BASIC COURSE INFORMATION
As an online course, the writing that we do in English 305 is substantially
different from a face to face course. As such, it is imperative that you
understand the course style from the start. Nearly all of your work in this
course will be posted on the course blog. EACH WEEK YOU WILL HAVE THREE BLOG
ASSIGNMENTS:
1. A BLOG ENTRY,
2. A READING, AND
3. A WRITING ABOUT
THE READING.
Your reading and writing on the blog must be completed by
the Friday (by midnight) of the week in which the reading falls. You have all week each week to complete the reading and writing for that week, but there are no late assignments accepted, so be sure to be disciplined about the
work from the start.
Let me re-state that point; if you do the assigned
work before or during the week it is due, you will receive full credit. If you do the work after the Friday of the week it is assigned, you will get zero credit for that week.
The government imposes order in my life daily by making me abide by the laws that are implemented and applying some sort of negative consequence for the violation of these laws. The laws that are implemented are used to maintain order in our society. Although I do not agree with every law, I do believe they are needed. There is a law for just about every aspect of our lives, ranging from minor traffic violations to murder. I would say laws typically make people think twice about commiting a crime. Personally, I abide by most laws, but laws do restrain me (as well as everyone else)from doing anything deemed as "harmful" or "unsafe" and obviously there is a contolling element to that. I do feel that sometimes I do not want to not wear my seatbelt or go faster than the speed limit, but don't because of the consequence of breaking that law. Although frequently I feel like following every law is sometimes annoying, I will continue to do so for the greater good of society.
ReplyDeleteContinuing to follow every single law for the greater good of society may not always be the right choice. Sometimes, society needs radicals to try to reform laws that are morally wrong, or are simply outdated. In the past, slavery was legal, and many blindly followed.
DeleteThe government seemingly does not appear to have much influence on me at first notice. However, once I start to think about it more, it seems as if there is much more influence than I had previously thought. I do think that some governmental imposition is necessary, as it is needed to maintain social order. It is pretty interesting that seat belts had not always been mandatory, but I'm guessing it was because we had learned that if you're not properly secured inside modern fast moving metal objects, you're going to have a bad time. Personally, I think that seat belt laws are a great thing to have. It is the government trying to promote public safety. Sometimes though, laws can be detrimental to the state of society. A prime example of this would be the segregation laws of yesteryear. People would uphold these because they were statutes of principle, not actual things to be considered wrong. However, it is possible that not many people questioned it because segregation was the norm in that time period. Call be naive, but I believe that not all laws are worth following. The only laws that are ethically sound are the ones that are virtuous, capable of positive influence on society, and have stood up to the test of full public scrutiny.
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree with your last statement, and I feel like we could go on about that topic forever, especially when if you brought up the way our current legal system works and how people think they can make lawyers work to their advantage, even when they are in the wrong, but that's for a different time and topic. Great post
DeleteI do agree with your sentiments as well. I do not think that every law is necessary, however in the overall grand scheme of things they do have a positive impact on us. The alternative of having no laws being enforced is far worse than a few annoying.
DeleteAt first I would think that I am not involved with our government and their regulations, but the more I think about it I realize how I am involved with our government. I try my best follow all the laws and regulations that are enforced through our government. For example, I refuse to litter, harm others, speed or break any other form of laws. However, I choose to follow these laws not because it is enforced by our government, but because it coincides with my moral values.I believe in following the actions that are in the best interest of society and individuals. For example, not littering will help our environment, that if it was followed by everyone, would create a clean environment. Also, not speeding can prevent car accidents that is in the best interest of those who are driving and for society. Driving with seat belts is also in best interest for safety of individuals from preventing any irreversible damage to their health. These are all laws that I follow because they relate to my moral values but I do follow other aspects that have no relation to my beliefs and values. For example, I worked since I was 18 years old and I pay and file my taxes every year. This has nothing to do with my beliefs but I do it because our government enforces us to complete it every year. However, If our government enforced us to follow laws that were unethical, racist and discriminatory I WOULD NOT FOLLOW because I believe that everyone should be treated the same no matter what.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you, that some laws are followed because we personally choose to, not because the government says so. For instance, you mentioning about not littering, that is a personal choice. I also agree with you that laws that restrain others from having an equal opportunity or discriminate somehow should be reconsider if they are worth following.
