My position paper is on the benefits of nuclear power for electrical generation. I will be comparing nuclear to coal power and also renewable sources for power like wind and solar.
Works Cited
Capiello, Dina. “Capitol’s Coal Power Plant Dirty Problem” Press Enterprise
02 Mar. 2009: A4
This is article illustrates some of the reasons why politicians prefer burning coal over other sources for electricity in the U.S. I will show in my paper that cost is one of the main reasons we are not using more nuclear.
Lorenzini, Paul. “A second look at nuclear power: by overlooking nuclear power in the quest for clean energy, we are condemning ourselves to a future of increased fossil fuel use.” Issues in science and technology 21.3 (Spring 2005) p31 (8)
This article shows the percentages of how much of our power is generated by what sources, coal, nuclear, wind ect. By quoting from this article I will show how nuclear should be replacing coal as our main source of power.
Wolfe, Bertram David. “Why environmentalists should promote nuclear energy.”
Issues in science and technology v12.n4 (Spring 1996) pp55 (6)
This article shows some of the drawbacks of renewable power sources such as wind and solar. I will explain how wind and solar at this time can not keep up with current demand let alone future demand for electricity.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
i have decided to write my position paper on whether or not hate groups should be given freedom of speech. I believe that, with all morals set aside, that these groups should be allowed to freely express their thoughts and views openly, because that is what this great nation was founded on.
1. Group Defamation and Freedom of Speech: The Relationship between Language and Violence
Book by Monroe H. Freedman, Eric M. Freedman; Greenwood Press, 1995
this source has alot to do with group defamation and the affects of hate speech.
2. Freedom of Speech: Words Are Not Deeds Book by Harry M. Bracken; Praeger Publishers, 1994
this source talks in general about freedom of speech and and the favoring forces that are trying to silence offensive speech.
3. Banning Hate Speech and the Sticks and Stones Defense
Journal article by Larry Alexander; Constitutional Commentary, Vol. 13, 1996
this article is on how it is wrong to silence the freedom of hate groups to speak freely in america, and how people are trying to quiet them and make them feel inferior.
1. Group Defamation and Freedom of Speech: The Relationship between Language and Violence
Book by Monroe H. Freedman, Eric M. Freedman; Greenwood Press, 1995
this source has alot to do with group defamation and the affects of hate speech.
2. Freedom of Speech: Words Are Not Deeds Book by Harry M. Bracken; Praeger Publishers, 1994
this source talks in general about freedom of speech and and the favoring forces that are trying to silence offensive speech.
3. Banning Hate Speech and the Sticks and Stones Defense
Journal article by Larry Alexander; Constitutional Commentary, Vol. 13, 1996
this article is on how it is wrong to silence the freedom of hate groups to speak freely in america, and how people are trying to quiet them and make them feel inferior.
Global Heating
My topic for the Argument Position paper will be global warming. As my sarcastic title suggests, I will be opposing the issue of it being a real danger that it is said to be. I will use all of opposing views and facts, beliefs of, and scientific sources.
http://www.edf.org/ is a source caught rather in the middle. It explains how daily routines, such as driving, are contributors to our global emission's. It is a group of environmentalists trying to raise awareness of global warming by scientific research.
http://www.stopglobalwarming.org is a site that is actively trying to make a difference and stop global warming. It is a non-political site by citizens trying to save the earth. Their spotlight supporter is Hillary Clinton as view on the information page. On the learning section of the page it gives a slight rundown on what global warming is...but it is more so trying to get you to sign up.
http://dels.nas.edu/climatechange/ is a site that gives a more thorough run down of global warming and lets you decide for yourself whether you would like to buy into global warming or not. It explains that the world is going through a climate change...as it should every so often and that although our human emissions do play a role...it is so small that it pondered why it is worth mentioning.
I'd like to find more scholarly sources and not just Hillary trying to get me to going a club so I'm working on it...but they are all supposed to be .org...
http://www.edf.org/ is a source caught rather in the middle. It explains how daily routines, such as driving, are contributors to our global emission's. It is a group of environmentalists trying to raise awareness of global warming by scientific research.
http://www.stopglobalwarming.org is a site that is actively trying to make a difference and stop global warming. It is a non-political site by citizens trying to save the earth. Their spotlight supporter is Hillary Clinton as view on the information page. On the learning section of the page it gives a slight rundown on what global warming is...but it is more so trying to get you to sign up.
http://dels.nas.edu/climatechange/ is a site that gives a more thorough run down of global warming and lets you decide for yourself whether you would like to buy into global warming or not. It explains that the world is going through a climate change...as it should every so often and that although our human emissions do play a role...it is so small that it pondered why it is worth mentioning.
I'd like to find more scholarly sources and not just Hillary trying to get me to going a club so I'm working on it...but they are all supposed to be .org...
Sources for Position Paper
Right now I am stuck finding scholarly sources for my paper. I am trying to right a position paper on the pros and cons of teenagers being one sport athletes in their high school careers. I was an athlete that only played one sport and now regrets my decision to do so.
I have had several talks with my parents and other adults that have said the same thing. I can easily get interviews and such with adults that have their views of the single sport athlete, however I am running into a little bit of a brick wall with the scholarly sources. Right now I am trying to find research and statistics and occurances that people have found with teens limiting themselves to one sport, such as injuries due to overuse because this is something I found common while playing softball. My scholarly sources will be posted once I have finally found the information I am looking for.
I have had several talks with my parents and other adults that have said the same thing. I can easily get interviews and such with adults that have their views of the single sport athlete, however I am running into a little bit of a brick wall with the scholarly sources. Right now I am trying to find research and statistics and occurances that people have found with teens limiting themselves to one sport, such as injuries due to overuse because this is something I found common while playing softball. My scholarly sources will be posted once I have finally found the information I am looking for.
Oppressed mentally and physically by way of recidivism in the golden state
My position paper will argue that recidivism is not out of control as is suggested and thought by tax payers and paper pushers, but that it is in fact controlled-- and intended to mentally and physically oppress its "catch.'' Prison just happens to be a huge business that pretends to have not known that its demand would rise and sit atop education.
I intend to use a press release from Governor Schwarzenegger that will prove what the guy is really about. I also will introduce the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitations take on this matter. I will revisit some of Angela Davis' thoughts as well as my own personal experience. The personal anecdote will be brief. However, it will tie up any loose ends and add a dose of truth. Statistics will also be provided, but will not dominate this paper.
I intend to use a press release from Governor Schwarzenegger that will prove what the guy is really about. I also will introduce the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitations take on this matter. I will revisit some of Angela Davis' thoughts as well as my own personal experience. The personal anecdote will be brief. However, it will tie up any loose ends and add a dose of truth. Statistics will also be provided, but will not dominate this paper.
Choose a side
The position paper I am writing on is prescription drug addiction vs severe pain.
One of the resources I am using is an article titled "Prescription Oxycontin Abuse Among Patients Entering Addiction Treatment". Basically the article shows research done by several doctors who prescribed medication to patients who had to then enter into drug treatment facilities because of abuse.
I chose an opposing view point titled "The Media Have Exaggerated the Prescription Drug Abuse Crisis". This author states that prescription drug abuse is not as bad as the media likes to tell people it is, and do not offer accurate information on these drugs and their benefits.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services conducted a survey and found a decrease in teen drug abuse of illegal "street drugs" and an increase in prescription drug abuse in young adults.
All of these articles have usable information for me to however, I would like to find others stating what the government and doctors are attempting to do about the new found love of addicts in prescription drug abuse.
One of the resources I am using is an article titled "Prescription Oxycontin Abuse Among Patients Entering Addiction Treatment". Basically the article shows research done by several doctors who prescribed medication to patients who had to then enter into drug treatment facilities because of abuse.
I chose an opposing view point titled "The Media Have Exaggerated the Prescription Drug Abuse Crisis". This author states that prescription drug abuse is not as bad as the media likes to tell people it is, and do not offer accurate information on these drugs and their benefits.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services conducted a survey and found a decrease in teen drug abuse of illegal "street drugs" and an increase in prescription drug abuse in young adults.
All of these articles have usable information for me to however, I would like to find others stating what the government and doctors are attempting to do about the new found love of addicts in prescription drug abuse.
sources for position paper
My position paper is on technology vs. humanity. I believe that technology is slowly causing mankind to forget how to be human.
The sources I am using are three opposing viewpoints, one written by Fukuyama, one is based on nature vs. technology, and one is based on the fact that technology causes humans to be less literate. I also found one other scholarly journal on life sciences to prove my point.
I realize that this doesn't really help much because I am not giving the actual sources. That is because I do not know how to open these articles on my laptop to get the URL's so I have to get them off the computer at school. I have all my sources saved under favorites I just can't open them!
Anyway I still wanted credit for this blog so I figured I would at least give ya somethin to work with. I do have my sources though so don't worry! I just gotta print them out off the schools computer cuz I can open them there. I'm a little computer illiterate... Kinda ironic concidering my topic, right?
The sources I am using are three opposing viewpoints, one written by Fukuyama, one is based on nature vs. technology, and one is based on the fact that technology causes humans to be less literate. I also found one other scholarly journal on life sciences to prove my point.
I realize that this doesn't really help much because I am not giving the actual sources. That is because I do not know how to open these articles on my laptop to get the URL's so I have to get them off the computer at school. I have all my sources saved under favorites I just can't open them!
Anyway I still wanted credit for this blog so I figured I would at least give ya somethin to work with. I do have my sources though so don't worry! I just gotta print them out off the schools computer cuz I can open them there. I'm a little computer illiterate... Kinda ironic concidering my topic, right?
position paper sources.
In my position paper, I am researching on why video games are bad for children. I have come across numerous resources stating that the violence in video games will influence children to similar terrible behaviors.
Here’s one source: In the article, “Violent Video Games Can Increase Aggression,” Karen E. Dill, Ph.D. and psychologists Craig A. Anderson, Ph.D., states that their studies reveal that young men who are exposed to violent games are more likely to be habitually aggressive and are more vulnerable to the aggression enhancing effects. Also their other study reveals that even a brief exposure to violent video games can temporarily increase aggressive behavior in all types of participants.
http://www.apa.org/releases/videogames.html
Another source: In an article called, “Video Games are Bad for Children, Study finds” it concluded that in another study, of more than 600 ordinary adolescence ranging from age 13 and 14, found that teachers noticed those who played violent games were more aggressive, likely to have more arguments with authority figures and more prone to fights with other students.
http://www.pamf.org/preteen/parents/videogames.html
A third source: A new study released by the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation explains that children age 0 till 6 are exposed to video games more than they should. They could have used that time wisely such as to play outside and interact with other children their age. They could have also used that time to do more educated and productive activities such as reading or being read to.
http://www.kff.org/entmedia/entmedia102803nr.cfm
Here’s one source: In the article, “Violent Video Games Can Increase Aggression,” Karen E. Dill, Ph.D. and psychologists Craig A. Anderson, Ph.D., states that their studies reveal that young men who are exposed to violent games are more likely to be habitually aggressive and are more vulnerable to the aggression enhancing effects. Also their other study reveals that even a brief exposure to violent video games can temporarily increase aggressive behavior in all types of participants.
http://www.apa.org/releases/videogames.html
Another source: In an article called, “Video Games are Bad for Children, Study finds” it concluded that in another study, of more than 600 ordinary adolescence ranging from age 13 and 14, found that teachers noticed those who played violent games were more aggressive, likely to have more arguments with authority figures and more prone to fights with other students.
http://www.pamf.org/preteen/parents/videogames.html
A third source: A new study released by the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation explains that children age 0 till 6 are exposed to video games more than they should. They could have used that time wisely such as to play outside and interact with other children their age. They could have also used that time to do more educated and productive activities such as reading or being read to.
http://www.kff.org/entmedia/entmedia102803nr.cfm
Annotated Bibliography
My research paper will be about why Iran willing to build new relationship with US. and how they are seeking ways to return to the negotiating table and ease a nearly 30-year-old diplomatic standoff. Following are three sources i will be using
1. ISRAEL FINDS ITSELF BETWEEN OLD IRAN, NEW U.S
In this article Israles head of Foreign affairs committe Knesset's thinks that "Obama's overtures to Tehran are tactical -- to justify an eventual tightening of sanctions against Iran, and even possibly military action, to prevent Iran going nuclear, not an illusory strategy that Iran can be talked into abandoning its nuclear quest."
