5th Op-Ed
Science is in the Details
By: Sam Harris
In his article, Sam Harris steps outside the line to attack Francis Collins’ way of thinking and try to win people over to his side (him being the author of The End of Faith). In this article he first lays out all that Mr. Collins has accomplished (like leading the Genome Project) to then question his compatibility for the job of head of the National Institute of Health. Harris explains what Collins believes by using his slide show that he showed a group of students at the University of California at Berkeley. In short, what Harris finds troubling is the fact that God, at the particular time in evolutionary history, gave man a soul, free will, and the knowledge of good and evil. This small belief which has had no affect on his success in the past is a serious concern to Harris because Mr. Collins will be in charge of a $30 billion health budget and will be representing the USA. Harris then goes on the subtly call anyone who believes in anything but total evolution an idiot. He compares it to understanding that there are particles in air. That it may be hard to understand, but we higher level people know it to be true. Also, thinking like a scientist is at the very hardest with religion. Harris is worried that Collins’ religion will not allow him to accept the truth in certain situations. That when confronted with a new scientific truth, that he will just insist it is God’s doing and can not fully understand it.
In this article, Harris basically just attacks Collins’ views and tries to make his ideas seem immature. He writes by starting out stating his concern, then giving some facts, informing us why we should be concerned, and then finally ending it by making it seem that Obama has made a very bad decision. I believe that this article is unreasonable and unnecessary. First of all, Mr. Collins has accomplished a ton in his scientific career and his faith has never held him back. This is a minor issue in this country if that. I can’t believe that there are many other people out there like him (as his says) that are losing sleep about such an issue. Even with Harris’ doubts, Mr. Collins will do very well in his position.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
4th Op-Ed
Warrantless Criticism
Michael Hayden director of the C.I.A
In this article Mr. Hayden comments about the various criticism that the National Security Agency and specifically the Surveillance Program has gotten. He argues that the program was effective, lawful and necessary. The first concern he addresses is that the many levels of the program hurt its effectiveness. Because of the many levels of classification, what information professionals call “connecting the dots” did not happen during the 9/11 attack. Hayden agrees that this can be an issue, but it is completely necessary to insure the safety of the country. The next claim he tackles is that Congress was not aware of the full capability of such a program. Hayden says that actually, Congress could not use the program to its full extent because of the restriction placed on the program by the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. When he briefed Congress in 2001 through 2005, he continuously made the point that the CIA could not fully act under these restrictions. The next topic he deals with (and most likely the most discussed) is the lawfulness of this program. In response he first says that agency lawyers assisted in the review of the program. Lastly, Hayden addresses the people that believe that their personal lives are being invaded by this program. He assures these people that any wiretapping done is done with Congress in the loop. Also, he mentions that in a recent review the reviewer noted that the program has had: “No evidence of intentional misuse”. In his final words he stresses that he tells his men that since this is a sensitive issue, they must do exactly what the President says and nothing more.
Michael Hayden writes in a very direct manor. He essentially is writing a 5 paragraph essay. He has an introduction, he proves that the program is effective, necessary, and lawful and finishes off with the conclusion. It seems that he somewhat aggravated with all of these claims and is now happy to clear up all confusion. He writes a manor to quickly address the concerns and answer all complaints that he has heard. As the head of the CIA, I think he might know something about what he is talking about. It is good that someone as high up as him can talk to a large amount of people to clear up their concerns.
Michael Hayden director of the C.I.A
In this article Mr. Hayden comments about the various criticism that the National Security Agency and specifically the Surveillance Program has gotten. He argues that the program was effective, lawful and necessary. The first concern he addresses is that the many levels of the program hurt its effectiveness. Because of the many levels of classification, what information professionals call “connecting the dots” did not happen during the 9/11 attack. Hayden agrees that this can be an issue, but it is completely necessary to insure the safety of the country. The next claim he tackles is that Congress was not aware of the full capability of such a program. Hayden says that actually, Congress could not use the program to its full extent because of the restriction placed on the program by the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. When he briefed Congress in 2001 through 2005, he continuously made the point that the CIA could not fully act under these restrictions. The next topic he deals with (and most likely the most discussed) is the lawfulness of this program. In response he first says that agency lawyers assisted in the review of the program. Lastly, Hayden addresses the people that believe that their personal lives are being invaded by this program. He assures these people that any wiretapping done is done with Congress in the loop. Also, he mentions that in a recent review the reviewer noted that the program has had: “No evidence of intentional misuse”. In his final words he stresses that he tells his men that since this is a sensitive issue, they must do exactly what the President says and nothing more.
Michael Hayden writes in a very direct manor. He essentially is writing a 5 paragraph essay. He has an introduction, he proves that the program is effective, necessary, and lawful and finishes off with the conclusion. It seems that he somewhat aggravated with all of these claims and is now happy to clear up all confusion. He writes a manor to quickly address the concerns and answer all complaints that he has heard. As the head of the CIA, I think he might know something about what he is talking about. It is good that someone as high up as him can talk to a large amount of people to clear up their concerns.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
One Giant Leap to Nowhere
Tom Wolfe
Nick Jeon
Reach for the stars. Does that sound familiar? It should, since we constantly look towards the stars in our life. However, NASA doesn't seem to be thinking on the same level as us. Ever since Neil Armstrong landed on the moon, we haven't made any leaps in space exploration. Instead, we've been focusing too much on the Earth. Why? It is simply because there doesn't seem to be a reason to go any further. The force driving us to landing on the moon was simply the necessity to beat the Soviet Union. After we beat them, we were left with a pretty tough question. Now what? There are some men that advocate reaching out to the heavens. Yet, they have a small voice, especially since we are at, as Wolfe calls it, "the teeth of Depression II.