DeleteI agree with the fact that our individual ethics or morals are taken into consideration when abiding by governmental laws. I've heard the race and discriminatory laws come up in these blogs and thinking back, it baffles me that at one time the government had that much power to implement these laws. Although when I look back at society at that time, people lived in a way of which that is all they new.
DeleteI agree with you to a certain extent because during that time period that is what was "normal" and the unjust laws were supposed to be followed, but I just think that deep in their inner beings they knew it was wrong because then there would not be any changes today.
DeleteWe do have an obligation to follow the law, but at many times throughout the history of America there were many laws that were neither ethical nor moral. Look back at the laws that were in place that pertained to slavery and the treatment of women. Laws are enacted for a purpose, and many times that purpose becomes obsolete or is deemed unfair. This is why Americans should cherish our right to vote and change laws when it does not serve the public fairly or equally.
DeleteI also agree with you, you were right on target with your response. When I first read the assignment, I was like huh? However, the more that I thought about it, I realized how the government does impose on our lives. It is sad to say but we are controlled in some way, yeah we do follow certain rules because of our morals (which I am with you!) but when we really think about it, we realize how much impact the government does have in our daily lives. Once again, I think your response said it all =)
DeleteThe government has a good say in what goes on in our lives. They do this by implementing laws in the society. I don’t think the government insists in these laws to control our life but to help our life’s for the better. The government does this to help society avoid chaos because without rules we would maintain no order. Even though many of us might not agree with some of the laws implemented by the government, it is logical for us to understand and know that they are needed. For example, the law enforces us to wear seatbelts in the car. I don’t find it as the government doing it just because, I see it as a way of them preventing and protecting society from harm inside a vehicle. I agree with this law and the government imposing in these certain aspects because they are meant to imply safety in the community. Perhaps, in the 1970s people didn’t wear seatbelts before but, from that era to this one a lot has change. For example, the population and people that own cars have grown. Making it more likely to get into a car accident and by the government enforcing seatbelts they are actually helping decrease the number of fatality. The government makes sure that the laws they imply are being followed and if they are broken, consequences will be faced. The consequences can be from doing community work, paying a fine, or it can go to serving prison time depending on the violation. I think the government and its laws make people weigh the pros and cons and consider if breaking the law is worth it. I’m towards the government imply rules that will help and protect society but not when it comes to laws that will discriminate and affect our amendment rights.
ReplyDeleteThe government for the most part does impose order and control on my life. I am sure if I there were no laws to abide by (which would create anarchy), I would be looting stores and what not. Why not, if I would not get into trouble for it? – P.S. Let’s all admit that we would do this even though we would like to say we are a good person and that we would never do that. Thankfully, there are laws and it does create order in my life. I know that there are consequences should I steal that fabulous diamond necklace, or dine and dash at that awesome restaurant. However, I am guilty with breaking some rules, rules that I feel that the consequences are not heavy enough for me to consider (driving over speed limit and talking on cell while driving). I think if I were to get a ticket then I would obey the speed limit more often (I have never had a ticket in my 12 years of driving *knock on wood*). I think also people need more rules than in the 1970’s because it is not as safe to go on the road without a seat belt, nor were people aware of how dangerous it was to drive without one (I am a big advocate for WEARING my seatbelt). I don’t know how many times I have heard stories from my parent’s generation about getting pulled over with beer in their hands and the cops telling them to just throw it out and give them a warning. This is unheard of these days, with bigger consequences for drinking and driving, and people are now aware of how dangerous it is to drink and drive (another advocate for SOBER DRIVING). I think the roads were a little safer in that time, and not nearly as congested, so people disobeyed major things like drinking and driving in that time. Well, to conclude, yes the government does have control and order on my life, but I am thankful for this control and order or else this country would not be able to run without it, and it would be nothing but anarchy.
