Sunday, November 24, 2013
Burt
I am very glad that Burt took the time out of his day to come and speak to us and allow us to learn about a very rough time in his life. When people think of homeless people they feel like they are less than a person and they are quick to turn their heads or run from them. Sadly, I was one of those people until my senior year in high school. We read a book titled 'Same Kind of Different As Me.' That book changed my whole outlook on homelessness. It was about a homeless black man and a rich white man that were united and they became really good friends. It was based in Fort Worth, Texas at the Union Gospel Mission. When we finished the book, I was in tears. It was a great book and it changed my whole outlook. Our class ended up going to the Union Gospel Mission to volunteer and the writers were there. It was an amazing experience. So when Burt came to speak it brought me back to reading that book and volunteering. It is sad that he has to pick from a place to sleep and necessities for the month. People always look down on homeless people because they do not realize with this economy they could be in the same place as Burt, or even worse. We should help one another in the country. The less people we help, the less we are United. They want to plaster 'United we stand' everywhere but "divided we fall." We are divided. I do like that he helps other homeless people and that he has dreams to pursue down the road with counseling and such. I just hope he gets where he wants because no one deserves to be hungry and homeless.
Friday, November 8, 2013
Obama apologizes to people losing health coverage
Jordan Brewer Article 3
http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/politics/article/Obama-apologizes-to-people-losing-health-coverage-4966463.php
Julie Pace, San Antonio Express News, November 8, 2013.
Category: Health Care
Level: National
Who does this affect: The entire American population
How does this article affect families or individuals?
Obama put this health care act into effect to "help" all the individuals and families in the United States, but failed to come through on some of his promises so we shall see what happens.
My opinion on the article:
I really like the idea of having a health care system that fully supports the needs of the American population. Unfortunately I do not think Obama did the best job of putting this creation together though. That can be seen pretty easily right now as of last month he even lower approval ratings than George Bush which is one of the lowest of any presidents in history. I wish President Obama would be more honest with us when he says what he says. He did not put a good budget plan together before he enacted this Obamacare so our national budget is still in crisis and is only looking to get worse. This particular article talks about how Obama is apologizing to the citizens of the US because he promised once again that if anyone was happy with the insurance plan they previously had, they could stay on it. That is not the case as of right now though. Hopefully we can pull together and get this situation figured out to where it actually does help our nation as a whole while not putting us even further into debt. On a more positive note, one of the things I do like about the design of this Obamacare is that it places less stress on families as they do not have to worry so much about their children or themselves getting sick or hurt and not getting the proper care they need to heal.
http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/politics/article/Obama-apologizes-to-people-losing-health-coverage-4966463.php
Julie Pace, San Antonio Express News, November 8, 2013.
Category: Health Care
Level: National
Who does this affect: The entire American population
How does this article affect families or individuals?
Obama put this health care act into effect to "help" all the individuals and families in the United States, but failed to come through on some of his promises so we shall see what happens.
My opinion on the article:
I really like the idea of having a health care system that fully supports the needs of the American population. Unfortunately I do not think Obama did the best job of putting this creation together though. That can be seen pretty easily right now as of last month he even lower approval ratings than George Bush which is one of the lowest of any presidents in history. I wish President Obama would be more honest with us when he says what he says. He did not put a good budget plan together before he enacted this Obamacare so our national budget is still in crisis and is only looking to get worse. This particular article talks about how Obama is apologizing to the citizens of the US because he promised once again that if anyone was happy with the insurance plan they previously had, they could stay on it. That is not the case as of right now though. Hopefully we can pull together and get this situation figured out to where it actually does help our nation as a whole while not putting us even further into debt. On a more positive note, one of the things I do like about the design of this Obamacare is that it places less stress on families as they do not have to worry so much about their children or themselves getting sick or hurt and not getting the proper care they need to heal.
Boy suspended for purse
Website: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/11/07/boy-suspended-wearing-purse-vera-bradley_n_4235249.html?utm_hp_ref=education&ir=Education
Level: State
Concerning: Whether a school was suspending a kid for wearing a purse or for cursing.
