Issue 9 - An Entitled Nation

Review the horace mann

Domestic - International - Features - Economics - Science & Technology

The Horace Mann Review | Issue 10

1

Issue

9

From The Editor

Review The Horace Mann

A Journal of Opinion on Current Events, Politics, Social Issues, and Relevant Affairs

Deependra Mookim Editor-in-Chief

Andrew Demas Danielle Ellison Executive Editor

yawgurt

Globalized Culture

Analyzing the Affects of Cross-cultural Influences

C

onsciously or not, we have grown up in the shadow of that tumultuous September morning, forever marred by the scourge of indiscriminate killing on our city, our people, and our country. The death of Osama bin Ladin and our nation’s struggle to protect freedom and security signifies a triumph- both symbolic and palpable- of our values.

In many respects The Review is emblematic of these very values. By working for the The Review we are exercising the incredible freedoms provided by American democracy: freedom of the press, respect and civility towards minority opinions, and freedom of speech. We as students can explore who we are and how we fit into the greater social, economic, national, and international communities.

The death of America’s greatest enemy, is serendipitous- in many ways marking the end of a chapter. While international concerns certainly remain significant, our deficits are dominating the current political scene in Washington; these discussions about the deficit by necessity must include our entitle-

ment programs. Issue 9 of The Review looks at these programs and their merits, flaws, and future. The debate over these programs is not limited strictly to politics or economics. Instead, the issue of entitlement programs challenges us to ask greater questions and consider our central values as a nation. I hope you enjoy this issue and find it fascinating and intellectually-stimulating.

Cover Designed by Aramael Pena-Alcantara

2

Aaron Goldman Daniel Grafstein Justin Katiraei Victor Ladd Philip Lin Editorial Director

Gregory Barancik Photo Editor

Aramael Pena-Alcantara Andrew Stier Production Director

Seth Arar

Production Manager

Dorin Azerad Jordan Berman Alexander Daniel Emily Feldstein Harrison Manin Andre Manuel Mathieu Rolfo Zoe Rubin Rebecca Segall Katherine Wyatt Associate Editor

Alexander Familant Ben Marks Business Manager

Jasmine Mariano Senior Columnist

Gregory Donadio Faculty Advisor

Deependra Mookim Editor-in-Chief Volume XX

The Horace Mann Review is a member of the Columbia Scholastic Press Association, the American Scholastic Press Association, and the National Scholastic Press Association. Opinions expressed in articles or illustrations are not necessarily those of the Editorial Board or of the Horace Mann School. Please contact The Review for information at thereview@horacemann.org.

The Horace Mann Review | Vol. XX

ra

ia ic ss ard eg.

table of contents

Domestic A New Chapter in Reading MLB Needs to Increase its Media Presence

Gideon Teitel Ryan Thier

4 6

Still the Safest Way to Travel

Wallace Cotton

8

Sahej Suri

10 12 14

International Welcome to Zimbabwe Is Palestine Nation Enough for the U.N. Muddying the Waters

Isaiah Newman Harold Chen

Features Can’t Touch This Medicare and Medicaid Pensions Reforming America’s Entitlement Programs Operating on America’s Budget

Mohit Mookim

16 18 18 20

David Hackel

22

Henry Luo

24 26

Jessica Bernheim Joanna Cho Sam Henick

Economics The Paul Ryan Path to Prosperity Curbing Our Oil Addiction

Charles Scherr

Science and Tech The Future of Defense 3D Printing Google’s Management Change

The Horace Mann Review | Issue 10

William Ellison Teddy Reiss Hana Krijestorac

27 30 31

3

Domestic

Domestic wikipedia

Cruel and Unjustified The Ban on Gay Blood Donations

by hannah davidoff

will read the letters of an advertisement for the blood banks inviting you to come, donate your blood, and help save someone’s life. Unless you’re homosexual, that is. Since 1983 the Food and Drug Administration has banned all gay men who have participated in sexual activity with another man since 1977 from donating blood. The rationale for this ban was that if gay men donated blood, they could spread AIDS. This law is not only discriminatory against homosexuals, but also homophobic and biased. It must be changed/ Homosexuals should be able to donate

4

blood and not be discriminated against because of their sexuality.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) first placed the ban on sexually active homosexuals in 1983. The ban says that any man who has had sexual relations with another man since 1977 cannot donate blood to any blood bank.

The FDA defends this move as saying that it is the best way to obtain uncontaminated, HIV- free blood; however, scientific and medical research has contradicted the scientific basis of the ban. Early in 2010, 18 senators sent a petition to the FDA protesting this ban The Horace Mann Review | Vol. XX

kipedia

Domestic against homosexuals. This shed some light on the issue, and it is said that the FDA is considering a repeal of the ban. In response to complaints about the ban, the FDA has said that if homo-

because you are homosexual does not mean you have AIDS and it is unfair to assume so. It is also unjust to the homosexuals who use protection or who are in a monogamous relationship.

The FDA ban on homosexuals’ donating blood is unjustified and discriminatory.

sexuals want to donate blood, should refrain from sexual activity for a year.

But this is very discriminatory as it only effects homosexuals, and not heterosexuals. The FDA ban on homosexuals’ donating blood is unjustified and discriminatory.

The ban on homosexual is discriminatory and biased for many reasons. It is discriminatory and biased because it acts against homosexuals and their rights. It is not fair that because of their sexual orientation they are judged, and not seen as viable to donate blood. Just

The Horace Mann Review | Issue 10

This ban singles out the homosexuals.

The FDA rule is unjustified, should be looked into it, and disband as homosexuals should have the same rights and privileges as straight people should.

Besides the fact that this rule is homophobic but it also limits the amount of blood that can be used. Even though now the FDA changed the law to include only sexually active homosexuals, it is still a very discriminatory law, as it is unfair that straight men are allowed to donate blood and be sexually active; straight men can in fact also donate

blood a year after they have had unprotected intercourse with an HIV positive women, or a prostitute even though that makes them at an equal risk of contracting the AIDS virus. This law is prejudiced enough to madden anyone, but it certainly strikes a chord with homosexual men. Gay men like Youtuber Tyler Oakley have posted videos about how frustrated they are about this law.

This ban is discriminatory and limits the blood that can be used to save lives.

The FDA has put a ban on homosexuals donating blood, a ban that not only is discriminatory and unjustified, but also limits the blood that is donated. The FDA has naïvely overlooked this and their ban on homosexuals has no scientific or medical justified basis.

The ban, put in place in 1983, is now outdated and no longer fits into today’s more understanding society, and should be repealed. HMR

5

Domestic

From

The Terminator To

I Recent

A Look at

Celebrities’

Domination of the

Political Game

By Benjamin Greene 6

t started with some, but soon many followed. Athletes and movie stars began to adjust and enter the world of competitive politics. Numerous celebrities who didn’t initially start in politics somehow found their way into this respected line of work. Ronald Reagan, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Bill Bradley are clear examples of a list of men and women who started in areas other then politics, but soon became powerful, political figures in society, due to their public speaking and interaction skills that were gained in their prior professions.

In essence, many times the person who is voted into office or a political position is not the smartest politician with the best resume; but the winner of these elections is the most charismatic and intriguing speaker who enthusiastically seems The Horace Mann Review | Vol. XX

Domestic

The Governator hooked on helping the people. Now, this doesn’t happen in every case, but there has to be some reason why these once celebrities as athletes, actors/actresses, and recording artists successfully spring out of these fields into the widely respected realm of politics.

More than ever before, successful politicians aren’t always the Harvarddegree geniuses, but rather the compelling speaker from Eureka College as in Ronald Reagan’s case. Who would have thought the enormous body builder, Arnold Schwarzenegger, would have become California’s governor for two consecutive terms? The famous American recording artist, Sonny Bono, was also elected to the House of Representatives, representing California, while years before, the Hall of Fame basketball player, Bill Bradley, was The Horace Mann Review | Issue 10

elected as New Jersey senator, serving for 18 years. After the devastating earthquake in Haiti, and the addition of its deteriorating government, recording artist and pop star Wyclef Jean soon announced he was running to be Haiti’s president. Although Wyclef Jean was rejected as a candidate as he had not lived in Haiti for 5 years, Jean acquired and collected massive support from a nation in a time of need. Jean’s talents in the musical industry provided a base for his ability to speak persuasively and to rally the devastated people of Haiti.