ReplyDeleteYou have a very good point; the government has control for necessary reasons. Some reasons though I disagree with; I don't want to start a full on discussion but thanks to them we are in a recession. I am very disappointed and frustrated we must all pay for their bad choices and our children's generations must pay a big price for this. Not only them but us too. I know they make things safer, but some choices are just ridiclous. I always wear my seat belt too!
DeleteEnalisa,
DeleteI agree, it is sad that our children will never get to touch Social Security, but have to pay into it! I cannot believe the bail out for was it GMC? Oh and the banks, I agree whole heartedly with you that the government doesn't always have our best interest. Their is always a downside to everything, and people in Amercia can get a bit greedy and materialistic. Thanks for your post!
You're right, we didn't and don't always know all the consequences of certain actions. However, when we know better we have to do better. That sometimes means enforcing laws to share the knowledge.
DeleteI don't think people understand just how much the government does impose on your life. This can be good and bad, and most of the time the general population, including myself, choose to look at the bad. For instance, the fact that before my paycheck even reaches my hand, the government has already taken a large percentage of money away from me, for work that I had to do, in order to maintain certain services in our country as well as "invest" my money for me. There are certain impositions however, that have changed even in some of our young life times, that do make sense. For instance the rule, in California, about having to use a bluetooth or handsfree device when talking on the phone while driving. When I first started driving I could talk on my phone all I wanted to and I remember shortly after the law changed I was pulled over and I couldn't help, but get furious about, what I thought at the time to be, a stupid new law. Now I believe we shouldn't be able to talk on the phone at all while driving simply for the safety of others. When you really stop and think the government imposes on all of our lives in an infinite amount of ways. I almost feel like I could write a book talking about how the government impacts just my life.
ReplyDeleteYou have good points. Yes, it sucks how much the government takes from our paychecks, but a lot of it goes towards services we need. Also, I don't know about you, but I get quite a bit back in April. However, I think taxes are a necessary evil to provide services like clean up and what not. Yah, it is hard to get adjusted to new rules, but for the most part they are for the better. Like your example with cell phones, it was a bummer at first, but it I think it is justified, and a safety percaution. Just think, there was a time where seat belts weren't legal, and the law turned the other cheek when they caught UNDERAGE drivers drinking. Yes, rules can be a bummer, but they can save a life (or a lot of money in damages). Thanks for your post!
DeleteThe government has about 99.9% control on our lives. We cannot have anything; anything meaning land, house, car, boat, motorcycle, etc. in this country without owing the government money. We will never own property without paying somebody taxes. Even when were done paying our house we still have to pay the government. You can’t be on the freeway with a horse; you need to own a car. You buy a car and it will never be yours if you don’t pay the government. They have our water, light, fuel, gas; we must pay these bills every month. Government taps into our phone lines, checks our emails; we will never be able to hold a private conversation. The government has total control of our lives, as much as they say it’s a free country it will never be free. I actually do where my seat belt because I will have to pay a fine if I don’t, and I cannot afford to pay more to the government.
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with you. Interesting how you brought up the subject about how we'll never own property without paying the government. I overheard this conversation between 2 business men a couple weeks ago. You're right, the government have complete control of our lives. Some of the laws regulate public safety which I am definitely for (speed limit, seat belts, etc).
DeleteThe government plays a huge part in our lives. Most of the time, I don't even realize how much because I'm so used to abiding by the laws that are in place. One such law is wearing my seatbelt. I happen to agree with this law because it saves many lives. On the other hand, every person should have the right to decide for themselves if they want to be safe or not; that shouldn't be governed by anyone. Another thing that the government has control of is the taxes that we pay for eveything: all of our purchases, the taxes taken out of our checks, and property taxes. The money to pay for things has to come from somewhere and I totally understand that but it seems as if the government doesn't know how to cut corners; that they seem to raise taxes instead of cut back. One tax that is totally unfair is that even when we buy our homes, we won't completely own the land that it sits on because we will have to pay property taxes for the rest of pur lives. To sum it up, the government has a lot of control in our lives and some of it is for our own good but some of it is too much.
ReplyDeleteI agree, government has a lot of control of how we live and sometimes it is too much of a burden in the financial part of our lives. It seems like when the government is short on money, they find ways to get money from tax payers or people who work hard for their income. It's interesting how the system is ran.
