Comma Splices
This information was good for me as I tend to use too many commas in my writings. I also use long sentences and not really understand sometimes where I should place a period or comma. I will be wearier now when I use commas so I do not create a comma splice. I have used commas without complete sentences as discussed by Grammar Girl. This must ruin the way the reader reads especially those who love to read and have an excellent understanding about grammar and the common errors to avoid. I don’t like using short sentences because it seems so childish. I believe that using commas help you along with your sentences especially if you are trying to explain how to do something. For example, read the document, if you agree, sign, and date it in front of a notary, then, mail the document certified return receipt to this address, that address, and remember to keep a copy for your records. Well, after I reviewed the sentence, I believe the grammar is okay. I wonder what Grammar Girl would do? I enjoyed her explanation on comma splices, and will promise not to do those kinds of mistakes knowingly, but I am only human. I am not an English teacher or Grammar Girl, but I can sure aspire to do my best and follow these golden rules. My writing skills must improve and my grammar as well. Thanks to you both for helping me understand the comma splices and how to look for them. Did I just make a bunch of comma mistakes? Just when I thought I understood them. I must be nervous. Thanks again.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Week 7 & 8: Reading Response 3
GOODMAN/The Culture of Thin Bites Fiji
1. What is Goodman’s argument? How does she build it around Becker’s study while not limiting herself to that evidence alone?
Ellen Goodman’s argument is “eating disorders are a cultural byproduct.” The study she used and built her essay around was by using other similar situation consequences such as the Columbine High massacre that gives the audience more to think about other than just body images. She speaks to other harmful ideas that may influence the way we think or may desire to become. The argument that harm doesn’t come from television is proved in these two examples. She does well in her transition in what we learn and how we learn it as well as considering the significance in what we absorb through the television. The way we look, act, and portray our own self sends a presuppose message or the stereotype perceptive.
I liked that she showed a picture along with this article. To me it portrays the significance of such a sacrifice to become thin. Well, to see a beautiful woman who obviously may be suffering from an eating disorder like anorexia or bulimia is sad. I remember learning a little about these disorders and they are real and cause death. I wonder why some people are more apt to them versus others. Certainly the images that are displayed on the television, and the successes of the people, send a message to the young especially what is considered the norm. The reality is we all share in receiving some sort of message or messages being sent from television. Whether it’s a commercial trying to entice us to purchase a new fangled item or indirectly as Ellen Goodman presents in her essay.
1. What is Goodman’s argument? How does she build it around Becker’s study while not limiting herself to that evidence alone?
Ellen Goodman’s argument is “eating disorders are a cultural byproduct.” The study she used and built her essay around was by using other similar situation consequences such as the Columbine High massacre that gives the audience more to think about other than just body images. She speaks to other harmful ideas that may influence the way we think or may desire to become. The argument that harm doesn’t come from television is proved in these two examples. She does well in her transition in what we learn and how we learn it as well as considering the significance in what we absorb through the television. The way we look, act, and portray our own self sends a presuppose message or the stereotype perceptive.
I liked that she showed a picture along with this article. To me it portrays the significance of such a sacrifice to become thin. Well, to see a beautiful woman who obviously may be suffering from an eating disorder like anorexia or bulimia is sad. I remember learning a little about these disorders and they are real and cause death. I wonder why some people are more apt to them versus others. Certainly the images that are displayed on the television, and the successes of the people, send a message to the young especially what is considered the norm. The reality is we all share in receiving some sort of message or messages being sent from television. Whether it’s a commercial trying to entice us to purchase a new fangled item or indirectly as Ellen Goodman presents in her essay.
Week 7 & 8: Reading Response 2
Making a Visual Argument: How Others See Us
1. What’s your response to each of these paintings? Is it primarily visceral – a feeling in the gut, emotional, intellectual, or some combination of these? Why, in your opinion? Is one of these categories of response more important? Why or why not?
Anispas P. Delotavo Jr.’s painting “Europe Gave Us Shakespeare and Beethoven; American Gave Us Jesse James and John Wayne, 2003” was amazingly real. I thought it was a picture. Because I do not have any background on art my view of the painting will not be examined as such. When I first viewed the visual, it displayed to me how America was established, and continues to hold that gun in place for America. It also symbolizes that America is ready to come against any opposition in the world as well. Strikingly interesting, but what was the painter really portraying? To me it is a mixed message, maybe because of my background.
Zaid Omar, Misconception, 2002.
Strangely enough, when I first viewed this visual, and without reading why the painter created it, I too saw a two conflicting views, but with the wars against Indians. I mean, I saw it from the top to the bottom and looked at it as the Indians once roaming freely, then, formed to group on reservations, misconception occurred, and only a few really make a difference to the strong forces of American government. Isn’t that odd? Not really, because it shows to me that visuals can relate to your own background or knowledge of conflict. On the other hand, it showed a breaking away from strong forces of government to freedom which in this case must have been the point. How weirdly fascinating!
Jibby Yunibandhu, At Home with the Braves, 2003. Photograph by Prach Kongsubto Rohitchan.
Here again, I viewed the picture without understanding the intent first and was surprised to learn what it really meant. The vision I saw was an Indian woman sending a message that although a white woman may have created the American flag, it was the Indian that sat in its place first and helped in part to create this symbol, The American Flag. The picture pictured in the picture is not clear to me, but it looked like feathers were in front of the flag that helped me come to that conclusion. I see how what was really meant by this picture that this Thai citizen was embracing American and showing that America is made up of different threads of life.
In all these settings, I was surprisingly disproved by my own thoughts and suggestions of each of these exhibits. I certainly had a feeling of a combination of feelings from yester history to today’s society. America’s image is that one of freedom for all, but other countries may not view these exhibits as it intended to do. Freedom by force, perseverance, and hope imply here to the globe, but not all may see it this way as I viewed them each in a different state of being with the Delotavo Jr. Painting portraying the most effective intellectually and globally.
1. What’s your response to each of these paintings? Is it primarily visceral – a feeling in the gut, emotional, intellectual, or some combination of these? Why, in your opinion? Is one of these categories of response more important? Why or why not?
Anispas P. Delotavo Jr.’s painting “Europe Gave Us Shakespeare and Beethoven; American Gave Us Jesse James and John Wayne, 2003” was amazingly real. I thought it was a picture. Because I do not have any background on art my view of the painting will not be examined as such. When I first viewed the visual, it displayed to me how America was established, and continues to hold that gun in place for America. It also symbolizes that America is ready to come against any opposition in the world as well. Strikingly interesting, but what was the painter really portraying? To me it is a mixed message, maybe because of my background.
Zaid Omar, Misconception, 2002.
Strangely enough, when I first viewed this visual, and without reading why the painter created it, I too saw a two conflicting views, but with the wars against Indians. I mean, I saw it from the top to the bottom and looked at it as the Indians once roaming freely, then, formed to group on reservations, misconception occurred, and only a few really make a difference to the strong forces of American government. Isn’t that odd? Not really, because it shows to me that visuals can relate to your own background or knowledge of conflict. On the other hand, it showed a breaking away from strong forces of government to freedom which in this case must have been the point. How weirdly fascinating!
Jibby Yunibandhu, At Home with the Braves, 2003. Photograph by Prach Kongsubto Rohitchan.
Here again, I viewed the picture without understanding the intent first and was surprised to learn what it really meant. The vision I saw was an Indian woman sending a message that although a white woman may have created the American flag, it was the Indian that sat in its place first and helped in part to create this symbol, The American Flag. The picture pictured in the picture is not clear to me, but it looked like feathers were in front of the flag that helped me come to that conclusion. I see how what was really meant by this picture that this Thai citizen was embracing American and showing that America is made up of different threads of life.
