This past year, as I graduated from college, brought forth many experiences, none more important than learning to live in a recession. As countless friends and fellow graduates have learned, life isn't easy. I too was culpable of taking a simple view of life during the boom years from '05 to '07, and did not endeavor the utmost in my studies, work or other pursuits. The aftereffects of the crash in 2008 coincided with my exiting the coccoon of college, and entering the working world and planning for a career. I realized that adaptation was necessary. Here, on Thanksgiving Day, I reflect on those lessons which involve both traditional ethics and innovative ways:
1) Industry - no ethic has been more emphasized and proved right. Hard work is necessary to accomplish one's goals in life and to live a fulfilling life, period. It is easy for this generation to lose sight of this virtue, but once we enter college and the work force, it is imperative that we remember and adopt this virtue. If not, someone else - our parents, our colleagues, or the mistress that is the economy - will.
2) Simplicity - a booming economy and consumerist culture may belie it, but simplicity should be the character of life. Simplifying one's commitments, abode, and even writing brings numerous benefits and makes everything else much easier. We need not live as hermits, but should aspire to live like them in several respects.
3) Legal Profession - one of many evolving industries, especially in the skill set and marketplace. As an aspiring lawyer, I finally took time exploring the profession, various specialties, educational preparation, and the effect of the economy. As I found, much of the popular perception is indeed myth, but a legal career still involves much commitment and many qualifications to succeed.
4) Adaptation - change is the only immutable fact (someone definitely said it before). To survive in a volatile and interdependent economy, one needs to be flexible in goals, wants and habits. To do so, I find that the laws of evolution apply well: individual variation brings beneficial fitness. Just as an organism needs differential traits to adapt to changing environments, a person needs similarly different characters to adapt to changing economic and social conditions.
I wish not to preach a gospel, but to underscore my discoveries. Thanksgiving should be about spending time with family and loved ones. Whatever your Thanksgiving religion may be - turkey, feasts, football - it is an introspective holiday and an opportunity to reflect on the past year and the aspects of our character. To do so would be thankful; to do without would be thankless.
Great, short editorial from the NYTimes: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/26/opinion/26thur1.html
Song for Thanksgiving, 'Simple Gifts' from a Shaker hymn:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DBOYYlanm1k
Thursday 26 November 2009
Sunday 22 November 2009
Today's Boston Globe articles
1. Health Care Reform: http://www.boston.com/news/nation/washington/articles/2009/11/22/health_overhaul_narrowly_advances/
Don't get too excited: the Dems only have a filibuster-proof motion for debate. The actual debate will be longer and more acrimonious. Doesn't it seem that Mr. Reid is trying to get something passed, as soon as possible, regardless the quality of the bill?
2. American History: http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2009/11/22/an_animated_history_of_the_pilgrims_voyage/
Provincetown deserves its credit as the first landing site of the Pilgrims, but Plymouth was their actual settlement, which gave growth to their lore and legacy. I applaud Provincetown's efforts to increase our understanding of American history.
3. Preventive Medicine: http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/editorial_opinion/editorials/articles/2009/11/22/early_screening_still_saves_lives/
The Task Force's recommendation is just recommendation, not any official guideline. Too bad many groups, including insurers and strapped physicians, are taking it too seriously.
4. Immigration: http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/editorial_opinion/oped/articles/2009/11/22/where_conservatives_have_it_wrong/
Conservatives might be misled in the focus of their immigration platform, but they are not being unprincipled. While everyone should focus on the larger picture - immigration law reform - stopping illegal immigrants may have some merit.
5. Conservation Ecology: http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/ideas/articles/2009/11/22/what_does_it_take_to_save_a_species_sometimes_high_voltage_power_wires/
The author introduces but does not delve into crucial debates: how much should humans try to save the planet through artificial agency, and what responsibilities corporate groups have toward conservation. It still seems that high-voltage wires are incidental efforts that happen to interfere with community succession, rather than any substantial ecological program.
6. China: http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/ideas/articles/2009/11/22/the_surprising_persistence_of_chinese_communism/
Chinese communism isn't surviving - communism is ethically bankrupt - the Chinese Communist Party is. It survives because it adopts what many other smart governments do: focus on practicalities instead of ideology, and satisfy the people (at least most of them) economically. Doesn't it seem that the author is anti-China?
