The biggest story this week was that the “virtual” fence that the Bush administration aims to put along the Mexican-United States border will be put off for at least 3 more years. When testing the first 28-mile stretch of fencing failed, the projected finish of the first phase of virtual fencing was pushed back from 2008 to 2011. Department of Homeland Defense put out a release that the problem was Boeing software could not process the large amounts of data in the small time. Other problems included faulty cameras and unexpected weather damage. The virtual fencing complements a physical fence and operates through radars, towers, cameras and roving vehicles. While the government has not put funding for the fencing in the budget yet, it is anticipated for the next few years. Virtual fencing is an addition in the effort to decrease illegal immigration and increase border security, a hot button for conflict in the 2004 and 2008 elections. The operation is being run by Boeing, who is only contracted through 2009 but it appears likely that the contract will be extended.
This story has various elements of news. It has impact due to the result of the fence is to reduce illegal immigration, which is a highly debated issue in the United States. It has prominence for two reasons. The first is because it is being run by two well known bodies: The United States Government and Boeing. It also has prominence because homeland security and illegal immigration were two issues that President Bush campaigned hard for in the 2004 election but has failed to make extreme changes in since his re-election. This has service because it is revealing information that the government would probably rather left unpublicized and informing the public of knowledge about where their tax dollars are going. However, it also lets citizens know that large steps are being taken towards their safety. This story is timely because it is happening now and will continue to in upcoming years (The Washington Post, 2/28/08).
The most interesting story this week was an article on the religious identity of the United States and how the United State’s appearance of a Christian nation is steadily fading away. It contained interesting facts such as that over 40 percent of citizens have changed their religious views since childhood. It also revealed interesting details about the Catholic religion’s population and retention rates as the United States Catholic Dioceses are preparing for Pope Benedict XVI’s first visit to the United States. It also reveals a rise in those opposing organized religion. The article also discussed the fluidity of modern religions, constantly releasing and obtaining drifters between each other. It also reveals that the fastest growing group is of those who claim no religion. I find this article interesting because I attended Catholic schooling, conservative Christian summer camps and now a predominantly Jewish university. (The Washington Post, 2/26/08, p.A01)
House agrees on bill that will increase AIDS research by $50 billion over the next 5 years (The Washington Post, 2/28/p.A01)…Raul Castro named new Cuban President by National Assembly for a 5-year term (The Washington Post, 2/25/08, p.A01)…Homeowners equity falls as house values fall, forcing some banks to realign credit (The Washington Post, 2/23/08)…Supreme Court rules that employees can sue over 401(k) mismanagement (The Washington Post, 2/21/08)…Presidential possibilities McCain and Obama clash over ideas for Iraq, previewing the possible 2008 election (The Washington Post, 2/28/08, p.A01).
