Possible shelter for Oklahoma students?

1. Hoberock, Barbara. (Sept 29, 2013) Fallin not endorsing statewide ballot on school storm shelters. Tulsa World. http://www.tulsaworld.com/article.aspx/Monday_Fallin_not_endorsing_statewide_ballot_on_school/20130929_12_0_OLHMIY451194

2. Category of issue: students and staff

3. Level of issue: state

4. This article concerns: Governor Fallin of Oklahoma isn't endorsing a ballot that measures calling for a statewide vote on a bond issue to fund school storm shelters and safety improvements.

5. Why does this affect families/individuals? Schools possibly have the opportunity to build storm shelters to implement the safety of students and staff. Due to the past traumatic events that had taken place with the tornados touching down in Oklahoma, this seems to be highly ideal. The outcome of this vote is still in the air.

6. My opinion: After the tornados touching down this past year and all the damage that resulted from it, I would think this is the best thing that could happen for the schools and the safety of their students and staff. Especially with Oklahoma being a hot spot for tornados and other terrible, severe weather, they should make the decision to prevent any other damage and ensure the safety by funding the school storm shelters. It only makes sense. Children are always first priority in any event so why not do what they can with this vote and make this a plan of action. It will also instill a safety net for the children who do go to school and know there is shelter nearby in case of another severe storm. If they don’t use the money to go towards this, my question would be what would be next and what is Oklahoma willing to do to secure the safety of their children. Especially if you think about those families who have survived the storms and lost their homes and memories, they would much less appreciate all the help they can to see a brighter future. Governor Fallin doesn’t think this is the best way to go about funding for this situation so I couldn’t imagine what would be better. Something needs to be done; especially out of all places of the country that encounter bad weather, Oklahoma would have to be at the top of that list.

Save Fresno

1. Wozniacka, Gosia. Fresno moving to tear up historic pedestrian mall. (Sept. 29, 2013) The Sacramento Bee. http://www.sacbee.com/2013/09/28/5776241/fresno-moving-to-tear-up-historic.html

2. Category of issue: individuals

3. Level of issue: state

4. This article concerns: Fresno's city officials are trying to tear down roads of the historic mall to create more streets for transportation for individuals.

5. Why is this important to individuals? This affects individuals due to this possibly changing up the economy in Fresno. This could allow for more job opportunities if more transportation is enabled. This is still undergoing review so there is potential for this not to pass.

6. My opinion: Honestly, I think this could do some good for residents of the area in Fresno. Seeing that the economy is sitting on thin ice in California, this could open up transportation for jobs and expanding that market. With the popularity of the area, it could increase taxi services for those who do not have means of transportation, also property taxes and parking meter revenues to go back into the city’s pocket. Giving more transportation to the area would also bring about more business to the local shops and restaurants in that area which could only result in a thrive of sales for them as owners of the businesses.  There are pros to this proposal but at the same time, this could almost hurt Fresno. More traffic leads to more accidents. By having a mall strip that is limited to pedestrian crossings only, it reduces the number of car accidents with pedestrians, yet making it safer for individuals and families in the area. The addition to motor vehicles would also contribute to the pollution in the area as well when I feel as if most states are trying to promote the whole  “go green” status. The city was awarded with a grant of $16 million to dig up the mall and create the auto traffic. I just feel as if there are other better options for using that grant. Their idea definitely has their pros and cons, so I feel as if there is something that could be in more favor of all factors. Perhaps they take that grant to help small businesses relocate to commercial buildings to bring about more business, especially ones that are on the rise and may not have the financial means to relocate.

Women's health clinics sue to halt Texas abortion law

1. The Dallas Morning News. (Sept 28, 2013) http://www.dallasnews.com/news/politics/state-politics/20130927-womens-health-clinics-sue-to-halt-texas-abortion-law.ece

2. Category of problem: pregnant women

3. Level of category: state

4. The article concerns: Texas House prepares to pass a bill that would limit access to abortion.

5. Why is it important? This affects the situations of families of pregnant woman who can't have the child for whatever reason. Based off of religious views, social norms, financial situations, the thought of abortion may be an ultimatum for these women who face this choice and therefore may need this choice.