DeleteThe government has increased their control on our lives perhaps because we are growing in such an enormous rate. Think about all the technological and scientific changes in our lives in just the past 50 years. We are constantly coming out with new inventions and products that may not have been thoroghly tested. It seems government has to step in like a parent and keep us from, what they may think, will hurt us. In comparison to other countries, we still have a lot of freedom and abilities to make our own choices. We just have to suffer the consequences if the government doesn't agree with us!
ReplyDeleteI think sometimes government has a hard time keeping up with advancements in technology and science. It is hard to the future consequences, good or bad, that advancements can have. Our lives have changed a lot in a short span and I think government, most of the tome, cannot keep up.
DeleteGovernment imposes order and control into many aspects of my life. I am getting married in two months and for it to be seen as a legal marriage I have to file a marriage license. To change my name I have to file an application with Social Security. When I file my taxes next year I will fall into a different tax bracket and will have to notify IRS of my change in marital status. Moreover, my spouse has to be a male for my marriage to be deemed legal and legitimate. As a student I have to file my FAFSA with school to be eligible to receive financial aid. I have to maintain a certain number of units as well as a certain GPA. I have to have a license to drive, a social security number to get a job, and I have to have a bachelor’s degree to home-school any future children. Although the government imposes regulations to create order and control, individuals have become part of a social contract that recognizes the legitimacy of the government and therefore accepts regulation as part of living within society. The extent to which we own ourselves and therefore have power over our own decisions is determined by our acceptance of the social contract. Government control may be pervasive in our lives but it serves a specific function of establishing a relationship between the government and the masses. While I may not always be able to act on my preferred choice, I have the option of challenging the imposition of order and control as it is presented in the form of government regulation.
ReplyDeleteYeah I think most people accept that social contract,because that is an uphill battle many are not prepared to fight. Once we think about all the government regulations and/or "watchful eye" over literally everything, its like why bother? Just go with the flow... Is that always a good thing though? hmmmm..
DeleteThe government has proposed laws that everyone needs to abide by. Some examples of the laws include having the appropriate car seat for a baby or child, driving the speed limit, and the use of seat belts while driving a vehicle. These are examples of some laws that control the society to ensure public safety. Does it control my life? Yes, all the time especially when I’m outside of my home, but it protects the safety of my family. However, there are some laws that I do not agree with. My coworker was telling me a story about how her neighbors tree fell onto the roof of her home which destroyed haft of her property. As soon as she contacted her insurance, she was told that “because she didn’t write her neighbor a letter about any concerns she had of that specific tree before it had fallen, then the neighbor is not liable for it.” So her neighbors didn’t pay for a thing nor were they penalized for any damage. These are the kind of laws that I definitely do not agree with.
ReplyDeleteThere are definitley laws that I do not agree with, espeically when it comes to people who are "sue happy". For instances, someone can be robbing your house and if they get hurt on your property, then they can sue you. Is this ridiculous or what?
DeleteYeah, that doesn't make sense. I have heard that before, but it never sounds real. "I am sorry you got hurt while trying to take my money. Let me just give you my money."
DeletePertaining to the question whether or not the government controls our lives, I would have to be neutral. The government implements certain laws to control society. This includes various laws that are in place to protect our well-being and gives people a set of regulations or standards to live by. Laws such as prohibiting the use of illegal drugs, sex trafficking, traffic laws, and laws protecting our children are in place to properly manage our society, protect citizens, also hold individuals accountable for "bad decision making". If these laws were not in place, humanity would become dead from our own ignorance. In regards to historic laws such a segregation or race laws, we can all agree that government at that time was controlling society based on the current events of society at that time. If it was not for activists or us as American's speaking up and contesting certain laws that we feel are inappropriate or do not agree with then society would definitely be completely controlled by the government. I am a graduate social work student and part of my profession includes policy, we are being taught how to speak up when we feel something is not right, and more so, be the voice for individuals who can not speak for themselves. Government plays a big role in my profession, I recall attending lobby days last year at our state capital and speaking out for or against certain policies or assembly bills that were being presented. It was a great feeling having a voice in what the government can implement.
