Why is Antiwar silenced?

 

If someone relies only on major television networks or large national newspapers, they might assume there is no argument on American foreign policy. Websites like Antiwar.com and The American Conservative present a different perspective. Both regularly publish articles questioning military intervention, warning about the costs of war, and arguing that the United States should be more cautious about using military force abroad. 

 

A visit to Antiwar.com reveals a publication focused on conflicts across the globe, including discussions about Iran, Yemen, Gaza, Ukraine, and Somalia. Its writers often stress the human, economic, and political consequences of military action. The site's mission is not simply to report on wars but to question the assumption that military intervention is the best solution to international problems.  

 

The American Conservative approaches many of the same issues from a different angle. While it is a conservative publication, it often features writers who are skeptical of interventionist foreign policy. Recent articles question the costs of ongoing military commitments and examine whether American involvement overseas always serves the best national interest.  

 

This raises an interesting question, why do strong antiwar viewpoints seem less visible in mainstream media? One explanation is that major news organizations frequently focus on government officials, military leaders, and policy experts who operate within established foreign policy institutions. As a result, debates may center on how wars should be conducted rather than whether they should happen at all. Independent publications often have more freedom to challenge those assumptions directly.

 

That does not mean mainstream outlets ignore antiwar arguments, and it does it mean alternative publications are always correct. However, sites such as Antiwar.com and The American Conservative demonstrate that important debates exist outside the most visible news sources. Exploring a variety of opinions helps readers better understand the complexity of foreign policy and encourages critical thinking about the role of the United States in world affairs

 

Smartphones Throughout History: The Technology That Changed Communication

Smartphones have become one of the most influential technologies in modern society. Today, people use them for communication, education, entertainment, navigation, and business. Although smartphones seem like a relatively recent invention, their development began decades ago as engineers searched for ways to combine multiple technologies into a single portable device.

The first device widely considered a smartphone was the IBM Simon Personal Communicator. Developed by IBM engineer Frank Canova and his team, the device was introduced in 1992 and released to consumers in 1994. At the time, mobile phones were primarily used for voice calls, while personal digital assistants, or PDAs, helped users organize calendars, contacts, and notes. IBM sought to solve the problem of carrying separate devices by combining these functions into one product.

The IBM Simon was revolutionary for its era. It could make telephone calls, send emails and faxes, store contacts, manage a calendar, and operate through a touchscreen interface. While the device was large, expensive, and limited by short battery life, it introduced many concepts that would later become standard features of modern smartphones. Historians of technology often identify the Simon as the first step toward today's connected mobile lifestyle.

The smartphone industry experienced significant growth during the 2000s. Companies such as BlackBerry, Nokia, Apple, and Google contributed to rapid advancements in mobile technology. A major turning point occurred in 2007 when Apple introduced the iPhone, which combined a user-friendly touchscreen interface with internet access and downloadable applications. This innovation helped transform smartphones from business tools into devices used by people of all ages and professions. (https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/fact-sheet/mobile/)

The impact of smartphones on society has been profound. Smartphones placed powerful communication tools into the hands of billions of people around the world. Users can instantly send text messages, make video calls, share photographs, access social media platforms, and communicate across international borders. Information that once required a computer or a visit to a library can now be accessed within seconds from nearly any location.

Smartphones have also changed the way businesses, schools, and governments operate. Remote work,

online education, mobile banking, and digital commerce all rely heavily on smartphone technology. During major events and emergencies, smartphones allow people to receive updates quickly and remain connected to important resources. As a result, smartphones have become essential tools for both personal and professional communication. (https://online-journals.org/index.php/i-jim)

Despite these benefits, smartphones have also created new challenges. Excessive smartphone use can contribute to distractions, reduced face-to-face interaction, and lower productivity. Researchers have also raised concerns about the effects of social media, cyberbullying, privacy risks, and the spread of misinformation. In addition, some studies suggest that heavy smartphone use may negatively impact sleep quality and mental health, particularly among young adults. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/)

In conclusion, smartphones evolved from an effort to combine communication and organization into a single portable device. Beginning with the IBM Simon and continuing through innovations such as the iPhone, smartphones have transformed how people communicate, learn, work, and access information. While they offer countless advantages, their widespread use also presents challenges that society must continue to address. The history of the smartphone demonstrates how a single technological invention can reshape communication and influence nearly every aspect of daily life.