6. My opinion:

Personally, I put myself into the shoes of women who face the choice of abortion and I feel like if that was me, I would have to give birth to the child because I can't even fathom deliberately putting a child to rest because of my mistakes. The only exception that could come to mind is if the woman had been raped. I feel like that was something totally out of her control and unintentional on the woman's part. Anything intentionally done to have a child would be full responsibility of the woman having the child. That is a selfish act to kill another human and I feel like you have to adjust to the changes with having a child because you're at fault. I go both ways on this issue just because if you do consider people's religious views and etc, sometimes it is what they have to do not what they want to do, and women may not be in control of the action especially for girls who are under age having children. Thinking about the state of when the woman is already pregnant and has that option to undergo the abortion process, I believe it is up to her ultimately and shouldn't feel like the government should limit access to abortion. Every human being has their own beliefs and I do not feel as if the government should be the ones to establish the ultimatum for women in this situation. I also feel maybe instead that the government should implement more programs for women to obtain abstinence to further prevent these situations from occurring.

Administration: Colleges should seek diversity

Jordan Brewer Article 2 

Kimberly Heffling San Antonio Express News September 27 2013.

Category: Diversity amongst Universities

Level: National

Article concerns: Anyone of a minority race looking to get into a higher form of education

Importance of article for families/individuals:
This article is very important for families and individuals that are of minority descent that are looking to further their education.  Many families that raise their children in low income neighborhoods never thought college could be a possibility for their children, but as this article explains, some universities are trying to make it happen. 

My opinion on the article:
I love the idea behind this article of allowing everyone an equal opportunity to get into universities, no matter their race.  The problem I have is that some schools make sure there are a certain number of minorities that make it into the system every year meaning when they are going through resumes they may turn down a kids acceptance letter simply because they were not a minority even if they have better grades and are better suited for the school.  I think race should not play a factor at all and anyone who works hard in high-school should have an equal opportunity to make it to college based on who works the hardest rather than what race anyone is.  I am all for minority scholarships if the student comes from a very low income family though.  I just think it should be the same for everyone who comes from a low income family rather than just minorities. 

New Jersey gay marriage

1. Mulvihill, Geoff. (Sept 27, 2013). New Jersey must allow gay couples to marry, judge rules. The Washington Post.
2. Category of problem: gay couples
3. Level of problem: state
4. The article concerns: New Jersey not recognizing same sex marriage and not granting any benefits to gay couples.
5. This is important to individuals who are gay because it affects their relationship and their personal lives quite honestly. There are 13 other states that allow it in the north with the exception of New Jersey and this is seeming unfair according to the article and the voices of those who are affected by this ruling.
6. My opinion of this article: By all means, I have nothing against same sex married couples. Although I personally don’t agree with it, I feel as if being with the same sex makes you happy then by all means go with it. It is just unfortunate for the residents of New Jersey who are in same sex relationships who hope to get married soon and have to deal with court hearings. The fact being that they may cut the benefits to those same sex couples blows my mind. In their defense, I wish that the government and those who are totally against same sex marriages would just swallow their pride and look past the social norm. I feel bad for these same sex couples because they already deal with the nasty looks and comments being made about them just because of who they are attracted to. God made all of us equal. Yes, it was conceived that man was suppose to be with woman. That was just what we were brought up to know. Not everyone follows that and it is obvious but I feel like there shouldn’t be certain regulations against same sex couples much less taken their benefits away. They are people too, people just like us yet they take so much unnecessary drama because of who they are physically attracted to. I feel as if the gay marriage issue should be ruled out as a national level issue and make it legal for all states to engage in same sex marriages so couples of certain residences don’t have to make a change in their life to get to where they can be and live comfortably with who they want to be with, same sex or not. Government, get over it.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/new-jersey-must-allow-gay-couples-to-marry-judge-rules/2013/09/27/caa1fb8c-27cc-11e3-b3e9-d97fb087acd6_story.html

Job market shows signs of picking up

Austin American statesman 9/27/13

National

Unemployment rates are the lowest they have been since 2007, and more people are being hired.

This effects lower income families who are being serviced because now that there is more opportunity, there are more changes to get back on their feet.

