By Greta Compton
Children should be introduced to and involved in music as early and as much as possible. Many children struggle growing up due to poor academic performance or behavioral/developmental problems. Music, whether it’s playing an instrument, singing, or just letting themselves get lost inside the world of their favorite album, can provide an outlet for them to focus their energies and help them through struggles of growing up. Every school should provide each student that goes through their doors an opportunity to learn and grow in the world of music.
Before children even reach school age, it’s important to introduce them to music. Scientists have found concrete evidence that music can enhance the brain and sharpen hearing. Early musical training helps develop areas of the brain that are involved in language and reasoning. “Nothing activates as many areas of the brain as music,” said Donald A. Hodges, researcher and Professor of Music from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
Once children get older, one of the biggest problems they face involves school. Sometimes it’s difficult for them to find something they like, that they can do well in. Other times, they lack the motivation needed to succeed and involvement in music can help. Students who get involved with music enhance their critical thinking skills and are more engaged in school, which means they are less likely to drop out. Through years of research, scientists have come to the conclusion that music has effects on the brain that impact IQ levels; children of any age who study music perform better in school than children who don’t. Outcomes of SAT scores also reflect the study of music: music students scored 63 points higher on verbal and 44 points higher on math.
Aside from educational benefits, music also helps children develop life-enriching skills. Through studying music, children learn the importance of making the best effort they can to achieve a goal. Teamwork and discipline can also develop through studying music. If they play music in a group, they learn that everyone must work together and work hard in order to sound good. Music can also teach kids to overcome fears and take risks. Learning to deal with “stage fright” when they’re young is a good way to learn to deal with anxiety when they get older.
With all the proven benefits that come with the study of music, it is a shame that the music programs are usually the first to go when schools are cutting budgets. The VH1 Save The Music Foundation is a non-profit organization that works hard to fix this problem. They are dedicated to restoring music education in America’s public school systems and raise awareness about the vital importance of music in every child’s development and education. Since 1997, the foundation provided $43 million worth of musical instruments to over a thousand schools across the country.
Something needs to be done to ensure that music will be available to young children sometime in their lives. “Music classes are often among the first to be cut when school budgets get tight,” researcher and neuroscientist at Northwestern University Nina Kraus said. “That’s a mistake.”
If you would like to get involved or aid this cause, visit www.vhisavethemusic.com to see what you can do in your area.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Education Goes Beyond the Classroom
By Joy Kazadi
You may have heard the names Martin Luther King, Jr. and Rosa Parks, but what about Charles Drew or Matthew Henson?
For some, the month of February marks a time of remembrance; for others, it’s just another month. Since 1926, February has been designated as Black History Month in America. Although the accomplishments and contributions of prominent black figures in history are recognized, how can one month alone be sufficient to account for an entire race?
In the academia realm, history is taught to most Americans in the early years of elementary school. But whose history is being fed in the permeable minds of children? Younger generations of Americans as a whole have less knowledge of the history of black people, and much blame has been directed to the school systems.
School systems, primarily public schools, take on many responsibilities and challenges such as educating its citizens. But the true responsibility lies in providing a fair and balanced representation of the history of all Americans. When it comes to black history, issues such as slavery and the Civil Rights Movement are subjects incorporated in the majority of schools as February approaches, but its content is still not fully taught. Nonetheless, the need for the black community to explore their history shouldn’t be solely left in the hands of the school system, right?
Certainly not! A recent publication of blogs from a selection of luminaries shed light on their perspectives of black history. British rap artist Kingslee Daley, better known as Akala, highlights the importance of the black community to take on the issue themselves. “We have to look in the mirror towards our own history…we can’t keep looking to the British Government to hand us our culture and history; it’s our job. We don’t take our history seriously because we feel we have none.”
The problem with assigning one month to the history of an entire race is evident: there is much more to learn than what can be acknowledged in the 28 days February accounts for. But rather than complaining of the lack of black history in schools, we should be complaining that younger generations aren’t being educated outside the classroom.
You may have heard the names Martin Luther King, Jr. and Rosa Parks, but what about Charles Drew or Matthew Henson?
For some, the month of February marks a time of remembrance; for others, it’s just another month. Since 1926, February has been designated as Black History Month in America. Although the accomplishments and contributions of prominent black figures in history are recognized, how can one month alone be sufficient to account for an entire race?
