To get it or not get it....that is the question.

With flu season already in full-swing, there has been much discussion regarding the quality and quantity of vaccinations, especially the H1N1 vaccine. The federal government has launched a massive public relations campaign to encourage those who can to get the vaccine. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius has repeatedly said that the H1N1 vaccine is “safe and secure”. The Center for Disease Control has also encouraged individuals to get the vaccine, especially those individuals in high-risk categories such as pregnant women, children and healthcare workers.

Over five thousand people worldwide have died from H1N1, six hundred in the United States alone. Thousands of more people have been infected. More than 90% of adults who got the vaccine are now immune to the virus. In addition, unlike some other vaccines, the H1N1 vaccine can’t give you the flu because the vaccine doesn’t contain a live virus. Still, some feel the risk of getting the vaccine outweighs the risk of getting the flu.

The vaccine contains a preservative called thimerosal, a form of mercury. Although the vaccine only contains trace amounts of mercury, even less than a can of tuna, the thought of injecting themselves or their children with anything containing mercury is still enough to frighten many parents. Many people have said they will not get the vaccine because it was too hastily prepared and isn’t safe because the side effects and their implications are still unknown. Some say the side effects of getting the vaccine are limited to headaches and muscle soreness. Others say the side effects can range from flu-like symptoms to nerve damage.

So my question to you this week is “Would you get the H1N1 vaccine? Why or why not? Would you allow your child to get it?” Answers are due no later than Thursday, November 5th, 2009. Have a happy and safe Halloween!

Can marijuana save the economy?

This week, I would like to revist a topic I have previously blogged about to get your opinion. Could legalizing marijuana be the answer to saving our economy? We all know that the war on drugs is an expensive battle. A great deal of time, money and resources go into catching those who buy or sell illegal drugs, prosecuting and incarcerating them. There is no way to effectively measure the amount of revenue marijuana brings in, but legalization would eliminate the risk buyers and sellers take now, causing the demand to rise. Increased demand could bring in more revenue for the government, if marijuana was being taxed similarly to alcohol and tobacco.

California State Assembly member Tom Ammiano introduced legislation last month, that would legalize marijuana and allow California to regulate and tax its sale. Marijuana is already California's biggest cash crop, bringing in $14 billion in annual sales. California's tax collectors estimate the new bill would bring in $1.3 billion in additional revenue each year. California was one of the first states to legalize marijuana in 1996. US Attorney General Eric Holder recently announced that states should be able to make their own rules on medical marijuana.

However, despite the fact that legalizing marijuana may bring a much needed revenue, opponents say legalizing pot will only add to social woes; increasing crime, drug addiction, mental health disorders, and driving up insurance rates.So my question to you this week is "Should the United States legalize marijuana, medicinally or otherwise?" Answers are due by Thursday, October 29th, 2009.

"Don't Ask, Don't Tell"?

This week we will begin a discussion on same sex marriage. We will learn how homosexuals have almost no legal protections in the United States. To further expand our discussion I would like to devote this week's blog to examining the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy regarding homosexuals in the military.

The policy was enacted by President Clinton in 1994. President Clinton who initially said he wanted to overturn the ban on homosexuals in the military, ended up compromising for the controversial "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy. The policy makes it illegal for commanders to ask their subordinates about their sexual orientation, and it also bans homosexuals from openly discussing or engaging in openly homosexual behaviors. Over 13,000 troops have been discharged under the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy since its was first introduced.

President Obama has repeatedly said he wants to end the Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy and allow homosexuals to serve openly in the military, however he has yet to set a time table. You can view President Obama give his thoughts at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f2xzRMLmEoI.
Regardless of the outcome of this policy, it is certain to be controversial, with both supporters and opponents fueling the fire.

So, this week I would first like you to view President Obama's comments. My question to you is "Do you think "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy should be overturned? Do you think there should be a new policy regarding homosexuals in the military in its place? Why do you think this is such a controversial issue?" Answers are due no later than Thursday, October 22nd, 2009.

Free at Last?

This week in class we started our study of the Constitution and the freedoms that it guarantees us. You can order your own free copy of the Constitution at: http://www.constitutionfacts.com/index.cfm?section=bookstore&page=freeCopy.cfm
In previous classes, I have asked students about what freedoms they value most. It always prompts a good discussion and many times we realize just how much we take for granted living in America.

Since this is a new quarter and a new class, I would like to pose a slightly different question: “What freedom is missing from the Constitution? Is there a right that we should have, but don’t? What other freedoms would you like to have?” Answers are due no later than Thursday, October 15th, 2009.