Social Chat

 Wow, there are so many good articles out this week.  It was rather difficult for me to decide which one to choose.  That said i want to ask you to click on the link below and read about one of the oldest professions in our history, prostitution:

http://www.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/wayoflife/11/07/lw.call.girl/index.html

So, howe do you feel about this profession? Should it be legalized in all U.S. States to make it safer for the individuals who enter the profession or should we close the doors to all of these types of establishments? Is it “just another job” like the one woman says?

This is the first blog since the mid-term exams.  Please be sure you save youre entries in case we experience more problems with the site.

Todays topic focuses on law enforcement reductions.  This is something you rarely see in U.S. society.  The ARTICLE addresses the increasing trend of reductions in law enforcement agencies in response to the dismal economy.  Departments threatening lay offs as well as freezing hiring positions.  Personally, this is something i’ve not seen since graduating college.  Could it be a larger trend or just a blip on the screen? Any thoghts?

One of the classes I’m teaching this semester focuses on prisons and corrections. More specifically, we’ve been delving into the topic of what it means to punish and correct behavior. A couple of weeks ago, we talked about the US Constitution as it relates to medical care for prisoners. The eighth amnt of the US Constitution stipulates that prisoners have a constitutional right to a degree of medical treatment and that intentionally disregarding a prisoner that has a serious health issue is considered cruel and unusual punishment and a violation of that individuals cicil rights. The ARTICLE addressed for this week centers around the State of CA. Apparently a Federal Judge recently ruled that the state was in contempt for not adequately taking care of its prisoners in CA. They have been ordered to pay 8 BILLION to improve its facilities. What do you think of this and why.

This week’s focus is on the Federal Communication Commissions (FCC) authority to penalize TV Networks for using foul language. Check out this CNN VIDEO that reviews the situation. You can also click HERE to read a short article that covers the story. For years the FCC has had authority to limit the kind of language used on TV. Critics claim that not only is such a rule a freedom of speech issue, but also gives the FCC too much discretion (critics also charge that the FCC’s rulings are not consistent). What do you think?

Today’s VIDEO focuses on the our current financial problems here in the US. I know you’ve probably seen alot of coverage on this issue, but the video I’ve linked here gives you a really good idea what’s really at stake here. I hope you take a bit of time and listen to it (it’s about 30 or so minutes in length). Also here’s a link to an ARTICLE that describe the current bill as of 9/29. After you read & listen, give me some of your thoughts.

The ARTICLE I picked for this week revolves around some interesting effects of the dismal housing market (and resulting increase of foreclosures). I think the article is important as it highlights the problem of what to do with a dismal housing market as well as the negative effects this market has on the larger economy.

The economy aside, however, this article addresses the surprising reality that our homeless populations are increasing in part as direct result of these foreclosures. What do you think our government’s role should be in this situation? Should they “bail” these banks out to the tune of 700 billion dollars (see this ARTICLE) or let the letting the housing market crash (what effects would such a crash have on the larger economy?). As I stated, it’s a very interesting question. What do you think?

Anyway, it’s time for “God’s Team” to take the field against some team from Green Bay so I gotta go. Go Cowboys!

I try very hard in class not to place pressure on students on how they should feel about one particular subject or another. For instance, I try to not to pressure them to believe they way I do about universal healthcare, immigration, the economy, etc. However, I sometimes become overly passionate about certain topics, which I fear probably “tips my hand”.

That said I do want to urge you to not only educate yourself about voting issues, but also to get out and vote. I seriously don’t care how you vote (to each her/his own), just get out and vote. Arguably more important is educating one about why he/she is voting for candidate “A” or “B”. It doesn’t matter what your major may be (coaching, art, philosophy, or astronomy), we all, as citizens, get out and cast our own educated vote.

Now you may be asking “What does he mean by educate myself about voting?” One may say, for instance, “I have educated myself about voting by talking with friends and family regarding whom they like.” This, in my opinion, is only 50% of the task. The other 50% requires you to read and/or listen to the candidates opinions on important subjects. You can do this by simply looking on numerous websites. CNN has recently created a WEBPAGE that functions to inform the citizenry of this very thing. Maybe you should check it out! If you don’t like CNN (I have a friend who refers to the network as the “Communist News Network”), then find another site to educate yourself on the issues and candidates. The main concern is that you develop your own (instead of your girl/boy friend or parents) rationale of why you are voting for candidate “A” or “B”

That said what do you feel are the most important issues for November and why?

So most of you are probably wondering when I will start blogging for the fall 2008 semester. Well, you can return here this Sunday evening (September 7) and find my first blog. See ya then.

I found this ARTICLE on CNN that really “caught my eye”. I thought Pirates of the Carribean was just a movie, but I guess I was wrong. Check out this article and let me know what you think. Do you think it’s smart for governments to pay ransoms? I think it might lead to some costly ($$) govt expenditures. What do you think?