Self Evaluation for Paper 3

I was really interested in what I chose for a topic for paper 3. I wrote on a proposition that was on the November ballot, it was proposition 2, I have many strong feelings in regards to this proposition. I was shocked with myself to find it possible to write 8 pages, it goes to show how it is possible to write quality lengthy papers when the spark of interest is there. As many know prop 2 passed and there will be many adverse consequences to this new legislation. I felt that I did well but I always leave room for improvement the issue that I felt like I had with this paper is that I was time constrained which in turn made it difficult and in return things such as text citations were lacking in the paper. The problem with not adequately citing your sources is that it discredits the writer myself.

Reading Blog #4

The problem with the slaughterhouse workers and the treatment is not the fact they are illegals or that they are not represented by a union. The issue is that these illegals are here to work hard and make something of themselves in the land of the freedom. Without these illegals many people don't realize what grocery prices would do. It is simple grocery prices would soar through the roof as if there aren't already high enough. These illegals or migrant workers will come to our country seeking a better life for their family, realizing that they are going to have to bust their ass to make it. They are not picky in what kind of work they will do. In fact many of the jobs they do are those that the white citizen wouldn't even fathom doing. These are the people who work the hot summer fields seven days a week, the slaughterhouses, the ditches for our utilites, and many other dangerous, gross, tideous, and termed worthless jobs of america.

Pre Writing for Paper 4

Paper 4 is going to evoke much emotion, as if paper 3 didn't evoke emotion this one will do much of the same. These papers are giving us the students the oppurtunity to form an opinion if we don't already have one; or to expound on the basis that we already have set forth. The topic has been fairly easy to get interersted in, I have a particuliar interest in the organization of labor unions. For 25 years my Father has been represented by a Union or so you might say. I have never truly heard one good thing come out of my Dad's mouth regarding his union.
The other point that i have regarding unions is the fact that they increase the cost of a product or service the is being sold or rendered. Point being that labor unions take for an example the automakers; the consumer pays $50,000 for a vehicle that should cost a mere $20,000. The reason is that for a non skilled worker represented by a union, who maybe glues the decal on thousands of vehicles each day, instead of it being a $12-$15 dollar an hour job, these jobs have turned into $35-$50 dollar an hour job. Plus these employees have full medical benefits for their family of 8. I believe in taking care of your employees, but what ever happened to the survival of the fittest, instead it has become a socialist empire of survival for all no matter how weak or lazy.

Self Evaluation of Paper 2

It has been truly impressive to step back and anayze my work. I don't mean to toot my own horn. What I am trying to say is that I have really been able to take all of my life experiences and form them into my opinion on how things are and what things need to change. I wrote this paper on the basis of the middle class and specifically the struggle that the middle class faces in helping their children achieve their dreams of an education allowing them to go on and make something more of themselves than what there parents were able to do. After all the definition of middle class is the ambition of children to gain or do more than their parents were able to. All in all this has been a terrific class for myself.

