ESL?

The topic that I will explore is education in the United States in conjunction with ESL. My general position on ESL is that it does more harm than it does good. I feel that the best way for someone to learn anything is immersion. ESL harms our students by not forcing them to learn English quickly. I also think that ESL does more harm than good because it is a way of segregation. Many times it is even that the students need the ESL classes, but parents that enroll them in those programs. This forced segregation does not allow student to intermingle and learn from each other. Some students may need the ESL, but that does not mean that they need every class taught in their native language. I will need to explore this topic more, but feel that this will be an interesting topic.

Perspective

How is marital union legally defined? It's traditional definition and most widely accepted view of marriage is the legal union between a man and a woman. Conservatives point to biblical references to support the position that only the union between a man and a woman should be recognized by our culture as a valid marital contract. Is failing to recognize the marriage between homosexual couples in violation of their civil right?

Are the men and women we are selecting to serve and protect our rights and communities increasingly abusing their authority? How many times have we turned on the t.v., or read a story on the internet proposing an allegation of police brutality? Are officers accused of abuse being appropriately disciplined? Is the discipline distributed in these cases sending a positive or negative message to the public?

Positions

What’s Done is Not Done
Bombarded by political and economic upheaval, I feel Americans are constantly being asked to comment, support, or disavow hard-line, domestic and international issues. Fear, intolerance, and abuse of power are the legacy of the Bush administration. Bush infamously made unprecedented restrictions on the Freedom of Information Act as well as took steps to shield the American public from negative coverage of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. In an attempt to manipulate the American people in to supporting a misguided war against “terror,” Bush’s administration engaged polices that defied coveted American civil liberties and institutionalized a system of overt religious and racial stereotyping.
The UnDo-It
Unlike former President Bush, Obama is actively encouraging an atmosphere of “transparency” in government. One of his first acts as president was to reverse the ban on photographing the caskets of America’s fallen soldiers on their return from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. These deeply patriotic images, previously withheld from public scrutiny, symbolize the sacrifices made by Americans and the true costs of war. Although some politicians and private citizens have expressed their grievances with these personal images being made public, I believe these images are crucial in maintaining national accountability for the cause and consequences of war. Our military veterans deserve to be cherished and honored by all Americans, in life and in death: they have all earned the respect to be acknowledged for paying the ultimate price for their country.
The Do-It
Similarly, a new controversy has arisen surrounding the name of what will be a multibillion dollar tower and memorial on the site of the terrorist attack on September 11, 2001. Formerly referred to as “Freedom Tower,” the new tower, to be unveiled in 2013, will now be known by its’ legal name, “One World Trade Center.” Citizens and public officials are up in arms and consider the name change an affront to the memories of the victims of 9/11 as well as a symbol of broken promises made to the city shortly after this American tragedy. The destruction of the World Trade Center by terrorist acts became the pillar for which Bush placed his argument for the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Therefore, the rebirth of the new tower is aptly named, “One World Trade Center.” The tower’s new name does not diminish the memories of those caught in this tragedy. In fact, by maintaining its former identity it will represent the American precepts that dissenters to our values attempted to jeopardize on that grievous day.
The Didn’t Do-It
The Guantanamo Bay military detention facility will be closed. What will come of the detainees? Do they deserve the same right of due process that American citizens are afforded? Yes: it is the law. The truth is, under the Bush administration, prisoners of “the war on terrorism” have not been afforded the rights established by US Law and international guidelines established by the Geneva Convention. Due to the perversion of US and International laws, hundreds of detainees held at Guantanamo Bay have not been brought to trial. It has also been determined by US military and CIA officials that many detainees are innocent civilians mistakenly swept up in U.S. military raids. Regardless of the facts provided by his own advisors, Bush remained stalwart that every prisoner held at Guantanamo was a threat to American security. As a result, potentially hundreds of innocent men have been held imprisoned for years. If to save but one innocent man, the Guantanamo Bay detainees deserve to face their accusers in an American court of law.