In the academia realm, history is taught to most Americans in the early years of elementary school. But whose history is being fed in the permeable minds of children? Younger generations of Americans as a whole have less knowledge of the history of black people, and much blame has been directed to the school systems.
School systems, primarily public schools, take on many responsibilities and challenges such as educating its citizens. But the true responsibility lies in providing a fair and balanced representation of the history of all Americans. When it comes to black history, issues such as slavery and the Civil Rights Movement are subjects incorporated in the majority of schools as February approaches, but its content is still not fully taught. Nonetheless, the need for the black community to explore their history shouldn’t be solely left in the hands of the school system, right?
Certainly not! A recent publication of blogs from a selection of luminaries shed light on their perspectives of black history. British rap artist Kingslee Daley, better known as Akala, highlights the importance of the black community to take on the issue themselves. “We have to look in the mirror towards our own history…we can’t keep looking to the British Government to hand us our culture and history; it’s our job. We don’t take our history seriously because we feel we have none.”
The problem with assigning one month to the history of an entire race is evident: there is much more to learn than what can be acknowledged in the 28 days February accounts for. But rather than complaining of the lack of black history in schools, we should be complaining that younger generations aren’t being educated outside the classroom.
Marriages in the Mix
By Joshua Brown
It was 41 years ago, with a couple named the Lovings, that America experienced a drastic change in the way marriage and life had been perceived for centuries. Interracial marriages and their impact on not only our nation but also the world are continuously gaining acceptance amongst all.
When people think of the term interracial, it is automatically assumed that the couple consists of an African American and a white person. This is not always the case. Interracial can also consist of every other culture, ethic group, etc.
In the 1970’s, there were approximately 310,000 mixed marriages, which was only .7 perfect of all marriages. In 1980, there were 651,000 (3.1 percent) and in 1992, there were 1,161,000 (2.2 percent) marriages of mixed races according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Interracial marriages have touched every single social class in America. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, civil rights leader Julian Bond, Defense Secretary William Coheen and actor Robert DeNiro are all married to a person of another race. Celebrities like President-Elect Barack Obama, New York Yankee Derek Jeter and Pro golfer Tiger Woods are all children of interracial marriages.
It has not been easy for the interracial couples to live a normal married life. Statistically, the National Center for Health Statistics reported that interracial couples break up 41 percent of the time with in 10 years, compared to same race couples who are only 31 percent likely to break up. Kim Cox, who married an African American man, said, “Your life is going to be harder because of the road you’ve chosen-it’s going to be harder for your kids.”
Older people are less likely to accept mixed relationships, due to their upbringing and the way things were when they were growing up. Some people still believe that the Bible states it’s a sin to marry another race. Most of our parents went to elementary school or middle school when segregation was still in place. Opinion polls have shown that younger people are more supportive when it comes to interracial dating.
Over the past 50 years, the acceptance of interracial marriages has grown steadily. In 2001, the New York Times did a study that came up with the following: In 1972, 29 percent approved of interracial marriages and 60 percent disapproved, in 1991, 48 percent approved and 42 percent disapproved, and in 2001, 65 percent approved and 26 percent still disapproved. Through these numbers it was also shown that African Americans are more accepting than whites of interracial marriages.
South Africa, Australia, Canada and the U.S. have all, at some point, banned mixed race marriages. However, time has been on couples’ sides as people from around the world have become more accepting to this phenomenon that was unfamiliar to them growing up. Hopefully now people can realize that it is not about race, but rather it is about happiness.
It was 41 years ago, with a couple named the Lovings, that America experienced a drastic change in the way marriage and life had been perceived for centuries. Interracial marriages and their impact on not only our nation but also the world are continuously gaining acceptance amongst all.
When people think of the term interracial, it is automatically assumed that the couple consists of an African American and a white person. This is not always the case. Interracial can also consist of every other culture, ethic group, etc.
In the 1970’s, there were approximately 310,000 mixed marriages, which was only .7 perfect of all marriages. In 1980, there were 651,000 (3.1 percent) and in 1992, there were 1,161,000 (2.2 percent) marriages of mixed races according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Interracial marriages have touched every single social class in America. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, civil rights leader Julian Bond, Defense Secretary William Coheen and actor Robert DeNiro are all married to a person of another race. Celebrities like President-Elect Barack Obama, New York Yankee Derek Jeter and Pro golfer Tiger Woods are all children of interracial marriages.