Global Information Network. New York: Apr 14, 2009.
46.4 (2008): 676-695. Research Library Core. ProQuest. MSJC Library, Menifee, CA.
14 Apr. 2009 http46.4 (2008): 676-695. Research Library Core. ProQuest. MSJC Library, Menifee, CA.
2. Antinuclear Groups Propose Three-Site Weapons Complex
In this article The National Nuclear Security Administration claim that it needs better computer codes to maintain existing warheads is The NNSA's claim that it needs better computer codes to maintain existing warheads is significance to Iran's claim that it needs domestic uranium enrichment capability for nuclear powerto Iran's claim that it needs domestic uranium enrichment capability for nuclear power.
Defense Daily. Potomac: Apr 15, 2009. Vol. 242, Iss. 10
46.4 (2008): 676-695. Research Library Core. ProQuest. MSJC Library, Menifee, CA.
15 Apr. 2009 http://www.proquest.com.proxylib.msjc.edu
3. IRAN: NUCLEAR ISSUE PRESENTS A HURDLE FOR U.S. TO CLEAR
In this article Ali Khamenei did not make direct reference to Iran's nuclear program. His focus on the economic and political pressures that have been imposed on Iran in recent years and the direct reference to what he called Washington's policy of "threat and inducement" were meant to make clear that, unless Obama finds a way to change the general direction of past policies and settle the nuclear issue in a mutually satisfactory way, Tehran will continue to ignore demands placed on it and go about its business as it had during the presidency of George W. Bush
Global Information Network. New York: Apr 8, 2009
46.4 (2008): 676-695. Research Library Core. ProQuest. MSJC Library, Menifee, CA.
13 Apr. 2009 http://www.proquest.com.proxylib.msjc.edu/
1. ISRAEL FINDS ITSELF BETWEEN OLD IRAN, NEW U.S
In this article Israles head of Foreign affairs committe Knesset's thinks that "Obama's overtures to Tehran are tactical -- to justify an eventual tightening of sanctions against Iran, and even possibly military action, to prevent Iran going nuclear, not an illusory strategy that Iran can be talked into abandoning its nuclear quest."
Global Information Network. New York: Apr 14, 2009.
46.4 (2008): 676-695. Research Library Core. ProQuest. MSJC Library, Menifee, CA.
14 Apr. 2009 http46.4 (2008): 676-695. Research Library Core. ProQuest. MSJC Library, Menifee, CA.
2. Antinuclear Groups Propose Three-Site Weapons Complex
In this article The National Nuclear Security Administration claim that it needs better computer codes to maintain existing warheads is The NNSA's claim that it needs better computer codes to maintain existing warheads is significance to Iran's claim that it needs domestic uranium enrichment capability for nuclear powerto Iran's claim that it needs domestic uranium enrichment capability for nuclear power.
Defense Daily. Potomac: Apr 15, 2009. Vol. 242, Iss. 10
46.4 (2008): 676-695. Research Library Core. ProQuest. MSJC Library, Menifee, CA.
15 Apr. 2009 http://www.proquest.com.proxylib.msjc.edu
3. IRAN: NUCLEAR ISSUE PRESENTS A HURDLE FOR U.S. TO CLEAR
In this article Ali Khamenei did not make direct reference to Iran's nuclear program. His focus on the economic and political pressures that have been imposed on Iran in recent years and the direct reference to what he called Washington's policy of "threat and inducement" were meant to make clear that, unless Obama finds a way to change the general direction of past policies and settle the nuclear issue in a mutually satisfactory way, Tehran will continue to ignore demands placed on it and go about its business as it had during the presidency of George W. Bush
Global Information Network. New York: Apr 8, 2009
46.4 (2008): 676-695. Research Library Core. ProQuest. MSJC Library, Menifee, CA.
13 Apr. 2009 http://www.proquest.com.proxylib.msjc.edu/
Annotated Bib
For our upcoming paper I decided to research both the negative and positive effects of big business in
here are some sources I will be incorporating into my essay
Russell S Sobel, Andrea M Dean. "HAS WAL-MART BURIED MOM AND POP?:
THE IMPACT OF
ESTABLISHMENTS IN THE UNITED STATES. " Economic Inquiry
46.4 (2008): 676-695. Research Library Core. ProQuest. MSJC Library,
13 Apr. 2009 http://www.proquest.com.proxylib.msjc.edu/
In the following article authors Russel S Sobel and Andrea M Dean discuss The Wal-Mart and how it impacts small business in
"The role of small and large businesses in economic development. " Monthly Labor
Review 1 Oct. 2007: 35. Research Library Core. ProQuest. ***MSJC Library,
In, “The role of small and large businesses in economic development”, the article discusses a study done by Kelly Edminston. The study goes on to explain how positive effects of big businesses are sometimes offset by negative effects, such as prevention of small businesses to expand and very little net gain in new jobs. The article goes on to explain how these big businesses and other factors can lead to declines in our nations GDP.
James C Metzler. . "The Small Firm Advantage. " Journal of Accountancy 202.1 (2006): 61-63. Research Library Core. ProQuest. ***MSJC LIBRARY,
This article by James C. Metzler discusses the special advantages that small firms have. This article is in favor of small businesses. The author explains how unlike big business small businesses have advantages such as better customer service, special offers for employees, and the fact that they can be more creative than large firms. The other makes a good argument, that even though large firms can seem overwhelming, they can also thrive with their special strengths.
Sources for Orginal Argument Paper
I am writing my original argument paper on homeschooling. Homeschoolers are currently required to get higher scores on their SATs for college enrollment which is unequal and unfair. Here are my three of my sources:
1) scholarly article by Kima Payne Stewart and Richard A. Neeley titled "The Impact of Homeschooling Regulations on Educational Enrollments in the United States"- this source gives the cold hard facts about homeschooling and reveals how many states fall short in their homeschooling requirements through data and stats. I plan to use this as one of my anticipated objections that will help writing my rebuttal.
2) scholarly article by Michelle Wichers titled "Homeschooling: Adventitious or Detrimental for Proficiency in Higher Education"- this source expounds on a study done to see if homeschooled kids are able to academically compete at a college (or higher) level. The results were positive, showing that not only were homeschooled highschoolers at par, but many were above average in their education. I plan to use this solid evidence to aid in validating the credibility of homeschooling.
3) article (it might be scholarly?) by Julie Blair titled "College Admissions Adapts to Students Taught at Home"- this source shows a lot of the changes many universities have made for homeschooling. This source will be good to show how far America has come in allowing homeschooling and encourage people to take just a few more steps to make college admissions completely fair and equal for home schoolers so they have no disadvantage.
1) scholarly article by Kima Payne Stewart and Richard A. Neeley titled "The Impact of Homeschooling Regulations on Educational Enrollments in the United States"- this source gives the cold hard facts about homeschooling and reveals how many states fall short in their homeschooling requirements through data and stats. I plan to use this as one of my anticipated objections that will help writing my rebuttal.
2) scholarly article by Michelle Wichers titled "Homeschooling: Adventitious or Detrimental for Proficiency in Higher Education"- this source expounds on a study done to see if homeschooled kids are able to academically compete at a college (or higher) level. The results were positive, showing that not only were homeschooled highschoolers at par, but many were above average in their education. I plan to use this solid evidence to aid in validating the credibility of homeschooling.
3) article (it might be scholarly?) by Julie Blair titled "College Admissions Adapts to Students Taught at Home"- this source shows a lot of the changes many universities have made for homeschooling. This source will be good to show how far America has come in allowing homeschooling and encourage people to take just a few more steps to make college admissions completely fair and equal for home schoolers so they have no disadvantage.
One of the sources I will be using in my position paper is an article from Opposing view points by Debra Bell. She states that there are many challenges faced when it comes to homeschooling, such as time demands, preparation time,the need for private time and the unrealistic expectations parents put upon their children. She also explains that there are teacher limitations and that community involve is kept to a minimum.
Another one of my resources I will be using for my position paper is an article from Opposing view points by Dawn C. Pitsch. She explains the difficult trials of homeschooling, and how homeschooling is not for every family. She goes on to continue about how parents take homeschooling to heart, explaining that if their children are failing it is essentially the parents fault, when in reality-its not.
My last source I will be using in my position paper is another article form Opposing View Points by Isabel Lyman. She explains that homeschooling is a viable alternative to public schooling. She goes on to explain that choosing the right homeschooling program is crucial for families. She also continues on by saying that children who are home schooled generally do better on standardized tests and excel well in college.
Another one of my resources I will be using for my position paper is an article from Opposing view points by Dawn C. Pitsch. She explains the difficult trials of homeschooling, and how homeschooling is not for every family. She goes on to continue about how parents take homeschooling to heart, explaining that if their children are failing it is essentially the parents fault, when in reality-its not.
My last source I will be using in my position paper is another article form Opposing View Points by Isabel Lyman. She explains that homeschooling is a viable alternative to public schooling. She goes on to explain that choosing the right homeschooling program is crucial for families. She also continues on by saying that children who are home schooled generally do better on standardized tests and excel well in college.
position paper title: New Homeless in America, Federal or State responsibility
In today's housing market there are hundreds of foreclosures. The climb in foreclosures yielded thousands of displaced families, forcing these families to live in cars or in shelters. Whose responsibility should it be to help this raising minority? To find whose responsible, there should be a finger pointed at whose to blame.
Works cited:
National Coalition for the Homeless
www.nationalhomeless.org
April 15, 2008
Still looking for more "scholarly" articles...
Works cited:
National Coalition for the Homeless
www.nationalhomeless.org
April 15, 2008
Still looking for more "scholarly" articles...
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Technology vs Humanity
Is technology slowly destroying humanity? With all the advances in technology we, as humans, are forgetting how to actually BE humans. We've made alot of improvements in our society and have come up with brilliant new things, but are all these accomplishments hurting us more than they are helping us? I've found many sources that believe the more we advance in technology the more our humanity is at stake. I agree with this. The human being used to be the most intellegent thing on the planet. And that used to be something to be proud of. Going to college and learning how to be a banker or a stock broker or even something so simple as a "fix it" guy or a cashier were great accomplishments that made us human. With the invention of the computer technology has just gotten more and more intellegent... Far more intellegent than human beings could ever be. This is NOT a good thing. In my position paper I am going to prove that sometimes advanced technology is not helpful to human beings, instead it just aids to our slow destruction. The articles I have found are:
Is Humanity Destined to Self Destruct? -This scholarly google article is about how humans need to adapt to the advances in technology in order to survive.
Technological Innovation Must Be Limited to Protect Humanity -This is an opposing viewpoint which is pretty much explained in the title
Children's Isolation from the Natural World Is a Threat to Their Health -Another opposing viewpoint which states that children who spend their time alone in front of the TV or computer are more likely to contract cultural autism.
Electronic Interaction Is Making Americans Less Literate -This opposing viewpoint was determined from various national surveys about the effects of technology and literacy in college students.
Is Humanity Destined to Self Destruct? -This scholarly google article is about how humans need to adapt to the advances in technology in order to survive.
Technological Innovation Must Be Limited to Protect Humanity -This is an opposing viewpoint which is pretty much explained in the title
Children's Isolation from the Natural World Is a Threat to Their Health -Another opposing viewpoint which states that children who spend their time alone in front of the TV or computer are more likely to contract cultural autism.
Electronic Interaction Is Making Americans Less Literate -This opposing viewpoint was determined from various national surveys about the effects of technology and literacy in college students.
On Arguing Successfully
Hi all,
Some of this we've gone over (yawn, but necessary), some perhaps not. In any case, I though this might be a useful once or tenth-over regarding the paper and how you can most successfully approach it.
1. Avoid moral arguments (and moralizing in general). You need to find factual, or at least viable evidence to support your claim. When you are trying to support a moral belief, the support you'll find is likely going to center on others' moral beliefs. In this way, you wind up with a circular argument that can't get off the hamster wheel of judgment. Choose your topic with care.
You can find yourself going down this path with all kinds of claims, not just the ones prohibited on the prompt. I see someone is thinking of writing about home-schooling. Great and of-the-moment topic. But imagine someone chooses this topic and bases his/her claim around the belief that public schools ensure students will be exposed to all sorts of horrible, secular behaviors, viewpoints, and the like. This paper could easily turn into a rant that indicts anyone and everyone affiliated with public schools. However, the next writer centers his/her claim around numbers that show home-school graduates apply to and gain admittance to universities at a higher rate than students public (or privately) schooled. This kind of claim is likely going to be based on factual evidence (in addition to opinion, theorizing, logic, etc.) As such, this paper is likely going to be more logical, more rational . . . and thus more successful.
