Moral Dilemmas

1. The Overcrowded Lifeboat

In this situation, I would decide that the captain was not guilty. It isn't fair for everyone to die just so that no one would be left with the "blame" of "killing" some people; if anything, the captain (who, incidentally, should have gone down with the ship) made a tough decision that saved lives.

2. A Father's Agonizing Choice

I would not kill my own son; he would be killed anyway, and I'll not be the one to do it. The other innocent inmate would most likely also be killed eventually. I would not play the guard's little sadistic game and have the guilt of killing my own son on my conscience. I would also not feel guilty about the other inmate because I did not kill him; it was the guard's choice to do so.

3. Sophie's Choice

Guilt is an emotion that cannot be controlled, so there is no saying that she "should" or "should not" feel guilty, although I would understand why she would feel that way. I think she made the best decision she could under the circumstances.

4. The Fat Man and the Impending Doom

I would seek the proverbial non-existent third option of blowing up the stick of dynamite in a place that would create an alternative exit for those stuck in the cave. However, to answer the actual question, there is little choice in my mind; it would be unfair for an entire group of people to drown just because a fat guy was stuck, and he would have to live with the guilt of all those people's deaths. The same with the pregnant woman; one life is not more valuable than a greater number of lives.

5. Jean Valjean's Conscience

In this case, tempting though it might be, it would be unfair for Valjean to allow another (presumably innocent) man to suffer consequences for actions that weren't his. The factory situation would not be an issue; he did the right thing by leaving somebody in charge to take care of the employees and accepted his own consequences.

6. A Callous Passerby

Although I believe Mr. Smith would have a moral obligation to save the boy since it would save his life and do nothing more than inconvenience him, legally he is not responsible. The law cannot expect someone to risk danger to themselves to help someone else; doctors are required to do so because they made a pledge, but random strangers cannot be expected to risk anything to themselves to aid a stranger.

7. A Poisonous Cup of Coffee

Although Joe's inaction was morally wrong, he did not instigate the events that resulted in his wife's death, and is therefore not guilty like Tom. Despite Joe's bad intentions, he did not actually commit a crime or do anything to bring about his wife's death. His inaction is not as wrong as Tom's outright murder.

8. The Torture of the Mad Bomber

In the words of Machiavelli, "the ends justify the means"; it is more imperative that hundreds of lives be saved than keeping a crazy guy comfortable. I agree that torture should at least be attempted to extract that vital information since the conventional methods did nothing at all. I would even torture his "innocent" wife if that was what was necessary to save hundreds of lives, which are more valuable than a single individual's comfort.

No release of Bin Laden photos

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-13287977

US officials had been discussing whether to publish pictures of Bin Laden's body to counter conspiracy theories that he did not die.

But Mr Obama believed the images could inflame sensitivities, saying: "We don't trot out this stuff as trophies.

"BBC News - Osama Bin Laden: Photos Will Not Be Released - Obama." BBC - Homepage. Web. 04 May 2011. .

GPS backpacks track NZ hedgehogs

http://news.bbc.co.uk/earth/hi/earth_news/newsid_9469000/9469456.stm

Researchers put GPS trackers on hedgehogs in New Zealand to understand how the non-native species affects fauna.

"BBC - Earth News - GPS Backpacks Track NZ Hedgehogs." BBC News - Home. Web. 03 May 2011. .

Immigration Discussion Reflection

I think that this class discussion has been, by far, one of the most interesting and (somehow) productive ones yet. Almost everyone had some sort of original idea or steadfast opinion, and was able to defend or explicate it intelligently. It was universally recognized that illegal immigration was a problem that realistically could not be solved, but creative solutions were discussed anyway; everyone realized that this issue was not black and white (no insinuation intended), but that everyone was somewhere in the shades of gray. Everyone seemed reasonably prepared and comfortable discussing such an inflammatory and controversial subject.

Al-Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden dead - Obama

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-13256676

Al-Qaeda founder and leader Osama Bin Laden has been killed by US forces, President Barack Obama has said. He was on top of America's "Most Wanted" list.