 I am so excited by the fact that unemployment is going down! This is great for our country, especially with all of the economic turmoil in the past 6 years. With unemployment going down and hiring going up there is hope for our economy, and I feel like this is a sign that things are turning up. I feel that we as a country have a responsibility to create as much opportunity for those living in poverty searching for jobs. We need to help our fellow Americans. We hear about this whole idea of the trickle down effect, and how the rich are expecting their wealth to trickle down to the poor. I don't see it. But now that the economy is turning up there is hope that we can get back on our feet. With more job opportunity we also need to talk to our youth about the importance of using the opportunities that they have, and getting themselves out of this cycle of poverty. Jobs are out there fort he taking, and you have a chance to reach out and take them if you only try and apply yourself. Education is key to doing better for yourself and getting those jobs that pay well and give you a better quality of life. We need to start by having career days for elementary kids, college visits as young as middle school so that kids can picture themselves going to college, and mentoring in high schools to make sure that these kids know how to get to where they want to be and to tell them that yes they can provide a better life for themselves. Once our youth is educated, employers will be competing over hiring such talented and capable individuals and we won't be outsourcing to other countries. Jobs will stay here and help our own.

U.S.: fire caret hiring biased

Austin American statesman, 9/27/13

Local

After an investigation done by the U.S  Department of Justice it was concluded that the Austin fire department had been discriminating against African Americans and Hispanics.

This effects local families who's parent could have been trying to get a job, and because of the discrimination could be out of work, or at a much lower paying job rendering the family in poverty.

It astonishes me how discrimination is still relevant in our world today. It was found that honing during the 2012 hiring season was unintentionally discriminatory which is against federal law. How do you unintentionally discriminate? How is it that the color of your skin is still so affecting when it comes to getting a job?! The people who were turned away from the fire department, unintentionally, should have a chance to reapply and be given a fair chance at proving themselves valuable to the department. Now if, let's say, in 2013 we hire more African Americans and Hispanics, are Anglos going to feel unintentionally discriminated against? Why is this even an issue in 2013?! I wish race was no longer seen as a divider of people, and not taken into consideration anymore. We are all people, we are all Americans, we all have the same freedom. Growing up in El Paso I never experienced racism, and it wasn't until I moved to another part of Texas that I realized it still is relevant to our generation. My brother was playing in a golf tournament in Lubbock a few months back, and one of the boys he was playing against called hi a dirty wetback. Really?! Are you so ignorant that you would bring up the grossly offensive racial stereotype and think that it's right? This really disturbed me because I don't see color, I see a person. I feel like the rest of the world should do the same.

More in US identify as 'lower class'

Austin American-Statesman
Category: Economy
Level: National
This article is concerning an issue families/individuals face.

Why it is important:
One can assume that a family that identifies as lower class does not feel that they have the ability to adequately sustain themselves. Some of these families may be receiving benefits like SNAP, but most probably do not fall below the "poverty line." That means, we clearly need to redefine the poverty line.

My views:
The number of people who claim to be lower class is directly related to the current economy. The poverty line, which has not gone up in direct relation to inflation, is entirely too low. People who are supposedly making too much money to receive benefits are struggling to make ends meet and put adequate amounts of food on their table. Our definition of poverty needs a make over. Maybe we haven't revised the definition of poverty because we, as a country, don't want to admit that the great United States has a problem. Maybe we don't want to admit that we need a major reform. It seems that everyone is aware of the issue, but what I don't understand is, why hasn't someone who has the power decided that they were going to look at the poverty problem we are having and readjust the requirements to fit the he nations' needs? I understand that allowing more people to receive benefits will cause those funds to deplete faster and in turn we would have to figure out a way to supply more funds which could include higher taxes. There are so many issues that could spin off of adjusting the poverty line, but why aren't we at least addressing these issues, one by one, and taking baby steps toward implementing a plan that could help those that are feeling the pain of living in poverty? There is a lot to think about and consider but there has to be something we can do to improve this situation. Raising minimum wage might help.