7. Obama and Oratory: http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/magazine/articles/2009/11/22/wheres_the_poetry_mr_president/
Mr. Cuomo is right - poetry attracts voters while prose keeps policy clear for constituents and fellow leaders. Neither his speechwriters nor Obama is at fault, although some poetry or rhetorical devices in his speeches cannot hurt.
8. Historical Biography: http://www.boston.com/ae/books/articles/2009/11/22/a_fresh_view_of_abigail_adams/
Another book review that wilts - the author should bring out the book's focus on Abigail Adams as an investment manager. It adds something new to history and our perception of Adams, which will make us buy the book. Instead, the review tries to cover too much and too bland.
Don't get too excited: the Dems only have a filibuster-proof motion for debate. The actual debate will be longer and more acrimonious. Doesn't it seem that Mr. Reid is trying to get something passed, as soon as possible, regardless the quality of the bill?
2. American History: http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2009/11/22/an_animated_history_of_the_pilgrims_voyage/
Provincetown deserves its credit as the first landing site of the Pilgrims, but Plymouth was their actual settlement, which gave growth to their lore and legacy. I applaud Provincetown's efforts to increase our understanding of American history.
3. Preventive Medicine: http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/editorial_opinion/editorials/articles/2009/11/22/early_screening_still_saves_lives/
The Task Force's recommendation is just recommendation, not any official guideline. Too bad many groups, including insurers and strapped physicians, are taking it too seriously.
4. Immigration: http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/editorial_opinion/oped/articles/2009/11/22/where_conservatives_have_it_wrong/
Conservatives might be misled in the focus of their immigration platform, but they are not being unprincipled. While everyone should focus on the larger picture - immigration law reform - stopping illegal immigrants may have some merit.
5. Conservation Ecology: http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/ideas/articles/2009/11/22/what_does_it_take_to_save_a_species_sometimes_high_voltage_power_wires/
The author introduces but does not delve into crucial debates: how much should humans try to save the planet through artificial agency, and what responsibilities corporate groups have toward conservation. It still seems that high-voltage wires are incidental efforts that happen to interfere with community succession, rather than any substantial ecological program.
6. China: http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/ideas/articles/2009/11/22/the_surprising_persistence_of_chinese_communism/
Chinese communism isn't surviving - communism is ethically bankrupt - the Chinese Communist Party is. It survives because it adopts what many other smart governments do: focus on practicalities instead of ideology, and satisfy the people (at least most of them) economically. Doesn't it seem that the author is anti-China?
7. Obama and Oratory: http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/magazine/articles/2009/11/22/wheres_the_poetry_mr_president/
Mr. Cuomo is right - poetry attracts voters while prose keeps policy clear for constituents and fellow leaders. Neither his speechwriters nor Obama is at fault, although some poetry or rhetorical devices in his speeches cannot hurt.
8. Historical Biography: http://www.boston.com/ae/books/articles/2009/11/22/a_fresh_view_of_abigail_adams/
Another book review that wilts - the author should bring out the book's focus on Abigail Adams as an investment manager. It adds something new to history and our perception of Adams, which will make us buy the book. Instead, the review tries to cover too much and too bland.
Friday 20 November 2009
Game Injustice, Personal Justice
Wednesday's contentious World Cup qualifer between France and Ireland has the sports world (well, the non-American one) buzzing. In case you missed it, with Ireland leading 0-1 in extra time, and the match going to penalties, Thierry Henry, one the best players in the world, used his hand twice - blatantly and deliberately - to control a ball that led to France's equalizer. France advanced to the 2010 World Cup finals while Ireland went home. It is incontrovertible that Henry cheated and many, including the Republic of Ireland, have pleaded for a replay. Nonetheless, Fifa and the French Football Federation have denied any calls or appeals for a replay.
I would like to address several issues from the incident:
1) Should a replay be granted? Yes, a game of such magnitude - qualification for the World Cup almost means life and death for many nations - should not settled on an illegal incident. During the match, Ireland outplayed France and deserved penalties to settle the incident. Granted, even without the incident, Ireland wasn't guaranteed to advance, but having a replay would settle the matter in a less controversial way. There is plenty of time in the upcoming months to hold a replay.
2) Is Fifa's position justified? No, by flatly refusing to consider a replay, Fifa underscored its inherent undemocratic hypocrisy. As the governing body for the sport, it alone has jurisdiction and the responsibility to enforce the laws of the game. At the very least, it should take time to consider. Fifa's position in any other context would be a travesty of justice unbecoming of the 21st century. It weakens its so-called commitment for "fair play" - how can Fifa expect the sport's players and followers to be fair when it itself cannot? Moreover, Fifa's action even calls into question its long-established independence from governmental oversight and regulation.