2. Your thesis statement is really a two-parter. Remember, it's not enough to make the claim and leave it at that. Consider the argument at work here: "Military recruiters should not be allowed to recruit on public high-school campuses." Is the writer's claim clear? Absolutely. However, this thesis lacks the imperative "so what" clause. This phrase is shorthand for questioning why the claim matters in the first place, for establishing significance (the "why should I, as the reader, care about this or buy this person's argument?")for the audience. Your claim has no validity or importance if it doesn't have context and significance. Recall the thesis we came up with in class, which had three reasons attached to the claim. Having read that thesis, any reader would know exactly why the writer is offering the claim and will be more likely to be invested in the topic and argument (whether the reasons offered make the reader feel connected and familiar or combative and ready to debate or dismiss the claim). You will not be able to do this in one sentence -- it's absolutely fine that your thesis is not one sentence (though it's possible it could be if you write very concisely) -- we're not writing a five-paragraph essay here.
3. Consider laying out objections, concessions, and rebuttals throughout the paper rather than in one big chunk. If you offer three reasons in your thesis, it's likely you'll address, or need to address, three objections. You might consider bringing in objections as you move from point to point; the paper will be much more fluid and take on the natural movement of a "real" argument. Remember that anticipating and dealing with objections is an absolute for the argument paper.
4. This is the time to choose sources very carefully. If you have not already read the chapter on evaluating sources in FG, you should. Ultimately, it's not enough to have "good quotes" -- a skilled writer is going to consider (as will a discerning audience) from whence the information comes and the credibility of the source. A source who comments on what it means to be black and middle-class (as does Shelby Steele in an essay in your text) lacks experiential evidence if he/she is not black or middle-class. Does this mean such a source has nothing of value to say about these identity categories? No. However, it's important to establish the context in which the writer is coming from, and sometimes you need to do this explicitly for the audience. If your source is neither black nor middle class but is a professor specializing in ethnic studies/sociology, he/she has authoritative information that a black, middle-class "average Joe" may not have despite having experiential evidence to offer. Always ask yourself WHY the person's claims and viewpoints are viable and persuasive . . . the above two examples showcase viable perspectives, but the context in which these opinions are viable is different. Using scholarly sources will really help you in this arena -- it's usually pretty easy to establish why the author has credibility. On the other hand, if you did a general web search and found a fantastic quote that illustrates exactly what you were looking for but you cannot find any reason why that quote should be taken seriously (other than that it "sounds good"), you don't have a compelling piece of evidence. You have an opinion. Does everyone's opinion matter? In some respects, yes. The weight of that opinion, however, is what you need to consider.
5. As always, you need to focus on grammar, syntax, punctuation. Taking care to write correctly and fluidly tells your readers that you care about your writing, that you have the ability and authority to write about your topic, and that you care about their reading experience. Similarly, sloppy work that's marked with errors and clarity issues can, especially in this genre, tell your readers that you don't have the ability or authority to take a position on the issue (after all, if you can't present it successfully, there's a big, open door for critics), that you don't care about the topic or the reading experience, etc. It's difficult to take someone seriously who doesn't edit their work, and thus the entire argument is undermined. These elements do play a bigger role in this paper, as they will continue to do. While I believe content is more important, big-picture, than mechanics, and was trained in this method, mechanics still count. And, of course, you need to show that you can meet the learning outcomes for the course in order to pass it.
I hope this overview helps you put the project in perspective. If you haven't gotten started yet, there's no time like now!
Some of this we've gone over (yawn, but necessary), some perhaps not. In any case, I though this might be a useful once or tenth-over regarding the paper and how you can most successfully approach it.
1. Avoid moral arguments (and moralizing in general). You need to find factual, or at least viable evidence to support your claim. When you are trying to support a moral belief, the support you'll find is likely going to center on others' moral beliefs. In this way, you wind up with a circular argument that can't get off the hamster wheel of judgment. Choose your topic with care.
You can find yourself going down this path with all kinds of claims, not just the ones prohibited on the prompt. I see someone is thinking of writing about home-schooling. Great and of-the-moment topic. But imagine someone chooses this topic and bases his/her claim around the belief that public schools ensure students will be exposed to all sorts of horrible, secular behaviors, viewpoints, and the like. This paper could easily turn into a rant that indicts anyone and everyone affiliated with public schools. However, the next writer centers his/her claim around numbers that show home-school graduates apply to and gain admittance to universities at a higher rate than students public (or privately) schooled. This kind of claim is likely going to be based on factual evidence (in addition to opinion, theorizing, logic, etc.) As such, this paper is likely going to be more logical, more rational . . . and thus more successful.
2. Your thesis statement is really a two-parter. Remember, it's not enough to make the claim and leave it at that. Consider the argument at work here: "Military recruiters should not be allowed to recruit on public high-school campuses." Is the writer's claim clear? Absolutely. However, this thesis lacks the imperative "so what" clause. This phrase is shorthand for questioning why the claim matters in the first place, for establishing significance (the "why should I, as the reader, care about this or buy this person's argument?")for the audience. Your claim has no validity or importance if it doesn't have context and significance. Recall the thesis we came up with in class, which had three reasons attached to the claim. Having read that thesis, any reader would know exactly why the writer is offering the claim and will be more likely to be invested in the topic and argument (whether the reasons offered make the reader feel connected and familiar or combative and ready to debate or dismiss the claim). You will not be able to do this in one sentence -- it's absolutely fine that your thesis is not one sentence (though it's possible it could be if you write very concisely) -- we're not writing a five-paragraph essay here.
3. Consider laying out objections, concessions, and rebuttals throughout the paper rather than in one big chunk. If you offer three reasons in your thesis, it's likely you'll address, or need to address, three objections. You might consider bringing in objections as you move from point to point; the paper will be much more fluid and take on the natural movement of a "real" argument. Remember that anticipating and dealing with objections is an absolute for the argument paper.
4. This is the time to choose sources very carefully. If you have not already read the chapter on evaluating sources in FG, you should. Ultimately, it's not enough to have "good quotes" -- a skilled writer is going to consider (as will a discerning audience) from whence the information comes and the credibility of the source. A source who comments on what it means to be black and middle-class (as does Shelby Steele in an essay in your text) lacks experiential evidence if he/she is not black or middle-class. Does this mean such a source has nothing of value to say about these identity categories? No. However, it's important to establish the context in which the writer is coming from, and sometimes you need to do this explicitly for the audience. If your source is neither black nor middle class but is a professor specializing in ethnic studies/sociology, he/she has authoritative information that a black, middle-class "average Joe" may not have despite having experiential evidence to offer. Always ask yourself WHY the person's claims and viewpoints are viable and persuasive . . . the above two examples showcase viable perspectives, but the context in which these opinions are viable is different. Using scholarly sources will really help you in this arena -- it's usually pretty easy to establish why the author has credibility. On the other hand, if you did a general web search and found a fantastic quote that illustrates exactly what you were looking for but you cannot find any reason why that quote should be taken seriously (other than that it "sounds good"), you don't have a compelling piece of evidence. You have an opinion. Does everyone's opinion matter? In some respects, yes. The weight of that opinion, however, is what you need to consider.
5. As always, you need to focus on grammar, syntax, punctuation. Taking care to write correctly and fluidly tells your readers that you care about your writing, that you have the ability and authority to write about your topic, and that you care about their reading experience. Similarly, sloppy work that's marked with errors and clarity issues can, especially in this genre, tell your readers that you don't have the ability or authority to take a position on the issue (after all, if you can't present it successfully, there's a big, open door for critics), that you don't care about the topic or the reading experience, etc. It's difficult to take someone seriously who doesn't edit their work, and thus the entire argument is undermined. These elements do play a bigger role in this paper, as they will continue to do. While I believe content is more important, big-picture, than mechanics, and was trained in this method, mechanics still count. And, of course, you need to show that you can meet the learning outcomes for the course in order to pass it.
I hope this overview helps you put the project in perspective. If you haven't gotten started yet, there's no time like now!
Position Paper
I am not entirely sure of what I want to do my paper on but Home-schooling would be a good one. I was home-schooled for 6 years and have also been to public schooling, however, I was home-schooled online so it would make for a different twist.
Some of the arguments would be how difficult online learning can be,and how the social aspect of things is extremely tough to keep. I've always been iffy on online schooling having done it myself, so I'm not sure what position I would take on this subject. However, I'm sure by the time the piece rolls around I'll have a position or possibly another topic.
Some of the arguments would be how difficult online learning can be,and how the social aspect of things is extremely tough to keep. I've always been iffy on online schooling having done it myself, so I'm not sure what position I would take on this subject. However, I'm sure by the time the piece rolls around I'll have a position or possibly another topic.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Homeschooling
I'm thinking of using the homeschool debate for my position paper. I have homeschooled one of my three children, and next year I will be homeschooling all three. With that being said, my position on the issue would be that I am in favor of it. I hear from people that the main downsides to a homeschool education is the lack of peers, personal realtionships and socialization. The upsides to the homeschool debate are the higher curriculum standards, less student to teacher ratio, and more room for expressing and developing artistic ability and creativity.
With all the negative peer influence, lack of public education funding and poor teacher performance it makes sense for me to have my children learn at home. Learning begins in the home. As a parent, I am my childs first teacher. I have seen the schools fail children and there are other alternatives to education. If done properly, homeschooling can be beneficial and rewarding for the child as well as their parents.
With all the negative peer influence, lack of public education funding and poor teacher performance it makes sense for me to have my children learn at home. Learning begins in the home. As a parent, I am my childs first teacher. I have seen the schools fail children and there are other alternatives to education. If done properly, homeschooling can be beneficial and rewarding for the child as well as their parents.
Factory Farming
For my position paper topic, I'm planning to write on the negative effects of factory farming. Not only is the treatment of animals and the conditions they are kept in on such farms inhumane and appalling, it is destructive to the air, soil, and water surrounding them. The farms consist of a large amount of livestock crammed into a small area of land, with no pasture or grazing land. On traditional farms, the waste produced by the animals was recycled into the earth spread over the crops land for the following year, but on factory farms, where the animals can produce trillions of pounds of waste every year, the manure and urine is stored in open containers. Runoff from it into streams, rivers, and lakes can kill fish and contaminate human drinking water. As well, the air pollution caused by these farms is a hazard to air quality.
The main argument in favor of factory farming is that it is economical to produce the amount of meat the public demands at a lower price. However, for food production, in terms of feeding a larger amount of people, it would be more economical and environmentally safe to, instead of feeding all this livestock to produce meat, use the grain that would have fed the animals to feed humans. On average, the grain production that goes into feeding livestock would feed sixteen times more people than the meat produced by the animal feeds.
I have other supporting arguments as well, but this is a start. I think it would be a good topic for me to address because it coincides with what we are studying in my Environmental Science class as well.
The main argument in favor of factory farming is that it is economical to produce the amount of meat the public demands at a lower price. However, for food production, in terms of feeding a larger amount of people, it would be more economical and environmentally safe to, instead of feeding all this livestock to produce meat, use the grain that would have fed the animals to feed humans. On average, the grain production that goes into feeding livestock would feed sixteen times more people than the meat produced by the animal feeds.
I have other supporting arguments as well, but this is a start. I think it would be a good topic for me to address because it coincides with what we are studying in my Environmental Science class as well.
Position-Kids in year round athletics
An idea I had for my position paper is whether or not kids should be in year round athletics, like just playing one sport all year long. Or is it better for kids to play multiple sports and keeping them from tiring themselves playing only one sport. My position on this topic would be kids playing multiple sports. Some reasoning I have for this is children that play one sport get burnt out and sick of it after a few years, and reoccurring injury because the same muscles keep getting used and stressed.
Homeschool SAT scores
For my position paper, I am planning on writing about how a homeschooler's SAT score requirement for college acceptance is higher than the normal highschooler. My position will be that is unfair to make homeschooled highschoolers get higher scores than other normal public/private-schooled highschoolers because that is discrimination.
Position Post ideas
There are two ideas that I am considering for my next paper. The first would be prohibiting smoking in public places. I this think this would be a good topic because people generally have strong feelings either to allow the smoking in public or to make it illegal. My position is to make it illegal because the smell of cigarette smoke makes me extremely ill, and any activity that is being done that is making others ill or endangering other peoples lives, should be restricted.
