abbiemclark11

[abbiemclark11]

The Empty Seat

 Suicide is obviously a tragedy which few are unable to explain...few want to think about explaining it for that matter. More often than not, when an individual commits suicide we morn for a little while and then sweep the idea under the rug. We don't want to dwell on the possibility that maybe if we had said "Hi" in the hallway or got to know and care for the victim at a deeper level they would still be here with us. So, when it's all said and done, we as every-day civilians do not go out of our way to prevent the hopelessness of another individual. And when they are gone, we submerse our minds so deep in our busy schedule that we forget about the life left behind.

The “Empty Seat” PSA establishes a sense of loss. It establishes that the victims of suicide did and always would have a spot which they were to fulfill. It creates a sense of sadness and paints a picture of an unfulfilled life. Whether the field is missing a cheerleader, the band be missing it's trombone player, or a classroom be missing a classmate, there is a void in society. A void which could have been filled by a talented, unique individual is left open.

This PSA has emotional transfer and really emotes a sense of sadness and remorse. As Americans, we need to take our nose out of the air and be aware. It is beneficial that it tells one what the signs of suicide are so we can be more cautious. It is sad that suicide is becoming more and more common amongst the younger generation and it is essential we do all we can to stop that. View suicide for what it is, a tragedy. But it is a tragedy we should intend on preventing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OT8lw1Rl-WM

[abbiemclark11]

Abbie Clark

Dr. Fournier

Section 21

9 September 2013

  Futile Intervention

John F. Kennedy stated in his 1961, Inaugural Address: “Let every nation know whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend,oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty”(Millercenter).

        While this view encompasses our values, is it really necessary to put our people in danger only to smack President Bashar al-Assad upside the head?  Of course President Obama claims this action would not instigate a counter attack from Syria or their allies.  But how can one be sure?  Many senators have supported the cause.  Robert Merendez, the chairman of The Senate Foreign Relations Committee, states that the images from the chemical release were “sickening and in his view the world cannot ignore the inhumanity and horror of this act” (Latino Fox News).

        While these deaths are horrific and “one thousand people died, before this incident(two years ago), one hundred thousand people died and nothing happened”(Latino Fox News).  The U.S.A firing missiles will not replace the lives already lost in Syria, nor will it end the conflict.  Nothing we do can bring an end to this deep conflict...in fact, it could potentially cause more problems.  Shipping arms to the activist or taking out the President could empower jihad and promote another Civil War.  And directly launching “air-strikers on a no fly zone,” could put America in the middle of the battle for years.  Launching the cruise missles would only be used for punishment, therefor futile and the only thing which would come out of it is a few more deaths and an upset Bashar al-Assad (Fisher). 

        As a final point, we need to realize who Syria is allied with...Iran and Russia.  Whose to know that an action towards Syria would not cause these two allies to begin making threats toward America.  Why would we want to risk that when we still have men serving?  Do we really want to engage our country in another pressing conflict?�� Considering the issue in Syria is currently insolvable, I vote we keep our missiles to ourselves and save them for a truly crucial time.

Works Cited

  Fisher, Max. "9 questions about Syria you were too embarrassed to ask. “The Washington Post: National, World & D.C. Area News and Headlines - The Washington Post. Wahington post, n.d. Web. 10 Sept. 2013. <http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2013/08/29/9-questions-about-syria-you-were-too-embarrassed-to-ask/>.

  Kennedy, John. "Inaugural Address (January 20, 1961)—Miller Center."Miller Center. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Sept. 2013. <http://millercenter.org/president/speeches>.

  "Senate Hearing Examines Pros And Cons Of Military Strike Against Syria 

        Fox News Latino."Fox News Latino Home. Fox News, 3 Sept. 2013. Web.10.Sept.2013. <http://latino.foxnews.com/latino/politics/2013/09/03/senate-hearingexamines-pros-and-cons-military-strike-against-syria/>.