Final! Part 5 Research

Coral Catastrophe

As the death toll rises, science falls behind. Deaths occur every day, but none as devastating as the multi-use coral. Coral have been around for millions of years supplying the world with many of its essentials, but after all those years, disease, pollution, and human interaction have made an enormous impact on the coral colonies, causing death. Science is trying hard to keep up with the constant changes in coral and the amount of death it has. Although it is a race against the clocks, it is important to save the coral reefs because they provide shelter for aquatic animals, have medicinal uses, and protect coastal communities against storms.

Coral itself is a living creature. Coral can be found in many different formations, with several varying characteristics. This is why it can be found in many bodies of water around the world. It provides habitats for marine life throughout most oceans around the world. Brian Skoloff reports that, “25% of all marine species needs coral reefs to live and grow, while 40% of the fish caught commercially use reefs to breed." As a habitat it provides thousands of species with shelter, food and protection against enemies. The many different species of fish that the live in the coral; also reproduce in the coral. They use the coral as a safeguard against predators where their eggs will be kept safe. Without coral these thousands of species wouldn’t have the means to survive. Aside from being a center of life for many of the thriving populations below the sea, coral draws huge attention as a magnificent sight for tourists to come see. Each year travelers come from around the world to scuba dive and snorkel along shores with coral reefs. Not only do tourists swim alongside the coral but marine biologists do as well. The reef fish and mollusks that live in the coral feed about 30 to 40 million people every year (Wilkinson 2002). Coral is a fascinating life form that draws many researchers to ocean depths to try to understand its structure and uses.
Coral is absolutely necessary for not only life underwater, but life on land as well. It and its inhabitants have many medicinal uses. The economic value of coral is estimated to be at about $375 billion annually (Wilkinson 2002). Many of the marine animals that are housed by the coral are immobile. Since they are unable to flee from danger, they produce toxins that ward off predators. These toxins happen to have other uses as well, such as histamines, hormones, and antibiotics that are used by pharmaceutical companies. It is essential that the reefs are kept alive, because with the loss of these reefs, very important medicines will not be able to be produced again. The medicines produced have also been proven to help in the fight against HIV/AIDS, cancer, asthma, and arthritis. Many tests and studies have been undergone to artificially produce the same things produced by the corals and its inhabitants. There are still numerous ocean regions teeming with life that have yet to be discovered. The new species found there could hold the cures for many of the diseases fought today.
Coral also protect communities against storms. They act as a barrier, thus the name The Great Barrier Reef. It slows the storm down and lessons the blow to the coast. Tsunamis with massive swells are dampened by the reef, slowing down the water and its fast currents. A large part of the destruction of the reefs is caused by nature, but scientists say that reefs that have had human interaction are less likely to survive than those hit by hurricanes or tsunamis. In 1998, the tropical storm El Nino destroyed nearly 15% of the coral worldwide in just six months(Oliver 2007). The natural disasters that the coral help dampen effect the coral a great deal. It is very rough on the coral, causing it to be exposed and it can induce some climate changes that can cause bleaching and disease. The coral that protects the coastal communities is dwindling away for numerous reasons. A few of these are human interaction, overfishing, pollution, and rising sea temperatures caused by global warming.

The coral reefs are at the most risk due to human interaction and their fishing. Humans who try to take coral as a souvenir or just touch it while they are snorkeling cause a great amount of damage to the reefs, mainly their polyps. They are extremely fragile and even the smallest of disturbances can affect them. Humans try different tactics to catch fish, such as dynamite, poison, and large nets. All of these cause damage to the reefs, killing them in most cases. Fishermen drop anchor on the reef or fish away the ecosystem that keeps the coral alive. The fish eat much of the seaweed in the ocean. When the supply of fish is depleted due to overfishing, the seaweed grows up and “strangles” the coral(Baker S. 2008). Overfishing takes quite the toll on the underwater ecosystem provided by coral.

