February 2014 Junior Statement by JSA

PETA protesters 3 Impact of Technology 5 Arab Spring 6 Cyber Security 15

2014 Tech In 2014 © Kelly Kim

Issue 4

Contents

THE JUNIOR STATEMENT Issue 4 .

News

JSA - 1

NES Watches the State of the Union

Opinions

JSA 1 NES Watches the SOTU Staten Island Tech Chapter 1 A Pacific Northwest Perspective Westville HS Chapter

U.S. 2 NSA Data Collection Constitutional ramifications of the actions. 3 SeaWorld: PETA Arrests Environmental activists run afoul of the law. 4 Duck Dynasty What does Duck Dynasty reveal about society? 5 Impact of Technology Technology’s impact on Education and Culture

World 6 Arab Spring The Arab Spring and its effects 7 Al Qaeda Takes Fallujah A war torn region falls into militant hands.

8 The Case For Non-Intervention in Egypt Why the the US should not get involved. 9 Mass Media and Guns A killer combination? 10 Pope Francis: Not Just For Catholics How the new Pope appeals to others. 11 LA Plastic Bag Ban The ban’s environmental benefits. 12 On Wealth and College Admissions How wealth affects your chances. 13 Rankings: A System of Flaws How High School rankings fail us. 15 The Future of Cyber Security Tech’s new dangers, and how to fight them. 16 Reflections on the Occupy Movement How the 99% still affect us today. 17 The Olympics Sochi’s unexpected LGBT dilemma. 18 Send Development Aid to the Sahel Region of Africa The case for aid to a needy region.

Events

Junior Statement Staff Jack Cahn Editor in Chief Michael Lahanas Layout Editor Kelly Kim Copy Editor Kelly Kim and Michelle Min News Editors Simran Singh and Emma Seely-Katz Opinions Editors Jenny McGinty Events Editor Nassim Touil and Victoria Yu Graphics

19 NER Megacon Prospect Hill Academy Chapter 20 PNW Holds Dual Chapter Conferences Issaquah and Kentridge Chapters 21 SoCal Holds Double Events John Burroughs and Bell Gardens Chapters 22 MW Holds Chapter Con At Morton Morton High School Chapter 23 ORV Hosts Conspiracy Themed Chapter Con Miamisburg High School Chapter

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By Gary Dreyer Staff Writer

group of dedicated Northeast JSAers from Staten Island Tech gathered for a State of the Union Watch Party at Northeast Expansion Agent Michael Abel’s home. Accompanied by close friends and snacks, the students had an incredible experience observing one of the nation’s most anticipated and closely-watched political traditions, truly in the spirit of JSA’s mission of civic involvement and activism among American youth. Prior to, during, and after the President’s address and Rep. Cathy McMorris Roger’s Republican Response, one could observe the students paying close attention to President Obama’s rhetoric. The audience that gathered for the watch party included individuals with a wide variety of views on the political spectrum, including conservative Republicans, staunch libertarians, dedicated centrists, and liberal Democrats. Yet, in contrast to the oftentimes toxic and negative-spirited environment and tone that penetrates the political dialogue in our nation’s capital today, the discussion was lively and engaging, but thoroughly positive and respectful. Issues which sparked particular debate included President Obama’s discussion of his executive order increasing the minimum wage for federal contractors, his pledge to close Guantanamo Bay by the end of 2014, and his defense of the implementation of the Affordable Care Act. With so many issues facing the United States at this critical juncture, the students remained hopeful that some progress would be made. Furthermore, they were looking forward to hearing more about these and many other issues in the context of this year’s midterm election campaign, a particularly sensitive topic for them as residents of one of the nation’s most marginal and closely-watched Congressional districts.

A Pacific Northwest Perspective

By Jackie Salzinger Staff Writer

n my way to my local JSA State of the Union party with my chapter, I was listening to the radio in the car, and I heard the host say “Obama’s speech starts in ten minutes!” I had a brief moment of excitement as I thought about how the whole nation would be tuning in to talk about politics at the same time, but then the host quickly followed his previous statement with “All I can say is it better not last more than an hour, because I want to watch the Blazers game.” Sometimes it’s hard to find people who truly care about what’s going on in D.C., but that’s what made this year’s State of the Union fun – watching it with fellow JSAers. If you were just judging by our facial reactions and emotional outbursts, you might guess we were watching the Blazers game. We had to restrain ourselves from debating the television and each other as we all came together to hear our President address the nation. And, of course, we played State of the Union bingo (credit for the awesome idea going to Savannah Jenson of our Westview chapter!). “Farm bill” and “partial standing ovation” got crossed out pretty quickly, but we were all shocked he made it through the speech without using the exact phrase “income inequality”! Overall, I can say a JSA party is the right way to spend a political night like that. Yes, Obama’s speech itself may have been boring at times, but watching it with debate-minded political junkies made the event so much more fun.

News - 2

News - 3 THE JUNIOR STATEMENT Issue 4 . Opinions

NSA Data Collection and the Constitution

SeaWorld: PETA Arrests By Arian Rubio Staff Writer

Lucas

THE JUNIOR STATEMENT Issue 4 .

ontroversy currently surrounds the question of whether or not the data collection policies of the National Security Agency (NSA) violate the constitutional rights of the people. In December of 2013, federal courts decided to provide an answer to this question; however, the courts reached contrasting beliefs. Judge Richard Leon of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia issued a 68page ruling on December 16, 2013, stating that the policies of metadata collection violate the Fourth Amendment’s ban on unreasonable searches and seizures. In the ruling, Judge Leon compared the practices of the NSA to governmental action found in George Orwell’s novels. He also claimed that James Madison, who is largely considered the Father of the Constitution, would find the practices of the NSA appalling. According to Judge Leon, the NSA policies are reprehensible violations of the people’s constitutional protections. Judge William Pauley’s of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York views on the NSA policies contrasted those of Judge Leon. On December 27, 2013, Judge Pauley held in a 54-page opinion that stated that the metadata program did not violate the federal laws. She added that this case cited the privacy standards set in the 1979 Smith v. Maryland Supreme Court case, and the NSA’s data collection could be reconciled with this legal precedent. Shortly after Judge Pauley’s decision was publicized, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), who first brought up the unconstitutionality of the metadata program to trial, issued statements denouncing Judge Pauley’s opinions. Given that the jurisdictions of the U.S. District Courts differ, and the appellate courts differ in ruling, it is likely that the NSA data collection policy’s legality will be challenged at the Supreme Court level. The revelations about the NSA’s controversial practice and the political battles that come along with the legal battle foreshadow the potential of a modern and lucid definition of privacy in the age of information.

