OUTLINE

INTRODUCTION:

*Attention getting device- ((http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/j/janeaddams388283.html)) American social reformer and Nobel Peace Prize recipient, Jane Addams, once said, "Action indeed is the sole medium of expression for ethics." In simpler terms, she is saying that the things you do, reflect on your morals and what you might believe.

*Preview of main points- People can either choose to be for physician-assisted suicide, or against it. Some reasons people are for it are because it will end someone's painful suffering, and it's a way for someone to control their life. Some people are against it because they feel it goes against their ethics, and it is a form of "suicide."

*Transition to thesis statement/main question or point of the paper- Physician-Assisted Suicide is a form of euthanasia, and it is a very controversial topic that is going on right now. People can either choose to support this issue, or go against it.


BODY PARAGRAPH 1((For Physician-Assisted Suicide)):

*Topic sentence about one side of the issue- Many people support physician-assisted suicide because it will end the patient's painful suffering.

*Research and quotations from sources to prove the topic sentence is correct- Although Oregon continues to be the only state to allow physician-assisted suicide, other states such as California are also trying to legalize it. These states all contain different reasons for wanting to pursue physician-assisted suicide but the the one reason that all of these states have in common is the fact that it will end painful suffering for patients with a non-curable illness. There are guidelines however for this law. First of all the patient must be an adult that requests the lethal drugs, but if for any reason the patient cannot make a decision for example because they are in a coma the doctor must make it for them. The patient must also have only six months or less to live, if not they are not eligible for the "Death with Dignity" act. The patient must also be found by two doctors to be mentally well, meaning not suffering from such things as depression. In Oregon and other nations such as the Netherlands if a person reaches those expectations they can take a drug that will take away their pain and suffering, and also kill them. Although someone who uses this "treatment" may be a family member or friend, at least they are no longer enduring painful suffering.

BODY PARAGRAPH 2 ((For Physician-Assisted Suicide)):

*Topic sentence about one side of the issue- A main reason people argue to support physician-assisted suicide, is the fact that people should be able to control their own lives, and determine how and when they will die.

*Research and quotations from sources to prove the topic sentence is correct- Carol Levine, an author, editor and a former member in the MacArthur Foundation has had some experience with patients who suffer from terminally ill diseases. She finds the main reason people choose to request a life-ending drug is so they can control when they leave. Many people have had so much control in their life, and they want to keep that control up until their death. This way patients with a terminally ill disease can choose when and how they will die, under certain circumstances.


BODY PARAGRAPH 3 ((Against Physician-Assisted Suicide)):

*Topic sentence about the other side of the issue- Many people are also opposed to physician-assisted suicide because they feel it goes against their moral or religious values.

*Research and quotations from sources to prove the topic sentence is correct- The decision of physician-assisted suicide varies in all religions, ethnicity, or political preference. So, this decision is based on self opinion. When deciding whether or not to take the route of ending your life by the hand of a physician, it is decided ethically, not medically (Jeffrey A. Schaler). In Field Poll Surveys taken since 1979, it shows that the religions of Protestant, Catholic, Born-again Christians, and other/no preference ranges from 54-80%. Although that might seem like a big difference, in reality it's not. Basically from those statistics it shows that whatever religion someone comes from that it doesn't say if they're for physician-assisted suicide or not.


BODY PARAGRAPH 4 ((Against Physician-Assisted Suicide)):

*Topic sentence about the other side of the issue- Some people are also opposed to physician-assisted suicide because it is a form of suicide. Physician-assisted suicide can also be called "Death with Dignity,"Aid in Dying," or other ways that do not include "suicide." But, just because they don't contain "suicide" that doesn't mean it's not a form of it.

*Research and quotations from sources to prove the topic sentence is correct- When people usually commit suicide they are found to have a mental illness, a mental illness violates the rules of being able to perform physician-assisted suicide, so just because the person does not have a mental illness, it doesn't make suicide right. The terms usually used to describe physician-assisted suicide are "Death with Dignity," "Life-Ending Choice," or "Aid in Dying." Even though those terms do not contain the word "suicide" they still mean the same thing as physician-assisted suicide. Although suicide is not a criminal act, it still isn't right, no matter how you do it. The Oxford English Dictionary defines "suicide" as the act of taking one's own life, or self-murder. Most people think of physician-assisted suicide, as suicide, but it could also be taken as homicide. Either way is a bad way to think of it, but they're both true. The worst part is, is the fact that when people think of it as homicide, that is a burden on doctors.

BODY PARAGRAPH 5 ((Persuasive Paragraph-Against)):

*Topic sentence stating your position on the issue- Although both sides of this issue have some very good arguments, I choose to be against physician-assisted suicide.

