In-Class Writing: Drug Policy

Ty Callahan

Block D

In-Class Writing: Drug Policy

     Use of illegal substances has been a large scale problem recently, especially in the United States. President Richard Nixon's saw this and went so far to target drug abuse as "public enemy number one in the United States." Nixon started the movement, "War on Drugs", in June of 1971, to combat illegal drug use. Around this time, there were events of mass incarceration which was due to the serious sentences of drug possession and drug use. Today, drug abuse is a continuous problem especially with younger generations. I think drug use is and extremely dangerous and needs to be eradicated, but perhaps there is a way to combat this evil in a way that aids the drug offender while also keeping the population at large happy.
     The "War on Drugs" seemed to be an attempt to solve the drug problem, and in a way it was, but many saw through Nixon. Nixon's counsel and Assistant for Domestic Affairs revealed that instead of drug abuse being public enemy number one it was anti-war and blacks who were the real enemies. The War on Drugs was meant to target the anti-war and blacks with the harsh penalties, enforcement, and incarcerations. And it worked. The United States makes up 5% of the world's population, but also makes up for 25% of the incarcerated population. Drug offenders were being incarcerated at immense rates and with harsh and long sentences. And these misguided drug laws and harsh sentencing had unequal outcomes for blacks and people of color. Blacks are far more likely to get longer sentences than whites even if it was the same crime that the two committed. In general, blacks and Latinos are far more likely to be criminalized and stopped, searched, convicted, and harshly sentenced than white people.
     The United States incarcerated 1.5 million people for drug related crimes in 2016 and 80% of those were possession of the drug only. And in the time of War on Drugs, incarcerations went from 50,000 in 1980 to 400,000 in 1997. I see punishment necessary in the relationship between people and drug abuse, the punishment can vary, but someone cannot be allowed to commit a crime and not be punished or the problem will grow. This makes me think that there can possibly be a way to rehabilitate people with drug addictions and lessen the sentences of those found possessing drugs. The answer is not simply to stop arresting drug abusers because of the vast numbers of people being incarcerated.
     Nixon's wife founded the "Just Say No" campaign to educate school children to the dangers of drug use. I believe this is a step down the right path in lessening the control drugs in our culture. Alerting children and teenagers and young adults of the dangers and consequences of drug use will assist to making people not join in doing drug in the first place. Substance use is a serious threat to all ages and damages physical and mental health, but especially for younger people. At a young age brains are still developing and are more prone to damaging effects and life-long problems. Making smart decisions and being impulsive is already a problem for younger people and adding drugs to the mix only amplifies the effects. Teenagers become more impulsive and make more bad decisions. And at this age they are more at risk of falling victim to addiction. Teenager should be focusing on building and educating themselves but instead many gain short and long term cognitive impairment, have a difficulty learning and processing information, receive depression and anxiety, and have problems doing everyday task all because of drug use.
     I believe Richard Nixon's, War on Drugs, was a good thing. Drug abuse is a problem and was in a way trying to be handled through War on Drugs. But when his War on Drugs became War on Blacks is when the conflict arouse. Drug abuse should be handled but in a way that legitimately targets the drugs and not a group of people. I believe drug offenders should be punished but perhaps less seriously then they are now, or those with addictions can be rehabilitated. Education on the consequences of drugs needs to continue to be taught in school. And most of all, all people should receive equal sentences.

EJI, Mass Incarceration

Drug Policy Alliance, The Drug War, Mass Incarceration and Race

AEI, The shocking story behind Richard Nixon's 'War on Drugs' that targeted blacks and anti-war activist

Sources:

Encyclopaedia Britannica, War on Drugs

Criminal Justice Policy Foundation, Drug Policy

Drug Policy Alliance, The Drug War,  Mass Incarceration and Race

EJI, States Rethinking Drug Policy

AEI, The shocking story behind Richard Nixon's 'War on Drugs' that targeted blacks and anti-war activist

Prevent Teen Drug Use: One Choice Prevention, Health Effects of Substance Use

Reflection

2.7: Mid-Semester 2 Reflection (Not Finished Yet)

1. I think the sheer amount of people flooding into the United States and where they were coming from is the most important thing I've learned about immigration in the late 19th century. The people coming from Ireland and Germany greatly shows the influence of the rising power of the United States of America that millions upon millions of people are seeking the America dream and escape from their home country. This shows to me how much the United States has grown as a country and helps me understand why immigration is such a big issue today.