Many of the celebrities who run for political positions are successful because of the skills and public speaking abilities they learn in their prior fields. These skills are the exact reason why there have been many accomplished celebrities, who have had no prior political experience, became

effective government leaders. Running for office to occupy any political position, has shifted from an intellectual debate of plausible ideas, to a number of captivating speeches that rally the people behind a certain candidate. This is not to say that smart and capable people don’t get voted into political positions, but rather that nowadays, a successful politician can mainly rely on people skills, where he/ she can relate and persuade the common people in an effective way. This is not to say that long-time, intelligent politicians don’t possess people skills, but nonetheless, the ability to relate and converse with the public has been the number one factor in determining a successful candidate.

In 2007, a poll by CBS news displayed that 49% of people polled said celebrities should stay out of politics, while an overwhelming 46% said that celebrities should get involved in politics. The same report revealed that 53% of young people between the age of 18-29, supported celebrity involvement in government positions.

Throughout the years, the ideal politician has not proven to be the most prestigious candidate with the formidable resume, but rather, the gripping speaker who attracts the young audience in a time of need.

This pressing issue is a significant one for the public to address, as these disputed politicians are the ones in charge of our country, the ones entrusted with our personal freedom and our united safety. This argument as to why certain politicians are elected should also trigger people to think of the right candidate to vote for, and really who should be entrusted with the responsibility of upholding the pillars of American society. Recently, the public has handed over our safety, well being, and liberty to smooth-talking celebrities, which is not necessarily bad, but should be an area of society to pay attention to over time. Clearly, this logical debate over the reasons for successfully elected politicians is an extremely urgent issue for a country that needs a top leader to maintain the beliefs of our founding fathers and to sustain the rights of each individual American.

HMR

7

International

International

by maurice farber and ben davidoff

S

ixty-three years ago, shortly following the Second World War in 1948, the nation of Israel was founded as an independent, democratic, Jewish State. It was soon recognized as such by the United States and many members of the United Nations. Despite this recognition as a state, and thus its rights, the world, particularly Arab nations, the United Nations, and media organizations heavily criticize Israel, including criticism of their rights to be an independent nation; directly contradicting their UN recognition. They unfairly deplore Israel’s actions in defending itself, culminating in recent weeks where there has been a sharp rise in rocket and mortar attacks unto Southern Israel, originating from the Gaza Strip. Despite this rise of aggression from the smaller of the two Palestinian Territories, many bodies in the world have failed to criticize the attacks as heavily as they criticize Israeli efforts to suppress and stem these attacks. This unfair treatment is by no means acceptable, and while Israel itself is not a perfect nation, it should be subjected to the same standard as its neighboring nations and territories.

Sixty-three years ago, the British Mandate of Palestine was

8

patternsrus

passed through the United Nations’ General Assembly, establishing two states in the Western half of Trans-Jordan: one Arab and one Jewish. These states were to have been created instead of what are now Israel and the Palestinian Authorities; however, the United Nations Security Council voted to pass the resolution, Resolution 181 that established Jerusalem as an internationally controlled city.

The leaders of the Jewish independence movement agreed to this resolution and on May 14th, 1948, directly after the deaths of six million Jews by the Nazis during WWII and a massive immigration to Israel, declared Israel a sovereign and independent state. Despite the Jewish State’s peaceful declaration, expressing its desire to live peacefully among its Arab neighbors, the armed forces of Syria, Egypt, Lebanon, Iraq, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, and the Muslim Brotherhood (a terrorist groups sworn to the destruction of Israel) simultaneously attacked Israel by land, displacing more than half a million Arabs living along Israel’s newly formed borders. These displaced people, refugees in essence, although not part of the original plans for a Jewish state, were forced to return to

their original homes between what is now Israel and Jordan (the West Bank) and an area designated part of a potential Arab state, now known as the Gaza Strip.

General anti-Semitism, xenophobia, and these aforementioned Arab refugees started a continuous period of animosity for the Jewish people in Israel. People claimed and still claim that the refugees are not allowed to settle back into Israel.

This is in every way untrue: not only do they have an opportunity to resettle over the last sixty one years, but they could also choose to live in an Arab majority nation, instead of in refugee camps. The sixty-one-year-old state has fought in five wars after its 1948 war for independence against multiple Arab aggressors. These five wars (the Six-Day War in 1967, the Yom Kippur War, the First and Second Lebanon Wars, and the Gaza War) that were fought, in addition to two Palestinian Intifadas and unjustified bombing by Iraqi Premier Saddam Hussein during the Gulf War, have came to define the small State of Israel’s borders. Through these wars Israel has enacted one of the most basic principals of war: “the spoils go to the victor.” It is a double standard that Israel cannot capture territory but that other countries, say the United

International States possession of Guam can. In doing itself. When other countries choose to demnations originating from the United so, Israel has absorbed certain parts of defend themselves, like when North Ko- Nations Security Council. Several months bordering regions for strategic defense, rea attacked South Korea in 2010; South later, the Turkel Report, a report on the such as the Golan Heights from neigh- Korea’s heavy response was condoned. Gaza Flotilla Raid, was conducted by an boring Syria. Israel additionally held the One such instance of Israel action that international committee deemed fair by Sinai Peninsula (now part of Egypt) for a inflamed the media, European nations, the United Nations. In their findings the short amount of time after Egypt’s defeat and Arab nations alike was the Gaza Flo- committee highlighted what the rest of in two wars, that they started, including tilla incident occurring exactly a year ago. the world failed to see, except for Egypt. one on the Jews holy day, Yom Kippur The Gaza Aid Flotilla was a group of ships Israel’s actions were deemed lawful, as Through these territorial additions, Is- sent from Turkey to deliver humanitarian was their naval blockade. The Turkel Rerael has encountered harsh criticism from aid to the impoverished Gaza Strip. Both port revealed that through video footage other developed nations in the world. Is- Israel and Egypt have a military block- it was evident that the Israeli commanrael is the Western nation that faces the ade on the Gaza Strip so as to not allow does were attacked upon boarding the most condemnation for securing strategic weapons to be transported in and out of ship; beaten with iron rods and stabbed territorial acquisitions despite its insur- the territory, yet the world regularly cries at with sharpened knives. This report ing of minimal displacement of ethnic out against only the Israeli blockade, not was ignored by many nations, especially peoples. Israel has been reTurkey, and is one of the rare peatedly called an occupyDespite this rise of aggression from the examples of the UN siding ing force in Jerusalem, desmaller of the two Palestinian Territories, with Israel. This summary spite a lack of international on to show that this many bodies in the world have failed to goes condemning of Jordan’s particular ship was carrying previous illegal control of criticize the attacks as heavily as they criti- no humanitarian aid, simply Jerusalem (as defined by knives, guns, ammunition, cize Israeli efforts to suppress and stem the aforementioned Resolu- these attacks. This unfair treatment is by no pepper spray, tear gas, and the tion 181). Despite the Jewish materials necessary to build people’s historic claim of Je- means acceptable, and while Israel itself is home-made projectiles. In rusalem, predating all other not a perfect nation, it should be subjected addition the particular ship religions, and through the to the same standard as its neighboring na- was part of a pre-meditated fact that it is the most holy provocation, sponsored by tions and territories. sight in the Jewish religion, the Turkish government, and Israel took control of the the “peace-activists” on board surrounding area, granting citizenship the Egyptian one. As such, both Israel the ship were in fact members of the IHH, and democratic rights to all people living and Egypt required all ships entering the an alleged charity with direct ties to terin the city. Though it is important to note waters of the Gaza Strip to be searched rorist political groups, according to both that Arabs had every right to share the by respective security forces. When the the Neatherlands and Israel. They have city if they had agreed to the UN’s pro- Gaza Aid Flotilla entered Israeli waters, ties to Hamas a known terrorist organizaposal. These repeated outcries of Israeli all but one ship stopped for security tion whose goal is to kill Israeli citizens. “occupation” of Jerusalem fail to neglect checks. Lightly armed Israeli commandos In a perfect example of unfair media porthe nation’s positive effects on the city, who were subsequently attacked by the trayal, the Israeli attack received extensive extending freedom and democracy to the “peace-activists” on board the ship raided coverage, while the Turkel Report (backed hilly-region, in addition to creating actual this ship. These activists had a variety of by the United Nations) received almost infrastructure and a modern economy. weapons on board from metal rods to no media coverage. On the opposite specWhenever another nation captures terri- tear gas and guns. Additionally, many of trum, the Goldstone Report, recently retory and treats it in a similar way, the “ag- them had ties to various terrorist groups. dacted by its writer Richard Goldstone, gressor” nation is not criticized as heavily Despite the UN and Turkey’s insistence heavily criticized Israeli actions in the as Israel is. these activists were not simple citizens.