I remember being in middle school and wearing some interesting outfits that got me in trouble. I think it is important at this time in a child’s life to be able to express themselves and their style. It seems like this is more of a homophobic issue rather then a “disturbance”. I don’t understand how high heels or a purse could really create that much of a distraction. It could help other children learn to accept others and how they choose to dress. If this child really was suspended for cursing then why would he bring up anything about the purse? I think that this got so much publicity that the school wanted to cover their tracks. I am glad that our society is becoming more accepting of things like this but saddened that people are still living with such close-mindedness. Hopefully as people evolve we will not have issues like this and kids will not feel scared to express themselves. I also hope that a boy wearing a purse or heels does not cause a distraction for others in the future. One day I believe we will have a lot less hate and more acceptance.
Protesters call for justice after porch killing
http://www.chron.com/news/crime/article/Protesters-call-for-justice-after-porch-killing-4966870.php?cmpid=usworldhcat
Week 10 Article 3
1.
(2013 November, 8). Protesters call for
justice after porch killing. The Houston Chronicle. Retrieved from http://www.chron.com/news/crime/article/Protesters-call-for-justice-after-porch-killing-4966870.php?cmpid=usworldhcat
2.
Category of Problem: Criminal
3.
Level of Problem: State
4.
Article Concerns: Whether or not a man should
be charged with killing a girl that knocked on his door for help.
5.
Affects families/individuals: This highly
affects the family of the girl that was shot because they lost someone that was
very special to them. This also affects the man that shot her because depending
on the results of the investigation determines what happens to him.
6.
My concerns: This was a very tragic event
that happened. It has to be extremely hard to determine whether or not this was
truly an accident. It is hard to believe that a man could just shoot someone
that knocked on his door without determining whether or not she was actually a
threat first. I understand someone having the right to shoot someone if they
feel like their life is being threatened but to just shoot someone without
knowing is kind of hard to imagine. I think that this investigation should be
very through in order to find out the truth behind this horrific accident.
Former Harris deputy charged with child sex assault
http://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Former-Harris-deputy-charged-with-child-sex-4969207.php?cmpid=hpbn
Week 10 Article 2
1. Glenn,
M. (2013 November, 8). Former Harris deputy charged with child sex assault. The
Houston Chronicle. Retrieved from http://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Former-Harris-deputy-charged-with-child-sex-4969207.php?cmpid=hpbn
2. Category
of Problem: Sexual assault
3. Level
of Problem: Local
4. Article
concerns: Houston police officer was accused of sexually assaulting his
girlfriend’s daughter.
5. Affects
families/individuals: This highly affects the child that it happened to as well
as the mother of that child, they trusted this man and he abused that child.
6. My
concerns: How could a man that worked as a police officer for thirty years do
something like this? It makes me wonder if that was the only girl that this
happened to or if there were others. Police officers are supposed to be people
that we trust to keep us safe but when they break the law themselves how are we
supposed to trust them anymore. It makes me wonder about how easy it is for
people to become police officers. I think more background checks need to be
done and that it should become more difficult for people to become police
officers. If we cannot even trust the people that protect us then who are we
supposed to trust?
Gov. Perry leaves a million Texans without health insurance
http://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/columnists/falkenberg/article/Gov-Perry-leaves-a-million-Texans-without-health-4966077.php?cmpid=btfpm
Week
10 Article 1
1.
Gov. Perry leaves a million Texans without
health insurance. (2013 Novemebr, 8). The Houston Chronicle. Retrieved from http://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/columnists/falkenberg/article/Gov-Perry-leaves-a-million-Texans-without-health-4966077.php?cmpid=btfpm
2.
Category of Problem: Health Insurance
3.
Level of Problem: State
4.
Article Concerns: Governor Ricky Perry will
not expand Medicade leaving millions of Texans unable to get health insurance.
5.
Importance/affect on families/individuals: This
highly affects families/individuals because it leaves people unable to get
health insurance which they need in case they get sick or something happens. This
also affects the people who have health insurance because they are essentially
paying for those people who do not have health insurance when they go to the ER
for a visit.
6.
My concerns: I think that Rick Perry is
making the wrong decision by not expanding medicade. He is not thinking about
the state in which he is governing. He needs to put the people first. Texas
already has one of the highest uninsured rates and he is still making it
impossible for people to become insured, even president Obama asked him to
change the medicade higher so people could be insured. He is being selfish by
not putting the people or the state first. This is what is wrong with politics,
politicians not putting the people first.
father shooting son
Website: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/11/07/muni-savyon_n_4235999.html?utm_hp_ref=crime
level: State
concerning: A man taking the life of his son in order to get back at the boy’s mother.