Sugar Land woman's idea to eliminate hotel keys

1. Christian, Carol. (Sept 27, 2013). Sugar Land woman's idea to eliminate hotel keys. Houston Chronicle.
2. Category of problem: all individuals
3. Level of problem: state
4. The article concerns: Sugar Land woman came up with an idea to eliminate hotel keys by implementing a system in your phone to check in.
5. Why is this important to families/individuals? I feel as if hotels are not the safest spots on vacation and a lot of crimes can actually happen at hotels, much less be prevented. People from all over the country are staying and you never know who you might end up with your room key and be able to break in.
6. My opinion on the matter: Hotels aren't the safest places especially when on vacations with their families and younger ones.I feel as if this is a solution to ensuring safety at hotels. When you have a tangible commodity such as a hotel card that allows you to enter your hotel, it puts you as some risk incase you happen to drop the card somewhere, lose it, someone pick it up, or any other possible case scenario. Anyone can pick up the card and enter your hotel if you don't keep it with you at all time. By implementing this system that can allow people to use their personal phone, that also they aren't as incline to lose as they are a card with no monetary value on it besides the entrance to their room, it only makes sense and seems a lot more logical to allow people to check in and use their phone to enter their hotel room. It would be similar to a scanning system if the plan goes into action. Therefore, no one without your phone would be able to have access inside the hotel which would make it more safer. There have been several situations where people have lost their cards and ended up in the wrong hands. Maybe it is just me, but I feel like I have seen way too many shows where murders have taken place at hotels because of break ins and what not. I truly believe this will ensure more safety for future lodgers and help eliminate crime rate at hotels.

http://www.chron.com/neighborhood/fortbend/article/Sugar-Land-woman-s-idea-to-eliminate-hotel-keys-4850089.php?cmpid=hpts 

Helmet cams raise privacy, liability concerns.

1. http://www.mystatesman.com/news/news/helmet-cams-raise-privacy-liability-concerns/nZ4gH/

2. Category of Problem: Privacy

3. Level of Problem: Local and State

4.  Article Concerns: Fireman wearing cameras on their helmets on the job and invasion of privacy issue.

5. Importance/Affect on families/individuals: Affects individual's privacy.

6. Personal View: When it comes to invasion of privacy matters it is always very controversial. How far is too far? What is invasion of privacy and is it being invaded? I can definitely see both sides to this issue of fireman wearing cameras on their helmets. I can see how it can be beneficial, but also invade peoples' personal privacy. In terms of its benefits, it can be very beneficial for firemen to wear the cameras to aid as a teaching and learning tool for the "what and what not to dos". This gives those firemen in training a real life view of the workforce and what it entails. It could also definitely help when needing more evidence for investigative purposes. In order to address the privacy issue I feel that the videos should be monitored and regulated by the fire department and officials and fireman should not be allowed to post these videos on youtube themselves or take home their cameras. That way this can help alleviate in wrong doing with the videos and prevent the privacy of others being violated.

Neglectful Mother Pays the Ultimate Price

Link: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/09/27/angelica-belen_n_4004634.html?utm_hp_ref=crime

Category: Crime

Level: State

Why it is important? This is incredibly important to families and our society because it shows how careful we have to be. It creates awareness that children should never go through this type of neglect or abuse and helps show justice for these individuals.

As I first started to read this article I sympathized with the mother and thought that the sentencing was very harsh after she suffered the loss of her children. As I continued to read, I began to feel even worse knowing that this woman was brought up from a terrible situation. Living in foster care because her mother was a neglectful, terrible caregiver is a sad and unfortunate upbringing. After learning that this woman had been charged numerous times for neglecting these children’s basic needs I changed my view on the sentencing. I believe it was a much needed punishment to teach this mother that the health and safety of her children should take a much bigger role. I do not believe that she was doing the best she can and was horrified to learn that her children were living in such filthy conditions. Although it is a terrible punishment to lose your children, in my opinion she was given many chances to clean up her act but failed to do so. From her lack of childcare she cost the lives of three innocent children that will never get to live a long fulfilled life. Hopefully jail will give her time to reflect on her actions and teach her how to correctly care for her remaining child. When she leaves the jail she will then be given the opportunity to build a better relationship with this child. I do feel for her and her family though and wish that people would understand how they are affecting the lives of these children. If she was unable to provide correctly for them then I do not feel that she should continue to have kids.

Want a salad with that Big Mac?