Gaza Strip. This report received The double standard the world In trying to defend themselves, the Israeli heavy media coverage, and it is has set for Israel extends into so commandos killed 9 of these activists, only fair that beneficial coverage many other actions that the Jewcausing a furor in the rest of Israel should be as covered ish State has taken, especially of the world, and media wise as malicious coverthose to legitimately defend several verbal conage is. HMR

9

International

The Future of a G deardimsum

Predictions of the Chinese E

2008 was a big year for China. The Beijing Olympics marked a powerful reintroduction of the red dragon of the east—it proved to the world not only that the developing country capable of hosting a worldwide event

Olympics, it is able to host it like no other country. China’s influence in world markets today is unprecedented—with 19.9% of the world market, China has become the largest manufacturing nation in 2010, surpassing the United States by 0.5%. In terms of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), China’s standing has skyrocketed over the past few years. After overtaking Japan as the world’s second-largest economy in 2010, it is expected to surpass the United States by early 2020s; and that worries Americans. As if this number by itself hasn’t said enough already, statistical analysis has shown signs of China’s overtaking the United States in science in as fast as 2 years, and even more disconcertingly, dominating world trade by 2030. With economic recovery still under way in the United States, the Chinese economy shows few if any signs of slowing down. With its GDP growing at an astounding 9% annually, is China ready to become the world’s number one superpower? such as the

GDP. That is all people talk about nowadays in assessing the economic strength of a country, while the concept of GDP per capita isn’t as clear

10

for many—quite absurd considering that the GDP per capita is the numerical quotient of income divided by population, which in turn determines

the standards of living in a country.

Therefore it is not all that surprising that the statistically successful Chinese economy is not as pretty The Horace Mann Review | Vol. XX

International

a Giant

By Tianhao Chen

e Economy as it seems—just go ask the Chinese people. With a population of 1.3 billion, the barrier is most certainly hard for the Chinese government to overcome. A simple multiplication between the United States GDP per capita at $45989 dollars and the Chinese population of 1.3 billion shows that in order for the living standard in China to be on par with the one in the United States, China would need a GDP of about 60 trillion—a number that almost quadruples the GDP of the United States today. With the extra population burden, the effect of inflation is being exploited to its fullest. Food prices are soaring: you know you are in trouble when the rate of inflation exceeds the rate of interest and the rate of wage increase combined.

The increase in GDP nevertheless results in a decrease in standard of living: simply put, the forever widening socioeconomic gap is drowning the Chinese economy; in other words, the Chinese economy is not going to crash over night, but the “poisonous” gap will eventually take its toll.

According to the latest figures from the National Bureau of Statistics, “the The Horace Mann Review | Issue 10

urban per capita net income stood at 17,175 yuan ($2,525) last year, in contrast to 5,153 yuan in the countryside, with the urban-to-rural income ratio being 3.33:1.” The proverb “The rich get richer and the poor get poorer” is nothing new; in fact, our very own president Andrew Jackson said in his 1832 bank veto that “when the laws undertake... to make the rich richer and the potent more powerful, the humble members of society... have a right to complain of the injustice to their Government”. That is exactly what is in front of the Chinese government today: dissatisfaction among the general public. The survey, conducted in the end of 2010, shows that Chinese households are more dissatisfied with inflation than at any time since the survey began in the fourth quarter of 1999, with 74 percent of respondents saying prices are now “unacceptably high”. However, even worse than that is the potential of the economic growth being nothing but a bubble; this dissatisfaction is going to turn into rebellion when the bubble bursts. The memories from the Japanese asset price bubble from 1986 to

1991 are still relatively fresh; the Chinese government certainly would not want the same to happen to China, but the parallels are very disconcerting—inflated real estate and stock prices have devastated Japan, why should the case of China be any different when the real estate boom has driven housing prices up by as much as 800% over the last 8 years in urban cities like Beijing and Shanghai?

Sounds like a bleak future for China, huh? Well that really depends on if China is willing to rebuild its economic system around something else—and that can take centuries.

Currently, China is the world’s largest manufacturer, and is making its living out of the large labor force—that is what distinguishes China from countries like Japan and Korea. One simply cannot expect a country to lead the world economy with just long assembly lines, unless you are willing to always keep the 1.3-billion burden.

Cheap labor is not the way to get rich, at least not on an individual level—at the end of the day, intellectual property are worth way more than manual labor. Check your clothing, electronic

11

“

International

The standard of living for individuals would United States in terms of total GDP- China ranks at 7 in the world. At the end of the day,

gadgets, anything; the phrase “Made in China” has ironically become a “trademark”—but how many of the things listed are designed or branded in China? Not many, I imagine. Intellectual properties such as patents have really motivated entrepreneurs from countries like Japan and Korea, brands of which such as Sony and Samsung have gone onto the world stage. However, China has not been a big part of the world marketing, mainly due to its lacking an effective Intellectual Property Rights System (IPRS) to protect innovations and the benefits of whom they belong to. In addition, the legal restrictions imposed on small companies in China has made it difficult for young Chinese entrepreneurs to get their businesses rolling. This leads to another transformation that China has to go through to get on par with the United States—government reform. Statistics have shown that the odds of a corrupt official going to jail are less than three percent, making corruption a high-return, low-risk activity. Even worse than that is the fact that people do not have votes in their hands, meaning that corruption is in effect protected among government officials unless he or she is put on trial—which, as previously noted does not happen very often. “Corruption has not yet derailed China’s economic rise, sparked a social revolution, or deterred Western investors. But it would be foolish to conclude that the Chinese system has an infinite capacity to absorb the mounting costs of corruption,” writes Pei from Carnegie Endowment. “Eventually, growth will

12

falter.” The past few months in the Middle East certainly says something about the democratic trend—if China insists on continuing its way of governing, the outbreak of rebellion is only a matter of time. As President Hu Jintao said himself, “There is a need to … hold democratic elections according to the law; have democratic decision-making, democratic management, as well as democratic supervision; safeguard people’s right to know, to participate, to express and to supervise.” But the transformation is going to take time, a lot of time.

While the “intangibles” do make the future of China seem desperate, there are things that can be done today to improve the lives of millions— like closing the socioeconomic gap.

So what causes the gap in the first place? The wages are determined by the market—the differences in the supply and demand for different types of work, skilled or unskilled. Thus, wages can be considered as a function of market price of skill; and therefore, economic inequality is driven by this price. Under the law of supply and demand, the price of skill is determined by a race between the demand for the skilled worker and the supply of the skilled worker. We would expect the price to rise when demand exceeds supply, and vice versa. Currently, the Chinese job market is saturated with unskilled workers, and that is what is causing the economic inequality.

There are theoretically three solutions to this—increase the demand for workers, decrease the supply of workers, or promote the skills of the work-

ers. However, the 1.3 billion fighting for a stable job have made it virtually impossible to decrease the supply, and this leaves us with the choice of either increasing the demand or promoting the skills of the workers. To increase the demand, more jobs have to be opened. That goes back to innovation, for only jobs in new fields are going to find its niche within the society— competition may help some, while harming others, and thus does not suit the goal of increasing the demand of workers. On the other hand, promoting the skills of the workers seems the most feasible option. Although not directly accounted in the law of supply and demand, the potential of outcompeting foreign workers for more skilled tasks can lessen the supply of foreign workers in the saturated Chinese market and thus closing the socioeconomic gap. And that brings us to the key to the future of China— education. Still fighting its way back from the recession, President Obama is willing cut back on everything— Medicare, social security, job-creating investments, but not education.

“We can’t cut education,” Obama told students at a Virginia middle school.

“We can’t cut the kinds of things that make our country more competitive.” Insisting that “the best jobs program out there is a good education”, Obama has the reason to maintain a public school system, so why does not the Chinese government? China is not worried about the national budget—423 million dollars were spent on the construction of the Bird Nest Stadium, one of the main stadiums The Horace Mann Review | Vol. XX

s r C

d a ,

International

still be incomparable even if China does surpass ranks at a pathetic 94 while the United States China still has a great deal of work to do. built for the Olympics. In fact, the Chinese government generally spends a great deal of money to establish itself on the world stage, while leaving a blank on its largely underdeveloped public education system. To hold back on the investment in the younger generations is in China’s worst interest, for that education is the key to the future of the working class, which in turn promotes general welfare of the country.

There are so many aspects of the Chinese economy that can be investigated and analyzed; we can easily talk all day without making any hasty conclusions, and the above are just some of the major concerns. But the problem comes back to this: is China

The Horace Mann Review | Issue 10

ready to overtake the United States.