Metrocosm, Here's Everyone Who's Immigrated to the U.S. Since 1820

2. I see the longevity and effort that is required to becoming a citizen of the United States is the most important thing I've learned about immigration. I never knew what exactly was required to become a citizen and live in the United States but now I have researched and discovered what the strenuous task of becoming a U.S. citizens consists of. I can now understand the position of immigrants and how hard it must be to achieve citizenship although it does not condone the actions of those who come into the country illegally. Immigration has been a controversial issue for decades and now I personally understand why and can participate in debates other what is to be done about immigration in the United States.

3. I think the two most challenging aspects of living in urban settings in the 19th century was pollution/health and living spaces. There used to be no system or protocol for the safety of public health. Cities like New York were overrun with smog and pollution with garbage lying on the streets. Housing was not much better, people were crammed into buildings  

Philathorpy in American History & Major Donors Today

1. The word Philanthropy is given the meaning of goodwill toward other people and an effort to promote human welfare. Philanthropy involves charity on a large scale but more than just charitable donations. "Philanthropy is a more strategic process of giving that seeks to identify the root causes of systemic issues and make the world a better place by tackling societal problems at their roots."

2. While Andrew Carnegie was one of the wealthiest men in the world he decided his wealth would be better suited to help others through several philanthropic acts. Carnegie founded the construction of 2,509 libraries which costed over $55 million of his immense wealth. Including this, he also used his wealth for thousands of church organs, colleges, schools, and nonprofit organizations. Carnegie also established the Carnegie Corporation of New York in which he poured $135 million into to promote education and international peace. By the end of his life, Carnegie had distributed $350 million to many heroic places leaving him with $30 million left which he also used to support the Carnegie Corporation of New York. Carnegie said, "The man who dies thus rich dies disgraced", meaning someone who hoards their wealth for personal use and dies is disgraced because they did not do their duty to make the world a better place with through use of wealth and power. Throughout his life, Andrew Carnegie worked incredibly hard for his wealth and status but his eyes were forever fixed on the needs of others and what he can do to make the world a more peaceful place.

Wikipedia, Carnegie Library

3. In his life time, John D. Rockefeller provided more than $500 million to philanthropic actions. Rockefeller used the money for educational causes, such as funding the University of Chicago and Rockefeller University, as well as religious and scientific causes. Throughout his career, Rockefeller was accused of using unethical way to improve his company but later in life he followed in the foot steps of Andrew Carnegie who retired and spent his money for philanthropic causes. I believe the $500 million Rockefeller gave away was more of a donation than an investment. Carnegie seemed more devout in his philanthropy and created corporations to aid the public as well as libraries and schools to encourage education. And Carnegie was determined to use the extent of his wealth and ready to use it all. Both Rockefeller and Carnegie were incredible philanthropists and left an immense influence for others to join and follow but I feel philanthropy came more naturally to Carnegie and he had a plan for using his wealth to help the world instead of only donating his wealth for others to use like Rockefeller.

4. The Carnegie Foundation is continuing to follow in the influence of Andrew Carnegie and contributes to the community such as funding advancements and developments in education. 

5. Some of the top philanthropists today include Warren Buffett, Bill Gates, and Michael Bloomberg. Michael Bloomberg participated in creating Bloomberg Philanthropies which focuses on public health, arts and culture, the environment, education, and government innovations. At this time, Bloomberg has donated over $6 billion to several causes along with Bloomberg Philanthropies distributing $767 million.

