Entry #8 May 18th, 2016

Rougned Odor suspended for 8 games, Jose Bautista for 1 game

May 17th, 2016

CBC News, The Canadian Press

Overview:

   Major League Baseball Player, Rougned Odor has been suspended eight games for his punch to the face on Jose Bautista during the Texas-Toronto game. The punch caused a bench clearing brawl between the two teams at the top of the eighth inning. Blue Jay's third basemen, Josh Donaldson, and Jay's center fielder, Kevin Pillar, were fined for their aggressive actions during the brawl.

   The incident started when Ranger's pitcher, Matt Bush for intentionally hitting Jose Bautista. As Bautista was running into second base, he clipped Odor and Odor punched him in the face. Both benches cleared in a matter of seconds. The huge rivalry between Toronto and Texas started after their playoff series last year.

   Rumors surrounding Odors punched are being traced back to Jose Bautista's famous bat flip.

Jose Bautista punched by Roughned Odor during Rangers-Jays game.

http://www.cbc.ca/sports/baseball/mlb/blue-jays-rangers-brawl-discipline-1.3585532

Opinion:

   In my opinion, I think that the fight was a good entertainment for the crowd. Fights happen all the time in various different sports. I also think that all of the suspensions given, were fusible under the circumstance. Players in baseball do not get punched in the face very often and this incident needs to be taken heavily.

   Also, the punched can be traced back to last year's playoff run. Odor already was not a fan of Bautista because of the bat flip. He felt like it was unnecessary and Jose was just trying to show off. Until Jose Bautista admits that his bat flip was eccentric, then there will always be bad blood between these two teams as long as Jose stays in a Jays jersey.

   This is one incident that can be viewed where one player's action from a different season can still stick with someone and cause hatred towards another player continuing every time they face each other.

Entry #7 May 1st, 2016

Justin Trudeau will not pay ransom to terrorists

April 25th, 2016

CBC News, Peter Zimonjic

Overview:

  68 year-old John Ridsdel was beheaded by ISIS members in the Philippines. Ridsdel was kidnapped on September 21, 2015 along with another Canadian, Robert Hall. That means he has been in capture of ISIS for more than 7 months. ISIS held a ransom of 8 million dollars for Ridsdel's freedom. He was killed after the deadline for the ransom was not met.

   Prime Minister Trudeau publically condemned the killing of John Ridsdel saying "The government of Canada is committed to working with the government of the Philippines and international partners to pursue those responsible for this heinous act and to bring them to justice." Trudeau expressed his condolences Ridsdel family and friends who will miss him deeply.

   Trudeau also took time to restate that the Canadian Government does not negotiate with terrorists in any way, shape, or form. He firmly told the public that paying ransoms to terrorists will not solve any problems and Canada will continue to expel any transactions made with terrorists whether directly or indirectly.

   Along with the United States and the United Kingdom, Canada stands broad against any ransoms to terrorists for kidnappings. Countries like Germany, Spain, and France however. Do pay the ransom for the return of their citizens. Trudeau continues other countries to stop paying off terrorists.

Robert Hall and John Ridsdel captured by ISIS

http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/trudeau-statement-cabinet-1.3551979

Opinion:

   In my opinion, I think that Justin Trudeau made the right decision to not pay the 8 million dollar ransom for the return of the Canadian citizens. If Trudeau agreed to pay the ransom then the captives would have return home safely and 8 million dollars is not going to hurt the Government. Money is not the issue in this circumstance. A soon as Trudeau decides to pay them, he will have to do the same for every Canadian citizen captured and taken as a hostage.

   Since Canada has a law to not negotiate with terrorists, Trudeau would also be breaking that law as a new Prime Minister. I think he has a sturdy concept on thinking about the consequences through and reviewing the best option. Clearly Justin Trudeau decides the best option for the country and not just for one family.

   I also believe that his approach on abolishing any sort of transactions with terrorists was dealt with maturely. The family of John Ridsdel probably would have paid the ransom themselves if they had the money. That means only wealthy people would be able to have their family members returned and lower income families would not be able to pay the ransom. Trudeau is for getting rid of any payments that could possibly be paid by anyone even if they have enough money to pay the ransom.

   Trudeau lastly did a considerable job sending his condolences to John Ridsdel's family and friends. I am sure that he thought about how the family must be feeling when they know that all the government had to do was pay the ransom. Now if one of Trudeau's family members were kidnapped, this would be a different story. But overall in my eyes, Justin Trudeau adapted well to this unfortunate incident and I think his message towards paying off terrorists was well sent out.Justin Trudeau will not pay ransom to terrorists