24. March 2010 by student.

As Baby Boomers are reaching retirement age the number if Americans 55 and older will double between now and 2030. Almo9st 60 million today to 107.6 million.( 21% of the total US population)

The next generation of retirees will live longer, be  healthier and better educated. Americans who reach the age of 65 will have the liklihood to survive to the age of 90. That is nearly doubled over the past 40 years.

Education in the older population is higher, while at least 1/3 of the population 70-74 have some college. The percentage will more than double by 2015.

Most older Americans today have more financial resources than the previous generation. Households headed by a person 65 and older report a median income in 2000 of 32,854. They no longer see retirement as an endless vacation. Instead they are more active, still working, and doing public service.

A survey conducted for AARP found that Americans between the ages of 50 and 70 plan to work  into what is usually referred to retirement years. The results of these trends is a new Life-stage, between adulthood and true old age.  Which is being called third age, mid-course or my time. this frees up older Americans to prolong good health and a chance to some of their most important contribution to life.  

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24. March 2010 by student.

http://parentingteens.about.com/od/teenpregnancy/f/teenpregnancy1.htm

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24. March 2010 by student.

It is clear to say that the United States of America is indeed a powerful county.  We strive to be the top country in everything.  We are one of the wealthiest countries in the world.  Unfortunately, we are beginning to fall behind in one very important element in society.  Higher level of education in the US is beginning to dwindle behind other upcoming countries.  According to CBS News, the US is placed ninth among industrialized nations in comparison of its population that has at least a high school degree. CBS News even states that we were previously ranked number one about 20 years ago.  It is a sad reality that even though we have so many opportunities in our country our education is declining.             The question everyone asks is why?  Well let us think about what has been added to most schools throughout the country.  Specifically in the state of Florida, we have added the FCAT, which is “supposed” to ensure, that students be reaching grade level in testing.  One test that determines whether a student is up to grade level.  Then depending on how many students pass this test the school receives money as an incentive. Then what has begun to happen?  Administration is forcing teachers to drill FCAT into students mind so that the school can get a bigger budget. Therefore, in the end we are beginning to teach our students to pass this test, because according to the state if the students pass the test then they are meeting grade level qualifications.            My next question is what does most of the state testing include?  Reading, comprehension, math, and maybe basic science.  What has happened to the other things like geography and language composition?  They are not learning this anymore because teachers are forced to teach only what is given on the state testing, because if they do not then they risk their school losing the money incentive.  I find it ridiculous how little students know about anything past math and reading.  Is it really a surprise that our education rankings have dropped?  I personally was an honors and advanced placement student in my Florid high school, and I absolutely dreaded the FCAT because I felt like I needed to relearn things I had learned in freshmen year and even middle school because that was what we were being tested on. I felt that student who got a head had to be “dumbed” down for the two months before FCAT so we may pass the test.  How does this even make sense?             The United States government has many things on its agenda, but as we have seen previously when they try to interfere or “fix” state or local problems they tend to make a bigger mess.  Education in the United States has dropped eight ranks within the last twenty years and to fix this problem we need to look first at what has changed within the last twenty years.

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24. March 2010 by student.

Many people see abortion through different views. Some are for it while others are against. Some people view it as a form of genocide. I am personally against abortion but I can see where both views are coming from. The people that are for it see it as a freedom of choice. Sometimes it is for the best interest of the child, like if it is a thirteen year old girl that is not ready to raise a child. She is still a child her self.  If a person is raped or it is going to hurt their health, then that is also a good reason to have an abortion. If the baby is aborted before its heart starts beating, then I don’t consider that murder or a wrong thing. Babies that are planned are also more likely to turn out better and may be more loved.  The other view is that people think if they are old enough to have sex, then they should be able to take care of a baby. Even if it is unplanned, the next best thing to keeping the baby is giving it up for adoption. At least it will be with a family that will love it and take care of it. Abortion is also against a lot of people’s religion. People against abortion believe it is murder and/or genocide. Abortion can also result in medical issues in the future like ectopic pregnancies and miscarriage.

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24. March 2010 by student.