The other idea that I am considering is the incident of the French Revolution and Marie Antoinette’s instigation of this historical event. I think this would be a good topic for me because I am a history major and am extremely interested in the history of France. I think that most people feel that Marie Antoinette was a key player in the French Revolution beginning and the eventual the downfall of the monarchy of France. My position is that Marie Antoinette did not bring about the French Revolution but was merely a pawn in an unstable government with unsatisfied French citizens.
The other idea that I am considering is the incident of the French Revolution and Marie Antoinette’s instigation of this historical event. I think this would be a good topic for me because I am a history major and am extremely interested in the history of France. I think that most people feel that Marie Antoinette was a key player in the French Revolution beginning and the eventual the downfall of the monarchy of France. My position is that Marie Antoinette did not bring about the French Revolution but was merely a pawn in an unstable government with unsatisfied French citizens.
Position Paper Nuclear Weapons
This afternoon Barack Obama met with his Russian counterpart Dmitriy Medvedev and much of the talk centered on nukes. The two nations will restart talks immediately on reducing the nuclear arsenal, with plans to have a new deal worked out by July. I think it's time to cut the nuke inventory since we don't have any big threats and having nuclear weapons just leads to nuclear war.
Organic Food
I have decide to write my position paper on Organic Food. Having children has change the way I eat and what I give my children to eat. There is research that show the amount of pesticide on our fruit and veggies can be harmful in the long run. Cow that have massive production are injected with hormones to produce more. So when we drink a glass of milk we are at the same time putting those hormones into our bodies. Though the down side is the cost is more. But why do people prefer to buy name brands like Nike, Guess, etc., but not worry what we are putting inside our bodies?
Position - Cloned Meat
In recent discussions of cloned meat, a controversial issue has been risen whether to inform the public of their sales in the markets or not. On the other hand, some argue that meat which is cloned for selling is an abomination of science. Cloned life; artificial life is something that should not be taken lightly. From this perspective, people feel that meat which is grown in a Petri disk is unsettling. An animal that is consumed by the masses, which is born unnaturally, and created in a lab is disturbing. The idea that an individual is able to tinker with the genetics of an animal and then process it for people to consume, churns my stomach as a writer. There should be a label of what you are eating and where the product is coming from. Just as the mystery meat in the nightmarish days of middle school haunts us, moreover the everyday reality of “fake meat” at the supermarket is hell.
Position Blog
For the Position Paper I want to write about nuclear power and show that it is a green energy source and that is easily generated. I will show the possitives and negatives that can be associated with it and how we are not utilizing this power as much as other countries like France. I think this is a topic of importance since so many people do not want to rely on fossil fuels and are worried about global warming. The problem is most people are afraid of nuclear power, I will try to show that it is not as dangerous as they might think.
position: decriminalization
So, I've been thinking of different topics for my position paper, and even though marijuana is one of the topics we're supposed to stay away from, I still am interested in using it as a topic. Maybe not so much the legalization of it, but more so the decriminalization, especiall here in california.
with the economy in the state its in, we shouldnt be spending countless tax dollars imprisoning people for smoking pot on their own time. Because its more or less the same as having a drink after work. Just personal preference.
Decriminalizing it would also free up countless cops who waste away there days handing out tickets for possession when they could be fighting real crimes, and stopping real injustices.
as for the opposition, it only exists because people are unaware or misinformed. many people dont even know that our founding fathers grew marijuana plants to use the hemp to make materials the british had imposed large taxes on, so they wouldn't have to pay the taxes they used hemp to make equivalent products. So without hemp, and the marijuana plant whose to say we would have ever escaped british rule hundreds of years ago.
with the economy in the state its in, we shouldnt be spending countless tax dollars imprisoning people for smoking pot on their own time. Because its more or less the same as having a drink after work. Just personal preference.
Decriminalizing it would also free up countless cops who waste away there days handing out tickets for possession when they could be fighting real crimes, and stopping real injustices.
as for the opposition, it only exists because people are unaware or misinformed. many people dont even know that our founding fathers grew marijuana plants to use the hemp to make materials the british had imposed large taxes on, so they wouldn't have to pay the taxes they used hemp to make equivalent products. So without hemp, and the marijuana plant whose to say we would have ever escaped british rule hundreds of years ago.
Samples of the Objection/Concession/Rebuttal Process
Samples of the Objection/Concession/Rebuttal Process using the argument: "High schools should prohibit on-campus military recruiting."
(Keep in mind that you are not defending a moral stance or taking a
moral position on an issue. We’re treating moral stances as beliefs, not facts.)
Touchstone for what the objection process looks like or is doing, this is it (key for your next assignment, Ancillary 3):
The whole process works a little like this: Your point of view, while it isn’t mine, is valid (in areas A, B, and/or C). I concede that X,Y, and/or Z. However, ultimately, my argument is stronger/better, etc. because of D.
***************************************************************************************
Sample process using Argument X:
Topic: Military Recruiting on High-School Campuses
Argument: High schools should prohibit on-campus military recruiting.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Reasoning for the thesis: Students are young, impressionable, and may not be ready to make this kind of decision at this stage in their life. Representatives could/might exploit the current economic crisis in order to convince students that joining is financially advantageous for them; this process is manipulative and may not be completely accurate. Students don’t need any more distraction from their studies than they already have; selling goods, services, and even opportunities on campus is problematic in a number of ways.
Thus the thesis looks like this:
Thesis: "High schools should prohibit on-campus military recruiting. Students are young, impressionable, and may not be ready to make this kind of decision at this stage in their life. Representatives could/might exploit the current economic crisis in order to convince students that joining is financially advantageous for them; this process is manipulative and may not be completely accurate. Students don’t need any more distraction from their studies than they already have; selling goods, services, and even opportunities on campus is problematic in a number of ways."
Objections:
1. If high-school students are not offered this opportunity in high school, it’s more likely they will not make a decision about their future as quickly as those who had it; in this way, they’ll get started (with the military, with college, with both) later than they could have.
2. Who’s to say what’s a distraction? Colleges are encouraged to recruit at high-school campuses, and few people object to this process. Isn’t it rather elitist or limiting to imply that college is the only legitimate option for graduating seniors?
3.Recruiting is not forcing. No one’s hands are tied behind their back. Students, high-school or otherwise, have the OPTION of joining, and recruiters have the RIGHT to make the option look good by way of whatever methods they use.
Concessions:
1. Certainly, it doesn’t make a lot of sense to allow one group with one worldview to come to campus but prohibit another that offers an alternative. Doing so flies in the face of one of the major goals of institutionalized education, which is to offer students multiple, even conflicting points of view and educate them so they can make informed choices.
2. Rebuttal: However, college-recruitment is still in line with educational goals, which are the goals any educational institution should be facilitating. The military is not an educational enterprise (at least in the traditional sense) and thus better kept off high-school campuses.
(Keep in mind that you are not defending a moral stance or taking a
moral position on an issue. We’re treating moral stances as beliefs, not facts.)
Touchstone for what the objection process looks like or is doing, this is it (key for your next assignment, Ancillary 3):
The whole process works a little like this: Your point of view, while it isn’t mine, is valid (in areas A, B, and/or C). I concede that X,Y, and/or Z. However, ultimately, my argument is stronger/better, etc. because of D.
***************************************************************************************
Sample process using Argument X:
Topic: Military Recruiting on High-School Campuses
Argument: High schools should prohibit on-campus military recruiting.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Reasoning for the thesis: Students are young, impressionable, and may not be ready to make this kind of decision at this stage in their life. Representatives could/might exploit the current economic crisis in order to convince students that joining is financially advantageous for them; this process is manipulative and may not be completely accurate. Students don’t need any more distraction from their studies than they already have; selling goods, services, and even opportunities on campus is problematic in a number of ways.
Thus the thesis looks like this:
Thesis: "High schools should prohibit on-campus military recruiting. Students are young, impressionable, and may not be ready to make this kind of decision at this stage in their life. Representatives could/might exploit the current economic crisis in order to convince students that joining is financially advantageous for them; this process is manipulative and may not be completely accurate. Students don’t need any more distraction from their studies than they already have; selling goods, services, and even opportunities on campus is problematic in a number of ways."
Objections:
1. If high-school students are not offered this opportunity in high school, it’s more likely they will not make a decision about their future as quickly as those who had it; in this way, they’ll get started (with the military, with college, with both) later than they could have.
2. Who’s to say what’s a distraction? Colleges are encouraged to recruit at high-school campuses, and few people object to this process. Isn’t it rather elitist or limiting to imply that college is the only legitimate option for graduating seniors?
3.Recruiting is not forcing. No one’s hands are tied behind their back. Students, high-school or otherwise, have the OPTION of joining, and recruiters have the RIGHT to make the option look good by way of whatever methods they use.
Concessions:
1. Certainly, it doesn’t make a lot of sense to allow one group with one worldview to come to campus but prohibit another that offers an alternative. Doing so flies in the face of one of the major goals of institutionalized education, which is to offer students multiple, even conflicting points of view and educate them so they can make informed choices.
2. Rebuttal: However, college-recruitment is still in line with educational goals, which are the goals any educational institution should be facilitating. The military is not an educational enterprise (at least in the traditional sense) and thus better kept off high-school campuses.
Position Paper topic
Is Technology Making Us More Alienated, Less Sociable, and therefore Less Human?
Convenience makes us lazy, we have many tools that help us with our day to day operations and we don’t even realize what it is doing to us as a species. We are being alienated without the social interactions that technology saves us because we "don’t have the time". People use self checkouts, drive through windows, and online banking/purchasing in their day to day business interactions. We also use many methods of social interactions without being in the vicinity of anyone but our gadgets. Some of our methods are text messaging, email, online social networks (Myspace/ Facebook) to interact with our friends and family. Is technology making us more alienated, less sociable and therefore less human, I think so.
I believe this topic is a good topic because there is a lot write about and it is not going to touch on moral issues. It is a topic that can be discussed because of the usefulness of technology and how it benefits humankind while on the other hand inhibiting our personalities.
Convenience makes us lazy, we have many tools that help us with our day to day operations and we don’t even realize what it is doing to us as a species. We are being alienated without the social interactions that technology saves us because we "don’t have the time". People use self checkouts, drive through windows, and online banking/purchasing in their day to day business interactions. We also use many methods of social interactions without being in the vicinity of anyone but our gadgets. Some of our methods are text messaging, email, online social networks (Myspace/ Facebook) to interact with our friends and family. Is technology making us more alienated, less sociable and therefore less human, I think so.
I believe this topic is a good topic because there is a lot write about and it is not going to touch on moral issues. It is a topic that can be discussed because of the usefulness of technology and how it benefits humankind while on the other hand inhibiting our personalities.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Thesis Should woman who give birth to drug & alcohol babies get sterilized?
I am going to vote for the one that Farhan and myself wrote. Not to sound pretentious, I just think we wrote a pretty good argument against forced sterilization. Thanks to all who voted for us.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
BEst thesis
My vote goes towards myself and Chad because I felt that we had a strong thesis that brougt. people more into the essay and firmly stood our ground on where we stand for the situation. This can become a big issue out there in the world and people would make idiotic decisions because a majority of humanity are selfish and only think for themselves. .
Best thesis imo
Personally my vote went to the thesis about senoirs graduates to complete some type essay. The thesis was strong and to the point and because it hit the nail right on the head, it clicked my my head and got me interested. And thinking of this makes me wonder i that would effect myself if my old high school would require me to complete such a task, it might of actually helped me in my career descion
Best Thesis
For the best thesis, I also chose the one we did regarding whether or not seniors should complete an extensive service learning project. The arguments made were well balanced. When the class was asked for feedback or questions regarding the topic and thesis, this was really the only that didn't need more clarification.
Best Thesis
My vote is for Deidra's and my own thesis on making seniors complete an extensive service learning project. I chose ours is because our argument had many balanced and logical reasons that backed up our thesis.
Best thesis
My vote for the best thesis goes to Chris and Farhan: Required Sterilization. Even though we could take the capital punishment way out and sterilize those who are producing drug addicted babies, that action wont solve the solution. It will prevent those parents from producing more addicted babies but what happens when they clean up thier lives and cant have a normal family. I do agree we should hold these people responsible for their actions but sterilization is not the answer.