Proposition 2 Pre Writing

Proposition 2
On November 4, 2008 California voters have many initiatives to vote on. One of which is Proposition 2 “Standards for Confining Farm Animals” it will have monumental effects on California’s agricultural industry, specifically the egg producers of California. Proposition 2 has many arguments in favor of the initiative as well as many arguments opposing the ballot initiative. Proposition 2 outlines how farm animals may be confined for production of agricultural products. Although this proposition does leave room for exceptions outlined in the Voter’s Information Guide “Exceptions made for transportation, rodeos, fairs, 4-H programs, lawful slaughter, research, and veterinary purposes.”
If Proposition 2 passes, beginning January 1, 2015 all pregnant sows (female pigs), veal calves, and egg laying hens must be housed in a manner in which they can turn around freely, extend their limbs completely, stand up, and lie down. This initiative mandates that punishment of a misdemeanor and fines up to $1,000 and/or six months in local county jail. There will be incurred fiscal effects if Proposition 2 passes, the egg industry of California will not continue to operate at its current efficiency, resulting in reduced state and local tax revenues. As well associated costs may be incurred with the enforcement and prosecution of the new initiative.
History:
Humane treatment of animals has been a mounting issue facing many in today’s society. Many regulations and mandates related to the health and well being of animals are currently in place. The California Department of Food and Agriculture has the entire code of ethics and regulations related to the humane treatment and care for animals posted on their website. One such current regulation is section 9166 which is in place to protect animals from coming into contact with lethal diseases and how to handle the sick animals to maintain biosecurity for other animals and most importantly humans. An issue that has been a problem for many farmers and ranchers over the past few decades has been maintaining adequate space for their agricultural operation.
Over 40 million animals are raised for agricultural purposes in California unaccompanied. California is the nations leading agricultural commodity producer, and if regarded to as a country single handedly California would rank seventh in the world agricultural commodities produced. Unfortunately with the great success and popular weather California is not only home to agriculturalists but many citizens as well. A growing interest in animal welfare and humane treatment practices has led to this new legislation.
A laying hens wing span can reach up to 28 inches if both wings are spread simultaneously, this constitutes for a 5.4 square foot cage needed to fulfill the new requirements if passed. The extra space needed would be extremely cumbersome to obtain for many small family operations. In California alone 80% of the prime soil for raising and growing agricultural commodities has been taken by urban sprawl. The issue of urban sprawl has made increasingly difficult for agriculturalists to remain in the industry. The result of this is frightening to consumers, the lack of inexpensive high quality food to put on the dinner table.
Recent Actions:
However, there has been no judicial or legislative action or ruling on this initiative, seeing how this November will be the first time it has been presented to the California voters for a decision. As opposed to the gay marriage act which has had many appearances with voters and court dealings. The “Standards for Confining Farm Animals Act” is new in many senses, never before have non agriculturalists made decisions for those persons in the agriculture industry who are professionals in their profession in which they make certain that the consumer gets a high quality safe food product for consumption.
Support for Proposition 2:
This November 4, Californians should vote YES! On Prop 2. Prop 2 is a modest measure that stops cruel and unusual treatment of animals, ending the practice of cramming farm animals into cages so severely small that the animals can't even turn around, lie down or extend their limbs. It’s simply wrong to confine veal calves, breeding pigs, and egg-laying hens in tiny cages barely larger than their bodies. Calves are tethered by the neck and can barely move, pigs in severe confinement bite the metal bars of their crates, and hens get trapped and even impaled in their wire cages. We wouldn’t force our pets to live in filthy, cramped cages for their whole lives, and we shouldn’t force farm animals to endure such misery. All animals, including those raised for food, deserve humane treatment. We all witnessed the cruel treatment of sick and crippled cows exposed by a Southern California slaughter plant investigation this year, prompting authorities to pull meat off school menus and initiate a nationwide recall. Factory farms put our health at risk—cramming tens of thousands of animals into tiny cages, fostering the spread of diseases that may affect people. YES! On Prop 2 is better for animals—and for us. California family farmers support YES! On Prop 2 because they know that better farming practices enhance food quality and safety. Increasingly, they’re supplying major retailers like Safeway and Burger King. Factory farms cut corners and drive family farmers out of business when they put profits ahead of animal welfare and our health. Some of the supporters of the initiative include the Humane Society, Dianne Feinstein, and the US Farm Workers.
One supporter of Proposition 2 is the National Humane Society in which they stated “We all witnessed the cruel treatment of sick and crippled cows exposed by a Chino slaughter plant investigation this year, prompting authorities to pull meat off school menus and initiate a nationwide recall. Factory farmers have put our health at risk by allowing these terrible abuses, and now are recklessly telling us its okay to keep animals in overcrowded, inhumane conditions. Cramming tens of thousands of animals into tiny cages fosters the spread of animal diseases that may affect people. Prop 2 is better for animals — and for us.”
“I believe the Prevention of Farm Animal Cruelty Act is a necessary step towards improving the conditions of farm animals raised in confined spaces. I also feel this proposition provides a fair period of time for farmers to transition their operations to more humane animal housing systems.” – US Senator Dianne Feinstein
The US Farm Workers Union had this to say about Proposition 2 “The founding principles of Prop 2 are the same as that of the Farm Worker Movement, built on the vision of Cesar Chavez. During his lifetime, he championed 'kindness and compassion toward all living things.' He said: 'we need, in a special way, to work twice as hard to help people understand that the animals are fellow creatures, that we must protect them and love them as we love ourselves.”