ReplyDeleteI believe that the government is very much involved in our lives and government plays a huge role in our decision making and it can be both positive and negative. I do believe taxes are a good thing, we have to give something in order to receive. I am glad texting while operating a vehicle is illegal, your eyes should be on the road, but government intervention can be a bit much. I personally do not agree with the legal age to drink; it is too high, I will not go into detail, but there are so many reasons it should be lowered. I do not agree with seatbelt laws, click it or ticket, I feel that should be a personal choice, if one wants to endanger their life, they should have the right to do so. I wear my seatbelt on most occasions, but there are those days where I do not feel like wearing one. You may not agree, but I believe all drugs should be legalized, the right to introduce your body to chemicals should be a personal decision and one should not be penalized for doing so, but I do believe in regulation, such as not driving under the influence or public intoxication. I feel the same way about prostitution, if a person feels they want to use their body to make a profit, I do not see any reason why the government should have any say in the matter. I have met several women in this line of work, and they are genuinely happy, so why is the government stripping them of that happiness? I was talking to one of my residents the other day and she read a quote to me, I do not remember it word for word but here it is, "There would be more murders, if it were not illegal." Now I know some people will disagree with that statement because of "morals" but I think this holds some truth. I am glad it is against the law to take someone elses life; I have pissed a few people off and think this law has saved me. Government intervention is needed for it is good for society, but I think there should be less order imposed by the government.
ReplyDeleteI totally disagree with your way viewing laws and regulations as meaningless tools of mere restriction. You think prostitution because everyone has the right to use its body to make profit, I think if this is the case, the society will vanish soon. This because if someone would sell its body for some money, I believe she/he would neither care about the best interest of the group, society, the nation nor would defend them. This would contradict with what you’re saying at the end of your article that “Government intervention is needed for it is good for society”. You also are saying that all drugs should be legalized claiming it as personal choice that someone choose to endanger himself. Will a person under the influence of drags be reliable and rational? Can he/she prevent himself from eating his kids’ toes and from poking their eyes like what happened about a year or two ago? I hope I did not make you upset, it is just my personal opinion which I am held accountable to express it.
DeleteNo, your statement does not upset me, everyone is entitled to their own opinion. Prostitution and drug use does not mean that "society will vanish." Both prostitution and drug use are alive and they are not going anywhere and why should it? If the United States would stop being so closed minded and basing every law on religious belief, then we could tax prostitution and drug use. I pay taxes so should a prostitute. Every day someone is smoking pot or snorting cocaine and they are not going to stop, and they should not have to, for it is their choice and they should have the freedom to do so, and I do strongly believe it should be legalized, but with regulations attached just like drinking alcohol. And I did not contradict myself we do need government intervention, but again as I also stated but you may have overlooked, there needs to be less order opposed.
DeleteInformation should be brought to the public, but they, the individual, should be able to decide how they want to use the information without being punished. Clearly there are exceptions!
DeleteAt one time, I didn’t think that the government had much control over my day to day activities. After thinking about it for a moment, I realize that the reason people act the way they do is because of social norms imposed by years of laws and police officers enforcing those laws, threatened with prison if they are not obeyed.
ReplyDeleteThe reason that there is order is because of the laws. Even some laws that seem ridiculous to us are there for a reason. Seatbelt laws are enforced to protect people from themselves—and although it should be a personal right to decide whether or not to wear one, the government has decided that we need to be kept out of danger as much as possible. This is the same reason narcotics are illegal.
A newer law is no talking on the phone or texting while driving. While many people don’t obey this law, it is important because it’s protecting other people on the road from those who drive distracted. My everyday life is controlled by laws. We are taught as children that violence isn’t the answer to solving problems, so when we get older, most of us are afraid to use violence as we could end up in prison. Laws put in place by the government shape how people are raised and the personalities we grow up with.