Pollution is another significant factor that contributes to the coral death. Waste is dumped into the ocean, debris floats out to sea, and trash is thrown in the water at the beach. The pollution blocks the sunlight the coral thrives on to produce photosynthesis by their symbiotic algae. Pollutants also raise the acidity in the water, contributing to bleaching. Other harmful effects on coral from pollution include, but are not limited to, “coral smothering, increased disease, weaker coral skeletons, reduced diversity, and mortality" (Smither 2003).

The zooxanthellae are symbiotic algae that live in the coral tissue and provide both food and color for the coral. The coral and its algae are extremely sensitive to temperature changes. Slight 1-2 degrees centigrade changes in the water for a 5 to 10 day period can bleach the coral almost entirely. “When corals bleach they commonly lose 60-90% of their zooxanthellae and each zooxanthellae may lose 50-80% of its photosynthetic pigments" (Buchheim,1998). Global warming affects the water temperature, causing it to fluctuate. Small but prolonged rises in sea temperature force coral colonies to expel their symbiotic, food-producing algae, a process known as bleaching. Bleaching is hard to recover from, but it possible. Some Indian Ocean corals have suffered a 70% mortality rate(Oliver 2007). Burning fossil fuels releases carbon, which in turn is absorbed by the ocean(Skoloff). “Increasing carbon dioxide emissions could leave species such as coral and sea urchins struggling to survive by the end of the century because they are making the oceans more acidic" (Mark 2008). In order to stop this, humans need to reduce the production of greenhouse gases and other large quantities of carbon dioxide/emissions.

There are hundreds of organizations who are helping to fight the battle against coral death. The government has appointed special funding for its own government agency for the protection of ecosystems/habitats. They understand that coral, especially in developing countries, is depended upon by more than 500 million people (Wilkinson 2002). With so many people dependent on the coral, it is essential that a cure or a way to fight back to save coral is found. These groups do just that, with research and studies providing significant results that are crucial to saving the coral. Many scientists have started growing coral in baskets out in the ocean so it cannot be harmed by the predators or humans. In doing this, coral is able to grow in a much more controlled environment. These small steps aid the coral colonies immensely.

Coral interacts with so many different marine species, it is of great economic importance to the world, and it is a source of food for many cultures. Scientists are studying day and night all around the world trying to solve the mystery of the reefs. Why are they dying off? Is there a cure? Many scientists believe it is not but a mere lapse in the evolutionary chain. Coral reefs have been around for more than 20 million years. Many researchers believe that the reefs are just in a slump for the time being (Smither 2003). They have survived this long with natural disasters and other diseases, why should they become extinct now? Perhaps it is just a new phase in the coral lifetime, a time for the old to die out and the new to take over. It is time to re adapt to the new era. Evolution is necessary for survival. The coral with a higher tolerance for pollution and CO2 will prevail. Evidence has been shown that some algal symbionts with increased thermal tolerance are more abundant on reefs that have been more severely impacted by the rise in temperature(Baker A. 2004). As seen with all other living organisms in times for adaptation, the weak die and the immune grow, producing stronger and more fit offspring. The coral show some signs of reef-building in the warmer waters, proving that there may just be hope for the reefs.
The reefs are an essential part of the earth. They provide so much and we give back so little. The coral reefs must be saved. The groups and organizations who help to save the marine habitats a main reason the coral are still hanging on to life. The coral are declining at such a rapid pace, that several have been put on the endangered species list. The more involved each and every person gets, the slower the reefs will die. Perhaps they will even make a comeback! If the present rate of destruction continues, 70% of the world's coral reefs will be destroyed by the year 2050(Agency 2007). Coral are immensely fascinating organisms that are dying quickly. Science is unable to keep up with the rate at which it is dying. Coral destruction is a fight that everyone must take part in.






Works Cited

Agency Group 04. "U.S. Coral Reef Task Force Unveils Groundbreaking Plan Will Tackle Major Risks to Economy, Consumers, Environment Plan Calls For Protecting 20 Percent of All U.S. Coral Reefs by 2010." FDCH Regulatory Intelligence Database (n.d.). Business Source Premier. EBSCO. University of Alaska Fairbanks Rasmuson Library, Fairbanks, AK. 12 Nov. 2008 .