It has not been easy for the interracial couples to live a normal married life. Statistically, the National Center for Health Statistics reported that interracial couples break up 41 percent of the time with in 10 years, compared to same race couples who are only 31 percent likely to break up. Kim Cox, who married an African American man, said, “Your life is going to be harder because of the road you’ve chosen-it’s going to be harder for your kids.”
Older people are less likely to accept mixed relationships, due to their upbringing and the way things were when they were growing up. Some people still believe that the Bible states it’s a sin to marry another race. Most of our parents went to elementary school or middle school when segregation was still in place. Opinion polls have shown that younger people are more supportive when it comes to interracial dating.
Over the past 50 years, the acceptance of interracial marriages has grown steadily. In 2001, the New York Times did a study that came up with the following: In 1972, 29 percent approved of interracial marriages and 60 percent disapproved, in 1991, 48 percent approved and 42 percent disapproved, and in 2001, 65 percent approved and 26 percent still disapproved. Through these numbers it was also shown that African Americans are more accepting than whites of interracial marriages.
South Africa, Australia, Canada and the U.S. have all, at some point, banned mixed race marriages. However, time has been on couples’ sides as people from around the world have become more accepting to this phenomenon that was unfamiliar to them growing up. Hopefully now people can realize that it is not about race, but rather it is about happiness.
BCS Part of President-Elect Barack Obama’s “Change”
By Evin O'Sullivan
President-Elect Barack Obama’s decision to fix the Bowl Championship Series system in America’s football is a welcome decision for many sports fans.
The NCAA currently has a BCS system that calculates the top 25 teams in the country. This is decided based on the winning percentage, strength of schedule and performance. In theory it would always pick the best teams. The problem is that when a team with a weak conference is forced to play weaker teams and goes undefeated, they are told they can’t participate in the national championship. Not only is this unfair, but the whole reason the BCS was created was to allow all teams to have an equal chance and to keep the one hundred year tradition of bowl games in college football and satisfy the fans.
According to about.com the BCS was created in 1998 and modified in 2004. Since the current system is not satisfying the fans, coaches or the players, Obama feels that a change needs to be made.
“Change” was the slogan for Obama’s campaign, and that is what he plans to do in the U.S. as well as the college football system. According to examiner.com, Obama stated “I think it's about time we had playoffs in college football. I'm fed up with these computer rankings and this that and the other. Get eight teams -- the top eight teams right at the end. You got a playoff. Decide on a national champion.”
He has a point; eight teams playing for the national championship is the only way to truly prove who is the best in college football. Obama also stated on 60 Minutes that he doesn’t know a single person who watches college football and doesn’t want a playoff system. He also explains how he is going to use his newly found power as President-Elect to make it happen. Unfortunately, the presidents of the universities, who are gaining from the current system, may have a problem.
According to espn.com, a member of the BCS Presidential Oversight Committee explained how the decision of keeping the BCS system is best for the players the fans and anyone else affected by the BCS.
The members of this committee are correct that some people will be negatively affected by the BCS, such as the president of the college collecting all the bowl money. The projected payout for the 2008 Tostitos Bowl is $17.5 million. A pay raise is usually passed down to the coaches to help keep them satisfied with the system. This does not always work as many coaches continue to show their disgust for the system, including Auburn Coach Tommy Tuberville.
Tuberville stated when talking to an espn.com reporter that “Presidents take the money and go spend it, but they don't worry about the business of making it better.” There is an issue here and it needs to be addressed. When players, coaches and fans are not satisfied with the system, something needs to be done. March Madness has no problem gaining money; I am sure a college football playoff system with each round sponsored by a company and similar payouts for that round will compensate for everyone.
President-Elect Barack Obama’s decision to fix the Bowl Championship Series system in America’s football is a welcome decision for many sports fans.
The NCAA currently has a BCS system that calculates the top 25 teams in the country. This is decided based on the winning percentage, strength of schedule and performance. In theory it would always pick the best teams. The problem is that when a team with a weak conference is forced to play weaker teams and goes undefeated, they are told they can’t participate in the national championship. Not only is this unfair, but the whole reason the BCS was created was to allow all teams to have an equal chance and to keep the one hundred year tradition of bowl games in college football and satisfy the fans.