6. The type of philanthropic work I would like to participate in is more like Andrew Carnegie. I would like to help people personally such as volunteering at homeless shelters and assisting the advancement of education.

Sources:

Merriam-Webster, Philanthropy 

Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy, Andrew Carnegie: Pioneer. Visionary. Innovator.

History, John D. Rockefeller

Bloomberg Philanthropies, Mike Bloomberg

Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne, Charity vs Philanthropy?

Progressive Research

Progressive Research

Public Health Movement Pictures

Wikipedia, Edwin Chadwick

The New York Times, How Epidemics Helped Shape the Modern Metropolis

The New York Times, How Epidemics Helped Shape the Modern Metropolis

Revolvy., John Griscom

Wikipedia, 1966 New York City smog

Smithsonian, Doctor's Orders: The Growth of the Public Health Movement

Immigration Essay

In present times, the United States of America is seen as one of the most dominant rising powers in the world and a place of opportunity. With the scale of innovation and jobs and education and an opportunity for a good life, it comes with no surprise that immigrants around the world flock to the promised land of the United State of America. Unfortunately, a large number of immigrants coming into the United States are doing so illegally because the process of coming into the United States legally is more time consuming and strenuous then you would think. Approximately 675,000 immigrants are allowed to come into the United States annually and that is a fraction compared to the millions of people trying to become Americans and have opportunities for success. The process of naturalization has many requirements to pass and can take years and years to accomplish and because of this we see many immigrants reach the inside of the United States illegally instead of taking the legal path.

The first step in becoming a U.S. citizen is determining if you are already a U.S. citizen or not, such as you were born in the United States to an illegal immigrant and given the birthright of U.S. citizenship. Obviously, this is not the case for the majority of people wanting to come into the United States and for them they need to see if they are eligible to become a citizen through the requirements of Form N-400. Form N-400 is the application to becoming a citizen. Before the form is even able to be filed the applicant must be 18 years or older and a permanent resident who has lived in the United States continuously for 5 years. And within those 5 years the applicant must be physically in the United States for 30 months of the 60 months, so if a job or vacation takes the applicant out of the United States it cannot be for more than 30 months over time. On top of that, the applicant needs to be able to understand basic reading, writing, and speaking in English and also know basic U.S. history and government and understand and agree with the Constitution. And lastly, have a good moral character.

Of course for the step that requires the applicant have been in the United States for 5 years a green card is needed. And the process of acquiring a green card is of itself a time consuming and strenuous task and the card only lasts for 10 years when it needs to be renewed. One of the best ways to obtain a green card is though employment but unless you have special abilities or distinguished academics this may be challenging for the applicant. Obviously, an immigrant owning the title PhD or has earned a Noble Bell Peace Prize would stand out and have a higher chance of being accepted than a construction working with possibly a few years of high education. What the immigration services look for can range from armed forces members to investors that would create more jobs. Acquiring a green card can take many paths and become a long endeavor and this is only a small part of the 20 page Form N-400 that needs to be completed in order to become a citizen.

When or if the applicant is able to complete and submit the Form N-400 there are even more steps to be taken. After the form is accepted a few weeks later the applicant is sent an appointment notice for bio-metrics. In this appointment the fingerprints, photograph, and signature are taken to verify your information. You will be told everything you need such as identification. Possibly more appointments will be scheduled if machines aren’t working or their was a mistake and you are required to attend all of them. After the bio-metric appointment a notice is sent for the naturalization interview. In this interview the applicant will be tested on 10 civics questions out of a pool of 100 and also be given an English language test. You will also be interviewed on your immigration background and your N-400 application. The people conducting the interviews and tests will immediately know the results and tell you so there is no waiting to see if you passed or failed. If you do not pass then the interview and tests can be done again but you only have two chances on the tests.

