Andrew Reiff

International

Summary- Murky raid heats up Syria-Israel tension

Apparently Israeli fighter aircraft made an air strike deep into Syrian territory, and Syria complained to the U.N. but has done little else. The target is unknown, and Israel was silent on the subject, although America has some speculatory theories, including a) Iranian missiles, b) North Korean nuclear tech, and c) Hezbollah missiles. Israel and Syria have fought in the past, with Israel winning handily each time, but now each side has done nothing but heighten alertness along their borders.

Opinion-

I'm sure that whatever Israel was after it had good reason for being after it. It might have also been a check of Syrian air defenses, or it could have been a false accusation by Syria, although I doubt that. Whatever it was, it is shrouded in mystery, but I am glad that the U.S. stands behind Israel no matter what happens, because they need our help. Go Israel w00t!

National

Summary- Powerball win: Fantasy or Nightmare?

Jack Whittaker won a nearly 315 million dollar powerball jackpot in 2002. It was then the biggest payout to a single person ever. Since winning, however, his wife has left him, his one daughter died, and the other daughter still has cancer. Since winning he has been involved in 460 legal actions. He has no true friends and he is constantly burglarized and hounded for money. He was already a self-made millionaire when he won, with a pipe business worth over 17 million dollars. He started working part-time for his father when he was 10, and now pays over 200 construction workers 36 dollars an hour. He has donated over 23 million dollars to build 2 new churches.

Opinion-

I have never read this side of a lottery-winner's story before. He has truly had an unfortunate life after he won. He claims he has been demonized by the media and that it drove his wife away, and I think that is probably true. My opinion about winning the lottery has certainly changed after reading about this man's experiences.