According to about.com the BCS was created in 1998 and modified in 2004. Since the current system is not satisfying the fans, coaches or the players, Obama feels that a change needs to be made.
“Change” was the slogan for Obama’s campaign, and that is what he plans to do in the U.S. as well as the college football system. According to examiner.com, Obama stated “I think it's about time we had playoffs in college football. I'm fed up with these computer rankings and this that and the other. Get eight teams -- the top eight teams right at the end. You got a playoff. Decide on a national champion.”
He has a point; eight teams playing for the national championship is the only way to truly prove who is the best in college football. Obama also stated on 60 Minutes that he doesn’t know a single person who watches college football and doesn’t want a playoff system. He also explains how he is going to use his newly found power as President-Elect to make it happen. Unfortunately, the presidents of the universities, who are gaining from the current system, may have a problem.
According to espn.com, a member of the BCS Presidential Oversight Committee explained how the decision of keeping the BCS system is best for the players the fans and anyone else affected by the BCS.
The members of this committee are correct that some people will be negatively affected by the BCS, such as the president of the college collecting all the bowl money. The projected payout for the 2008 Tostitos Bowl is $17.5 million. A pay raise is usually passed down to the coaches to help keep them satisfied with the system. This does not always work as many coaches continue to show their disgust for the system, including Auburn Coach Tommy Tuberville.
Tuberville stated when talking to an espn.com reporter that “Presidents take the money and go spend it, but they don't worry about the business of making it better.” There is an issue here and it needs to be addressed. When players, coaches and fans are not satisfied with the system, something needs to be done. March Madness has no problem gaining money; I am sure a college football playoff system with each round sponsored by a company and similar payouts for that round will compensate for everyone.
Epidemic: Obesity
By Jess Burks
Obesity among America’s teen population is becoming a rising epidemic. What is the country doing to its children? Why are the parents not involved enough in their children’s lives to educate them, even a little, on healthy eating? Being healthy is habit forming and should be instilled at a young age.
According to www.life123.com/, 17 percent of teens between the ages of 12 and 17 are obese. This number is shocking. This is unacceptable for parents to allow their children to suffer and unknowingly harm themselves.
This damage is incredibly obvious. First, there are numerous health problems that are more likely to develop in obese people. A long list of health problems is listed. This list on www.life123.com/ includes high blood pressure, diabetes, asthma, high cholesterol, bone disease, joint problems, gallstones, gastrointestinal diseases, and heart disease, just to name a few. This list of health problems is directly related to obesity; however, there’s another long list of health problems that can develop due to obesity.
Psychologically, teens are very dependent on what their friends think about them. Teens bully others and are very judgmental. This pressure and ridicule from teens, especially friends, can be very difficult for an obese teen to endure on top of his or her low self-esteem. According to ezinearticles.com/, teens may become even more obese because of these pressures. Signs of psychological unhealthiness can include having few friends, eating more than usual or not enough, sleeping a lot or not enough, a reluctance to go to school, etc. These psychological problems can be just as harmful as medical problems to a teen.
These lists of health problems can be very discouraging, however. Parents as role models to children should become active in educating their teens and helping him or her transition into a healthier lifestyle. This doesn’t mean to go on diets or use diet pills, which can harm your child more than help them and can make him or her even more obese. According to obesity.ygoy.com/obesity-teens/, there are three main reasons why teens are obese: They watch too much TV, they eat too much and they do not exercise enough. They can be condensed to two main reasons: Your teen is eating too much unhealthy food for his or her activity.
In order to help remedy these problems, the parents are going to have to get involved with helping their child. According to www.webmd.com/, studies have shown that parents who feed their children balanced breakfasts can help them obesity. This study says that children who eat a balanced breakfast are more active throughout the day and eat less at lunch and dinner and less of a tendency to snack. Also, parents should get their child to participate in a recreational sport. He or she can make new friends and play around while participating in activity.