Words like “surpass” and “overtake” are being overused today, when you talk about leading the global economy, define “leading” first. In terms of GDP, the short answer is yes. With China’s annual GDP growth of about 9 percent, it would take something dramatic for the United States to stay at the number one spot for the next 3 decades, considering its GDP growth of a relatively small 2 percent. While the GDP overtaking does seem to work out for China arithmetically, its GDP per capita today is nowhere close to the United States. In other words, the standard of living for individuals would still be incomparable even if China does surpass United States in

”

terms of total GDP—China ranks at a pathetic 94 while the United States ranks at 7 in the world. At the end of the day, China still has a great deal of work to do. And it is good to question ourselves once in a while: why did we start to compare in the first place? We are measuring the general welfare of a country in pursuit of a better life for all—at least that is what the numbers are intended for. If the living standard don’t compare, GDP are just useless numbers. If there is anything to get out of this article, let it be that it is important sometimes to take your eyes off the numbers and ponder why we started the numbering business in the first place. HMR

13

] a n i h C [USSR v

International

T

by spencer cohen

wo thousand sixteen. A year we all will learn to know. This is not the year that we will pull out of Iraq or Afghanistan, or the year the Israeli-Palestine Conflict will end, but the year China’s economy will surpass that of the United State’s. According to a recent report released by the International Monterey Fund, the period of United States economic dominance on the world stage will end with the exponential growth of China’s “purchasing powers parities (PPP),” or “what people earn and spend in real terms in their domestic economies.” China’s PPP growth is currently that of $11.2 trillion grow-

14

ing to a staggering $19 trillion in 2016.

This is in stark contrast to U.S. growth of $15.2 trillion to $18.2 trillion over the same period of time.

This is not an isolated occurrence sparking tensional issues between the two nations, but part of a larger new Cold War. Though these days do not hearken back to the fear of mutually assured destruction, or to Communist subversion, the United States and China are competing to become the dominant power on the world stage. According to former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, both Chinese and American leaders “face an opinion among elites in their countries empathizing conflict rather

than cooperation.” These are the leaders that will lead us into this Cold War. In this new Cold War, there is not only an arms race, but a race for clean energy. China is currently winning. As stated on a U.S. Senator’s website, “If we can beat Russia to the moon, we can beat China in the race for green energy.”

However, we are far behind. According to Climate Progress, a respected climate related website, the United States has the third largest investment in clean energy behind China and Germany. China invests $54.4 billion of the global $243 billion investment towards clean energy; Germany invests $41 billion, and the U.S. invests $34 billion.

The Horace Mann Review | Vol. XX

International

vs USA This is not acceptable given the United States economic strength and power. As the Earth Times states, “Given the much smaller size of the German and Chinese economies, compared to the US, those numbers imply a much faster rate of transformation.” The U.S.,

U.S.” This is due to the advancements expressed by the release of the J-20 fighter jets. Clearly, in terms of certain military technologies, the U.S. and China are the leaders. This is a dire fact helping to pin them against each other.

Though the two forces of economic

4 per cent of GDP. Each $10 increase in the price of a barrel dangerously increases that proportion by 0.4 per cent.”

China has an interest in the country remaining consistent, which will be achieved with Gaddafi in power. This in conjunction with the fact that China has

Due to economic tensions, pushed forward by the IMF, a race for cleaner energy, and a blooming weapons race, a Cold War is taking place whether you want to believe it or not. the most powerful country in the world since the atomic bomb was dropped on August 6, 1945, is losing a race; the race for clean energy. If the United States does not get up to pace with China, we will be highly inhibited diplomatically.

There is evidence to suggest that the recent release of pictures by the People Republic’s Army, or China’s army, of the J-20 fighter jets, may be a show of force.

This is not as blatant as the days of Soviet military parades, but as Tai Ming Cheung of the University of California Institute on Global Conflict and Cooperation in San Diego states, “China’s military aviation industry is now a prospective candidate to join an exclusive group of countries able to indigenously develop a stealth aircraft. The only established member of this elite set is the The Horace Mann Review | Issue 10

strength have not had any direct confrontations in this new cold war, at the forefront of this new cold war is Libya.

As the United States is fighting to oust Gaddafi there is substantial evidence to suggest that he has strong ties to China.

According to Pepe Escobar’s article in Al Jazeera, a highly respected Middle Eastern news force, “What Beijing wanted was for the rebels to collapse, with Gaddafi back in charge of the whole country and no ‘regime change.’”

Though there is not any evidence to suggest any direct aid to Gaddafi by China, there is clear evidence to suggest that there is opposition between the United States and China in Libya. The interest China has in Libya is oil. Libya is not China’s main African oil supplier, but “oil consumption in China is about

“50 large-scale projects in Libya,” lead to the conclusion of China’s overwhelming support of keeping Gaddafi in power.

The U.S. interest in Libya and to oust Gaddafi, is due to the belief that we must help all “free peoples who are resisting attempted subjugation by armed minorities or by outside pressures,” as was stated in the Truman Doctrine.

According to Times Magazine, over 70% of those in China believe a Cold War is currently taking place. The definition of Cold War is a “state of political tension and military rivalry between nations that stops short of full-scale war.”

Due to economic tensions, pushed forward by the IMF, a race for cleaner energy, and a blooming weapons race, a Cold War is taking place whether you want to believe it or not. HMR

15

Features

Features

Rising by anika tripathi

T

he up and coming entertainment industry in India, Bollywood, is second only to Hollywood in global popularity. It has been continuously on the rise, producing over 800 films a year. Along with increased awareness of India in the everyday world, Bollywood has been creeping into the global entertainment industry through music and movies.

Bollywood has been omnipresent in contemporary American film starting in the mid-1900’s. Indian films have influenced American films, such as Moulin Rouge! (2001), directed by Baz Luhrmann. The success and popularity of this Bollywoodinspired film spurred the resurgence of American musicals in what was thought to be a dead genre in Hollywood. Many Bollywood films have been nominated for prestigious international awards. Also, the music in Bollywood films often influences the popularity of the movie itself. Hollywood and Bollywood have been moving towards each other more frequently, and recent attempts have been made at collaboration between the two major film industries. For instance, Bride and Prejudice (2004) was a major step in this movement of cooperation. Starring the Indian superstar and former Miss Universe Aishwarya Rai, the film used the slogan “Bollywood meets Hollywood… and it’s a perfect match.” Bollywood and Hollywood can join together smoothly, as this movie showed. The film was well received by critics and was a success in theaters. It changed the original story of Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen to match some Bollywood stylistic aspects.

Recently, Hollywood projects have been moving to Bollywood for space and computer graphics, further melding the two industries. Slumdog Millionaire was arguably the best and

allsportsandmovies

16

most successful film to hit theaters in 2008, and was critically acclaimed internationally in almost every country, including the United States. The movie brought incredible fame to those who starred in it. Anil Kapoor, a Bollywood star past his prime, was sent to Hollywood where he became a part of the television series 24. The collaboration of these two major film industries had the accessability and popularity to revitalize a career. However, Bollywood has reached areas that not even Hollywood has.

Practically all the movies that enter the mainstream in India feature music called “filmi” music. Bollywood integrates intricate dance sequences or emotional character interactions with catchy music. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that this music has intertwined itself with the music of other cultures, especially American pop music. For years, music groups have adopted pieces of Indian music from the 1970’s. The Grammyaward winning song “Don’t Phunk With My Heart” (2005), by The Black Eyed Peas, added an American twist to two Bollywood songs melded together.

A.R. Rahman, another Filmi composer, is now one of the most recognized composers in the world after his work in Slumdog Millionaire. The album for the movie, which was directly inspired by Bollywood styles, was on the top of the music charts. The singles “O… Saya” and “Jai Ho” were constantly discussed, and The Pussycat Dolls evem remixed “Jai Ho”, though their version did not appear to be as popular. The music Rahman composed won two Academy Awards. Ciara has cited Rahman as an inspiration in her music, as did the German band Löwenherz (Lionheart in English). Rahman also wrote music for the Broadway musical Bombay Dreams (2002). Singaporean, Uzbek, French, and many Asian underground music

Features

The rising influence of Bollywood in global film and music exemplifies the changing face of international pop culture.

groups sample pieces taken from Bollywood music because the scores are so malleable, demonstrating the universal appeal and influence of this country-specific industry.

The back and forth interaction between Bollywood and Hollywood has left in its wake a cycle of cultural sharing. Both industries frequently inspire films in the other, adding to the worldwide movie scene. American pop culture has adopted Bollywood music into its own mainstream. Bollywood has climbed the ranks in the world film scene as it slowly becomes a ubiquitous part of everyday life.

