Chris

National

Summary - According to an article at cbsnews.com, the game of tag has been banned from an elementary school playground. This was brought about after some children said they were harassed or chased against their will. "It causes a lot of conflict on the playground," said the assistant principle of the school. In 2005 two schools near this one did away with tag as well as other "similar games in favor of alternatives with less physical contact."

Opinion - Um... what? If things were left as they previously were, what could follow? Harassment suits? Sexual harassment suits? I wouldn't be surprised as more problems are left up to the courts nowadays, but going back to this situation... One of the complaints was "chased against their will". This seems somewhat ridiculous as the child could simply stand where he or she is and NOT run. Genius! :O As for the harassment complaint, I could see that as a possible issue. If a child were tagged inappropriately, it could lead to sexual harassment. Even worse, if the tags were to continue and became more aggressive, the charges could increase to assault or possibly... murder? Oh yes. Murder. No child has ever actually been murdered from this (as far as I know), BUT that doesn't mean it's not possible. So always beware. And remember... you can't beware until you be aware!

International

Summary - In an article from cnn.com, it states that after one hundred paramilitary forces from Pakistan were reported as kidnapped, they were later found. It was believed they were kidnapped by "local militants with suspected ties to the Taliban."

Opinion - Way to go. You lost a hundred people. At least they were found and now are safe. This is another thing we should be thankful for. They AREN'T dead. PRAISE JESUS!!!

International

Summary - "Suspected drug gang boss arrested in Mexico," says a cnn.com article. As reported Wednesday by the state news agency, a man "arrested at a swanky steakhouse in the capital" was suspected to be a senior member of Mexico's powerful drug gang Gulf Cartel. Juan Carlos de la Cruz (a.k.a. "The JC") was apprehended, along with a few Columbians and alleged hit men in Mexico City. Because of the Gulf Cartel and turf wars, some 1600 people have been killed. This gang dominates in its role of smuggling drugs, such as cocaine, into the U.S.

Opinion - Well, this is good news. Actions like these halt the smuggling of drugs such as cocaine into the United States. What does this mean? What it means simply is one less teenager getting hooked on "the crack". Now can I get an amen?