3) What does the incident hold for Thierry Henry's career? When Henry retires, what he failed to accomplish will outshine what he did. I admit that Henry is a terrific player who has won nearly every trophy to be won (World Cup, UEFA Champions League). But as a person, he comes off as aloof and even conceited: his continual self-promoting celebrations, his refusal to talk to reporters, his complicated family life. As a leader, he failed, such as leaving Arsenal at its critical developmental stage in 2007, and failing to unite the French dressing room. Now, with this act of dishonesty, his legacy will suffer more. His apology today came off too late, weak on its grounding, and a bit insincere.
I would like to address several issues from the incident:
1) Should a replay be granted? Yes, a game of such magnitude - qualification for the World Cup almost means life and death for many nations - should not settled on an illegal incident. During the match, Ireland outplayed France and deserved penalties to settle the incident. Granted, even without the incident, Ireland wasn't guaranteed to advance, but having a replay would settle the matter in a less controversial way. There is plenty of time in the upcoming months to hold a replay.
2) Is Fifa's position justified? No, by flatly refusing to consider a replay, Fifa underscored its inherent undemocratic hypocrisy. As the governing body for the sport, it alone has jurisdiction and the responsibility to enforce the laws of the game. At the very least, it should take time to consider. Fifa's position in any other context would be a travesty of justice unbecoming of the 21st century. It weakens its so-called commitment for "fair play" - how can Fifa expect the sport's players and followers to be fair when it itself cannot? Moreover, Fifa's action even calls into question its long-established independence from governmental oversight and regulation.
3) What does the incident hold for Thierry Henry's career? When Henry retires, what he failed to accomplish will outshine what he did. I admit that Henry is a terrific player who has won nearly every trophy to be won (World Cup, UEFA Champions League). But as a person, he comes off as aloof and even conceited: his continual self-promoting celebrations, his refusal to talk to reporters, his complicated family life. As a leader, he failed, such as leaving Arsenal at its critical developmental stage in 2007, and failing to unite the French dressing room. Now, with this act of dishonesty, his legacy will suffer more. His apology today came off too late, weak on its grounding, and a bit insincere.
Wednesday 18 November 2009
Obama's Lost Opportunity in China
Three days and a departure later, Obama's much heralded trip to China ended on a whimper. He came out with nothing substantial on topics such as finances, trade, Taiwan, Tibet, nuclear safety, human rights, or climate change. In fact, the most interesting news was his brief meeting with his half-brother (he really lives in China? wow!). Sure, Obama and Hu found some common ground on issues such as climate change, but common ground is nothing more general principles, not specific actions. For instance, climate reform advocates might be encouraged by joint statements on climate control, but who knows what would happen in Copenhagen. In China, the press and ordinary folks viewed Obama's visit with apathy and little excitement. Here in the U.S., I have found a similar perception -- although granted many Americans do not pay adequate attention to foreign affairs.
In fact, I would have preferred that Obama took a strong stance on one issue - whatever it might be - and act upon it, even if he would have discomforted some group. For example, he could have pressured Hu more on currency and trade controls, and perhaps achieved some tangible agreements or concessions. Instead, it seemed as if Obama went to China just to "feel each other out". Such a strategy worth little and could cost him much domestically and internationally. Time will tell and Obama still has to meet President Lee of South Korea; maybe he can salvage something from this trip. Otherwise, I'll just have to mark it as bland, bland, bland and little else.
Sunday 15 November 2009
Today's Boston Globe articles
1. Local culture:
http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2009/11/15/with_membership_dwindling_boston_athenaeum_steps_up_marketing_itself_to_a_new_generation/
A line exists between preserving tradition and following it blindly. Fortunately, the Athenaeum has embraced modern times and welcomes new, young members, many of whom subscribe to its creed and mission. In fact, being traditionalist is elitist, and runs counter to America's democratic and literary principles.
2. Foreign Relations:
http://www.boston.com/news/world/asia/articles/2009/11/15/obama_visit_highlights_new_us_china_relations/
Obama's trip to China will be very interesting to follow. As the article presciently suggests, the issue of the US budget and China's lending may well trump geopolitical concerns.