Baker, Andrew C., et al. "Coral Reefs: Corals' Adaptive Response to Climate Change.." Nature 430.7001 (12 Aug. 2004): 741-741. Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition. EBSCO. University of Alaska Fairbanks Rasmuson Library, Fairbanks, AK. 14 Nov. 2008 .

Baker, Sherry. "Rescuing the Reefs." Discover 29.6 (June 2008): 15-15. Academic Search Premier. EBSCO. University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK. 1 Nov. 2008 .

Buchheim, Jason. "Coral Reef Bleaching." Odyssey Expeditions. 1998. Marine Biology Learning Center. 23 Oct. 2008 .

Glynn, PW. "Coral Reef Bleaching: Facts, Hypotheses and Implications." Global Change Biology 2006 2:495-509.

Mark Henderson Science Editor. "Global Warming Making Sea an 'Acid Bath'." (n.d.)9 June 2008. TOPICsearch. EBSCO.University of Alaska Fairbanks Rasmuson Library, Fairbanks, AK. 15 Oct. 2008 http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=tth&AN=7EH2149143007&site=ehost-live.

Oliver, Rachel. "All About: Coral Reefs." CNN: EcoSolutions. 11 Dec. 2007. CNN. 15 Oct. 2008
http://www.cnn.com/2007/business/12/10/reefs.canaries/index.html?section=cnn_latest.

Sheridan, Michael. "Coral Transplants Rebuild Reefs Wrecked in Tsunami." (n.d.). 15 Oct. 2006. TOPICsearch. EBSCO. University of Alaska Fairbanks Rasmuson Library, Fairbanks, AK. 15 Oct. 2008
http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=tth&AN=7EH3015538549&site=ehost-live

Skoloff, Brian. "NOAA Report: US Coral Reefs in Severe Decline." SFGate.com. 7 July 2008.SFC.15 Oct. 2008 http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2008/07/07/national/a140231d01.dtl&type=printable.

Smither, Scott. “Coral Reefs in Crisis: Can the World’s Coral Reefs Survive?” Geodate 16.4 (Aug. 2003): 1-4. Academic Search Premier. EBSCO. University of Alaska Fairbanks Rasmuson Libraray, Fairbanks, AK. 31 Oct. 2008. http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/detail?vid=5&hid=109&sid=ed041516-4a26-479c-8f06-fd153c202817%40sessionmgr109&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=aph&AN=10846077

Wilkinson, C. Status of Coral Reefs of the World: 2002. Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville. 16 Oct. 2008 .

Part 4 Research

Coral Catastrophe

As the death toll rises, science falls behind. Deaths occur every day, but none as devastating as the multi-use coral. Coral have been around for millions of years supplying the world with many of its essentials, but after all those years, disease, pollution, and human interaction have made an enormous impact on the coral colonies, causing death. Science is trying hard to keep up with the constant changes in coral and the amount of death it has. Although it is a race against the clocks, it is important to save the coral reefs because they provide shelter for aquatic animals, have medicinal uses, and protect coastal communities against storms.

