If Prohibition Ended

            Within the past few years, the United States has fallen into an economic downturn and this has only gotten worse. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), the current national unemployment rate is at 8.2%; however, the state unemployment rates are conflicting which is a difficult situation that needs to be changed now. Although the national unemployment rate of 8.2% does not seem staggering, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) calculated that the unemployment rates are worse at a state level. For instance, California currently has an unemployment rate of 11%, and 11.1% in Rhode Island. In addition, “economists surveyed by CNNMoney predict the [national] unemployment rate will [only] slip to 8% by the end of the year, [which is] not much of an improvement” (Censky). Regardless, the American people are in great need of a solution to alleviate financial strain and to bring back the economic prosperity there once was.

             Despite the fact that legalizing marijuana is a very controversial topic, it can be the remedy that restores the country’s economy. Marijuana has many names including Mary Jane, tree, grass or weed, but it is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance. Yet Mary Jane is “the third most popular recreational drug in America, and has been used by nearly 100 million Americans” (NORML.org). Comparable to the alcohol and tobacco industries, which are the top two recreational substances, large revenues could be generated through taxation of marijuana:

Just last year, the [alcohol] industry generated $91 billion in wages and over 3.9 million jobs for U.S. workers. [Also], in 2008, alcohol contributed over $40 billion to state and local revenues; nearly half of that came from corporate, personal income, property and other taxes. (Erb)

Along with the possible revenues that could be made, marijuana could be grown and cultivated for other resourceful and economically efficient purposes.

                          When marijuana is grown for its fibers, it is known as hemp and can be used in the manufacturing of various textile items including clothes, rope, and paper. There are also many other conveniences in the agriculture of hemp over other raw materials:

Hemp requires substantially lower energy demands for manufacturing, is often suited to less-toxic means of processing, provides competitive product performance (especially in terms of durability, light weight, and strength), greater recyclability and/or biodegradability, and a number of value-added applications for byproducts and waste materials at either end of the product life cycle. (Smith-Heisters)

Nonetheless, farming marijuana would create a stupendous number of job opportunities and would be able to further strengthen the American economy by stimulating the consumer markets. However, the alcohol and nicotine industries have another agenda on their hands. With the possibilities that come with Mary Jane, the CEOs at breweries and tobacco farms feel that marijuana would be a big competitor that would take away their profits. Yet, the marijuana market would not only help the United States be more resource efficient, but can lower the costs in the war on drugs.

                          The expensive war on drugs would be less costly if marijuana was legalized and would also reduce the problem of crowding in prisons. With “14 million [Americans that smoke marijuana] regularly despite harsh laws against its use” (NORML.org), many incarcerations have been made, but if marijuana was eliminated as a target in the war on drugs, the costs in “catching those who buy or sell illegal drugs on the black market, prosecuting them in court, and housing them in jail” (Moffatt) would be significantly lower. The transactions made dealing with drug crimes are from $200 to $100,000; however, if marijuana was legitimate in American society, the money spent on incarcerations could be put to better use in areas such as state educational budgets. Also, by legitimizing the growth and cultivation of weed, “it [is] estimated that [new marijuana reforms] could take as much as $10 billion away from the cartels and dealers. And that’s not limited to the Colombian or Mexican drug trades” (Erb). Marijuana has been “abused” for years, and whether it is legal or not, Americans will still continue getting high. Additionally, marijuana could be a more natural form of medicine in treating those with chronic pains and illnesses.

                          When marijuana is used medicinally it can treat many patients with a wide range of medical complications. Some of which include:

Neuropathic pain (pain from nerve damage), nausea, spasticity, glaucoma, and movement disorders. Marijuana is also a powerful appetite stimulant, specifically for patients suffering from HIV, the AIDS wasting syndrome, or dementia. Emerging research suggests that marijuana’s medicinal properties may [also] protect the body against some types of malignant tumors and are neuroprotective. (NORML.org)

Despite the fact that there are a vast amount of benefits and potential within the Mary Jane, the government still refuses to allow clinical testing for medicinal uses and growing marijuana as a new resource in product manufacturing. Due to the Controlled Substance Act (CSA), the federal government feels that marijuana has no medical benefits and is highly addictive, but the people are still unsure because of lack in research to prove otherwise.