How much the government imposes order or control on our life may be viewed differently from one to one depending on how a person may view a certain issue. To me government imposes useful order in my daily life with a variety of laws and regulations that assert my safety and protection. One example is the seat belt regulations. Although many people may see these regulations as a type of violation of their individual freedom, and wearing the seat belt should be left up to them to decide, these laws help in promoting public safety and prevent numerous death and injury cases. If it is left up to people to decide, no one would wear it and in turn countless damage may occur. For despite how safely you may drive, accidents still happen by other reckless drivers that may cause you your life or the loss of one of your beloveds. However, what I cannot assimilate is why buses don’t have seat belts although they may be occupied by dozens of passengers? Is not this a violation of traffic laws and regulations?
ReplyDeleteMoving on, another set of laws that affect the all of us is the equal opportunity laws. These laws are critical tools in ensuring our equal rights to obtain a job, if qualified, and to be fairly treated at the workplace. They are very effective and virtuous in promoting the spirit of respect to each other regardless religion, color, gender, or ethnicity background. For, if these laws don’t exist, many jobs, if not all, would be limited to certain groups, and undesirable jobs would be left over to foreigners. Thankfully, we have these laws and well structured organizations that regulate even our individual daily engagement with each other
As many of you pointed out, the government “interference” in our lives has been primarily used to ensure our safety. When I first read the topic for this week, the first thing that came to mind was the California Motorcycle Helmet Law. This law was implemented in January 1992, prior to enacting the law many motorcyclists were injured, killed, or disabled. According to an article that I recently read, motorcycle fatalities decreased by approximately 38% in the first year that the law was implemented. I rode motorcycles for years, ever since I was a young child, and I can recall my father requiring me to wear a helmet prior to helmets becoming mandated by law. My father always put safety first, as many of his friends that rode motorcycles. This law was put into place to ensure the safety of motorcycle riders, this is one example of the government is not just taking from its citizens, but protecting them as well.
ReplyDeleteIt boggles my mind that people wouldn't wear helmets if it wasn't a law, but it is true. Good for your dad. I wish more people would think.
DeleteAlthough we live in a free country, we are not completely free to do whatever we want. To some degree, I like this. I do not want crazy people to make bad decisions that affect me or my family. There are many laws that help prevent others from doing so. There would probably be more drunk drivers, theft, and number of other injustices without these limitations. I would wear my seatbelt most likely anyway. I am not sure if everyone I love would, so in this way I also welcome the government's imposition. I got annoyed when I saw people texting while driving even before it was illegal. Once I was talking on the phone while driving home. It was on speaker. I only picked it up a moment to hang up when a police officer pulled up behind me. I got a ticket. Now, whenever I see others on the phone, I get annoyed because it only reminds me of my ticket. However, talking on the phone while driving did not seem that distracting to me. I am sure there are a lot of people who feel that they wish the government did not impose much on their own life, but are happy that its regulations impose on others' lives, the lives of people we do not know or trust. These laws do help protect us. I wish we did not have to have them, and people would just be responsible. There are always going to be those people who do what they want anyway, but laws do help to limit this number.
ReplyDeletethanks for your post! I like your point about not wanting crazy peoples bad descisions to affect you and your family. This is a good side to argue for those who feel they have a personal right to deicde their saftey. Well, when its not just your safety that it is affecting then it is no longer a persons right or decision. I know people can say wearing a seat belt only affects themselves, but what if for some reason not wearing your seat belt resulted in someone in the car beside you getting hurt in the accident because you weren't restrained and went through the winshield causing glass to break and possibly cutting the person next to you. Ok that is a far stretch and a rant, but it is possible, and shows that there is always someone else that can be affected by your choice even when you think it is only affecting you.
DeleteThere are some laws that protect us, I completely agree. We need these laws because we can not depend on people to be responsible or do the right thing.
DeleteI believe the government will always find ways to impose on people's life. Individuals can choose to cooperate or not with the regulations set by the government. However, there are positive and negative consequences for either choice. In my opinion, one of the most frustrating ways that the government can impose in a person's life is by collecting taxes. Taxes have existed for many years, which are designed to serve several purposes. However, it is up to the government to make good use of them as they collect them. Taxes are supposed to help the government help communities in need (e.g. creating jobs, health services, etc.) but often fail to do so. It is understandable that there are varieties of areas that the government needs to attend to make the country a better place. Keeping those goals in mind the government should make money management a priority. Working as a case manager in an outlying area of the county, I get to see the frustration indigent individuals attain due to their limited resources. There are situations were as workers we have to overcome barriers to assist people attain the services they are in need of. Health services are not available to a community as a whole, only qualifying individuals whom may be more stable than others may. There is a great need for not only health services but for other community resources that the government can definitely support. I believe the government should make some changes that will lead them to make better choices when handling the taxes collected from the public.
