http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/10/education/education-gap-grows-between-rich-and-poor-studies-show.html
Sabrina Tavernise tackles the issue of income inequality and how it greatly affects educational success. America has improved from its racial divisions in education, only to now face the the growing educational gap between the rich and poor. This problem has been aggravated by our recession, however, the issue really stems from the extra resources and time that money can buy a household. Rich parents' extra investment in their children –such as tutoring– can't be matched by cash-strapped families (especially single-parent ones), thus creating a domino effect that can influence dropping out of college.
This columnist admits the complexity of our educational problem. It can not simply be solved with a single reform movement or even a thriving economy. Possibly, tax rates following the Warren Buffet rule can help equalize funding. Yet, it is an extremely daunting task because America's capitalist society will always produce rich and poor, so trying to combat that would be near impossible.
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Monday, January 30, 2012
Obama's Call for Educational Reform
http://www.annarbor.com/news/opinion/president-obama-has-it-right-america-needs-education/
In this opinion piece, Melanie Maxwell focuses on Obama's recent goals in education during his State of the Union address. He aspires to reduce college tuition and to raise the legal high school dropout age. College debts are daunting for students, either putting them in severe financial situations or discouraging them from even going to college. The current drop out age similarly reflects on America's "stupidity" that allows for a 16 year old to prematurely dictate his career (or lack of it). With these questions in mind, Obama suggested an incentive programs for colleges that would only give them federal funds if their tuition rates are "responsible." He also wants to raise the drop out rate to 18 or until graduation.
While educational reforms scare some Americans of the economic crises it can place on our already struggling economy, investing in our future can also be the solution to a stronger, smarter, America.
In this opinion piece, Melanie Maxwell focuses on Obama's recent goals in education during his State of the Union address. He aspires to reduce college tuition and to raise the legal high school dropout age. College debts are daunting for students, either putting them in severe financial situations or discouraging them from even going to college. The current drop out age similarly reflects on America's "stupidity" that allows for a 16 year old to prematurely dictate his career (or lack of it). With these questions in mind, Obama suggested an incentive programs for colleges that would only give them federal funds if their tuition rates are "responsible." He also wants to raise the drop out rate to 18 or until graduation.
While educational reforms scare some Americans of the economic crises it can place on our already struggling economy, investing in our future can also be the solution to a stronger, smarter, America.
Friday, January 20, 2012
EDUCATION: Finland and the U.S.
http://news.stanford.edu/news/2012/january/finnish-schools-reform-012012.html
Stephen Tung writes about the idealized Finnish school system that is so culturally different from
America's. For one, Finland is ranked approximately 20 levels higher than America in math, science, and reading out of 65 countries tested. Their system obviously works, due to its different emphasis on education than in America. Funding is not dependent on merit (like in America), but rather, it's based on the number of students. Standardized tests are not used, and teaching jobs hold a heavier weight there. They are considered to be at the same level, if not higher, as that of doctors, lawyers, etc. While adopting a foreign system blindly is not wise, it still raises questions as to how America should operate to reflect more successful countries: whether we should emulate a rigid educational structure like that of Southeast Asia, or use Finland's more liberal method.
Stephen Tung writes about the idealized Finnish school system that is so culturally different from
America's. For one, Finland is ranked approximately 20 levels higher than America in math, science, and reading out of 65 countries tested. Their system obviously works, due to its different emphasis on education than in America. Funding is not dependent on merit (like in America), but rather, it's based on the number of students. Standardized tests are not used, and teaching jobs hold a heavier weight there. They are considered to be at the same level, if not higher, as that of doctors, lawyers, etc. While adopting a foreign system blindly is not wise, it still raises questions as to how America should operate to reflect more successful countries: whether we should emulate a rigid educational structure like that of Southeast Asia, or use Finland's more liberal method.
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Kristof Synthesis
This columnist has a strong affinity to write about humanitarian issues, particularly in third world countries. A lot of his articles also focus on government issues, such as corruption.
The 4 articles I read by Kristof all suggest his passion for honestly trying to improve the world. It's obvious he cares about these issues because he travels internationally and tries to call attention to various injustices (even being arrested on some occasions). Kristof probably accepts a realistic view of society; that a lot of it is suffering and nowhere near as progressive as fortunate places like America. However, there is also an element of hopefulness in his writings because he actively tries to counteract this injustice by appealing to readers to donate money or attend charity events.