Monday, March 23, 2009
My vote for the best thesis
My Vote for the best thesis is the one I was a part of, regarding should graduating seniors be required to complete an extensive program and essay... My group thought long and hard on this subject. As a senior (many moons ago) I was also required to complete a similar program. I feel that being in that "extra" program enriched me and gave me choices on what I may want to do in the future.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
My vote, sterilization thesis
My vote for the best thesis goes to Chris and Fahran's thesis on required sterilization. They make an effective argument by reasoning with self choice. They argue that a woman makes the decision to give birth to a baby addicted to drugs and sterilization as a punishment should not be a required penalty for mothers. What makes this thesis particularly effective is the question they leave readers at the end, if sterilization is required, then what's next?, cutting off kids hands for spray painting a wall?
Saturday, March 21, 2009
My vote for best thesis goes to: Tracy and Chad: Required Sterilization. I beleive they made a strong statement of their opionion. Making a strong thesis statement can make what we are about to read more interesting.
Thesis 1:Pregnancy is a long and complicated process, the mother must care for herself properly to care for the child. In such cases, a mother may neglect those cares for her own comfort, harming the child in the process; these mothers deserve to be sterilized in reciprocation.
Thesis 1:Pregnancy is a long and complicated process, the mother must care for herself properly to care for the child. In such cases, a mother may neglect those cares for her own comfort, harming the child in the process; these mothers deserve to be sterilized in reciprocation.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Say Cheese!
Before you go through that intersection, you may want to smile for the camera. A few weeks ago I myself got my picture taken on the corner of murrieta hotsprings and whitewood rd. in murrieta for turning right on a red light. With the light turning red practically as I began my turn I was faced with trying to slam on my breaks or follow through with my turn, my instinct of trying to prevent a potential rear end crash told me to follow through with my turn. However, this lead to my citation being sent in the mail for $440 dollars without correction as it currently stands!
This incident inspired me to further study this controversial issue further by reading Christopher Solomon's discussion of the topic in his article "Are red-light cameras fair to drivers?". Although Solomon mentions that red-light running accounts for about 22% of accidents in the U.S.A, he also mentions that t-bone crashes have been reduced by 25%, rear end crashes have increased by 15%. Although this seems to be a fair trade by 10%, these cameras should prevent accidents and not increase others.
Perhaps a more important issue with these cameras is the need to change these cameras from simply taking a snapshot to filming the incident. Although the video footage cannot always be perfect, critics agree that a video clip is a much fairer representation. Solomon quotes Arthur Tait, an attorney who specializes in red-light tickets who said, "Overall video is a hundred times better".
This is a subject surrounded by much controversy to as; whether or not contractors should determine where cameras are placed, if contractors are making too much money off of these tickets, and just how reliable are these cameras?
So the question I ask you is, are these cameras going too far? Is this an infringement upon our civil rights to privacy?
So just remember, smile for the camera
This incident inspired me to further study this controversial issue further by reading Christopher Solomon's discussion of the topic in his article "Are red-light cameras fair to drivers?". Although Solomon mentions that red-light running accounts for about 22% of accidents in the U.S.A, he also mentions that t-bone crashes have been reduced by 25%, rear end crashes have increased by 15%. Although this seems to be a fair trade by 10%, these cameras should prevent accidents and not increase others.
Perhaps a more important issue with these cameras is the need to change these cameras from simply taking a snapshot to filming the incident. Although the video footage cannot always be perfect, critics agree that a video clip is a much fairer representation. Solomon quotes Arthur Tait, an attorney who specializes in red-light tickets who said, "Overall video is a hundred times better".
This is a subject surrounded by much controversy to as; whether or not contractors should determine where cameras are placed, if contractors are making too much money off of these tickets, and just how reliable are these cameras?
So the question I ask you is, are these cameras going too far? Is this an infringement upon our civil rights to privacy?
So just remember, smile for the camera
Copy of Argument Response Grading Rubric
Grading Rubric: Argument Response
Writer:
Provides a sufficient amount of article summary so the audience is able to connect the writer’s response (the paper) to the original text (the article): 10
Correctly identifies the author’s argument: 10
Provides a clear thesis statement encapsulating the response (your argument, whether you agree, disagree, etc. with the author): 15
Organizes the response effectively: 15
Provides sufficient evidence to support argument (even if you agree with the author, you will need to come up with your own examples and evidence to support the point rather than relying on those already made and used by the author; these can include: personal anecdote, testimony, references, definitions, statistics, appeal to authority ((commentary/criticism by appropriate sources)), and your own logic): 25
Uses MLA format correctly: 10
Writes clearly and cogently, avoiding grammatical, syntactical, formatting, and spelling errors: 15
Writer:
Provides a sufficient amount of article summary so the audience is able to connect the writer’s response (the paper) to the original text (the article): 10
Correctly identifies the author’s argument: 10
Provides a clear thesis statement encapsulating the response (your argument, whether you agree, disagree, etc. with the author): 15
Organizes the response effectively: 15
Provides sufficient evidence to support argument (even if you agree with the author, you will need to come up with your own examples and evidence to support the point rather than relying on those already made and used by the author; these can include: personal anecdote, testimony, references, definitions, statistics, appeal to authority ((commentary/criticism by appropriate sources)), and your own logic): 25
Uses MLA format correctly: 10
Writes clearly and cogently, avoiding grammatical, syntactical, formatting, and spelling errors: 15
Thesis Statements: 12:00 p.m. class
Chris and Farhan: Required Sterilization
Thesis 1:
Women absolutely should not be sterilized for giving birth to drug-addicted babies. This would be a violation of their civil rights. It’s their body, their choice. Who are we to decide. If anything, we should make them attend rehab and get clean, then maybe have them volunteer at hospitals to pay the state back. If we sterilize them when does it end, chopping off kids hands for spray painting walls?
Reasoning (cons): “Gateway” – such a practice would probably lead to other violations of the body by the state.
Reasoning (pros): the children produced by such mothers will not have an easy time fitting in to society and may require care as they might not be able to live independently. These children are a burden to the taxpayer.
Other contributions: It doesn’t take in individual circumstances, reasoning, etc but is an extreme “blanket” policy (to sterilize).
There’s so many babies born like this that something has to be done. To save taxpaper money; there’s kind of assumption that someone who does this once will continue to do so . . .
__________________________________________________________________________
Julianne and Cameron: Breastfeeding/Pumping at Work
Thesis: In order to provide a professional working environment and to keep an efficient working establishment employers should not be required to provide a clean, private space for nursing mothers to pump milk as well as to provide the time necessary to do it.
Cons: Cuts into working hours; not appropriate for a working establishment. Storing?
Pros: Convenient for nursing mothers; cost-effective versus formula
Other contributions: storing shouldn’t be an issue; most workers store food of some variety; positive for employers: employee retention/better productivity; what about places that do not have any such space and would have to contribute money/time to provide one? Breast-feeding should be supported nationally that breast-fed babies are healthier, less likely to require various healthcare or intervention, so cost-effective for everyone over the course of time. Appropriateness depends on type of business? Health of the breastfed mother (must pump/express regularly to avoid pain/infection)
_________________________________________________________________________
Deddrick, Rischelle, Angela: Service Learning Requirements
Thesis: Although I agree with the statement that graduating seniors should have to complete an extensive service learning project this is a matter of principle that should be optional and not mandatory, because many seniors may become discouraged due to the added pressure.
Reasoning: (pros): looks good on college apps; could help motivate students to pursue career goals; (cons) outside responsibilities (sports, work, etc.) may interfere with such a project; could increase drop-out rate due to this process; affects grades? Good for community-building; teaches you time-management skills/responsibility
Sex Work/Benefits: none for Class 2
Thesis 1: If the sex work industry was given healthcare benefits, there is a large potential for increase spending in an industry that deals with sexual health risk on a daily basis.
Thesis 2: The sex work industry is consider immoral by many, but is still a legal profession, and like all professions still deserve basic healthcare and benefits.
Any job should offer basic necessities (thus, you have to consider this kind of work a legitimate profession)
This industry rakes in billions but the money isn’t necessarily going to those who are making the money.
It’s a huge, expensive enterprise to start mandating benefits.
Has the potential to become more corrupt if mandated.
________________________________________________________________________
Erin and Daniel: Vaccinating Children
Thesis 1: Vaccination should not be a state requirement but a parental option because state funding would have to become necessary creating extra costs and not all individuals can take the same required vaccinations due to allergic reaction and medical conditions.
Thesis 2: Vaccination should be a state requirement not a parental option.
Reasoning (pro): Vaccinating everyone reduces/eliminates worry about disease; vaccines would be uniform, no need to figure out who has and doesn’t have them; if required, parents wouldn’t have to worry about vaccination because the state would take care of it.
Reasoning (con): State funding would have to become necessary so all would be uniform, extra costs. People would be forced to vaccinate even against their own will, beliefs, or even religion. Not all people can take the same vaccinations because of an allergy, condition, etc.
(If you’re on a social program, like welfare, or using food stamps your children must be vaccinated to get these benefits).
Community college grading systems: None for Class 2
Thesis 1: Changing the grading system in California community colleges to include plus and minus grades would encourage students to work harder and separate the hard workers from the slackers.
Reasoning:
It’s less work all the way around to leave things as they are; students less stressed about grade outcomes.
Plus/minus doesn’t necessarily mean that people are harder working or less so but that they struggled more or less with the material.
Plus/minus is less work because it eliminates confusion; less work for an instructor.
________________________________________________________________________________________________
Thesis 1:
Women absolutely should not be sterilized for giving birth to drug-addicted babies. This would be a violation of their civil rights. It’s their body, their choice. Who are we to decide. If anything, we should make them attend rehab and get clean, then maybe have them volunteer at hospitals to pay the state back. If we sterilize them when does it end, chopping off kids hands for spray painting walls?
Reasoning (cons): “Gateway” – such a practice would probably lead to other violations of the body by the state.
Reasoning (pros): the children produced by such mothers will not have an easy time fitting in to society and may require care as they might not be able to live independently. These children are a burden to the taxpayer.
Other contributions: It doesn’t take in individual circumstances, reasoning, etc but is an extreme “blanket” policy (to sterilize).
There’s so many babies born like this that something has to be done. To save taxpaper money; there’s kind of assumption that someone who does this once will continue to do so . . .
__________________________________________________________________________
Julianne and Cameron: Breastfeeding/Pumping at Work
Thesis: In order to provide a professional working environment and to keep an efficient working establishment employers should not be required to provide a clean, private space for nursing mothers to pump milk as well as to provide the time necessary to do it.
Cons: Cuts into working hours; not appropriate for a working establishment. Storing?
Pros: Convenient for nursing mothers; cost-effective versus formula
Other contributions: storing shouldn’t be an issue; most workers store food of some variety; positive for employers: employee retention/better productivity; what about places that do not have any such space and would have to contribute money/time to provide one? Breast-feeding should be supported nationally that breast-fed babies are healthier, less likely to require various healthcare or intervention, so cost-effective for everyone over the course of time. Appropriateness depends on type of business? Health of the breastfed mother (must pump/express regularly to avoid pain/infection)
_________________________________________________________________________
Deddrick, Rischelle, Angela: Service Learning Requirements
Thesis: Although I agree with the statement that graduating seniors should have to complete an extensive service learning project this is a matter of principle that should be optional and not mandatory, because many seniors may become discouraged due to the added pressure.
Reasoning: (pros): looks good on college apps; could help motivate students to pursue career goals; (cons) outside responsibilities (sports, work, etc.) may interfere with such a project; could increase drop-out rate due to this process; affects grades? Good for community-building; teaches you time-management skills/responsibility
Sex Work/Benefits: none for Class 2
Thesis 1: If the sex work industry was given healthcare benefits, there is a large potential for increase spending in an industry that deals with sexual health risk on a daily basis.
Thesis 2: The sex work industry is consider immoral by many, but is still a legal profession, and like all professions still deserve basic healthcare and benefits.
Any job should offer basic necessities (thus, you have to consider this kind of work a legitimate profession)
This industry rakes in billions but the money isn’t necessarily going to those who are making the money.
It’s a huge, expensive enterprise to start mandating benefits.
Has the potential to become more corrupt if mandated.
________________________________________________________________________
Erin and Daniel: Vaccinating Children
Thesis 1: Vaccination should not be a state requirement but a parental option because state funding would have to become necessary creating extra costs and not all individuals can take the same required vaccinations due to allergic reaction and medical conditions.