Why it’s important: This makes people more aware of how important security is in protecting individuals. It will hopefully show people that they need to alert authorities when they think someone is potentially dangerous.
This man already was ordered by the courts to have supervised visits with his only child. My question is, why on earth was the visit not supervised! This could have possibly been prevented but the staff failed to do the one most important thing to protect this child. I hope that this creates more security in the future and they start supervising these visits all of the time. It bothers me that they didn’t do a proper security check just because it costs too much money. These are the lives of children but this facility showed us what they really deem important. I wish that this man did not kill himself so that he didn’t get the easy way out but I still believe he will be punished. This child didn’t do anything wrong but suffered because of a stupid argument between his parents. He also tore the mother’s heart out so he accomplished his goal. It is disgusting that our world has people who could do this in it. It makes me wonder what our country is becoming. Also, if this email was sent to multiple people then why were authorities not called and warned to prevent this from happening. The only excuse would be that they did not see the emails and I pray that this was the case. This man is a disgusting individual who does not deserve to live in our world.
Same Sex
1. http://tablet.olivesoftware.com/Olive/Tablet/AustinAmericanStatesman/SharedArticle.aspx?href=AAS%2F2013%2F11%2F07&id=Ar00101
2. Category of problem: Education.
3 Level of problem: Local level
4. The article concerns: Schools in Austin being converted into single sex institutions.
5. Why is this important OR how does it affect individuals/family?
-- This affects the issue of gender segregated schools will affect children in a positive but also a negative way. This also could affect parents and teachers because this will be some sort of a culture shock for their children and environment.
6. What is your view on the issue?
-- Splitting up children as early as middle school age into sexual cohorts will, I feel penalize them by not being able to create butterfly feelings you get for the first time. I knew a girl who went to elementary and middle school with girls only. She realized it was a complete and utter culture shock to the point where she would not be able to concentrate in class because she was daydreaming about the boy across for here. This dented her academics and was such a large distraction that her A average dropped down to a C+. My friend turned into one of those girls you hear about that if they have not interacted with boys at a certain point, they will go crazy to the point where they do inappropriate things. I feel that middle school is during a point in your life where you get to start those feelings for the opposite sex. I do not think we should take those times away from them, especially during adolescences.
The positive thing that will come out of separating boys from girls in that early of an age will be conditioned to getting good grades and they will develop good study habits like doing their homework on time. I think the program that the schools in Austin are going to pull out good results and are going to be worthwhile for the students. They will be ahead of the curve.
I had always wanted to go to boarding school but I purposely imagined a coed boarding school. I cannot image or fathom the fact of having to go to school each and every day with the same sex over and over again. As a girl, we would pull each other’s hair out every day.
2. Category of problem: Education.
3 Level of problem: Local level
4. The article concerns: Schools in Austin being converted into single sex institutions.
5. Why is this important OR how does it affect individuals/family?
-- This affects the issue of gender segregated schools will affect children in a positive but also a negative way. This also could affect parents and teachers because this will be some sort of a culture shock for their children and environment.
6. What is your view on the issue?
-- Splitting up children as early as middle school age into sexual cohorts will, I feel penalize them by not being able to create butterfly feelings you get for the first time. I knew a girl who went to elementary and middle school with girls only. She realized it was a complete and utter culture shock to the point where she would not be able to concentrate in class because she was daydreaming about the boy across for here. This dented her academics and was such a large distraction that her A average dropped down to a C+. My friend turned into one of those girls you hear about that if they have not interacted with boys at a certain point, they will go crazy to the point where they do inappropriate things. I feel that middle school is during a point in your life where you get to start those feelings for the opposite sex. I do not think we should take those times away from them, especially during adolescences.
The positive thing that will come out of separating boys from girls in that early of an age will be conditioned to getting good grades and they will develop good study habits like doing their homework on time. I think the program that the schools in Austin are going to pull out good results and are going to be worthwhile for the students. They will be ahead of the curve.
I had always wanted to go to boarding school but I purposely imagined a coed boarding school. I cannot image or fathom the fact of having to go to school each and every day with the same sex over and over again. As a girl, we would pull each other’s hair out every day.
Pot and Craps.
