High Creativity

The article, "TSA: Woman arrested at JFK Airport with guns, pot," (Link to article) describes the latest fiasco of drug smuggling in New York City.  A woman, reportedly traveling from Canada to Barbados, was in possession of two disassembled .40 caliber pistols and 33 pounds of marijuana.  After having a baggage check, TSA agents found boxes of kitty litter, laundry tablets, and baby wipes packed with the illegal items.  The woman was arrested on the spot.

This story impacts the whole international airline community.  Drug smuggling has been a major issue in our country, as well as others, but it is becoming more prominent in the United States. 
I feel good that the TSA agents caught that woman because it helps to show that we as a nation are still against drugs (for the most part).  I am left with a positive feeling that our national security at airports are still performing their jobs to their fullest extent.

Interview or Names?

Returning from a trip only to see my school and classmates misrepresented really sent a shock through me.  After reading the article "C-SPAN bus rolls into town, but students still skeptical of political process" that was published in the Rapid City Journal on August 30, I was left with a feeling of unbelief and surprise.  I know this article is a direct misrepresentation of not only our school, but high schoolers throughout the country.

From what I was informed, the students whose names were published in the article were misquoted, giving a poor report of what was actually stated, or what they really meant.  The article informed its audience that students have little to no interest in government or politics.  Knowing who my AP Government classmates are, I can personally say that this group of students is one of the most enthusiastic groups for learning about the political and governmental processes.  For instance, my classmate Andrew and I attended the American Legion Boys State this past summer where we learned how the local and state governing bodies function.  My class has already looked ahead for trips to the South Dakota State Capitol. 

I feel that journalist Meredith Colias merely interviewed my classmates just to have some names, for she had written the article beforehand.  For this I am saddened to have my trust in my local media reduced.  It is a shame to have my faith shaken in something that I have trusted for many years, but we have all learned, least to say, the hard way.