Health Care Reform

How is this social problem being framed?

The health care reform was not created by Obama, instead this reform has being an ongoing social problem for many presidents as well as many decades. Barack Obama is just the first president to try to push a health care bill through the House with out having a Republican filibuster. Obama claims to want to put a high excise tax on high-priced insurance policies, tax non union laborers and claims he will not tax the middle class to pay for a universal type medicad or medicare. “Some House Democrats are firmly opposed to a proposed tax on a high-cost employer-sponsored insurance policies, which they think will hit some middle class workers and will violate Mr. Obama’s campaign promise not to raise taxes on Americans earning less than 250,000 a year.” Obama Plans Bipartisan Summit on Health Care, by Zeff Zeleny, February 8th. 

What groups are affected by this problem?

Groups affected by this health care reform is literally everyone. From couples to the less fortunate to the wealthy to the small business owners and the large business owners. Another group that could be slightly affected if this bill does pass is women. Unions Rally to Oppose a Tax on Health Insurance, by Steven Greenhouse, “Include a tax on high- priced insurance policies, 40% excise tax on 8,500 and on family policies above 23,000.” This article also included the thought that the House bill would add a surcharge on couples more than 1 million a year. As well as, “Senate would increase medicare taxes for wealthier americans and slap a tax on so called Cadillac private insurance plans, the most lavish.” The less fortunate are impacted by they are the one’s who are i need of this bill to pass to allow them to have affordable health care coverage. The businesses are now having taxes added to their policies as well as a $750.00 charge if they are under 50 employee’s for every employee that isn’t full time and covered by health care. The lsat group affected is women. The Democrats have keep this not to public but it stats in the article, Both Sides stand Their Ground on Health Care, by Brian Knowlton and Joesph Berger that, “of the 219 Democrats who initially voted infavor of the House measure, roughly 40 did so in part because it contained an amendment intended to discourage insurers from covering abortion.” This could effect women in the sense that abortion is expensive and the insurers take away the option for funds that takes away the woman’s option of choice. 

What is/are being presented as the cause(s) of the social problem?

“The United States health care spending rose 4.4% in 2008, the government reported last week, the smallest increase since this tracking began in 1960. Whatever encouragement that offers is offset by three facts: medicare spending continues to spiral upward at a rate of almost 8%, the overall slower growth was due to the most sever economic downturn since the depression, and the United States still spent 2.3 trillion on the health care in 2008, or about 7,700 per capita.” Obama Urges Excise Tax on High-Cost Insurance, by David M. Herszenhorn. Jan 7,  2010.  Causes for this social problem are seemingly endless but the main few include the weak economy, high insurance costs, lack of the population being insured, doctor liabilities, and who to place taxes on. 

What is/are being presented as the solution(s) to the social problem?

Through my research I found many possible solutions that the House and Senate proposed;

1. Democrats proposed reconciliation

“Another option considered by Democrats would be to use the procedural maneuver known as reconciliation to pass chunks of the health care bill attached to a budget measure, which requires only a simple majority.” Obama Weighs Goals for Health Bill Jan 21, 2010. 

1. Republicans offered eliminating the exemption from federal antitrust law

“Aides said that a first candidate for a stand alone measure could be the proposal to eliminate the exemption form Federal antitrust law that health insurance companies have long enjoyed.” Article Jan 29, 2010.

1. Democrats thought to increase the Medicare pay roll tax and extend it to investment income, like dividends and capital gains. Excise Tax Loses Support Amid White House Push by Robert Pear. 
2. Lastly a solution to the doctor liability and mal-practice includes the the “Top Five Solution.” Meaning each specialty would choose their top five procedures that only help a small fraction of patients, then the respective professional organizations would take a public stand issuing guidelines and recommendations against overuse of those top five procedures. Minimizing cost for patients receiving unnecessary treatment. The Doctor’s Failure to Cut Costs, By Pauline W. Chen, M.D.

What does the research say on this problem?

