Egypt!
New York Times columnist Tom Friedman offers his opinion on the upcoming election in Egypt. Between the rise of the Muslim Brotherhood and the Salafist Nour Party, Friedman questions whether the new democratic election will be a step forward or a step back for the Egyptian people. Friedman questions whether the uprising Muslim parties can bring the Egyptian economy up as they are more focused on instilling traditional Muslim traditions back into the country. In addition, Friedman wonders whether the Arab people will shy away from the Muslim factions in pursuit for more secular parties that actually want to restore the nation in the future. Friedman calls for secular parties to ban together in order to take over the elections and actually bring Egypt on the right track economically and politically.
Monday, December 12, 2011
Monday Matters - Hola, Columnist! #2
Past v. Future
Columnist Thomas Friedman of New York Times analyzes the current rebellion in Syria and the recent rebellion in Egypt. Friedman fears that the rebellion in Syria will cause dissension between different factions rather than promote democracy. Friedman talks about how both nations are battling over new democratic ideas and old traditional ways, similar to his book The Lexus and The Olive Tree. Friedman calls for support for these democratic youths who are standing up against oppression for their human rights. He also advises that democracy must begin immediately or else a civil war may erupt between the old and the new factions in the two nations.
Columnist Thomas Friedman of New York Times analyzes the current rebellion in Syria and the recent rebellion in Egypt. Friedman fears that the rebellion in Syria will cause dissension between different factions rather than promote democracy. Friedman talks about how both nations are battling over new democratic ideas and old traditional ways, similar to his book The Lexus and The Olive Tree. Friedman calls for support for these democratic youths who are standing up against oppression for their human rights. He also advises that democracy must begin immediately or else a civil war may erupt between the old and the new factions in the two nations.
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Research (Older)
How About Better Parents?
Columnist Thomas Friedman seeks to lighten the burden of teachers to give students a great education. In his column "How About Better Parents?", Friedman illustrates how parents give a significant influence in a student's education. Parents who are more active in the school life of their children produce children who score higher as opposed to parents who are more indifferent to their child's daily learning. Active participation can include asking how a child's day was a school, reading with the child at an early age, monitoring homework and rewarding their efforts. Showing a genuine interest in the wellbeing of a student can seriously boost their academic achievements. Regardless of socioeconomic background, parents who value the social connection between parent and student will see an average of 25 points higher in the PISA test, the "equivalent of well over half a school year".
Friedman is against putting all the blame of American's declining education on teachers. He firmly believes that parent should take an active role in a student's education in order to boost academic achievement. Friedman cites numerous studies done on the demographics of those students who took the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA), such as the OECD and the American School Board Journal, stating that “just asking your child how was their school day and showing genuine interest in the learning that they are doing can have the same impact as hours of private tutoring. It is something every parent can do, no matter what their education level or social background". Friedman wants to convey to parents, as well as students, that both parties should seek an intimate relationship and interest in education in order to succeed in academics.
Columnist Thomas Friedman seeks to lighten the burden of teachers to give students a great education. In his column "How About Better Parents?", Friedman illustrates how parents give a significant influence in a student's education. Parents who are more active in the school life of their children produce children who score higher as opposed to parents who are more indifferent to their child's daily learning. Active participation can include asking how a child's day was a school, reading with the child at an early age, monitoring homework and rewarding their efforts. Showing a genuine interest in the wellbeing of a student can seriously boost their academic achievements. Regardless of socioeconomic background, parents who value the social connection between parent and student will see an average of 25 points higher in the PISA test, the "equivalent of well over half a school year".
Friedman is against putting all the blame of American's declining education on teachers. He firmly believes that parent should take an active role in a student's education in order to boost academic achievement. Friedman cites numerous studies done on the demographics of those students who took the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA), such as the OECD and the American School Board Journal, stating that “just asking your child how was their school day and showing genuine interest in the learning that they are doing can have the same impact as hours of private tutoring. It is something every parent can do, no matter what their education level or social background". Friedman wants to convey to parents, as well as students, that both parties should seek an intimate relationship and interest in education in order to succeed in academics.
