Early Draft (Intro + Body Paragraph)

The Internet has become the apparent foundation of today’s society and with it has brought changes to how American’s live their lives. The more that technology can help us achieve, the more frequently we sit in front of the computer screen. I feel that the Internet ‘connects’ with me personally because it lets me do what I want to do when I want to do it. I can do research for class, chat with a friend, check professional sports scores, and listen to music all while I am accomplishing my goal of finishing my homework. If this strategy seems counterproductive or detrimental is the long run that is because it is. I, like so many Americans, have been trained to operate through one-dimensional thinking that the Internet permits and encourages. I don’t need to think to simultaneously accomplish all four tasks I listed above, and such lack of thinking is not only hurting America’s reading skills but its intelligence, as well. We are fascinated and choose the ever-changing information that the Internet provides over the monotonous pages of a book. By becoming dependent on the Internet for our livelihood, Americans are forfeiting the benefits that reading brings to our lives, and creating long-term problems that hurt both the individual and society. Modern America’s obsession with the Internet’s non-stop interaction and instant gratification is the cause of its decline in reading and literacy.
The Internet is a valuable tool that, for students, affords insight into the ‘real’ world that lies ahead. Setting a goal is important and the Internet now opens the world in ways never imagined; however, the nature of the Internet is having an adverse effect on today’s student fulfilling their dream. A current study from the Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy asserts, “engaging in recreational (or “free voluntary reading”) and academic (or “school-related reading”) reading is critically important for students’ reading development and overall academic achievement,” yet American reading levels are steadily declining (609). For example, between “1992 and 2005, the share of proficient twelfth-grade readers dropped from forty per cent to thirty-five per cent,” which means sixty-five percent of American’s are entering college or the work force unprepared (twilight). If reading improves our cognitive abilities, our success in school, and our success in the job market, then why are Americans reading less? The Internet acts as a double-edge sword, and is abused to the point where it no longer benefits because it takes time away from other activities, like reading. Mark Bauerlein points out that “the connection between general and intellectual interest and academic performance doesn’t register,” and students' on-line habits are hurting them (54).

Reading Worrier

I posted a comment on cec's blog about critical thinking and the Internet.

"Is Bibliophobia a Social Disease?"

I commented on cec's blog about leisure reading and it place in today's culture.

Academic Advisors at SMU

I commented on Thyrston's blog about academic advisors at SMU.

The Fate of Greek Life at SMU

I wouldn’t be surprised is President Turner would like to see every fraternity on campus lose their charter. Although this is my first year at SMU, stories have been past down how relaxed the University was with social events and fraternities from even just a year ago. As far as I know, every Greek fraternity on campus has either a standing with the University or a sanction pending, with the exception of Phi Delta Theta and Beta Theta Bi, who just received their charter to re-colonize SMU this spring.

I recently joined a fraternity on campus and my eyes were opened to the political world of Greek life within SMU; however, I feel that even an outsider would see the University’s actions as a little more than coincidental. With Kappa Alpha Order being kicked off of campus this semester, and Sigma Alpha Epsilon now on Deferred Suspension it seems like SMU is push fraternities as far as they can without kicking them off, and then waiting to let them make the final mistake.

My fraternity is currently on Social Probation, which means we are not allowed host any social event on or off campus where there is alcohol served. Now, even though this affects less than half of the chapter, it has much larger consequences for the entire fraternity. Just a few weeks ago, the University stops us from hosting our spring philanthropy concert because the band was playing at a bar. Not only did the fraternity take a hit for this, but so did the organization that was anticipating our donation. This incident is not isolated: we almost had to cancel our Founder’s Day (alumni weekend) which had a dinner planned at a hotel and although we agreed not to serve wine to adults of age, but because they could go up to their rooms and drink from their mini bar.

I come from a family that is every involved in Greek life, so I know the positives the benefits that these organizations bring to men and women in their college years and for their entire lives; yet, it seems that SMU would rather take that away. I believe that fraternities are doing nothing new, and are just getting in trouble because of an administration that is cracking down. Just last year, my fraternity won an award for the Best Chapter in the Nation, so I have a hard time believing that we are doing something wrong at SMU.

I believe very strongly in what fraternities and sororities bring to a campus, to a community, and to its members’ lives, and I would have to see SMU lose its Greek community.

Sub-Prime Culpability and Necessary Government Actions

I commented on Chris's blog about Sub-Prime Culpability and Necessary Government Actions.

How Safe Are We?

After recently talking with two pilots for a major airline, who are family friends, a scary reality was brought to my attention. They were discussing the fact that for today’s airlines it is not uncommon for a flight attendant’s salary to top a pilot’s. At first, I could not believe this a possibility due to the time, skill, and demand for pilots that their wages could have dropped to new lows. In the face of the current economy it is difficult for airlines to stay afloat especially after the fall they experienced post-9/11. However, due to pay cuts, wage freezes, and unions, pilots have sacrificed much more in terms of wage to keep their job than flight attendants have. The fact that the operators of aircraft have become second to flight attendants signifies a failure of airlines to provide safe transportation in exchange for higher profits.

Over break I flew on a ‘no-frills’ airline for the first time in over a decade, and I was very disappointed with the pilots’ ability to handle the airplane. As a pilot myself, I likely notice things that most travelers do not, and the pilots we much ‘sloppier’ than what I am used to out of my preferred airline. This budget-conscious airline edges the market on its ability to cut prices, however; I am afraid such measures are cutting the quality of the pilots and ultimately the passengers’ safety. I cannot think of anything more important than the safely of the traveler, and the problem extends past the pilots.

With companies’ efforts to reduce overhead it is likely to airlines cut corners in regards to safety. In response to 100 Southwest planes lacking mandatory safety inspections, the FAA made a push to step up its role in enforcing safety requirements. A month later, in April 2008, American Airlines was forced to cancel 2,500 flights because its planes were not deemed ‘airworthy.’ However, American Airlines was not alone, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Alaska Airlines, and Midwest Airlines were are required to ground planes due to a lack of accordance with safety standards that same month. In light of the American Airlines crash in the Hudson River last month, the question regarding the airlines’ concern for safety is just as relevant.

With such cutthroat competition between airlines, companies cannot afford accidents because of scaring off customers. However, revenue has become so hard to come by that all aspects of service have fallen. Fliers realize when their in-flight snack and drink are taken away, when checked bags now incur a fee, and when regular fares skyrocket, but what customers don’t see is easier to hide. I think when airlines discuss charging fares based on passengers’ weight it should become clear that they are struggling. Although I cannot prove that airlines are lowering their safety standards, I think that it is the airlines number one responsibility to keep safety as the prime concern, and given the doubts that have arisen I feel they have failed.