Position Paper Ideas

Marines Corps Quality vs. Quantity

I would like to express the ramifications of increased quotas for the Marine Corps and its effect on who is recruited and who is retained through boot camp. Less numbers would be far more effective, because dropping the weaker links (or transferring them to a job in which they would not endanger their fellow Marines) would make a more effective force, and a less dangerous situation in training and in combat. Some people were not meant to handle weapons and those individuals certainly should not be placed in chaotic situations with them, for their own good and for those around them. When writing my paper, I would like to touch on the mental, physical, and emotional requirements that are turned a blind eye to in order to meet quotas. I will also explain what few quality control methods are in place and what makes them so flawed. 

Firearm Control

Firearms are obviously misused on far too many occasions, and as a result of this, stricter gun control is a must. But not by wiping them off the face of the earth (an impossibility) or taking them away from responsible citizens. There must be extensive safety training required before purchasing a firearm, and much longer sentences placed on crimes involving firearms. Also, there needs to be more limitations on where they are allowed, and who is allowed to conceal them. And I would also try to rebuke those who say assault rifles in particular should be banned, considering they are used less than other rifles and pistols in violent crimes.  

Lowering the legal drinking age

I also think this is a hot topic. It’s a hard one to decide on because no matter if a person is underage they will find a way to get alcohol. I don’t think it makes much sense to be able to smoke, purchase porn, vote and join the military at 18, but you can’t purchase alcohol until 21. There needs to be just one set age for everything and I’m not sure if 18 is the age. I think the military is a good thing for high school graduates that really have a passion to make the military their career, but as far as the rest it doesn’t make sense.

Assisted Suicide

Is assisted suicide right? I’m currently an LVN working toward my bachelors in nursing which makes healthcare topics important to me. I’ve seen patients in their last days of life and I don’t think they are mentally able to decide on a lethal injection. Depression is a big factor when it comes to suicide in general and there are medications that can treat depression rather that ending a life. Hospice is excellent at keeping patients comfortable and pain free during the end stages of life which makes it a more ethical decision over assisted suicide.

Should we make a big deal if...

Here I sit thinking of all the issues we should be concerned about. I have read the other posts by my fellow classmates, and may I say good ones !! This is what I am writing about today. Should we make a big deal if President Obama makes an appearance on The Tonite Show? In the interview he made a remark about his bowling skills and the special Olympics. When I awoke the next morning it was all over the news. Yes it was a silly unnecessary comment, he is human, and we all slip up. With the war going on, the economy, the missing children in the nation, the homeless, the elderly not able to afford to live, is it really that huge to make it front page news, all day long. Reporters and news teams, have they NEVER EVER slipped up on camera? We expect our President to be flawless, he is not. By no means should any political official engage in illegal activity, but human we all are. Locally in North County all that air time should of been spent showing the picture of the 14 year old girl from Escondido and her missing since Feburary.

Should we?

Should current victims/survivors rights at parole hearings be retained under California Law?
Victims/survivors have the right to attend their perpetrators parole hearings under strict guidelines. The District Attorneys’ offices work diligently on pertinent issues with public awareness on the increase. Do retain as an appropriate recognition of the victims/survivors integral part in this process..

Should it become mandatory for pedestrians to wear highly visible reflective material at night?
Many pedestrians assert their pedestrian privilege unaware of how invisible they are to the driver at night. A yea position and enactment of subsequent code would increase public safety and pedestrian awareness on this issue.

Anne H.

Should Creationism be taught in schools?

Why not? It makes no sense that schools should not be allowed to teach creationism along with evolution and whatever other ideas there are about how the earth came to be. It is hypocritical for schools to teach one belief and ban another. Both Evolution and creation are based on a persons belief system so they both should be taught as ideas.

Position Paper Ideas

Regulation of possible harmful chemicals in beauty products
Beauty products have harmful ingredients in them such as formaldyhe. Yet, instead of listing formaldyhe under ingredients, it is used under different names. Also beauty products on the market are still putting parabens, even though there has been substantial research questioning their wellness for the human body. There needs to be regulation and responsibility for what companies put in their beauty products.