                          If marijuana became legitimate in the United States, many question whether it may get into the hands of children but the truth of the matter is, kids are already experimenting with Mary Jane. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse:

In 2009, 16.7 million Americans aged 12 or older used marijuana at least once in the month prior to being surveyed, an increase over the rates reported in all years between 2002 and 2008. There was also a significant increase among youth aged 12-17, with current use up from 6.7 percent in 2008 to 7.3 percent in 2009, although this rate is lower than what was reported in 2002 (8.2 percent). Past-month use also increased among those 18-25, from 16.5 percent in 2008 to 18.1 percent in 2009. (drugabuse.gov)

Growing up in the Antelope Valley, I have seen many classmates experiment with weed. My earliest encounter was in the seventh grade and has become an everyday encounter since, however, it does not influence me to make it a part of my everyday routine. Although I have constant encounters with marijuana, I do not find it to be a big deal at all. Marijuana, a naturally thriving plant, has been around for a long time and will stay for a long time.

                          In all, by reforming the existing marijuana laws, the economy would be in greater shape than it is now. Through the process of growth and cultivation, many new jobs would be created, along with a new cash crop that is less expensive to farm. In addition, the price of the war on drugs would be lower and the current problem of overcrowded prisons would also be relieved. Although marijuana is still under a federal law that fails to recognize the potential and benefits of marijuana, many continue to use marijuana for medicinal and recreational uses regardless of the current federal regulations. The United States might as well legitimize marijuana and begin recognizing the boundless possibilities that could help the world.

Exercise 15.5: If I Ran the Zoo

"If I Ran a Zoo," written by John Leo, is a poem that proposes some problems and changes that need to be made on college campuses including: cutting down the number of undergraduate professors that are not teaching students adequate knowledge that can be applicable in later studies, raising the pay for teacher assistants but also questioning whether teacher assistants are even wanted on campuses, challenging the efforts made in remedial courses, and eliminating unnecessary courses to reduce the costs of tuition. Although the current tuition costs are raising each year due to the state budget cuts, some of Leo's proposals may not be a kind solution that has the best overall benefits for students.

Tuition costs are staggering, however, the number of students remains the same and cutting down the employment of undergraduate professors does no justice when reducing the staff only creates overcrowded lecture halls. In addition, many question the presence of teacher assistants because of the minimum wage they receive for their workload and because of their age that is in close range to the students. Despite Leo's proposal, teacher assistant positions have the intention of giving experience to students who aspire to become a teacher or professor one day and are needed in courses that have larger enrollments. Nevertheless, Leo explains that courses that end in "studies" are unnecessary along with courses with titles such as "Star Trek Theology" and "Queer Musicology." Indeed, some of these courses are unnecessary but many courses that end in "studies" enlightens many students on important social issues. For instance, women's studies courses educate students on the inequalities against women, minorities, and homosexuals that still exists regardless of favoring court cases and legal rights. In all, if Leo were to run "the zoo," his changes would not be as beneficial as he had planned.

Proposal Argument Topics

1. A problem facing my country is:
1. Homelessness.
2. Obesity.
3. Diabetes.
4. Economy.
5. Health Care.
6. Energy Crisis.
1. Prius' and other fuel efficient cars.
1. price.
2. faultiness.
2. A problem I frequently encounter on campus is:
1. Constant budget cuts.
2. Parking.
3. Limited course list.
3. A problem I hear my classmates discussing quite a bit is:
1. Tuition fees.
2. Gas Prices.
3. Limited course list.
4. A problem people have been trying to solve for years is:
1. Racism.
5. A problem that I heard about in the news is:
1. Deadly tornadoes in the Midwest.
6. A law that I object to:
1. Possession of Marijuana.
2. J-Walking.
7. A misguided school policy is:
1. Limitations on units students can take.
8. A public policy that makes my life or other people's lives more difficult:
1. California's Proposition 8.
9. A public policy or law that could be improved is:
1. The Death Penalty.
10.  Others.
1. gang violence.
2. marriage/divorce.