*Reasons and research that say why you chose this standpoint- There are several reasons why I choose to be against physician-assisted suicide. One of them is based on morals. I myself am a Born-Again Christian, and in the Field Poll Surveys that I discussed earlier, 54% of them were for physician-assisted suicide. I personally think that is too high, so I do not go based on my religion, just on my personal beliefs (ethically). Another reason I choose to not support physician-assisted suicide is the fact that it can be taken as suicide or homicide. I don't believe either of those terms are right and I think those are both criminal offenses. Since homicide is illegal everywhere else, it should not change when it gets into the hospital.


CONCLUSION:

*Re-state thesis- Physician- Assisted Suicide is a main topic that keeps coming up in the senate, but it is a tough issue to pass when many people are either for it or against it.

*Review main points- Many people when choosing to be for physician-assisted suicide are because it will end miserable suffering, or it gives someone a way to control the way and when they will die. When people are against this issue it is usually because they feel it disagrees with peoples morals and values, or because of the fact it could be considered "suicide."

*Use an attention-getting device to send the reader off in a thought-provoking manner- ((http://thinkexist.com/quotations/suicide/)) American Media personality, Phil Donahue once said, "Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem." Although terminally-ill patients do not have a temporary problem, an unknown source asks, "Why kill yourself? Life will do it for you."


BIBLIOGRAPHY:

*8-10 Sources

Annotation 7: Google Scholar-Euthanasia and Physician-Assisted Suicide: Attitudes and Experiences of Oncology Patients, Oncologists, and the Public

Although euthanasia is meant for the terminally-ill, some people with depression or other mental illnesses are more likely to request the use of physician-assisted suicide than those with physical pain. In a poll taken, most patients with physical pain did not support the use of physican-assisted suicide. Many patients feel it is a burden on their families.

Annotation 6: ProQuest-Los Angeles Times

Author: Geoffrey Nunberg

This article discusses the wording of the use of physician-assisted suicide. In a survey, 75% of adults supported "ending the lives" of the terminally-ill. When worded differently, only 58% agreed to the "physician-assisted suicide." So, people wonder if the wording of it changes the way people feel about the whole subject. Some sources even considered changing titles to give it a better meaning and make it sound not so harsh.

Annotation 5: ProQuest-U.S. Newswire

This article discusses the suicide rates in California and Oregon. Although Oregon has the option of physician-assisted suicide, it has more actual suicide killings happening than in California not including the physician-assisted suicides. California feels that if they approve the law they will have even more suicides occuring, other than those of physican-assisted.

Annotation 4: ProQuest-The Sacramento Bee

Author: Daniel Weintraub

Carol Levine, who has gone through many difficulties in death and diseases, but still opposes the physician-assisted suicide. She feels that there are other options that people can look to while dying. For example, the patient could have someone to talk to and care for them. Many doctors also might have difficulties performing the action of giving someone a lethal injection for they see death as a failure. No one wants to be a person to kill someone, so why would a doctor have to be the victim?

Annotation 3: SIRS-Right-to-Die Issue 'Around to Stay' As California Proponents Regroup

Author: Steven Harmon
July 12, 2006
San Jose Mercury News

This article discusses the want for the terminally-ill to end their own lives in California. This issue has been discussed tons of time in California and they still have not passed it, but it will keep coming up. In polls taken for the "want" of the law shows that usually over 50% of people of all types, politics, religions, and races support the bill. In the bill it gives rules and outlines for the law including the consent of patient, and after 15 days get another consent.

Annotation 2: SIRS- If you Think Doctor-Assisted Suicide Puts People in Charge of Their Own Lives, Think Again

Author: Jeffrey A. Schaler
August 2003

This article mainly focuses on the differences between euthanasia "suicide", and regular suicide. The author states that suicide is mainly put across people with mental illnesses, and is illegal. So, why should it be legal for someone to "kill themselves" because they're in physical pain when it is illegal for someone to kill themselves because they're in mental pain. He also suggests that physician-assisted suicide isn't necessarily suicide, it is more of legal homicide by the doctor. The government is also suggested to be in control of your body during euthanasia. It says that when you want to kill yourself because of mental illness, that's your control. If you want to "kill yourself" because of physical pain that is the government's control.

Annotation 1: SIRS-Assisted Suicide Ticks Upward in Oregon

This article discussed the law of assisted suicide (physician-assisted) in the state of Oregon, the only state to have assisted suicide legalized. Since 2003, even more people are deciding to kill themselves. There was a 10% from 2002 to 2003. There are rules of the law though. One law is that the patient must be terminally ill and with an estimation of six months to live. Some people feel physician assisted suicide is a violation of doctors' practices with using a lethal injection.

.:*My Favorite Place in the Whole World*:.