Even though Kristof chooses to write about depressing and cynical aspects of the international society, he is urging for change and presses Americans to do something about it.
The 4 articles I read by Kristof all suggest his passion for honestly trying to improve the world. It's obvious he cares about these issues because he travels internationally and tries to call attention to various injustices (even being arrested on some occasions). Kristof probably accepts a realistic view of society; that a lot of it is suffering and nowhere near as progressive as fortunate places like America. However, there is also an element of hopefulness in his writings because he actively tries to counteract this injustice by appealing to readers to donate money or attend charity events.
Even though Kristof chooses to write about depressing and cynical aspects of the international society, he is urging for change and presses Americans to do something about it.
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Repressing Democracy, With American Arms
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/18/opinion/sunday/kristof-repressing-democracy-with-american-arms.html?_r=1
Kristof focuses on the proposed $53 million arms sale with Bahrain that Obama must decide whether to approve. He concedes the fact that Bahrain does serve as a useful buffer state between Iran and America, and U.S. naval bases are stationed in Bahrain. Kristof then raises doubts whether America should support the Kingdom of Bahrain since it supports "systematic, violent oppression." By providing arms to tyranny, America is ruining its own reputation to uphold democracy. Kristof enforces this opinion by writing about two victims of the Bahrain regime which emphasize the Bahrain government's evils.
Kristof focuses on the proposed $53 million arms sale with Bahrain that Obama must decide whether to approve. He concedes the fact that Bahrain does serve as a useful buffer state between Iran and America, and U.S. naval bases are stationed in Bahrain. Kristof then raises doubts whether America should support the Kingdom of Bahrain since it supports "systematic, violent oppression." By providing arms to tyranny, America is ruining its own reputation to uphold democracy. Kristof enforces this opinion by writing about two victims of the Bahrain regime which emphasize the Bahrain government's evils.
Sunday, December 11, 2011
"Congo Elections"
http://kristof.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/11/29/notes-from-a-young-american-in-congo-the-election/#more-10301
In the Congo, presidential elections are radically different than ones in America because choosing a president is much more complex. Congolese people must consider the possibilities of war and violence when choosing their president since they have a history of crises. Other factors also affect the election process, such as tribal biases, ballot corruption, and lack of media attention. Congolese voters are generally impoverished and illiterate, so important political issues either don't reach them, or have no effect on them. With all these problems, hope for a fair and prospering Congo is slim.
In the Congo, presidential elections are radically different than ones in America because choosing a president is much more complex. Congolese people must consider the possibilities of war and violence when choosing their president since they have a history of crises. Other factors also affect the election process, such as tribal biases, ballot corruption, and lack of media attention. Congolese voters are generally impoverished and illiterate, so important political issues either don't reach them, or have no effect on them. With all these problems, hope for a fair and prospering Congo is slim.
Saturday, December 10, 2011
"Bombing Continues in Sudan"
http://kristof.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/11/17/bombing-continues-in-sudan-creating-a-crisis/#more-10223
Kristof calls attention to the crisis in Sudan that terrorizes Sudanese civilians. After the end of a 22-year war, Sudanese people are exiling from the Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile regions. However, the Sudanese government is preventing any humanitarian aid from reaching these people in an effort to not widely publicize this event. Along with random airstrikes, the government is leaving refugees devoid of bare necessities. Kristof calls for immediate assistance and awareness of this conflict.
He is obviously against this situation and tries to remedy it by calling for action. By explicitly stating his opinion that the "United Nations must prevent this crisis from getting any worse...to avert a long-term humanitarian crisis," Kristof portrays to his audience a sense of urgency and forcefulness. His most effective means of communicating to his audiences is the personal aspect of his piece, more so than his other columns. Early on, Kristof emotionally informs the reader that he "witnessed the misery and suffering" of Sudan. He further personalizes his message by describing the physical contact he had with these refugees, particularly during bombing raids, and ends his piece with sympathetic stories and statistics.