Monday, November 7, 2011
Mondays Matters - Synthesis
Legalization of Marijuana
The issue gaining the most popularity within the United States regards the legalization of marijuana. As marijuana roots itself within American pop culture, more and more teens and young adults are calling for the legalization of the popular herb. Although many disregard legalization as simply uneducated hype, proponents have a solid argument towards legalization. An anonymous editor of the Seattle Times argued that there are economic benefits upon legalization, stating that prohibition has led to huge "costs in tax revenues... in wasted police time, wasted court time" and wasted space in jails. Since prohibition causes little deterrence to the use of marijuana, this is an utter waste of money and resources.
Longmire of the New York Times agrees with the fact that legalizing cannabis will help save funds, but she disagrees with the fact that legalization will stop the drug cartels from transacting within the United States. She states that the drug cartels have been rooted within other businesses such as narcotics, kidnappings, and pirated goods to be drastically affected by the loss of marijuana trade. Qualifying with The Seattle Times' claim, an anonymous editor from the Chicago Sun Times argued that marijuana should be legalized only for medical purposes, rather than for commercial use. The editor stated that with the proper regulation, medical marijuana should be and can be legalized in all the United States without abuse. Although there will be abuse, the editor makes the argument that it will be the same abuse witnessed in legal painkillers but less lethal.
Opponents of legalization, like the anonymous editor of The Times-News Magic Valley of Idaho, argue that marijuana have too many negative effects to be legalized. The editor states that even medical marijuana should not be legalized, using Oakland, CA, as an example where medical marijuana has been legalized and illegal casual use has spike as well. He states that the youth who use marijuana are shown to be more aggressive and uncooperative and have an increased chance of doing cocaine. The editor of the Seattle Times combats those arguments, stating that marijuana has been shown to have no addictive qualities, no lethal effects, as well as no social deterioration. The editor uses Barack Obama as an example, claiming that people who use marijuana can still be successful.
Although there are many conflicting opinions on the legalization of marijuana, overall the proponents of legalization have the strongest argument, and though they yet to win over the majority vote, proponents will eventually win in the fight over legalization of marijuana and the end of this meaningless and costly prohibition.
The issue gaining the most popularity within the United States regards the legalization of marijuana. As marijuana roots itself within American pop culture, more and more teens and young adults are calling for the legalization of the popular herb. Although many disregard legalization as simply uneducated hype, proponents have a solid argument towards legalization. An anonymous editor of the Seattle Times argued that there are economic benefits upon legalization, stating that prohibition has led to huge "costs in tax revenues... in wasted police time, wasted court time" and wasted space in jails. Since prohibition causes little deterrence to the use of marijuana, this is an utter waste of money and resources.
Longmire of the New York Times agrees with the fact that legalizing cannabis will help save funds, but she disagrees with the fact that legalization will stop the drug cartels from transacting within the United States. She states that the drug cartels have been rooted within other businesses such as narcotics, kidnappings, and pirated goods to be drastically affected by the loss of marijuana trade. Qualifying with The Seattle Times' claim, an anonymous editor from the Chicago Sun Times argued that marijuana should be legalized only for medical purposes, rather than for commercial use. The editor stated that with the proper regulation, medical marijuana should be and can be legalized in all the United States without abuse. Although there will be abuse, the editor makes the argument that it will be the same abuse witnessed in legal painkillers but less lethal.
Opponents of legalization, like the anonymous editor of The Times-News Magic Valley of Idaho, argue that marijuana have too many negative effects to be legalized. The editor states that even medical marijuana should not be legalized, using Oakland, CA, as an example where medical marijuana has been legalized and illegal casual use has spike as well. He states that the youth who use marijuana are shown to be more aggressive and uncooperative and have an increased chance of doing cocaine. The editor of the Seattle Times combats those arguments, stating that marijuana has been shown to have no addictive qualities, no lethal effects, as well as no social deterioration. The editor uses Barack Obama as an example, claiming that people who use marijuana can still be successful.
Although there are many conflicting opinions on the legalization of marijuana, overall the proponents of legalization have the strongest argument, and though they yet to win over the majority vote, proponents will eventually win in the fight over legalization of marijuana and the end of this meaningless and costly prohibition.