My favorite place in the whole world is a very fun place to be. Any month of the year you can usually always expect sunny, warm days. One of the best parts about this, is you can kick back and go to the beach whenever you want and always have an awesome time. Although you might have to watch out for sharks you can still have a great time without the worry. Many people envy people who are in this area, it's somewhere any fun-loving person would enjoy. If you're really into having a good time, there are plenty of theme parks for you to go to while you're there. These theme parks have fun water rides, rides based on movies, and if you're in for a scare there are rides for that too. The water rides include small splashes to getting soaked by a waterfall. Some rides that are based on movies are "Jaws," "Popeye," "Incredible Hulk," and plenty more. If you are a fan of any of those movies I'm sure you'll be a fan of these amusing rides. One of the scariest rides in my opinion is the "Jurassic Park Ride," but of course it is extremely fun with an 80 foot, practically straight down drop! These parks are always filled with laughter, screaming, and loud music. The sounds of an exotic, wonderful place. Some other great places here is "Bush Gardens," the home to over 2000 animals. One of the interesting things about this zoo, other than there are tons of animals is the fact that there are rides here, actual big roller coaster rides. Whether you want to see gorillas, elephants, rhinos, or zebras, you will find them all and tons more at this zoo. Also, separate from the zoo is another fascinating place where you can find some interesting creatures, this place is "Gator Land." At "Gator Land" you will find yourself nose to nose with an alligator, and even witness live people wrestling alligators. If you want to see some amazing things, "Gator Land" is the place to be. Speaking of Gators, the college basketball team known as the "Gators" here is unbelievable, if you're a basketball fan this is the best place for you. Be there to cheer on your favorite players including Senior Guard, Lee Humphrey, Junior Forward Joakim Noah, and Senior Forward Chris Richard. All in all, whatever you're interested in, this place, which is my favorite place in the whole world, is the place for you.

SpRiNg BrEaK!

During my Spring Break I didn't do a lot. All week I had fastpitch tryouts for school. But on Thursday night Katie slept over and we watched Ferris Bueller's Day Off. On Friday night I slept over at Katie's and we watched 3 Ninjas. That movie was really weird, but I liked it. On Sunday I had a volleyball tournament, but we didn't do very good in that. That is pretty much all I did during Spring Break.

Sources

Sources:

• http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/
• http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15391426/site/newsweek/
• http://time.blogs.com/eye_on_science/2006/12/global_warming_.html
• http://airs.jpl.nasa.gov/Science/GlobalClimate/
• http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2005/11/1130_051130_ice_age.html
• http://www2.sunysuffolk.edu/mandias/lia/little_ice_age.html
• http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/kids/
• http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/993807/posts
• http://www.environmentaldefense.org/documents/382_myths.htm
• http://www.tc.umn.edu/~hatt0047/climatearticles/tipping
• http://www.tc.umn.edu/~hatt0047/climatearticles/washington
• http://www.commondreams.org/headlines01/0202-01.htm

Day 5

Global Climate


State the Problem:

• The Earth is getting warmer

Evidence:

• Earth has warmed by about 1ºF over the past 100 years.
• Warmer days on earth make the sea level rise, and sea levels have risen.
• The world's iciest continent gradually has been warming over the past 150 years.
• Ice core samples show average temperatures rising 0.2 degree Celsius.
• 50% reduction in the amount of cold, deep water flowing from the North Atlantic to the tropics.
• Evidence from prehistoric times shows that it is possible for northern air temperatures to drop by 10ºC (18ºF) within decades.
• The average temperature around the equator has risen by a fraction of a degree.

Contributing Factors:

• Greenhouse gases make the Earth warmer by trapping energy in the atmosphere.
• Human activities have substantially added to the amount of heat-trapping greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
• Human activities and increasingly trapping more heat.
• Increased carbon dioxide production and land use.

Solution:

• I think if people just recycle more, and put less gases in the air it will stop pollution and the ozone layer won't be ruined so much. Pollution puts holes in the ozone layer causing the earth to warm. If everyone limits their use of cars we could save the earth.

Day 3: Tartan Problem

Tartan Problem

State the Problem:

• Kids are failing classes

Evidence:

• I have friends that have failed classes
• Grade sheets in classroom show who is failing
• In required tenth grade classes, there are juniors or seniors in it

Contributing Factors:

• No time, have after school activities, out of school sports, or work
• Don't understand concepts in the class time
• No parents, friends, etc. to help them
• All around don't care what grades they have

Solution:

• Once kids start failing they must be required to get after school help from the teacher that has them in their class, they must skip their after school commitments

Day 1

.:*Journal Warm-up:Problem-Analysis Essay*:.

My family wants to spend more time together, but no one can agree on the kinds of activities to do. My mom wants to go to the zoo, but we're all older now and don't really want to do that. My dad wants to go to a Timberwolves game, but we're all hockey fans. My sister wants to go see a new movie that just came out, but no one likes her taste in movies. My older brother doesn't want to spend any family time together, he says the time we spend arguing about this is enough family time. I personally want to go on a vacation, but then we just argue about where to go. Our next family meeting, I brought up the idea of doing everything everyone wants to do. One week we'll all go to a Timberwolves game, the next time we want to spend time together we go to the movies, then the zoo. We'll go on a vacation over Spring Break. This way everyone wins. Except my brother, he still has to go to all those things.