Thesis 2: Vaccination should be a state requirement not a parental option.
Reasoning (pro): Vaccinating everyone reduces/eliminates worry about disease; vaccines would be uniform, no need to figure out who has and doesn’t have them; if required, parents wouldn’t have to worry about vaccination because the state would take care of it.
Reasoning (con): State funding would have to become necessary so all would be uniform, extra costs. People would be forced to vaccinate even against their own will, beliefs, or even religion. Not all people can take the same vaccinations because of an allergy, condition, etc.
(If you’re on a social program, like welfare, or using food stamps your children must be vaccinated to get these benefits).
Community college grading systems: None for Class 2
Thesis 1: Changing the grading system in California community colleges to include plus and minus grades would encourage students to work harder and separate the hard workers from the slackers.
Reasoning:
It’s less work all the way around to leave things as they are; students less stressed about grade outcomes.
Plus/minus doesn’t necessarily mean that people are harder working or less so but that they struggled more or less with the material.
Plus/minus is less work because it eliminates confusion; less work for an instructor.
________________________________________________________________________________________________
Thesis Statements: 10:00 a.m. class
Tracy and Chad: Required Sterilization
Thesis 1:
Pregnancy is a long and complicated process, the mother must care for herself properly to care for the child. In such cases, a mother may neglect those cares for her own comfort, harming the child in the process; these mothers deserve to be sterilized in reciprocation.
Thesis 2:
A woman’s psyche is a fragile part of a possible mother, in such events that a woman is raped and becomes pregnant, she may retaliate against that man by way of the child in her womb. Sterilizing the woman after the birth of the child may force her into depression of guilt and no longer being able to fix her mistake.
Reasoning: Mothers may change their lives/behavior later on (in cases of rape) and will have been permanently forbidden to have more children (con)
The practice would be an example to others that are using – they might change their behavior – punishment by example (pro)
Sterilization would prevent the birth of more disabled or sick babies that may/will become the state’s problem.
Giving the state or any government entity control over a woman’s body and her reproduction is a dangerous gateway for similar practices in other situations.
________________________________________________________________________________________
Karlina, Michael, Megan: Breastfeeding/Pumping at Work
Thesis 1: Nursing mothers should be able to pump milk at work without having to hide in the bathroom. Employers should provide a space for them to feel comfortable, and the time to do so, without the worry of being penalized.
Reasoning:
Women wouldn’t have to stress about nursing, which will make way for more milk and faster pumping
It takes up time from the work schedule; mothers would get more breaks, longer ones, than other employees get.
Probably contribute to employee loyalty and more long-term employment.
Can make other employees uncomfortable. Possible sexual harassment cases?
Deidra, Kristina: Service Learning Requirements
Thesis: Graduating seniors should have to complete an extensive service learning project to become altruistic and competent members of society by providing evidence that they didn’t cheat the system and are prepared for college-level service learning.
Reasoning: Accountability/evidence (pro)
(Con):Most seniors don’t have extra time/energy to devote to this
Enough proof is already “there” in current requirements for graduation; high school career already proves they’re competent in society via GPA, etc. This should carry enough weight.
Faustino, Luke, Richard: Sex Work/Benefits
Thesis 1: If the sex work industry was given healthcare benefits, there is a large potential for increase spending in an industry that deals with sexual health risk on a daily basis.
Thesis 2: The sex work industry is consider immoral by many, but is still a legal profession, and like all professions still deserve basic healthcare and benefits.
Reasoning: Any job should offer basic necessities (thus, you have to consider this kind of work a legitimate profession)
This industry rakes in billions but the money isn’t necessarily going to those who are making the money.
It’s a huge, expensive enterprise to start mandating benefits.
Has the potential to become more corrupt if mandated.
_____________________________________________________________________
Thao and Nicole: Vaccinating Children
Thesis 1: Although some may argue that it is a parent’s right for their child to be vaccinated, many will argue that a vaccination is a state requirement, then it can eliminate worry, potential risk, and would create a healthier environment for the future.
Thesis 2: If vaccination were to be a state requirement in the attempt to promote a healthier stress-free environment, then it will take away parents’ freedom of choice and right to students education. Also, the cost would fall to taxpayers and risk unnecessary drug injection.
Reasoning:
Required vaccination gets in the way of the students’ right to education.
An unvaccinated child in a public school poses a threat to everyone else, and these children should not be forced into exposure.
Vivian and Chad: Community college grading systems
Thesis 1: Changing the grading system in California community colleges to include plus and minus grades would encourage students to work harder and separate the hard workers from the slackers.
Reasoning:
It’s less work all the way around to leave things as they are; students less stressed about grade outcomes.
Plus/minus doesn’t necessarily mean that people are harder working or less so but that they struggled more or less with the material.
Plus/minus is less work because it eliminates confusion; less work for an instructor.
Thesis 1:
Pregnancy is a long and complicated process, the mother must care for herself properly to care for the child. In such cases, a mother may neglect those cares for her own comfort, harming the child in the process; these mothers deserve to be sterilized in reciprocation.
Thesis 2:
A woman’s psyche is a fragile part of a possible mother, in such events that a woman is raped and becomes pregnant, she may retaliate against that man by way of the child in her womb. Sterilizing the woman after the birth of the child may force her into depression of guilt and no longer being able to fix her mistake.
Reasoning: Mothers may change their lives/behavior later on (in cases of rape) and will have been permanently forbidden to have more children (con)
The practice would be an example to others that are using – they might change their behavior – punishment by example (pro)
Sterilization would prevent the birth of more disabled or sick babies that may/will become the state’s problem.
Giving the state or any government entity control over a woman’s body and her reproduction is a dangerous gateway for similar practices in other situations.
________________________________________________________________________________________
Karlina, Michael, Megan: Breastfeeding/Pumping at Work
Thesis 1: Nursing mothers should be able to pump milk at work without having to hide in the bathroom. Employers should provide a space for them to feel comfortable, and the time to do so, without the worry of being penalized.
Reasoning:
Women wouldn’t have to stress about nursing, which will make way for more milk and faster pumping
It takes up time from the work schedule; mothers would get more breaks, longer ones, than other employees get.
Probably contribute to employee loyalty and more long-term employment.
Can make other employees uncomfortable. Possible sexual harassment cases?
Deidra, Kristina: Service Learning Requirements
Thesis: Graduating seniors should have to complete an extensive service learning project to become altruistic and competent members of society by providing evidence that they didn’t cheat the system and are prepared for college-level service learning.
Reasoning: Accountability/evidence (pro)
(Con):Most seniors don’t have extra time/energy to devote to this
Enough proof is already “there” in current requirements for graduation; high school career already proves they’re competent in society via GPA, etc. This should carry enough weight.
Faustino, Luke, Richard: Sex Work/Benefits
Thesis 1: If the sex work industry was given healthcare benefits, there is a large potential for increase spending in an industry that deals with sexual health risk on a daily basis.
Thesis 2: The sex work industry is consider immoral by many, but is still a legal profession, and like all professions still deserve basic healthcare and benefits.
Reasoning: Any job should offer basic necessities (thus, you have to consider this kind of work a legitimate profession)
This industry rakes in billions but the money isn’t necessarily going to those who are making the money.
It’s a huge, expensive enterprise to start mandating benefits.
Has the potential to become more corrupt if mandated.
_____________________________________________________________________
Thao and Nicole: Vaccinating Children
Thesis 1: Although some may argue that it is a parent’s right for their child to be vaccinated, many will argue that a vaccination is a state requirement, then it can eliminate worry, potential risk, and would create a healthier environment for the future.
Thesis 2: If vaccination were to be a state requirement in the attempt to promote a healthier stress-free environment, then it will take away parents’ freedom of choice and right to students education. Also, the cost would fall to taxpayers and risk unnecessary drug injection.
Reasoning:
Required vaccination gets in the way of the students’ right to education.
An unvaccinated child in a public school poses a threat to everyone else, and these children should not be forced into exposure.
Vivian and Chad: Community college grading systems
Thesis 1: Changing the grading system in California community colleges to include plus and minus grades would encourage students to work harder and separate the hard workers from the slackers.
Reasoning:
It’s less work all the way around to leave things as they are; students less stressed about grade outcomes.
Plus/minus doesn’t necessarily mean that people are harder working or less so but that they struggled more or less with the material.
Plus/minus is less work because it eliminates confusion; less work for an instructor.
Friday, March 6, 2009
We do it anyway!
I just read Daniels blog on taxing weed. He stated that he agreed with the legalizing of marijuana with taxation on the profits, in hopes to get our state out of the financial slump it’s in. I absolutely agree. Legalizing marijuana could provide considerable amounts of revenue for California. There would have to be great efforts in order sustain a balanced regulation, which everyone could adhere to. This brings the Netherlands to attention. Marijuana in Holland is not legal; it's decriminalized, and comes with rigid guidelines and regulations. Here are some examples: You are allowed to grow a certain amount of plants in your home for personal use or for profit. The process to grow them is regulated and you are only allowed to harvest a certain amount for personal use. You have to grow them in a shed outside, or in your attic or basement. All profits must be reported and are taxed. Shops sell pot and hash and store owners pay their pot taxes. Holland is one of the richest countries in the world. They tax marijuana and prostitution which is also regulated under very strict guidelines. Throughout history our society has deemed pot use, an anti-social activity and has always had a more lenient outlook on its capacity in our lives. Daniel said it so simply, "It has been illegal for 71 years and people continue to smoke, deal and profit off marijuana...so why shouldn't the state collect taxes off of a recreational substance?"
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Taxing Weed
The other day I was half listening to the news while legalizing marijuana caught my ear. They stated that the state of California is considering legalizing marijuana and taxing its sales by 50%. Should this be passed? Absolutely. Naturally it sounds like a bad thing to legalize such a substance, and the first thing that pops into one's head is DUI's and deaths. However, the flip side of the coin is realizing that marijuana has been around since time and people have smoked it since its existence. It has been illegal for 71 years and people continue to smoke, deal and profit off marijuana...so why shouldn't the state collect taxes off of a recreational substance? Especially at these economic hardships of the state and the nation as a whole. Pot growers would have to apply and obtain a growing licence, then properly distribute their products. People who want to smoke weed always will, so why not make money off them and use it for every one's benefit. It is a win-win situation in that smokers are now happy and legal while the rest of the state is more financially stable. Even today if you are caught with a under certain amount of weed, you are exempt of higher charges. Weed is already half way legal, why not open it up all the way and profit from it...while setting proper regulations. In California, marijuana should be legalized with proper regulations, so the state can gain capital from its taxes and utilize it to help with the economic slump.
Are times tight? Buy a video game
According to an article from Tim Magazine entitled, "Video Games: Still Booming in a Bad Economy", explains how this industry is doing so well with the economies current state. The article mentions a 20% increase in sales for Microsoft and Nintendo selling 2 million Wii's and 1.5 million DS's. The article explains that video games provide a sense of escape and is can be cheaper in the long run then other sources of entertainment.
I would have to agree although I do not play a lot of video games, even my parents had bought Nintendo system for my little brother. I feel in the long run you can get more out of a home entertainment system as opposed to bowling every week or going to see a movie. Also with the current popular games that require a vast amount of your time it requires you to forget and let go of the real world.
I would have to agree although I do not play a lot of video games, even my parents had bought Nintendo system for my little brother. I feel in the long run you can get more out of a home entertainment system as opposed to bowling every week or going to see a movie. Also with the current popular games that require a vast amount of your time it requires you to forget and let go of the real world.
The Effects of Birth Order
The article I chose was "Second Place" by Catherine Crawford. Catherine determines that children's development problems are directly related to their birth order, the oldest being the most favored and adored, and a downward spiral from there. Catherine gives examples from her own upbringing (being one of twelve children!) and in her own family (she has two daughters) of this parenting problem. She attributes her youthful rebellion to receiving less attention because she was born somewhere in the middle-to-bottom of the ladder as opposed to the top of it. And in her own present family, she is seeing the same potential problem in her younger daughter, whom she has deemed the wild one and not compliant. Truly, many challenges of youth are because of their birth order; however, children's developmental problems can be traced to many other issues besides just birth order. For starters, it must be recognized that some children just have problems, either from genetics or personality. A child with ADD would have this learning disability whether they were born first or after other kids. Additionally, the child's friends greatly determine who they will be. So, in the end, it is incomplete to say that birth order is the sole reason for problem children.