"BBC News - Al-Qaeda Leader Osama Bin Laden Dead - Obama." BBC - Homepage. Web. 02 May 2011. .

Two-Column Web Journal

URL #1: http://www.cnn.com/2011/POLITICS/04/15/georgia.legislature/index.html?iref=allsearch

Facts/ Arguments from the source:

*Blame immigrants for overcrowding schools and draining taxpayers' dollars
*Toughest anti-immigration legislation in the nation

Personal Response:

I wonder how valid anti-immigrants' arguments are. It seems everything is based on hear-say, and nothing is actually proven either way.

Citation

Valdes, Gustavo. "Georgia Governor to Sign Law Targeting Illegal Immigration - CNN.com." CNN.com - Breaking News, U.S., World, Weather, Entertainment & Video News. Cable News Network, 21 Apr. 2011. Web. 28 Apr. 2011. .

URL #2: http://www.npr.org/2011/04/20/135574803/arizonas-strict-immigration-law-one-year-later

Facts/ Arguments from the Source:

*A year after SB1070 was signed, supporters call it a success, opponents say it's a disaster
*An estimated 100,000 to 200,000 (so specific) illegals have left due to the "unwelcoming atmosphere for illegal immigrants"
*Arizona still divided over 1070 issue

Personal Response:

These "facts" that Pearce present as measures indicative of "progress" seem insubstantial. Although I was pleased to read that he focused only on border security and not persecuting illegals in schools or hospitals, I think he has a very strange way in thinking when he proclaims that he will do whatever is personally necessary to stop this "invasion".

Citation

Robbins, Ted. "A Year Later, Arizona Still Split Over Immigration : NPR." NPR : National Public Radio : News & Analysis, World, US, Music & Arts : NPR. 21 Apr. 2011. Web. 28 Apr. 2011. .

URL #3: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/21/education/21winerip.html?pagewanted=1&_r=2

Facts/Arguments from Source:

*Isabel Castillo, an illegal immigrant who arrived in America at age 6, graduated from college magna cum laude in three and a half years with a degree in social work and a 4.0 GPA after working as a waitress from 9:30 AM to 10:00 PM seven days a week for a year to save up for college.
*"I tell them I'm a human being living like anyone else, not a criminal."

Personal Response:

This story makes the failure of the Dream Act especially poignant because it puts a pretty face on the image of illegal immigrants looking to better themselves. It proves that not everyone would abuse it, and in this case, America DOES need more people like Isabel- relentlessly determined, very hard-working, and incredibly intelligent and resourceful.

Citation

Winerip, Michael. "Dream Act Advocate Turns Failure Into Hope." New York TImes. Web.

Greenwood Forest Park zip wire death inquiry begins

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-13184845

An investigation has begun into the death of an 11-year-old boy who fell from a zip wire ride at a theme park.

"BBC News - Greenwood Forest Park Zip Wire Death Inquiry Begins." BBC - Homepage. Web. 25 Apr. 2011. .

Wikileaks: Many at Guantanamo 'not dangerous'

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-13184845

Files obtained by the website Wikileaks have revealed that the US believed many of those held at Guantanamo Bay were innocent or only low-level operatives. The files, published in US and European newspapers, are assessments of all 780 people ever held at the facility. They show that about 220 were classed as dangerous terrorists, but 150 were innocent Afghans and Pakistanis.

"BBC News - Wikileaks: Many at Guantanamo 'not Dangerous'" BBC - Homepage. Web. 25 Apr. 2011. .

Anti-nuclear protests in Germany and France

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-13188507

Thousands of people in France and Germany have staged protests calling for an end to nuclear power. Marches were held on several river bridges between France and Germany over the Rhine while there were further protests at German nuclear plants.

"BBC News - Anti-nuclear Protests in Germany and France." BBC - Homepage. Web. 25 Apr. 2011. .