Coral itself is a living creature. Coral can be found in many different formations, with several varying characteristics. This is why it can be found in many bodies of water around the world. It provides habitats for marine life throughout most oceans around the world. “25% of all marine species needs coral reefs to live and grow, while 40% of the fish caught commercially use reefs to breed”(Skoloff 2008).As a habitat it provides thousands of species with shelter, food and protection against enemies. The many different species of fish that the live in the coral; also reproduce in the coral. They use the coral as a safeguard against predators where their eggs will be kept safe. Without coral these thousands of species wouldn’t have the means to survive. Aside from being a center of life for many of the thriving populations below the sea, coral draws huge attention as a magnificent sight for tourists to come see. Each year travelers come from around the world to scuba dive and snorkel along shores with coral reefs. Not only do tourists swim alongside the coral but marine biologists do as well. The reef fish and mollusks that live in the coral feed about 30 to 40 million people every year (Wilkinson 2002). Coral is a fascinating life form that draws many researchers to ocean depths to try to understand its structure and uses.
Coral is absolutely necessary for not only life underwater, but life on land as well. It and its inhabitants have many medicinal uses. The economic value of coral is estimated to be at about $375 billion annually (Wilkinson 2002). Many of the marine animals that are housed by the coral are immobile. Since they are unable to flee from danger, they produce toxins that ward off predators. These toxins happen to have other uses as well, such as histamines, hormones, and antibiotics that are used by pharmaceutical companies. It is essential that the reefs are kept alive, because with the loss of these reefs, very important medicines will not be able to be produced again. The medicines produced have also been proven to help in the fight against HIV/AIDS, cancer, asthma, and arthritis. Many tests and studies have been undergone to artificially produce the same things produced by the corals and its inhabitants. There are still numerous ocean regions teeming with life that have yet to be discovered. The new species found there could hold the cures for many of the diseases fought today.
Coral also protect communities against storms. They act as a barrier, thus the name The Great Barrier Reef. It slows the storm down and lessons the blow to the coast. Tsunamis with massive swells are dampened by the reef, slowing down the water and its fast currents. A large part of the destruction of the reefs is caused by nature, but scientists say that reefs that have had human interaction are less likely to survive than those hit by hurricanes or tsunamis. In 1998, the tropical storm El Nino destroyed nearly 15% of the coral worldwide in just six months(Oliver 2007). The natural disasters that the coral help dampen effect the coral a great deal. It is very rough on the coral, causing it to be exposed and it can induce some climate changes that can cause bleaching and disease. The coral that protects the coastal communities is dwindling away for numerous reasons. A few of these are human interaction, overfishing, pollution, and rising sea temperatures caused by global warming.

The coral reefs are at the most risk due to human interaction and their fishing. Humans who try to take coral as a souvenir or just touch it while they are snorkeling cause a great amount of damage to the reefs, mainly their polyps. They are extremely fragile and even the smallest of disturbances can affect them. Humans try different tactics to catch fish, such as dynamite, poison, and large nets. All of these cause damage to the reefs, killing them in most cases. Fishermen drop anchor on the reef or fish away the ecosystem that keeps the coral alive. The fish eat much of the seaweed in the ocean. When the supply of fish is depleted due to overfishing, the seaweed grows up and “strangles” the coral(Baker S. 2008). Overfishing takes quite the toll on the underwater ecosystem provided by coral.

Pollution is another significant factor that contributes to the coral death. Waste is dumped into the ocean, debris floats out to sea, and trash is thrown in the water at the beach. The pollution blocks the sunlight the coral thrives on to produce photosynthesis by their symbiotic algae. Pollutants also raise the acidity in the water, contributing to bleaching. Other harmful effects on coral from pollution include, but are not limited to, “coral smothering, increased disease, weaker coral skeletons, reduced diversity, and mortality (Smither 2003).”

The zooxanthellae are symbiotic algae that live in the coral tissue and provide both food and color for the coral. The coral and its algae are extremely sensitive to temperature changes. Slight 1-2 degrees centigrade changes in the water for a 5 to 10 day period can bleach the coral almost entirely. “When corals bleach they commonly lose 60-90% of their zooxanthellae and each zooxanthellae may lose 50-80% of its photosynthetic pigments(Buchheim,1998). Global warming affects the water temperature, causing it to fluctuate. Small but prolonged rises in sea temperature force coral colonies to expel their symbiotic, food-producing algae, a process known as bleaching. Bleaching is hard to recover from, but it possible. Some Indian Ocean corals have suffered a 70% mortality rate(Oliver 2007). Burning fossil fuels releases carbon, which in turn is absorbed by the ocean(Skoloff). “Increasing carbon dioxide emissions could leave species such as coral and sea urchins struggling to survive by the end of the century because they are making the oceans more acidic(Mark 2008)”. In order to stop this, humans need to reduce the production of greenhouse gases and other large quantities of carbon dioxide/emissions.