Opposition to Prop 2:
California egg farms have worked with highly respected animal scientists; have developed cutting edge egg production methods to ensure that basic components of sound animal care are provided to egg-laying hens: optimal feed, light, air, water, space and sanitation for egg-laying hens. By arbitrarily altering space configurations, Prop. 2 ignores how this change could negatively impact these other essential animal care components. The humane treatment of animals, including farm animals, is already mandated by California law. Enclosing animals without proper care and treatment is prohibited, and animals must have adequate room to “exercise” themselves. Modern housing systems for egg-laying hens are designed so hens can groom, lie down, stand, stretch, turn around and engage in other natural behaviors. In California, 98 percent of egg farms already adhere to the toughest, most complex food safety standards in the U.S. under the California Egg Quality Assurance Program (CEQAP). This program requires that California egg farms use the most modern, safe and practical egg farming techniques and standards. The United Egg Producers Certified Animal Welfare Program, established and maintained by an independent scientific advisory board, mandates certified U.S. egg farmers follow responsible; science based modern production methods in the care of their hens. Certified farmers must place top priority on the comfort, health and safety of hens and submit to independent USDA audits. Nearly all of California’s egg farmers are UEP-certified. Our food safety is already at risk, with infections, poisoning and even deaths from food borne Salmonella contamination. Dangerous Salmonella contamination can be transmitted through animal feces, including egg-laying hens’. Modern housing systems, banned under Proposition 2, are more sanitary because they effectively separate eggs from feces and other fluids. According to the California Department of Food and Agriculture, CEQAP standards have been credited with helping control egg-associated Salmonella enteritidis (SE) infections in California.
In nearly a decade, there has not been a reported case of SE linked to California eggs. However, 118,000 Americans become ill each year from SE-contaminated eggs coming from other states, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Out-of-state and foreign egg producers, such as Mexico, do not have the same high food-safety standards as California. Modern housing systems were developed to protect egg-laying hens from direct contact with migratory and wild birds, which can carry life threatening Avian Influenza (Bird Flu), Exotic Newcastle Disease and other diseases that can be deadly to humans or hens. According to the World Health Organization, transmission of Bird Flu from poultry to humans results in “very serious disease” and “could mark the start of a global outbreak (a pandemic).” Proposition 2 wipes out almost all modern egg production in California, despite the U.S. Animal Health Association’s assertion that moving flocks inside has “contributed significantly to the improvement in health of the nation’s chicken and turkey flocks.” Wide-sweeping and onerous, Proposition 2 effectively bans all egg production in California and will drive the state’s egg industry out of business. California consumers will have virtually no options to purchase or consume locally-produced, fresh eggs, as Prop. 2 bans almost all modern egg production in the state, making it economically infeasible for California farmers to compete against foreign production. Californians will be forced to rely on imported eggs, trucked in from out of state and Mexico, where food safety standards are not as high. Agriculture is California’s #1 industry. Proposition 2 wipes out an entire segment of that industry, as egg production costs will rise by an estimated 76 percent under the measure. Proposition 2 will significantly increase – and nearly double – the price of locally-produced California eggs, forcing consumers to pay higher prices for eggs at a time when Californians are already experiencing sky-rocketing prices for groceries, gasoline and other basic living expenses. California will lose thousands of jobs and $615 million in economic activity, and millions more in lost state and local tax revenues.

Pre Writing for Paper 3

I have been quite interested in Proposition 2 during this election year. It really concerns me about the lack of consideration for the nation’s agriculture industry coming from this Proposition. It is disgusting that a few animal rights activists’ whacks are trying to manipulate the entire society into making a detrimental mistake of a decision for the agriculture industry. The food safety issue has many Americans up in arms; this initiative has the potential to be devastating to the egg industry. This initiative can cause food safety to be left to a few animal rights activists that could care less about our foods safety.