1. http://tablet.olivesoftware.com/Olive/Tablet/AustinAmericanStatesman/SharedArticle.aspx?href=AAS%2F2013%2F11%2F06&id=Ar01300
2. Category of the problem: Civil liberties
3. Level of problem: National level
4. The article concerns: A comparison between gambling and recreational marijuana use.
5. Why is it important OR how does it affect individuals/families?
-- In regards to gambling, it creates an increase of destructive habits and creates jobs. The article also expands on the legalization of marijuana and people could become addicted to gambling and dependent on smoking pot.
6. What is your viewpoint?
-- If I had my perfect civil liberties mapped out, they would be having a casino at least an hour away and being able, of course with a prescription (if it was not completely legal) to purchase marijuana anywhere in the United States. Let's start with gambling. Ever since I was little I have enjoyed watching my parents shoot craps while I would sit on the floor in Las Vegas. I had been waiting and anticipating the day I turned 21 to join my family because shooting Craps is a family past time. I think the acceptance of casinos has increased because all the jobs that have opened up. This gives job opportunity to people who are in need, it helps local communities and helps people's personal lives with providing a place to go on a Saturday night or for a special occasion. It is also another attraction that we have in the United States. And who doesn't like to lose all of their money at the Black Jack table?
If marijuana was legal in every state, I feel that it would help people, not hinder people. It has already been proven in the acknowledge article doubling acceptance in whatever year by showing that this country's citizens have come around into legalizing marijuana. It is my right as a free American citizen to do what I choose in my own household. We are able to protect ourselves here in Texas with guns, so why can't I calm myself with marijuana freely? What a person does in their house is of no concern to others
2. Category of the problem: Civil liberties
3. Level of problem: National level
4. The article concerns: A comparison between gambling and recreational marijuana use.
5. Why is it important OR how does it affect individuals/families?
-- In regards to gambling, it creates an increase of destructive habits and creates jobs. The article also expands on the legalization of marijuana and people could become addicted to gambling and dependent on smoking pot.
6. What is your viewpoint?
-- If I had my perfect civil liberties mapped out, they would be having a casino at least an hour away and being able, of course with a prescription (if it was not completely legal) to purchase marijuana anywhere in the United States. Let's start with gambling. Ever since I was little I have enjoyed watching my parents shoot craps while I would sit on the floor in Las Vegas. I had been waiting and anticipating the day I turned 21 to join my family because shooting Craps is a family past time. I think the acceptance of casinos has increased because all the jobs that have opened up. This gives job opportunity to people who are in need, it helps local communities and helps people's personal lives with providing a place to go on a Saturday night or for a special occasion. It is also another attraction that we have in the United States. And who doesn't like to lose all of their money at the Black Jack table?
If marijuana was legal in every state, I feel that it would help people, not hinder people. It has already been proven in the acknowledge article doubling acceptance in whatever year by showing that this country's citizens have come around into legalizing marijuana. It is my right as a free American citizen to do what I choose in my own household. We are able to protect ourselves here in Texas with guns, so why can't I calm myself with marijuana freely? What a person does in their house is of no concern to others
How much on tap?
1.) A Beer by the Sensor
http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/11/08/a-beer-by-the-sensor/?ref=technology2.) Category: Technology
3.) Level: National
4.) Content: A means to measure the amount of beer left in a keg
5.) Importance: Honestly... not much other than to help bars/restaurants run more efficiently.
6.) I just thought this was kind of a cool concept that I can't believe nobody has thought of before. For anyone that has ever worked as a bartender, whether it be in an actual bar or in a restaurant, you know how incredibly annoying it is when a keg runs dry. First of all, it always seems to happen when the glass is almost full, and then you get that burst of foamy air that splatters beer all over you. Don't get pulled over on the way home, because most police don't buy the excuse that you smell like beer because it spilled all over you. Second, the keg never runs out when that is the only thing you have to do at the moment. Oh no, it usually happens when you have 20 different drink orders at your bar top, tickets rolling out of the printer faster than you can read them, and some drunk guy that never went to college is trying to tell you about how "his" college football team is going to beat some other crappy team you've never heard of next year because they have a new quarterback coming in from nowhereville Tennessee. Anyways, in moments like that, it sure would be nice to have some means to tell that the keg is running low. It won't shutup the drunk guy, but atleast it could cut out one of many stressors of the food service industry.
http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/11/08/a-beer-by-the-sensor/?ref=technology2.) Category: Technology
3.) Level: National
4.) Content: A means to measure the amount of beer left in a keg
5.) Importance: Honestly... not much other than to help bars/restaurants run more efficiently.