Lowering the legal drinking age
I think this would be a good topic because it has been such a hot debate, and is still is today. With all the strong points keeping the drinking age limit where it is, there are just as many points if not more, proving the drinking age should be lowered to 18.

Those are all the ideas I could think of that I would like to write about.... I think I am going to like this position paper assignment :o)

Pondering Potential Positions

Well, here we we have arrived at the start of our position paper... already? It seems as though we've only just started the semester - at least, it does for me. When thinking on possible topics the paper, I am overwhelmed with the wealth of subjects on which to write. Here are a few musings....

1) Energy Resources: No More SUVs

This topic is of interest to me because I care about the environment, and do not wish for it to be continually damaged by our industrialized society dependant on large motor vehicles. It is a somewhat controversial subject, but one I hope to discuss valiantly, decently, and respectfully.

2) Guns: Why Humanity is Better Off Without Them

I think gun control is a subject that may be tender for some, but an issue needing to be addressed nonetheless. My stance is anti-gun. Period.
(The writer cringes in anticipation of the virtual spit-wads being prepared for her....)
Perhaps this will not be the topic I choose, but if it is I shall make my case with evidence and determination, praying that this class will take my stubbornness with a grain of salt. :-)

3) Standardized Computer Software: Ending the Mac vs. PC War

I don't know about you all, but I am tired of this ridiculously inept software we are forced to utilize. I propose a different approach, one that does not involve complicated conversion procedures and expensive programs marketed to aid the consumer in his or her blunderings. More to come on this....

That's it for now. I think this shall be an exciting project for us to undertake, and will provide insight into our diverse student community.

Thank you,
Ariana

Common Sense in Lending

Article: Common Sense In Lending

Author: Anonymous

This piece appeared in the New York Times online on March 7 2009. The author of this article is attempting to convince readers that just by fixing the mortgage crisis right now will not prevent it from happening in the future. He is concerned that as time goes on and the current crisis has been averted and forgotten the same faults that caused it would resurface and cause a new crisis. He argues that congress needs to act to prevent these practices from resurfacing. He cites that congress has been receiving this very same statement from Patricia McCoy. By citing Mrs. McCoy’s, a law professor from the University of Connecticut, statement, the author is lending credibility to his own statement. The author also appeals to logos and ethos by confronting those who say that it is the borrower’s fault. He appeals to logos by citing a few of the predatory tactics used by lenders. He appeals to ethos because many of his readers are those that suffered at those tactics. Lastly he cites that there are already people doing what he suggests, and that it is working. He then urges congress to act the same way. All in all, his argument is very concise, clear, and direct.

"Proposition 8 made me quit the Mormon church"

http://www.salon.com/mwt/feature/2008/11/13/mormons_prop_8/index1.html

In the above article By Jodi Mardesich she argues that the Mormon church is responsible for the passing of Prop 8 and that the byproduct of their ideals are promoting hate and discrimination.

"If not for the Mormon church and its campaign of hatred, California's Proposition 8 -- which would take away the right of men to marry men, and women to marry women -- wouldn't even be on the ballot.

Mardesich identifies herself as an authority on Mormon values and beliefs having been a follower for many years. She spends a great deal of time recounting her introduction into and experiences with the Mormon church in an effort to further discredit the organization and while this may be effective, the reader temporarily loses sight of her original argument which is centered around Prop 8. Regardless, it was an interesting essay from the perspective of an individual who has literally been on both sides of the fence.

"The day after the election, I wrote my letter of resignation. I sent it to the membership office of the church, telling them that I am no longer One of Them. They have to take me off their rolls. I can’t stomach being counted as One of Them."

