Current Events 4 Term 4, 2012

Tonight is Guyfawkes night. Over the past three nights at home we have been subjected to explosions and ratta tat tat's throughout the best part of each evening. I still remember the excitement that we had when we where children coming in to Guyfawkes each year. But for me the excitement has dissipated. Every year there are fires started from fireworks, usually sky rockets, as well as a multitude of incidents where children and animals are harmed. Some deliberate acts of abuse. Dogs and cats are often scared out of their wits and small children wake up crying because of the excessive noise.

Not wanting to spoil anyones fun I do suspect that our society has grown away from being able to secure a responsible attitude and use of fireworks. So I ask you the following questions.

In your opinion should personal fireworks be banned and public displays become the norm?
Or should people still be allowed to purchase fireworks and let them off in their own backyards?
What could we do to make the use of personal fireworks safer for everyone?

Current Events 3, 2012 Term 4

It is a real tragedy when a child loses his/ her life. Last week a young boy was killed when a loaded firearm went off as he struggled with another boy to play with the gun. Read the article below and answer the following questions.

Boy killed in firearms accident

What could have been done to prevent this accident?

Should the 8 year old boy be charged with murder?

What do you think about guns, where and when should people be allowed to have and use them?

Current Events 2, 2012 Term 4

In Italy 7 people involved in the forecast and prevention of major risks have been convicted of manslaughter and risk a lengthy jail sentence. The court found that they should have done more to warn people of the potential risks of an earthquake.

Read the following article and answer the questions below:

Stuff.co.nz article

Should the 6 scientists and government official have been charged and convicted with manslaughter after what is essentially a natural disaster?

Should our scientists and government officials also be charged with manslaughter after the February Earthquake last year?

Explain your answers.