Keep children away from the TV. The TV can be a very entertaining device, but it causes lethargy and distracts teens from their activities. If it is a nice day outside, get the child to help a parent in the garden, or get him or her to rake leaves. There are many chores around a house that require physical activity. The parent should make sure when the child sits down to eat, the TV, computer, radio, etc. are off. This can distract from the teen realizing that he or she is full and overeats. Serve the teen smaller portions; the stomach is very expandable, and the teen may be slightly hungry for the next few days, but his or her stomach will adjust. Finally, keep unhealthy foods out of the house. This way the child will not be tempted to sneak a few snacks while the parents are not looking.
These changes in lifestyle will not only be for teens, but will also require that a parent be a role model in eating well and being active with their child. As the child sees the parent do this more and more, he or she will begin to form healthy habits and soon lose weight and feel healthier.
Obesity among America’s teen population is becoming a rising epidemic. What is the country doing to its children? Why are the parents not involved enough in their children’s lives to educate them, even a little, on healthy eating? Being healthy is habit forming and should be instilled at a young age.
According to www.life123.com/, 17 percent of teens between the ages of 12 and 17 are obese. This number is shocking. This is unacceptable for parents to allow their children to suffer and unknowingly harm themselves.
This damage is incredibly obvious. First, there are numerous health problems that are more likely to develop in obese people. A long list of health problems is listed. This list on www.life123.com/ includes high blood pressure, diabetes, asthma, high cholesterol, bone disease, joint problems, gallstones, gastrointestinal diseases, and heart disease, just to name a few. This list of health problems is directly related to obesity; however, there’s another long list of health problems that can develop due to obesity.
Psychologically, teens are very dependent on what their friends think about them. Teens bully others and are very judgmental. This pressure and ridicule from teens, especially friends, can be very difficult for an obese teen to endure on top of his or her low self-esteem. According to ezinearticles.com/, teens may become even more obese because of these pressures. Signs of psychological unhealthiness can include having few friends, eating more than usual or not enough, sleeping a lot or not enough, a reluctance to go to school, etc. These psychological problems can be just as harmful as medical problems to a teen.
These lists of health problems can be very discouraging, however. Parents as role models to children should become active in educating their teens and helping him or her transition into a healthier lifestyle. This doesn’t mean to go on diets or use diet pills, which can harm your child more than help them and can make him or her even more obese. According to obesity.ygoy.com/obesity-teens/, there are three main reasons why teens are obese: They watch too much TV, they eat too much and they do not exercise enough. They can be condensed to two main reasons: Your teen is eating too much unhealthy food for his or her activity.
In order to help remedy these problems, the parents are going to have to get involved with helping their child. According to www.webmd.com/, studies have shown that parents who feed their children balanced breakfasts can help them obesity. This study says that children who eat a balanced breakfast are more active throughout the day and eat less at lunch and dinner and less of a tendency to snack. Also, parents should get their child to participate in a recreational sport. He or she can make new friends and play around while participating in activity.
Keep children away from the TV. The TV can be a very entertaining device, but it causes lethargy and distracts teens from their activities. If it is a nice day outside, get the child to help a parent in the garden, or get him or her to rake leaves. There are many chores around a house that require physical activity. The parent should make sure when the child sits down to eat, the TV, computer, radio, etc. are off. This can distract from the teen realizing that he or she is full and overeats. Serve the teen smaller portions; the stomach is very expandable, and the teen may be slightly hungry for the next few days, but his or her stomach will adjust. Finally, keep unhealthy foods out of the house. This way the child will not be tempted to sneak a few snacks while the parents are not looking.
These changes in lifestyle will not only be for teens, but will also require that a parent be a role model in eating well and being active with their child. As the child sees the parent do this more and more, he or she will begin to form healthy habits and soon lose weight and feel healthier.
Think Before You Abort
By Jaimie Van Antwerp
Roe v. Wade and abortion demographics shed light on both sides of the spectrum when examining women’s abortion rights. Abortion demographics statistics also demonstrate social reasons for the majority of abortions.
At close examination, Roe v. Wade states that “abortion be legal up until the point of birth if any one physician willing to perform an abortion decides it is necessary to preserve a mother’s health.” This supports the Center for Bio-Ethical Reform statistics, where 6 percent of abortions occur because of potential health problems to the mother or child, and only 1 percent occurs because of rape or incest. That means that 93 percent of abortions are performed because the pregnancy was unwanted or inconvenient.
These statistics demonstrate that we need more responsibility in our system and not just a thought or whim. Abortion should not be about social reasons; it should be about psychological stability and overall health. Abortion should not be about social ramifications.