Japan: Huge troop search for quake and tsunami bodies

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-13186164

The retreating tsunami water took many bodies out to sea and left many buried under mud and rubble. Japan has deployed nearly 25,000 troops to search for the bodies of those missing since the earthquake and tsunami that devastated north-eastern areas more than six weeks ago.

"BBC News - Japan: Huge Troop Search for Quake and Tsunami Bodies." BBC - Homepage. Web. 25 Apr. 2011. .

Afghanistan: Hundreds escape from Kandahar prison

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-13184920

More than 470 inmates at a prison in southern Afghanistan have escaped through a tunnel hundreds of meters long and dug from outside the jail.

Officials in the city of Kandahar said many of those who escaped from Sarposa jail were Taliban insurgents.

"BBC News - Afghanistan: Hundreds Escape from Kandahar Prison." BBC - Homepage. Web. 25 Apr. 2011. .

My Lost EC Post!

I didn't think I had saved a copy, but I just found it! YAY! :D I hope you still accept this, Mr. Palo... technology hates me. D:

Obama believes that “America has played a unique role as an anchor of global security and as an advocate for human freedom”, claiming that “we are naturally reluctant to use force to solve the world’s many challenges”; despite this, he concludes that “when our interests and values are at stake, we have a responsibility to act”. He emphasizes this when discussing the tyranny that has ensued in Libya for over forty years, stating that “Muammar Qaddafi...has denied his people freedom, exploited their wealth, murdered opponents at home and abroad, and terrorized innocent people around the world – including Americans who were killed by Libyan agents”. Obama discusses how, upon Qaddafi's sudden attack on his own people, he took steps to evacuate the American embassy and any stray American citizens, froze Qadaffi's assests (which I think is bizarre), broadened sanctions, imposed an arms embargo, and told Qadaffi to step down because he had lost his legitimacy to lead. Personally, I don't believe it is one country's leader's place to tell another country's leader to step down. America clearly has some superiority complexes in that sense. However, because of Qaddafi's Stalin-like attempts to massacre his own civilian population, Obama's military action seems well justified. The coalition between the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Canada, Denmark, Norway, Italy, Spain, Greece, Turkey, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates enforces Obama's idea that allowing such a civilian massacre would “stain the conscience of the world”, and it is reassuring to know that the United States is not the only country willing to step in order to defend “world peace”. Obama also brings up the point that America itself is divided; “just as there are those who have argued against intervention in Libya,” Obama says, “there are others who have suggested that we broaden our military mission beyond the task of protecting the Libyan people, and do whatever it takes to bring down Qaddafi and usher in a new government”. His main point, however, is that it is his job to protect America, which includes protecting others overseas. I myself feel torn; on the one hand, America has a habit of sticking it's nose where it does not belong; our need to police the world seems like an awkward personal space bubble infringement on a national level. However, I agree with Obama's sentiments concerning our duty to act in times of oppression and genocide, and thereby agree with his decision to employ but limit our military action in Libya.

-Brigitte Wilcox, P4

Obama, Barack. "President Obama’s Speech on Libya." Speech. President Obama’s Speech on Libya. Washington, D.C. 28 Mar. 2011. The White House. Web. 31 Mar. 2011. .

Three arrested over 1969 teen killing in Massachusetts

Police arrested three men in connection with the 1969 killing of a 15-year-old boy in the US state of Massachusetts, authorities have said.

The body of John Joseph McCabe was discovered in an empty lot in the town of Lowell more than four decades ago.

"BBC News - Three Arrested over 1969 Teen Killing in Massachusetts." BBC - Homepage. Web. 16 Apr. 2011. .

Syria's al-Assad: Emergency laws 'to end next week'

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad says he expects a state of emergency to be lifted next week, after weeks of anti-government protests.

"BBC News - Syria's Al-Assad: Emergency Laws 'to End next Week'" BBC - Homepage. Web. 16 Apr. 2011. .

Space exploration remains priority for Russia, Medvedev

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-13046190

Space exploration remains a priority for Russia, President Dmitry Medvedev has said, as the country marks the 50th anniversary of the first human space flight by cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin.