By Hannah Smilansky Staff Writer

people were arrested on January 2nd, 2014 for protesting at SeaWorld’s New Year’s Day Rose Parade in Pasadena, California. What originally began as a typical SeaWorld event quickly escalated into a demonstration involving approximately 100 People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) protestors. The PETA protestors attempted to stop the SeaWorld’s float, calling it a “mockery” of SeaWorld’s whales. On the float, a boy is shown snorkeling above a family of orca whales that are swimming in the ocean. To PETA, this picture was a false depiction of SeaWorld, where orca families are often separated. Similarly, the orca whales are not allowed to swim freely in the ocean because of their captivity. In protest of the flat’s false message, PETA demonstrators sat down in front of the float. The youngest protesMarissa Shaw tor, Rose McCoy, shared her own thoughts on the subject: “I couldn’t imagine being separated from my mom and put in a cement box so people could pay to gawk at me...but that’s what SeaWorld does when it snatches baby orcas from their moms. I hope families will realize the suffering in every single tiny tank at SeaWorld and stay a mile away.” As a response to PETA’s actions, SeaWorld wrote: “The real advocates for animals are the trainers, aviculturists, animal-care staff and veterinarians at SeaWorld. We believe most Americans recognize that SeaWorld, not PETA, is the real animal welfare organization.” SeaWorld went on to call PETA an “extremist” organization. SeaWorld’s reputation has become increasingly threatened after the release of Blackfish, a documentary exposing the secrets behind the animal entertainment industry. With topics ranging from the capture of orcas to the tiny environments in which orcas are forced to live in, Blackfish has incited negative backlash towards SeaWorld. The PETA protest is only one of many battles SeaWorld will have to fight.

News - 4 Opinions

THE JUNIOR STATEMENT Issue 4 .

Duck Dynasty Controversy

By Rohit Joshi Staff Writer

ast month, Phil Robertson, Robertson family patriarch on A&E’s popular reality television show Duck Dynasty, was suspended from the show for disparaging remarks towards homosexuals, African-Americans and others during an interview with the magazine GQ. After a backlash advocating Robertson’s right to personal and religious beliefs in addition to his family’s objection to filming without him, A&E reinstated Robertson on Duck Dynasty a few weeks later. Supporters of Robertson’s return, mostly political conservatives, decried his removal from the show as a violation of his freedom of speech. Conservative leaders like Lousiana Governer Bobby Jindal spoke against A&E for infringing on First Amendment rights. Liberals, LGBT supporters and civil rights activists, on the other hand, supported Robertson’s removal, and denounced A&E’s move to reinstate him. Many alleged that his removal was a publicity tactic that was never seriously considered – that Duck Dynasty is simply too popular and too profitable for A&E to cut. The whole ordeal raised a number of concerns: First, it highlighted the growing power of the media. Without the coverage and sensationalism that reporters provided on the topic, it would not have become so publicized. With many hot button issues being debated at the same time, many Americans were surprised at the pervasiveness of this one topic. Second, the experience reiterated the importance of public relations for both big name celebrities and large corporations. If reporters had not been able to get Robertson away from A&E representatives, these controversial statements would most likely have been prevented. Third, the incident increased interest in the influence of religion in culture and media; the underlying Christian message of Duck Dynasty affects the targets of its audience, yet A&E does not explicitly highlight religion. Most of the coverage and outcry focused on Robertson’s opposing remarks on homosexuality. Was it our nation’s fixation – and incompatible views – on homosexuality that made Phil Robertson’s remarks so contentious? Though A&E obtained publicity from the ordeal, it is hard to say that it was good publicity — A&E’s actions were questioned at every turn. But only time will tell what this event means for us. For now, make your own decision whether or not to keep watching Duck Dynasty.

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THE JUNIOR STATEMENT Issue 4 .

The Convergence of Technology and Education By Jasmine Lee Staff Writer

Lauren Liao

echnology is bigger and better than ever before, and 2014 promises to be a game changer in terms of public perception of technology and education. Innovative companies like Google and Apple are finding ways to make students’ everyday schedules more efficient and enjoyable. By creating apps that grant students easy access to online study materials and online documents that can be viewed and simultaneously shared with friends, these companies are slowly integrating technology into the field of education. The gradual shift toward technology has occurred in schools throughout the nation. The number of courses and tutorials found online has increased drastically within the last year, and many students have turned to online resources such as Khan Academy to improve their chances of academic success. With the burgeoning success of these online educational sites, schools are now exploring different teaching methods and lesson plans to provide students with a more interactive and in depth experience. The traditional framework of academics is already being challenged. Education technology experts are using the very technology that students have become dependent on to create systems that will increase interaction and productivity. Such innovative systems include flipped classrooms, blended models and competency based learning. The flipped classroom system integrates technology within education in order to increase efficiency in the classroom. Students can learn new course materials online by watching video lectures at home and completing assigned problems during school with the assistance of teachers. Competency based learning tailors students’ schedules to their individual needs, enabling students to learn at their own pace with online courses and available technology. Educators and tech experts see a future for technology in improving education in grades K-12 for the new year. Last Sept., a federal plan to distribute 30,000 iPads in schools throughout the nation failed when students found ways to bypass security and access social media sites such as Facebook and Youtube. Despite this setback, optimistic educators and tech experts are, now more than ever, determined to see education and technology merge to create a better learning experience for students in this age of technology.