6.) I just thought this was kind of a cool concept that I can't believe nobody has thought of before. For anyone that has ever worked as a bartender, whether it be in an actual bar or in a restaurant, you know how incredibly annoying it is when a keg runs dry. First of all, it always seems to happen when the glass is almost full, and then you get that burst of foamy air that splatters beer all over you. Don't get pulled over on the way home, because most police don't buy the excuse that you smell like beer because it spilled all over you. Second, the keg never runs out when that is the only thing you have to do at the moment. Oh no, it usually happens when you have 20 different drink orders at your bar top, tickets rolling out of the printer faster than you can read them, and some drunk guy that never went to college is trying to tell you about how "his" college football team is going to beat some other crappy team you've never heard of next year because they have a new quarterback coming in from nowhereville Tennessee. Anyways, in moments like that, it sure would be nice to have some means to tell that the keg is running low. It won't shutup the drunk guy, but atleast it could cut out one of many stressors of the food service industry.
Equality for Mental Illness Coverage
1.) Rules to Require Equal Coverage for Mental Ills
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/08/us/politics/rules-to-require-equal-coverage-for-mental-ills.html?ref=health&_r=0
2.) Category: Health
3.)Level: National
4.)Content: Insurance coverage for those with mental illness and addiction
5.)Importance: The need for coverage of mental illness is not less important than coverage for physical illness, and measure for equality should be attained.
6.) I like the reasoning behind this. For one, there is no reason why insurance coverage should be more difficult or more restrictive for people simply because they have a mental illness rather than a physical one. On top of that, anytime the insurance companies are forced to cut back on the amount of denied claims, and loop holes they can find to screw people over, I'm all for it. I HATE insurance companies with a passion. I understand the need for insurance, but I think our government has allowed them to become incredibly corrupt and money hungry. When they tried to tell my mom that her chemotherapy treatment was not necessary, I could feel my blood boil.... I will stop at that because I'm not sure I could say much more without getting inappropriate. Another point I thought was interesting, was the mention of decreasing gun violence by those with a mental illness. The idea is, if people are able to seek the treatment they need, they will be less likely to do something drastic. It will by no means fix the problems of gun violence in this country, because lets face it, most gun related murders aren't necessarily caused by the mentally ill, and the mass murders we commonly hear about on the news don't make up a huge percentage of the total gun related murders that happen every day. That having been said, potentially being able to save a few lives is still worth it. Another area of coverage that this effects is for people with addiction. It is one area that I just don't really know what to think about. While I think people should have a decent means to rehabilitation when it comes to addiction besides just going to jail or something, I don't necessarily agree with the methods of treatment. I personally feel that all this talk about addiction being a disease and once you're an addict, you're always an addict, is completely wrong. All to often it gives people the impression that their problem is out of their hands and not their fault. In these days of no responsibility and accountability, the last thing people need is another damn excuse. It's a habit, not a disease. A real disease can't be cured by locking someone in a room to protect them from their own actions. That's not to say that the habit is not difficult to overcome, and that some form of treatment and support is needed to reverse the habit, but those in the addicted state need to know that the power to change is theirs, they can over come it, and they don't have to be an addict for the rest of their lives. Even if they feel temptation later in life again, it isn't some ingrained disease making them want it, and they have the power to be in control. Anyways, I got off on a bit of a rant there, but in the end I think they should be allowed a reasonable form of treatment and support through the insurance companies, and I hope that the requirement cuts into the CEO's paychecks a bit. ;)
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/08/us/politics/rules-to-require-equal-coverage-for-mental-ills.html?ref=health&_r=0
2.) Category: Health
3.)Level: National
4.)Content: Insurance coverage for those with mental illness and addiction
5.)Importance: The need for coverage of mental illness is not less important than coverage for physical illness, and measure for equality should be attained.