Addiction to Death by Choice

Around the world, a growing number of people are destroying their lives as a result of being consumed with alcohol and drug addictions because of the way they may feel while doing these activities. The fact of the matter is that addiction does not segregate or discriminate, nor does it judge a person by their economic class. As a result, the number of people who become addicted increases quite rapidly. Those struggling with addictions also have a higher chance of committing crimes such as domestic violence, child abuse, and other unlawful acts. Ultimately, these addictions may even lead to homelessness and poverty. Without the ready availability and the correct resources, addicts are hopeless in cleaning themselves up and starting their lives over along with, maintaining their wellbeing for their outlook on life. Although alcohol and drug addiction are continued complications worldwide, change can only be made once addicts decide to help themselves.

            No matter the circumstances, alcohol and drugs affect anybody of any race, gender, and economic stature. For instance, within the lavishing lives of celebrities may come the exclusive events but it also comes with an endless supply of drugs and alcoholic beverages. Many famous stars have fallen victim and struggled with alcohol and drug addictions for years, having trouble-reaching sobriety due to the easy accessibility. Just last year, “Grammy-winning soul singer” (Cheng) Amy Winehouse was found dead in her home on July 23, as a result of alcohol poisoning. In conclusion of Winehouse’s death, autopsy reports stated, “the level of alcohol in her blood was 416 milligrams per 100 milliliters, [or] a blood alcohol level of 0.4 percent” (Cheng). People within the entertainment industry may have a luxurious lifestyle but with the steady flow of drugs and alcohol, there are more opportunities for addictions to advance. In addition to the development of an addiction are serious health problems. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), “the impact of addiction can be far reaching cardiovascular disease, stroke, cancer, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Auto Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), Hepatitis B and C, lung disease, [and] mental disorders” (NIDA). In all, drug and alcohol addictions are not only detrimental to one’s own health in the long run, but may cause death in the near future with continued use. For instance, singer Whitney Houston was seen "partying the night before her death in the bar" (Gast and Hayes) and died as a result of “a combination of drowning, heart disease and cocaine use” (Detroit Free Press), in addition, “[actor] Heath Ledger died as the result of acute intoxication by the combined effects of oxycodone, hydrocodone, diazepam, temazepam, alprazolam, and doxylamine" (CNN). Also, in the case of actor Charlie Sheen, many are uncertain of Sheen’s mental wellbeing:

His recent ranting behavior has led viewers to question whether the actor was still on drugs and denying addiction, [or] whether he was exhibiting manic symptoms of bipolar disorder, [or] some combination of the two. Sheen's negative drug test suggests that addiction is unlikely to be his only problem. (Brown)

Sheen’s aggressive addictions were so overbearing that Brook Mueller, now ex-wife, filed for divorce and custody of the children. Depending on the level of addiction, many addicts will do anything for their next fix including a number of illegal acts.

            As addictions further progress, resources run low and substance abusers are more likely to commit crimes. With addiction, abusers are stricken with physical and psychological dependencies that become the driving motives to partake in domestic violence and child abuse. “It is likely that some drug-exposed children will need educational support in the classroom to help them overcome what may be subtle deficits in developmental areas such as behavior, attention, and cognition” (NIDA). While substance abusers only focus on themselves and getting their next fix, they leave their family to fend for themselves as well. Despite the fact, addicts will eventually “join the 2.5 to 3.5 million individuals, including 600,000 families, who live on the streets or in shelters at some point over the course of a given year” (National Alliance…) and will remain chronically homeless due to drug and alcohol addictions. Without the proper help and support now, addicts trapped behind alcohol and drugs will never be able to get their lives back on track.