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News - 7 THE JUNIOR STATEMENT Issue 4 . Opinions

The Arab Spring Today

Al Qaeda Takes Fallujah

By SiTian Zhang Staff Writer

n 2011, a wave of revolutionary fervor encompassed the Middle East, bringing hope for democracy and an end to tyranny. In some nations, peaceful protests prevailed, while in other nations, the peaceful protests quickly escalated into armed revolts. Nevertheless, chaos and disunity remain throughout the Middle East. The different nations of the Arab Spring and their respective situations are described below: Tunisia: The self-immolation of one of Tunisia’s street vendors sparked the first protest of the Arab Spring. Tunisia was also one of the first to oust its dictator, Ben Ali, who was done so through demonstrations. Since then, the country has been plagued by both economic laggardness and terrorism. Its legislative body has yet to pass a Constitution, dogged by the struggle to choose between Islamism and secularism. However, progress continues to be made, as democratic representatives of the people come closer to establishing a steadily running government. Libya: Libya’s revolution was dominated by violent clashes between the public’s uprising and the government, which lead to international military interference. The rebels prevailed with the capture and death of their dictator, Gadhafi. However, the possibility of the nation adopting a constitution based on Sharia law has the Western World and Libyan Coptic Christians worried. Tribal unrests and high crime rates further upset the potential for peace. Bahrain: Faced with brutal crackdowns, Bahrain demonstrators have been unsuccessful in their efforts. Thousands of demonstrators were imprisoned, many subjected to torture. Moreover, efforts by the international community to provide humanitarian aid to the Bahrainis have been blocked by the government. Egypt: Protests in Egypt successfully led to the resignation and eventual imprisonment of Egyptian president, Mubarak. However, deposed by a military coup, Mubarak’s democratically-elected successor, Morsi, found himself with a similar fate. Today, Egypt remains under military rule with violence constantly breaking out among supporters of various political factions. Its people lead lives of extreme instability, and its economy languishes. Syria: In no other nation affected by the Arab Spring has the violence reached the proportions that it has in Syria. Syria is the site of a full-blown civil war with numerous rebel groups continuously battling the Assad regime. All sides have been reported to have been the source of gross atrocities, and a series of chemical weapons attacks have sparked the outrage of the global community. Unfortunately, peace and stability for Syria seem nowhere in sight. The bloody struggles of the Arab Spring have yet to end. All nations touched by the Arab Spring face similar challenges: Islamic extremism, terrorism, and economic instability. It is important that we remain aware of the nations’ situations. The revolutionaries in the Middle East are fighting for noble goals-democracy, freedom, human rights, and the support of the western world may be crucial to the success of the revolutionaries’ fights.

THE JUNIOR STATEMENT Issue 4 .

By Ahmed Shaw Staff Writer

Antor Paul

he Nuremberg Tribunal, after World War II, established a war of aggression as “the supreme international crime, differing only from other war crimes in that it contains within itself the accumulated evil of the whole.” A serious discussion of contemporary wars of aggression does not overlook the recent war of aggression against Iraq which had failed to achieve its goals and instead resulted in the takeover of Fallujah and Ramadi by Al Qaeda affiliates. By March of 2003, the US was officially at war with Iraq. As the war raged on, the city of Fallujah, which was turned into a “free-fire zone to try to reduce casualties among their own [US] troops,” became the site of the “bloodiest battle” of the war. Hundreds of thousands of its residents were forced to evacuate the city. Studies have shown that the 2004 assault on the city resulted in increased birth defects that are eleven times that of the of the world’s average. On January 3, 2013, two years after the US withdrawal from Iraq, the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), an Al Qaeda affiliated organization, took control of the city of Fallujah. Al Qaeda forces from Syria also crossed over into western Iraq to aid the capture of the Anwar province. Over 15,000 Iraqis evacuated the city, and Sunni tribal forces have united with Al Qaeda in order to topple the Shiite government, as sectarian Islamism never fails to factor into these sorts of conflicts. So far, Washington has provided support in the form of Hellfire missiles and intelligence to the Iraqi government; however, Secretary Kerry vowed to refrain from sending American troops over to the gulf state. The Iraqi government’s response has been a series of air strikes and a declaration to continue fighting the insurgents until their defeat. What is most saddening is that the people of Fallujah are once again being subjected to needless violence because of an unjust war. It should be noted that Iraq was a land virtually devoid of Al Qaeda while Saddam Hussein was in power —it still stands that Hussein was an unjust ruler, but oppressive regimes have never been a problem for US policymakers given that Hussein had full support from Washington during the Iran-Iraq war. The militants were only able to gain ground as a result of destroyed society and were guaranteed to fill the newly created power vacuum left by American withdrawal in late 2011. Adam Kokesh, a veteran who served in Fallujah, noted: “It was only a matter of time before this happened.”

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The Case for Non-Intervention in Egypt’s Political Turmoil Anja Seng

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Mass Media and Guns By Benjamin Lanier Staff Writer

anuary 24th, 2013, at the World Economic Forum in Davos, the United States Secretary of State John Kerry talked for a long time about Iran and Syria, and he talked for a very long time about Israel-Palestine. But on the crisis in Egypt, despite the fact that Egypt holds about a quarter of the worlds Arabs, and receives 1.3 billion a year in foreign aid from the U.S., he said nothing. Based on his silence, it may seem like the U.S. has no Egypt policy. Especially embarrassing is the fact the U.S., when it did have an Egypt policy, failed at every turn. First the Obama Administration sided with Mubarak, then it sided with those who overthrew him, then it tried to establish relations with the Muslim Brotherhood, then it backed the military coup that removed Morsi, and finally Secretary Kerry said that the junta headed by Gen. Abdul-Fattah el-Sisi was “restoring democracy.” Each and every time, we supported the loser. These failures and inconsistencies have been a result of our unnecessary interventions. As the saying goes, when no clear option presents itself, do nothing. And right now, the U.S. has no clear option on Egypt. Contrary to American political rhetoric, democracy is generally not something that can simply be “created” by a foreign or hegemonic power. Regime change through warfare that results in the destruction of infrastructure, and the middle class and divestment in business cannot create a sustainable democracy. Economic sanctions that destroy a country’s middle class do not work either. To free a country from what German sociologist Robert Michels called the “Iron Law of Oligarchy” is a slow and cumulative process. Most importantly, the process requires sustained economic growth to create a strong middle class. Studies show that democratic revolutions are usually successful when the per capita GDP is above $6,000, and when the figure rises above $10,000, they are successful 98% of the time. Authoritarian regimes often are able to create sustained economic growth effectively, growth that leads to their own downfall, as the 1960`s era authoritarian ruler of South Korea can attest to. After a period of economic growth builds up a middle class capable of revolting, when the regime encounters a crisis, as all governments eventually do, their lack of political legitimacy will likely lead to them being ousted for a democratic government. Accepting Francis Fukayama`s critically acclaimed thesis in The End of History and the Last Man that liberal democracy is the final form of government makes this not a possibility, but an inevitability. Resultantly, our inaction concerning the military coup is a good thing. Let there be growth under the authoritarian regime. Let there finally be a successful democratic revolution in the next few decades as a result of the strong middle class that develops from this growth. Let us use our 1.3 billion dollars in foreign aid as leverage to ensure the military junta keeps human rights violations to a minimum. Other than this last option, there is nothing the Obama Administration can do, and nothing it should do, other than sympathize with the Egyptian people as they go through this difficult but necessary phase of authoritarian growth.