There are hundreds of organizations who are helping to fight the battle against coral death. The government has appointed special funding for its own government agency for the protection of ecosystems/habitats. They understand that coral, especially in developing countries, is depended upon by more than 500 million people (Wilkinson 2002). With so many people dependent on the coral, it is essential that a cure or a way to fight back to save coral is found. These groups do just that, with research and studies providing significant results that are crucial to saving the coral. Many scientists have started growing coral in baskets out in the ocean so it cannot be harmed by the predators or humans. In doing this, coral is able to grow in a much more controlled environment. These small steps aid the coral colonies immensely.

Coral interacts with so many different marine species, it is of great economic importance to the world, and it is a source of food for many cultures. Scientists are studying day and night all around the world trying to solve the mystery of the reefs. Why are they dying off? Is there a cure? Many scientists believe it is not but a mere lapse in the evolutionary chain. Coral reefs have been around for more than 20 million years. Many researchers believe that the reefs are just in a slump for the time being (Smither 2003). They have survived this long with natural disasters and other diseases, why should they become extinct now? Perhaps it is just a new phase in the coral lifetime, a time for the old to die out and the new to take over. It is time to re adapt to the new era. Evolution is necessary for survival. The coral with a higher tolerance for pollution and CO2 will prevail. Evidence has been shown that some algal symbionts with increased thermal tolerance are more abundant on reefs that have been more severely impacted by the rise in temperature(Baker A. 2004). As seen with all other living organisms in times for adaptation, the weak die and the immune grow, producing stronger and more fit offspring. The coral show some signs of reef-building in the warmer waters, proving that there may just be hope for the reefs.
The reefs are an essential part of the earth. They provide so much and we give back so little. The coral reefs must be saved. The groups and organizations who help to save the marine habitats a main reason the coral are still hanging on to life. The coral are declining at such a rapid pace, that several have been put on the endangered species list. The more involved each and every person gets, the slower the reefs will die. Perhaps they will even make a comeback! If the present rate of destruction continues, 70% of the world's coral reefs will be destroyed by the year 2050(Agency 2007). Coral are immensely fascinating organisms that are dying quickly. Science is unable to keep up with the rate at which it is dying. Coral destruction is a fight that everyone must take part in.






Works Cited

AGENCY GROUP 04. "U.S. CORAL REEF TASK FORCE UNVEILS GROUNDBREAKING PLAN WILL TACKLE MAJOR RISKS TO ECONOMY, CONSUMERS, ENVIRONMENT PLAN CALLS FOR PROTECTING 20 PERCENT OF ALL U.S. CORAL REEFS BY 2010." FDCH Regulatory Intelligence Database (n.d.). Business Source Premier. EBSCO. University of Alaska Fairbanks Rasmuson Library, Fairbanks, AK. 12 Nov. 2008 .

Baker, Andrew C., et al. "Coral reefs: Corals' adaptive response to climate change.." Nature 430.7001 (12 Aug. 2004): 741-741. Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition. EBSCO. University of Alaska Fairbanks Rasmuson Library, Fairbanks, AK. 14 Nov. 2008 .

Baker, Sherry. "RESCUING THE REEFS." Discover 29.6 (June 2008): 15-15. Academic Search Premier. EBSCO. University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK. 1 Nov. 2008 .

Buchheim, Jason. "Coral Reef Bleaching." Odyssey Expeditions. 1998. Marine Biology Learning Center. 23 Oct. 2008 .

Glynn PW (1996) Coral reef bleaching: facts, hypotheses and implications. Global Change Biology 2:495-509.

Mark Henderson Science Editor. 9 June 2008. "Global warming making sea an 'acid bath'." (n.d.). TOPICsearch. EBSCO.University of Alaska Fairbanks Rasmuson Library, Fairbanks, AK. 15 Oct. 2008 http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=tth&AN=7EH2149143007&site=ehost-live.