The Purpose of Drama in Television

While this may seem a shallow topic, it is one of immense interest to me. I stumbled across an article published in Salon.com entitled: "I Like to Watch: The unrelenting darkness of "Breaking Bad" makes the homicide detective show "Castle" look like a fairy tale by comparison." The writer, Heather Havrilesky, ponders the reasoning behind two very different kinds of television dramas, AMC's 'Breaking Bad' and ABC's 'Castle'.

Havrilesky argues that, though 'Breaking"' is a gritty serial about drug-kingpins and the negative economy, it is more purposeful than the sugar-coated 'Castle'. She writes that "America has always had a knack for beating back the darkness with a collective, willful suspension of disbelief" and that we as a nation should lessen the veil of overwhelming sweetness and allow the reality to come through. While I see her point, I beg to differ. The American public, though still requiring a reality reminder, deserves - and, I think, is healthy to include - a location of relaxation and escape through the venue of the television. We as humans can cope with a lot, but the break of a sitcom or a fairytale is not something that I think needs to be removed; rather, we should be responsible in utilizing the resources with which we are provided to produce entertainment that will sooth, excite, amuse and edify. We are a diverse people, and are programming should remain as such.

Thank you.

Article link:
http://www.salon.com/ent/tv/iltw/2009/03/08/breaking_bad/index.html

Americas Inspiring Spirit

Friday, February 20, 2009

Americas Inspiring Spirit

David Brooks is a political and current affairs columnist for the Weekly Standard, Newsweek and the New York Times. He is the author of an article entitled "The Triumph of Hope over Self-Interest" in which he argues that people, more specifically Americans, do not vote their own self-interests resisting wealth redistribution from the top 1 % of the population to themselves. Instead they vote for their aspirations. Class distinction and social significance clearly influence and impact their quest for this American dream. To an extent this is true but more an overdramatization that fails to consider that people do in fact balance their aspiration with reason. One effective method David uses to evidence his argument is a Time magazine survey concluding that 39% of those surveyed percieve themselves as the top 1% or future top 1% of this elite income class. I look forward to and anticipate this to be a subject well worth the time spent in research.
Posted by Anne H at 11:29 PM

Regardless of bans, guns will get gotten.

I read “A response to Chicago Mayor Daley’s Recent Anti-Gun Arguments”.  The anonymous author does not need to specify the social significance so much, because it is an issue that has received much attention, especially in the last couple decades. Regardless of the need to specify, the title itself and the first paragraph make it completely relevant to the citizens of Chicago. He then goes on to make it a nationwide issue by revealing that “between 1/3 and ½ of all homes in America lawfully have guns.” The author rebuts the numerous arguments made by the mayor, several of which displayed his lack of knowledge in the subject. In conclusion, the author says, “a person who is willing to commit a serious crime such as murder or robbery will have no compunction about violating a gun ban law… The result is that the criminals are still armed, and the law abiding citizens (who weren’t going to commit a crime in the first place) are now disarmed, which makes them easier targets.”

http://www.learnaboutguns.com/2008/07/27/a-response-to-chicago-mayor-daleys-recent-anti-gun-arguments/

Dependable and Steadfast is Pretty Good Stuff

Movie Review.
Title: ‘Runaway Bride’: Pretty Woman is Back; but Now She’s Cautious
Author: Janet Maslin

Dependable and Steadfast is Pretty Good Stuff

What do moviegoers look for in a film today? A question explored as we examine Janet Maslin New York Times film review. A film reviewers’ clout, through leading publications' wide range influence, is capable of either enticing or put off a readers desire to ultimately purchase or view a film. The New York Times is a renowned publication within the nations’ largest hub of entertainment. This publication reached an estimated 57 million online readers in the third quarter of 2006 (nytimes 2).

The “The Runaway Bride” film portrays a New York, USA Today newspaper journalist, Ike Graham (Richard Gere) and a Maryland country hardware store clerk, Maggie Carpenter (Julia Roberts), known as the “runaway bride.” Maggie’s quirky reputation for leaving a trail of would be grooms at the altar is the pivotal theme. When Ike publishes an article about Maggie, conflict between Ike and Maggie ensues, a situation that leads to their budding romance and ultimate marriage.

