Blog Critique

The commentary posed by the mother of a teenager of a pretentious sexual assault or seduction in the Austin Statesman seemed to be reaching out to families. She starts by supplying us with a story in the news of sexual exploitation of children and then one of her own personal experience. Mothers and Fathers of teenage girls or boys were targeted to touch on their emotional feelings. She used her personal experience with great use of adjectives to get the parents to feel her anger and hopefully enrage them as well.

 The author is credible in her commentary for she is a mother first and foremost, and then one of a teenage girl. This in itself is credible for teenage girls have been a target of sexual assault in the United States. The author is asking those mothers and fathers to get involved and join the crusade to rid our communities of these predators. She points out a physician had been sexually assaulting or exploiting young girls and boys through his practice.

 Americans trust our medical professions and expect caring and nurturing healthcare. She stated that nothing came of the complaint to the authorities but did however emphasize that the details have been memorialized and proceeding complaints can pose to possibly bring about charges. The parents in the case of the physician listed in the article refused to provide information that could aid in charges against the  physician. When parents refuse to do what it takes to protect their children by refusing to comply with the prosecuting authorities, tells predators that it is okay to abuse our children. I definitely agree with her for I too am a parent. Not only am I a parent, but I care a lot for children and sexually exposing, seducing, or assaulting them is immoral and against the law.  

Ms. Anderson

Nuclear Power Plant in U.S.

The opinion section of the Houston Chronicle, the idea of issuing a stimulus for nuclear power plants in America focuses on the benefit of the implementation. Society screams constantly about global warming and going green. But when the issue of developing a nuclear power plant surfaces we tend to divert to a budget issue to reject the idea. Yes we are in a deficit. But using that as an excuse to alleviate spending for good sources is ridiculous. We tend to raise issues of health concerns and looking to government to find ways of improvement. Nuclear power is step one if we want to save our lungs from the mere depression of polluted air. Whether it is by going green on other aspects of our culture, or developing a plant that will allow for overall savings and prevention in the future, all of it cost money. Obama's plan to implement nuclear power plants is brilliant idea although very expensive to build but will prove to be very cheap to operate ending in more profitability than loss. Now we question safety. As opposed to previous operations safety has increased and the likelihood of individuals dying of nuclear power generation is less than that of natural gas.  The fuel produced can be reprocessed and allow for less waste thereby being reasonably affordable. Expensive?, maybe; but we should keep in mind that the use of the fuel source to create nuclear power is cheaper than that of oil for natural gas and it can produce more energy. If we keep screaming "go green" then we should also start screaming for support of nuclear power plants.

Ms. Anderson

Obama's Health Care Speech to Congress

Obama's health care reform speech shined some insight as to what has been an ongoing problem for Americans since 1935. For decades presidents have been faced with the problem of healthcare. There have been many attempts to implement a plan that would provide Americans with affordable insurance. Obviously it has been an unsuccessful tactic however; we now have a public figure that refuses to leave office without health care reform. Many Americans today are and have been for quite some time without health insurance. Those Americans without healthcare are mostly individuals who cannot afford it or has not been offered any through their jobs. Also, it has been very unfortunate that those who provide healthcare are charging ridiculous amounts for their services. Not to mention that the business providing employment do not offer healthcare to their employees due to the expense of the policies. Obama has stated that the healthcare businesses should not be overcharging society for their services. I do not understand how we as the people have been overlooking this matter for as long as we have. Funny how those who oppose the new plan have never had anything to say about the overage charges. Would it be because they are wealthy enough to pay and probably has been covered since they were children? Well there are plenty of children needing healthcare now and if provided could assure their children coverage. This is usually the case of the less fortunate. I find it very unfair that the less fortunate are unable to acquire good affordable healthcare or coverage. There are elderly and sick individuals who cannot receive good quality healthcare due to their health conditions. Obama want to implement a plan to assure coverage for these individuals and those alike. Individuals with serious medical conditions can get Medicaid/Medicare but it does not allow for quality healthcare. Being that they are not covering their health expenses fully on their own, they are not treated as those who do. As stated in Obama's Health Care Speech to Congress via the NY Times, "We are a very wealthy nation that allow for hardships", this is ridiculous! Insurance companies have dropped or denied coverage for simple and ridiculous reasons. We spend incredible amounts of money on healthcare and we are no better, healthy wise, than before.  The primary goal of the reform is to expand coverage and reduce costs. Isn't this exactly what we as Americans need? This is a plan designed by Democrats, however; I encourage all to read this plan and weigh the benefits of it, whether you are a Democrat or not.