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[yoshikazuysa]

The Last Word (PSA Blog)

The Last Word is a great, persuasive and mind-blowing Public Service Announcement that touches on the consequences of one of the most common issues in today’s world: texting while driving. In a serious and heartbreaking way, this video demonstrates that in one second, entire lives are wiped out or changed forever, affecting their surroundings.

Even though people are conscious about the danger of texting, they are still picking up their cell phones on the road. According to the National Safety Council 723 000 car crashes have been produced so far this year, ending in deaths, injuries or crimes.

The production of The Last Word is very interesting and engaging. The title itself, referring to death, is shocking and sad. The video starts with a kid and his mom arriving at a cemetery. Right away, the kid walks towards the coffin and carries it with other men.

At this point, it can be implied that his dad is inside the coffin. However, it is when the kid takes out a broken phone with a video playing that the viewers understand that his dad died in a car accident, while he was texting.

The composition, rhythm, music and cinematography of the video display a fascinating premise that persuades viewers not to use their mobile phones while driving.

“Before you reach your phone, stop and think who is left behind to pick up the pieces”

                                                                                          The Last Word

Link to the video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0DH1JGlYOL0

[yoshikazuysa]

Syria on target

Syrian civil war is one of the most controversial issues in the last years. In the span of two years, since the beginning of the conflict, thousands of Syrians have been killed. But the turning point of the war occurred when, in August 21st, the Syrian government’s opposition group sued its president, Bashar al-Assad, for using chemical weapons against the Syrian citizens.

This event, in which 1500 people, including children, were killed, got the attention of foreign countries such as the European Union and the US, because it is prohibited to employ any kind of chemical weapons. The foreign countries are now seeking for a military attack to stop and to destroy those weapons of mass destruction. But, what would an external military attack lead on Syria?

According to a poll made by CNN, 7 out of 10 Americans believe that a strike would not accomplish any goals for the United States. I strongly agree, because the problem is not just with Syria, other countries such as Russia and Iran, supporters of Syria, will defend that region from any foreign attack, which could lead to a Middle East War. Syria is considered an important and strategic territory in the Middle East and it is a great economical resource for those countries.

The Obama administration has said any attack in Syria would be limited in scope and duration. I consider that a limited strike would be ineffective, it would lead to a counter-attack from the Middle East countries and it would only commit an act of war, with a non-complete repair of the damage.

Even though 24 other nations back US on Syria, the US should not initiate a military action against Syria since there are too many political, practical and psychological obstacles. Hopefully, the decision that will be made in these days will not bring any negative consequences to the world and to innocent people.