Blog's I have commented on:

http://icantrememberwhatthisbitwasmeanttobe.blogspot.co.nz/2013/04/manga-as-form-of-literacy.html?showComment=1369030386485#c6502398854130733598

Hey Mala,
Interesting topic you've presented here. Awesome. I don't think I've come across an issue on the use of Manga in an educational institution. First of all I think the awareness you presented through your sources and the statistics that supported your argument on this issue was quite persuasive. It actually brought about a good deal of questions in regard to this argument, why it isn't used and weather or not it should be introduced into the education system. Coming into this blog my perception on visual resources to help with learning supported this issue, the way I looked at if it's beneficial to the learner then I don't why not.
However, I think some considerations need to be accounted for. For instance I think educational institutions in the west are quite used to the system that they have applied over many years. So to introduce this medium might go against some methods that have been introduced and have 'worked' thus far. Having said that perhaps you could have compared and contrasted the pros and cons of having manga introduced into the education system. In doing so, present statistics on western teaching methods that don't work. Rather than present a set of sources that support the use of manga. One other aspect I'd like to address is manga, it was introduced and formed by the Japanese for the Japanese, so one could argue that this eastern medium might not work in western cultures. Anyway this was thought provoking. I still think the use of any medium, in this case manga, that is beneficial to the learner, is good.

http://visualdesensitization.blogspot.co.nz/2013/04/is-use-of-visual-media-desensitizing-in.html?showComment=1369027745963#c4427567878485340487

Hi Courteney,
I thoroughly enjoyed this. The fact that you've presented your argument in a persuasive manner made it quite enjoyable. Okay so here are a few points that I agree with. The exposure of certain issues with the use of media. I totally agree with you on this one. Especially when you mention the social awareness, that allows for people to become more comfortable with the issue over time. I guess it has worked in western cultures where there has gradually been a change in ideology and acceptance through time. Especially with the heavy presence and influence of media in this generation. I think desensitization has worked wonderfully in western society where politically our views have shifted towards some acceptance and where the influence and use of media has been effective more then any other time in history. I mean with this generation we're a lot more accepting with social issues, and your right media does play an important role. Here's one issue, could this have worked 20 years ago... Another thing I'd like to commend you with is the use of resources that you presented to support your argument, that was very well done.
Now some aspects I found questionable was that the argument seemed to emphasize one side of the social issue. Which leads me to one major hang up I had the blog, it wasn't argumentative. After reading it you don't end up questioning your beliefs on this issue, rather you come out feeling quite assured. So there's no debatable stance here. I think Christina brought up this issue as well. Other than that, brilliant read.

http://brief2-socio-political.blogspot.co.nz/2013/04/10-links-related-to-my-topic-capital.html#comment-form

Hi Christina I think your argument on Capital punishment is quite controversial, given that in my opinion I would actually support Capital punishment towards child molester's and repeat offenders. I actually think given their sick nature, they don't contribute anything to society except inflict hurt and harm to innocent children and effected citizen's. So I would whole heartedly support the death penalty, for child molester's, globally. That's my personal opinion. 
In terms of the legal systems in other countries, it's quite hard to oppose this social issue given that some institution's are determined either by religion, like you stated with Saudi Arabia. With Saudia Arabia it's understandable that this governmental institution would have support for capital punishment; being a secular country, religious persecution is ingrained in their culture and society. I support in this stance.
However when it come's to those countries such as the U.S, China and Singapore where their is support, it's quite hard to justify this action. The support for Capital Punishment is basically a reflection on their constitution and ideologies of the citizens. I wouldn't agree with that stance because their are some who may oppose this, hence the argument weather to support this social issue. Put simply, these countries should vote on weather the system work's for them so that the use of capital punishment in their country is on par with their personal ideologies. That's just my opinion, in this particular case.

http://dahaerachelkim.blogspot.co.nz/2013/05/argument-1-some-have-strong-belief-that.html#comment-form

Hi Rachel I actually think there are some aspects in your social issue which I support. So it's interesting to see how people convey graffiti in general. Reading through your Introduction the first thing that came to mind with graffiti, was actually vandalism, and this isn't my reflection on art but the consequences that vandalism has with society. The cost's for tax payers, to fork out for cleaning and restoring property, is an issue I strongly support. 
You mention the youth involved "adolescents are very vulnerable to get involved in graffiti vandalism for many reasons..." this is a problem we can curb by creating more artistic opportunities in recognizing this form of art, just like you said. Also the permission that these artists should get before applying "graffiti" to private property, because other wise it becomes plain out right vandalism, in my opinion. Regardless if it were an amazing art piece  because then law comes into the equation and at the end of the day it's vandalism.
I also think that with graffiti public opinion varies on how they perceive graffiti as an art form. Once permission is obtained. In public spaces I support graffiti as an art form, it works here in Auckland. Presumably in Ponsonby and Grey Lynn where I reside. I think the graffiti on the electric booths on the roadsides actually make use of the space. Most notably the graffiti on the Berlin Wall comes to mind, it's an expression of an individual and it relates intensely with their political ideals. Regardless of who they were, these were ordinary citizens. Weather your an artist or not, I found the form of communicating through art, as a medium, (graffiti) quite strong. Hence why I support graffiti in this stance.