            While programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous do exist to straighten out the lives of addicts, most addicts do not feel the need of sobriety. Many addicts have developed profound addictions to different substances ranging from cocaine and methamphetamines, to heroine, because of a traumatic event in their life such as the loss of a loved one, being neglected, or being abused. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention states that substance abuse may consist of “neurological damage as well as psychiatric problems such as depression, anxiety, and antisocial personality disorder.” Most often, addicts use drugs or alcohol to self-medicate and keep depression at bay but truthfully, drugs and alcohol can alter the mind and worsen depression. Personally, I have an uncle that is mentally and physically abused by his wife and as a result, he has become dependent upon alcohol to feel “better” about himself and the situation he is in. My uncle has had a hard time contemplating his options if he were to divorce his wife and it hurts to see him drink himself to sleep, but it is up to him to make those choices to better his life for his sons. I have also heard numerous stories from friends and family of suicide because of the extreme altered consciousness an addict can experience. In addition, in Canada, drug and alcohol abuse has been an extensive complication and even though universal health care is provided to all citizens, not very many Canadians seek the available medical attention to sober up. It is possible to achieve a life of sobriety, however, relapse is likely:

"You can't reach an addict when he's not ready," said Harold Owens, senior vice president of MusiCares/Musicians Assistance Program (MAP) Fund who has been counseling others in substance abuse since he became sober about 23 years ago. "I've been through the struggle," he said. "To an alcoholic, I like to think it's a self-diagnosed disease: Nobody can tell you you're an alcoholic until you tell yourself." (Lewis)

Nevertheless, to begin the journey of sobriety, addicts must experience a revelation and have the courage to better themselves for the future.

            Despite the fact that addicts may choose not to reach sobriety, there are high quality treatment centers available, such as the Betty Ford Center. As a result of the heavy alcohol addiction Betty Ford, wife President Gerald R. Ford, faced, she decided to help others like herself when she had reached sobriety. The Betty Ford Center is located in Rancho Mirage and has been treating patients since 1982.

            As the number of drug and alcohol addicts grows quickly, so is the number of those in poverty and on the verge of becoming homeless. Because drug and alcohol addictions correlate to physical and psychological dependencies, addicts will go through any obstacle to get their fix and even be willing to participate in more illegal activities. These “activities” may range from domestic violence, child abuse, and burglary or robbery. However, there are programs available to the public to gain sobriety but not many addicts feel the need to be in detox. Those struggling with drug and alcohol addictions must realize something must change in their lives and find the will power to become sober for the better.

Journal Question

Q: Think about the last time you saw a homeless person. What was your reaction? Did you help them in anyway? Why or why not?

A: Most recently I have seen the homeless at the freeway exit on my way to school. There were two homeless people; both of them had grey hair and holding cardboard signs asking for money. I had no big reaction to their presence. I have seen many homeless people on the streets and I rarely ever give a lending hand. For the most part, I feel that the homeless are not doing enough to help themselves. However, I do understand that the United States does not provide enough aid and resources for the homeless for more sustainable living conditions.

In class, we have read the articles:“Throw the Bums Out: But do so With Compassion – Coolidge-Style Compassion” and “The Meanest Cities.”

In the article "Throw the Bums Out: But do so With Compassion - Coolidge-Styel Compassion," John Derbyshire describes his business trip to to San Francisco, which he said was plagued with the homeless people. Derbyshire also expresses his disgust of the number of homeless people after visiting the security office of the downtown museum and urges his audience the importance of cleaning up the area. The guard had shown Derbyshire a wall of polaroid photos of vagrants with offenses including masturbating in public, vandalism and assault. Although Derbyshire's approach on the topic was harsh, I do agree that we need to lower the number of people on the streets not only because it looks bad, but because homeless people need food and shelter, just like we do.

"The Meanest Cities," an article in American Magazine, discusses how cold people are towards the homeless. American Magazine writes about the harsh laws that basically criminalize homeless people. The article also entails about a city that prohibits churches from running a soup kitchen to feed the needy. In all, I do feel that those who are steady need to be a little more generous, but at the same time, I feel that the homeless are not doing enough for themselves in order to get back onto their feet financially.