"BBC News - Space Exploration Remains Priority for Russia, Medvedev." BBC - Homepage. Web. 12 Apr. 2011. .

Dumbarton captain Gordon Lennon 'electrocuted in crash'

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-13040182

Dumbarton FC captain Gordon Lennon was electrocuted while enjoying an off-roading trip with friends, a fatal accident inquiry has heard.

"BBC News - Dumbarton Captain Gordon Lennon 'electrocuted in Crash'" BBC - Homepage. Web. 11 Apr. 2011. .

Islam debate in France sparks controversy

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-12969641

French President Nicolas Sarkozy's party, the UMP, has hosted a controversial debate on the practice of Islam in secular France.

"BBC News - Islam Debate in France Sparks Controversy." BBC - Homepage. Web. 05 Apr. 2011.

TNK-BP blocks BP Russian Arctic venture with Rosneft

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-12854549

Russian shareholders of TNK-BP have blocked BP's Arctic exploration deal with state-owned Rosneft.

Editor, Robert Peston Business. "BBC News - TNK-BP Blocks BP Russian Arctic Venture with Rosneft." BBC - Homepage. Web. 24 Mar. 2011.

Religion may become extinct in nine nations, study says

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-12811197

A study using census data from nine countries shows that religion there is set for extinction, say researchers.

The study found a steady rise in those claiming no religious affiliation.

The team's mathematical model attempts to account for the interplay between the number of religious respondents and the social motives behind being one.

Palmer Science, Jason. "BBC News - Religion May Become Extinct in Nine Nations, Study Says." BBC - Homepage. Web. 22 Mar. 2011. .

Education Reform Discussion Reflection

Wednesday's discussion seemed a lot more fruitful than usual; everyone seemed much more enthusiastic about their ideas for educational reform, and seemed more willing to discuss various viable options for the general improvement of our public education system. Many original "out-of-the-box" ideas were brought up, most of which were actually quite thought-provoking. Although no administrative members were present, I can't help but feel that this was for the best- no doubt some may have found their presence intimidating and wouldn't have spoken so openly, and it is unlikely that our ideas or suggestions would have impacted them at all, whether they have the power to effect actual changes or not. I hope all of our future discussions run as smoothly as this one did.

"Firework"

The music video project we made for gov...

Radiation Text Message is a Fake

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-12745128

Allegedly a viral text message claiming that radiation from the Fukushima nuclear power plant has leaked beyond Japan, causing widespread panic in Asia, especially in the Philippines. Officials have extended the actual danger zone to a radius of 18 miles around the plant.

"BBC News - 'Radiation' Text Message Is Fake." BBC - Homepage. Web. 16 Mar. 2011. .

Tsunami hits Japan after massive quake

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-12709598

Japan's most powerful earthquake since records began has struck the north-east coast, triggering a massive tsunami.

Cars, ships and buildings were swept away by a wall of water after the 8.9-magnitude quake, which struck about 400km (250 miles) north-east of Tokyo.

A state of emergency has been declared at a nuclear power plant but officials said there were no radiation leaks.

The death toll is unclear, but police say 200 to 300 bodies have been found in the port city of Sendai.

At least 90 other people are reported to have died, and many more are unaccounted for.

News, Roland Buerk BBC. "BBC News - Japan Earthquake: Tsunami Hits North-east." BBC - Homepage. Web. 11 Mar. 2011. .

Naomi Bryant inquest: Failings in sex offender release

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hampshire-12700682

A woman was killed by a convicted sex offender after a series of failings by the agencies involved in his release, an inquest jury has ruled.

Naomi Bryant, 40, of Winchester, was killed by Anthony Rice in 2005 while he was on licence from prison.

Rice, 54, was jailed for life after admitting murder and has previous convictions for sex assaults.

The coroner said the case had been a "wake up call" to those involved.

The jury ruled she was unlawfully killed.