Oliver, Rachel. "All About: Coral Reefs." CNN: EcoSolutions. 11 Dec. 2007. CNN. 15 Oct. 2008
http://www.cnn.com/2007/business/12/10/reefs.canaries/index.html?section=cnn_latest.

Sheridan, Michael. "Coral transplants rebuild reefs wrecked in tsunami." (n.d.). 15 Oct. 2006. TOPICsearch. EBSCO. University of Alaska Fairbanks Rasmuson Library, Fairbanks, AK. 15 Oct. 2008
http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=tth&AN=7EH3015538549&site=ehost-live

Skoloff, Brian. "NOAA report: US coral reefs in severe decline." SFGate.com. 7 July 2008.SFC.15 Oct. 2008 http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2008/07/07/national/a140231d01.dtl&type=printable.

Smither, Scott. “Coral Reefs in Crisis: can the world’s coral reefs survive?.” Geodate 16.4 (Aug. 2003): 1-4. Academic Search Premier. EBSCO. University of Alaska Fairbanks Rasmuson Libraray, Fairbanks, AK. 31 Oct. 2008. http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/detail?vid=5&hid=109&sid=ed041516-4a26-479c-8f06-fd153c202817%40sessionmgr109&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=aph&AN=10846077

Wilkinson, C. Status of coral reefs of the world: 2002. Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville. 16 Oct. 2008 .

Hail to the Chief

The Presidential debates have brought about several new tax reform proposals. The most significant of these proposals is that of Presidential Electee Barack Obama. He proposed tax cuts for those making under $75,000 a year and higher taxes for those making $200,000 to $250,000 a year. Although newly elected President Barack Obama believes that taxing the rich will help support the middle class, this type of taxing will actually yield harsh criticism and citizen discontent because wealthier Americans don't want to pay for the middle and lower classes, wealthier Americans won't see it as fair, and it will put Obama in a vulnerable position.

Wealthy Americans do not see fit that they should be the ones supporting the rest of the U.S. Many of them worked hard for the money they now have. Why should they have to pay more if they worked harder? The rich were given tax cuts during George Bush’s reign as President. This was not something the wealthy asked for, but just something that was given to them. Bush was irresponsible in giving the wealthy a tax cut. According to Liz Sidoti, “Obama, the Democrat, seemingly has a traditional liberal outlook of taxing the rich more while having the government help people of more modest means through tax breaks” (Sidoti 2008). The rich are not an advocate to losing a piece of their money in order to help pay for the middle and lower classes.

Several wealthy Americans have however, responded in a positive manner, saying that as long as the extra tax money is going towards a good cause, such as school funding, getting out of poverty, or any other productive expenditure, they were fine with it. The Bush tax cuts were not good for the middle class. They were meant to benefit the wealthy. There have been higher unemployment rates, more poverty, and a greater debt for America. Barack Obama responded to George Bush’s State of the Union Address saying, "We heard the President say he wants to make tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans permanent, when we know that at a time of war and economic hardship, the last thing we need is a permanent tax cut for Americans who don't need them and weren't even asking for them. What we need is a middle class tax cut, and that's exactly what I will provide as President" (Obama 2008). Tax cuts for the middle/lower classes and raising the taxes back to what they were for the wealthier citizens may just be what this country needs for stabilization.

The recent stock market fluctuations have hit the wealthy hard. They are losing money and having a hard time during this economic crisis just like everyone else. It is not fair in their eyes that the taxes be raised for them. Many of the wealthy have worked hard to get where they are today. Taxing them higher is like punishing them for all the hard work they have poured into becoming successful over the years. The wealthy will not see the taxes as being fair. It is their money and being punished for having more is not right. The rich are not all alike. Many are giving and cherish helping those in need. With the taxes being raised back to how they were in the 1990’s, the economy may be able to start its ascent to stability.

Obama will be put into a very vulnerable position with the tax reforms on the wealthy. There are death threats floating around against him. Many assumptions point towards the wealthy white politicians who are the ones who are doing the threatening. They are upset over taxes and feel that they could easily throw the blame on white supremacists. Barack is in a very compromising position where he needs to be careful. America is on edge in this day and age.

