well in my life, and things that I naturally try to do well are:
-Being Creative and Imaginative
-Hiking/Adventuring!
-Video Games (I am trying to break my addiction...)
-Art
-Kayaking
-Jetsking (I did it once and it was AWSOME!!!)
AND,
-Much much more, I just haven't discovered activities or remembered them yet (I hope to try technological endevors such as movie production and computer "stuff")
I naturally develop "talents" such as these by trying new things and seeing new places. Also the people I meet along the way greatly affect me as a person.

(YES, FIRST BLOG EVER!!!!!!!!)
T.A.P signing off...

(This Blog is due Tuesday, 8/31/10, 11:59:59 PM)