What?!L@J!0w9UE)r??!JL

Coroner Grahame Short said he would reveal at a later date whether he would make recommendations to the agencies involved.

"BBC News - Naomi Bryant Inquest: Failings in Sex Offender Release." BBC - Homepage. Web. 10 Mar. 2011. .

Peter King warns al-Qaeda recruiting US Muslims

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-12703100

A US congressman has warned al-Qaeda is actively recruiting US Muslims for violent attacks within the country.

Representative Peter King, a Republican, spoke at a House homeland security committee hearing into the "radicalisation" of US Muslims.

He said "homegrown radicalisation" was "part of al-Qaeda's strategy to continue attacking the US".

Critics say the hearing will feed anti-Islamic sentiment and have criticised Mr King for singling Muslims out.

"BBC News - Peter King Warns Al-Qaeda Recruiting US Muslims." BBC - Homepage. Web. 10 Mar. 2011. .

US Supreme Court allows anti-gay funeral protests

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-12624539

The US Supreme Court has ruled an anti-gay church has the right to picket military funerals under the US constitution's free speech protections.

The court ruled 8-1 for the Westboro Baptist Church, throwing out an earlier $5m judgment awarded to the father of a fallen US Marine.

Members carried signs denouncing the US for its tolerance of homosexuality.

Chief Justice John Roberts wrote church members' speech cannot be limited "simply because it is upsetting".

"BBC News - US Supreme Court Allows Anti-gay Funeral Protests." BBC - Homepage. Web. 02 Mar. 2011. .

Teenager attacked and raped in Carrickfergus churchyard

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-12590486

A 15-year-old girl has been attacked and raped in County Antrim.

She was waiting with a friend for a taxi at Lancastrian Street, Carrickfergus, on Saturday at about 2200 GMT.

A man dragged her into church grounds and attacked her.

An 18-year-old man was arrested a short time later. Both girls are severely traumatized by the attack. Police have appealed for information.

"BBC News - Teenager Attacked and Raped in Carrickfergus Churchyard." BBC - Homepage. Web. 27 Feb. 2011. .

Robovie PC robot wins marathon in Osaka, Japan

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-12589607

A knee-high humanoid has narrowly won the world's first full-length marathon for two-legged robots.

Robovie-PC crossed the finish line in the Japanese city of Osaka just a second before its closest rival after more than two days of racing.

The 26-mile (42km) race involved 423 laps of an indoor track at an average speed of 0.77 km/h.

Two other androids are yet to complete the course, while one pulled out after just one lap

"BBC News - Robovie PC Robot Wins Marathon in Osaka, Japan." BBC - Homepage. Web. 27 Feb. 2011. .

Ireland's next leader Enda Kenny vows bailout review

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-12590868

Ireland's incoming leader has promised to work to renegotiate the country's crippling 85bn euro bail-out next week.

Enda Kenny of Fine Gael said he would fight for a cheaper loan deal from the International Monetary Fund and Europe.

His party is now the largest in the 31st Irish parliament, the Dail.



"BBC News - Ireland's next Leader Enda Kenny Vows Bailout Review." BBC - Homepage. Web. 27 Feb. 2011. .

Libya unrest sparks refugee crisis at Tunisia border

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-12591935

Libya's border with Tunisia is being overrun with migrants, many of them from Egypt, fleeing turmoil in Libya, aid workers say.

A UN refugee official told the BBC that 20,000 Egyptians were stranded and needed food and shelter. Many are sleeping in the open despite the cold. Some Egyptian refugees staged protests shouting: "We want to go home."

About 100,000 people have fled anti-government unrest in Libya over the past week, the UN estimates.

"BBC News - Libya Unrest Sparks Refugee Crisis at Tunisia Border." BBC - Homepage. Web. 27 Feb. 2011. .