In all these settings, I was surprisingly disproved by my own thoughts and suggestions of each of these exhibits. I certainly had a feeling of a combination of feelings from yester history to today’s society. America’s image is that one of freedom for all, but other countries may not view these exhibits as it intended to do. Freedom by force, perseverance, and hope imply here to the globe, but not all may see it this way as I viewed them each in a different state of being with the Delotavo Jr. Painting portraying the most effective intellectually and globally.
Week 7 & 8: Reading Response 1
MARQUEZ/Why and When We Speak Spanish in Public
2. What are the specific ways in which Marquez relies on arguments based on values, arguments from the heart, arguments based on character, and arguments based on reason to make her point? What values does Marquez appeal to when she explains why bilinguals like her speak Spanish in public?
Myrian Marquez’s expresses to her reader’s or the non-bilingual audience that speaking her language in public is not to “balkanize” anyone, but merely using a language that is unique to her in this country. The values she brings to our attention are respect for others languages. And, the respect she carries for her parents. She also shows how history has dealt with language barriers by translated voting ballots into the desired measure that matched the English language of another language. She makes her point by addressing these issues including the cultural root aspect along with what is allowed when speaking Spanish in public.
After I read this essay, I was able to relate to the word “balkanize.” There were times when I would be in a group of three persons and two began to speak in Yupik Eskimo making me feel left out, if I was the discussion, and thinking to myself, this is rude. Although I am half Yupik Eskimo, I lost my language after my mother died and my siblings and I were sent to the lower 48 where my father lived. We were made to feel ashamed of our language by our step-mother and were not allowed to speak it. Language can make people feel inferior to others. The educational system is an example for those whose first language may be something other than English. Not being able to understand what is being expressed can be very frustrating even if no harm is really intended for those who merely use their language of choice, their first language.
2. What are the specific ways in which Marquez relies on arguments based on values, arguments from the heart, arguments based on character, and arguments based on reason to make her point? What values does Marquez appeal to when she explains why bilinguals like her speak Spanish in public?
Myrian Marquez’s expresses to her reader’s or the non-bilingual audience that speaking her language in public is not to “balkanize” anyone, but merely using a language that is unique to her in this country. The values she brings to our attention are respect for others languages. And, the respect she carries for her parents. She also shows how history has dealt with language barriers by translated voting ballots into the desired measure that matched the English language of another language. She makes her point by addressing these issues including the cultural root aspect along with what is allowed when speaking Spanish in public.
After I read this essay, I was able to relate to the word “balkanize.” There were times when I would be in a group of three persons and two began to speak in Yupik Eskimo making me feel left out, if I was the discussion, and thinking to myself, this is rude. Although I am half Yupik Eskimo, I lost my language after my mother died and my siblings and I were sent to the lower 48 where my father lived. We were made to feel ashamed of our language by our step-mother and were not allowed to speak it. Language can make people feel inferior to others. The educational system is an example for those whose first language may be something other than English. Not being able to understand what is being expressed can be very frustrating even if no harm is really intended for those who merely use their language of choice, their first language.
Step 2: Source List and Thesis Statement
Although America spends more on healthcare than any other country in the world, healthcare reform is necessary because healthcare costs continue to rise, healthcare coverage is expensive for individuals, government, and employers and citizens need access to affordably, equitably cost-effective healthcare.
1. Gordon, Tracy. “Hartford Hears Health Care Proposal.” New York Times 18 Jan. 2009
<www.nytimes.com/2009/01/18/nyregion/connecticut/18healthct.html>
See an article in the New York Times written by Tracy Gordon Fox and published on January 18, 2009 regarding a proposal for a universal health program in Connecticut for residents by 2014. The cost to implement the idea to "provide all residents access to their choice of health coverage and care regardless of their employment status, age, or pre-existing conditions," would cost the state estimated at $950 million in 2014. The initial costs to implement the program were not available. However, the plan could save individuals and employers approximately $1.7 billion by 2014 according to Juan Figueroa, President of the Universal Health Care Foundation of Connecticut. But, Keith Stover a lobbyist and spokesman for the Connecticut Association of Health Plans, says universal health care proposals "are cumbersome, expensive, and politically difficult." The neighboring state of Massachusetts that adopted a similar plan went over its health budget which cost the state $153.1 million more than expected. The policy proposal will be presented to Governor Rell and the State Legislature this session for consideration.
2. Krauss, Clifford. “Canada’s Private Clinics Surge as Public System Falters.” New York Times. 28 Feb. 2006
<www.nytimes.com/2006/02/28/international/americas/28canada.html>
In Canada, an article by the New York Times published February 28, 2006, titled Canada's Private Clinics Surge as Public System Falters written by Clifford Krauss reviews the prominent private hospital the Cambie Surgery Center. See: Canada outlaws privately financed purchases of core medical services because it provides a publicly financed health care system (a third rail of its political system). Because patients waited for months, even years to be treated, Dr. Brian Day, President, and Medical Director of the Cambie Surgery Center and his team of doctors are advertising to patients they don't need to wait any longer. Against the country's policy, Dr. Day has taken the position that his clinic will provide the medical services and treatment needed by Canadians and plans on opening more private hospitals in Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Calgary, and Edmonton. Willing to defend his position to open these clinics in court, a ruling by the Supreme Court found that Quebec provincial ban on private health insurance is not constitutional where the public system fails to deliver reasonable services. Now, the country may allow private hospitals to subcontract for services unable to be dealt with in a timely manner under the public system. At the time of this article, legislation was to be introduced to address the private health services and insurance, but private doctors across the country did not wait for the changes in the law.
3. Messerli, Joe. “Should the Government Provide Free Universal Health Care for All Americans?” 16 Feb. 2009
<http://www.balancedpolitics.org/universal_health_care.htm>
This website and article provides information on the pros and cons or arguments for and against universal health care. The list of pros and cons speaks to each area of concern from the uninsured, unaffordable healthcare for individuals and businesses, medical professional issues, government mandates, and transition into a universal healthcare system. This website it periodically updated as issues and concerns are addressed.
4. Lewis, K. “Incremental change, rather than wholesale reform, expected from new U.S. President Barack Obama.” Canadian Medical Association. January 6, 2009: 180(1). Medline. EBSCOhost. University of Alaska Fairbanks Lib., Fairbanks, AK. 6 Mar. 2009.
<http://search.ebscohost.com>
This article talks about the Obama health reform plan to come, and how it will make a difference compared to the President Bush’s policy to reduce spending on Medicare and Medicaid including “ratcheted down by Bush” the State Children’s Health Insurance Program. However, President Bush did save a lot of money by imposing a measure to purchase bulk prescription-drug purchases for Medicare that saved money for the Veterans Health Administration. This article also speaks to the comparison of the US to Canada regarding the per-capita spending, and that a single-payer system would be a lot less expensive to administer.
5. Levin, Arthur A. “From the Director…People Want Major Changes in Health Care, Survey Shows.” Healthfacts. September 2008. Vol. 33, Issue 9. Alt HealthWatch. EBSCOhost. University of Alaska Fairbanks Lib., Fairbanks, AK. 6 Mar. 2009.
<http://search.ebscohost.com>
In this article, a survey was done by a non-profit Commonwealth Fund to better understand how Americans felt about the healthcare system. The results spoke to the negative experiences, a call for an overhaul in the healthcare system. The survey also showed a dissatisfaction of a coordinated effort to communication including “barriers to accessing care.” Underperformance was discussed as well that targeted a comparative measure of quality, efficiency, and equity.
6. Zablocki, Elaine. “New Report Proposes Health Care Savings Plus Increased Value.” Townsend Letter for Doctors & Patients. May 2008, Issue 298. Alt HealthWatch. EBSCOhost. University of Alaska Fairbanks Lib., Fairbanks, AK. 6 Mar. 2009.