And after completing all these requirements you are given a notice to take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States in a public place. Finally the applicant is a U.S. citizen and only needs to understand his or her rights and responsibilities as a citizen. But, of course each individual requirement takes extreme amount of time and effort and this is only scratching the surface of complexity it could have on certain applicants. There are other factors in individuals lives that complicate the process more than it already takes.

Imagine putting yourself in the shoes of others seeking to come into the United States. Imagine the time and effort it would take to do all this and what if you had a family? What if you had no money or job? It comes as no surprise that so many people try to reach the United States illegally, but the difficulty cannot be an excuse to come into the United State illegally. In the end it comes down to luck and the fact of where you are born and to what family. All of us living in the United States have it easy in a sense and it is extremely difficult for others to obtain what we all take for granted.

The Wall Street Journal, The Day I Got My Green Card

Legal Beagle, Difference Between Certificate of Citizenship & Naturalization

Wikipedia, Citizenship of the United States

Sources:
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Citizenship through Naturalization
Road to Status, How Long Does it Take to Become a U.S. Citizen?

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Naturalization Information

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Study Material for the Civics Test

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Exceptions and Accommodations 

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Study for the Test

The Balance Careers, How to Get a Green Card to Work in the US

The Atlantic, What the Waiting List for Legal Residency Actually Looks Like

2.2 - Success Factors

3) Hard Work ===> Skill ===> Opportunity ===> Luck

4) I believe hard work is the most essential and important piece in finding success because hard work is what causes new skills to occur and more opportunities to arise. If an opportunity comes up but you are not ready and have not worked hard enough and gained skills then you can not follow up on that opportunity and that is not successful. With hard work you can learn the ins and outs of a topic and gain all the knowledge and skills needed to strengthen yourself and become a professional. Luck is always welcome but can never be relied on. You must be ready to have the skills to follow through on an opportunity and that takes hard work, and if luck comes then that's good but if it does not come then you are ready to be successful without it.

5)

The Reason Why Hard Work Is The Key To Success, MotivationGrind

Sources:

The Reason Why Hard Work Is The Key To Success, MotivationGrind
 

Rat Research 2.1

Rats forsake chocolate to save drowning companion, Science

     When one rat is placed in a container of water and is forced to stay afloat and another rat is in a connected container with the ability to open a door and free the first rat from drowning in the water the rat would always open the door. The rat in the container without the water also had the temptation of chocolate in the container but that didn't matter because the rat would save the other struggling to stay afloat in the water by opening the door leave the chocolate.



Rats forsake chocolate to save drowning companion, Science

US History - Introduction to the text: America's History. 9th edition

1. In which chapter of the text is your event mentioned? Provide a page number too. Some events may have multiple page numbers. If terms related to your event are not located in the index, use your prior research to identify related terms.

     The event is mentioned in chapter 6 on pages 194-195.

2. Under which heading and subheading can your topic be found?

3. Why and how is the text discussing your topic? What larger conversation is your event part of?

4. Read the passage mentioning your event. What more can you learn, that you did not already learn from your first research?

5. Annotate your poster to include relevant new information.

6.

7.

8.

First Blog (EDIT - FIXED CAPTION OF PHOTO)

Amazon: Porcelain Phrenology Head

This is Buster and he sits on Mrs. Lawson's desk watching over the class. Him and I immediately began our friendship from the first moment we met and now we're enjoying history class together and learning new things. Together we're going to work on this history blog and complete our assignments and learn more about history at the same time. Buster is always teaching me about phrenology and the brain and I'm always learning from him. I can tell him and I will be friends through this entire school year and we'll help each other learn more.

US History - Flag Research (EDIT - FIXED CAPTIONS OF PHOTOS)

Wikipedia: Betsy Ross flag

1. ORIGIN: When and where does the US flag originate?

     In May of 1776, Betsy Ross (who lived in Philadelphia and was acquainted with George Washington) reported that she has completed the first version of the American flag but on June 14, 1777, the Continental Congress officially passed the act and established the flag as the symbol of the newly created nation.

