09.10.10 NYT Discussion

In our discussion we talked about Obama’s opposition to the Bush tax cuts and that he does not plan to extend them. We reviewed the article regarding China’s clean energy. The pastor planning to burn copies of the Koran was central in our discussion. We also talked about political redistricting and the fact that Democrats may lose seats because of it. The California state judge ruling on “don’t ask, don’t tell” and the Chicago mayor not running for another term were brought up. Additionally, we touched on the Russian car bombing believed to be a suicide attack, the Defense Department buying 10,000 copies of war memorial that potentially contains secrets, and the recent discussion on the BP oil spill last spring.

“Statehouse Gains Could Give G.O.P. Edge on Redistricting”

The Republican Party could gain eight seats in state legislature this fall. Redistricting is supposed to show population shifts shown in the census, but this article says that parties try to help themselves gain seats. Irregularly shaped districts may be formed in a way that favors Republicans. It also helps that Republican popularity has been increasing in the polls.

The biggest story this week has come in a series of articles regarding the pastor in Florida planning to burn the Koran. The articles have focused on the potential negative consequences and the outpouring of opposition. One of the articles displayed a shocking picture of Afghans burning an American flag and an image of the pastor. This image seems to strike an emotional chord with people.

The story, “On Clean Energy, China Skirts Rules” was a commanding one. The story began on the front page and continued for a page and a half farther into the section. The article included two large photos, both of which encourage readers to look at what they are about. There are two smaller pictures, both with people in them, adding a human element to the visuals. Additionally, there are multiple graphs to enhance the information.

“Obama Opposing Any Compromise on Bush Tax Cuts” merited a spot on the front page, although there were not any visuals. The subtitle of the article is “Adding Populist Twist,” which instantly drew my own attention. Most of the article focused on party beliefs, which I thought were unnecessarily extensive, however. It was an interesting way to approach the article, even though I think it would have been more significant to focus on the effects of the Obama’s decision.

Attendance:

Kristi

Adria

Olivia

Michael, left early to go camping with DBC

Morris, arrived late