3. History: http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/ideas/articles/2009/11/15/did_we_learn_the_wrong_lessons_from_the_fall_of_the_berlin_wall/
I don't think a popular association of the fall of the Berlin Wall and people power exists, at least not strongly. Germans and others understand the role geopolitics played, esp. that of the Soviet Union and Gorbachev. I do think Gorbachev's motives for inaction deserve further study.
4. Religion and Economy:
http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/ideas/articles/2009/11/15/the_curious_economic_effects_of_religion/
Sociologists may disagree, but Max Weber's Protestant work ethic theory is valid, and recent empirical findings may bolster it. The apparent association between religion and economic growth may be insignificant, but the "ethic" resulting from religious beliefs, including self-discipline, sense of adventure, and association of failure with hell and success with godly calling, does affect personal economic behavior and that of nations.
5. Biodiversity: http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/magazine/articles/2009/11/15/whats_killing_the_bats/
Bats may not be cute and sacrosanct, but they are essential to biodiversity and ecological balance. The fungus in question might not be spread by humans, but human actions including climate change probably altered the conditions in caves to support fungi populations. Large-scale human alteration of cave climates may be necessary to restore the bats' habitats.
Wednesday 11 November 2009
Going forth on health care reform
After its narrow passage in the House, health care reform moves to the Senate, where the battle will get harder. Harry Reid, the majority leader, is holding onto a filibuster-proof alliance of Democrats and independents. Once the CBO releases its report on the projected costs of the Senate plan, expect much debate after Thanksgiving.
For now, four issues characterize health reform as it moves to the Senate:
1) Principles or Pragmatism - Two Democrats, Martha Coakley and Michael Capuano, have stated ultimata that they would not vote for any bills that prohibit abortion funding. While they ought to be applauded for standing by their principles, they should consider the impact of their decisions on the passage of the bill as a whole. The abortion question might be the biggest issue dividing Democrats, but how many will stand by their beliefs while jeopardizing the passage of a health reform bill?
2) Beware the Filibuster - Joe Lieberman's filibuster threat should not be taken lightly. His personal background and ties to industry will impact his decision, but the Democrats still may convince him to vote for reform. He, like many other independents, is wavering between support for and opposition to the health reform bill. The Democrats' support from independents like Lieberman will be the key to success.
3) The Specter of Cost - Cost, not access, will drive the debate. Many, including Democrats, are justifiably questioning the costs of health reform, especially adding new programs while failing to reform existing ones. Republicans and opponents are using cost as their principal weapon in defeating reform. Whatever bill proposed will provide access and everyone agrees that increasing access is desirable, but whichever bill potentially controls costs will win over constituencies.
4) The Lure of Time - Congress goes to holiday in late December, and midterm elections loom next November. Hence, health reform needs to be completed by the end of this year. Once 2010 begins, the representatives will have heard opposition from town meetings and incumbents will be thinking about reelection. Now is the time to get it done, although waiting for the Senate to produce a bill and reconciling it with the House's will take much time. Wait till next year?
Sunday 8 November 2009
Today's Boston Globe articles
1. Health Care Reform - http://www.boston.com/news/nation/washington/articles/2009/11/08/with_obamas_help_house_passes_sweeping_health_care_bill/
It's about time! The most important question now is which will finish sooner - my analysis of the House bill or the Senate's version...
2. Public Health - http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2009/11/08/amid_clamor_officials_work_to_allocate_swine_flu_vaccine/
An informative article, which illustrates the field of public health (and law at work). It does imply that the workers have much say in directing where vaccines go, even when they might not.
3. State Politics - http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2009/11/08/tight_race_for_ny_mayor_should_be_a_lesson_in_humility/
Humility? For New Yorkers? Ha! Try telling that to those Yankee Universe subjects who stampeded the subways Friday. Seriously though, I like Bloomberg and believe that he is a great mayor, but maybe the historical patterns that the Observer cites will keep him on his toes.
4. Supreme Court - http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2009/11/08/supreme_court_to_review_life_sentences_for_juveniles_in_non_homicides/
Another anachronistic practice; the Supreme Court should strike down such laws and give the imprisoned youths a chance at parole.
5. US Congress - http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/editorial_opinion/oped/articles/2009/11/08/how_to_build_a_better_house/
A radical idea and highly entertaining to read. But, would James Madison really approve?
6. Music Education - http://www.boston.com/ae/music/articles/2009/11/08/with_instrument____and_computer____in_hand_music_students_learn_from_experts_online/
No, one cannot learn music that way. Music is learned through individual involvement and interaction between tutor, student and instrument. A digital medium cannot transcend those criteria.
