State of Florida vs. George Zimmerman Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock (or other such barrier of external information), you’ve probably at least heard of the “George Zimmerman Trial.” A tragic situation has been exploited into a national tragedy of racism (that’s the summation of my view; feel...
Articles by Matthew Semrau
Video Games: Source of Violence or Helpful Tool?
This is a research paper written by Matthew E. Semrau in June of 2010. You are free to use this article as long as proper citation and attribution are given. Should you plagiarize this article (use it as your own for school, profit, etc) you will be prosecuted to...
Shell Shocked: Take Some Cover
The last few weeks of have been tumultuous in America–to say the least. The last few days have been marked by death, terror, and destruction. Before our very eyes we’ve witnessed terror be sowed before our very eyes. Whether it was the terrorist attacks in Boston, ricin (a deadly toxin) on government official’s mail, or the horrible (presumably, accidental) disaster in West, Texas that, as I’m writing this, is still unfolding.
To compound the situation, we have endured several weeks of volatile, high-emotion debate on serious issues like homosexual marriage and gun control. I don’t know about you, but I’m really starting to feel it.
To exasperate the situation further, we are now more connected to information than at any other point in human history. Within an hour of the bombing in Boston videos were already circulating the Internet showing us raw footage of the heinous act. I still can feel that thud of the first explosion in my chest. The same holds true for the explosion in the City of West. We have raw cellphone footage from a gentleman and presumably family who were observing the spectacular fire from a distance. Again, another explosion. Even hundreds, even thousands of miles away we are given a front view seat to death.
2013/04/18
Associated Press (AP): Illegal vs. Undocumented Immigrant
A topic of disgust (and discussion) in conservative circles lately is the new Associated Press (AP) guidelines on how news sources should refer to those who have immigrated illegally. As a student of journalism, this is an issue I found troubling. How can I report the truth if I’m...
Some thoughts on traditional marriage
If you haven’t been living under a rock, chances are you’ve noticed the debate in Washington between the ideas of traditional marriage and homosexual marriage. I’ve been weighing in on the topic on Facebook almost daily. Some people like my opinion; others not so much. Admittedly, it’s taken me...
Why the slow updates? Where have you been? Sick.
One Word: Sick Actually, being sick is more of a recent development. Just a couple of weeks ago I played the lead secondary role, Father Drobney, in a production of “Don’t Drink The Water” by Woody Allen with the local community theatre, Blue Heron Theatre. I apparently did well,...
War No More? Reflecting on Iraq & Other Wars
Trouble With War I find myself at an interesting impasse. I suppose it was only a matter of time. Let me begin by saying, I’m not “anti-war”, but I’m even less “pro-war”. I don’t support war as a first option. But, I believe there are times where evil people...
Snippet: Religious Freedom vs. Anti-Discrimination: School Sues Teachers
This is an interesting story I found on FoxNews. Basically, when contracts were about to be renewed, a private Christian school required teachers provide a letter of recommendation from their pastor and a statement of faith. For a private, Christian school whose goal is to not only teach, but...