By Ashley Kim Staff Writer

itizens of the 21st century, an age of previously unimaginable technological feats, are currently faced with an inescapable truth: we have become detached from the workings of government. Instead of thinking for ourselves, we are falling head over heels for the media’s portrayals of “national catastrophes.” Instead of forming political opinions, we are becoming captivated by the partisan “blame game.” Specifically, the mass media thrives on the stories of mass murders and guns. Through its depiction of these violent topics, the media is able to build a deceptive stage of large scale spectacle, drama and emotion. According to a Pew Research Control poll, even though gun crime has dropped by half since its peak in the mid 1990’s, roughly 56% of Americans mistakenly believe that gun violence has increased because of the media. Let’s take a look at how the media likes to cover shootings. Say a mass shooting in some quiet town left 16 people dead. For days, even weeks, the tragedy will become fuel for media to run the same story over and over, constantly throughout the day, each with a new “chilling” detail about the shooter’s life. The scene begins with blaring sirens. There’s the initial breakdown, exactly how the shooter arrives, at what time, how he proceeds to murder his victims, a despicable mugshot of the “criminal” who supposedly had mental problems, and even grim footage of...nothing, really. Everything else is pixilated to the point of headache. Every scrap of footage the media can find of the shooter is sensationalized, repeatedly showing the shooter’s face and giving him or her undeserved fame.’ The media is basically spoon-feeding other isolated, angry potential murderers with ideas on how they can leave their mark on the world. To make matters worse, children are often victimized and exploited by media in order to stir the most compelling human emotions – fear and anger – and dramatize the news. In reality, guns are used defensively almost five times as they are used for criminal activity. Baseball bats and auto accidents kill more people annually than guns do, and yet, there are no rallies to up and eradicate these “weapons”. An examination of New York Times stories from 2001 shows over a hundred articles related to the use of guns by criminals, totaling 50,745 words. Contrastingly, there were 163 words about the defensive use of a gun by a citizen in only one story. Media has managed to brainwash society into thinking guns are dangerous to achieve dubious political agendas. In order to deter the trend of mass murders, citizens of the United States must learn to overcome their irrational fear of guns. After all, guns are owned by everyday, hard-working farmers, law enforcement officers, soldiers, and even me, a .22 hand pistol Junior Olympic shooter and Junior Statesman.

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Pope Francis: Not Just For Roman Catholics Marissa Shaw

By Laura Wheelan Staff Writer

he pendulum of the Roman Catholic Church has swung this past year. No longer is the church focused on maintaining regulations and appearances; it has begun to focus on love and humility. The catalyst for this change was the appointment of Pope Francis as the new leader of the Catholic Church. Pope Francis, TIME Magazine’s “Man of The Year”, is a beacon of hope for Catholics around the world. He has changed the definition of evangelization from spreading the word of God in the effort to convert others to spreading love of God by following in Jesus’ footsteps. In the past few months, Pope Francis has blown away a world that expects a leader to wear expensive shoes and sit behind a glass wall of doctrine and regulation by paying his own hotel bills and taking other such humble actions. Pope Francis has gone as far as to reject the traditional papal residence, and, instead, live in the Vatican guest house. He drives a beat up Ford Focus instead of in a papal Mercedes. What really sets Pope Francis apart, however, is his charity work. When a little boy walked across a stage in front of thousands of people to sit on the Pope’s chair, Pope Francis made no complaint, and patted the boy on the head. At night, the Pope sneaks out of the Vatican to help the homeless. There are pictures of Pope Francis washing the feet of female convicts, hugging a man with a deformed face, and taking selfies with young visitors of the Vatican. It seems the Pope uses technology to his advantage. In nine months, Pope Francis completely changed the tone of the church through actions and with words. He has stated that “the church’s pastoral ministry cannot be obsessed with the transmission of a disjointed multitude of doctrines to be imposed insistently... We have to find a new balance; otherwise even the moral edifice of the Church is likely to fall like a house of cards, losing the freshness and fragrance of the Gospel.” Pope Francis has turned the vision of the Catholic Church away from the past, embracing the present and looking towards the future. For example, he discusses the role of women, abortion, and gay rights -- issues once ignored by the Vatican. While he holds many of the traditional Catholic beliefs, he does so in a kinder, gentler, and more accepting manner than past popes. Pope Francis does not agree with women who have considered abortion because of poverty or rape. Instead of chastising them, however, he has responds to them by asking: “Who can remain unmoved before such painful situations?”

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Continued from previous page... While he does not believe in gay marriage, Pope Francis believes that “if a homosexual person is of good will and is in search of God, I am not one to judge.” He relates the church to a field hospital– arguing that the Church is obligated to tend to the wounded. He adds that one “doesn’t ask a bleeding man about his cholesterol level.” Critics of Pope Francis think he won’t be able to accomplish anything beyond making the moderate Catholics happier with a softer tone, but I disagree. The Pope is spreading goodwill and humility, while encouraging people to help the poor and be kind to all humans. He is spreading the values of Christ in ways that can reach not only Roman Catholics but all people, touching even the furthest of hearts.

