Olivia Perreault JOR 115 Professor Meagher 8 April 2014 Take Home Test #2 1) Freedom; its a concept that

is not taken very lightly. All over the world, people fight for what they believe in, and want their voice to be heard. Specifically, in the United States, we strive for equality and freedom of expression. Although these rights are stated in our Amendments, not everyone around the world is able to experience the same privileges. Michelle Obama, John Milton, and Stuart Mills speak out, encouraging the right to express ones opinion. Michelle Obama recently attended a trip to China, where she delivered an inspiring, necessary, speech to students at Peking University. Obama states, Time and time again we have seen that countries are stronger and more prosperous when the voices and opinions of all their citizens can be heard. Milton, touching on the same idea, believes that freedom has always been the key to success and will be in the future. When god gave him reason, he gave him freedom to choose, for reason is but choosing, says Milton. Milton is trying to convey how reason and choosing go hand in hand, yet people would not be able to do either if it wasnt for freedom. Freedom allows one another to go after what they believe in, and not be forced to do anything they are against. We each have a choice in this world to act upon on our beliefs, and like the first lady said, if we do so, we will prosper. On the other hand, Stuart Mills considers the opposite side of the spectrum, for those countries who dont have access to freedom. There is a considerable amount of feeling ready to be called forth against any attempt of the law to control individuals in things in which they have not hither to been accustomed to be controlled by it, Mills explains. He is describing how the government is forcing one another to take a certain stance or act in a different way then what they are used to. Obamas and Miltons words differ because they are saying how important this freedom is, while Mills is describing how life is destructive without freedom. Another strong subject Michelle Obama brings to the students attention in her speech is regarding other countries and how they are not equal to our own. Obama says, When it comes to expressing yourself freely and worshiping as you choose, and having open access to information, we believe those universal rights are universal rights that are the birthright of every person on this planet. Michelle is trying to show the world that everyone should have the same rights, since essentially, we all are human beings. She explains how the president and herself do whatever they can to promote this idea, claiming, Its not always easy, but we wouldnt trade it for anything in the world. Similarly, Milton understands that this is an important concept, and it will take time for the entire world to catch on. There of necessity will be much arguing, much writing, many opinions, for opinion in good men is but knowledge in the making, Milton suggests. People from all different countries have various ideas, yet they are waiting to be heard. Mills, speaking for everyone, claims, The people who exercise the power are not always the same people with those over whom it exercised; and the self-

government spoken of is not the government of each by himself, but of each by all the rest. I believe that Mills is saying that the people all speak as one. Agreeing with Obama and Milton, expressing ones opinion is imperative to democracy and life itself. All three influential speakers have a crucial point they are trying to get across: freedom should be equal everywhere. Our countries throughout the world should not be apart, but rather speak together as one. Milton explains, How many other things might be tolerated in peace and left to conscience, had we but charity, and were it not the chief stronghold of our hypocrisy to be ever judging one another. We should all have our own opinions, and have the right to freely express it whenever we feel it is needed. Its essential to spread the idea of freedom across oceans, just like Michelle Obama, John Milton, and Stuart Mills. With equal say in the world, imagine how successful of a world we would live in.

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Basketball and football stars were quickly being transferred throughout the state of Texas, and being placed on teams to further their careers as athletes. Coaches of the different high schools understood the rules of high school athletics, but failed to follow them nonetheless. One example, Keith Frazier, a basketball player from Irving, enrolled in school at Kimball High. HIs reasoning for moving was in question, and reporters were on the move to get some answers. When Fraziers mom said the family had moved due to an increased rent on their home, the executive committee let Frazier off the hook. News 8 claims, The committee accepted the explanation without question, news 8 did not. The reporters were unstoppable, knowing that the mother was lying just to get her son to a better school for basketball. It was difficult for the reporters to dig out facts because whenever a reporter asked an athletic official or a high school coach a question, they responded with no comment. Likewise, the mother was very passive, and did not go into depth when the reporter asked her for answers. She also seemed oblivious to the fact that the journalists actually had proof that her rent did not increase. News 8 recovered a total of 11 students who were falsely recruited into Kimballs basketball team. At another school, Prime Prep Academy, Brett Shipp, reporter, went to the school to discover information on the event. We went to Austin today to get some answers, says Shipp. We got less than a warm welcome. An assistant coach escorted Brett away, telling the reporter he had no right to be filming. Transferring students and breaking the high schools law seems to be a huge issue all over the state. Charles Deville, coach, agrees saying, Recruiting in Dallas has been a problem from the first day I came here. The most interesting part of this news story is the fact that the student, Frazier, brought Kimball high school to the state championships. I think its funny because without Frazier on their team, Kimball probably wouldnt have made it that far. This makes me wonder if their school should suffer some type of consequence from lying. I mean after all, the team technically didnt win because having Frazier on the team was cheating. The news reporters did their job, but will Frazier be penalized? In the end, I think it would only be right. Investigative reporting is not something to take lightly. Journalists in this situation are dealing with important information; information that may make or break someones reputation for the rest of their life. After broadcasting this story on news stations, citizens were able to see the corruption in athletics and how these top basketball and football player stars are actually ineligible to play. Since both parents seem to relay the same story about having to move due to the end of a lease on their home, the reporters had to dig even deeper into the investigation. Ive learned that investigation isnt as easy as it may seem. The WFAA team acted as an independent monitor of power. In other words, they took the situation under control, and under no circumstance did they back down. These reporters have to look into details that may jeopardize themselves, as well as others. Although this may seem like a simple sports story, it is very important to the citizens in the state of Texas. People have the right to know what is going on in the world around them, and its a journalists job to enforce this promise. Although reporters from different news stations had trouble finding facts due to the constant decline from

officials, Shipp states, As always, our investigation is ongoing. It is only fair that parents, as well as students, understand that this high school recruitment fraud is taking place. High school athletics lead to college athletic scholarships, and everyone should have a fair share at earning an honor of a scholarship. Its necessary for these neighboring citizens to understand the vital consequences cheating can entail.