Since this social problem contains two sides the Democratic and the Republican view the two main views consist of one, the bill will pass and this for of health care will succeed. The second, includes the health care reform’s downfalls and how it is going against what Obama proposed by not taxing the middle class. Here are some examples I found in research of both cases;

  “This tax would raise 149 billion over 10 years according to the Congressional Budget office. The Senate bill would cost 871 billion over 10 year, while the House bill would cost 1.1 trillion dollars.” Obama Urges Excise Tax on High-Cost Insurance, by David M. Herszenhorn. Jan 7,  2010.

“The nonpartisan Congressional Budget office has projected that the bills passes in the House and Senate would reduce future federal deficits over the next 10 years by more than 100 billion and the White House has insisted that the plan Mr. Obama unveiled last week would do the same.” Obama to Highlight Cost in New Health Bill Push, by Jackie Calmes March 2, 2010. 

“The speaker said the health care legislation would create 4 million jobs over 10 years.” While COnfident Health Care Will Pass This Year, Democrats Still Search for a Plan, by David M Herszenhorn and Robert Pear, Jan 29, 2010. 

Is the research different from the media presentation? 

Based on news articles and magazine articles, every article is different since every author is a different view. The only similar opinionated articles will be one’s were both authors are either Republican or Democrat. Based on television media though I believe that the news articles give the reader more in-depth information than what is shown on television. The television is paid showings or commercials from Democrats or the President so these are very biased and only tell you the lighter side of the situation than the news papers that explain the implications of the situations good and bad. 

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24. March 2010 by student.

Introduced by Steven Johnson who wrote, “Everything Bad is Good for You,” he believes  in this text that video games and today’s pop-culture are beneficial to adolescents by making them more intelligent.  He backs his claim through the thought that video games increase neural activity and hand eye coordination. I a writing my entry to prove to you the opposite; that in fact they have a negative effect on children. My first example involves a case study  done by Craig Anderson and Brad Bushman, where they proved that video games leave negative effects on children such as resulting in; aggressive behavior, cognition, psychological arousal, and prosocial behavior. “Research on exposure to television and movie violence suggests that playing video games will increase aggressive behavior. A met analytic review of the video games research literature reveals that violent video games increase aggressive behavior in children and young adults. Experimental and non experimental studies with males and females in  a laboratory and field setting support this conclusion. Analyses also reveal that exposure to violent video games increases psychological arousal and aggression-related thoughts and feelings .” (Anderson and Bushman). Video games stimulate the youth’s mind, they make the mind produce opioids giving the gamer a fake high. Although video games actually only stimulate the parts of the brain that contributes to movement and vision. Thus, playing video games leaves the child inside not stimulating the brain that playing outside could provide. The brain receives more activity from a child performing outdoor activities such as; movement, balance, vision, hearing, and coordination. Many neurologist and pediatricians concur that the most efficient way to develop a healthy adolescent’s brian is physical activity. (Brotherson).

As children are more exposed to violent and aggressive video games they become desensitized to the world around them. They view and interact with death and violence so much that it begins to associate in their minds as not a big deal or even worse not something bad. Adolescents who play more violent video games are more likely to have increased aggressive thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and decreased prosocial helping, according to a scientific study (Anderson & Bushman, 2001). The learned behavior from violent video games amongst adolescents, is the reward for a kill as the video games usually either advance you a level or give you some sort of money or weapon. A very harsh and extreme example is that in september of 2007, Daniel Petric against his parent’s wishes, decided to sneak out of his bedroom window to go purchase the game Halo 3. Shortly after arriving home Daniels parent’s caught him with the video game and confiscated it from him and put it into a lock box where Daniel’s father kept his hand gun. Almost a month had passed when Daniel Petric, shot and killed his mother and greatly wounded his father. When questioned in court, his reasons for his actions was that his parents would not allow him to play Halo 3 because of its violent content. (Turner) This is extremely horrifying seeing that a 2007 Harris poll reported that in the US 8.5% of youth gamers (ages 8 to 18) “can be classified as pathological or clinically ‘addicted’ to playing video games” while another 23% say they have “felt addicted” to video games. (Myaddiction.com) These addictions to video games are usually accompanied with the decline of physical activities, schooling and family events. Children who play too much video games place themselves at risk of suffering from any form of emotional disorder. (Vani) Children will become sociably awkward and not have the interaction skills because they never really interacted with anything but other gamers. 