<http://search.ebscohost.com>
This is a report on policy options for the US healthcare system and ways to improve healthcare. There are projections and various scenarios on improved information, payment reform, and public health. The illustrative examples include promoting health information technology, educating patients for better decision making, positive incentives for wellness programs and healthy behavior, and strengthening primary care and care coordination. The article mentions universal coverage as well based on a blend of private and public group health insurance.
7. Bodaken, Bruce G. “Where Does The Insurance Industry Stand On Health Reform Today?” Health Affairs. May/June 2008, Vol. 27, Number 3: 667-674. Academic Search Premier. EBSCOhost. University of Alaska Fairbanks Lib., Fairbanks, AK. 12 Mar. 2009.
< http://search.ebscohost.com/>
This insurance industry review speaks to the insurer’s opposition in past years, but now paints a different picture with lessons from California when it modeled legislation after Massachusetts, but failed due to key issues not being addressed by labor unions and the business community. Because health reform continued to be on the horizon and unavoidable, Blue Shield of California, Health Net, Kaiser Permanente, CIGNA, and others along with labor unions and, California Medical Association, AARP, decided it was worth building a coalition to meet the challenge with workable legislation. However, odd-bedfellows like Blue Cross of California, labor unions, single-payer advocates, small-business groups, and the tobacco industry lobbied against the bill and “sealed its fate.”
The author Bruce Bodaken, Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Blue Shield of California, in San Francisco, writes further (at that time) Sen. Barack Obama, Presidential Democratic Nominee proposes a far more aggressive healthcare proposal, the universal coverage proposal. If this approach happens he suggests the following be taken into consideration: Respect the industry’s economics and maintain their economic viability, Understand the competitive dynamic and require an equal or level playing filed, Think through the transition since we know it will be disruptive, Rely on expertise such as the insurer’s, and Demand shared responsibility on a percentage of health plans with all sectors involved, Stop demonizing health plans and help achieve consensus. These lessons Bodaken references goes on to say that, “If we want a seat at the table as our future is being shaped, we need to exhibit a willingness to embrace change and a commitment to look out for the public interest. It we start the debate in a defensive crouch we might just end it flat on our backs. But if we extend a hand of cooperation, odds are good that it will be grasped.”
8. Liu, Yuanli. “Reforming China’s health care: for the people, by the people?” http://www.thelancet.com/ Vol. 373. January 24, 2009. Academic Search Premier. EBSCOhost. University of Alaska Fairbanks Lib., Fairbanks, AK. 10 Mar. 2009.
<http://search.ebscohost.com/>
This is an interesting article on a transition China is making from a “planned economy to a market economy.” With the healthcare crisis’s that China met with the severe acute respiratory syndrome, continued threats of an avian influenza pandemic, increasing incidence of sexually transmitted diseases, and the recent milk scandal brought attention to the flaws of China’s health system including the global economic and social implications. The State Council Healthcare Reform Leading Group of 14 ministries was formed to address China’s “broken health-care system.” The two year study that included organizations like the World Health Organization the World Bank submitted its policies for Premier Jiaobao Wen who published them on web for its citizens review and comment. Unheard of policies, this may open the door for similar approaches to education, social security, and possibly political system reforms.
9. Lutz, Sandy. “Happy Together: Consumer Expectation for a Public-Private Healthcare System.” Journal of Healthcare Management May/June 2008, Vol. 53, Issue 3: 149-152. Academic Search Premier. EBSCOhost. University of Alaska Fairbanks Lib., Fairbanks, AK. 10 Mar. 2009.
<http://search.ebscohost.com>
This article written by managing director from the Arlington, Texas, PricewaterhouseCoopers Health Research Institute, Sandy Lutz, discusses the situation the consumers perceive and provides actual circumstances on the “health system costs and inefficiencies,” and poses to get ready to deal with them again under a new presidency. The solution to work together, she points out in her article, that public-private partnerships have collectively built medical facilities that otherwise would not have been built or afforded without the effort to collaborate and work together.
10. Watkins, Tom. “Census: Fewer Americans lack health insurance.” CNN.com March 2009.
<http://www.cnn.com/2008/HEALTH/08/26/census.uninsured/index.html#cnnSTCText>
This news article references the Census Bureau’s statistics on the uninsured, underinsured, including Medicaid and the State’s Children’s Health Insurance Program as well as median income in America.
11. President Barack Obama. “President Barack Obama holds a dialogue with White House Forum on Health Reform participants.” FDCH Political Transcripts March 5, 2009. MasterFILE Premier. EBSCOhost. University of Alaska Fairbanks Lib., Fairbanks, AK. 10 Mar. 2009.
<http://search.ebscohost.com/>
This is a transcript of the press conference that was held by President Barack Obama that included all the stakeholders who participated in a healthcare forum to begin discussions on how to address healthcare reform from democratic and republican lawmakers, medical professionals, and different interest groups views.
12. Ryan, Dan, O’Rourke, Thomas. “Opportunities Lost: The opportunity costs of U.S. Healthcare.” American Journal of Health Studies 2008, Vol. 23 Issue 1: 47-53. Alt HealthWatch. EBSCOhost. University of Alaska Fairbanks Lib., Fairbanks, AK. 10 Mar. 2009.
<http://search.ebscohost.com/>
This American Journal of Health Studies discusses healthcare in global terms, for example, the Gross National Product, a comparison to other countries given by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) of which the America is a participant, healthcare costs, and methods to savings while considering change into actual consumer goods and services in healthcare reform.
13. Orszag, Peter R. “Beyond Economics 101: Insights into healthcare reform from the Congressional Budget Office. Healthcare Financial Management Jan. 2009, Vol. 63, Issue 1: 70-75. MasterFILE Premier. EBSCOhost. University of Alaska Fairbanks Lib., Fairbanks, AK. 14 Mar. 2009.
<http://search.ebscohost.com/>
Peter R. Orszag, the esteemed Office of Management and Budget director discusses the long-term fiscal path the United States projections and how they are determined. He discusses the primary focus is on the spending of Medicare and Medicaid, Social Security, and references other spending, and shows how the actual and projections are based on these primary sources. He also discusses a three-step approach to better care, and the opportunity to reduce costs by providing incentives that also reduce inefficiencies to healthcare.
14. Halvorson, George C. “Understanding the Trade-offs of the Canadian health system.” Healthcare Financial Management Oct. 2007, Vol. 61, Issue 10: 82-84. MasterFILE Premier. EBSCOhost. University of Alaska Fairbanks Lib., Fairbanks, AK. 14 Mar. 2009
<http://libapps.uaf.edu:2060/>
George Halvorson discusses the problems the United States would face if it adopted a single-payer system, and the options we actually have compared to the Canadian healthcare system and what it offers. He shares the differences in the pricing models, prescription drug coverage, administrative costs, and how we can achieve universal healthcare by using a combination of mechanisms similar to the European countries by what best meets the citizens needs.
15. Mcintyre, Diane et al. “Beyond fragmentation and towards universal coverage: insights from Ghana, South Africa and the United Republic of Tanzannia.” Bulletin of the World Health Organization 2008; 86: 871-876. Health Source – Consumer Edition. EBSCOhost. University of Alaska Fairbanks Lib, Fairbanks, AK. 14 Mar. 2009.
<http://search.ebscohost.com>
“The World Health Assembly of 2005 called for all health systems to move towards universal coverage, defined as “access to adequate health care for all at an affordable price.” This report shows how these African countries attempted to address colonialism to fragmentation, and the challenges met and not met by each country. The report also presents the allocation of funding sources, and how those mechanisms like private voluntary funding may inherent risk factors in cross-subsidies in the overall health system.
______________________________________________________________
Other references:
(16) Levin, Arthur. Healthfacts Dec. 2007, Vol. 32. Issue 12: 5. Alt HealthWatch. EBSCOhost. UAF. 6 Mar. 2009.
<http://libapps.uaf.edu:2060/%3e
(17) Corrigan, Janet. “Transforming Health Care in a Time of Crisis.” Healthcare Financial Management Feb. 2009 Vol. 63, Issue 2: 38-41. Health Source – Consumer Edition. EBSCOhost. 6 Mar. 2009.