http://abrown83.blogspot.co.nz/2013/05/decriminalise-drugs.html?showComment=136835705242

Yeah regardless of the strong economic case supported in this argument I actually don't think decriminalizing drugs would work in present-day New Zealand. My main concern are the social implications that would arise in regards to the psychological welfare of drug users. I mean you could argue that this would effect largely a certain demographic, in particular those who are vulnerable from lower social economic backgrounds. Then the effect it will have on their families. I think in order for this to work we should change our behavior towards drugs, for instance, take a look at our behavior with alcohol consumption. It's legal, but still we find ourselves as a country struggling to tackle the binge drinking culture. Especially among the young. I think to some extent the social aspects out weigh the economic benefits, should we consider to entertain the thought of normalizing drug use behavior, by decriminalizing drugs. Put simply, I don't think financial reasons would be strong enough to push forward decriminalizing drugs, particularly in New Zealand.
However I do agree with some aspects surrounding this issue. I wouldn't entirely agree with legalizing drug use in New Zealand but I support taking a mixed approach which focuses on the rehabilitation of drug users and educating them back into society. Only in compliance with harsher sentences. That I agree with.

http://restrictingabortions.blogspot.co.nz/2013/05/blog-essay.html?showComment=1369031975574#c8348877960834785102

Hi Rosalie,
I actually agree with you on your argument, I mean my perception hasn't changed coming into this issue, but it does create some insight on a deeper analysis surrounding abortion. You actually brought about quite a few details on why people would oppose this argument, and with that, I think you created more awareness and exposure in this debate. I think the variety of sources in terms of its origin made this argument more compelling. Personally I found some of the data you presented quite informative, I didn't realize some of these practices were done in these countries. Especially when it includes self harm on the women in question. This essay was actually quit easy to follow, I think the structure or you data presented was done well. The analysis on them, didn't create any major fallacies which made the issue questionable because you also mentioned the repercussions which addressed another side of the argument. I think as far as perception goes it comes down to the rights of the individual and freedom of choice. If anything I think I came out with a stronger viewpoint on abortions.

http://maxrogersbrief2.blogspot.co.nz/2013/05/money-and-greed.html?showComment=1369033978026#c244360382425842871

Hey Max,
Personally I strongly agree with your stance on the church and it's abuse towards power and it's influence on the religion. Ethically and morally the fact that religious institutions hold so much power over individuals and the uneven distribution of the wealth church accumulates, just baffles me. The reason behind my stance is that I've seen this practice in my community. I mean from my experience, in some cultures, a large amount of income goes to church and I for one don't support that, because the 'corruption' or lack of distribution of wealth back into the community. I'm not religious but I come from a religious background. You make a good point with Brian Tamaki, that hits close to home, because the role he has, the power he is given and the influence he has over people in the church. The fact that his lifestyle rather than the good deeds he has done, has made more presence in the media, makes question religion. These practices makes me question the religious institutions and religion in general. Like you said, corruption deviates the purpose of the church , which is to allow the practice of religion.
I mean I think you bringing the topic of corruption in the church,makes me question the awareness that people have towards this social issue. The structure of your blog was easy to follow. Perhaps you could have introduced corruption in other religions. Coming into this argument my perception hasn't changed. If anything, personally, I think it has created more drive towards awareness and the exposure of corruption in church.

Introduction

If anyone has seen the news lately you'll be familiar with the conflict and tensions in the Korean peninsula. Lately the tensions in the Demilitarized zone have created a lot of international media attention. If anyone were to suggest a solution to creating some stability in the region one might suggest in intervention from the United Nations.

But what would the answer to stabilizing the tension between North Korea and it's counter part in the South, in order to avoid a potential risk of war, the answer could lie in the United Nations imposing tougher military sanctions toward's North Korea's military and missile program's. But just what will the implication's of these sanction be?

This argument will discuss whether the United Nation's should impose tougher military sanction's on North Korea in order to restore some stability in the region, which I oppose. Most importantly it will outline implications which could arise, such as the threat of continual conflict in the region due to the "threats" of Korea's missile program. 

It will also discuss the effects that these sanction's could have on humanitarian aid and economic aid to North Korea. Finally, the long term implication's that these sanction's could have on potential peace talks between neighboring countries. These points all support my argument opposing sanctions from the United Nations.