Facebook's IPO

I think that Facebook's IPO is incredibly overpriced.  The company has been declining in value, and there hasn't been a lot of financial interest in the company for several months as the company was valuing itself at too high a price ($100 billion).  With such a high IPO, stockholders will not be interested, since it is not a good investment, and shares will be too inaccessible to common investors.
As I mentioned in passing, Facebook shares are simply not a good investment.  Although users continue to increase, individual activity is quickly declining, as is interest in online games, such as Farmville, which drew in a lot of money for the company.  Like Myspace, Facebook will soon become obsolete as other social networking websites, such as Twitter or Keek, become more popular.  Therefore, no one should invest in Facebook, considering the shares will have virtually no value within about two or three years.

"What have you learned about yourself during the course?"

I realised that the issues we learned about weren't 'black or white,' and couldn't be dealt with as such.  The same applies for real life, from 'drama' between friends and grades at school.  Nothing is black and white, and compromises will always have to be made.  I think this is an important lesson to learn before university.

Also, I learned that I am very opinionated and vocal, often speaking up or arguing in class.  Although participation is appreciated, I should probably work on controlling my emotions, or waiting for my turn to speak.

"What are the three most important issues that you've learned about during the course?"

The AIC was something I was glad to learn about.  Besides being extremely relevant right now, I believe it will dictate many major political decisions in the near future.  It's also a conflict so deeply rooted in the history of these nations, and it was interesting to learn about that and their changing allies over time.

During the ISUs, I was also glad to learn about the corruption in Russia.  I believe that corruption is inevitable in any political system, but the shocking statistics in Colin's presentation were a real eye opener about the affects it can actually have.

Lastly, I enjoyed time spent discussing the Invisible Children organisation.  Since our class watched their documentary shortly before the Kony 2012 campaign, it was interesting to see people's changing views on the subject.  Debates on the legitimacy of the campaign were also really interesting.

Non-Violent AIC Solutions

Since both 'sides' of the conflict feel entitled to land, violence could, in theory, last indefinitely. However, a non violent solution, while likely involving great compromise, may be more beneficial. However, there are individuals who will inevtiably carry out violence, regardless of laws or treaties.  Therefore, force may actually be seen as necessary to protect citizens and keep the peace at large. I don't think here is a black and white answer, but, at this point, a peaceful solution would be amazing, if only we could arrive at one.

Invisible Children

Having only seen the last few minutes of the movie, it's remarkable how moved I was.  I was in tears after hearing a young boy talk about wanting to see his brother in heaven, as opposed to going on in this life.  This showed the harrowing affect the war is having on Africa's children.  No one so young should be talking this way.  They shouldn't have to be.  Children should be learning and experiencing a life of joy and wonder... Not fighting in wars they didn't begin, not suffering casualties that shouldn't have happened.  But, having grown up in this environment, these children know nothing else.  I imagine they'd be living in an extreme state of fear, or become extremely aggressive themselves.  They're also given no outlet or resources for changing or controlling their situation.  They feel helpless, abandoned, and violent.

HIV/AIDS in Africa

HIV, which further progresses into AIDS, is an epidemic widespread throughout Africa. Not only does this lower life expectancy, but it also creates social and economic issues, leading families and even countries to fall into a downward spiral. For example, when parents succumb to disease, their children are left to take care of and raise entire families, often watching after elders, as well. This would be extremely stressful as is, but the real harm is that it prevents children from getting an education. As long as this pattern continues, generations may never learn about HIV prevention or resources. As is, HIV/AIDS isn't discussed, in these countries, as frequently as it should be, since it is considered something to be ashamed of. This thinking is incredibly harmful, because it discourages those suffering from identifying themselves, therefore putting other at risk of contraction. Many have tried to help by donating monetary aid, however this has little effect. There is no way to determine where the money ends up, and there are often 'strings attached' from the donating country or organization. However, these countries also need a societal shift, so that those suffering with HIV/AIDS will be made comfortable enough that they are willing to seek our education and resources.

Take Action! Decision making skills

Using the CARE Mode, the Take Action Ethics Tests, and your own judgment, consider how you would deal with the following scenarios. Share your reasoning and final decision. 1) Realistically, I would definitely turn down the offer, however might not prevent the individual in question from using. Ideally, one would caution them against marijuana and remind them of their sobriety. Of necessary, one could contact an adult authority figure. 2) I would never actually lie on a résumé. However, assuming I had, I would tell my employer. Continuing to lie will only cause stress to oneself (I.e. Being given jobs you're not prepared for), place strain on you and your friend's relationship, and bring down the integrity of the business. 3) Having been in this situation, I think it's important to be completely honest with your friend: of course you should tell someone what your friend is considering- its dangerous and a BAD IDEA. However, since you don't want to lose your friends trust, no matter what you said to them beforehand, make sure they know your thoughts on the situation and that you intend to tell somebody who can help them. 4) I would caution against trespassing, since it may take away the group's integrity. 5) I have no idea. As horrific as it may sound, part of me believes torture is worth it (the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few). However, I'm also aware that this is a violation of human rights and demonstrates great disrespect for the human body. It is also likely to anger other terrorist and even activist groups, eventually causing more harm than good. I don't know what I would do.