<http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=hxh&AN=36465084&site=ehost-live>
(18) Wilensky, Gail R. “A new year, a new administration, and old, familiar challenges for health care.” Healthcare Financial Management Feb. 2009, Vol. 63, Issue 2: 26-27. Health Source – Consumer Edition. EBSCOhost. UAF. 6 Mar. 2009.
<http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=hxh&AN=36465076&site=ehost-live>
(19) Childs, Blair. “Health Reform in the New Congress: What’s possible, what’s practical, and what’s probable?” Healthcare Financial Management Vol. 63, Issue 2: 22-23. Health Source – Consumer Edition. EBSCOhost. UAF. 6 Mar. 2009.
<http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=hxh&AN=36465074&site=ehost-live>
(20) Lefton, Ray. “Shared Sacrifices, Shared Responsibilities Will be Key.” Healthcare Financial Management Jan. 2009, Vol. 63, Issue 1: 38-40. Alt HealthWatch. EBSCOhost. University of Alaska Fairbanks Lib., Fairbanks, AK. 6 Mar. 2009.
<http://search.ebscohost.com/>
(21) “Healthcare Reform May Exacerbate PCP Shortages.” Healthcare Financial Management Feb. 2009, Vol. 63, Issue 2: 12. MasterFILE Premier. EBSCOhost. UAF. 14 Mar. 2009.
<http://search.ebscohost.com/>
(22) “Massachusets Health Reform Points to National Challenges.” Healthcare Financial Management Dec. 2008, Vol. 62, Issue 12: 14. Health Source – Consumer Edition. EBSCOhost. UAF. 14 Mar. 2009.
<http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=hxh&AN=35693126&site=ehost-live>
(23) “Americans Believe Covering All Should Be Shared Responsibility of Employers, Individuals, and Government: Survey.” Healthcare Financial Management Feb. 2008, Vol. 62, Issue 2: 7. Health Source – Consumer Edition. EBSCOhost. UAF. 14 Mar. 2009.
<http://search.ebscohost.com/>
(24) “States Taking the Reins on Healthcare Reform.” Healthcare Financial Management Mar. 2007, Vol. 61, Issue 3: 11-12. Health Source – Consumer Edition. EBSCOhost. UAF. 14 Mar. 2009.
<http://search.ebscohost.com/>
(25) Shillam, Paul L. “Critical: What We Can Do About the Health-Care Crisis.” Healthcare Financial Management Feb. 2009, Vol. 63, Issue 2: 21. Health Source – Consumer Edition. EBSCOhost. UAF. 6 Mar. 2009.
<http://search.ebscohost.com/>
(26) U.S. Census Bureau. “Income, Poverty, and Health Insurance Coverage in the United States: 2007: 19-22. 14 Mar. 2009. <http://www.census.gov/prod/2008pubs/p60-235.pdf>
(27) World Health Organization. “A Summary of the 2008 World Health Report: “Primary Health Care: Now More Than Ever.” 14 Mar. 2009. <http://www.who.int/whr/2008/summary.pdf>
1. Gordon, Tracy. “Hartford Hears Health Care Proposal.” New York Times 18 Jan. 2009
<www.nytimes.com/2009/01/18/nyregion/connecticut/18healthct.html>
See an article in the New York Times written by Tracy Gordon Fox and published on January 18, 2009 regarding a proposal for a universal health program in Connecticut for residents by 2014. The cost to implement the idea to "provide all residents access to their choice of health coverage and care regardless of their employment status, age, or pre-existing conditions," would cost the state estimated at $950 million in 2014. The initial costs to implement the program were not available. However, the plan could save individuals and employers approximately $1.7 billion by 2014 according to Juan Figueroa, President of the Universal Health Care Foundation of Connecticut. But, Keith Stover a lobbyist and spokesman for the Connecticut Association of Health Plans, says universal health care proposals "are cumbersome, expensive, and politically difficult." The neighboring state of Massachusetts that adopted a similar plan went over its health budget which cost the state $153.1 million more than expected. The policy proposal will be presented to Governor Rell and the State Legislature this session for consideration.
2. Krauss, Clifford. “Canada’s Private Clinics Surge as Public System Falters.” New York Times. 28 Feb. 2006
<www.nytimes.com/2006/02/28/international/americas/28canada.html>
In Canada, an article by the New York Times published February 28, 2006, titled Canada's Private Clinics Surge as Public System Falters written by Clifford Krauss reviews the prominent private hospital the Cambie Surgery Center. See: Canada outlaws privately financed purchases of core medical services because it provides a publicly financed health care system (a third rail of its political system). Because patients waited for months, even years to be treated, Dr. Brian Day, President, and Medical Director of the Cambie Surgery Center and his team of doctors are advertising to patients they don't need to wait any longer. Against the country's policy, Dr. Day has taken the position that his clinic will provide the medical services and treatment needed by Canadians and plans on opening more private hospitals in Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Calgary, and Edmonton. Willing to defend his position to open these clinics in court, a ruling by the Supreme Court found that Quebec provincial ban on private health insurance is not constitutional where the public system fails to deliver reasonable services. Now, the country may allow private hospitals to subcontract for services unable to be dealt with in a timely manner under the public system. At the time of this article, legislation was to be introduced to address the private health services and insurance, but private doctors across the country did not wait for the changes in the law.
3. Messerli, Joe. “Should the Government Provide Free Universal Health Care for All Americans?” 16 Feb. 2009
<http://www.balancedpolitics.org/universal_health_care.htm>
This website and article provides information on the pros and cons or arguments for and against universal health care. The list of pros and cons speaks to each area of concern from the uninsured, unaffordable healthcare for individuals and businesses, medical professional issues, government mandates, and transition into a universal healthcare system. This website it periodically updated as issues and concerns are addressed.
4. Lewis, K. “Incremental change, rather than wholesale reform, expected from new U.S. President Barack Obama.” Canadian Medical Association. January 6, 2009: 180(1). Medline. EBSCOhost. University of Alaska Fairbanks Lib., Fairbanks, AK. 6 Mar. 2009.
<http://search.ebscohost.com>
This article talks about the Obama health reform plan to come, and how it will make a difference compared to the President Bush’s policy to reduce spending on Medicare and Medicaid including “ratcheted down by Bush” the State Children’s Health Insurance Program. However, President Bush did save a lot of money by imposing a measure to purchase bulk prescription-drug purchases for Medicare that saved money for the Veterans Health Administration. This article also speaks to the comparison of the US to Canada regarding the per-capita spending, and that a single-payer system would be a lot less expensive to administer.
5. Levin, Arthur A. “From the Director…People Want Major Changes in Health Care, Survey Shows.” Healthfacts. September 2008. Vol. 33, Issue 9. Alt HealthWatch. EBSCOhost. University of Alaska Fairbanks Lib., Fairbanks, AK. 6 Mar. 2009.
In this article, a survey was done by a non-profit Commonwealth Fund to better understand how Americans felt about the healthcare system. The results spoke to the negative experiences, a call for an overhaul in the healthcare system. The survey also showed a dissatisfaction of a coordinated effort to communication including “barriers to accessing care.” Underperformance was discussed as well that targeted a comparative measure of quality, efficiency, and equity.
6. Zablocki, Elaine. “New Report Proposes Health Care Savings Plus Increased Value.” Townsend Letter for Doctors & Patients. May 2008, Issue 298. Alt HealthWatch. EBSCOhost. University of Alaska Fairbanks Lib., Fairbanks, AK. 6 Mar. 2009.
<http://search.ebscohost.com>
This is a report on policy options for the US healthcare system and ways to improve healthcare. There are projections and various scenarios on improved information, payment reform, and public health. The illustrative examples include promoting health information technology, educating patients for better decision making, positive incentives for wellness programs and healthy behavior, and strengthening primary care and care coordination. The article mentions universal coverage as well based on a blend of private and public group health insurance.