Maslin contrasts this PG rated, romantic comedy film “The Runaway Bride” as an exact opposite counterpart to that of its predecessor with the same famous female/male stars as “Pretty Woman.” Maslin critiques the film as, “More often, the film is like a ride through a car wash: forward motion, familiar phases in the same old order and a sense of being carried along steadily on a well-used track. It works without exactly showing signs of life” (Maslin 1). At first glance, this metaphor might seem a negative report when in fact it positions the film as desirable to particular audiences, as it is deemed reliably entertaining, with no big surprises. Many prospective viewers may find this element more appealing than the unexpected. The critique combines sporadic structure and a descriptive intriguing style with its flowery, adjective profuse diction and imagery. Maslin further describes the film as one slow in progressing to the interest sustaining stage, that is, about half way into the movie. As the plot continues, the film is defined as increasingly sustaining viewer interest, when the main characters shine in their starring roles, illuminating the supporting characters in their glow.

Works Cited
1. Janet Maslin The New York Times on the Web. Movie Review.
Title: ‘Runaway Bride’: Pretty Woman is Back; but Now She’s Cautious
http://www.m1ovietome.com/pages/tracking/index.php?ref_id=275747&tid=7
2.http://www.nytimes.com/2006/10/31/business/media/31paper.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=New%20York%20Times%20circulation%20data&st=cse

Octumom

In decades past, to have a big family was not uncommon, nor was caring for your big family questioned by society. Enter Nayda Suleman, the mother from Whitter Ca who had 6 children and had octuplets in January 2009. Now "the octu-spectacle wont go away", there are daily stories about this mother and her ability to care for all 14 children, the newborns are still in the hospital, which concerns as to if the babies will be released in her care. Sit and ask why does society care about this mom, here is one answer from Harvey Levin of TMZ as quoted in LA Tines, "Octomom is crazy. People like crazy. Crazy in more interesting than boring. It's that simple." There are so many out there that have opinions about this mother being on public assistance, her home in pre-foreclosure, the doctor preforming invitro and the 911 tapes released to prove the fact that she is unfit to raise her children. "When Kaiser Permanente hospital officials questioned her ability to take care of the octuplets, he was the doctor she called in distress.", referring to Dr. Phil with whom she did an interview with that took over two days of air time. With so many people against a woman having large family and questioning her ability to care for them, it should stop and make us think, how did families decades ago care for their large family? Forty years ago spousal and child abuse/neglect were not openly spoken of, and if their were laws they were not enforced. Especially in smaller communities where most would just mind their own business and not get involved. The authors of this LA Times article may have a lot of views and quotes about how the single mother of a large family, but in the end, only a mother can love 14 children and what is in her heart is not open to the public, after reading this article, octu mom has the right to have a large family, unless she breaks a law, and at this point she has not. As she said to Dr. Phil, "I am no one special."

http://www.latimes.com/news/science/la-et-octuplets28-2009feb28,0,4834818.story?track=rss

Holding Mr. Bashir Accountable

I chose an article written in the New York Times called "Holding Mr. Bashir Accountable." The anonymous author makes a strong argument that Omar Hassan al-Bashir, President of Sudan, should be held accountable for his war crimes and that Obama, the UN and other countries should help with the situation. "He [Obama] should encourage China to stop supplying the weapons wielded by Khartoum’s army and militias and call on the rest of the world to tighten sanctions on Mr. Bashir’s cronies in hopes that they will finally oust him."
The author establishes social significance by providing strong, convicting evidence against Bashir. The author shows that Bashir has committed violent crimes against the people of Sudan and is very straight forward in stating what he/she thinks needs to be done with him.
"The judges [of the International Criminal Court] said that Sudan’s president played an “essential role” in the murder, rape, torture and displacement of large numbers of civilians in Dar fur."
The Author basically stated at the end what he/she believes Obama should do, but the requests of action are pretty strong. He/she says that Obama should send troops over to Sudan.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/07/opinion/07sat2.html?ref=todayspaper