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AI DISCLOSURE: This post was a collaboration using Microsoft Copilot. I chose a piece of technology to study throughout history. I then asked copilot to write me a blog post using the questions given. I then asked Copilot to help me shape the text into a blog post format. After revising the text, I added links to related resources, as well as appropriate images. 

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Values of Free Expressions

Expression is the key to society.

The value of free expression I resonate with the most is #4, Individual self fulfillment. I believe freedom of speech and freedom of expression is incredibly important for a society to grow and thrive. It’s important for a society to have different types of people with their own ideas and sense of self actualization. A great example of this is North Korea. While they’re no longer a communist state they have many restrictions on their daily life. Restrictions on information, movement, and their human rights. You can even get the death sentence for watching banned content. Could you imagine dying over watching The Interview? 

Unauthorized travel is illegal, religious independence is highly suppressed, and any criticism of the government is heavily punished. There is no freedom of speech, all art, music, media, and literature must promote their government, and they’re always under heavy surveillance. While they are not a collapsing society, North Korea faces large demographic, economic, and health crises that put a great threat on their future as a country. North Korean leaders have states publicly that their population drop is a danger to the country. 

Moving to the brighter side, The United States of America. Although, recent events of surveillance has posed a scare across Americans. It is still a free country where people are not afraid to express themselves and stand up against the government. Our government can only get its power from those who are governed. America focuses on personal autonomy and unique potential rather than everyone following a strict checklist punishable by law. Activism means something here. Protests have been proven to work against the government, slavery, civil rights, and giving women the right to vote are all prime examples. Just recently the No Kings Protests helped alter national political discourse and forced administration to make important policy changes. That’s what you get when you let the people express themselves. Changes happen towards a better society. 

This also ties into speech theory #7, promoting innovation. Creativity with yourself means creativity within your nation. When people are encouraged to express themselves their creativity translates to societal progress, it fuels national growth. Self fulfillment cannot exist in isolation because it directly connects to the principles of free expression. When everyone is forced to act the same way and think the same things under state control, community disappears, relationships weaken, and personal thoughts are completely obliterated under the mandatory compliance. 

Without the freedom to think, speak, and express yourself authentically, the world becomes dreary. An outfit as simple as, blue jeans and a graphic T-shirt is prohibited in North Korea. I know I couldn’t live somewhere I can’t wear my favorite Spiderman T-shirt, or dye my hair pink in the summers. Individualism is the key to happiness. 

Privacy in the Digital Age

Protecting your Privacy, Protects your Life

 Living in a world where local police departments possess military-grade surveillance equipment and corporations log our every move makes privacy feel like an endangered species. Looking at how these issues unfold, it hits remarkably close to home.

Automatic license plate readers, cell tower dumps, and Stingrays actively track where innocent people travel, capturing photos and location details. This isn't abstract; it directly affects our families and friends every day as they drive to work, visit doctors, attend religious services, or go about their routines. 

Furthermore, facial recognition technology linked with "electronic tattoos"—permanent digital records of our online footprint—means our private lives and reputations are continuously exposed. A single mistake or snapshot can follow someone forever, constantly rolling back like the boulder of Sisyphus.

To address these serious civil liberty threats, government action is essential. City councils and local governments must establish strict laws governing police surveillance technology. They should mandate that law enforcement immediately delete location data and photos gathered on innocent citizens while only allowing legitimate, targeted uses of the technology to proceed.

On an individual level, we must actively protect our own privacy. We can urge local city councils to regulate police data collection. Additionally, we must remain vigilant regarding our digital footprint. Avoid being distracted by online "golden apples"—like constant messaging or tweeting—and refrain from oversharing personal information that adds to our digital records. Ultimately, by demanding government oversight and practicing personal discretion, we can better protect our privacy against relentless surveillance.

