The 50 year debate - Comment No. 2 on a colleague

In this unit, I learned more about Roe v Wade, a case that was taken to the court in 1971 and even though this happened almost 50 years ago abortion is still a very controversial topic. We all have our own points of view and opinion on things and I believe that as a society we should all be more open-minded and be willing to listen to the opposing side. There are people who say to be open minded but as soon as you talk against or different to what they believe they will say you are insane, don’t know what you’re talking about, you’re wrong, and walk away or not want to hear the conversation anymore. I have also learned that there are people at both ends who take things to the extreme. For example; extremely to the right or extremely to the left, and being like that, I believe, is not a way to be balanced.

I was browsing through the different blogs to see who’s post I would comment on and I came across “Originally Commentary on Abortion” by Dawson Walton. So, I chose to comment on this blog because only a few days ago I was watching some YouTube videos and came across a type of interview/movie titled “7 Reasons” and it touches on the subject of abortion. I find it very interesting and educational when I watch a debate or look at both sides of a topic/story. I feel doing this broadens my perspective. It makes me see more rather than setting my mind to just one thing as if I was in one small box.

In his blog, Mr. Walton writes that “It shouldn’t be up to lawmakers to decide whether a woman can abort…” And to this statement, I say that lawmakers have made many decisions that don’t go according to what the popular vote is. I feel as if many decisions are taken without asking the public. In class this semester we learned how there are different topics that concern the U.S.A. and a great majority of the public feel strongly one way yet when laws get passed it goes the opposite way. Why does this happen? Is the question I always wonder about.

Mr. Walton states that “…a teenager is most likely unfit to take care of child.” And I agree 50/50 on that. Because I have seen and know of many moms who got pregnant in their teens and fought through it and became really good moms and other moms who became pregnant in their teens and gave up the responsibility to someone else. So in that, I believe a better education system should be put in place to avoid teens to become pregnant.

Overall I give deep thought to what Mr. Walton wrote about and thank him for sharing this with all of us.

“Let me inject heroin in a safe place, it’s my citizen right”

A few months ago, I came across some videos where in some cities (I can’t remember where in the U.S.) they created a space where people could come in and use illegal drugs and in case they overdosed they had professionals there to help them right away. A few questions came to my mind as I watched these videos: What is the purpose of creating these “safe places”? Who is paying for the building, staff, professionals? And wouldn’t creating spaces like these just encourage people to continue to use drugs, seeing that there are no consequences?

As I was wondering on what topic to write about I came across this topic once again “Should cities open drug ‘safe places’ where people who are addicted to illegal drugs can use them under the supervision of medical professionals?” I imagine addiction can be a very difficult thing to live with, maybe it was easy to fall into addiction and now it’s difficult to come out of it. And I believe that if cities do open spaces like these, they would just encourage the use of those drugs. Why not create more programs of help? If someone wants to change for the better and quit addictions they will seek help. But how can we help those who don’t want to be helped? By opening up a space so they can freely inject those drugs? What’s next, providing the drugs for them?

Some might argue, “opening a safe place will allow people to come in and be protected from the bad people out there. From people who want to abuse them, steal from them, and maybe even kill them”. Yet, shouldn’t these reasons/circumstances push the people, who are addicted to illegal drugs, to make a positive change for their lives? To run away from that life and pursue some positive goals or career?  

Perhaps I’m missing some info and I would like to see, read, and hear the point of view from someone who supports the opening of these “safe spaces”. But if the opening of these places, to have the staff, and with medical professionals (which we know won’t be cheap) is coming out of our pockets, citizens who work hard to earn their money and pay their bills, I don’t imagine many people agreeing with the opening of these spaces.

We live in some very interesting times. With there being so many other things that we could work on, just as one example, free college education. Why not provide the opportunity for many people to receive a very good and free education, to have a well-educated and knowledgeable country? Feeding the hungry? Amongst many many other things to work on. But maybe there is a very good outcome for opening these spaces, like I said earlier, some information that I may be missing. I would really enjoy reading about it. How would opening up these places be beneficial to our society?

WOMEN PAYING MORE IS NOT A NATIONAL ISSUE!!!

“WOMEN PAYING MORE (or “pink tax”) IS NOT A NATIONAL ISSUE!!!” ... some might say or have this mentality, but the more you think about it and begin to explore it, you will see how it affects the population of the U.S.  When I first read the instructions for the blog no. 5 assignment issues such as immigration, national security, healthcare, amongst others crossed my mind right away but this issue never crossed my mind to talk about as a national issue. Yet this issue affects a great portion (women) of the U.S. Population (more than half) and therefore it should be brought up for discussion and be seen as a national issue. 

The first time I heard this statement I honestly thought it was just something being made up. I didn’t think nor imagined that women would get charged more for similar products that men also use. I heard women pay a higher prize for some pink razors than those blue or black razors from the same brand but are in the men department. I have begun to wonder more and more on things such as why I can get a $20 that takes anywhere from 30-45 minutes yet women with long hair (and maybe even men with long hair, I need to ask about this) get the hair ends of their hair evened out or cut slightly and yet get charged double or even more compared to what.  

Could it be that beauty has a price? But what about men then? Does their “beauty” also have a price?  

I wasn’t even aware of other items that you mentioned that are priced higher for women, like diapers or canes. Could it be that the pink dye is more expensive? If someone makes that argument, honestly- no comment. Could it be that they have to add extra glitter, sparkles, designs, etc.? Something simple shouldn’t double the price of things. Extra money here and there for services and products does begin to add up and there should be more equality for the same or similar products offered to both men and women, changing the color or things of that sort on the products shouldn’t increase the price outrageously.  

Rayroo, you also argue that women shouldn’t give into buying the men version, as others may suggest, and should instead fight it. But how can or will you fight it? I believe if many women just started to buy the men (same thing less cost) that would send a clear message to the companies. And hopefully, equal the prices. Social media would be a great tool to communicate with other women, make plans of boycotting, and even reach out to the companies and in great amounts and send emails or to let them know about the concerns.  

It makes me happy to read when you mention that other companies and congresspeople are bringing awareness to this is issue and fighting for a change. And it also makes me wonder why I haven’t heard feminist groups bring this up or seen them fight for it. I believe unity is the key to making a change. More people should be aware of this issue and fight together to make a positive change. 

Commentary on rayroo blog five