Kristof calls attention to the crisis in Sudan that terrorizes Sudanese civilians. After the end of a 22-year war, Sudanese people are exiling from the Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile regions. However, the Sudanese government is preventing any humanitarian aid from reaching these people in an effort to not widely publicize this event. Along with random airstrikes, the government is leaving refugees devoid of bare necessities. Kristof calls for immediate assistance and awareness of this conflict.
He is obviously against this situation and tries to remedy it by calling for action. By explicitly stating his opinion that the "United Nations must prevent this crisis from getting any worse...to avert a long-term humanitarian crisis," Kristof portrays to his audience a sense of urgency and forcefulness. His most effective means of communicating to his audiences is the personal aspect of his piece, more so than his other columns. Early on, Kristof emotionally informs the reader that he "witnessed the misery and suffering" of Sudan. He further personalizes his message by describing the physical contact he had with these refugees, particularly during bombing raids, and ends his piece with sympathetic stories and statistics.
Sunday, December 4, 2011
"Girls Just Want to Go to School"
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/10/opinion/kristof-girls-just-want-to-go-to-school.html?_r=1
Columnist, Kristof, talks about an unfortunate Vietnamese family whose mother died, father works away from home, and is thus led by a 14 year old student/sister. He does not try to advertise poverty, rather, he applauds this girl, Phung, on her diligence to her schooling. To Kristof, Phung is one "dazzling" example of what "work ethic and gritty faith" can bring to an impoverished individual, family, or country. Yet, America has lost this virtue. As a result, our educational stock has decreased in the global market. Therefore, we must readjust the education system to "build human capital."
Kristof is critical of America's laziness and inability to educate students that share a passion similar to Phung. By comparing our educational system to an impoverished country, he creates a shocking contrast that forces the reader to assess America's values of society. Kristof stresses the need to fix our nation's problem by starting at the roots: invest in the "robustness of our kindergartens" when looking towards the future.
Columnist, Kristof, talks about an unfortunate Vietnamese family whose mother died, father works away from home, and is thus led by a 14 year old student/sister. He does not try to advertise poverty, rather, he applauds this girl, Phung, on her diligence to her schooling. To Kristof, Phung is one "dazzling" example of what "work ethic and gritty faith" can bring to an impoverished individual, family, or country. Yet, America has lost this virtue. As a result, our educational stock has decreased in the global market. Therefore, we must readjust the education system to "build human capital."
Kristof is critical of America's laziness and inability to educate students that share a passion similar to Phung. By comparing our educational system to an impoverished country, he creates a shocking contrast that forces the reader to assess America's values of society. Kristof stresses the need to fix our nation's problem by starting at the roots: invest in the "robustness of our kindergartens" when looking towards the future.
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Evaluating the Threat of Terrorism
Without a doubt, terrorism plays a central role in American politics and well-being. By starting wars in response to terrorism, or even to prevent the threat of it, America has involved itself deeply in Arab affairs. These threats of terrorism obviously need to be taken very seriously. So seriously in fact, that I support American intervention in the Middle East and advocate for increased international participation to help regulate unstable countries or radical Muslim groups.
The need to protect ourselves, Americans, should be prioritized by our government, even at the cost of harsh condemnation by foreign or even domestic critics. Despite what USA Today editor writes, that America should relinquish its role as a world cop to European nations, the United States needs to protect our own interests at all costs. For the best results, we must enforce it ourselves. To that assertion, I support American military presence abroad and increased security measures at home.
However, violating our own ideals would be destructive to American morale, such as denying natural rights as noted by CNN writer, Ed Husain. Similarly, anti-terrorist programs in America should be lessened in favor of providing soldiers and aid to help Middle Eastern countries also under the threat of terroist groups.
Yet as an American, I have strong opinions to preserve my country's ideals. The war on terrorism, while definitely susceptible to corruption or injustice, is still wholly a necessary and just action to take. Especially with the foreboding presence of terrorism.
The need to protect ourselves, Americans, should be prioritized by our government, even at the cost of harsh condemnation by foreign or even domestic critics. Despite what USA Today editor writes, that America should relinquish its role as a world cop to European nations, the United States needs to protect our own interests at all costs. For the best results, we must enforce it ourselves. To that assertion, I support American military presence abroad and increased security measures at home.