Individuals can argue that there is less psychological impact upon a mother by receiving an abortion than childbirth, but numerous arguments don’t support it. Whether complaining of nervous disorders or sleep disturbances, 31 percent of women reported regretting their decision and some were prescribed psychotropic drugs from their family doctor. The psychological effects can be very significant and lifelong as compared to the psychological state before the abortion.
Suicide risks also increase after abortion. “The suicide rate after an abortion was three times the general suicide rate and six times that associated with birth.” When dealing with my life, I would rather not be harming my personal psychological health by receiving an abortion. There can be psychological effects of anything, but counseling before deciding on an abortion would be best.
Numerous effects also linked to abortion like future children. If the mother already has children and how they are affected by the abortion, and that’s not counting the health risks if the abortion goes wrong or performed inadequately.
Reasons for abortion are personal, but 93 percent of abortions are performed for social reasons. Abortion should only be legal in cases of documented health risks to the mother or child, and cases where rape or incest can be proved; all other reasons for abortion should be outlawed.
Roe v. Wade and abortion demographics shed light on both sides of the spectrum when examining women’s abortion rights. Abortion demographics statistics also demonstrate social reasons for the majority of abortions.
At close examination, Roe v. Wade states that “abortion be legal up until the point of birth if any one physician willing to perform an abortion decides it is necessary to preserve a mother’s health.” This supports the Center for Bio-Ethical Reform statistics, where 6 percent of abortions occur because of potential health problems to the mother or child, and only 1 percent occurs because of rape or incest. That means that 93 percent of abortions are performed because the pregnancy was unwanted or inconvenient.
These statistics demonstrate that we need more responsibility in our system and not just a thought or whim. Abortion should not be about social reasons; it should be about psychological stability and overall health. Abortion should not be about social ramifications.
Individuals can argue that there is less psychological impact upon a mother by receiving an abortion than childbirth, but numerous arguments don’t support it. Whether complaining of nervous disorders or sleep disturbances, 31 percent of women reported regretting their decision and some were prescribed psychotropic drugs from their family doctor. The psychological effects can be very significant and lifelong as compared to the psychological state before the abortion.
Suicide risks also increase after abortion. “The suicide rate after an abortion was three times the general suicide rate and six times that associated with birth.” When dealing with my life, I would rather not be harming my personal psychological health by receiving an abortion. There can be psychological effects of anything, but counseling before deciding on an abortion would be best.
Numerous effects also linked to abortion like future children. If the mother already has children and how they are affected by the abortion, and that’s not counting the health risks if the abortion goes wrong or performed inadequately.
Reasons for abortion are personal, but 93 percent of abortions are performed for social reasons. Abortion should only be legal in cases of documented health risks to the mother or child, and cases where rape or incest can be proved; all other reasons for abortion should be outlawed.
The New Prohibition
By Jonathan Schmidt
Any good general knows when losing a war it is better to cut your losses and pull out then take any more losses; in this case, the general is the United States government and the war is the “War on Drugs.”
The War on Drugs has been going on for over 20 years, it’s time it ended. The government started this prohibition thinking it was going to save lives; in the end it only made matters worse. Mary Ruwart, an avid member of the Libertarian party, wrote a book entitled Healing Our World. In this book is a chapter on the status of the War on Drugs.
Ruwart states in 1987 the federal prison population was made up of 36 percent drug offenders. This is scary, instead of our federal law enforcement arresting the murderers, the rapists, and the thieves it’s arresting the peaceful drug user. This makes our streets really safe at night. Ha! And the government continues to put federal funding into arresting the peaceful drug users and possessors.
The government does not realize this is a second prohibition. In the early 1900s the government put a prohibition an alcoholic beverages. Everyone knows people still drank; they made home-brews that made people sick some even caused fatalities.
The War on Drugs is also fatal. Because drugs are illegal, no one is watching over the production of these drugs, they could be impure, they could kill. Yet, if drugs were legal, the government could oversee the production of dugs, maintain how much is sold, and bring the death rates down considerably.