Much of America is on Obama’s side though. Middle America makes up the vast majority of the U.S. and they support the taxation reforms. Economic stability is key in the survival of America. We need change. Barack is very brave to stand up and put forth effort to fix America. In these times, help is needed and money is scarce. The taxing will provide more for Americans.

The tax reforms proposed by Barack Obama are essential for America. In order to succeed, everyone needs to pitch in. The wealthy may feel that it unjustified and unfair, but really it is for the good of the country. Barack is putting himself in a vulnerable position, showing that he is willing to rhisk it all for a better change. With a new tax reform and Bush out of office, economic stability may just be possible in the near future.





Obama, Barack H. "Response to the State of the Union." Washington, D.C. 12 Nov. 2008.

Sidoti, Liz. "McCain, Obama Offer Different Visions on Taxes." AARP Bulletin Today. 17 June 2008.
AARP. 24 Nov. 2008
http://bulletin.aarp.org/yourworld/politics/articles/mccain_obama_offer_different_visions_on_taxes.html?cmp=knc-360i-google-bull&hbx_ou=50&hbx_pk=obama_tax_plan>.

Lindsey Grennan Cause/Effect Workshop

1. Although perscription drugs are prescribed to help patients, there are not always benefits because they are addictive, abused, and in many cases a way of tearing apart a family.
2. Yes, Yes.
3. List the cause(s). Thousands of anti-depressants and mood stabilizers are prescribed each year.
4. List the effect(s). They have addictive tendencies, they are often abused, and the abuse of these drugs can lead to the neglect of children involved.

Audience
Doctors who prescribe the meds and people who experience the tragedy. It is kind of both, but mainlyin opposition to the doctors. How can you tell? Give specific examples. Because she is specifically directing her argument towards the ones who prescribe the drugs. She is telling them the drugs destroy families if not carefully monitored.

Counterargument
List the counterarguments (arguments of the author’s oppositions) used in the paper (there should be at least three). Does the author adequately address these arguments? Not completely. Do you think there are other arguments that could be addressed? Yes. Do you see any logical fallacies? No.

1.These feelings are great improvements for patients who have trouble managing their feelings of distress, anger, sadness, confusion ,etc.
2.Perscription drugs have benefits.
3.

Title
No, maybe a title that has something to do with drugs, such as Addiction.
Introduction
Yes, "Mental heath disorders are among the most confusing and incomprehensible disorders around."

Conclusion
summarizes the thesis and arguments. It is a good conclusion.

Flow/Transitions
Yes, they flow fairly well.

Hail to the Chief

The Presidential debates have brought about several new tax reform proposals. The most significant of these proposals is that of Presidential Electee Barack Obama. He proposed tax cuts for those making under $75,000 a year and higher taxes for those making $200,000 to $250,000 a year. Although newly elected President Barack Obama believes that taxing the rich will help support the middle class, this type of taxing will actually yield harsh criticism and citizen discontent because wealthier Americans don't want to pay for the middle and lower classes, wealthier Americans won't see it as fair, and it will put Obama in a vulnerable position.

Wealthy Americans do not see fit that they should be the ones supporting the rest of the U.S. Many of them worked hard for the money they now have. Why should they have to pay more if they worked harder? The rich were given tax cuts during George Bush’s reign as President. This was not something the wealthy asked for, but just something that was given to them. Bush was irresponsible in giving the wealthy a tax cut. The rich are not an advocate to losing a piece of their money in order to help pay for the middle and lower classes.

Several wealthy Americans have however, responded in a positive manner, saying that as long as the extra tax money is going towards a good cause, such as school funding, getting out of poverty, or any other productive expenditure, they were fine with it. The Bush tax cuts were not good for the middle class. They were meant to benefit the wealthy. There have been higher unemployment rates, more poverty, and a greater debt for America. Barack Obama responded to George Bush’s State of the Union Address, saying "We heard the President say he wants to make tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans permanent, when we know that at a time of war and economic hardship, the last thing we need is a permanent tax cut for Americans who don't need them and weren't even asking for them. What we need is a middle class tax cut, and that's exactly what I will provide as President" (Obama 2008). Tax cuts for the middle/lower classes and raising the taxes back to what they were for the wealthier citizens may just be what this country needs for stabilization.