What’s really intriguing is that two countries with backgrounds and cultures so different from each other can find common ground in film. Media has furthered progress in relationships between countries all over the world. It moved India and Bollywood onto everyone’s radar by outsourcing, movies, and music. As the film industry continues growing and technology develops to unprecedented levels, film and culture will intertwine even more. Personally, I have seen that the idea of foreign origins always makes a movie or a song sound more exotic and appealing. People are always enthralled when they hear a new language, trying to understand new and foreign content. The public exhibits the same desire with music and film. These foreign cultures are new to people, and as time goes on, it will be increasingly normal to find new themes and beliefs from around the world in any given movie. All countries will be available to spread their music and their expertise; they will be able to share their beauty and invite tourists through art and film. All these connections make the world more culturally connected because ideas are being spread through a plethora of different methods. HMR

arzoomag

17

Features

Global Fast Food We’re not loving it by mihika kapoor

F

ast food chains sell America to other countries around the world through their restaurants. In Asian countries, walking into a McDonalds is like walking into America. The uniforms, colors, and logo are the same as here in America and a standard anywhere in the world for their chain.

“The uniforms of the waiters are exactly the same and they play American music….The problem is that when American companies are set up in other countries, they don’t just sell foods or goods. They try to sell American culture as well,” said reporter Joo Sam Lee of Korea.

Unfortunately, the notorious obesity nearly always paired with Americans is spreading through the rest of the world’s population. The rapid spread of American fast food chains to other countries is increasing rates of obesity and diseases such as cardiovascular disease.

Fast food chains are considered exciting in other countries and even alter their menus to the countries’ needs.

Chains have customized their menu and made them ethnic to be successful and popular in their host countries. For instance, in India, “the “Maharaja Mac” is made of mutton, and the vegetarian options contain no meat or eggs.” Beer and wine are served in McDonalds in Germany and France respectively, and in Israel, some McDonald’s outlets are kosher now.

America is taking advantage of its powerful position in the world to maximize on manufacturing and selling fast food. The North America Free

18

Trade Agreement economically binds the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Now American junk foods can be mass produced in Mexico, where the labor is cheaper. Fast food may even be replacing long standing local traditions with unhealthy food. “American fast food chains have received substantial international economic dominance,” said Andrew F. Smith, in the Encyclopedia of Junk Food and Fast Food.

Fast food restaurants are springing up by the thousands all over the globe.

Fast food outlets now outnumber “traditional restaurants” in Europe; there are now 455,484 fast food restaurants as compared to 387,099 traditional ones. In 2007, Europe had 6,400 McDonald outlets in 40 countries and Subway had 1050 outlets in 14 countries. The fastest growth of fast food chains in Europe seems to be in eastern European countries like Bulgaria.

In 1987, the first fast food chain, KFC, entered China “and is now opening at a rate of one per day,” said a worker from the Chinese restaurant, Yum. Naturally, in places like China, where the majority of the population has little disposable income, processed foods with saturated fats are the cheapest and therefore the most desirable option. Therefore, economic activity thrives in these areas, where the food is high in demand. However, when America expands fast food chains overseas, it not only exports food, but also diseases such as diabetes and obesity to other countries. Not only are many people in crowded cities not able to afford healthier food, but they are also uneducated as to the dangers

The Horace Mann Review | Vol. XX

Features caused by fast food chains. This area of blindness is perhaps what plays the biggest role in increasing disease rates, as many are unaware of the consequences accompanied with the food.

The food served in these unhealthy chains has been causing disease rates, especially in Asia, to soar. In 2005, the World Health Organization said that a third of the residents of Asia and the Western Pacific were overweight. It predicted that these rates would rise by 50% for men and 45% for women by 2015.

India has now become the diabetes capital of the world, with 44 million people diagnosed with it. This is estimated to double by 2025. Around a fourth of the population in some Asian cities is obese. This obesity is leading to cardiovascular disease, which has now become the

continent’s leading killer. This is a recurrence of what happened to the U.S. a generation ago. The World Health Organization also reports that 6 out of 10 deaths in Asia are due to heart attacks, stroke, diabetes, hypertension, gallbladder disease, and some cancers. Diseases such as diabetes and heart disease now kill more people than malaria, tuberculosis, pneumonia, malnutrition and various accidents in Asian countries. 30 million people in Southeast Asia have adult-onset diabetes. “Asia is facing a nutrition crisis, and what is at stake is the health of half the world’s population,” said Neville Rigby, from the Londonbased medical association, International Obesity Task Force. More than 1 billion adults are overweight in the world, and at least 300 million are obese.

Not only are these diseases plaguing adults, but they are also speeding up amongst children and encouraging unhealthy addictions. Many kids in Asia develop severe diabetes due to unhealthy eating habits. “We spoil him,” said Bangkok parent Warisa Waid of her 11-year-old son.

“He loves deepfried stuff, and

very minimal vegetables. Almost, I could say, he doesn’t eat vegetables at all.” Diabesity (a combination of diabetes and obesity) was originally very rare amongst children, but is now rising by 9% a year. “We are faced with kids aged 10 to 12 who may require treatment for the next 50 years with tablets or insulin shots, and start getting heart attacks at age 25 to 30,” said Paul Zimmet, the director of the International Diabetes Institute in Australia. It is also reported that obesity rose from 12% to 16% in 2 years among Thai kids, 5 to12 years old.

In Malaysia, obesity in teenagers increased from 1% in 1990 to 6% in 1997.

Obesity in the east is more fatal than it is in the west, and the exportation of fast food chains to developing countries is certainly not helping While international corporate collaboration may stimulate economic activity, the unhealthy options that it brings with it is taking its toll on the world at large. Obesity will become a rampant epidemic in these countries unless conscious steps are taken to reduce the rising trends of fast food consumption, increase awareness of the diseases accompanied with fast food, and inculcate healthy eating habits from childhood. HMR

shotgunkorea

The Horace Mann Review | Issue 9

19

Features

China’s Smoking Culture by vivianna lin

ips news

20

The Horace Mann Review | Vol. XX

T

he people of China have long been addicted to their cigarettes. Smoking is deeply ingrained in Chinese culture as men are given cigarettes at almost every wedding and national symbols cover cigarette packages. 28% of China’s population lives on a steady diet of cigarettes, and tobacco consumption is readily increasing. Efforts to reduce the amount of smoking have been pitiful. China’s government really needs to crack down on tobacco and cigarette use by imposing taxes and regulations, and by educating the masses of the detrimental effects of smoking.

Smoking is a socially accepted practice in China, and its citizens seem perfectly content to overlook the horrible consequences of the habit. China is the world’s largest consumer and producer of tobacco and produces 42% of the world’s cigarettes. There exists no tobacco control legislation, and the patchy legislation to ban smoking is rarely enforced because a large portion of China’s revenues rely on tobacco and the industry employs a large number of Chinese. Even more shocking is that 60% of doctors are smokers in China, the largest percentage in the world.

Smoking is linked with masculine identity as well, adding to the difficulty that a change in the smoking culture would require.

f

or China to kick the habit, it first needs to stop depending so much on tobacco. China’s government needs to take charge in a massive war against smoking if change is to be made, and the country will need massive legislative overhaul for starters. Tobacco use is estimated to kill about 1 million Chinese citizens per year, and that number will have doubled by 2025 if the people continue on this destructive path. It is also caused direct medical costs and indirect costs of approximately 287 billion renminbi ($44 billion), outstripping the 240 billion renminbi in profits the tobacco industry made in 2005. Cases of lung cancer have grown by a whopping 465% since 1980, and account for nearly a quarter of canThe Horace Mann Review | Issue 10

Features cer-related deaths. If this glaring evidence isn’t enough for China to transform its policy, then the government should at least start reducing tobacco consumption for the sake of the future generations. It just doesn’t seem right for kids to think smoking is good, especially when it is so harmful in reality. The cycle of smoking will accumulate over the generations and undergo magnification; how long would it take for all of China to be smoking?

C

hina’s government really needs to impose a national ban on smoking and readily enforce it.

Stringent laws in local areas need to be put in place, especially outside of big cities where the problem is greatest. In the past, legislation had been passed, but the greatest flaw was weak enforcement and disregard for the law.

For example, in Shanghai, residents point out that despite the illegality of smoking in many malls and subways, people blatantly smoke, sometimes with “No Smoking” signs nearby. So there’s that problem of little to no implementation of laws.