Mr. Wolfe persuades his readers by going through the history of the space race and explaining it as he goes. He also appeals to pathos by telling us about our destiny. Out of the previous op-ed articles, this was one of the most persuasive. He ends it well by sending us out to build a "bridge to the stars".
"The Angel's Cocktail"
"The Angel's Cocktail" is an interesting work, consisting of political ideas, personal reflections, and scathing remarks. Garrison Keillor, the author, reflects on a conversation in a restaurant that he overheard in which a group of college girls joke about the practice of euthanasia. Although Keillor seems disturbed by their humor, he seems to sympathize with their situation by blaming the changing ground of American politics and economy for the instability of today's youth. He reflects upon the irresponsibility and loss of his college years and seems to relate to the joking girls. In the final paragraph of his article, Keillor's thoughts wander from politics and morals to the loss of a lover from his college years.
Keillor's article seems scatter-brained and poorly organized. He begins to address intriguing ideas but fails to follow though. The article begins to read like a personal journal, causing the reader to be slightly repulsed by the sensuality of his memories. His personal reflections do not connect well with the rest of the work and do not belong in an opinion-editorial article. Keillor has the potential to be a skillful author but needs develop his organizational skills. Despite its flaws, "The Angel's Cocktail"presents interesting concepts and shows potential for a meaningful article.
Keillor's article seems scatter-brained and poorly organized. He begins to address intriguing ideas but fails to follow though. The article begins to read like a personal journal, causing the reader to be slightly repulsed by the sensuality of his memories. His personal reflections do not connect well with the rest of the work and do not belong in an opinion-editorial article. Keillor has the potential to be a skillful author but needs develop his organizational skills. Despite its flaws, "The Angel's Cocktail"presents interesting concepts and shows potential for a meaningful article.
"Too Poor to Make the News"
Barbara Ehrenreich, the author of multiple non-fiction books, has traveled around the nation to study how the recession has effected the class whom she has titled the "already poor". She believes that although the stories of fallen middle-class families make gripping headlines, it is the lower-class that is experiencing the most difficulty. While the average family is having to cut back on vacations and entertainment, the "already poor" and being forced to cancel prescription medications and move in with relatives who are already attempting to squeeze a five member family into a two bedroom apartment. Her studies show that blue-collar jobs are being cut back more swiftly than white-collar jobs, leaving janitors, maids, and other already low-wage workers without sufficient income. While most families are finding the recession inconvenient and worrisome, the "already poor" are finding it difficult to place food on the table.
Ehrenreich is a proven and successful author whose most recent op-ed article is compelling and enlightening. Her use of personal experiences and direct quotations bring the stories of the "already poor" to life and reveal the true victims of the recession. Ehrenreich's article contains many quotations for those who are suffering, revealing a type of heartbreak and desperation that is typically hidden by today's mainstream media. "Too Poor to Make the News" is a stunningly unique and beautiful work that should be read and appreciated by all are attempting to thrive in this financially trying time.
Ehrenreich is a proven and successful author whose most recent op-ed article is compelling and enlightening. Her use of personal experiences and direct quotations bring the stories of the "already poor" to life and reveal the true victims of the recession. Ehrenreich's article contains many quotations for those who are suffering, revealing a type of heartbreak and desperation that is typically hidden by today's mainstream media. "Too Poor to Make the News" is a stunningly unique and beautiful work that should be read and appreciated by all are attempting to thrive in this financially trying time.
"Overseas, Under the Knife"
Recently, many Americans have been traveling overseas in pursuit of cheaper medical care. Most seek cosmetic surgeries but a growing number of American citizens are recieving more complicated procedures such as heart surgery and joint replacements in nations like India, Singapore, and Thailand. Mercer Health and Benifits, a consulting group, has gathered data reveiling that well-regarded hospitals overseas charge 60 to 90 percent less than the average American medical center. And although the fees are consistantly lower, overseas care often achieves the same high standard of well ranked American hospitals.
The opinion-editorial authors of "Overseas, Under the Knife" have done a magnificent job of presenting the positive aspects of oversea medical care but fail to address the possible complications. For instance, the money saved on medical expenses could be quickly used up for purchasing airline tickets to and from the nation in which the hospital is located. Also, when overseas, patients are seperated from their family as well as their routine care doctor. Though the prices may seem tempting, the details of travel expenses and comfort should be considered before opting for overseas care.
The opinion-editorial authors of "Overseas, Under the Knife" have done a magnificent job of presenting the positive aspects of oversea medical care but fail to address the possible complications. For instance, the money saved on medical expenses could be quickly used up for purchasing airline tickets to and from the nation in which the hospital is located. Also, when overseas, patients are seperated from their family as well as their routine care doctor. Though the prices may seem tempting, the details of travel expenses and comfort should be considered before opting for overseas care.
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