1.  McDonald's to offer salad, fruit as side. http://www.elpasotimes.com/latestnews/ci_24184084/mcdonalds-offer-salad-fruit-side

2. Category of Problem: Health & Food Industry

3. Level of Problem: National

4: Article Concerns: McDonald's reconstructing menu and marketing tactics; healthier options.

5. Importance/Affect on Individuals/Families: McDonald's will be providing healthier options to fries (salads and fruit) with all value meals. They are providing healthier alternatives due to the shift of customers more considered with their health and wanting healthy food still at a fast food level.

6. Personal View: McDonald's will always be McDonald's despite its efforts to provide healthier alternatives. If I am desperate enough for fast food or need to satisfy a craving, the fact that they will swap out fries for a salad does sound a bit appealing. I think it is great on McDonald's part to really listen and understand what customers are wanting now. Nowadays more people are all about health and working out. This could definitely be a reason why McDonald's has seen a decrease in sales this past month for the first time in 12 years. More and more people are staying away from fast food joints or when on the go and desperate for something quick to eat, want healthier options. I believe it will be a great success for McDonald's in the U.S. especially since this is already ruled out in France. I agree with what was said about McDonald's creating a "halo-effect" with these new changes. these new changes don't make the food any healthier, just more appealing for the health conscientious person. Children are big consumers of McDonald's and i believe it is important that children are not being deceived with advertisements. It's great that McDonald's will be taking steps to improve and change their marketing strategies for children. The fact that they will be promoting milk, juice, and water on the advertisements targeted at kids is definitely another great start. Because McDonald's is such a successful and known company and has a great influence in the food industry, taking these healthy measures can really influence other fast food chains to do the same as well as change how people in America eat food.

Fat dogs

1. http://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/26/garden/roll-over-fat-chance.html?pagewanted=1&ref=health
2. Category: Pet health
3. Level: National pets
4. Content: People aren't the only ones getting fatter, as pets in the U.S. are increasingly getting more and more overweight.
5. Importance: So many pets are unhealthy these days and they deserve a good life too.
6. To some the issue of obesity in dogs is not the least bit important, but for some of us, the lives of our four legged friends is incredibly important. I personally have two dogs, and they are basically like my kids. The connection people have with dogs is unlike any relationship that people have with other animals. Just like people in the U.S., dogs have an increasing rate of obesity, and it causes many of the same health related issues for them. In this article, one of the things mentioned was gyms and day spas for dogs. People will pay upwards of $100 per day to have their dogs placed on exercise programs to make them more healthy. I do think stuff like that is completely ridiculous and sad. It just goes to show how lazy people can be. In my personal opinion, if you can't go and take your dog on a walk, and you are actually willing to pay that much money to have someone else exercise with your dog, it seems to show that those people don't really care about their pets at all. For the most part though, I think it could be a good opportunity for people to get out with their pups, and get some exercise that is not only beneficial to their dog, but also to themselves. There is plenty of talk about all the nutrition related issues that are causing obesity, but another huge part of it is the lack of physical activity. Not everyone are "dog people" but for those that are, they should take their love of their pets and take them out for a jog.

Teen drunk driver kills friend..

1.http://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Teen-pleads-guilty-in-drunken-crash-that-killed-4847657.php?cmpid=htx

2. Category of problem: Teen drinking
 
 3. Level of problem: local 

  4.      The article concerns: A drunk driver sentenced to 3 years in prison and 10 years of community supervision.
 5.      Why is this important to families/individuals OR how does it affect individuals/families?  For the longest, drinking has been a problem for people of all ages. In this case, it was fatal.
 
 6. What are your views on the issue/policy?
This really angers me. Only three years in prison??!!!? In my opinion that isn't long enough for someone to sit and realize that they KILLED someone with their reckless actions. I was talking with my friends the other day when we were driving around and seen that a party had gotten busted. They just let everyone leave. Which meant there were drunk drivers on the road. I don't understand why police make people leave a party when they have to DRIVE home when they could just stay there and party and stay the night. Making them leave leads to problems like this. They tell you to leave and then say you get pulled over for a broken tail light. You are on the side of the road with alcohol in your system and driving because an officer told you to go home. My parents let me drink underage at home so they could supervise me. I didn't have to sneak around to parties and different peoples houses just to drink. I knew that where I was drinking I would stay the night or call someone to pick me up. This boys left a party and 1 didn't ever make it home. They are underage and by law they shouldn't be drinking. I feel like if there were more resources like designated driver cabs this would lower the amount of problems. I do like the fact that he has to speak in front of students at local high schools about how is actions changed his life. He needs to acknowledge his mistake in words not just a sentence. As for the parents of the deceased man, Their son was worth 3 years and 10 years of community supervision. That would burn me up inside. Who supplied these teens with the alcohol in the first place? Are they being charged as well?