NY Mosque Controversy Class Discussion Reflection

This class discussion was much like the first one, albeit a little less involved. A majority of the class seemed reluctant to voice their opinions, and I was surprised at the total lack of animosity. I have yet to decide if this is because we, as a class, are truly too divided over the issue at hand to really defend one position or another, or if we, as a generation, could generally care less; on average, the class seemed to go back and forth and compromised with, "We have no problem building mosques, just not there"- which would be seen as a negative. Although I cannot speak for everyone, my opinion was highly influenced by the adults I polled; prior to the survey, I was 100% in favor of the mosque solely for the sake of its constitutionality and hopes of reducing Muslim-phobia. The adults I interviewed (all of whom I value highly) were against the idea, however; upon hearing their reasons for this opinion (and the Nazi/Auschwitz analogy) I relented.

I was curious to see how the opinions of my peers would influence me, but in general, we all seemed to not really have any particularly strong opinion...

House rejects extension of 'Patriot Act' powers

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-12400834

The US House of Representatives has blocked a bill to extend some surveillance powers granted by the 2001 Patriot Act after the 9/11 attacks. The bill was opposed by most Democrats and some Republicans, and failed to win the two-thirds vote needed for passage. It would have extended until December provisions on wiretaps, access to business records and surveillance of terror suspects granted by the law.

"BBC News - House Rejects Extension of 'Patriot Act' Powers." BBC - Homepage. Web. 09 Feb. 2011. .

SOTU Address

UK Guardian journalist 'expelled from Russia'

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-12388243

A British reporter has been allegedly expelled from Russia after publishing content that contained criticism of Russia's leadership.

Mr. Harding wrote on his Twitter page: "Russia has expelled me from Moscow. Stopped at pass control, put in a locked cell and deported. No explanation given."

"BBC News - UK Guardian Journalist 'expelled from Russia'" BBC - Homepage. Web. 07 Feb. 2011. .

Arrest made in Bellagio casino robbery; suspect is son of local judge

http://www.cnn.com/2011/CRIME/02/03/nevada.casino.robbery/index.html?hpt=T2

A Las Vegas judge whose 29-year-old son was arrested in the December robbery of Las Vegas' Bellagio casino said he is "devastated and heartbroken" but that "people who break the law need to be held accountable."

Police said Thursday that Anthony Carleo allegedly entered the casino wearing a motorcycle helmet and carrying a gun, and left with $1.5 million in casino chips.

"Arrest Made in Bellagio Casino Robbery; Suspect Is Son of Local Judge - CNN.com." CNN.com - Breaking News, U.S., World, Weather, Entertainment & Video News. Web. 04 Feb. 2011. Web.

Health Care Discussion Reflection

The discussion on health care in class on Friday seemed a good practice for future discussions. Although many people seemed hesitant about voicing their opinions, when individually called upon, nobody shied away from contributing something relatively original.

At times the conversation seemed circular, apparently due to the fact that everyone seemed to generally share the same opinion; the lack of conflict led to some dead moments, but we were able to recover well enough. It was interesting to converse with my peers about current politics (a new experience, for me) and hear their opinions about political events in our country. We're all so educated.

Pair jailed for Trafalgar Square homophobic killing

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-12283937

Two people who fatally attacked a man in London's Trafalgar Square after subjecting him to homophobic taunts have been jailed for manslaughter.

Ian Baynham, 62, of Beckenham, south-east London, was assaulted outside South Africa House in September 2009.

He was punched by Joel Alexander, 20, and then repeatedly stamped on by Ruby Thomas, 19, as he lay unconscious.

The Old Bailey jailed Thomas and Alexander for seven and six years respectively.

"BBC News - Pair Jailed for Trafalgar Square Homophobic Killing." BBC - Homepage. Web. 26 Jan. 2011. .

Store Clerk Shot

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2011/01/store-clerk-shot-during-robbery-in-long-beach.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+lanowblog+(L.A.+Now)

Store clerk Sor Phouam,53, was shot and killed by two robbers in Long Beach. The investigation is ongoing, and occurred just two weeks after Long Beach police Chief Jim McDonnell announced that the city's crime rate was at its lowest since 1971. About 36 murders were reported last year, a drop from 2009, when 44 murders were reported, according to the Times' Homicide Report.