LA Plastic Bag Ban

By Somnath Ganapa Staff Writer

ince the publication of Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring, the great impetus behind the environmental movement, environmentalism and ecological consideration have come a long way. The latest installment in this series of positive advancements is the Los Angeles’ plastic bag ban. The government is finally cooperating with the environmentalists whose pleas had gone long unheard. In addition, the fact that such a populous city as Los Angeles has endeavored to proceed in the right environmental direction will have a reverberation heard throughout the world. The new mandate prohibits plastic bags, encouraging consumers to carry their own reusable bags or purchase a paper bag. However, many residents of the region are quite tentative about the law, complaining that they do not wish to pay the “hefty” price or be burdened by the “cumbersome” weight of a canvas bag. This small inconvenience pales in contrast to the vast destruction that we have caused to terrestrial and marine habitats throughout the earth. The trash bags that linger on the streets travel vast distances, many reaching the oceans. Under a seemingly healthy veneer, the oceans, consisting of a beautiful variety of flora and fauna, are afflicted by the excess of trash bags. The large amounts of trash bags aggregate around ocean currents that keep them in place, a hodgepodge of plastic particles, manmade objects, and other contaminants said to amass to the size of Texas. Recent scientific studies of fish have found particles of plastic inside of dissected fish and other creatures. Surely, this tragic outcome of pollution is not only disadvantageous for the organisms it victimizes, but also the labyrinthine food chains revolving around the victims, and us, humans, who are heavily dependent on subsistence from the oceans. The trash bag ban, which might seem inconsequential at first glance, is a great step for humans, the protectors of the earth. If the care of the earth is not the responsibility of humanity, then to whom do we designate such an important task to? Each customer should rejoice at the idea of saving the Earth, one bag at a time. Amanda Kaufman

Opinions - 12

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On Wealth And College Admissions By Catherine ZhangStaff Writer

wo weeks ago for an American Studies project, I attempted to mimic an art piece by balancing prep books staggered on top of each other. By the time I haf finished arranging, a pile of twenty books loomed before me. “Higher score guaranteed. More practice online. 2 fulllength practice tests included,” they read. The Princeton Review prices its AP prep books at around twenty dollars each, including tax. Crude multiplication tells me that I had approximately 400 dollars worth of inked paper arranged like Jenga blocks in a College Board tower. Granted, over half of them were borrowed from a family friend who went off to Harvard. Still, that's a staggering sum to pay for higher AP test scores and SAT results, both of which relate directly to college admissions competitiveness. While we'd all like to believe that quality education is a meritocracy rewarded to the most deserving of hard workers and innovative thinkers, the fact of the matter is that this quixotic idea is flawed. When it comes to higher education, students who come from wealthier households have a far greater advantage than students from lower-income households. In some cases, the discrimination is distinct. As Sarah Kendzior pointed out in her Al Jazeera article "The Immorality of College Admissions." At George Washington University, students who are unable to pay full tuition are put on a wait list, while wealthier students are let in. In 2012, less than 1 percent of wait-listed students were admitted. In 2010, a Washington Post article reported that colleges such as Brandeis, Middlebury, and Reed University had backed away from need-blind admissions, purposely increasing the amount of foreign and transfer students they accepted, categories which have never been considered on a need-blind basis. The Washington Post article elucidates an incident at Tufts University in which Tufts' Admission committee began deliberations with a need-blind approach, but had to stop when 95% of the class was full because Tufts had spent its entire financial aid budget. In other cases, the discrepancy is subtler. An article published in the Harvard Crimson notes that at approximately 45.6% of Harvard undergraduates come from families with incomes above $200,000, placing them in the top 3.8 percent of American households. Meanwhile, a mere 17.8% come from the bottom three quintiles of U.S. incomes. Researchers at Georgetown University find that at most competitive colleges, only 14% come from the bottom half of the socioeconomic status distribution. The number has gone unchanged for the past two decades.

Lauren Liao

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Continued from previous page... Some may argue that lower-income students are simply less qualified in terms of admission, pointing to lower standardized testing scores or fewer extracurricular activities. Extracurriculars can be costly, both from an economic standpoint and in terms of opportunity costs. Being a debater not only means fifty plus dollars a year in fees for tournament entrance and travel expenses, but it could also mean not being able to work a job on weekends. Also, keep in mind that Junior State of America just recently opened its scholarship program, meaning that students who couldn't afford to pay over a hundred dollars in traveling fees for conventions were unable to participate in such an integral part of JSA. Furthermore, in terms of standardized testing, wealthier students have the advantage of attending specialized SAT and ACT prep courses that allow them to take an almost infinite amount of practice tests. They're able to afford a multitude of different prep books, all of which can be pricey. At the end of the day, these students walk into their standardized testing rooms already familiar with the format of the test and the ways to work through it. As most of us will be applying to colleges in the future, or have already applied, and it's time to think about the system we're buying into.

Rankings: A System of Flaws

By Harry Petsios Staff Writer

very October, eighth graders across America sit down with their parents for an important discussion: high school applications. From the 500-page high school directory, students are given a daunting task – they must choose where to spend the four years of the academic careers. Prior to attending open houses, seeking alumni’s advice, or visiting school websites, parents turn to the high school rankings. These rankings, which exist on local, state and national levels, often guide parents in preliminary decision-making. Despite widely held faith in these systems, the rankings for high schools often prove inaccurate and misleading. On all levels, the systems contain transparent flaws that sway results in one way or another. The most shocking and permeating flaw of high school rankings is the relative equality with which schools are judged. The reporters and analysts behind the rankings disregard a crucial fact: not all schools are created equal. Throughout the United States, many schools designations exist, including zoned, specialized, magnet, rewards, and various others. How can a zoned school possibly be on par with one that selectively chooses its students? A selective school population indicates a more talented and intelligent student body. This provides an unfair advantage to specialized and selective schools. Although their students do receive higher scores on standardized tests, this reveals nothing of the quality of their education. A zoned school, despite its low testing turnout, may still offer a quality education to students. If ranking systems seek to truly convey an accurate picture of schools, certain categories must exist for differing school designations.

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Opinions - 14 Opinions

THE JUNIOR STATEMENT Issue 4 . Opinions Opinions - 15

Continued from previous page... Building on a previous point, another serious flaw in the ranks is the weight placed upon standardized testing and advanced placement classes. Among the factors weighed in these rankings are the AP participation rate, AP success rate and average SAT score. These factors are reflective of a system in which socio-economics are forgotten. Sadly, only schools with larger budgets can afford to offer extensive AP courses or in-school SAT preparation. Students in zoned schools, as a result, don’t have the same access to more rigorous courses, as does a student from a selective school. Moreover, by placing such emphasis on testing results, ranking systems overlook a crucial part of the education system: student quality of life. Although many journalists argue that there is no quantitative data to assess student life, numerous surveys have proven otherwise. Examining the number of student clubs and teams, rigor of the student newspaper and government, school environment and average nightly homework assignments grants a thorough view of student life. Shamefully, school principals can often find way to work the system in their favor with ease. To ensure the best possible grade, certain principals structure their curricula to meet the standards of the rankings. By increasing the number of AP courses, mandating AP courses, and encouraging native speakers to take language exams, a school’s rank increases. Although newer restrictions have made this phenomenon harder to achieve, it persists and pervades the education system. In response to these shortcomings, news agencies like US World and News and the New York Post defend their rankings on account of their purpose. Reporters argue that, although the rankings are compiled by imperfect means, the system is only meant to offer a limited window of the education system. Analysts do not expect parents or eighth graders to base their decisions solely based on statistics. They further contend that positions in the rankings don’t shift very often, despite school improvement efforts. The high level of stratification present in these systems further explains why they aren’t reliable sources of information. Acknowledging how skewed rankings are, many parents choose to form their own opinions through open houses, guided tours, meetings with staff, and mentor programs. These options are more suitable in understanding the academics and environment present in a school, and thus should be the factors that contribute the most in deciding an eighth grader’s future.