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Monday Matters - I Own The Sources #4
Don't Legalize Marijuana OR Medical Marijuana
An anonymous editor from Times-News Magic Valley of Idaho argues against the legalization of marijuana and medical marijuana. He claims that there is a correlation between legalization of medical marijuana and increased casual marijuana use in certain areas. He uses "Oaksterdam", an area in downtown Oakland, California, as an example where medical marijuana has been legalized and an increase in illegal marijuana use has been noted. The editor is concerned about the legislation passing through state legislatures that allow the legalization of medical marijuana. He is also concerned about the youth of America being affected by marijuana, stating studies that reveal marijuana use in teens leading to cocaine use in the future and research that reveal negative ramifications of marijuana use in teens. He states that marijuana is becoming more potent and therefore more addictive. Finally, the editor claims that Tetrahydrocannabinol, available in pills or patches, can be used as an alternative to medical marijuana.
An anonymous editor from Times-News Magic Valley of Idaho argues against the legalization of marijuana and medical marijuana. He claims that there is a correlation between legalization of medical marijuana and increased casual marijuana use in certain areas. He uses "Oaksterdam", an area in downtown Oakland, California, as an example where medical marijuana has been legalized and an increase in illegal marijuana use has been noted. The editor is concerned about the legislation passing through state legislatures that allow the legalization of medical marijuana. He is also concerned about the youth of America being affected by marijuana, stating studies that reveal marijuana use in teens leading to cocaine use in the future and research that reveal negative ramifications of marijuana use in teens. He states that marijuana is becoming more potent and therefore more addictive. Finally, the editor claims that Tetrahydrocannabinol, available in pills or patches, can be used as an alternative to medical marijuana.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Monday Matters - I Own The Sources #3
Legalize Marijuana For Only Illnesses
In the fiery debate on the legalization of marijuana, the author takes the middle stance, differentiating between using marijuana to treat illnesses and using marijuana for casual recreation. The author states that marijuana should be legalized in Illinois purely for medical purposes.
Medical marijuana can be used to alleviate the side effects of anti-cancer drugs, soothe the pain of multiple sclerosis, and improve the appetite of AIDS patients.
Medical marijuana can be abused, but the effects are not as lethal as abuse of prescription painkillers, which are completely legal in Illinois.
81% of Americans are in affirmation of the use of medical marijuana.
The law passing through the Illinois House will have checks on the purchase of medical marijuana, such as a limit on the amount over a certain amount of time (similar to purchasing other prescription drugs) and a note of medical need from a doctor.
In the fiery debate on the legalization of marijuana, the author takes the middle stance, differentiating between using marijuana to treat illnesses and using marijuana for casual recreation. The author states that marijuana should be legalized in Illinois purely for medical purposes.
Medical marijuana can be used to alleviate the side effects of anti-cancer drugs, soothe the pain of multiple sclerosis, and improve the appetite of AIDS patients.
Medical marijuana can be abused, but the effects are not as lethal as abuse of prescription painkillers, which are completely legal in Illinois.
81% of Americans are in affirmation of the use of medical marijuana.
The law passing through the Illinois House will have checks on the purchase of medical marijuana, such as a limit on the amount over a certain amount of time (similar to purchasing other prescription drugs) and a note of medical need from a doctor.
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Monday Matters - I Own The Sources #2
Legalizing Marijuana will not stop the drug cartels
Proponents of legalizing marijuana or of ending the war against drugs argue that legalizing marijuana will take the market out of the hands of cartels and into the hands of the government. The author argues against legalization of marijuana in order to hurt the drug cartels.
Although marijuana constitutes 60% of drug cartel profit, 40% is still being made from cocaine and other narcotics.
The drug cartels have new sources of income: kidnappings, oil theft, and pirated goods. They are also demanding payments from businesses that they have control over as well as a slice of the business profits.
The Mexican cartels can still have an influence over legalized distribution of marijuana.
Legalization is still the right thing to do. Legalization can save on resources such as jail space and law enforcement. Even though legalization will not stop the cartels, it is still a benefit to the United States.
Proponents of legalizing marijuana or of ending the war against drugs argue that legalizing marijuana will take the market out of the hands of cartels and into the hands of the government. The author argues against legalization of marijuana in order to hurt the drug cartels.
Although marijuana constitutes 60% of drug cartel profit, 40% is still being made from cocaine and other narcotics.
The drug cartels have new sources of income: kidnappings, oil theft, and pirated goods. They are also demanding payments from businesses that they have control over as well as a slice of the business profits.
The Mexican cartels can still have an influence over legalized distribution of marijuana.
Legalization is still the right thing to do. Legalization can save on resources such as jail space and law enforcement. Even though legalization will not stop the cartels, it is still a benefit to the United States.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Monday Matters - I Own The Sources!