This directly correlates with the uselessness of fines, since nobody bothers to stop smoking. There also must be higher taxes levied on cigarettes and tobacco and higher prices. The current tax rate of 40% per pack is relatively low compared to the international average, which ranges from 65 to 70%. Smoking is also much cheaper in China, as it has become much more affordable since 1990: Over half of Chinese smokers pay less than 5 yuan per pack, while in the US the average price is $10.

The affordability of a smoking habit contributes to its omnipresence in China.

Society’s attitude towards smoking needs to undergo immense change in order for efforts made by the government to work. There is a widespread apathy among citizens regarding smoking laws and general ignorance with regard towards the effects of cigarette use, as well as strong social pressure on men to smoke. Currently, smoking cessation rarely ever occurs voluntarily: most smokers in China quit only due to illness.

Only 68% of smokers believe smoking causes lung cancer, compared to the 90%

in Western nations. The general attitude towards cigarettes and tobacco needs to be negative; kids should be taught from a young age of the damage smoking produces. Public awareness campaigns can start from the government and from doctors. The fact that 60% of all doctors smoke is highly disturbing and may be one of the reasons for China’s tolerance of smoking - what else should patients who see their doctors, their health advisors, smoking, think? Schools and hospitals should openly discourage smoking and outline the reasons why so that the future generations are repelled from it. It’s really a simple question: does China want to devolve into a smoking society, or become an educated one geared towards preserving people’s health?

S

uch overwhelming transformation will never occur overnight, no matter how severe government actions are. To completely reverse the common perception of smoking would take years, if not decades. The greatest hope will be to aim education towards the younger generation and embed the negative association within their minds at an early age so that a new cycle of decreased smoking, rather than increased, is brought about. Currently, the Chinese population receives little to no education about the dangers of smoking, not even in school, due to the government’s smoking policy. In comparing the United States and China, I feel so privileged to live in a society where people were aware of the facts and did something so that future generations could live in a better place. I personally feel it would be such a shame if China continued its culture of smoking, since it is already such a great country. When I visited China recently, I couldn’t breathe properly due to all the smoke circulating over our heads.

It seemed as though the entire male population was smoking, and I had honestly wondered how people could live like that.

I just hope China’s government opens its eyes to its people’s unhealthy and growing dependence on cigarettes and make efforts to instill some lasting change for the sake of the nation. HMR

21

Features

Globalization and Cultural Diversity by philip perl

W

ith one foot in the economy and the other in the world’s culture, globalization manages to impact both. And as countries transform into a mixture of cultures, many fear that globalization is creating a global culture.

Globalization is a term that was coined in the 1980s and began as an indirect process driven by external forces. It refers to the production and distribution of goods and services through greater openness in international trade. For most people around the world, economic globalization is a positive development because it provides them with goods and services that they would not otherwise have. But there is also fear associated with economic globalization. The fear is that it brings cultural globalization, or cultural leveling, a process in which cultures become similar to one another. One of the arguments made by those who oppose globalization is that access and interaction with foreign countries not only transforms the lifestyles and values of individual countries but also takes away something very unique and important from their cultures.

This fear has been emphasized through all sources of globalization, but none so effective or pervasive as developments in pop culture. Because pop culture spreads mainly from the West to the rest of the world, many societ-

22

ies worry that cultural globalization is a one-way street for the “Westernization” of cultures. And with the United States as the biggest producer and exporter of pop culture goods - which come in forms of music, movies, TV shows, magazines and newspapers - many societies worry that it is the “Americanization” of cultures. The lop-sided consumption of American pop culture is apparent to any traveler, as just about everyone throughout the world watches American movies, dances to American music, wears American clothing, or speaks English. For most people it is not a fascination with the American lifestyle or values but rather an attraction to better or different art forms.

Today globalization is a direct process driven by each country’s set of internal economic interests. Since globalization brings economic opportunities, countries seek it openly because they do not want to be left behind even if it leads to some loss of cultural identity. According to Fridah Muyale-Manenji, an African journalist and sociologist, despite all the challenges globalization brings, it has become a “conscious program that is demand driven and determined by the nature of each country’s economy, its level of development and location in the global economy.” Some countries seek rapid globalization regardless of popular opinion, while others seek gradual globalization. And some countries seek “modernization without Westernization,”

“My feeling is that one’s perception of globalization depends very much on one’s cultural background and what values are at stake.” choosing to adopt only desirable or economic aspects of change while refusing to accept the undesirable or cultural aspects of change.

The views regarding the effects of globalization have been as diverse as its effects. My feeling is that one’s perception of globalization depends very much on one’s cultural background and what values are at stake. I believe that cultural diversity and identity are alive and well despite globalization. Interaction with other cultures makes people look alike, eat alike, dress alike and speak alike whether they’re in New York, London or New Delhi, it does not turn us into clones of one another. On the contrary, globalization makes us more aware of one another. For some people this awareness serves to protect and preserve as much as it serves to transform. Although globalization can transform the dynamics of language, behavior, values and norms, cultural differences remain and coexist with globalization. Globalization does not diminish cultural diversity. Instead it leads to a new and expanded cultural diversity. HMR

The Horace Mann Review | Vol. XX

2012

Special Features

Presidental Election Rundown by jay rappaport

W

e watch the left make fun of the right for being factually incorrect. We then watch the right make fun of the left using the clip of the left making fun of them in the first place. In this 2012 election, we will need to stop being antiRepublicans and anti-Democrats and be pro-Americans.

There will be bleached-blond haired candidates, and there will be ones with big ears, but we will need to unite behind whomever we choose. We need to start where we agree, and move outwards.

The most obvious candidate is Barack Obama. Our democratic incumbent has made some serious strides in his term, passing his Medicare bill and acting very impressively with Libya. However, has he done enough? Obama came into the White House on slogans such as “Hope,” and “Change you can believe in.” He pledged to be bipartisan, yet Congress is more locked into voting with seating charts than it has been in a while. Obama said he would end our wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and bring our troops home, yet our boys are still overseas. The United States’ unemployment rate has increased nearly 3% from September 2008 to April 2011. In the 2010 Congressional elections, Democrats lost six seats to Republicans, and 8 states that Obama had carried in his 2008 campaign, voted Republican. However, the Republicans’ seemingly deadlocking Congress and failing to bring about substantial change may swing the vote back in Obama’s favor, giving him the slight edge.

Although Obama is the obvious candidate, he is not the one who has received the most attention; that title, of course, belongs to Donald Trump. Trump is supposedly giving significant thought to running for the Republican nomination.

The Donald brings quite an attention-grabbing personality, but does he have what it takes to win? Can the mothers of kids in a broken public school system whose families are on welfare unite behind the host of the “Apprentice”? Trump exhibits the images of expensive suits and self-obsession his party should be trying to shake for this election.

The Horace Mann Review | Issue 10

The Republicans do not only have Trump though. Conservative Republican and former Speaker of the House Newt Gringrich officially announced his presidential campaign in early March 2011. Gringrich was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives for twenty years and clearly is experienced enough to be Commander-in-Chief. Yet, Gringrich has been on the forefront of cable news criticizing President Obama, often polarizes Republicans, and has been married three times. His ability to unite the Republican Party seems questionable, and if able to do so, he will become a viable candidate.

The road to uniting Republicans does not become any easier with Sarah Palin. After her unsuccessful Vice-Presidential election bid in 2008 she was thought to be a frontrunner for the 2012 Republican nomination. She seemed to bring the fresh image Republicans craved. She has not made any official statement about a 2012 Presidential campaign yet. Should Palin launch a campaign, she would receive much support from her Tea Party. If she loses the Republican nomination, she could run as an independent and split the Republican base. Any Tea Party leader could do that and therefore single-handedly lose the Republicans the election.

Before the general election, Republicans and those of the Tea Party must unite behind a one candidate to win.

We live in a country today where our media and citizens, from both the left and the right, try to tear down our leaders. Our country’s attitude towards leaders is focusing on the “have not done’s” rather than the “have done’s.” Whether the next Commander-in-chief is Obama or Trump, America must come together behind him. This is not to discourage political criticism as it is often a driving force for improvement, but it is to say that we need to encourage more than we discourage. Our government must start by reaching across the aisle, learning where the seemingly opposite sides agree, and work outwards. There will be red states, there will be blue, but at the end of the day we are the United States, and united states are what must prevail. HMR

23

Economics

Economics An

Irrational Fear of Taxation by jacob gladysz-morawski

B

efore I write anything of substance, allow me to make clear my position on tax reform. I advocate neither a visigothic sack of Park Avenue nor the establishment of a new American welfare state. However, it has come to my attention that there is an undeniable need to re-examine the role of taxes in today’s United States.