Lucas

THE JUNIOR STATEMENT Issue 4 .

The Future of Cyber Security By Keshav Sota Staff Writer

he nation is without power, hospitals are running out of back up generators, stock prices are plummeting internationally due to panic, and crime is growing exponentially. The United States’ central power grid has been compromised. Pandemonium and chaos are abound as the President issues a national state of emergency. Such a catastrophic event has the potential to manifest if hackers compromise the nation’s most important component of infrastructure. Cybercrime is a problem that could affect the entire world, and thus, must be dealt with immediately. Technology has been advancing from the dawn of mankind and is humanity’s crowning achievement. The Internet, one of the most powerful inventions of all time, has revolutionized communication and become an important part of our lives. It has not only connected the world, but also has allowed for access to infinite information. However, there exists a group of people, known as hackers, who are exploiting the Internet with malicious intent. Cyber attacks on governments and businesses have become common newspaper headlines. One of the most shocking attacks was reported in November of 2009, when American and Israeli intelligence hackers released a virus called “stuxnet” to infiltrate the Iranian Nataz nuclear plant. Within two months of its release, the virus destroyed over one thousand reactors and caused millions of dollars in damages. Although Iran was eventually able to remove the virus, significant damage had already occurred to the country’s nuclear program. Such cases are becoming more common as countries relax their cyber policies instead of strengthening them. In fact, since 2005, the United States Department of Defense has been breached 608,087,870 times. A potential disaster is waiting to occur unless countries change their policies. In order to solve this problem, countries have to invest more money into fortifying their cyber defenses. By increasing the readiness for future attacks, countries will have the insight and experience needed to prevent them. Furthermore, cyber security standards must be more severe in crucial sectors, such as banking and healthcare, to protect people’s information from being stolen and misused. To address the issue at the core, citizens need to be prepared to protect themselves online at an early age. Introduction of online safety courses in middle and high schools is a way to create an informed and safe generation. As the world enters a new chapter of technological advancements, cyber security is an issue that needs to be addressed immediately.

Opinions - 16

THE JUNIOR STATEMENT Issue 4 .

Opinions - 17

The Olympics

Reflections on the Occupy Movement

By Andrew Laberee Staff Writer

ccupy Wall Street should have changed something. All the headlines, internet-buzz, prime-time news coverage – how could something that seemed to take root and shoot up overnight have swiftly died? The frustration and anger that birthed this movement have not vanished. If anything, the agitation between the 1% and 99% is more severe than ever. Over two years ago, this movement began and spread to over 80 countries and over 900 cities all over the world. It started in Zuccotti Park in Lower Manhattan, and was fueled by the fire of discontent in the educated middle class. Upset by what seemed like perpetual economic disparities, people organized peaceful encampments and marches. To the surprise and delight of the organizers, thousands showed up. Many JSAers came and the movement took hold of college campuses throughout the nation. “We are the 99%,” protestors proclaimed, coining the phrase that defined the crusade. Although the campaign was leaderless, and despite the fact that it lacked a published list of demands, it spread and grew, aided by Twitter, Tumblr, and a tech-savvy population. The protestors’ general grievances were summarized by these four directives which became widely circulated across the Internet: “End the campaign finance and lobbying racket, break up the Fed and Too Big to Fail banks, enforce RICO laws against organized criminal class, order Ben Bernanke to step down.” Occupy sought to even the playing field. Authorities had for the most part tolerated the protesters and their messy encampments, but after two months, the police began forcibly removing the camps and the campers. When the cameras recorded the police macing, clubbing, and arresting these calm protesters, news coverage went into high gear. This American “awakening” was brief. We have returned to our customary sleepiness. Executive compensation continues its gluttony; there were no break-ups of mega banks, and the Fed was not dismantled or audited. The cards that have always been stacked against the 99% are still neatly and securely in place, and those who would think, articulate, and organize have returned to passivity. There are a few takeaways from Occupy. Revolutionary changes require revolutions, and America is not prepared or inclined to “overthrow” in Arab-spring fashion. The perception of unfairness is pervasive and chronic, but most citizens are satisfied enough – enough to go back to their unemployment lines, cramped apartments, and community programs. Maybe the next call for action that blows through cyberspace will have a leader with a clear mission, a clear philosophical underpinning, and a motivated, committed, fully awakened 99%.

THE JUNIOR STATEMENT Issue 4 .

By Sj Hyman Staff Writer

very two years, one of the most successful displays of international diplomacy is presented to the world in the form of the Olympic Games. For the vast majority of the world’s population, the Olympics are glitzy sporting events that seem to get a lot of unearned hype, but for the athletes that compete in the games, the Olympics represent the fruition of their dreams and validation of their hard work. A publicized event, the Olympics often become the stage for the hot button humanitarian issues of the time. It is a component of the games that sets them apart from every other sporting match; however, it also creates an additional variable when it comes to the already difficult diplomacy that goes into creating a successful event with athletes from over 200 countries. At the coming Winter Olympics held in Sochi, Russia, humanitarian issues again take center stage, this time in the form of LGBT rights. Russia does not have the best track record when it comes to discriminating minorities; recent anti-LGBT legislation has increased the international pressure on countries to boycott the games. The only time that the United States has actually boycotted the Olympics was in 1980, at the Summer Olympics held in Russia, at the height of the Cold War. The boycott was an attempt to impact Soviet policy, and convince them to withdraw their troops from Afghanistan. However, it ultimately failed to have any impact on the policy with troops remaining in Afghanistan for nearly a decade with the most harm being inflicted on the athletes whose dreams and livelihood were forced to take a back seat. Recently, many world leaders have announced that they will not be attending the games in protest of Russia’s discriminatory actions. This represents a middle ground between fully boycotting the games and completely ignoring the egregious discrimination. It allows the United States to keep its head high as a moral leader, and condemn the actions of Russia without penalizing the athletes that have worked so hard to get to where they are. It also achieves many of the goals of a boycott by diminishing the number of international VIPs, thereby tarnishing the prestige of the games at least from a diplomatic standpoint and shedding light on the issue of LGTB discrimination.