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AI DISCLOSURE: This post was a collaboration using Google Gemini. I took detailed notes while watching two different ted talks videos relating to the issue of privacy on your devices. In addition to facts that I learned I emphasized my own reactions and opinions while watching. I then asked Gemini to help me improve the text by correcting grammar, spelling, and puncuation. I then asked Gemini to help me shape the text into a blog post format. After reviewing the text, I added links to related resources, as well as appropriate images and caption. 

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My Top 5 News Sources

 Social media apps - I think social media is a good starting point to hear about the current events but should be followed with more research with reputable sources. Theres a lot of misinformation spread across the internet which can give you the wrong information, but I see most of the current events on a social media platform. 

 NBC news- NBC news is one of the most reliable news networks out there. They cover everything from politics and crime news to international and happier news. They keep it real on NBC not covering up any information and not leaning on a certain political view/side. 

ESPN- This is where I get all my sports related news. I have a constant stream of notifications on my phone from ESPN covering college, professional, and even minor league sports. Some of the stories on here can be a little biased depending on the team or area but there’s many stories about the same topic so it’s easy to find one that’s not biased. 

US News and World Report- US News and World Report is a reputable source for a lot of different topics. Like it says on the site “We Help You Make the Best Decisions” They have articles ranging from “Recalled Blueberries: What to Know” to “Top 10 Worst Presidents.” This source really has everything you could want. 

AP News- This source is super up to date on day to day events going on all across the world. Its main focus is on the politics of the world right now, with the occasional sports report thrown in there. Reading some of these articles has definitely opened my eyes more and this is a reliable source. 

Supreme Court Reflection

The Supreme Court of the United States

Before watching this video, I knew the Supreme Court was the highest court in the United States, but I did not realize how much influence it has over time. One of the most surprising things I learned is that Supreme Court justices serve for life and remain on the Court for an average of 16 years. Because of this, they often continue shaping the law long after the presidents who appointed them have left office.

I also learned that the Senate confirmation process plays a very important role in shaping the Court. It gives the public an indirect voice in determining who serves as a justice, which means the Court's composition can reflect broader public sentiment over time.

Another interesting point was how the Supreme Court established its authority. Under Chief Justice John Marshall, the Court asserted the power of judicial review, helping to establish itself as a co-equal branch of government. At the same time, the video showed that the Court has not always strengthened its reputation. The Dred Scott v. Sandford decision weakened the Court's authority by ruling that Congress could not ban slavery and that African Americans could never be citizens.

Inside the Supreme Court 

What stood out to me most was the importance of the Fourteenth Amendment. I learned that it protects individuals from abuses of state power in a way that is similar to how the Bill of Rights protects people from federal power. The Civil War amendments also abolished slavery, defined citizenship, and expanded voting rights.

I was surprised to discover how selective the Supreme Court is when choosing cases. The Court receives thousands of petitions every year but accepts only about 100 for full consideration. I also did not know that a denial of certiorari does not mean the justices agree with a lower court's ruling. It simply means the Court chose not to review the case.

The video changed the way I think about the Supreme Court because it highlighted both the complexity of the Court's work and the professionalism of the justices. Even when they disagree on major constitutional issues, they share a commitment to the law and respect each other's good-faith efforts. The handshake tradition before conferences was a small detail, but it reinforced the importance of collegiality in an institution that often deals with difficult and controversial questions.

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AI DISCLOSURE: This post was a collaboration using microsoft Copilot. I took detailed notes while watching a 20 minute video about the history of the Supreme Court. In addition to facts that I learned I emphasized my own reactions and opinions while watching. I then asked copilot to help me improve the text by correcting grammar, spelling, and puncuation. I then asked Copilot to help me shape the text into a blog post format. After reviewing the text, I added links to related resources, as well as appropriate images and caption. 

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Watch the Video Here