ReplyDeleteI completing agree with you. What's disappointing is what little influence we actually have when determining how much we are taxed. We are expected to pay what the government asks, and we do otherwise we suffer the consequences. For example, if we don't pay our property tax our homes will be foreclosed upon, if we fail to pay our federal taxes they garnish pay checks, bank accounts and cease assets. However, when they fail us (like you said) with not providing jobs or stimulating the economy its a different story. I agree I think the government could improve on the way they spend our money!
DeleteI think the government imposes order on our everyday life in a way that certain laws have become innate. For instance, when I get in a car I do not have to be told to put my seatbelt on. Additionally, the government and state laws are a beneficial way of preventing individuals from committing regretful actions and maintain some form of order in society. For example, I personally have never committed a crime or illegal activity because I have always thought about the consequences. Laws and regulations serve as a discipline factor that recompense individuals but can also punish those who exploit the system. Although the government helps maintain some form of order, it can be unfair when it comes to certain laws. An example of this would be the laws that affect the educational system and the budget cuts that have been passed. Along with the benefits that government laws bring forward, there are unfair laws as when.
ReplyDeleteFair argument we definietly need guidelines in order to have a productive society. These laws keep people in line and punishes those who chose to live by their own laws. Of course there is always room for improvement.
DeleteAs much as I would like to think and believe that the government does not have their fingers in any aspect of my life, they do. For example, if I chose to reject society and live up in the mountains as a hermit, I highly doubt I would be able to. As a current taxpayer, I'm sure I would be sought out for "tax evasion." I would probably have to "get thee to a nunnery" in order to avoid that.
ReplyDeleteAs many of my classmates have pointed out, the government has control over what we can or cannot do in our vehicles and homes. These rules exist for the supposed good of all, although I'm sure that there are many who do not feel this way. Another example would be someone who baked cakes. Say they sell a few cakes here and there for friends and family, and then she becomes more popular. Their prices are very reasonable. However, they become too popular and someone is sent to "check them out." They can be fined thousands of dollars for not having a separate kitchen just for baking the cakes they plan to sell. While this law (or guideline) exists for the protection of this individual's customers, it doesn't help them out very much in terms of financial gain.
However, I would like to believe that the government does not care about the daily events of our lives as some do. I have known someone who believed in every single conspiracy theory about the government and their control over us, so much so that they were afraid to talk on the telephone for fear of their conversation being recorded, even if it was just a request to pick up bread from the store. As Postman pointed out, if we started examining all the policies that affect us, we would be on information overload. Overall, I'm acknowledging that the government does have control over my life, but I prefer not to know exactly how much!
I think it would be foolish to say that the government does not have a considerable amount of influence over our lives. The government makes the laws that we abide by. As time goes on,we have more and more laws. I understand that some of them are considered to be for our own safety. As technology advances, so do the safety laws. However, one of the biggest concerns I have with the government is how much power the insurance companies now have. In my opinion the insurance companies are ruling the world. The government states we have to have car insurance in order to drive. If we do not have insurance our cars can be towed. The insurance companies can charge whatever they want, and if we want to drive we have to pay.Part of the American dream is own your home, again the loan company that lent you the money insists on you having home insurance.You can't get a home loan without it. If you decide to drop the home insurance at a later date, or simply can't pay, the mortgage company will attach their own insurance for double the price and increase your mortgage payment. Medical insurance determines whether or not you'll receive adequate care. The differences in care can mean the differences in testing that is needed. What happens if you don't have medical insurance? Don't get sick, the medical bills could add up to more money then most people make in an entire lifetime. Insurance even determines counseling and therapeutic services.Clients are being given diagnosis that may not be accurate, but the insurance companies will only cover certain diagnosis. The insurance companies also determine when to end services. How can we expect anyone to benefit from such services when the insurance companies are running that too? How could the government allow them to have so much power? The government okay-ed all of this!