2. EVOLUTION: When and why has it evolved?

     The Betsy Ross version of the American flag had the thirteen red and white stripes and this is continued in the present day American flag, but what has mainly changed over the years is the amount of stars added for the different states. A flag timeline of the American flags shows that from 1776 to present day the design has relatively remained consistent with the addition of stars but the layout of the stars has to change. Every so often there is a very unique design of flag and after a while it is returned the well known stars and stripes.

3. DESIGN ELEMENTS / CHOICES: What factors have shaped the look of the flag, including the shapes, colors, and arrangements of stars, stripes, red, white, blue, etc.? Is there a history and purpose to these graphic design choices?

     The wars and experiences of this nation have shaped the look of the flag. On a general scale, the stars represent the heavens and mankind's aspirations and goals and the stripes represent the rays from the sun. More specifically, the thirteen stripes are in remembrance of the original thirteen colonies and the stars show our states at the time, at this time there are fifty stars for the fifty states. And the colors: white means purity and innocence, red means valor and bravery (and I've heard is can symbolize the blood lost so this country could come about), and blue means vigilance, perseverance, and justice. All these symbols would mean nothing and not have the significance they do now if the experiences of the United States did not happen, such as the Revolutionary War. Because the these experiences the symbols of the flag become more personal to the citizens the United States and gives us a sense of pride and nationalism.

punditcafe: Fun with Flags: What Do Flags Stand For - Significance & Meaning

4. MEANING
     a. For what is the flag a symbol? Does consensus about the meaning of the flag appear to be fairly widespread? How can you tell? Does it seem to be widely understood as a positive symbols of national unity?

    The United States of America is the greatest free country in the world so the flag is a symbol of that freedom and liberty and human right like how now everyone can be treated equally. The American flag is a symbol that Americans can rally behind anywhere in the world, on familiar territory or foreign territory. But there is not a 100% consensus about the meaning of the flag and it as a positive symbol. The American flag is a sacred symbol so should citizens be able to defile the flag without begin punished? The people who do this are trying to protest against government policy or just show their pure hatred for America, but America is the land of the free and people who desecrate the flag are exercising their first amendment right whether people agree with them or think they are being disrespectful. But the majority of citizens in the United States are thankful for what they have and respect the flag as a sacred symbol.

CNN: Why free speech is baffling to many

     b. What are the flag's nicknames? What can you learn about where those nicknames originate in our culture?

     The common nicknames for the American flag are "The Stars and Stripes", "The Star-Spangled Banner", "The Red, White, and Blue", and "Old Glory". All these nicknames are self-explanatory with the literal stars and stripes and colors on the flag except for "Old Glory". The original Old Glory flag was one specific flag that was owned by Captain William Diver, but it is now on display at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington. The name "Old Glory" was only that one one flag owned by Captain Diver but now that name is widespread and every American flag is called "Old Glory".

     c. What can you learn about the flag in popular music?

     Through popular music about the the flag we can learn the amount of pride and heart that is carried in the citizens of the nation. Most songs about the United States and its history tell how American is the best country and can overcome anything. The songs are a way we can express our support of the country and show our patriotism. We can learn that the flag is used as the sacred symbol for the United States itself and is extremely and highly looked upon.

5. HABITS/USE: What evidence suggests that the flag is generally understood, within our culture, as something that is worthy of respect and more careful treatment then you might otherwise provide to a piece of fabric?

     The citizens of the United States can follow many common misconceptions and misunderstand the code of the flag. The most common being the when the flag touches the ground then it must be destroyed or burned, but this is not true and the flag can be washed. Another misconception the that the flag cannot actually be washed but indeed it can if it is dirty. These things do not disrespect the flag and what it symbolizes, the purpose of using and maintaining the American flag should be to respect what it stands for and doing these things does not take away from that.

6. CONTROVERSY: Can you find any evidence to suggest that the flag itself is controversial? Or do there just seem to be ways of using it that are controversial?

