Contemporary Issue #2

http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=8728575847981411877

Myths about HPV Vaccine - Dawn Turner Trice

The myths about HPV, or genital warts, and the vaccine for it get linked in our society. It was even mentioned in Michelle Bachman's debate about "HPV linked to mental retardation." Trice implies a disease has a part in political affairs and debates. Trice also exemplifies the low interest in the HPV vaccine when other vaccines are put first, like meningitis or whooping cough. We see the division between a disease "we can see and treat", versus a disease we "can't see" and people don't tend to care. As such, Trice emphasizes the risk of women's welfare and the need for the vaccine. Trice also states that "morality mixed with public health" makes bad decisions. We don't expect people to be sexually active and have to be pre-vaccinated. Everyone needs to be cautious, regardless.

This topic is relevant because of the number of diseases troubling the public. Plus, there are complexities about the use of vaccines for rising diseases that can prove worthy of research. The subsequent research will help create a question of the efficiency of medicine and the effects it has on the public.

Contemporary Issues 1

Diving into news...the Chicago Bulls are 15-3.

Enough about that, this marking period, we're focusing on contemporary issues for research.

Let's start with an Economic topic, from columnist Paul Krugman of NY Times.


http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/23/opinion/krugman-is-our-economy-healing.html?_r=1&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss

Krugman is starting his circle of hope and optimism for the healing economy. He states that the housing bust and excessive private debt is finally easing, given that America is underprovided by housing. However, Krugman says that even if we "squint" at the good data, all we hear about in debates is the rising government debt, which overshadows the hopeful evidence of the economy. Krugman then compares the U.S. economy to the European economy, and how they're too busy debating the morals of actions, not making any progress in resolving the problem. Finally,  Krugman shows a sense that things could've been worse if Obama's Republican opponent's goals were followed instead, such as "low interest rates and slashed federal spending."

With this story, there opens a door for further research of the background of the economy, from how the economy plummeted, and how that affected the U.S.' situation. Issues of how to better the economy arise, which can change opinions of others.

Announcements from the Big Man

Let's talk once again about decisions a leader makes, especially pertaining to the U.S. Government and President Obama.

According to the president's announcement, the Iraq War may be ended officially, ending years of fighting against Iraq.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/22/world/middleeast/president-obama-announces-end-of-war-in-iraq.html?ref=opinion

-There is concern about Iran and Iraq, and the ability of the forces trained by the Americans. The only reason for Americans to stay there was to prepare the military for levels of violence.

-Lots of disputes within the political system about the decision of pulling troops out. The question is if Obama was unable to negotiate with the Iraqi Government and had to order the troops back, or a miscalculation of political action occurred.

-The notion of nationalism comes to play. The Iraqi government is negotiating whether to keep the American presence in Iraq existing. There are ideas of sending Iraqi trainees to other countries in the Middle East to be trained by American Troops. Still, there still lies the hope that Iraq will be a strong democratic nation that will be a partner to the U.S. in the Middle East.