ReplyDeleteI always focus on our healthcare in regards to insurance great point about car and home owners insurance as well. Insurance is a huge business we all essentially need to have it and after reading your blog sadly it sounds like a profitable business to get into.
DeleteYes the government dictates much of my life. They decide the speed limits they impose tickets for speeding, parking, not wearing a seatbelt, text messaging while driving, drinking while driving, and even for jay walking. The penalties begin with tickets which is a financial penalty and can lead to jail time. They collect the money for all these violation of laws but we live in a society where our government does not offer healthcare for everyone. Insurance is a luxury in the United States when it should be a right. Government has access to our private information. They essentially can invade our privacy if they have a hunch we are doing something wrong. Clearly our system is far from perfect but rules are necessary so there isn't a wild society.
ReplyDeleteThe amount of government influence over the lives of Americans seems to have grown exponentially from the nation's founding to now. Having to pay taxes and attend jury duty are two examples of the various ways in which the government is able to dictate the lives of its citizens. One way in which the United States government exercises control over the lives of Americans is by regulating the food they eat through the Food and Drug Administration. The Amish people are an exception to this rule, or at least they have been historically, because they grow all of their own food organically and don't sell it on the market. Farmers on the other hand have to abide by specific standards that dictate the way they grow their crops, such as the amount of weevles that can be in their wheat, or the amount of pesticides and other chemicals they are allowed to use. This regulation not only dictates farmers' behavior but controls what I eat daily. While I have the autonomy to choose what to eat for lunch, government influence is still involved, at an earlier stage, in what I do end up eating. But perhaps the most significant way in which the government controls our lives is by being able to decide the standards that students are required to learn in the public education system. By the states' respective education departments choosing the material teachers are required to teach and students are to be tested on, they are essentially the puppet masters behind the wealth of information that is stuffed into the brains of the masses, distracting them from being able to think individually. Education is the most powerful tool yet, even more powerful than food and money, that the government has the power to use for or against its people, because it is the basis upon which our every thought and action is derived.
ReplyDeleteThe government does impose a lot of things in our lives. This is true a lot of people didn't even where seat belts in the early 90's. I remember getting in a car and not even putting on my seat belt as a child. Now a days the first thing I do is put my seat belt on when I sit in my car. The way the government imposes the law to wear the seat belts is that we may get fined a large ticket. In a way the government is trying to protect us from getting hurt. The government may try to control us at times but this is one time where I agree with them. There are other ways that the government may try to control us. There are some that think that the government may to control what we watch on television or on the news. I don't know if this is true but I know it's a concern of some people. I do feel that the government may control us by deciding what is ok to teach in a classroom. I don't know to what extent the government controls us but it's a scary thought.
ReplyDeleteI believe that there are a lot of people who only put their seat belt on just so they don't get a ticket that they'll have to pay. So threatening people with a ticket is a great way to get people to do something you want them to do.
DeleteThe government imposes a great deal of order on my life. I can’t even cross a major street legally unless there’s some form of a cross walk there. The government plays some sort of a role in everyone’s daily activities. I however don’t mind because some of their rules should be implemented. For example, everyone should have to wear a seatbelt because it will save your life more often then hurting you. These laws are created to prevent chaos and to keep people safe. However, there are some laws that shouldn’t be laws; unfortunately I can’t think of any to use as an example. The government is necessary for our country to function properly, this is proven the countries with inept governments. These countries are full of criminals and the people there live in fear, and the government is too weak to do anything about it. We need our government to partake in almost everything. Some people require these guidelines in order to know what is wrong and right because they were never taught by other people. You can even hear and see it just by going to the movies are listening to the radio. Publicly you see and hear what has been approved by the government; of course people just download the other stuff that isn’t played for the public. I believe that they should regulate the radio a bit because there are some people who are so charismatic that they’ll get followers and after that they have their own little army, which can be dangerous. You see the government’s hand wherever you go, and I think that they should be involved in everything to a certain extent.
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