"How to Stop the Drug Wars"

In the website article, "How to Stop the Drug Wars," the author argues that making drugs illegal is doing more harm than good. The author goes on to argue that the costly strategies nations have been using since 1909 is not effective, and never has been. This article is written due to Mexico's fight against drugs. The author writes, "In Mexico more than 800 policemen and soldiers have been killed since December 2006 (and the annual overall death toll is running at over 6,000)." The author makes it clear that making illegal drugs legal is not the best idea, but it is the "least bad." The author makes points by stating facts, quoting politicians, and poking weakness in statements made against the ban on drugs.
This article was very interesting to me. By making drugs legal there would be a collapse in drug wars, and deaths caused by drug wars. Yet, making drugs such as cocaine and heroine legal just seems so wrong. This situation is so complex. The only thing I can agree with the author about is that the drug system nations have made over the years is not working, and there needs to be a change before more people lose their lives.
Article link: http://www.economist.com/opinion/displayStory.cfm?story_id=13237193&source=hptextfeature

Slow Action, Smart Loan

Former governor Eloit Spitzer believes: “The long-term economic strength of the United States depends on our ability to compete in the world of intellectual capital.” In his article, “Lone Ranger,” for the online magazine, Slate.com, (http://www.slate.com/id/2212534/,) Spitzer disavows the barriers hindering an individual’s pursuit of higher education and the long term consequences of diminishing “American intellectual capital.” Spitzer appeals to authority, logic, and reasoning to support his stance on a proven, internationally successful loan program which he dubs, “smart loans.” First proposed and subsequently supported by two Nobel laureates, a government funded and monitored “smart loan” permits students to fund their education with a loan payback model based on a fixed percentage of their subsequent income – regardless of what that may be. Students who received “smart loans” would free to pursue socially desirable jobs, such as teaching, in place of high paying jobs that simply qualify because of their astronomical monthly tuition/loan payments. I agree with Spitzer's assertion that “education is a social good that receives inadequate investment.” Furthermore, “[A smart loan] removes a significant barrier to education for the non-wealthy and it frees employment decisions from the yoke of pure income maximization.” The “smart loan” was tested at Yale University in the late 1970’s and ultimately scrubbed-but not before a law student named William Jefferson Clinton was able to take advantage of the loan model’s benefits. Bill Clinton invested his intellectual capital in to a successful run for president: evidence that “making higher education universally available is worth the attention of the Obama administration and congress.”

Silly Sheriff

In the article author Kathleen Parker argues the “ silliness” of laws and why law enforcement should focus more on the important crimes being broken, than insensible drug acts. Using Michael Phelps recent marijuana incident as the prime example of why law enforcement and Kellogg are so silly. Parker states, “So seems the message from Kellogg, which has decided not to renew its sponsorship contract with Michael Phelps after the Olympian was photographed smoking marijuana at a party in South Carolina.That's showbiz, of course, but the cereal and munchie company had no problem signing Phelps despite a prior alcohol-related arrest” (par 1&2). Parker speaks of one sheriff in particular Leon Lott of South Carolina, he is spending too much time on the Phelps case rather than breaking down crime in one of the, “ nations most dangerous states in the nation”(par 5). Some of the cases that are being put aside are child pornography and rape to name a few, “Last year Human Rights Watch reported that as many as 400,000 rape kits containing evidence were sitting unopened in criminal labs and storage facilities” (par 9). Phelps case was a victimless act that is turning into to a huge ordeal and taking time away from solving the more serious crimes. Parker concludes with, “I'm not convinced that all drugs should be legalized, but we should at least put prohibition on the table to take another look. In the meantime, Sheriff Lott has some 'splainin' do to” (par 15).
http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2009/02/15/opinion/parker/z3d1b98937f4e731b8825755c00030f5d.txt