7. Fundamentalism - http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/ideas/articles/2009/11/08/why_fundamentalism_will_fail/
An inadequately developed article: 1) Is it internal or external forces that are more undoing fundamentalism?; 2) Do the same processes affect Christian, Jewish and Islamic fundamentalism, and how equally?; 3) Can't fundamentalism evolve and thrive in a dissimilar yet viable form?; 4) Is fundamentalism really intellectually and politically bankrupt?
8. Theatre - http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/magazine/articles/2009/11/08/awakenings/
An awesome experience - I think that increasingly, theatre is including audience participation, which will help it stay fresh and interesting.
It's about time! The most important question now is which will finish sooner - my analysis of the House bill or the Senate's version...
2. Public Health - http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2009/11/08/amid_clamor_officials_work_to_allocate_swine_flu_vaccine/
An informative article, which illustrates the field of public health (and law at work). It does imply that the workers have much say in directing where vaccines go, even when they might not.
3. State Politics - http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2009/11/08/tight_race_for_ny_mayor_should_be_a_lesson_in_humility/
Humility? For New Yorkers? Ha! Try telling that to those Yankee Universe subjects who stampeded the subways Friday. Seriously though, I like Bloomberg and believe that he is a great mayor, but maybe the historical patterns that the Observer cites will keep him on his toes.
4. Supreme Court - http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2009/11/08/supreme_court_to_review_life_sentences_for_juveniles_in_non_homicides/
Another anachronistic practice; the Supreme Court should strike down such laws and give the imprisoned youths a chance at parole.
5. US Congress - http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/editorial_opinion/oped/articles/2009/11/08/how_to_build_a_better_house/
A radical idea and highly entertaining to read. But, would James Madison really approve?
6. Music Education - http://www.boston.com/ae/music/articles/2009/11/08/with_instrument____and_computer____in_hand_music_students_learn_from_experts_online/
No, one cannot learn music that way. Music is learned through individual involvement and interaction between tutor, student and instrument. A digital medium cannot transcend those criteria.
7. Fundamentalism - http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/ideas/articles/2009/11/08/why_fundamentalism_will_fail/
An inadequately developed article: 1) Is it internal or external forces that are more undoing fundamentalism?; 2) Do the same processes affect Christian, Jewish and Islamic fundamentalism, and how equally?; 3) Can't fundamentalism evolve and thrive in a dissimilar yet viable form?; 4) Is fundamentalism really intellectually and politically bankrupt?
8. Theatre - http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/magazine/articles/2009/11/08/awakenings/
An awesome experience - I think that increasingly, theatre is including audience participation, which will help it stay fresh and interesting.
Wednesday 4 November 2009
Assessing the Elections
How should we interpret yesterday's election results? I consider three issues most important: 1) Do the results constitute a mandate against President Obama? 2) Do the results signify a Republican resurgence on the national level? 3) What do the results suggest about the American people's outlook on the economy?
First, Obama should not be discouraged about the election results. The Democrat incumbents in Virginia and New Jersey lost more so because of their personal incompetence and unpopularity. Jon Corzine would have lost regardless of how much Obama tried to support him. Additionally, most voters cited the economy as the main issue, which is only loosely tied to Obama's performance or their view thereof. I still think a majority of Americans support and believe in Obama achieving some progress.
Second, the Republicans are indeed regaining a national foothold. Their swaying of independents who had aligned with Obama in 2008 showed that the Republican Party still can attract a diverse constituency. Furthermore, their (and the conservatives') victory in the Maine gay marriage law referendum suggests that they can penetrate traditional Democrat strongholds and win the values politics game.
Third, one cannot conclude anything about the American people's outlook on the economy. Statistically, the voters who cited the economy as the most important issue did so out of choice, and the election results are a small sample size. What is undeniable is that the economy will most likely continue to be the primary issue in the 2010 and 2012 general elections. Whichever party can build a strong record and platform on the economy will be at an advantage.
First, Obama should not be discouraged about the election results. The Democrat incumbents in Virginia and New Jersey lost more so because of their personal incompetence and unpopularity. Jon Corzine would have lost regardless of how much Obama tried to support him. Additionally, most voters cited the economy as the main issue, which is only loosely tied to Obama's performance or their view thereof. I still think a majority of Americans support and believe in Obama achieving some progress.