Reading Blog 6 Question 2

It is surprising to hear an author that is voting yes on Prop 2 actually concern himself with the fact that our nations farmers and ranchers are slowly disappearing. It is becoming a serious problem; that will come to haunt our nation when the local grocers can’t stock the shelves with inexpensive and safe food. With the issue of urban sprawl and its devastating effects on California agriculture as well as the rest of the nations agricultural industry our nation could be up a crick without a paddle.

Reading Blog 6 Question 1

I never really thought about how secretive the flavor and aromas industry has become over the
years. I actually never even put two and two together. I was always one of the passive consumers who just assumed that McDonald’s fries were grown on the McDonald’s fry tree. It is terribly sad to think about how many children actually grow up believing that there food comes from a grocery store, this is a problem that needs to be addressed by our nation as a whole. We need to educate our society and create literate society members in the area of their food, and the process in which it is derived.

Pre Write: A middle class struggle

A history professor once gave a definition of middle class once, it went something like “the simple desire to give your children more than you had and the children’s simple desire to have more than their parents had.” If we put this into perspective this places a vast majority of our society in the so called “middle class.” Just as Mike Lefevre discussed in his interview about his desire to see his son go onto college and gain an education so that he can better provide for himself and his children. This is truly the cycle of the middle class citizen, the desire to achieve more. This desire to achieve or gain more was discussed in our first paper with the reading by Laurence Shames the “The More Factor.” It seems as the lower class in our economic society is hard pressed to simply make ends meet each month. As Barbara Ehrenreich discussed in her excerpt “Selling in Minnesota” how she took a minimum wage earning position at the local corporate giant Wal-Mart to explore the lifestyle that many low income families live day in and day out. She expresses some great points in how there goals are very different from those of the middle class, such as the pure goal of making sure that there is food on the table and clothes on the children’s backs.

Self Evaluation Blog

I was overall impressed with my compare and contrast assignment. Although as anybody would say or should say “it is never perfect, there is always room for improvement.” I made a few careless MLA formatting mistakes throughout the paper. I was impressed with the lack of sentence errors which I have come to unfortunately expect out of myself. It made me feel that maybe I am truly becoming a better writer in being able to convey my thoughts onto paper. I have had a history of making lots of comma splice errors and other grammatical errors; I can honestly say that I feel that those days of grammar errors are behind me.
I was happy with the way that Professor Roberts carried out the different steps of the essay process. I felt that it was organized and that I knew what was expected of me along the entire process of the paper. I felt like Professor Roberts gave some great tips and advice to make this writing process less painful and more interesting than any other paper that I have had to write. I look forward to learning more with each new paper that is assigned to us. I honestly feel that I will be a better writer for having taken this class.

Randy Lund Paper 1 Blogging

It has been interesting to read about the different perspectives of the fast food nation. One perspective has the stance that this mysterious being that hides behind a counter is dangerous and we must fear what it stands for. At first many feel that the book Fast Food Nation written by Erik Schlosser is going to be about how bad the food is for you. Wrong! This piece of work actually comes out of the gate exploring the idea of the boom behind the industry and what has made it grow like it has. Schlosser goes into the facts of how Carl Karcher gave the nation what it wanted along the McDonald brothers. This was the convenience of the drive through hamburger stands and hamburgers by the bag, not to mention implementing the assembly line theory into the business plan allowed for cheap production costs which in turn created cheap hamburgers. Paulo Friere touched a similar matter discussing the education system in his “Banking System” essay, he discussed how the educators have been similar to those depositors of America by depositing information and material into the heads of Americas youth, and then when the depositor feels it is necessary to withdraw the info they will proctor an exam, mostly from regurgitation.
I feel like the American dream is definitely still alive; however, I do think that the American dream has certainly changed over the decades. In the days of the Wild West the dream might have been to gain the claim of land and run your cattle and raise your children. This place may be where generations to come will raise their cattle and children as well. As today’s society has changed and we are much more a materialistic, it is now all about the car you drive and the boat etc. It seems as though the dream of still owning a home exists but many now are striving heavily for financial wealth. The best saying I have heard is that “A Hearst doesn’t have a luggage rack” George Strait.