Currently, a portion of the electorate has a deep-seated fear of taxes. This problem is not new. The “government is the problem, not the solution” attitude has long plagued the United States. Yet, this mindset towards taxes and government in general is fundamentally irrational.

The truth of the matter is that taxes provide for the multitude of perks and programs that we take for granted. The grand infrastructure products of the past could not have been completed had it not been for the revenue brought in through tax dollars. Projects like the Erie Canal, the Interstate Highway System, and the transnational railroad may have consumed much of taxpayers’ money in the short term; however, all put countless Americans to work, eased transportation, and made trade easier throughout the nation. Yet, American infrastructure lags behind that of numerous other countries due to a decreased spending.

A recent Economist article revealed that the while the United States leads in new infrastructure building, it severely trails other countries in infrastructure maintenance. Trains in the U.S. today are running as fast as or slower than trains in the 1950’s. America has fallen behind France,

24

Germany, Spain, Finland, Italy, Sweden, Finland, Japan, and South Korea just to name a few.

Similarly, the United States lags in education. Its students trail behind other industrialized powers in terms of reading, science, and math. Meanwhile, states criticize “big government spending” as an excuse to cut even more from the already flailing national school system, thereby threatening to sacrifice the future for a couple of extra dollars now. The opponents of taxation seem to suffer neglect to see the bigger picture. They fail to realize that the capture of Osama bin Laden, a triumph for this nation, along with all other military operations was funded by their tax dollars.

Such an anti-taxes view has certainly been aiding the nation’s largest corporation. A New York Times article revealed that General Electric does not pay taxes.

Moreover, News Corporation’s revenue

rose to nearly 33 billion dollars and Koch Industries’ to 100 billion dollars. By the laws of “trickle down economics,” supported by the think tanks funded by Koch Industries, some of the bounty being reaped by the corporations ought to reach the American people. Yet, U.S. citizens overall continue to be mired by the recession, which they are told by the subsidiaries of large corporations, is the fault of taxation. They tell the people that the “boogey-man,” the government, is out to steal their hard-earned money. Perhaps if the people stopped listening to these irrational corporate interests and considered their own self-interests, however, they would realize the long-term benefits of paying taxes. Only then can we secure our borders and keeps our neighborhoods safe. Only then can we ensures our students remain the “best and brightest.”

Only then can we preserve our way of life.

HMR

The Horace Mann Review | Vol. XX

Economics

T

Why the Budget Battle Matters for Jobs Numbers

by nicholas mccombe

his past Sunday I was watching one of my favorite Sunday morning talk shows, I listened to the pundits discuss how neither party has made the connection between jobs, the economy and the budget. I reflected on how right, the hot air-filled pundits were. It is frequently a hard thing to admit for politicians that the American people, and in fact most large populations, are stupid. They can’t figure out what they want to believe so they need people to tell them. In a complex political economy like ours the finer point of economic theory are often lost on the everyday American. The party that wins the upcoming election will be the one that has the presence of mind to realize that jobs are what matter and in order to convince the public of their respective future spending paths they need to make the link between the deficit spending and the jobs market. Republicans are in a better position to make this argument given their stance on spending and their probusiness legislative posture.

Republicans have to first make the argument in a cohesive and understandable way of why the budget battle makes a difference in terms of jobs numbers. More deficit spending and a larger seemingly insurmountable debt creates uncertainty in the markets. Uncertainty is the enemy of prosperity; one of the contributing facThe Horace Mann Review | Issue 10

tors to the length and the breadth of this recession has been uncertainty. It supports fear within the business community and the obvious knee jerk reaction to fear is to hoard cash and not invest cash back into the economy. Let’s take a trip into the mind of a CEO of a mid-cap manufacturing company; let’s call him Joe the CEO. He sees the sustained deficit spending of this administration combined with the talk of radical Republicans to not raise the debt ceiling as a situation where this level of uncertainty has not been seen since 2008. Both of these factors could lead to a partial default on U.S. debt or this nation losing its triple A rating. Either of these events would lead to a flight away from the dollar as the international reserve currency. The U.S. would not longer be able to support the interest on its debt, which currently stands at 5% of the budget, but could double or triple. Eclipsing the cost of even the largest entitlement programs like social security and Medicare. Or, if china decided to dump the 2 trillion in U.S treasury notes that it holds that could lead to a complete default of by the U.S on its debt at which point the government it self would collapse in a fashion reminiscent of the fall of the Soviet Union. Needless to say uncertainty in the market is rampant.

The jobs numbers hinge on the willingness of Joe the CEO to invest his cash

into new employees and new equipment.

Hiring new employees directly impact job number and by buying new machines he is enabling another Joe the CEO in another city to do the same thing: hire employees and buy equipment. Both parties have a role to play in assuring that the apocalyptic events laid out above do not come to fruition. For the Democrats and the reverent Mr. Obama they need to take a Clintonite approach and compromise with Republicans. No, Republicans are not going to repeal health care reform in its entirety but Democrats need to dispense with this nonsense that they will fix the deficit by raising taxes and not touching entitlements. Republicans need to tame the far right, it is hard to tell whether they are really acting like children and tempting to not raise the debt ceiling or whether this is just political showmanship.

Poll after poll has shown that the American people don’t care about anything else except the jobs market. Our new pet war doesn’t matter nor do the two forgotten ones. Entitlements and gay marriage don’t matter but jobs do. If Republicans can make the connection between why the jobs numbers are so low and the reckless spending in a cohesive way they will have substantially better chances going into the next election. HMR

25

Science & Tech

Science & Tech

by kelvin rhee

S

ince 2004, social media has dominated the Internet and the lives of most kids and young adults. Websites such as Twitter, Blogspot, and Yahoo have brought people together for years. One of the best examples of a social media giant is YouTube. YouTube’s creators launched the site in 2005, tailoring it as a forum for people to post their own videos on a public stage, for the world to see. It is now the world’s third most visited website, just behind Google and Facebook.

YouTube was originally not widely used. Initially, people almost exclusively uploaded music videos or funny clips. If you visit YouTube today, there are millions of “channels” and far more regular viewers. The most subscribed YouTube channel, with over 3.5 million subscribers, is “nigahiga.” 25 YouTube channels have over 1 million subscribers.

Entire companies have been based off of the YouTube model. Machinima started out as a YouTube channel that posted movies made with the characters in video games, in addition to voice-over acting rather than using real people. This style itself has taken on the name of the company that pioneered the style, Ma-

26

chinima. The channel has grown into a large corporation based around videos of people playing video games, “gameplay.” The videos vary from video game commentaries by freelance “directors” to web-shows made by Machinima itself.

Machinima has five different channels: Machinima, MachinimaRespawn, MachinimaSports, MachinimaRealm, and MachinimaTrailerVault. Many other “gaming” YouTube channels have developed to compete with Machinima.

One of the fastest growing channels is called “EpicMealTime.” Harley Morenstein and Sterling Toth run the channel accompanied by friends of theirs like “Muscles Glasses,” a reoccurring character in their videos. The premise of EpicMealTime is that they create so-called “epic” meals and eat them. EpicMealTime’s 26 videos aver-

age about 3 million views each with the most viewed video having over 6 million hits. The show does not consist only of drunk men with stomach aches afterwards, but it is accompanied by many different comical factors which make the channel so great and makes viewers check for more videos. Morenstein’s commentary over the video is absurd and hilarious, and his shtick consists of some common lines and jokes that returning fans find very comical. The show has even featured special guests such as techno superstar Deadmau5. There is also a calorie and fat counter at the bottom right corner of each video, which is a play on T.V. cooking shows and adds a grossness factor to the episodes. The two founders of EpicMealTime, Morenstein and Toth, were even featured on NBC’s The Tonight show with Jay Leno, one of

epicmealtime

The Horace Mann Review | Vol. XX

Science & Tech the most popular late night talk shows.

The amount of celebrity that can come with YouTube is amazing. The members of EpicMealTime and many other “Youtubers” are making legitimate livings off of their channels.

The money available on YouTube is crazy. YouTube has a “partners” program in which the owners of channels generate income when they have YouTube put ads on their videos. One YouTube channel, “xJaws,” produces commentaries over popular video games such as Call Of Duty. One might question how this can be a productive way of generating money on YouTube. XJawz has over 400,000 subscribers and actually gives his viewers an idea of how much he makes through his channel. He released a video this March showing the car he bought with the money he strictly made off YouTube. It was a 2011 Mercedes E350 Coupe. This car costs around

$50,000. Also, xJawz posted a picture on his Twitter account of the Rolex he bought with his YouTube money. XJawz is an awe-inspiring example of how much can be made through YouTube and how YouTube gives people a chance at success–simply talking over a video can attract large audiences.