6.) I like the reasoning behind this. For one, there is no reason why insurance coverage should be more difficult or more restrictive for people simply because they have a mental illness rather than a physical one. On top of that, anytime the insurance companies are forced to cut back on the amount of denied claims, and loop holes they can find to screw people over, I'm all for it. I HATE insurance companies with a passion. I understand the need for insurance, but I think our government has allowed them to become incredibly corrupt and money hungry. When they tried to tell my mom that her chemotherapy treatment was not necessary, I could feel my blood boil.... I will stop at that because I'm not sure I could say much more without getting inappropriate. Another point I thought was interesting, was the mention of decreasing gun violence by those with a mental illness. The idea is, if people are able to seek the treatment they need, they will be less likely to do something drastic. It will by no means fix the problems of gun violence in this country, because lets face it, most gun related murders aren't necessarily caused by the mentally ill, and the mass murders we commonly hear about on the news don't make up a huge percentage of the total gun related murders that happen every day. That having been said, potentially being able to save a few lives is still worth it. Another area of coverage that this effects is for people with addiction. It is one area that I just don't really know what to think about. While I think people should have a decent means to rehabilitation when it comes to addiction besides just going to jail or something, I don't necessarily agree with the methods of treatment. I personally feel that all this talk about addiction being a disease and once you're an addict, you're always an addict, is completely wrong. All to often it gives people the impression that their problem is out of their hands and not their fault. In these days of no responsibility and accountability, the last thing people need is another damn excuse. It's a habit, not a disease. A real disease can't be cured by locking someone in a room to protect them from their own actions. That's not to say that the habit is not difficult to overcome, and that some form of treatment and support is needed to reverse the habit, but those in the addicted state need to know that the power to change is theirs, they can over come it, and they don't have to be an addict for the rest of their lives. Even if they feel temptation later in life again, it isn't some ingrained disease making them want it, and they have the power to be in control. Anyways, I got off on a bit of a rant there, but in the end I think they should be allowed a reasonable form of treatment and support through the insurance companies, and I hope that the requirement cuts into the CEO's paychecks a bit. ;)
Austin housing bonds headed toward approval
1. http://www.mystatesman.com/news/news/local-govt-politics/austin-housing-bonds-headed-toward-approval/nbjRG/?icmp=statesman_internallink_textlink_apr2013_statesmanstubtomystatesman_launch
2. Housing bonds
3. Local
4. A potential policy that is being considered to help a problem/issue that individuals/families face
5. This measure will provide housing for low-income families and individuals in Austin.
6. I think this measure being passed is a very good thing. I've been hearing a lot of talk lately about Austin turning into the new Dallas because of all the wealth and construction of many surrounding suburbs. Austin saying affordable for all levels of income is a good thing to keep in the city. It hardly raises property taxes at all so taxpayers will not even know the difference. I don't understand why this has been turned down in the past, even a year ago a measure proposed essentially the same thing and it was denied. I'm glad people came to make a big issue of it to get the measure passed and headed in the right direction. It will be an affordable housing opportunity for many Austin residents.
2. Housing bonds
3. Local
4. A potential policy that is being considered to help a problem/issue that individuals/families face
5. This measure will provide housing for low-income families and individuals in Austin.
6. I think this measure being passed is a very good thing. I've been hearing a lot of talk lately about Austin turning into the new Dallas because of all the wealth and construction of many surrounding suburbs. Austin saying affordable for all levels of income is a good thing to keep in the city. It hardly raises property taxes at all so taxpayers will not even know the difference. I don't understand why this has been turned down in the past, even a year ago a measure proposed essentially the same thing and it was denied. I'm glad people came to make a big issue of it to get the measure passed and headed in the right direction. It will be an affordable housing opportunity for many Austin residents.
Cut in Food Stamps Forces Hard Choices on Poor
1. Cut in Food Stamps Forces Hard Choices on Poor
2. Category of Problem/Issue: Food Stamps
3. Level of Problem/Issue: National
4. The article concerns:
-The cut in food stamps are leaving poor families and individuals hungry. The cut has even caused a loss in revenue in grocery stores.
-The cut in food stamps are leaving poor families and individuals hungry. The cut has even caused a loss in revenue in grocery stores.
5. Why is this important to individuals/families OR How does it affect individuals/families?
-Because of the cuts, families who heavily rely on food stamps are struggling to make ends meet, and some families are even going hungry, or resorting to noodles, less fresh food and meats. There has been a loss in revenue in grocery stores that heavily depend on shoppers with food stamps, which could mean cutting back employee hours.
6. What are your views on the issue/problem?
- Poverty is already such an important issue in the US and I personally think that these cuts in food stamps wasn't the right way to save money. It is very difficult for a family or an individual to get out of poverty in the first place, and this cut, to say the least, isn't helping. People with food stamp budgets already struggle to stretch their dollars at the grocery store, and now these people will be forced (or find it easier) to make unhealthy choices, by picking ramen noodles, and other cheap processed food in order to not let their families go hungry. Making budget cuts is important, but sacrificing letting people go hungry is not the way to go, it's just wrong. Why couldn't we make congress salary cuts instead? Making cuts on the people who aren't already having a hard time?