Vives, Ruben. "Store Clerk Shot, Killed during Robbery in Long Beach | L.A. NOW | Los Angeles Times." Los Angeles Times. Web. 23 Jan. 2011. .

Student's Gun Goes Off in School

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2011/01/gunman-apologized-shooting.html

Two Gardena High School students were injured when a gun in a student’s backpack accidentally discharged about 10:40 a.m.

One girl was shot in the head, and is in grave condition at a hospital. The other victim, a boy, was wounded in the shoulder. According to Robert Alaniz, an LAUSD spokesman, the gun discharged when a 10th grade boy either dropped or bumped the backpack containing the weapon.

Two-Column Web Journal

Brigitte Wilcox

Mr. Palo

Gov P4

18 January 2011

Two-Column Web Journal

URL #1: http://www.barackobama.com/pdf/issues/HealthCareFullPlan.pdf

Facts/Arguments from the source ·         Healthcare costs are skyrocketing ·         Tens of millions of Americans are uninsured due to increased costs ·         Healthcare plan designed to reduce inefficiency and improve healthcare quality

Personal Response I wonder how healthcare can be both improved and reduced in cost, but I accept that I don’t know enough to understand it and still believe it is possible.

Citation:

"Barack Obama and Joe Biden's Plan to Lower Healthcare Costs and Ensure Affordable, Accessible Health      Coverage for All." Organizing for America | BarackObama.com. 2008. Web. <http://www.barackobama.com/>.

URL #2: http://www.americanthinker.com/2008/03/obamas_health_care_plan.html

Facts/ Arguments from the source ·         By 2017, one dollar out of every five spent in America will go toward healthcare costs ·         The US healthcare system ranks last or next-to-last on five dimensions of a high performance health system: quality, access, efficiency, equity, and healthy lives ·         Obama's plan calls for a ten billion dollar federal investment in healthcare information technology over five years.

Personal Response This article uses irrelevant facts to persuade its reader: although the US healthcare system maybe be CURRENTLY ranked next-to-last, the point of the plan is to improve it. This article harps on Obama’s lack of detail in his plan, but it too lacks detail about what detail his plan lacks.

Citation:

Ragain, Michael. "Obama's Health Care Plan." American Thinker. 2010. Web. 18 Jan. 2011. <http://www.americanthinker.com/2008/03/obamas_health_care_plan.html>.

URL #3: http://change.gov/agenda/health_care_agenda/

Arguments/Facts from the source ·         plan provides affordable, accessible health care for all Americans, builds on the existing health care system, and uses existing providers, doctors, and plans ·         patients will be able to make health care decisions with their doctors, instead of being blocked by insurance company bureaucrats ·         Under the plan, if you like your current health insurance, nothing changes, except your costs will go down by as much as $2,500 per year. If you don’t have health insurance, you will have a choice of new, affordable health insurance options.

Personal Response This sounds ideal, but now I’m questioning if Obama can really deliver on his promises. It sounds too easy. And couldn’t patients already make health care decisions with their doctors? I never particularly liked the people who spoke so vehemently against Obama and his ideas for health care reform, but now I’m beginning to question its credibility.

Citation:

"Health Care | Change.gov: The Obama-Biden Transition Team." The Office of the President-Elect. Web. <http://change.gov/agenda/health_care_agenda/>.

            This research has made me confused about what I think of the health care plan. It sounds ideal; apparently it will improve the quality of currently existing health care plans while simultaneously reducing costs on both individual and national levels, but how is that possible? Neither side was particularly clear on the “how” details: pro-planners simply declared that these things would be true without any evidence to support it, while anti-planners screamed that these things were impossible without explicating how.

            In general, if Obama can really deliver what he promises in his health care reform, than I am for it. If the health care reform is passed but does not live up to its expectations, then I would have to wait and see what the consequences are before passing judgment. Somehow, however, I doubt that it will truly change my everyday life either way.