I'mz ohkayz...gave muh anadar....
Talk about slurred speech...Yuck. Well just recently, I was reading an article about America's Drinking Age on an website, raising the question should the drinking age in America be lowered? The article expresses the possibility of having the drinking age be lowered down to 18, just like in England. The article states that if the age were to be lowered, eighteen-year old would have to have a drinking license, just like as if it were a drivers license; teens would take classes on alcohol, take a test and must pass it in order to obtain the license. Similar to how to be able to drive isn't it? Yeah just a little, I believe.
However, honestly, I say keep it where it's at and don't bother to change it. It's already too much of a hassle to keep up with the death tolls for teenage drunk driving and I already fear from a couple of my friends winding up in one of those accidents. "Sure it's not healthy or good for you, but c'mon live a little", some may say and it can possible be fun. Just not until you are drunk to where you puke every other couple of minutes; I don't have any experience but one day soon, but not now.
All in all, lower the drinking age, then lower it. If not, keep it as it is because either way, we will all be drinking soon (unless others chose not too).
However, honestly, I say keep it where it's at and don't bother to change it. It's already too much of a hassle to keep up with the death tolls for teenage drunk driving and I already fear from a couple of my friends winding up in one of those accidents. "Sure it's not healthy or good for you, but c'mon live a little", some may say and it can possible be fun. Just not until you are drunk to where you puke every other couple of minutes; I don't have any experience but one day soon, but not now.
All in all, lower the drinking age, then lower it. If not, keep it as it is because either way, we will all be drinking soon (unless others chose not too).
Is baseball really being destroyed by steriods?
I read an article entitled "Steroids Are Destroying Baseball", written by George F. Will. In this article some really great points are made regarding the use of steriods such as; chemicals jeopardize the health of the body and mind, abnormal behavior, dangerous, and even dishonorable. However, of all the facts and opinions presented, none of them carry enough weight to make claim to the destruction of the game of baseball. Like people need something to talk about writers alike need something to write about. I recall some years back when the cry's of complaint rang out about lack of scoring in baseball and how the game was getting boring. The league changed a few rules, diminished the strike zone, and players used enhancements to not only better their personal performance, but to keep the game alive. Final scores of 1-o after three hours of competition is not exciting or worth the money for that matter. What is even more disturbing is the fact that its called cheating and frowned upon. Man has cheated his way into the whitehouse, the top of corporate America, and lesser "accomplishments." Steroids will not destroy baseball. It may piss some people off when they learn that these multi-million dollar players are just like them--human. It more than likely will cause some players to be stripped of their rights to play major league baseball. And because of the attitudes of voters those players caught will not be inducted to the hall of fame. But the big business of America and baseball will continue to thrive. Tickets will be sold as seats will be filled and owners will continue to capitalize as will the bosses in Vegas.
Legalize What?
I read an article that was published in August of 2008 pushing for drugs to be legalized. The author argues his idea about the prohibition between the 1920's and 1933. He shows how the alcohol prohibition caused people to do more crime and as an end result alcohol had to be legalized because it just did not work. The author goes on to imply that illegal drugs are unsafe and disputes involving street drugs are solved by drug dealers with guns instead of doctors and court rooms. The ironic statements about this authors point of view and his solution to the "war on drugs" is that the drugs of choice have changed for this up and coming generation because prescriptions are the new way of getting high. Government regulated prescription drugs are now being sold as street drugs by doctors and drug dealers. How would legalizing drugs change addictive behavior? Although alcohol is now legal there is many crimes surrounding it, not to mention homelessness, prisons, and death are end results of legalized alcoholism. I don't want my children having permission from the government to be a drug addict and ruin their lives because unfortunately all these man made drugs are highly addictive.
Oops, we forgot a sponge in your stomach during surgery. Sorry!
Recently two hospitals in Ventura County have been fined 25,000 dollars each for leaving sponges in patients during surgery, forcing them to come back for a second surgery to remove the sponges, and who knows how much pain those sponges caused. Santa Paula and Thousand Oaks were only two of ten hospitals in California that have been fined for leaving sponges in their patients. In my opinion, 25,000 dollars is not enough for putting a person's life in danger by forgetting a tool inside their bodies. Doctors need to be less careless, and focus more on the surgery. If they are forgetting sponges inside, obviously their mind is not in the right place, which makes me very uneasy to know that while operating on someone, a doctor could easily be thinking about their personal lives instead of focussing on the patients life.
Take all that you need of me...
In the article “The Organ Donation Argument”, by Elizabeth Held, the author brings up an argument that she recently witnessed while watching the television show “The View”. One of the hosts on the program proposed that the organ donation process should be something that is automatic unless a person opts out of it versus the current process of having to opt in.
I absolutely agree with this idea. Organ donation is a powerful way that a person’s own tragedy (death) can benefit dozens of other people. Last week I had a teacher who had a close friend pass away, and with this one person’s untimely death, sixty to seventy people were given her organs and a chance to live a longer, fuller life. If a person were to be against organ donation for religious or strong personal reasons, there would still be the option to opt out; but in many cases people just do not take the time to place the pink sticker on their driver’s license, and in these cases – their precious organs would go to benefit others.
I absolutely agree with this idea. Organ donation is a powerful way that a person’s own tragedy (death) can benefit dozens of other people. Last week I had a teacher who had a close friend pass away, and with this one person’s untimely death, sixty to seventy people were given her organs and a chance to live a longer, fuller life. If a person were to be against organ donation for religious or strong personal reasons, there would still be the option to opt out; but in many cases people just do not take the time to place the pink sticker on their driver’s license, and in these cases – their precious organs would go to benefit others.
fourteen kids?!?!
I’ve recently read an article about the second woman giving birth to live octuplets in the US. Though a birth of a new child should be rejoicing, this article shames the mother of these octuplets. She already has six other children all ranging from ages 2 to 7 and she is currently unemployed. Also, the octuplets she gave birth to were implanted embryos. The article stated that the only reason she did this was to get more money from the government which basically is coming from us, the tax payers. So now child services are debating whether they should take away her children because she obviously can’t take care of all of them. I strongly do agree with this article that it is not right for this woman to be popping out multiple babies all at once. Is it even legal to implant that many embryos in one person especially a woman in her situation? It just seems bizarre to me that doctors would even implant that amount of embryos in her without checking up on her background. Yeah, mothers should have all rights with their own children, but I don’t think this mother can tend to her young ones momentarily.
Down with Barbie, The Bulimic Icon...
Recently, a Bill was proposed to ban the sale Barbie dolls on the market. When I read this I presumed it that she was created using hazardous materials like lead or Uranium 238. Instead I find out that she is giving something more deadly, a thin body. "Delegate Jeff Eldridge says such toys influence girls to place too much importance on physical beauty, at the expense of their intellectual and emotional development." So government officials are doing their job after all, worrying about banning a children's toy and putting even more jobs at risk. Honestly I believe this to be very trivial because it's a toy used to inspire imagination of the child, not invoke the future of person. Not only that there are people who's jobs are to manufacturer and supply toys that children might want. Politicians never fail to prove they are the most idiotic people on the planet, worrying about something as surreal as this and not paying attension to what the people real need, hope and guidance in a declining economy.
Housing Plan
In the recent article that i read on Obamas help for the homeowners help up to 9 million borrowers stay in their homes, through refinanced mortgages or loans that are modified to lower monthly payments. The Obama administration's program has two parts: one to work with lenders to modify the loan terms for up to 4 million homeowners; the second, to refinance up to 5 million homeowners into more affordable fixed-rate loans. Mortgages for single-family properties that are worth more than $729,750 are excluded. So -- if you have negative equity you are underwater. But, if you are living in your home and making the mortgage payments -- what do you have. I think the artcle presumes that everyone will abandon their homes and/or default on their mortgages.
How about we hold the people who signed the mortgage accountable? After all if you are aware that you cant afford 800 a month in rent and then you get a mortgage for 1400 a month is it not your fault?
How about we hold the people who signed the mortgage accountable? After all if you are aware that you cant afford 800 a month in rent and then you get a mortgage for 1400 a month is it not your fault?
Self Image
I recently read an article in an old magazine of mine and it was about body image. In the article the writer blamed the media for representing women as perfect bodies with flawless skin. That was the basis of the article. I can only partially agree with the article. I agree because there is an extremely large amount of ads all protraying women as size 0's with large chests to go along with it, and long slender legs. The reality most of the girls and women across the world deal with is nobody is nearly close to being that perfect. This is where I believe there are other factors that lead to girls with poor self and body image. When you see an ad it is up to the viewer to decide how to interpert it. Most of the girls and women know that the people we see on T.V. and in magazines are airbrushed to perfection, because this is a reality to us, we should be able to tell ourselves that and not let the media control us and make us think skinny and perfect is beautiful. It takes the consumer to not let it get to them but it would be a great deal of help if the media relaxed a little bit and showed the world real women instead of a body type that only makes up a small portion of the world's population.
4: PLEASE HOLD WHILE YOUR LIFE IS AT RISK...
A robber just broke into your house, not expecting anyone to be home, he is startled by your presence, and attacks you with his knife.
* Dialing 911*
Four more minutes have gone by and you still hear the same recording, "Please hold for the next available operator to answer your call." Finally she answers with "911 dispatch center, please state your emergency." At this point you have been gushing blood from your lower stomach for about 5 minutes, barely breathing, and in agonizing pain. You give the lady all your information but its still another 10 minutes (which is a "good" reponse time) before a police officer arrives.
I was recently reading a story very similar to this one in a speech for anti gun-control vocalist. Jeremy Clyde a member of the NRA, states that "situations like these are possible to avoid, if the homeowner is knowledgable on how to operate a gun." I do believe that he is correct, that maybe guns are a neccesary evil to protect our homes and families.
Gun-control adovocates argue that if there was no personal gun ownership, that situations like that would never occur, that robbers would not have enough courage to inavde someone else's home without a weapon. However; Most would agree, that it is an ignorant thought. I believe that if anything, knowing that the average american who abides by the law has now turned over their only protection to the government, might make a criminal more urged to invade a home. Not only do I believe they would break in more often, but they would be more likely to have a firearm bought illegaly to make sure their robbery went as "smooth" as possible. Dont forget who was the criminal to start with.
* Dialing 911*
Four more minutes have gone by and you still hear the same recording, "Please hold for the next available operator to answer your call." Finally she answers with "911 dispatch center, please state your emergency." At this point you have been gushing blood from your lower stomach for about 5 minutes, barely breathing, and in agonizing pain. You give the lady all your information but its still another 10 minutes (which is a "good" reponse time) before a police officer arrives.
I was recently reading a story very similar to this one in a speech for anti gun-control vocalist. Jeremy Clyde a member of the NRA, states that "situations like these are possible to avoid, if the homeowner is knowledgable on how to operate a gun." I do believe that he is correct, that maybe guns are a neccesary evil to protect our homes and families.
Gun-control adovocates argue that if there was no personal gun ownership, that situations like that would never occur, that robbers would not have enough courage to inavde someone else's home without a weapon. However; Most would agree, that it is an ignorant thought. I believe that if anything, knowing that the average american who abides by the law has now turned over their only protection to the government, might make a criminal more urged to invade a home. Not only do I believe they would break in more often, but they would be more likely to have a firearm bought illegaly to make sure their robbery went as "smooth" as possible. Dont forget who was the criminal to start with.
Too hot to handle?
I have read Global warming: A Time to Act by Dianne Feinstein. She argues about global warming, the issues at hand and the ways to eliminate green house gasses.
Greenhouse gasses are the main causes for global warming. These gasses are created by the burning of fossil fuels and the excretion of carbon dioxide. The United States is the largest contributor to the destruction of our planet through pollution that enables global warming to occur. We have to stand up and act together in order to eliminate the excess we produce and consume in order to save our mother earth. Only we can save ourselves so we need to start immediately in reducing the amount of fossil fuels we consume and the carbon dioxides we create.
Greenhouse gasses are the main causes for global warming. These gasses are created by the burning of fossil fuels and the excretion of carbon dioxide. The United States is the largest contributor to the destruction of our planet through pollution that enables global warming to occur. We have to stand up and act together in order to eliminate the excess we produce and consume in order to save our mother earth. Only we can save ourselves so we need to start immediately in reducing the amount of fossil fuels we consume and the carbon dioxides we create.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Chris Brown and Rhianna...