However, violating our own ideals would be destructive to American morale, such as denying natural rights as noted by CNN writer, Ed Husain. Similarly, anti-terrorist programs in America should be lessened in favor of providing soldiers and aid to help Middle Eastern countries also under the threat of terroist groups.
Yet as an American, I have strong opinions to preserve my country's ideals. The war on terrorism, while definitely susceptible to corruption or injustice, is still wholly a necessary and just action to take. Especially with the foreboding presence of terrorism.
Sunday, October 30, 2011
What to do in Libya
http://tucsoncitizen.com/usa-today-news/2011/10/20/editorial-gadhafis-death-just-the-beginning/
A USA Today author reports on the fragile state that Libya (and other revolutionized countries) face. The author is in support of the U.S.'s diplomatic policy of only sending money, not troops, to Libya during their revolution. The author also wants Europe to lead in the rebuilding and peacemaking in Libya, and urges America to play a politically correct role in support of the Arab Spring.
A USA Today author reports on the fragile state that Libya (and other revolutionized countries) face. The author is in support of the U.S.'s diplomatic policy of only sending money, not troops, to Libya during their revolution. The author also wants Europe to lead in the rebuilding and peacemaking in Libya, and urges America to play a politically correct role in support of the Arab Spring.
Fool-proof defense
http://www.idsnews.com/news/story.aspx?id=83644
This editorial by an Indiana newspaper (unknown author) comments on a new Tennessee program that aims to combat highway terrorism by interstate checkpoints and "Visible Intermodal Prevention and Response." The latter calls for truck drivers to use their own discernment in identifying a terrorism, which resembles more as just racial profiling. This author is highly critical of the government's use of national budget in such a ridiculous way and calls for effective government spending.
This editorial by an Indiana newspaper (unknown author) comments on a new Tennessee program that aims to combat highway terrorism by interstate checkpoints and "Visible Intermodal Prevention and Response." The latter calls for truck drivers to use their own discernment in identifying a terrorism, which resembles more as just racial profiling. This author is highly critical of the government's use of national budget in such a ridiculous way and calls for effective government spending.
Monday, October 24, 2011
Libya after the death of terrorism-sponsoring Gaddhafi
http://english.aljazeera.net/indepth/opinion/2011/10/2011102151443683876.html
Gaddhafi unified a tribal nation based off his political theories, mirroring Nasser of Egypt. Since he was killed by Libyan rebels, there is obvious celebration from the majority of Libya, but also from groups concerned over terrorism. Events, such as Lockerbie, showed the terrorist nature of Moammar Gaddhafi. Now that there is one less terrorism-advocator in the world, we should be happy, should we not?
Gaddhafi unified a tribal nation based off his political theories, mirroring Nasser of Egypt. Since he was killed by Libyan rebels, there is obvious celebration from the majority of Libya, but also from groups concerned over terrorism. Events, such as Lockerbie, showed the terrorist nature of Moammar Gaddhafi. Now that there is one less terrorism-advocator in the world, we should be happy, should we not?
Monday, October 3, 2011
War on Terrorism
http://www.cnn.com/2011/09/30/opinion/husain-awlaki-killing/index.html?hpt=op_t1
In response to the execution of American citizen, Al-Awlaki (who also supported Islamist extremism), Ed Husain criticizes the American government for its illogical and hypocritical decision to kill Americans that oppose their country. Husain makes the argument that the basis of Al-Awlaki's execution violates the "very same principles of human dignity" that America tries to live by.
Husain also points out the irony and counter-productivity of killing a Muslim with close ties to Al-Qaeda. In killing Al-Awlaki, America actually helped the Al-Qaeda cause by publicizing a Muslim martyr; a "Malcolm X" of Muslim culture.
Husain ends his editorial by noting that this war on terrorism cannot be fought with more terror, rather a nonviolent and intellectual approach should be used.
In response to the execution of American citizen, Al-Awlaki (who also supported Islamist extremism), Ed Husain criticizes the American government for its illogical and hypocritical decision to kill Americans that oppose their country. Husain makes the argument that the basis of Al-Awlaki's execution violates the "very same principles of human dignity" that America tries to live by.