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24. March 2010 by student.

First of all, South park is genius.

Throughout the seasons, South Park continuously crosses the line in every aspect of daily life. The constant question from many is, “Have they gone too far?” Well my answer to that is they make fun of everything, every stereotype, every controversial topic, every celebrity screw up; its all made public and twisted for the entertainment of young and middle aged generations. Something that has recently happened that is bringing a lot of scrutiny to South Park has became known as “Kick a Ginger Day”. An episode that was merely supposed to be a joke was taken way too far. In this episode gingers are portrayed to have no souls and come off as evil creepy children that must be done away with. Eric Cartman, the main character, gets the ginger kids pretty much banned from normal contact by presenting in class a project that literally says gingers; people with red hair, freckles, and pale skin, are disgusting, inhuman, inherently dumb, have no souls, and are unable to survive in sunlight, so inevitably they are shunned. This episode aired for the first time in 2005 but it is being connected with a face book group called, “National Kick a Ginger Day, are you going to do it?” Now just a couple weeks ago, a poor kid in Canada was on the news that had been kicked around 70-80 times at school. There were bruises all over his legs. This is only one incident but there have been many kids that have suffered brutality from classmates based on the color of their hair and the pigment of their skin. The fourteen year old who started the group of over 20000 members nationwide is now facing hate crime charges even though it was “all in good fun”.

http://www.northbynorthwestern.com/2009/11/59759/kick-a-ginger-day/ <—Story from a ginger kid

http://laist.com/2009/11/24/kick_a_ginger_day_spawned_at_least.php

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ginger_Kids

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24. March 2010 by student.

Just recently, President Obama has rejected the healthcare bill. By rejecting this, many people believe the country is heading toward a socialist view. One of my friends (whose name I will not mention) is a physician whose pay cut was reduced by a mind blowing 21% which may force many doctors and physicians to file for bankruptcy. I have also talked to many peers who are deciding whether to change their previous medical related major into something much different. The president is making some interesting choices

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24. March 2010 by student.

         The state of Florida portrays among one of the many other states law towards voting rights for individuals who have committed a felon(s).  In the state of Florida, individuals who are convicted of felonies such as murder, rape, child abuse, arson, assault will lose their right to vote permanently.  Although, these victims of such crimes may apply to the governor for clemency to ask that their ability to vote can be restored.  Also, individuals convicted of non-violent felonies are re-enfranchised automatically by the Clemency Board upon completion of their full sentence, which does include payment of fees and fines. I believe that the state of Florida regarding voting rights for those convicted of felonies is unfair.  I  would not want a fellow citizen who committed a crime to have the right to vote for what they believe is right.  Although, criminals should deal with the consequence, such as their amount of punishment/sentencing, for the crime inwhich they have committed.  With actions follow consequences, not only do those consequence involve the time you pay for your crime, but your rights as an American citizen should be ceased.  The state of Florida is somewhat too harsh on the topic of PERMANENTLY banning the individuals right to vote because I do believe that once that individual finishes their sentencing they should be allowed to vote again.  There are many other states, such as New Jersey, who follow the voting law that once your sentence is finished you are allowed to vote.  I believe that this law is more apporpriate and more beneficial compared to permanently removing someones rights.  We have rights for a reason, such as freedom of speech.  Therefore, although Florida is trying to protect the other citizens, individuals who have committed a felon should have their right restored once their sentence is completed.

I feel that an individuals’ right should not be ceased.  They are paying for their crime but the amount of time in prison, for example.  Those on death row, obviously will not have their voting right restored which is fair, due to the fact that their crime was more serve than other felons.

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24. March 2010 by student.

While listening to a local radio station 103.9 FM the topic of banning the confederate flag came up. A mans voice on the radio was arguing that the confederate flag is acceptable in society, on t-shirts, hats, and on flag poles across the south and the entire USA. I find this nothing less then repulsive. The confederate flag was used to represent the south and their fight for slavery in the Civil War. I do not believe dehumanization of any race or religion is something to be celebrated, especially in the land of the free and the home of the brave. As Americans, we pride ourselves on equality for all. The confederate flag goes against all we are, and everything we stand for.