Pot Pot POT
1. Measures to Legalize Marijuana are Passed
2. Category of Problem/Issue: Political
3. Level of Problem/Issue: State/Federal
4. The article concerns:
-Voters around the US passed ballot measures to decriminalize marijuana and pass regulatory taxes on marijuana.
-Voters around the US passed ballot measures to decriminalize marijuana and pass regulatory taxes on marijuana.
5. Why is this important to individuals/families OR How does it affect individuals/families?
-The decriminalization of marijuana affects individuals and families in several ways. By decriminalizing marijuana, there is a possibility of being less crime, the opportunity to tax marijuana, and the ability to use marijuana for medical purposes.
6. What are your views on the issue/problem?
-The article shows that "a majority of Americans now agree that marijuana should be legal for adults," and it was "reflected at the polls." There is clearly a movement to legalize and decriminalize marijuana because I think people are starting to have a more positive outlook on the matter. With the legalization of marijuana in a handful of states, I think that people in other states are starting to ease into the idea of marijuana just not being as bad as people really think it is. Studies have shown that no one has died from smoking marijuana, unlike the numerous alcohol-related deaths. This is just the beginning and I'm excited to see how this movement unfolds.
500 hours of community service and 10 days in jail?!
Article:http://www.chron.com/news/texas/article/Ex-prosecutor-gets-jail-for-wrongful-conviction-4968169.php
Level: local
Category: Murder
Concerning: Wrongful Conviction of a innocent man.
This is important because we trust the government officials to do their job and extensive investigating on incidents.
My
Views: The ex-prosecuter spent 10 days in jail! 10 days compared to the nearly 25 years the innocent man sat in jail. That was 25 years that the man wasted his life behind bars because lack of investigation. The article stated that the man's DNA wasn't a match in the murder. That should have been one of the FIRST things they done at the crime scene. There was no reason for him to sit behind bars that long for them to tell him he is innocent and that his DNA wasn't a match. That makes no sense to me. "But among the evidence Morton's attorneys claim was kept from them were
statements from Morton's then-3-year-old son, who witnessed the murder
and said his father wasn't responsible. There were also interviews with
neighbors who told authorities they saw another man near the Morton home
before the slaying." They disregarded all this information that could have convicted the right man and let the wrong man enjoy his life. I feel like they should have gave the ex-prosecuter more than 10 days and 500 hours of community service. "Morton's attorneys announced afterward there will be an audit of all
cases previously handled by Anderson to look for other instances of
alleged misconduct." This is good that they are doing this. They could probably find plenty of cases where he had tampered with it.
Virtual Kidnappers
Article: http://www.chron.com/news/crime/article/APNewsBreak-4-charged-in-virtual-kidnappings-4968586.php
Level: National
Category
Concerning: Laundering of money
This is important because random people were being targeted and being told that their loved ones were being held for ransom
My Views: This is frightening. To not know for sure if your loved ones are safe or not and having to send money to some random person in order to free them. Of course people don't really look into it because they are thinking that they need to set their loved ones free. Some of this could be avoided if they were to ask about a loved one's name, age, place of residence, etc. These people were calling random numbers. They didn't even know if the other people had a relative traveling. They just fell into and paid the money. "
But in a small percentage of successes since 2007, the "virtual kidnappers" collected at least $500,000" this means that they kept calling and no one was speaking up to say something. I know if I am sending that much money to someone I would be asking questions. It is great that they caught some of the people behind it and hopefully they will catch even more.
But in a small percentage of successes since 2007, the "virtual kidnappers" collected at least $500,000" this means that they kept calling and no one was speaking up to say something. I know if I am sending that much money to someone I would be asking questions. It is great that they caught some of the people behind it and hopefully they will catch even more.