Both articles show how harsh people can be on people who are already as low as they can get, and it does not help when laws push them away through laws that punish them for trying to survive in the world with little to nothing. Although, there are resources out there to help the homeless, I feel that there can be more done to further their progression in life but only if they are willing to work for what they receive from others.

Sentence Structures

1. Sentence. Sentence.

• Ralph likes to eat in his room. He eats in there every day.
• Louis likes to listen to music. He listens to music all the time.
• Kat hates studying. She studies the majority of the week.

2. Sentence; Sentence.

• Ralph likes to eat in his room; Louis enjoys eating in the bonus room.
• Louis likes to listen to Hip Hop music; Kat prefers live music.
• Kat hates studying; Louis prefers studying.

3. Sentence, [Coordinating Conjunction] Sentence.

• Ralph likes to eat in his room, and to make his food from scratch.
• Louis likes to listen to music, but only with his headphones.
• Kat hates studying, but likes to handwrite her notes.

4. Sentence; [Conjunctive Adverb] Sentence.

• Ralph likes to eat in his room; consequently, he has to clean his room a lot.
• Louis likes to listen to music; incidentally, he is open to any kind of music.
• Kat hates studying; however, she likes the results of her test scores.

5. Sentence; [Transition Phrase] Sentence.

• Ralph likes to eat in his room; after all, it is his room.
• Louis likes to listen to music; as a matter of fact, he listens to music all the time.
• Kat hates studying; at the same time, she enjoys her high test scores.

Homeless Parents

             In regards to having children, many people have different views on the proper way of raising a child and in the article “What Makes a Good Parent?” by Robert Epstein, is a list of ten essential factors that are important in parenting. However, in The Glass Castle, Rose Mary and Rex Walls had their own ways of parenting, which many people would find to be questionable. Throughout The Glass Castle, author, Jeannette Walls, describes her childhood and the extreme living conditions she had to endure with her siblings due to the choices her parents made. Although Rose Mary and Rex Walls had their method of rearing their children that is considered unfit and neglectful, and many would feel they belonged in foster care, the Walls children would not be the prospering adults they are today, if it were not for their parent’s choices.

            According to Epstein’s list of skills that makes a good parent, “love and affection [comes first], [then] stress management, relationship skills, autonomy and independence, education and learning, life skills, behavior management, health, religion, and safety” (49). However, in comparison to this list, Rose Mary and Rex Walls had drastically different priorities when raising their children. When making a hypothetical list of parenting skills, Rose Mary and Rex Walls’ list would look completely different compared to other parents. Rose Mary Walls was very self-centered and only cared for her career as an artist, often neglecting her children on numerous occasions and fending for herself. For example, there was a time when, Jeannette was three-years-old and had been making hot dogs on the stove by herself and caught on fire (Walls, 9). If Rose Mary had been more attentive and made the food, rather than painting, Jeannette would not have caught on fire and badly burnt. Also in regards to the children’s safety, when Jeannette had been touched inappropriately by her uncle and with little concern, Rose Mary said, “Well there you go. If you don’t think you’re hurt, then you aren’t” (Walls, 184). Throughout The Glass Castle Rose Mary had been selfish and did not care so much for her children. Even as the Walls children struggled to find food, Rose Mary had stashed a family-sized chocolate bar for herself. When Brian had found it, Rose Mary started crying and said, “I can’t help it. I’m a sugar addict” (Walls, 174). During times of desperation most mothers would go out of their way to provide their children with food before themselves, but this was not the case for Rose Mary Walls, who was more concerned about being number one.