Second, the Republicans are indeed regaining a national foothold. Their swaying of independents who had aligned with Obama in 2008 showed that the Republican Party still can attract a diverse constituency. Furthermore, their (and the conservatives') victory in the Maine gay marriage law referendum suggests that they can penetrate traditional Democrat strongholds and win the values politics game.
Third, one cannot conclude anything about the American people's outlook on the economy. Statistically, the voters who cited the economy as the most important issue did so out of choice, and the election results are a small sample size. What is undeniable is that the economy will most likely continue to be the primary issue in the 2010 and 2012 general elections. Whichever party can build a strong record and platform on the economy will be at an advantage.
Sunday 1 November 2009
Today's Boston Globe articles
1. Health Care Reform - http://www.boston.com/news/health/articles/2009/11/01/us_health_overhaul_could_penalize_mass/
This is very important; after all, state representatives compose Congress. Any federal legislation should not impinge upon states-based initiatives that work and can offer innovative solutions.
2. Justice System - http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/editorial_opinion/editorials/articles/2009/11/01/let_juries_determine_sex_offenders_fate/
I disagree. First, the author assumes - immodestly - that a jury decision will necessarily be more community accepted than a judge's. Second, as the author pointed out, whoever deciding must weigh medical and legal "fine points" while determining future commission of crime; it is unclear and unstated whether a jury would also trump a judge on those grounds as well.
3. Health Care Reform - http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/editorial_opinion/oped/articles/2009/11/01/hyperbole_in_the_health_debate/
Thanks for pointing out the exaggerations in health insurers' profits. I think the insurers' market is likewise fragmented between those that make much profit, and many others that do not.
4. Social Customs - http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/editorial_opinion/oped/articles/2009/11/01/in_india_riches_breed_birthday_excess/
I personally think that any type of large birthday celebrations - such as those described herein and Sweet 16 parties - are ostentatious and excessive. Nothing else makes today's kids more self-centered and detracts more from their sense of pursuit in life.
5. Literary Criticism - http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/ideas/articles/2009/11/01/the_freakonomics_duo_tackles_climate_change____and_discovers_the_limits_of_cleverness/
Having read only the original Freakonomics, I general applaud the authors but also realize some of the reservations described in this article. For example, I believe that in distilling the material for lay understanding, the authors oversimplify and likely misrepresent many more-complicated economic and scientific theories.
6. Education Reform - http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/ideas/articles/2009/11/01/a_way_to_improve_schools_one_instructor_at_a_time/
It should be done - if doctors are ranked by quality, then why should not teachers? Nonetheless, it is important to use any value-based judgments and data wisely and gradually in implementing new school policies. Otherwise, there may be damning consequences for the teaching profession and the educational system.
This is very important; after all, state representatives compose Congress. Any federal legislation should not impinge upon states-based initiatives that work and can offer innovative solutions.
2. Justice System - http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/editorial_opinion/editorials/articles/2009/11/01/let_juries_determine_sex_offenders_fate/
I disagree. First, the author assumes - immodestly - that a jury decision will necessarily be more community accepted than a judge's. Second, as the author pointed out, whoever deciding must weigh medical and legal "fine points" while determining future commission of crime; it is unclear and unstated whether a jury would also trump a judge on those grounds as well.
3. Health Care Reform - http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/editorial_opinion/oped/articles/2009/11/01/hyperbole_in_the_health_debate/
Thanks for pointing out the exaggerations in health insurers' profits. I think the insurers' market is likewise fragmented between those that make much profit, and many others that do not.
4. Social Customs - http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/editorial_opinion/oped/articles/2009/11/01/in_india_riches_breed_birthday_excess/
I personally think that any type of large birthday celebrations - such as those described herein and Sweet 16 parties - are ostentatious and excessive. Nothing else makes today's kids more self-centered and detracts more from their sense of pursuit in life.
5. Literary Criticism - http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/ideas/articles/2009/11/01/the_freakonomics_duo_tackles_climate_change____and_discovers_the_limits_of_cleverness/
Having read only the original Freakonomics, I general applaud the authors but also realize some of the reservations described in this article. For example, I believe that in distilling the material for lay understanding, the authors oversimplify and likely misrepresent many more-complicated economic and scientific theories.
6. Education Reform - http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/ideas/articles/2009/11/01/a_way_to_improve_schools_one_instructor_at_a_time/
It should be done - if doctors are ranked by quality, then why should not teachers? Nonetheless, it is important to use any value-based judgments and data wisely and gradually in implementing new school policies. Otherwise, there may be damning consequences for the teaching profession and the educational system.
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