Audit: EMS provides quality care, but medics cite fatigue.

1.http://www.mystatesman.com/news/news/local/audit-ems-provides-quality-care-but-medics-cite-fa/nZ7bR/

2. Category of Problem: Safety and health

3. Level of Problem: Local

4.  This Article Concerns: EMS overworked and fatigued.

5. Importance/Affect on Individuals/Families: EMS personnel stating that they are fatigued and exhausted from working overtime with out adequate time to recuperate. Providing quality care under these circumstances is important, but is questioned due to EMS being overworked.

6. Personal View:
It is very important that EMS are not working an excessive amount of hours and should be getting enough time off from work to recuperate from such long work shifts. Sleep deprivation and fatigue have serious affects and consequences on the body and cognitive functions. With the great amount of responsibility that lies in the hands of EMS (a person's life) they need to be fully rested and ready to work so as to not make any mistake, misjudge or overlook a detail that can lead to much serious consequences. I find it crazy how they are expected to work 56 hours a week plus overtime and be on call. Despite the fact that this audit brings to light this issue from the EMS perspective and shows that quality care has not been compromised, it is still important that the EMS work hours be revised. No serious happenings may have occurred yet due to an EMS being fatigued and making a mistake, but it can happen--or has already happened.  I don't think it should be a concern that by reducing the hours would mean the city would have to hire more medics. It is essential for the city of Austin to do so.
Another issue is that these medics are also traveling much longer distances due to patients being able to request a center facility they would like to go to even if its 20 miles aways. That is exhausting to be making trip after trip while having to provide exceptional care.

Texas State students

Week #4 Article #3

 

1.    Julie Chang and Claudia Grisales (2013, September 23) 13 Texas State students accused of hazing. Austin American Statesman

http://www.mystatesman.com/news/news/crime-law/13-texas-state-students-accused-of-hazing/nZ5sS/?icmp=statesman_internallink_textlink_apr2013_statesmanstubtomystatesman_launch

2.    Category of problem: College students participating in illegal acts.

3.    Level of problem: Local

4.    This article concerns: A problem/issue that individuals/families face

5.    Importance/affect on families/individuals: This article affect Texas State, the students, community, and families of the students who were involved.

6.    My input: First of all I don’t see the point of hazing, can groups not come up with something else that is maybe funny but safe. Not sure why anybody would want to shame or humiliate a person just because they are the “rookies” of the group. I think the university should be more involved in these cases especially since in 2011 Texas State students who belonged to the Sigma Nu fraternity were charged with hazing but the fraternity was not suspended. I think if university had severe enough consequence for students hazing that it would stop. I believe that every student who is caught doing criminal acts in any form should be suspended for at least a semester and if they are caught multiple times then the student should be kicked out of the university. I think if universities had hush rules like those that a lot of criminal acts would stop.

Another pastor....

 1. http://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Houston-pastor-accused-of-sexual-assault-of-his-4761717.php

 2. Category of problem: social/crime 
 
 3. Level of problem: local 
  4.      The article concerns: A pastor accused of sexual assault with foster child

 5.      Why is this important to families/individuals OR how does it affect individuals/families?  It is important to families or individuals because it involves a foster child being assaulted by their foster parent.
 