     It just seems to be the ways of using the flag is controversial. The American flag as a symbol and what it represents is clear and not controversial. What is controversial is whether a person decides to support what the flag and the United States stands for. The ways some people choose to show their patriotism and flag can be controversial to others like a story of this woman who hung

Sources

PBS, ACapitol Fourth, History of the Flag

UShistory.org, Betsy Ross and the American Flag, Flag Timeline

Wikipedia, Betsy Ross Flag

Infoplease, History of the American Flag

State Symbols USA, Flag of USA

Washington County, Pilot-Tribute & Enterprise, American Flag, a symbol of freedom, liberty, and human rights

Omni Financial, Omni Military Loans Blog: American Flag Facts

CNN, Why free speech is baffling to many

Liberty Flags, The American Wave, 7 Common Misconceptions About the American Flag

AJC, American flag controversy: 'I'm disappointed in my country'

Punditcafe, Fun with Flags: What Do Flags Stand For - Significance & Meaning 

Ripple Effect Necktie

Ty Callahan

Block D

Ripple Effect Neckties

Gentlemen's Gazette: The Evolution of Neckwear from Scarf to Tie

     A neckties, in whatever form, has been used throughout history and can can symbolize many different things. Neck wear has ranged from being a material used to mark a warrior to stating someones rank in society. Throughout the years neckties have evolved into the ties we know today and can symbolize different things then they used to.

     As the Industrial Revolution began, more and more jobs were being created and needed to be filled. Jobs in factories was not a refined experience and showed someones need for a job and their social status. At the time neck wear was fancy and unable to be tied in a tight knot and would last a work day. These types of stiff ties were hard to tie and did not have a place in the factories. A simple and comfortable way of wearing ties was sought over the more elegant and unnecessary dress by white collar workers everywhere. Once the simple four-in-hand knot method emerged the tie market skyrocketed. The Industrial Revolution served as a catalyst for the popularity of ties. Workers everywhere could have ties and tie them in a four-in-hand knot which would last the entire work day comfortably around their neck. 

     During this time a man named Jesse Langsdorf made a name for himself with the help of Richard Atkinson. Langsdorf was a New York tie maker who began creating ties by cutting the fabric on the bias. Instead of cutting along with the grain of the fabric or against the grain, Langsdorf would cut at a forty-five degree angle, which is the bias. He cut three pieces like this and would sew them together and make his ties. While Langsdorf's methods were unique his sewing skills were only average. Richard Atkinson helped with this. Atkinson used a slipstitch when sewing ties which secured the fabrics lining with the underlining and he introduced this to Langsdorf in the late 1920s. These types of ties were still long, thin, and easy to knot where it would not come undone but they now allowed for the standard knotted ties to go without twisting and becoming unorganized. Ties have evolved over time and have become increasingly more convenient for white collar workers. 

     Wearing a tie immediately gives the impression of formality and can give a presence of wealth based on the tie worn. Ties are the formal accessory that shows one's position in society as well as personality and mood. For a man on the top of the social scale he would wear a more dull or subtle color of tie. But men lower socially would wear a more vibrant tie. The more expensive a tie the stronger impression it gave as well as a higher likelihood to be hired for a job. During the time of the Industrial Revolution and into the 19th century the tie has been a symbol for those of higher social standing and wealth and someone who did not own a tie or could not afford one was seen as lower on the scale.

     Today people of all ages and rankings can wear all types of vibrant or dull or thick or thin ties and the symbol of it showing one's social rank and wealth have faded. Ties are widely owned and now are used to complete an outfit and show flair.

Wikipedia: Necktie

Today I Found Out, Feed Your Brain: The Origins of the Neck Tie

Sources:

Wikipedia, White-collar Worker

Gentleman's Gazette, The Evolution of Neck wear from Scarf to Tie & Why We Wear Ties Today

The Washington Post, A Twisted History of Neckties 

Today I Found Out, The Origins of the Necktie 

Wikipedia, Necktie