Russian hackers exploit Windows to spy on West

Hye Min Shin
October 19, 2014
Ch.3 Federalism

Russian hackers exploit Windows to spy on West

Few months ago, an intelligence team, ISight Partners, found a hacking device in Windows, which is responsible for 68% of internet users. By sending a trigger email ' a power point for a terrorist watch list of pro-Russian separatists' to government officials and scholars in different nations such as Ukraine, America, France and others, the hackers " Sand-Worm Team" targeted to hack important personal emails and documents. Luckily, ISight Partners was able to discover the source to be Russian hackers since they failed to properly cover their tracks. Although Russian government denies to comment on the issue, from the details and contents of stolen information ISight Partners assume Sand-worm Team to have originated from Russian government. Until now, Russia has been blamed to hack into other finance companies in America.

This is a growing issue for everyone in America. The fact that our personal information could be hacked by outside forces is very concerning and irritating. Although President Obama, exploiting the Necessary and Proper Clause, has issued Data Defending, which invades privacy, that is understandable since it was a means to secure national defense against terrorist and other crimes. However, now that Russian or other foreign spies attempt to rob data from U.S. citizens and companies, the government should take measures to prevent such crimes, for example by improving the defense for networks.

Citations

http://money.cnn.com/2014/10/14/technology/security/russia-hackers/index.html

Texas Nurse who had Worn Protective Gear Tests Positive for Ebola

Hye Min Shin
October 12, 2014
Ch.3 - Federalism

Texas Nurse who had Worn Protective Gear Tests Positive for Ebola

Shortly after the first person diagnosed with Ebola passed away, news about its second victim surfaced at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital in Dallas. Although the person remains unknown to public for now, the officials involved have identified the person as the nurse of the first victim...
She was claimed to have worn the protective gears at all times  in the sight of the victim, but people assume that "there was a breach in protocol, which resulted in the infection." Now, Texas health department claims to be examining the case scrupulously, with the local police and fire department attempting to ward off and sterilize the contaminated areas. However, it admitted that the procedure is difficult and will take some time.

I cannot trust Texas with Ebola cases any more. Not only did it failed to carefully examine the first victim on his first visit, but also it failed to contain Ebola virus and stop it from spreading. This is a grave issue and so far it has been responsible for over 4000 deaths world-wide. Yet, it appears that Texas fails to understand the seriousness of this problem. (It is trying to fix the barn after the cow has left.)
This issue relates to federalism since the power to regulate health services and hospitals is granted to the states. Even with Ebola virus that could eventually threaten the welfare of nation, federal government cannot directly become involved with it yet because it lacks the power to do so. However since the report does indicate, "A White House official told CNN that Homeland Security Adviser Lisa Monaco briefed President Obama on the second Dallas Ebola case," I believe any further spreading will induce the federal government to butt in.

Citation

http://www.cnn.com/2014/10/12/health/ebola/index.html?hpt=hp_t1

In Colorado, a Rebranding of Pot Inc.

Hye Min Shin
October 05, 2014
Unit 3

In Colorado, a Rebranding of Pot Inc.

In Colorado, one of two states that legalized marijuana, numerous pot industries are diligently working to transform the negative stereotypes regarding marijuana. Cannabrand, one agency claims despite marijuana's benefits many people only associate it as drugs used by "lazy men, rolling joints in their parents’ basement, covered in Doritos crumbs." Although many people changed their opinions nowadays and advocate for the legalization of marijuana in other states, still the pot culture as a whole fails to garner enough support. Founders of Cannabrand believe that with replacement of negative terms that refer to marijuana with positive ones and with proper, successful advertisements, they may successfully alter people's mind and foster confidence of its users. 

Personally, I refuse to advocate for marijuana legalization because I believe its drawbacks outweigh its benefits. Frankly, I wish that legalization of marijuana could be one of the issues governed by federal government. However, since it is not specified in the Constitution, states by tenth amendment have the power to regulate it. Unless the use of marijuana directly concerns the welfare of most citizens or the nation, the federal government will be forbidden to interrupt in state's affairs. 

Citation

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/05/fashion/in-colorado-a-rebranding-of-pot-inc-marijuana.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&version=HpSectionSumSmallMedia&module=pocket-region&region=pocket-region&WT.nav=pocket-region#