 6. What are your views on the issue/policy?  
This upset me as I was reading it. A grown man that was suppose to give this child a better life with a sense of security has failed to uphold his part. When children go in foster care it is a mess. They are already traumatized for whatever reason that got them there. I just think that the child was placed in foster care to be safe and live a normal life and now there has been more hardship brought upon them. This man is a pastor, people come to him to seek advice, a stronger connection to God, and to ask for forgiveness. He is suppose to show people, by example, how to be a leader in that religion. He is suppose to be a leader of the church yet, he is contradicting everything that he speaks. This doesn't only affect the girl but also her family and the church as well. I'm pretty sure that other people have left their children around him and are second guessing their actions. I wouldn't be surprised if more people came forward to speak out about other issues they have had with this man as well. Also, the girl had told a therapist that he had told her how he really liked her and they would be together in the future. I just can't think of why this man thought how this is okay. An innocent child that has already been put in the system, has even bigger issues to deal with. There were also other children in the household. I wonder if they knew and didn't say anything, if it was happening to them as well, or they were completely out of the know.

Austin Councile passes one of two rental registration plans

Week #4 Article #2

 

1.    Sarah Coppola (2013, September 27) Austin Council passes one of two rental registration plans. Austin American Statesman

http://www.statesman.com/news/news/local-govt-politics/austin-council-passes-one-of-two-rental-registrati/nZ8cz/

2.    Category of problem: Unsafe or insanitary conditions with rental properties

3.    Level of problem: Local

4.    This article concerns: A plan to keep better track and impose penalties on rentals properties that are unsafe or insanitary for people to live in, which is a potential policy that is being considered to help a problem/issue that individuals/families face.

5.     Importance/affect on families/individuals: This will affect families/individuals living in rental properties by let them be unsure that they live in a home that is safe and up to code.

6.    My input: I feel that the first proposal where all apartments’ complexes and other rental properties should be register with the city and be inspected regularly should already be a policy for rental properties no matter how many times they have or have not been cited for health-and-safety code violations but I guess it’s not. I think every rental property no matter what type should have to be inspected at least once a year after the property itself is at least five years old. However, I think it is going to be hard for the city of Austin to get all the properties register because they are so many people renting out their homes as a private company. As for second proposal which has not passed yet, I don’t agree with it. I don’t think the city should give more attention to the “problem” properties within just because they are in rougher neighborhoods because I feel that the city would be profiling those communities in a negative way.

Micky D's menu changes

1. http://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/27/business/mcdonalds-moves-toward-a-healthier-menu.html?ref=health&_r=0
2. Category: Health
3. Level: National
4. Content: Healthier options being sold by McDonalds
5. Importance: McDonalds aims to reduce marketing of unhealthy foods to children and offering healthier options to meet the demand of a growing health-conscious market.
6. McDonalds is taking strides to improve the quality of their food and also improve the way their food is marketed to certain groups. I personally think this is a great move and has been a long time coming. The increase in childhood obesity and the complications that come along with that speak for themselves. Our country is in desperate need of a change in not only the way we market foods to children but also the quality of food that is offered to them. A move like this seems like it could have many positive implications. A move to a healthier menu in itself is indicative of a growing trend towards a higher demand for healthy foods. With a company that has such high sales like McDonalds, it could boost overall sales of fruits and vegetables in this country. Another positive outcome is that a food service company as large as McDonalds taking on a more aggressive approach to a healthier menu, means that its competitors will more than likely be forced to make similar changes to their own menus. Clearly this isn't the answer to all of our nutrition related problems in this country, but it is nice to see that little by little we are seeing positive changes. Hopefully moves like this one will help fuel further progress towards not only the availability of healthier foods, but also healthier mentalities about food choices.

Obama takes on coal with first-ever carbon limits

1.      http://www.statesman.com/ap/ap/environment/obama-takes-on-coal-with-first-ever-carbon-limits/nZ3YK/

2.      Category: Environment

3.      Level: National

4.      A potential policy that is being considered to help a problem/issue that individuals/families face

5.      Importance on families/individuals: Climate change coming from carbon pollution is one of the most significant health issues of our time. The Obama administration is to set limits on pollution coming from coal-fired power plants which will provide for a cleaner source of energy for Americans.

6.      My input: I think that having a cleaner source of energy is important in our country. The problem of pollution is bad enough already and the Obama administration trying to clean up our air by enforcing limits on carbon pollution from coal-fired power plants is a step in helping Americans to live in a cleaner environment. The EPA is doing many things to curb global warming pollution and I believe the steps the Obama administration is taking is one in the right direction. The regulations the EPA is to set is only helpful for our environment to be a little bit cleaner especially because carbon pollution is such a significant health issue for people in this country.