Discrimination to be banned
1. http://www.dallasnews.com/news/local-news/20131107-senate-oks-gay-rights-bill-banning-discrimination.eceCategory: Gay Rights
2. Category: Gay Rights
3. Level: National
4. This article concerns: This article concerns families and individuals affected by discrimination against gay people across the nation
5. My views:
In the modern society that we live in, it is amazing to me that equal rights for all have not already passed through the federal legislatures and legislature of every state already. This bill passed by an amazing majority vote from both political parties in the Senate, which is extremely rare. The fact that even republican senators voted for this bill is indicative of more and more acceptance of complete LGBT population equality. Hopefully, this huge milestone in government can show and influence other people throughout America to accept these new ideals and not discriminate against anyone in the workplace or in general life. With gay marriages being legalized in state after state, it seems only natural that with legality of marriage comes legality in every other sense like basic rights and benefits that straight American citizens get. Maybe the Speaker of the House will take into consideration all of this progress and will support this bill in order for it to be passed through the House of Representatives.
2. Category: Gay Rights
3. Level: National
4. This article concerns: This article concerns families and individuals affected by discrimination against gay people across the nation
5. My views:
In the modern society that we live in, it is amazing to me that equal rights for all have not already passed through the federal legislatures and legislature of every state already. This bill passed by an amazing majority vote from both political parties in the Senate, which is extremely rare. The fact that even republican senators voted for this bill is indicative of more and more acceptance of complete LGBT population equality. Hopefully, this huge milestone in government can show and influence other people throughout America to accept these new ideals and not discriminate against anyone in the workplace or in general life. With gay marriages being legalized in state after state, it seems only natural that with legality of marriage comes legality in every other sense like basic rights and benefits that straight American citizens get. Maybe the Speaker of the House will take into consideration all of this progress and will support this bill in order for it to be passed through the House of Representatives.
Mental illness policy change
http://www.dallasnews.com/news/local-news/20131107-rules-to-require-equal-coverage-for-mental-illness.ece
Category: Health
Level: National
This article concerns policies that have far reaching effects to families plagued by mental illness
My views:
Peace Love and Marijuana
1.http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/07/us/measures-to-legalize-marijuana-are-passed.html?_r=0
2. Legalization of marijuana
3. national issue
4. A potential policy that could solve an issue that families and individuals face
5. Portland and Lansing along with a few other cities have made it legal to posses 2.5 ounces of marijuana. Following in Colorado's foot steps the potential for marijuana to become legal is becoming more and more realistic.
6 The legalization of marijuana is becoming more and more real for its recreational users. Societies negative outlook on the drug of choice by most people is beginning to shift as well. The professionals are always arguing about the damaging affects that legalizing the drug could posses. However maybe the strongest argument I feel is that alcohol and cigarettes kill people, however there is no research to show that the use of marijuana is directly related to chronic illness and death in comparison to its recreational counter parts. Does marijuana have negative affects after long-term use, yes it does. However, tobacco products and alcohol have negative affects after long -term usage as well. These major cities legalizing the drug speak volumes for the legalization movement. Maine being one of the first states on the east coast with it major city city to legalize recreational use of the drug could have a bigger ripple affect than one could only imagine. The profit that could be raised from legalizing the drug can open doors to research and many other avenues. Also with legalize the drug could potentially raise the unemployment rate as well. With the legalization many people who do use the drug cannot be denied employment because of its usage. The list could go on and on of the benefits that accompany the legalization of marijuana. The cons list will only be so long and will run out of gas before the real arguments get going.
2. Legalization of marijuana
3. national issue
4. A potential policy that could solve an issue that families and individuals face
5. Portland and Lansing along with a few other cities have made it legal to posses 2.5 ounces of marijuana. Following in Colorado's foot steps the potential for marijuana to become legal is becoming more and more realistic.
6 The legalization of marijuana is becoming more and more real for its recreational users. Societies negative outlook on the drug of choice by most people is beginning to shift as well. The professionals are always arguing about the damaging affects that legalizing the drug could posses. However maybe the strongest argument I feel is that alcohol and cigarettes kill people, however there is no research to show that the use of marijuana is directly related to chronic illness and death in comparison to its recreational counter parts. Does marijuana have negative affects after long-term use, yes it does. However, tobacco products and alcohol have negative affects after long -term usage as well. These major cities legalizing the drug speak volumes for the legalization movement. Maine being one of the first states on the east coast with it major city city to legalize recreational use of the drug could have a bigger ripple affect than one could only imagine. The profit that could be raised from legalizing the drug can open doors to research and many other avenues. Also with legalize the drug could potentially raise the unemployment rate as well. With the legalization many people who do use the drug cannot be denied employment because of its usage. The list could go on and on of the benefits that accompany the legalization of marijuana. The cons list will only be so long and will run out of gas before the real arguments get going.
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