Opinions - 18 Opinions

THE JUNIOR STATEMENT Issue 4 . Opinions Opinions/Events - 19

Send Development Aid to the Sahel Region of Africa

By Jack and David Cahn Editor in Chief, Staff Writer

his Fall, the Sahel region has become a center of international attention with the Unit ed Nations calling its security situation “alarming” and deploying 12,600 peacekeepers to stabilize the region. This aid is desperately needed. Hillary Clinton recently called the Sahel a “powder keg” for terrorist activity. In Mali, for example, “Al-Qaeda recently seized control of an enormous territory larger than France or Texas — and worked for much of the year to consolidate a virtual terrorist enclave, attracting new jihadist recruits” according to the Potomac Institute. Sahel-based terrorists are wreaking havoc beyond their own borders. Of the 25 countries ranked most likely to become failed States by the UN, 13 are in the Sahel. Yet, despite its instability, the OECD is reducing development aid to the Sahel. Just the opposite tact needs to be taken - alleviating the root causes of conflict through targeted aid projects is the only way forward. Development assistance to the Sahel will help stabilize the region. Currently, the Sahel is impoverished because of poor roads, faulty infrastructure, and inefficient crop storage. The Brookings Institute reports that farmers lose 50% of crops just trying to get them to the market. By “building roads and improving agricultural productivity, land use rights, and primary education in Burkina Faso, Mauritania, Niger, and other Sahel nations”, development aid will solve for the root cause of poverty according to the State Department. In Niger, foreign aid has resulted in 8.3% GDP growth. In Mali, primary school enrollment increased from 55% to 80% and poverty declined from 56% to 44% as a direct result of foreign aid according to the World Bank. US aid alone is reducing poverty rates by 20%. Development aid flows averaged across the Sahel region have accounted for 12% of increased GDP and 5.7%. The US should continue to implement these successful programs to reduce poverty. Less poverty means a higher standard of living in terms of a Human Development Index rating 223 times the regular rate without aid according to the University of Oregon. Second, it means less conflict because civil wars occur disproportionately in poor countries. Oxford economists show that a $1 per capita increase in development aid sustained over a five-year period increases economic growth and reduces the likelihood of conflicts by 30%. Furthermore, development aid will improve the “poor governance and weak democratic institutions” that the State Department writes “cultivate fertile ground for conflict.” Jose Tavares writes in Economics Letters that “aid may be associated with rules and conditions that limit the discretion of the recipient country’s officials, thus decreasing corruption – a conditionality effect. Second, if foreign aid alleviates public revenue shortages and facilitates increased salaries for public employees it may diminish the supply of corruption by public officials.” Third, aid improves civic institutions. A meta-analysis of 137 aid recipients showed that aid increases civil liberties and political rights, rooting out corruption and stabilizing regimes. In Burkina Faso and Mauritania, sustained investments have resulted in fair parliamentary elections, an indicator of political stability. Most importantly, development aid will solve for the overpopulation problem that today poses an existential threat to the stability and economic prosperity of countries in the Sahel region. The UC Berkley study “Crisis in the Sahel” explains that by 2050, population in the Sahel will increase by 200% to 300%, threatening over 100 million with starvation, destabilizing the Sahel, and resulting in civil war.

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THE JUNIOR STATEMENT Issue 4 .

Continued from previous page... The African Institute for Development Policy reported that by increasing the drastically low usage of contraceptives through development aid, “population will go down, starvation, abuse of women, and overall conflicts will decrease.” UC Berkeley quantifies the impact: family planning programs could reduce the total population by 18%. It furthers that the contraceptive rate will increase by 2% annually, shifting population growth from exponential to linear growth. Family planning will result in less hunger, malnutrition, and poverty saving 100 million from pain and misery. Second, it will reduce conflict because low-income states with demographic patterns characterized by a large youth population disproportionately succumb to civil conflict. A recent Population Action International report finds, “the decline in the annual birth rate of .5% corresponded to a decline of about 5% in the likelihood of conflict.” Third, birth controls reduce the spread of sexually transmitted disease, including HIV/AIDS which afflicts 30 million Africans. On an even more basic level, the Sahel will not be stable until farmers learn to improve agricultural productivity. According to Oxfam International over 18 million people in the Sahel are affected by a severe food crisis caused by drought, a failure of several crops, and sharp rises in food prices. Last year, the international community averted a humanitarian catastrophe by providing $1.2 billion in aid to 10 million people in 8 Sahel countries. Activities such as overgrazing and over cultivation can lead to desertification, crop failure, soil erosion, famine and hunger. Development aid educates local communities in farming practices to improve food security. By 2032, Sahel hunger will be eradicated because of foreign aid policies according to European Commission estimates. Economically, agricultural training has increased crop yields in Burkina Faso by 114-124%. Aid from Feed the Future has already resulted in $84 million in increased profits for seven million farmers. The United States should give development aid to countries in the Sahel region of Africa in order to reduce poverty, overpopulation, political instability, terrorism and conflict, thereby improving the quality of life for Africans living in the Sahel and stabilizing the region. If we don’t, we can expect an increase in Sahel based terrorism and drug trafficking as well as an increase in destabilizing conflict in the future that will only harm US interests in the region.

New England Region Megacon

By Benjamin Lanier Staff Writer

n January 4th, 2014, the New England Region of Northeast JSA held its very first Megacon at Prospect Hill Academy. Despite a heavy snowstorm that prevented several JSA chapters from attending, the region was successful in hosting the event with over 60 attendees. The Megacon anchored twice as many schools as past NER ChapterCons, with delegates enjoying the “Scandal” themed event. While many of the debates took on more silly and light hearted undertones, the students in attendance took the debates very pensively. The students’ performances demonstrated their commitment to serious debates even on a not-so-serious subject matter, exemplifying what being a Junior Statesman is all about. The NER Conference Coordinator, Abigail Mumme-Monheit, stated: “Many students got to know students from other schools kindling connections and spreading the ideas of JSA through dedicated student interaction.” Overall, despite the undying snowstorm, the event was quite successful for the New England Region of the North East State.