7. Bodaken, Bruce G. “Where Does The Insurance Industry Stand On Health Reform Today?” Health Affairs. May/June 2008, Vol. 27, Number 3: 667-674. Academic Search Premier. EBSCOhost. University of Alaska Fairbanks Lib., Fairbanks, AK. 12 Mar. 2009.
< http://search.ebscohost.com/>
This insurance industry review speaks to the insurer’s opposition in past years, but now paints a different picture with lessons from California when it modeled legislation after Massachusetts, but failed due to key issues not being addressed by labor unions and the business community. Because health reform continued to be on the horizon and unavoidable, Blue Shield of California, Health Net, Kaiser Permanente, CIGNA, and others along with labor unions and, California Medical Association, AARP, decided it was worth building a coalition to meet the challenge with workable legislation. However, odd-bedfellows like Blue Cross of California, labor unions, single-payer advocates, small-business groups, and the tobacco industry lobbied against the bill and “sealed its fate.”
The author Bruce Bodaken, Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Blue Shield of California, in San Francisco, writes further (at that time) Sen. Barack Obama, Presidential Democratic Nominee proposes a far more aggressive healthcare proposal, the universal coverage proposal. If this approach happens he suggests the following be taken into consideration: Respect the industry’s economics and maintain their economic viability, Understand the competitive dynamic and require an equal or level playing filed, Think through the transition since we know it will be disruptive, Rely on expertise such as the insurer’s, and Demand shared responsibility on a percentage of health plans with all sectors involved, Stop demonizing health plans and help achieve consensus. These lessons Bodaken references goes on to say that, “If we want a seat at the table as our future is being shaped, we need to exhibit a willingness to embrace change and a commitment to look out for the public interest. It we start the debate in a defensive crouch we might just end it flat on our backs. But if we extend a hand of cooperation, odds are good that it will be grasped.”
8. Liu, Yuanli. “Reforming China’s health care: for the people, by the people?” http://www.thelancet.com/ Vol. 373. January 24, 2009. Academic Search Premier. EBSCOhost. University of Alaska Fairbanks Lib., Fairbanks, AK. 10 Mar. 2009.
<http://search.ebscohost.com/>
This is an interesting article on a transition China is making from a “planned economy to a market economy.” With the healthcare crisis’s that China met with the severe acute respiratory syndrome, continued threats of an avian influenza pandemic, increasing incidence of sexually transmitted diseases, and the recent milk scandal brought attention to the flaws of China’s health system including the global economic and social implications. The State Council Healthcare Reform Leading Group of 14 ministries was formed to address China’s “broken health-care system.” The two year study that included organizations like the World Health Organization the World Bank submitted its policies for Premier Jiaobao Wen who published them on web for its citizens review and comment. Unheard of policies, this may open the door for similar approaches to education, social security, and possibly political system reforms.
9. Lutz, Sandy. “Happy Together: Consumer Expectation for a Public-Private Healthcare System.” Journal of Healthcare Management May/June 2008, Vol. 53, Issue 3: 149-152. Academic Search Premier. EBSCOhost. University of Alaska Fairbanks Lib., Fairbanks, AK. 10 Mar. 2009.
<http://search.ebscohost.com>
This article written by managing director from the Arlington, Texas, PricewaterhouseCoopers Health Research Institute, Sandy Lutz, discusses the situation the consumers perceive and provides actual circumstances on the “health system costs and inefficiencies,” and poses to get ready to deal with them again under a new presidency. The solution to work together, she points out in her article, that public-private partnerships have collectively built medical facilities that otherwise would not have been built or afforded without the effort to collaborate and work together.
10. Watkins, Tom. “Census: Fewer Americans lack health insurance.” CNN.com March 2009.
<http://www.cnn.com/2008/HEALTH/08/26/census.uninsured/index.html#cnnSTCText>
This news article references the Census Bureau’s statistics on the uninsured, underinsured, including Medicaid and the State’s Children’s Health Insurance Program as well as median income in America.
11. President Barack Obama. “President Barack Obama holds a dialogue with White House Forum on Health Reform participants.” FDCH Political Transcripts March 5, 2009. MasterFILE Premier. EBSCOhost. University of Alaska Fairbanks Lib., Fairbanks, AK. 10 Mar. 2009.
<http://search.ebscohost.com/>
This is a transcript of the press conference that was held by President Barack Obama that included all the stakeholders who participated in a healthcare forum to begin discussions on how to address healthcare reform from democratic and republican lawmakers, medical professionals, and different interest groups views.
12. Ryan, Dan, O’Rourke, Thomas. “Opportunities Lost: The opportunity costs of U.S. Healthcare.” American Journal of Health Studies 2008, Vol. 23 Issue 1: 47-53. Alt HealthWatch. EBSCOhost. University of Alaska Fairbanks Lib., Fairbanks, AK. 10 Mar. 2009.
<http://search.ebscohost.com/>
This American Journal of Health Studies discusses healthcare in global terms, for example, the Gross National Product, a comparison to other countries given by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) of which the America is a participant, healthcare costs, and methods to savings while considering change into actual consumer goods and services in healthcare reform.
13. Orszag, Peter R. “Beyond Economics 101: Insights into healthcare reform from the Congressional Budget Office. Healthcare Financial Management Jan. 2009, Vol. 63, Issue 1: 70-75. MasterFILE Premier. EBSCOhost. University of Alaska Fairbanks Lib., Fairbanks, AK. 14 Mar. 2009.
<http://search.ebscohost.com/>
Peter R. Orszag, the esteemed Office of Management and Budget director discusses the long-term fiscal path the United States projections and how they are determined. He discusses the primary focus is on the spending of Medicare and Medicaid, Social Security, and references other spending, and shows how the actual and projections are based on these primary sources. He also discusses a three-step approach to better care, and the opportunity to reduce costs by providing incentives that also reduce inefficiencies to healthcare.
14. Halvorson, George C. “Understanding the Trade-offs of the Canadian health system.” Healthcare Financial Management Oct. 2007, Vol. 61, Issue 10: 82-84. MasterFILE Premier. EBSCOhost. University of Alaska Fairbanks Lib., Fairbanks, AK. 14 Mar. 2009
<http://libapps.uaf.edu:2060/>
George Halvorson discusses the problems the United States would face if it adopted a single-payer system, and the options we actually have compared to the Canadian healthcare system and what it offers. He shares the differences in the pricing models, prescription drug coverage, administrative costs, and how we can achieve universal healthcare by using a combination of mechanisms similar to the European countries by what best meets the citizens needs.
15. Mcintyre, Diane et al. “Beyond fragmentation and towards universal coverage: insights from Ghana, South Africa and the United Republic of Tanzannia.” Bulletin of the World Health Organization 2008; 86: 871-876. Health Source – Consumer Edition. EBSCOhost. University of Alaska Fairbanks Lib, Fairbanks, AK. 14 Mar. 2009.
<http://search.ebscohost.com>
“The World Health Assembly of 2005 called for all health systems to move towards universal coverage, defined as “access to adequate health care for all at an affordable price.” This report shows how these African countries attempted to address colonialism to fragmentation, and the challenges met and not met by each country. The report also presents the allocation of funding sources, and how those mechanisms like private voluntary funding may inherent risk factors in cross-subsidies in the overall health system.
______________________________________________________________
Other references:
(16) Levin, Arthur. Healthfacts Dec. 2007, Vol. 32. Issue 12: 5. Alt HealthWatch. EBSCOhost. UAF. 6 Mar. 2009.
<http://libapps.uaf.edu:2060/%3e
(17) Corrigan, Janet. “Transforming Health Care in a Time of Crisis.” Healthcare Financial Management Feb. 2009 Vol. 63, Issue 2: 38-41. Health Source – Consumer Edition. EBSCOhost. 6 Mar. 2009.
