Sleeping Pill Use Grows as Economy Keeps People Up at Night

I believe the author, Denise Gellene’s intended audience was to the mid-aged group, in order to tell them about the effects sleeping pills can have on the body, especially the brain. Also, Denise Gellene wrote the article as a warning to young adults to not get hooked onto sleeping medication at such young ages because it could carry serious consequence later on down the road

Denise Gellene, a reporter and editor for the Los Angeles Times Newspaper and has worked in the newspaper industry for a total of 23 years. Denise Gellene is said to be a “Skilled communicator with management experience at a top media organization. Excels at translating complex concepts. Proven ability to work under pressure. Areas of focus: science, medicine, biotechnology and business and economics” (According to website linkedin). From this information I gather that Denise is a credited author.”

The article Sleeping Pill Use Grows as Economy Keeps People Up at Night, obviously, was about sleeping medication. It focused on (today’s) society welcoming it as a “normality” and everyday use, mainly because of economic reasons, such as lost jobs and instability in an unstable environment. Denise Gellene advocated the non-use of sleeping pills because of side effects such as next-day drowsiness, dependency, sleep walking, sleep driving, memory loss, sleep eating, and even death. “But some doctors are concerned that the heavy prescribing contributes to a false impression that the medications are perfectly safe.” Denise logically contributes statistics and doctor analyzes of sleep patterns, while informing his audience in a non-pushy way. He, in my opinion, stated his argument very well and got his point across clearly and in a well-written manner. Already having agreed with Denise argument before reading he persuaded me even more with the evidence, “Dr. David Fassler, a clinical professor of psychiatry at the University of Vermont, said some doctors may be prescribing medications instead of treating the underlying cause of sleeplessness, such as depression or anxiety.” This has proved to be right in many cases, yet doctors and prescribers forget the patients’ first need and think only about providing short-term help and “goody-feelings”

Wealth and Consumption

As for being an article based on money and consumption, it was intended for everyone, especially now because of the “recession” we are in. Jay Hancock, who is the author of “Hancock: Americans must remember that wealth should be a means, not an end” has been a financial columnist since 2001. He claims that as Americans, “If you think about money in the context of what economics says about true fulfillment, having less of it shouldn't be quite so painful.” Through this he is attempting to encourage that money shouldn’t be so much of an upsetting downfall, like it is to most Americans, but as a way to build and grow from loosing. Hancock gives evidence to support his claim, by including everyday persons opinions, just like you and I. He proposes to uses the chaos and disorder of life now to help create order, structure, and meaning for people’s lives. “In the grand scheme, money is less important than other assets anyway, happiness experts say.”

Overall, I do agree with Hancock’s opinions but his attempt to comfort people from this economic twist seems a little overwhelming at times. He acts as if he is looking down on everyone and pitying them; this (type of writing) is degrading to me and probably to most Americans. “And we shouldn't reject wealth and growth altogether.” (“We”, he sounds as if he is thinking for everyone.) I believe that because of this, with proof from the comments left, harsh and defensive feelings were conveyed and felt.

Conference Without the Republicans

http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=30667

This article tells of a conference Democrats held in which they proposed, “to resolve a final version of the Obama “stimulus” package.” In this meeting no Republicans were present. This poses to be a major problem because both parties may not be equally happy with the “stimulus” plan because one side had a greater impact than the other. HUMAN EVENTS has attempted to call and e-mail Specter’s and Collin’s staffs to seek whether they [Republicans] were present at the conference.
I think this article is worth reading because we need to be aware of the changing times, with more Democrats in the seat. That simple yet big issues like this, could arise and we the people need to be informed.

My Standing

Because I am 17, I unfortunately am not legally allowed to vote. In the last Presidential election, I would have voted for Obama. I see his views and opinions as something new and good for our society. I believe he can be the change we need.
In 2006, I worked with my neighbor Alberto Gonzalez, who was running for the AISD board President. I received great knowledge on how a campaign was organized and planned. But other than that, I don't have much else political experiences.
I am taking this class to better understand our government and learn more about the society in which I reside. I believe you can never have to much knowledge.
Throughout this course, I hope to gain insight on our new and changing world, and to learn of differing views in our nation.

Typology Test Results

Upbeat
Based on your answers to the questionnaire, you most closely resemble survey respondents within the Upbeat typology group. This does not mean that you necessarily fit every group characteristic or agree with the group on all issues.
Upbeats represent 11 percent of the American public, and 13 percent of registered voters.
Basic Description
Upbeats express positive views about the economy, government and society. Satisfied with their own financial situation and the direction the nation is heading, these voters support George W. Bush’s leadership in economic matters more than on social or foreign policy issues. Combining highly favorable views of government with equally positive views of business and the marketplace, Upbeats believe that success is in people’s own hands, and that businesses make a positive contribution to society. This group also has a very favorable view of immigrants.
Defining Values
Very favorable views of government performance and responsiveness defines the group, along with similarly positive outlook on the role of business in society. While most support the war in Iraq, Upbeats have mixed views on foreign policy – but most favor preemptive military action against countries that threaten the U.S. Religious, but decidedly moderate in views about social and cultural issues.
Who They Are
Relatively young (26% are under 30) and well-educated, Upbeats are the second wealthiest group after Enterprisers (39% have household incomes of $75,000 or more). The highest proportion of Catholics (30%) and white mainline Protestants (28%) of all groups, although fewer than half (46%) attend church weekly. Mostly white (87%), suburban, and married, they are evenly split between men and women.
Lifestyle Notes
High rate of stock ownership (42%, 2nd after Enterprisers).
2004
ElectionBush 63%, Kerry 14%.
Party ID
56% Independent/No Preference, 39% Republican, 5% Democrat (73% Rep/LeanRep)
Media Use
Upbeats are second only to Liberals in citing the internet as their main news source (34% compared with 23% nationwide); 46% also cite newspapers. No more or less engaged in politics than the national average.