Events - 20 Opinions

THE JUNIOR STATEMENT Issue 4 . Opinions Events - 21

Pacific Northwest Holds Dual Chapter Conferences

PNW Governor Tyler Pichette, speaking at one of the events.

By Victoria Snitsar Staff Writer

he Pacific Northwest held two Chapter Conferences on the calendar before Winter Congress. On the 25th of January Issaquah High School hosted a Science and Technology one day and on the 1st of February Kentridge High School hosted their first ever chapter conference, LawCon.

The Science and Technology Conference hosted by Issaquah High School went well, largely due to the hours of the hard work put in by the conference coordinators, Johanna Hamilton and Bikram De. In retrospect, Johanna said: “Everyone that debated did a really good job. The keynote was particularly exciting. It’s always fun to see teens debating what’s relevant in the education system considering we are the ones going through it right now. I think we sometimes forget we have a voice and don’t value it, JSA reminds me that we should. Our world is constantly evolving and science and technology has become a huge part of that.” The theme of the Kentridge Chapter Conference was “LawCon”; debates will discuss current controversial legislation. The Kentridge JSA chapter had experienced significant growth this past year. One of the conference coordinators, Leilani Click, was very eager to have the Chapter Conference. He said the conference was “to allow people to experience JSA in the comfort of their own school. We are also promoting Lawcon in nearby schools in

Two PNW’ers enjoy one of the conferences.

southern King county for further expansion. We’re all really excited for and are expecting a great convention this Saturday.”

THE JUNIOR STATEMENT Issue 4 .

SoCal Holds Double Events

By Rachel Donaldson Staff Writer

n January 11th, the John Burroughs High School in Southern California “Winter One Day Land” was held. It attracted seventy five attendees. To begin the conference, an “Everything Winter Congress” workshop was held. Students who were planning to attend Winter Congress, submit a bill, or run for political office were encouraged to A SoCal JSAer speaks at the Winter One Day attend the workshop. JSA's expectations of its members at Winter Congress were explained and questions were answered. Next, students engaged in a wide assortment of debates on topics ranging from the “reverse discrimination” of affirmative action to the government's responsibility to protect its people. Students discussed interaction between high school teachers and students over social media and the possibility of government limitation on the size of fast food items. Democratic and Republican caucuses were also held in order to simulate the Winter Congress experience. Participants brainstormed and developed bills as part of groups. These bills were later presented in Mock House and Senate sessions. At lunch, attendees could buy their food from a variety of delicious food trucks. The Girl Up fundraiser, led by Alexis Kallen and Ami Hayashi, sold candy bars and handmade bows to raise money for UN efforts involving female empowerment in developing countries. Overall, the “Winter One Day Land” was a great success. On Saturday, February 1, the second annual SoCal Tri-Regional One Day was held, sponsored by the Bell Gardens High School. It was an exciting day packed with interesting activities and unique debate topics. Those who attended were encouraged to eat at the BJ’s Brewhouse Social, where a percentage of the proceeds went towards JSA scholarships. There was also a Fair Elections Committee workshop, a Chapter Alliance workshop, and many engaging debates to participate in. In addition to food trucks at lunch, an advocacy fair was held, featuring organizations like Girl Up, which raises funds to empower SoCal JSA members paused for a candid moment girls globally, and a campaign to com-

Events - 22 Opinions

THE JUNIOR STATEMENT Issue 4 . Opinions Events - 23

MW Holds Chapter Conference At Morton

By Helen Wei Staff Writer

JSA delegates gathered on January 18th, 2014 to attend the Morton West Chapter Conference in Berwyn, IL. The conference attendence was an impressive feat considering the snowy conditions. For those who braved the icy roads, the chapter conference was a testament to the months that Morton West, a chapter only in its second year of existence, had spent in preparation. The convention’s theme was “Blast to the Past.” Each block featured a different decade in American history. In the debates, students discussed figures like Martin Luther King and Malcolm X, and also enjoyed “gavel debates”, including a special one featuring two teacher sponsors. While the debates were the most important aspect of the conference, delegates were also encouraged to show up in outfits representing Three coordinated Midwest JSAers. different time periods. Students’ efforts to coordinate their outfits with the conference’s theme gave the conference an aura of fun. Morton West invited Luisa Echevarria, Director of Community Relations & Public Affairs at Univision Chicago, to be the conference’s keynote speaker. She discussed her work at Univision as well as with the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America. Echevarria, who stepped into a couple of rooms to listen to some final debates, praised the quality of JSA debates. Attendees agreed that the entire chapter conference ran smoothly thanks to the group of dedicated Morton West chapter members who kept everything organized and efficient. Despite being the first chapter conference Morton West had hosted, the chapter is incredibly proud of its success.

THE JUNIOR STATEMENT Issue 4 .

ORV Hosts Conspiracy Themed Chapter Conference

By Benjamin Lanier Staff Writer

n 19th of January, the Ohio River Valley Region hosted its inaugural “Conspiracy Con”. This all-day event was held at Miamisburg High School. Miamisburg Mayor Dick Church was the keynote speaker. He spoke to the students about his 24 years of service and a gave them memorable advice on public scandals: “When I ran for state rep, one of the piecThe attendees line up for a group picture. es of advice they told me was this. 13 days. That’s how long it takes for something bad to go away entirely, or be lost in the inner sections of a newspaper.” The theme, Conspiracy Theories, was a big hit. “Everyone participated and they all seemed to enjoy it!” said Emily Kallgren of the ORV region, who organized and advertised this event. This chapter conference featured many debates based on famous Conspiracy theories in American history. The goal was to hear and engage in lively deliberations over the opinions that people have held on a variety of big events and issues. The favorites debates were: Resolved that 9/11 was a plot by the U.S. government, Resolved that the JFK assassination was planned by more than one person, and Resolved that the U.S. government is using drones to spy on its citizens. Debate styles included traditional, thought talks, and speed chess. Conspiracy Con proved to be an original, invigorating theme that sparked lively discussions all around. Also on ORV’s agenda are: CultureCon, a chapter conference based on the cultural aspects of debate as opposed to standard politics, and TwitterCon, which focuses on social networking and the affect it is having on our generation.

Four JSAers enjoying the conference

Mayor Dick Church speaks on local politics

ORV member Daniel LaBore speaks to JSAers