Another example of a person whose life has changed for the better due to YouTube is Carl Shay. He began posting videos three years ago and has literally never stopped. Shay has two YouTube channels: one for his personal use, “ShayCarl,” and another called “Shaytards.” Shay decided to videotape every day of the 29th year of his life and to post the daily video highlights to Shaytards.

He continued to film for the 30th year of his life as well and, as most people understand, is not planning to stop. Shay has a combined 1.8 million subscribers on both of his channels and posts a vid-

eo of his family each day. This is how he and his family make their income. People who regularly watch his videos have experienced two years of his life and that of his family’s, watching as they grow.

YouTube originated as a forum for videos to go viral. Now, YouTube has evolved into a massive social networking tool in which sub-communities of people from all over the world come together on one stage to share their talents over the internet. Making a living off it is an added perk. YouTube has and will continue to revolutionize media around the world. We are witnesses and supporters to a type of media that is headed in the right direction. I believe that if the directors of channels are talented at what they do, whether it is playing video games or putting bacon strips on top of bacon strips (EpicMealTime’s signature ingredient), YouTubers deserve the fame and money they receive. HMR

Below: Carl Shay; The new face of celebrity

wordpress

The Horace Mann Review | Issue 10

27

28

Japan The Horace Mann Review | Vol. XX

2011

The Horace Mann Review | Issue 9

29

Science & Tech

Preventing the

Next Fukishima

A

full month after a 9.0 magnitude earthquake shook the island of Japan, the nation’s troubles are far from over. The Fukishima Power Plant, severely damaged by the subsequent tsunami, continues to release radioactive material into the water and air. The Japanese government has upgraded the severity level of the accident to a level 7, placing Japan’s radioactive crisis on par with the meltdown at Chernobyl in the Ukraine 25 years ago. The damage caused by this disaster is extensive and the effects will continue to follow Japan into the future.

While Japan’s nuclear crisis feels far away and therefore not directly threatening to the United States, there is a real possibility of similar disasters in the near future, much closer to home.

The Indian Point Nuclear Plant is just 38 miles from New York City, in the town of Buchanan. Constructed in the 1960’s, today the plant produces 30% of New York City’s energy. While such an energy output is impressive, it comes at a potential cost.

The plant’s 40-year history is marred by numerous nuclear incidents and breaches of basic safety. For example, in 2006, the New York Times published an article revealing that radioactive material, specifically nickel-36,

30

was found to be leaking from the plant into the Hudson River. In 2010, The New York Daily News reported that the plant released 600,000 gallons of boiling radioactive steam.

Recent reports about the plant’s disaster preparedness are no more reassuring. In 2003, then New York Governor George Pataki commissioned a committee to evaluate the plant’s safety procedures. It concluded that “current radiological response system and capabilities are not adequate to...protect the people from an unacceptable dose of radiation in the event of a release from Indian Point.” In other words, if a nuclear disaster similar in size to Japan’s recent accident were to occur

at Indian Point, we would be unable to control it. A fifty-mile radius around Indian Point (the “safe” distance recommended by the U.S. Department of State for individuals located near the Fukishima Plant) would encompass almost all of New York City, all of Northern New Jersey, and a significant portion of Connecticut. An accident at Indian Point Plant would endanger tens of millions of people; the damage would be devastating. In the worst-case scenario, a serious accident could leave most of the tri-state area virtually uninhabitable.

With these potential dangers in mind, no matter how unlikely they seem, it is clear that the Indian Point Plant must cease its operations. It provides to great a risk for the government to take chances.

However, I am not proposing that we abandon the pursuit of nuclear energy altogether. The old plants are outdated and difficult to improve upon. Therefore, we should promote the construction of new nuclear power plants that utilize the most effective 21st century precautionary technologies to maximize public health and safety.

Nuclear energy is both environmentally and economically efficient. Currently, The Horace Mann Review | Vol. XX

Science & Tech

N

103 different nuclear plants provide 20% of Nuclear energy is cost efficient, power. all U.S. electricity. In addition, according to much more so than oil or coal or Too often we make There are currently 16 the Nuclear Energy Institute, in one year “nu- any other energy alternatives. In decisions focused nuclear power license appliclear power plants prevent nearly 700 million the US, natural gas averages 8.09 only on the short cations being reviewed by the We care U.S regulatory commission. If metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions, al- cents per kilowatt-hour while term. most equal to the amount of carbon dioxide nuclear energy averages just 1.87 about having more approved, these applications emissions from all U.S. passenger cars.” This cents. Nuclear energy also creates energy in the now, would allow a total of 25 new figure represents simply the current number 500 jobs per 1,000 megawatts of but we overlook reactors to be built. These reof nuclear plants. Imagine the environmen- generating capacity. This easily the longer-term im- actors represent the energy tal savings if more plants were built, with the trumps coal’s 220 jobs and natural plications and dan- future in which the United necessary safety precautions. gas’ 60. The economic potential gers of our actions. States wants to exist. We have Some opponents of nuclear energy charge created on the government level Climate change is the potential to create a more that the risk for immediate human disaster is also significant. According to happening and the environmentally sound and far outweighs the long-term risk posed by cli- a report released by the Nuclear effects of it will be- economically robust energy mate change. However, our current methods Energy Institute, “Nearly $100 come increasingly infrastructure. Nuclear powof obtaining energy are not exempt of their million in local, state and federal dramatic if we fail er is a force for good, but only own trials and tribulations. Take the oil in- taxes will be generated” by each to respond. when used correctly. We have dustry. Last year, BP’s Deepwater Horizon new power plant project. In a time to proceed into the future Drilling platform exploded, letting 49 million when all levels of government are strapped with both ingenuity and caution, maintaining barrels of oil seep into the Gulf of Mexico. for cash, the economic stimulus provided by a constant focus on the preservation of basic Not only was the economic damage devas- nuclear energy simply cannot be overlooked. human safety. HMR Etorofu-to tating to the Gulf economy, but also many These and other benefits of nuclear energy lives and livelihoods were lost. Further, the are apparent. However, the process of proWakkana environmental havoc wrecked by the spill moting nuclear energy needs to be rational Kunashiri-to Nemuru will plague the aquatic ecosystem of the gulf and must be undertaken with maximum Strait for decades to come. To suggest that nucle- attention to human safety. Future nuclear Shikotan-to HABOMAI Asahikawa ar energy is wildly unsafe compared to our plants must be subject to strict government ISLANDS other energy standards is misguided; none of oversight and rigorous safety standards. At Kushiro Sapporo the current energy alternatives come without the same time, we cannot let a plant like the risks. The reality is that our current mix of Indian Point Plant continue to operate under Hokkaido Hakodate energy alternatives is failing and needs to be its current system. Indian Point’s potential to adjusted in a number of ways, including the cause a catastrophic accident far outweighs TsugaruAomori kaikyo provision of safer nuclear energy. the benefits it provides. Nuclear plants that Too often we make decisions focused only are too close to metropolitan regions (esMorioka on the short term. We care about having pecially those with poor safety records) Epicenter of the Akita more energy in the now, but we overlook have the potential to cause catastrophic 2011 Earthquake the longer-term implications and dangers of harm. The enormous risk to human our actions. Climate change is happening life needs to be a first priority for Sadoga- Yamagata Sendai shima and the effects of it will become increasingly those developing and overNiigata dramatic if we fail to respond. The dangers of seeing the next generaFukushima oil-based energy on the environment are well tion of nuclear Iwaki Nagano Utsunmiya documented; when we have access to an enKanazawa Tayama Maebashi Mito OKI-SHOTO ergy source like nuclear energy, which opUrawa Fukui JAPAN Tokyo erates without waste emissions, we Matsue Tottori Gifu Kofu Chiba Yokohama must seize this opportunity Kyoto Otsu Nagoya Okayama Kobe and continue the pursuit Shizuoka Tsushima Osaka Tsu Hiroshima Hamamatsu Nara Takamaisu Yamaguchi of safe nuclear energy as NORTH Kitakyushu Wakayama an essential component Tokushima Fukuoka Matsuyama PACIFIC Saga Oita of our future energy Sasebo Kochi Fukue-shima Uwajima OCEAN Shikoku policy.

Nagasaki Kumamoto The economic benPhilippine Sea Kyushu efit of nuclear energy Miyazaki East Kagoshima China is also important.

Fukushima Daiichi

Sea

OSUMI-SHOTO

The Horace Mann Review | Issue 10

31