            The confederate flag was not always known as the confederate flag, it held different meanings to different people, as it still does today. The Stars and Bars flag was the first official flag of the confederacy, it flew from May 5, 1861 to May 26,1863. The American Civil War began in April 12,1861, a coincidence, I think not. A new flag was made in 1863, which is commonly known as the confederate or rebel flag in today’s society. These flags resemble the state flags of Florida and Alabama, which fought pro slavery in the American Civil War. The confederate flag was a symbol for the south in a time where slaves were being beaten, persecuted, and treated very poorly. The flag still represents these same beliefs in today’s society even though the War on slavery was won. People still parade around with the confederate flag on shirts, hats, bumper stickers, and about anything else you could imagine. Those who are flaunting this flag are proclaiming their support for racial principles that belong in the past.

Many schools have banned the confederate flag on campuses all over the United States because it disrupts the learning environment. Although the Civil War was won in 1865 slavery is not something that has been forgotten in the US. There are children in schools all across the United States who’s grandparents, and great grandparents that were slaves; needless to say this is a touchy subject. Companies such as Dixie Outfitters exploits bad feelings among ethnic groups and encourages fights among students. With students wearing products like Dixie Outfitters it is unreasonable to ask African Americans not to react. I have first hand experience with the battles the confederate flag poses in today’s school system. My high school was about as diverse as a bag of jellybeans; there were people of every shape, size, and color. About half way through my freshman year an upper classman came to school with the confederate flag plastered across the back window of his truck. Students couldn’t help but noticing particularly the African American students. This lead to gangs popping up around campus and threats in each direction, it became a battle between each different part of town that was represented at my school. Riots began happening in the school courtyard between classes and massive fights after school at the bus ramp. It just continued to get worse and worse, students threatening to injure and kill their classmates. One day after school I was approached by a large African American male who I didn’t know he asked me where I lived, with a tone in his voice I will never forget, I quickly responded with a lie because the part of town I lived in was “where the rednecks lived”. I had never been more scared in my life because of everything that was going on around me. School is supposed to be a safe learning environment, and I felt everything but safe while at school. The confederate flag controversy that happened at my school happens all across the United States, it only disrupts students learning environment.

Many people would argue that the confederate flag the south used in the American Civil War is nothing like the swastika the Nazis in Germany used I beg to differ. The confederate flag was used as a symbol for the south, an easy way to tell the difference between the northern states values and the southern states values. The confederate flag became forever tied to these beliefs, the largest belief slavery. Although the southern states stood for many ideas that were not bad such as free trade. There were hundreds of thousands of people who were slaughter in the American Civil War, and hundreds of thousands of people who were killed as slaves due to malnutrition, and being beat to death before even making it to America. The conditions on the slave ships were terrible, they would be chained under the deck lying in urine and feces, many people did not survive the long voyage from Africa and Europe to the United States. The Nazi party in Germany is known for slaughtering millions of people in concentration camps across Europe. Adolf Hitler was a great leader who brought Germany through a time of economic crisis. Slaying millions of innocent people was not his plan until he became swallow up in his own power over Germany. The Nazi used the swastika to identify themselves, just as the south used the confederate flag. The swastika was recently banned because of the ideas it was linked with, the confederate flag is linked with many of the same ideas. Millions of people were killed in the holocaust, and hundreds of thousands of people were killed in the overall fight against slavery.

Those who wish to flaunt the Confederate flag in public are living in the past, and rejecting the diversity and dynamism of the “New South” that has developed since the civil rights era. By promoting the confederate flag, they undermine continuing efforts against slavery in the rest of the nation. What does the confederate flag symbolize that is positive? Nothing, it is merely a symbol that undermine the pain and suffering thousands of families had to go through. Generations have been lost before their time for fighting against everything that the confederate flag stands for. The United States of America stands for equality and the pursuit of happiness and in no way shape or form does the confederate flag fit into those beliefs.

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