Needles are another cause of casualties in the War on Drugs. In Ruwart’s book, she talks about how people die from AIDS acquired from dirty and shared needles. Why do people share needles? Because the government does not regulate the sale because drugs are illegal! Ruwart says 3,500 drug users die from AIDS contracted from dirty needles every year. This could be stopped if the government sold needles, like Hong Kong where one can obtain a needle without a prescription and their drug users do not contract AIDS from dirty needles.
The government is worried about drug related deaths. Ruwart says 7,000 people die from drug overdose from illegal substances while 100,000 to 200,000 die from alcohol related deaths and 320,000 to 390,000 die from tobacco. Alcohol and tobacco are legal and the government is worried about the death rate from illegal substances?
More deaths are caused in black market turf wars. Because drugs are illegal and hard to come by, black market dealers steal from other dealers in order to keep a supply up. If drugs were legal, these deaths would go down considerably.
Robbery is a problem not only with black market dealers, but also with the everyday drug addict. Ruwart says because drugs are illegal, they are expensive. Addicts steal money in order to buy drugs. Now why aren’t people stealing in order to buy alcohol and cigarettes when people are addicted to those? Because they are legal! They are legal, therefore the government can regulate their manufacture and the prices go down, and stealing for liquor money just is not common since the prohibition ended.
These crimes and deaths mentioned before are just a fraction of what really happens, deaths related to medicinal marijuana being unavailable or taken away are frighteningly common as well. If the government made at least medicinal marijuana legal, death rates would go down considerably.As mentioned before, all of these accounts are less then half of everything that occurs. The casualty rates are high, general, don’t you think it’s time you pulled out of this war?
Any good general knows when losing a war it is better to cut your losses and pull out then take any more losses; in this case, the general is the United States government and the war is the “War on Drugs.”
The War on Drugs has been going on for over 20 years, it’s time it ended. The government started this prohibition thinking it was going to save lives; in the end it only made matters worse. Mary Ruwart, an avid member of the Libertarian party, wrote a book entitled Healing Our World. In this book is a chapter on the status of the War on Drugs.
Ruwart states in 1987 the federal prison population was made up of 36 percent drug offenders. This is scary, instead of our federal law enforcement arresting the murderers, the rapists, and the thieves it’s arresting the peaceful drug user. This makes our streets really safe at night. Ha! And the government continues to put federal funding into arresting the peaceful drug users and possessors.
The government does not realize this is a second prohibition. In the early 1900s the government put a prohibition an alcoholic beverages. Everyone knows people still drank; they made home-brews that made people sick some even caused fatalities.
The War on Drugs is also fatal. Because drugs are illegal, no one is watching over the production of these drugs, they could be impure, they could kill. Yet, if drugs were legal, the government could oversee the production of dugs, maintain how much is sold, and bring the death rates down considerably.
Needles are another cause of casualties in the War on Drugs. In Ruwart’s book, she talks about how people die from AIDS acquired from dirty and shared needles. Why do people share needles? Because the government does not regulate the sale because drugs are illegal! Ruwart says 3,500 drug users die from AIDS contracted from dirty needles every year. This could be stopped if the government sold needles, like Hong Kong where one can obtain a needle without a prescription and their drug users do not contract AIDS from dirty needles.
The government is worried about drug related deaths. Ruwart says 7,000 people die from drug overdose from illegal substances while 100,000 to 200,000 die from alcohol related deaths and 320,000 to 390,000 die from tobacco. Alcohol and tobacco are legal and the government is worried about the death rate from illegal substances?
More deaths are caused in black market turf wars. Because drugs are illegal and hard to come by, black market dealers steal from other dealers in order to keep a supply up. If drugs were legal, these deaths would go down considerably.
Robbery is a problem not only with black market dealers, but also with the everyday drug addict. Ruwart says because drugs are illegal, they are expensive. Addicts steal money in order to buy drugs. Now why aren’t people stealing in order to buy alcohol and cigarettes when people are addicted to those? Because they are legal! They are legal, therefore the government can regulate their manufacture and the prices go down, and stealing for liquor money just is not common since the prohibition ended.
These crimes and deaths mentioned before are just a fraction of what really happens, deaths related to medicinal marijuana being unavailable or taken away are frighteningly common as well. If the government made at least medicinal marijuana legal, death rates would go down considerably.As mentioned before, all of these accounts are less then half of everything that occurs. The casualty rates are high, general, don’t you think it’s time you pulled out of this war?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)