Rex Walls struggled to provide for his children due to the alcoholism he experienced throughout his life. During the Walls’ life in Battle Mountain, Rex Walls got a job and was able to provide food and shelter for the family but, due to his addiction to alcohol, Rex eventually began spending his earnings on alcohol, rather than his family. During one Christmas, Rose Mary and Rex did not have enough money to buy the children gifts, but instead resorted to giving them a star in the sky. When giving Jeannette the planet Venus, Rex said, “Years from now, when all the junk they got broken and long forgotten, you’ll still have your stars” (41). After living in Welch, Rex’s alcoholism had gotten worse, after his mother died, to the point that Rex would not come home for days (Walls, 171). Furthermore, Rex expresses his little concern for Jeannette’s safety when using her to win money from games of billiards. On one occasion, Rex allows a drunken man to take Jeannette upstairs after winning eighty dollars (Walls, 212). Rex had also tricked his family to giving him money including Jeannette, and stole a check for the lease on Rose Mary’s land in Texas (Walls, 214). In all, both Rex and Rose Mary had trouble prioritizing to provide for their children. If the parents of the Walls children had put their children before them, perhaps their lives would have had fewer hardships.

            While the bad living conditions in Welch were at their worst, the opportunity to join the foster care system was presented. A man had appeared at the door and asked if Jeannette was being neglected or not and persuading the man that she was not being neglected, the man left. Jeannette was angry and had no interest in being separated from her siblings in foster care. Jeannette also showed no concern for her parents but only wanted to stay with Lori, Brian, and Maureen:

He’d launch an investigation and end up sending me and Brian and Lori and Maureen off to live with different families, even though we all got good grades and knew Morse code. I couldn’t let that happen. No way was I going to lose Brian and Lori, and Maureen. (194)

         Also, within the foster care systems are many flaws. According to ABC News, “about 520,000 children end up in foster care each year,” and each social worker has “three or four times” (Facts on Foster Care…) the recommended cases due to the large number of children entering the system. If the Walls children had been placed in the foster care system,

“The children [could] stay in the system for almost three years before either being reunited with their families or adopted [and] almost 20 percent wait five years or more. [Also], children have on average three different foster care placements.” (Facts on Foster Care…).

          Assuming the children went to foster care services, the Walls children would have had a high possibility of being separated from each other, which was not an option for the children. The children were very close-knit and went through the hardships their parents put them through together. If the children did not have each other, the outcome of their lives would be completely different for each of them with the exception of Maureen. Despite the fact, Lori, Brian, and Jeannette may have had successful lives after leaving Welch, but Maureen could have possibly had a better life if she had gone into foster care. Maureen had fended for herself through her friends’ families that felt bad for her. Overall, the children did not want to go through the risk of being separated from one another, even though the children could have had a more comfortable living condition. As for staying with their parents, the children did not want to live with them either.

            The Walls children knew the living conditions were bad at “93 Little Hobart Street” did not have indoor plumbing, and “during one particular fierce rainstorm that spring, the ceiling grew so fat it burst, and water and plasterboard came crashing down onto the floor” (Walls, 153), and the kids would eventually devise their own plan to move to New York. After Rose Mary had gotten back from renewing her teaching accreditations, she felt that teaching was not her ambition in life and said, “It’s time I start living my life for me” (Walls, 218). Lori and Jeannette were forced to work to provide for Brian and Maureen, and knowing that Rose Mary and Rex would not help them progress out of Welch, Jeannette comes up with the idea of helping Lori move to New York and eventually she would join her. Lori, Jeannette, and Brian move to the big city without the help of their parents, but eventually Rex and Rose Mary would decide to move to the city as well, although, the children felt as thought their parents were dragging them down.

            In all, Rose Mary and Rex Walls were neglectful parents and needed to better understand how much their children depended on them. Despite the Walls’ lifestyle, it was through their hardships that they became the people they are today and if they children were placed into foster care, the result could have been entirely different. Although the three of the four Walls children are successful today, it could have been possible for all the children to be successful if Rex and Rose Mary were better parents.

Works Cited

Epstein, Robert. "What Makes a Good Parent?" Scientific American Mind 21.5 (2010): 46-51. Print.

"Facts on Foster Care in America - ABC News." ABCNews.com - Breaking News, Latest News & Top Video News - ABC News. Web. 20 Feb. 2012. <http://abcnews.go.com/Primetime/FosterCare/story?id=2017991>.

Walls, Jeanette. The Glass Castle. New York: Scribner, 2005. Print.