<http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=hxh&AN=36465084&site=ehost-live>
(18) Wilensky, Gail R. “A new year, a new administration, and old, familiar challenges for health care.” Healthcare Financial Management Feb. 2009, Vol. 63, Issue 2: 26-27. Health Source – Consumer Edition. EBSCOhost. UAF. 6 Mar. 2009.
<http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=hxh&AN=36465076&site=ehost-live>
(19) Childs, Blair. “Health Reform in the New Congress: What’s possible, what’s practical, and what’s probable?” Healthcare Financial Management Vol. 63, Issue 2: 22-23. Health Source – Consumer Edition. EBSCOhost. UAF. 6 Mar. 2009.
<http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=hxh&AN=36465074&site=ehost-live>
(20) Lefton, Ray. “Shared Sacrifices, Shared Responsibilities Will be Key.” Healthcare Financial Management Jan. 2009, Vol. 63, Issue 1: 38-40. Alt HealthWatch. EBSCOhost. University of Alaska Fairbanks Lib., Fairbanks, AK. 6 Mar. 2009.
<http://search.ebscohost.com/>
(21) “Healthcare Reform May Exacerbate PCP Shortages.” Healthcare Financial Management Feb. 2009, Vol. 63, Issue 2: 12. MasterFILE Premier. EBSCOhost. UAF. 14 Mar. 2009.
<http://search.ebscohost.com/>
(22) “Massachusets Health Reform Points to National Challenges.” Healthcare Financial Management Dec. 2008, Vol. 62, Issue 12: 14. Health Source – Consumer Edition. EBSCOhost. UAF. 14 Mar. 2009.
<http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=hxh&AN=35693126&site=ehost-live>
(23) “Americans Believe Covering All Should Be Shared Responsibility of Employers, Individuals, and Government: Survey.” Healthcare Financial Management Feb. 2008, Vol. 62, Issue 2: 7. Health Source – Consumer Edition. EBSCOhost. UAF. 14 Mar. 2009.
<http://search.ebscohost.com/>
(24) “States Taking the Reins on Healthcare Reform.” Healthcare Financial Management Mar. 2007, Vol. 61, Issue 3: 11-12. Health Source – Consumer Edition. EBSCOhost. UAF. 14 Mar. 2009.
<http://search.ebscohost.com/>
(25) Shillam, Paul L. “Critical: What We Can Do About the Health-Care Crisis.” Healthcare Financial Management Feb. 2009, Vol. 63, Issue 2: 21. Health Source – Consumer Edition. EBSCOhost. UAF. 6 Mar. 2009.
<http://search.ebscohost.com/>
(26) U.S. Census Bureau. “Income, Poverty, and Health Insurance Coverage in the United States: 2007: 19-22. 14 Mar. 2009. <http://www.census.gov/prod/2008pubs/p60-235.pdf>
(27) World Health Organization. “A Summary of the 2008 World Health Report: “Primary Health Care: Now More Than Ever.” 14 Mar. 2009. <http://www.who.int/whr/2008/summary.pdf>
Friday, March 13, 2009
Week 6: Reading Response 2
Making a Visual Argument:
Cartoonists Take On Affirmative Action
LESTER/It's GOT to Be the Shoes
Mike Lester's cartoon sends a message that before the Supreme Court decision was made, there was a standard that had to be met before anyone could enter into certain colleges. Then, afterward, if you had certain racial preferences, you were given a step up to enter in. Do all minority groups depict a successful failure? What really brought on this issue? Was the standard unspoken or is it really that bad? I mean minority failure. This cartoonist provoked me to think this way althougth his message may mean totally something else. Oh yeah, can you tell I'm in the minority? What standards are being addressed?
DRAUGHON/Supreme Irony
Dennis Draughon's cartoon where the Supreme Court Judges are depicted and the only black minority Judge is thinking to himself, "The irony escapes me..." sends a message that might prove the issue at hand. Did the Supreme Court really decide such a matter?! Why? The cartoonist does help us to understand what the issue is referencing. The expressions the cartoonist expresses in the other Judges are interestingly nomatic attitudes with a few obviously staunch opponents. Even a cartoon can tell a thousand stories!
THOMPSON/Daniel Lives on Detroit's Eastside...
Mike Thompson's cartoon tells a story about this issue and why it may have developed. A young black man, Daniel, "lives on Detroit's Eastside where he's forced to witness violence, avoid drugs, resist gangs, withstand poverty, suffer racism, overcome substandard schools by studying hard to get into college (with a little help from Affirmative Action)." With a elder white woman depicted in color contrast to the black and white used in the rest of the cartoonist's picture, saying, "Hey, why does he get all the breaks?!" So is this ruling racial? Yes. The white woman who asks the question why reveals that there are other colors to this picture. Or, other concerns that may have not been addressed. Do we not want the best to excel whatever the color, creed, etc. so forth? Don't we all need a helping hand at some point in our life times? This cartoonist helps me understand why this issue should be addressed.
WILKINSON/Admissions
Signe Wilkinson's cartoon helps you to see how some are chosen to enter in colleges. But, leaves a question about whether other potential students may be left aside to meet a quota (I don't know that there is one). Staightforward cartoon that is simple understood and brings out the point that (to me anyway) not to point fingers at the minority because of this ruling. There are other factors to consider as well. Interesting.
CAMP/Pricey
Dean Camp's cartoon shows that with money and the right amount you can speed your way to into certain colleges. And, the ones without money, struggle to meet the finish line. The more money you may have for college the better the college is? And, all I thought was needed, was an IQ.
In my opinion the most effective cartoon relating to the the issue at hand, is Dennis Draughon's cartoon, Supreme Irony. It simple, but with some complex nature depicts the Affirmative Action the best. I can't help but to wonder how the ruling may have been if there were no minority or black Judges serving in this case. I mean, would have other issues, like Thompson's cartoon depicting a white woman wanting the same treatment for her child(ren). These are surely interesting and frustrating times as we move into embracing diversity and away from superiority in race. I have been on boths sides of the fence, I am half American white and half Alaska native. Why do we have these biases?
Cartoonists Take On Affirmative Action
LESTER/It's GOT to Be the Shoes
Mike Lester's cartoon sends a message that before the Supreme Court decision was made, there was a standard that had to be met before anyone could enter into certain colleges. Then, afterward, if you had certain racial preferences, you were given a step up to enter in. Do all minority groups depict a successful failure? What really brought on this issue? Was the standard unspoken or is it really that bad? I mean minority failure. This cartoonist provoked me to think this way althougth his message may mean totally something else. Oh yeah, can you tell I'm in the minority? What standards are being addressed?
DRAUGHON/Supreme Irony
Dennis Draughon's cartoon where the Supreme Court Judges are depicted and the only black minority Judge is thinking to himself, "The irony escapes me..." sends a message that might prove the issue at hand. Did the Supreme Court really decide such a matter?! Why? The cartoonist does help us to understand what the issue is referencing. The expressions the cartoonist expresses in the other Judges are interestingly nomatic attitudes with a few obviously staunch opponents. Even a cartoon can tell a thousand stories!
THOMPSON/Daniel Lives on Detroit's Eastside...
Mike Thompson's cartoon tells a story about this issue and why it may have developed. A young black man, Daniel, "lives on Detroit's Eastside where he's forced to witness violence, avoid drugs, resist gangs, withstand poverty, suffer racism, overcome substandard schools by studying hard to get into college (with a little help from Affirmative Action)." With a elder white woman depicted in color contrast to the black and white used in the rest of the cartoonist's picture, saying, "Hey, why does he get all the breaks?!" So is this ruling racial? Yes. The white woman who asks the question why reveals that there are other colors to this picture. Or, other concerns that may have not been addressed. Do we not want the best to excel whatever the color, creed, etc. so forth? Don't we all need a helping hand at some point in our life times? This cartoonist helps me understand why this issue should be addressed.
