My Tools for Writing

I am usually not a picky person at all, but when it comes to taking notes or writing an essay, I like to use certain utensils to ensure I do my best. For the longest time, I have been using G2 Gel Pens. I like to use the Fine point pen rather than the Bold style because I like the sharpness that it creates on the page. When I use these pens, I feel like I could write for hours on end. One negative aspect about these pens is that they usually run out of ink pretty fast. This can get annoying but I am willing to put up with the struggle because they help me get my work done. They are also pricey which makes it a hassle when I need to buy a new pack, but again it is worth it. When using these pens, I like to write with them in a Five Star Notebook. This has always been my go-to notebook when buying school supplies. Lately I have been buying the 5-subject notebooks because it means I have less to carry and it helps me become more organized. Just like the pens, these notebooks are sort of pricey compared to a generic brand notebook but it is also worth it in the end. If I were in need of a notebook for a career in law enforcement then this would undoubtedly be the notebook of my choice. I would also make sure to have some G2 pens in my possession as well to make sure I am comfortable with my materials and ready to write.

Our Leader, The Tweeter

    Over the past few months, it has become very clear that Donald Trump is a man of social media especially Twitter. Throughout his entire campaign he has used the website to communicate his feelings about certain issues as well as his opinions on matters that were not necessary. Not only does this make him look like a 15 year old high school student ranting about his problems, but it also makes him look like someone with poor communication skills. I believe that it is vital to have a strong idea of how to communicate with people especially if you are the leader of a nation. When dealing with people of different backgrounds it is important to understand their beliefs before saying something that may offend them. In the case of our new President, there is a lot to be learned.
    If President Trump wants to become a better leader for this country then he needs to start shaping up his communication skills. We cannot have a president who sits behind a screen and says whatever he wants when he feels that he has been mistreated. Not only is it a bad example of communication, but it also shows that he will not face his issues head on which can be scary since he is the man in charge of this country. Maybe as time goes on he will learn the proper way to communicate to the world but as for right now, we will just have to wait and see.
   

https://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/03/movies/review-in-cartel-land-documentary-vigilantes-wage-drug-wars.html?referrer=google_kp&_r=0

This review of the documentary "Cartel Land" gives a great synopsis of the entire film. In many ways, the author of this review and I share some ideas about what we saw. One of the main comparisons that I found was how we both felt that this documentary was much like an action movie. In the article, the director of the documentary even said that he wanted it to be more like a narrative film that grabbed the viewers' attention as well as something that informed people of the horrible truth of cartels. It is clear to see that this documentary was made with the intentions of sticking with the viewers for life and it absolutely does so. I would be very surprised to find a negative review about this documentary because of the message it sends out.

     For this project, I chose to watch and reflect on the documentary, "Cartel Land". This highly interesting film shows the different sides of the conflicts on both sides of the Mexico-U.S. border. On the U.S. side, film crews follow Tim "Nailer" Foley and his partners who formed a group to patrol the border to keep watch for immigrants illegally crossing into the United States. Foley makes it clear that he is against the term "vigilante" because it usually brings a bad name. He states that his partners and he are simply doing what the United States government failed to do which is successfully protect the border.
     On the Mexico side of the border, film crews follow Dr. Jose Manuel Mireles. Mireles tells of how he started the group known as the "Autodefensas". The men in this group have all joined together to stand up against the cartel who terrorize their towns. Mireles also tells of how his men and he had to arm themselves in order to protect themselves from the cartel because local police and military were unable to protect the people of the city. This is where viewers can sense a type of similarity between the two sides. Both men have decided to stand up and take action in order to do what a failing government could not do.
     While watching this documentary, I felt as if I were watching an action movie of some sort. Dr. Mireles is portrayed as a hero of the city who united many towns under a common cause. The people of these towns all love Mireles and his men and are consumed with joy whenever they come into town. In one scene, the Autodefensas raided a building in which they found cartel members inside. After a few hours of gunfire, the military showed up and shut things down. They harassed the Autodefensas and took their weapons. The military also stated that the townspeople were scared of the Autodefensas and their weapons and demanded they leave. In a shocking turn of events, the townspeople gathered with the Autodefensas and protested the military until they gave them back their weapons. It was unreal to me that things like such are actually taking place in our neighboring country. If I did not know that I was watching a documentary and was only showed this one scene, I would think that I was watching an action/thriller movie. One scene that also got to me, and that also showed some negative emotions towards the Autodefensas, was when some leadership changes were forced to be made. In an unfortunate accident, which completely took me by surprise, Dr. Mireles was hospitalized after surviving a plane crash. While he was in the hospital in Mexico City, Mireles appointed his right-hand man known as "Papa Smurf" as the temporary leader of the Autodefensas. When Papa Smurf and his men roll into a new town, they are confronted by the townspeople. Although it is unclear whether or not the entire town feels this way, some men speak out against the Autodefensas. They say that they do not like the guns and how the men have been treating some of the women of the town. This scene is shocking because it shows that not all people agree with how the group goes about their business.
     Overall, this documentary is one that I would recommend to anyone and everyone. It shows two different yet similar sides and how each stand up for what they believe in. This documentary will change your perspective on the drug wars going on currently in Mexico and also how the United States plays a role in it. I would very much like to see a follow up of the two groups in a few years.