Husain also points out the irony and counter-productivity of killing a Muslim with close ties to Al-Qaeda. In killing Al-Awlaki, America actually helped the Al-Qaeda cause by publicizing a Muslim martyr; a "Malcolm X" of Muslim culture.
Husain ends his editorial by noting that this war on terrorism cannot be fought with more terror, rather a nonviolent and intellectual approach should be used.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
End of an Era in Catalonia
http://www.photographytips.com.au/images/dwarfs-bull-fighting-pictures-photography.jpg
In this picture, a matador is depicted with a bull. Because of animal rights activists, the Spanish region of Catalonia held its last bull fight Sunday.
1. The monochromatic and neutral color of the sandy ground creates contrast to highlight the bull, and especially the red/pink matador.
2. Because the bull's back end is faced towards the camera, it makes the bull seem vulnerable. To achieve this, the photographer chose the bull's most fearsome features to be hidden by its less-fearsome rear, thus making the viewer not intimidated by the animal.
3. The matador's face is intently focused on the bull, showing a sort of prey-predator complex. The irony that a healthy bull –which would usually be the predator– is being predated upon by a matador makes the photograph's tone in reverence of the dominant force a matador can have.
In this picture, a matador is depicted with a bull. Because of animal rights activists, the Spanish region of Catalonia held its last bull fight Sunday.
1. The monochromatic and neutral color of the sandy ground creates contrast to highlight the bull, and especially the red/pink matador.
2. Because the bull's back end is faced towards the camera, it makes the bull seem vulnerable. To achieve this, the photographer chose the bull's most fearsome features to be hidden by its less-fearsome rear, thus making the viewer not intimidated by the animal.
3. The matador's face is intently focused on the bull, showing a sort of prey-predator complex. The irony that a healthy bull –which would usually be the predator– is being predated upon by a matador makes the photograph's tone in reverence of the dominant force a matador can have.
Monday, September 19, 2011
Monday Matters #1
http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2011/09/19/islamic-center-near-ground-zero-bills-first-big-event-as-centers-grand-opening/?iref=allsearch
(Sorry Mr. Heller, this is the first Monday Matters)
In this article regarding the opening of Park51, issues are raised of the insensitivity of making an Islamic community center near Ground Zero. A blogger even raised a protest against the photographs of children that will be exhibited in Park51, stating it tries to divert attention away from the ties the center shares with Islamic extremism. Regardless of opinions, this community center is going to open soon.
(Sorry Mr. Heller, this is the first Monday Matters)
In this article regarding the opening of Park51, issues are raised of the insensitivity of making an Islamic community center near Ground Zero. A blogger even raised a protest against the photographs of children that will be exhibited in Park51, stating it tries to divert attention away from the ties the center shares with Islamic extremism. Regardless of opinions, this community center is going to open soon.
http://www.cnn.com/2011/09/16/opinion/acker-davis-death-penalty/index.html?hpt=op_t1
In this article about Troy Davis' scheduled death penalty, James Acker comments on the consequences, both negative and positive, that it can have on a society. He positions himself to the side sympathetic of victims of the death penalty, calling it "an ineffective criminal justice policy" that is also prone to make mistakes. However, he also interestingly points out the dark optimism of being put on death row: that a criminal's best hope to survive is to actually be put in a situation of high media coverage, otherwise their name would be lost within the other lists of criminals sentenced to life without parole. In this, a twisted side of society is revealed, showing our capacity to only focus on the flashy aspects of the world –good and bad– while the mediocre is washed away because it is simply just that: mediocre.
In this article about Troy Davis' scheduled death penalty, James Acker comments on the consequences, both negative and positive, that it can have on a society. He positions himself to the side sympathetic of victims of the death penalty, calling it "an ineffective criminal justice policy" that is also prone to make mistakes. However, he also interestingly points out the dark optimism of being put on death row: that a criminal's best hope to survive is to actually be put in a situation of high media coverage, otherwise their name would be lost within the other lists of criminals sentenced to life without parole. In this, a twisted side of society is revealed, showing our capacity to only focus on the flashy aspects of the world –good and bad– while the mediocre is washed away because it is simply just that: mediocre.
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