WILKINSON/Admissions
Signe Wilkinson's cartoon helps you to see how some are chosen to enter in colleges. But, leaves a question about whether other potential students may be left aside to meet a quota (I don't know that there is one). Staightforward cartoon that is simple understood and brings out the point that (to me anyway) not to point fingers at the minority because of this ruling. There are other factors to consider as well. Interesting.
CAMP/Pricey
Dean Camp's cartoon shows that with money and the right amount you can speed your way to into certain colleges. And, the ones without money, struggle to meet the finish line. The more money you may have for college the better the college is? And, all I thought was needed, was an IQ.
In my opinion the most effective cartoon relating to the the issue at hand, is Dennis Draughon's cartoon, Supreme Irony. It simple, but with some complex nature depicts the Affirmative Action the best. I can't help but to wonder how the ruling may have been if there were no minority or black Judges serving in this case. I mean, would have other issues, like Thompson's cartoon depicting a white woman wanting the same treatment for her child(ren). These are surely interesting and frustrating times as we move into embracing diversity and away from superiority in race. I have been on boths sides of the fence, I am half American white and half Alaska native. Why do we have these biases?
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Week 6: Reading Response 1
HOROWITZ/In Defense of Intellectual Diversity
1. What argument(s) is David Horowitz making? How valid do you find them? Why?
This author was very interesting. At first I thought I would get bogged down in intellectual reading, but was suprisingly pleased with the information and the courage it presented. The argument Horowitz makes is the partisanship in education by some university professionals. Horowitz points are well taken and I do find them valid. However, how does one educate in a diverse system such as ours? Is it feasible to always compare all vantage points? Do the vantage points meet each individual by the way of diversity? The author sends a message to embrace both sides of a story when educating students, and to allow students the right to express without partisanship.
The Academic Bill of Rights helps shed light on this matter, but does it work? Educators who ask you to compare and make your own decision in controversial matters know this is important to do. The educational system though still has a long way to go in the appropriateness of diversity in the classroom. Who, what, where, when, and how important the subject qualifies to these issues discussed will continue to harbor partisanship in the eyes of professionals and students alike since we are diversified in many ways. It's a diverse country, stupid. Those professionals who understand the importance of academic freedom and encourage it - my hats off to you, afterall, "It's the academic culture, stupid." (I couldn't resist using that phrase.)
1. What argument(s) is David Horowitz making? How valid do you find them? Why?
This author was very interesting. At first I thought I would get bogged down in intellectual reading, but was suprisingly pleased with the information and the courage it presented. The argument Horowitz makes is the partisanship in education by some university professionals. Horowitz points are well taken and I do find them valid. However, how does one educate in a diverse system such as ours? Is it feasible to always compare all vantage points? Do the vantage points meet each individual by the way of diversity? The author sends a message to embrace both sides of a story when educating students, and to allow students the right to express without partisanship.
The Academic Bill of Rights helps shed light on this matter, but does it work? Educators who ask you to compare and make your own decision in controversial matters know this is important to do. The educational system though still has a long way to go in the appropriateness of diversity in the classroom. Who, what, where, when, and how important the subject qualifies to these issues discussed will continue to harbor partisanship in the eyes of professionals and students alike since we are diversified in many ways. It's a diverse country, stupid. Those professionals who understand the importance of academic freedom and encourage it - my hats off to you, afterall, "It's the academic culture, stupid." (I couldn't resist using that phrase.)
Essay #2 Draft
Essay #2 Draft – What do Alaska’s Alcohol Local Option Laws do?
My interest in writing this essay stems from my past work as a court clerk in a “damp” community in Dillingham, Alaska, and as a rural shopper from a “wet” community, Anchorage, Alaska. As a court clerk, I accepted court cases for filing such as alcohol related crimes from communities that were “dry.” As a patron, along with many others, waited in long postal service lines in Anchorage to discover additional sender’s address and signature were needed before each mailing. Do you know the differences between a “wet, dry, or damp” community and what they mean in Alaska? Although alcohol consumption is legal across America, Alcohol Local Option Laws in Alaska create additional alcohol abuse crimes because they establish individual violations and penalties, they encourage smugglers and bootleggers, and they impose federal postal regulations.
Alcohol prohibition in America has its own history dating back from an era of 1920 to 1933. “Even before Prohibition made sale and importation of alcohol illegal throughout the United States in 1920, federal law proscribed selling liquor to Natives.” (Berman). In 1933, after the repeal of Prohibition, the Alaska Territorial Legislature was given the authority by the U.S. Congress to regulate the manufacturing and distribution of liquor. To enforce this authority given, the Alaska Territorial Legislature created the Board of Liquor Control. In 1937, under the Board of Liquor Control mandates, the first Local Option Law was established.
Today, under the State of Alaska through the Department of Public Safety the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board (ABC) is the regulatory and quasi-judicial agency for control of manufacture, barter, possession, and sale of alcoholic beverage. The board maintains a list of communities http://www.dps.state.ak.us/ABC/docs/localopt.pdf that restrict alcohol sales, importation, and possession that the 1980 local option laws allow. The purposes of these laws are to assist with morbidity and mortality especially in the rural areas of Alaska both native and non-native alike. However, the native morbidity and mortality was expressed first. The Local Option Laws empower the local government or established village the opportunity to control alcohol in a manner that meets a traditional lifestyle and a majority preference by its residents.
The Alaska Local Option Laws are as follows:
- A ban on sale;
- A ban on sale, except by a type of licensee listed on the ballot and authorized in statute;
- A ban by sale, except by premises operated by a municipality;
- A ban on sale and importation; and
- A ban on sale, importation, and possession.
Across Alaska, and according to the current ABC Board list of 136 communities that have adopted one or more of the local option laws above, 19 chose a ban on sale, 5 community license only, 76 ban sale and importation, 33 ban possession, and 3 package store license only. If these laws are not upheld in each community, violations and penalties can be imposed on the offenders depending upon the statute. The state statutes vary by the type of violation, for example, how much liquor was smuggled or bootlegged, and how many times the offenses were made. The following crimes, fines and imprisonment time can be imposed:
- A Felony $250,000 0-20 years
- B Felony $100,000 0-10 years
- C Felony $50,000 0-5 year
- A Misdemeanor $10,000 0-1 year
- B Misdemeanor $2,000 0-90 days
- Violation $500 none
Smugglers and bootleggers take the high risk of being fined or imprisoned because it is a very lucrative business. The Western Alaska Alcohol and Narcotics Team know just how lucrative this business can be. A fifth of hard liquor can sell at $300 a bottle in a "dry" village after paying a mere price of $12 a bottle (D'Oro, Rachel. Anchorage Daily News. 7 January 2008. NewsBank). A "dry" community prohibits sale, importation and possession of alcohol. A "damp" community may allow sale, importation and/or possession in certain quantities. The "wet" community has liquor for sale in grocery stores, restaurants, hotels, bars and liquor stores. This wet community is where the smuggler generally makes purchase for resale, but it also happens out of the "damp" communities as well. The smuggler or bootlegger will use the postal system, commercial and private airlines, and hide their prize products in mysterious and strange ways to cover up their illegal activity.
As a common citizen from one of these bush communities, you can expect to complete an international customs declaration form declaring no alcohol or illegal mailing items are in the packages for these rural residences. A lot of rural residents shop heavily when in the urban communities such as Anchorage, Fairbanks or Juneau where bulk groceries can be bought for a reasonable bargain price. The declaration form http://www.usps.com/forms/_pdf/ps2976.pdf is actually designed for international mailings, but used for these specific governing communities who opted to control liquor under the Local Option Laws of Alaska. The postal inspection service already regulates http://pe.usps.gov/cpim/ftp/manuals/dmm100/dmm100.pdf and restricts the mailing of alcoholic beverages domestically and internationally. It is simple not allowed. The postal inspection division handles all suspicious packages. If illegal activity is suspected these packages are tracked and given to the authorities at hand.