I recently read an article regarding Chris Brown and Rhianna.... The Article titled "Behind Chris Brown and Rhianna's fight" By Karla K.
I agree with the article that states that no on was in the car when the fight happened, and we as the public are outside looking in - we could not know what happened and what caused the fight.
There are reports that the fight was due to a break-up or whatever. Karla goes on in the article stating that everybody is human and she even exposes her own skeletons, about being in arguments that required police attention.
Rhianna and Chris are public figures, but just a Karla states in her article - it is easier just to walk away.
I agree with the article that states that no on was in the car when the fight happened, and we as the public are outside looking in - we could not know what happened and what caused the fight.
There are reports that the fight was due to a break-up or whatever. Karla goes on in the article stating that everybody is human and she even exposes her own skeletons, about being in arguments that required police attention.
Rhianna and Chris are public figures, but just a Karla states in her article - it is easier just to walk away.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Blog 4 Mark to market
Is “Mark to Market” a Cure for the Banking Crises?
In the 20th Century Congress came up with a new accounting method called “Mark to Market”. This rule has been attributed for the current financial crisis we are in by inflating and deflating assets on balance sheets of major financial institutions.
The current recession we are in was led by the housing bubble. This has caused severe trouble on some of the largest banking institution’s balance sheets. Is Mark to Market to blame? First let’s find out what it is. Mark to Market is an accounting method used to record the price or value of a security at its current market value rather than its book value. This means that a mortgage backed security, which is illiquid, can be valued the same as a stock like Microsoft, a liquidity that is traded daily.
In a recent commentary for Forbes, Newt Gingrich (the former Speaker of the House) tells us that the government needs to “suspend mark-to-market”. I agree since this is certainly hurting banks and creating huge losses on paper leading to loss of credit and capital. Suspending it should stall the bank failures. It should also suspend us from having to loan them billions of dollars. He tells us that “while congress and the president are trying to figure out their next move the treasury should intervene”. He is right since what they have done thus far, just throwing billions of dollars at the problem, has not freed up lending. Newt goes on to say that “when these firms try to sell these mortgage backed securities to raise capital, the market values of the assets are driven down further”. I’m torn by this statement. On one hand mark to market is hurting the current values, but in the past 3-4 years it certainly helped them. The other side to this is when the inflated prices were on paper and many people were making a lot of money no one complained. Now that people are losing money they want to get rid of mark to market. It should be suspended right now and see if it helps, it can’t hurt. Then before the economy turns around the government can revise it so next time maybe we won’t have such a severe problem.
In the 20th Century Congress came up with a new accounting method called “Mark to Market”. This rule has been attributed for the current financial crisis we are in by inflating and deflating assets on balance sheets of major financial institutions.
The current recession we are in was led by the housing bubble. This has caused severe trouble on some of the largest banking institution’s balance sheets. Is Mark to Market to blame? First let’s find out what it is. Mark to Market is an accounting method used to record the price or value of a security at its current market value rather than its book value. This means that a mortgage backed security, which is illiquid, can be valued the same as a stock like Microsoft, a liquidity that is traded daily.
In a recent commentary for Forbes, Newt Gingrich (the former Speaker of the House) tells us that the government needs to “suspend mark-to-market”. I agree since this is certainly hurting banks and creating huge losses on paper leading to loss of credit and capital. Suspending it should stall the bank failures. It should also suspend us from having to loan them billions of dollars. He tells us that “while congress and the president are trying to figure out their next move the treasury should intervene”. He is right since what they have done thus far, just throwing billions of dollars at the problem, has not freed up lending. Newt goes on to say that “when these firms try to sell these mortgage backed securities to raise capital, the market values of the assets are driven down further”. I’m torn by this statement. On one hand mark to market is hurting the current values, but in the past 3-4 years it certainly helped them. The other side to this is when the inflated prices were on paper and many people were making a lot of money no one complained. Now that people are losing money they want to get rid of mark to market. It should be suspended right now and see if it helps, it can’t hurt. Then before the economy turns around the government can revise it so next time maybe we won’t have such a severe problem.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Argument Response: Stay Tuned!
I'll be posting a sample response to the Penrod's "The Smart Kids"; look for it here.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
why prop 8 won
I agree with the author regarding Prop 8. One would think since this country has the open - mindness to vote for President Obama; that this country would also allow same-sex marriages to take place.
Equality Now.
Equality now went over the way women today are getting way more help than in earlier years. Men are stepping up to the responsibility of their families and making a greater contribution. Jessica Frances Kane talks about how she has become equal or even less of a part in raising her family. To me as long as you are doing your best it does not matter how much the father or mother contribute. The main thing is you are raising your family in a healthy manner. The little things she worries about need to be discussed in counceling or with her husband. It human to feel left out and worried but, it is essential to build a bridge and get over it. Men and women are a team and should both play at 110% for their family.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Men are from Vengence
In the article, “Men are from Vengeance” by William Saletan, there is an emphasis on whether men are more vengeful than empathetic. There is a lot of scientific research and statistic done in this article to support Saletans view on the more vengeful side of men and their lack of empathy. William Saletan uses various patterns of comparing and contrasting men to women in order to portray whether men in fact do have less empathy and more “schadenfreud”, which is taking joy in the suffering of someone who is disliked. Saletan additionally puts men in particular situations to measure how much compassion men have and to what degree to prove his central point. In the article it is evident that men are less empathetic than women and there is no wrong in stating so.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Rough but ready
In his article “Men Are From Vengeance”, William Saletan attempts to reassure the audience that men simply are not just acting with retaliation as a result from a lack of empathy, men first try to utilize empathy, but when the truth is apparent, justice is best served with “an eye for an eye”. I completely agree with his argument...or is it an argument? It seems to me that Saletan is stating that men actually think before getting even. Because it seems to me that it is just an assumption by people...especially women, that men simply just act on retaliation. The title states "Men Are From Vengeance", therefore the title gives proof to the statement of men are expected to act on retaliation. Empathy plays a major role in whether or not someone "gets what is coming to them". In defence of men, there is a thinking process that happens before one decides to say torture someone else...its because they deserve it.
Thesis to Prop 8
In Kim's article, "Marital Discord: Why Prop 8 Won", he highlights why the campaigning against prop 8 failed. A main reason why it did fail was because the the campaigning did not aim towards the people, mainly the reason but without people supporting it, it has no reason. And another reason is that there was no direct approach with the reason, rather they tried to come around it with a akward angle.Kim doesn't show his full support to the fact that the homosexual part of the world and that they are greatly discriminated. People need to realize that it really does not matter who other people like. He also fails to recognize that the youth of America is still strongly outvoted at the polls by the elderly who are not for same sex marriage. Religious and moral elements are the same if not a bigger factor to why proposition 8 was passed.
Blog 3 - Thesis Statement
With the evergrowing controversy regarding homosexuality and gay marriage vs traditional lifestyles and conservative views, we look to our society more often as a template for what's right and wrong. Often we are placed in a senario, feeling as if our back is to the wall when it comes down to accepting or not accepting the choices of our children.
This is my opinion of Keri Fisher's article, Little Boy Pink, as she describes her very own issues with the acceptance of the possibilty that through her sons display of crossed gender roles, she might have to accept that he might be gay. She argues that his display of femininity is possibly caused by him having all female playmates. With having experienced this gender reversal role as a pre-school teacher, I also view this role reversal as normal. Children experience things differently. If a boy playing a female dominant role is determined controversial in our society, and determines that he will be gay, then on the other hand, what's to say that a girl playing a male dominant role won't be either? All in all, I believe that it comes down to Fisher dealing with acceptance.
This is my opinion of Keri Fisher's article, Little Boy Pink, as she describes her very own issues with the acceptance of the possibilty that through her sons display of crossed gender roles, she might have to accept that he might be gay. She argues that his display of femininity is possibly caused by him having all female playmates. With having experienced this gender reversal role as a pre-school teacher, I also view this role reversal as normal. Children experience things differently. If a boy playing a female dominant role is determined controversial in our society, and determines that he will be gay, then on the other hand, what's to say that a girl playing a male dominant role won't be either? All in all, I believe that it comes down to Fisher dealing with acceptance.
Thesis
On Little Boy Pink I think the thesis was it's ok for boy to dress in pink. Some boys go through a stage that as parents we fell is not correct. Getting professional advice can help a parent cope with understanding their child better. Keri Fisher's argument of it just being a stage came from her research with doctors. She argues that since they aren't hurting anybody it is ok. My son loves playing with girly stuff and though it doesn't feel right at times I know he is innocent and finds nothing wrong with it so I accept it that way.
Thesis Statement/Position
In Richard Kim's article, "Marital Discord: Why Prop 8 Won", Kim highlights bad campaigning and a non tactical approach to preventing Proposition 8 from passing, as the main focus of failure amongst of why Prop 8 passed. Although i agree that any great marketing or campaigning scheme can claim you victorious, I feel that Kim fails to support the obvious that the gay community is still simply discriminated. He also fails to recognize that the youth of America is still strongly outvoted at the polls by the elderly who more often times than not, are not for same sex marriage. These religious or moral elements are the same if not a bigger factor to why proposition 8 was passed.
Equality Now
In 'Equality Now', Jessica Francis Kane argues that every time a mom accepts help with her household duties from her husband, she trades her importance of being the 'sole care giver' for the guilt and shame of not meeting the expectations of a mother. Kane suggests that when children view their parents as interchangeable, the mother still is has the implied purpose of being supremely responsible. Even with all the leaps and bounds made towards equality among parental roles, Kane insists that there still is an enduring double standard yet to be broken.
Kane's argument is quite true when applied in her personal marriage and home-life, but it is unfair to say that all mothers carry the heavier load of responsibility at home. Though I agree that the typical married American woman is stereotyped as the 'do-it-all mother', every household is unique and fashioned differently. There are many wives who work full time and are the main providers for their families, while the husbands stay home and run the children show. Does this mean that these women must too feel guilty for breaking the motherly mold? It must be not only understood that every family is structured differently, but now also acceptable.
**Kristina Ripperdan**
Kane's argument is quite true when applied in her personal marriage and home-life, but it is unfair to say that all mothers carry the heavier load of responsibility at home. Though I agree that the typical married American woman is stereotyped as the 'do-it-all mother', every household is unique and fashioned differently. There are many wives who work full time and are the main providers for their families, while the husbands stay home and run the children show. Does this mean that these women must too feel guilty for breaking the motherly mold? It must be not only understood that every family is structured differently, but now also acceptable.
**Kristina Ripperdan**
Blog 3: Thesis Statement
In "Little Boy Pink," by Keri Fisher, Kerri talks about her son dressing up in girl clothes and how its fine that he does. She tells how he asked her, at the age of two, if he could dress up as a ballerina. In the article, Kerri tells how she has talked to a doctor and another mother that son had done the same thing at Declan's, Kerri's son, age. Kerri believes that what Declan is doing is not a problem, that it is just a phase, and has nothing to do this his sexuality or weather or not he is gender confused. I would have to agree with Kerri, it is fine for a boy to play dress up, even if he is dressing up as something that seems "girly." If a child is having fun, and not hurting anyone, I don't see what the problem is, and I don't see why a parent would want to tell them that they are wrong or in trouble. I think that the child, boy or girl, should be allowed to have fun and be supported by their family, not confused about whats wrong and right to other people.
~Megan F.
~Megan F.
Pick a Sex, Any Sex
In the article Pick a Sex, Any Sex, Jeanne Sager explores the technology and knowledge available today for couples wanting to choose the gender of their unborn child. “Sonograms may be responsible for taking the big surprise out of the delivery room for millions of moms and dads, but an increasing number of parents already know what they’re going to have. They picked their baby’s sex before making the actual baby” (Sager). This new expertise is exceptionally beneficial for couples who have a strong partiality for a male or female child, but should this decision be made in the laboratory or should parents let nature take its course.
By goly it's a thesis statment....I think.
While it seems like a big upset to most, seeing a boy play with barbies or dress up in girls clothing isn't that offsetting. In most cases, the actions by boys can be quite naturally. In the article "Little Boy Pink", Keri Fisher argues that raising a child who has developed a 'girlish' side of behavior does not mean they will turn out to be gay or bisexual. In doing so, she supports her argument with background stories of another parent and a doctors point of view.
~By Michael~
~By Michael~
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)