The recent stock market fluctuations have hit the wealthy hard. They are losing money and having a hard time during this economic crisis just like everyone else. It is not fair in their eyes, that the taxes be raised for them. Many of the wealthy have worked hard to get where they are today. Taxing them higher is like punishing them for all the hard work they have poured into becoming successful over the years. The wealthy will not see the taxes as being fair. It is their money and being punished for having more is not right.

The rich are not all alike. Many are giving and cherish helping those in need. With the taxes being raised back to how they were in the 1990’s, the economy may be able to start its ascent to stability.

Obama will be put into a very vulnerable position with the tax reforms on the wealthy. There are death threats floating around against him. Many assumptions point towards the wealthy white politicians who are the ones who are doing the threatening. They are upset over taxes and feel that they could easily throw the blame on white supremacists. Barack is in a very compromising position where he needs to be careful. America is on edge in this day and age.

Much of America is on Obama’s side though. Middle America makes up the vast majority of the U.S. and they support the taxation reforms. Economic stability is key in the survival of America. We need change. Barack is very brave to stand up and put forth effort to fix America. In these times, help is needed and money is scarce. The taxing will provide more for Americans.

The tax reforms proposed by Barack Obama are essential for America. In order to succeed, everyone needs to pitch in. The wealthy may feel that it unjustified and unfair, but really it is for the good of the country. Barack is putting himself in a vulnerable position, showing that he is willing to risk it all for a better change. With a new tax reform and Bush out of office, economic stability may just be possible in the near future.





Obama, Barack H. "Response to the State of the Union." Washington, D.C. 12 Nov. 2008.

Week 10 Reading Response

David Rieff's argument questions the assumptions made by Americans and the Bush Administration, such as "people will choose freedom over tyranny and tolerance over extremism every time" and "American ideals should prevail." These assumptions are the reason that we are still at war. We assume and therefore do not take the time to understand the cultural differences and needs. These assumptions need to be questioned, because they follow history. As Rieff says, "History rarely repeats itself." David talks of how Americans have very different ideas of freedom than do those of the Islamic belief. We are different people with different values and backgrounds. He talks of how we are built upon different systems and how because of this, it will be harder to change the Muslims to the Americanized democracy/ideals.
I believe that we need to become less involved in things we do not fully understand. Once we are able to understand the culture, the beliefs, and the history of their religion and where they come from...then we will be able to get involved. Involved in the opposite way the Bush Administration got the U.S. involved. Questioning some one's assumptions is often a useful strategy in constructing an argument, because you can see what their views are and how strong their counter-argument is. We should not just be jumping into a war if we do not have a real in-depth plan. To think that Bush was so inconceivable with the words he chose in addressing the world so many different times. Understanding the opponent and getting in their head, being one step ahead is the only way to beat them.

Bernstein Reading Response

#1 Richard Bernstein argues that America's tragedies are nothing like the third world countries and their disasters, but nontheless, Europeans are supporting and sending help. Bernstein asks a simple question, "why?" Why is Europe's response the way it is? He uses responses/quotes from several Europeans and European newspapers to show what the Europeans are thinking. The United States is the richest country. The fact that the Bush Administration did not go along with the "Kyoto Protocol" upset many Europeans. It shows that the U.S. must not care about their admissions and that in a way they brought the disaster onto themselves. It was also disturbing to Europeans to see gun battles, looting, and armed gangs in the midst of the wreckage, but in the third world countries, when a disaster was occuring, non of this was going on. It was bringing shame to the U.S. and it was hard to watch for Europeans. They did not know whether to contribute their time and money or not. Would it help or would it just be wasted? The Europeans say we, the Americans lack "solidarity." In times of crisis, it is incredible to see that people are still wrecking havoc in an already miserable situation.