Are these crimes worth punishing in an America where consuming alcohol is legal? The local option laws say, yes. These laws are not new and have been around for many generations in Alaska and across our country in the past. Some communities say, yes too, and believe it is worth the fight to keep liquor under control, whether consuming, sale or possession is concerned because of the detriment alcohol has had and continues to have on many lives. The statistics are not clear or current enough to understand whether or not these laws are reducing crimes, morbidity and mortality. New studies are needed and should be conducted since they appear to be "ripe for research" like how these laws affect social behavior that encompasses, including an ability to rehabilitate, the overall realm the Local Option Laws create in Alaska and its effectiveness.
Berman, Matthew and Hull, Teresa. “Alcohol Control by Referendum in Northern Native Communities: the Alaska Local Option Law.” August 2000. Academic Search Premier. EBSCOhost.
<http://www.iser.uaa.alaska.edu/Publications/Alcohol_Arctic.pdf>
State of Alaska. Alaska Division of Community and Regional Affairs. Alcohol Beverage Control. 9 March 2009.
<http://www.dced.state.ak.us/dca/LOGON/offc/offc-alcohol.htm>
D’Oro, Rachel. “Authorities put the squeeze on alcohol smuggling in Bush Alaska – Officers fight a perpetual battle with bootleggers.” Anchorage Daily News. 7 January 2008. NewsBank. Access World News. <http://docs.newsbank.com/s/InfoWeb/aggdocs/AWNB/11E0D2C1B0C52B20/0D1A2B50CEF50DEA>
Halpin, James. “Bootleggers take law on river tide – Two men arrested: Troopers led on wild chase down the Kuskokwim.” Anchorage Daily News. 7 August 2008. NewsBank. Access World News.
<http://docs.newsbank.com/s/InfoWeb/aggdocs/AWNB/1226EDFD91102DE8/0D1A2B50CEF50DEA>
Chittenden, Stephan. “Alaska Alcohol: Bootleg Bounty?” 8 October 2008. BBC News. <http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7658579.stm>
United States Postal Service. “A Customer’s Guide to Mailing.” January 2009. 9 March 2009.
<http://pe.usps.gov/cpim/ftp/manuals/dmm100/dmm100.pdf>
<http://www.usps.com/forms/_pdf/ps2976.pdf>
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Plagiarism Exercise
I sure want to avoid plagiarism in my essays or other assignments. It is difficult for me to put facts or written material researched in my own words. Because I feel my vocabulary is not broad, I tend to use words that are presented in written material. How can I make sure that I am not plagiarising? Maybe that's why I like to use quotes. Should I cite my draft work with quotes, notes, and other? Or can I wait until I submit a final assignment? I like to use a college dictionary, and thesaurus to help me understand words, the meanings, and to find words that might fit well without using the same language again. I am old fashioned and not keen on computer technology, but am learning fast. I want to be original. Thank you.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Week 5: Reading Response 3
Making a Visual Argument: Public Service Campaigns Use Language to Send a Message
National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign
4. Who are the multiple audiences for the "i am my anti-drug" campaign? Whom do they address, invoke, are effective and why?
The audiences the campaign are obviously addressing are the youth of America. The visual argument is well displayed because it uses young adults, and a ruined bicycle tire to help address each of the areas identified on the public campaign. Courage, regret, and i am my own inti-drug subcategories all go along with the visual argument and incorporate the main theme, the anti-drug.
I believe they would be effective because it depicts different racial groups and sends a message of hope. The message of hope infers indirectly or directly that there are opportunities important to do in life, like having a good education, being in sports, or doing things you enjoy. The other side, the regret message, is a strong message that one can have regrets such as relating to someone getting hurt or killed due to bad decision making when using drugs. Also, the visual sends a message to the adults of America that not all kids or youth are drug users and not to label not only youth, but ethnicity as well. The least effective in my opinion is the courage message because at my first glance I thought it was implying to abstinence.
Overall, the visuals were excellent and can relate to how youth interact with technology in our world today, specifically the small "i" used in the message. For example, i phone, etc. I enjoyed studying the visuals argument and reading into each one of the messages it presents.
National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign
4. Who are the multiple audiences for the "i am my anti-drug" campaign? Whom do they address, invoke, are effective and why?
The audiences the campaign are obviously addressing are the youth of America. The visual argument is well displayed because it uses young adults, and a ruined bicycle tire to help address each of the areas identified on the public campaign. Courage, regret, and i am my own inti-drug subcategories all go along with the visual argument and incorporate the main theme, the anti-drug.
I believe they would be effective because it depicts different racial groups and sends a message of hope. The message of hope infers indirectly or directly that there are opportunities important to do in life, like having a good education, being in sports, or doing things you enjoy. The other side, the regret message, is a strong message that one can have regrets such as relating to someone getting hurt or killed due to bad decision making when using drugs. Also, the visual sends a message to the adults of America that not all kids or youth are drug users and not to label not only youth, but ethnicity as well. The least effective in my opinion is the courage message because at my first glance I thought it was implying to abstinence.
Overall, the visuals were excellent and can relate to how youth interact with technology in our world today, specifically the small "i" used in the message. For example, i phone, etc. I enjoyed studying the visuals argument and reading into each one of the messages it presents.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Week 5: Reading Response 2
Kay Andrews
English
Week 5: Reading Response 2
TANNEN/Can We Talk?
5. What other role relationships inside and outside the family shape your identity and influence the way you use language?
My aunt and I have a relationship somewhat similar to a mother and daughter relationship, however, not as personal, but I may be incorrect. After my mother’s death in 1971, my three aunts gained roles above an aunt unbeknownst to me until my first child was born. I was told then that since my mother was not living, my aunts would be grandmothers on her behalf. This has been a rewarding experience, but not without heart ache. The same kind of digs and interaction expressed in Deborah Tennan’s experience is sobering. Now having grown children of my own, I can relate to what is being expressed in her writing.
The interaction and communication between mothers and fathers to their children is peculiar. There seems to be a different kind of bond between a mother and son, and father and daughter that sets a special kind of a relationship unlike a mother and daughter relationship or maybe even a father and son relationship. I am quick to allow my own son privileges that I wouldn’t let my daughter’s get away with. My relationship emotionally with my son and daughter are consciously separate. The tone I use and remarks or comments are totally different as well. I don’t know why I treat my son the way I do versus my daughters. Perhaps not clearly understanding the opposite sex in this sense makes it easier to deal with conversation.
English
Week 5: Reading Response 2
TANNEN/Can We Talk?
5. What other role relationships inside and outside the family shape your identity and influence the way you use language?
My aunt and I have a relationship somewhat similar to a mother and daughter relationship, however, not as personal, but I may be incorrect. After my mother’s death in 1971, my three aunts gained roles above an aunt unbeknownst to me until my first child was born. I was told then that since my mother was not living, my aunts would be grandmothers on her behalf. This has been a rewarding experience, but not without heart ache. The same kind of digs and interaction expressed in Deborah Tennan’s experience is sobering. Now having grown children of my own, I can relate to what is being expressed in her writing.
The interaction and communication between mothers and fathers to their children is peculiar. There seems to be a different kind of bond between a mother and son, and father and daughter that sets a special kind of a relationship unlike a mother and daughter relationship or maybe even a father and son relationship. I am quick to allow my own son privileges that I wouldn’t let my daughter’s get away with. My relationship emotionally with my son and daughter are consciously separate. The tone I use and remarks or comments are totally different as well. I don’t know why I treat my son the way I do versus my daughters. Perhaps not clearly understanding the opposite sex in this sense makes it easier to deal with conversation.
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