Marijuana should be legalized in Washington
The author calls for the legalization of marijuana to be passed by Washington State. Washington was one of the first states to call for the legalization of medical marijuana and the disregard for marijuana possession.
The cost of funding the prohibition of marijuana possession is large and unnecessary.
Prohibition causes little to no deterrence of the possession and use of marijuana.
It is impossible for the United States to effectively regulate the prohibition of marijuana.
Marijuana use is not as harmful as other drugs. Users who are able to "handle" the drug lead perfectly normal and successful lives. The author gives President Obama as an example of a successful man who has smoked marijuana.
The author calls for the legalization of marijuana to be passed by Washington State. Washington was one of the first states to call for the legalization of medical marijuana and the disregard for marijuana possession.
The cost of funding the prohibition of marijuana possession is large and unnecessary.
Prohibition causes little to no deterrence of the possession and use of marijuana.
It is impossible for the United States to effectively regulate the prohibition of marijuana.
Marijuana use is not as harmful as other drugs. Users who are able to "handle" the drug lead perfectly normal and successful lives. The author gives President Obama as an example of a successful man who has smoked marijuana.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Monday Matters - Photos
Depicted above is a photo of the Syrian rebellion.
It calls people to support the anti-Syrian government uprising.
- White Syrian banners form the top half of the photo, representing hope and the power of the voice of the Syrian people.
- A young Syrian boy occupies the lower half of the picture. He is holding a peace sign up to signify the imminent victory over Assad's regime and finally peace.
- Behind him are other Syrian children. Their support shows the future of Syria; their generation will lead the country to success and freedom.
- A large crowd of adults follow behind the children. The huge participation of the Syrian citizens further argues that many people are supporting this rebellion.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Monday Matters - Assad's Fall
Isolating Assad
The Arab League is asking Assad to comply with his people, fearing destabilization in the region. The Arab countries are worrying about civil war and protests in Syria and their own nations.
The Turkish government is being too vague towards Assad's regime. They should take a firm stand against Syria and limit trade with Assad's country.
The European Union, a large importer of Syrian oil, should impose stricter sanctions on Syria to further impact Assad's government, but the countries within the union are too indecisive over details.
Assad still has many powerful allies such as Russia, China, and India, and the United States needs all the allies it can get to get their message through to Assad's regime.
The Arab League is asking Assad to comply with his people, fearing destabilization in the region. The Arab countries are worrying about civil war and protests in Syria and their own nations.
The Turkish government is being too vague towards Assad's regime. They should take a firm stand against Syria and limit trade with Assad's country.
The European Union, a large importer of Syrian oil, should impose stricter sanctions on Syria to further impact Assad's government, but the countries within the union are too indecisive over details.
Assad still has many powerful allies such as Russia, China, and India, and the United States needs all the allies it can get to get their message through to Assad's regime.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Monday Matters - Damascus Says What?
Political Unrest In Syria Leaves No Mark in Damascus
Although protests rage throughout Syria, the country's capital and largest city Damascus remains relatively disconnected from the entire rebellion. Its citizens roam the streets during the day going about their daily business, unaffected by the violence erupts within the country. The government covers up the news affectively and many towns go about the day completely unaware. Those who are aware of Assad's terrors are too afraid of the government to mention anything, as the security patrols survey the streets all day. Others fear a more conservative regime if the succession succeeds and stay loyal to Assad's rule. Tensions grow and taboo ideas are spoken in secret in the local taverns, talking about the corruption of the state and the lack of reform, but no one in the city mentions the rebellion by day as Assad's government tightens its hold on the media and on Damascus itself.
Although protests rage throughout Syria, the country's capital and largest city Damascus remains relatively disconnected from the entire rebellion. Its citizens roam the streets during the day going about their daily business, unaffected by the violence erupts within the country. The government covers up the news affectively and many towns go about the day completely unaware. Those who are aware of Assad's terrors are too afraid of the government to mention anything, as the security patrols survey the streets all day. Others fear a more conservative regime if the succession succeeds and stay loyal to Assad's rule. Tensions grow and taboo ideas are spoken in secret in the local taverns, talking about the corruption of the state and the lack of reform, but no one in the city mentions the rebellion by day as Assad's government tightens its hold on the media and on Damascus itself.
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