Crime and Attempts to Control It

     There are many approaches that could be used to prevent and handle crime in neighborhoods. One of the first approaches should be an increased police presence. However, this presence should not result in a community feeling that they are being harassed by authorities. The patrols that are used to increase the coverage should get out of their vehicles and become a part of the community. Many studies have been conducted that show regardless of the race of the police authorities, with increased community communications, the residents will feel safer and crime rates can be reduced. The question of how to prevent and handle crime may be a key issue, but making the residents feel safe in their own environment should be handled as well.

     An approach that has been quite effective in many cities is having a combined community and police team approach. This shows a concerted effort to stem violence in many areas. Working together crime can be driven out and streets made safer. The handling of crime will be different based on neighborhoods and situations. For example, in 1969 an experiment was conducted in the Bronx and Palo Alto, California. A car was left abandoned in each city to test how long before vandalism would occur. It only took ten minutes for vandalism to occur in the Bronx; while it took over a week in Palo Alto for damage to occur. However, in Palo Alto, it took a researcher to start the vandalism and soon others joined in. One thing worth noting was that the vandalism in both cities were from well to do white people.

     Going in with guns blazing is not always the right answer. Increased patrol, increased communications, and active community involvement will help in reducing the crime rate of any city. In many cases, having business owners form a group to help “patrol” their areas has helped in decreasing the crime rate.

     The passing of legislation such as SB 1474 and SB 1070 has varying effects on efforts to curb violence. Unfortunately, there are too many people on both sides of the fence that hinder efforts. Taking into consideration SB 1474, this act would allow guns on campus. Is this bill an attempt to make campuses safer by allowing students to carry weapons? While I am not against the right to bear arms, would this freedom allow for an ugly situation to get uglier? Would this make it more difficult for “real” authorities to identify and apprehend the true shooter? I can understand the need for personal protection in a day and age where school shootings are almost becoming the norm in today’s society. However, I feel that this bill will actually hinder attempts to control violence via police intervention. Placing guns into the hands of certain immature young adults could result in a vigilante situation or someone may have the need to become the hero in a serious violent situation. Either scenario could result in the loss of more blood and lives than would have if authorities are left to handle the situations without “heroes”.

     With regards to SB 1070, I don’t feel that this bill has big impacts on the abilities of authorities to combat and reduce criminal behavior. If properly trained, situations that do occur should be minimal. Education and communication are key players in SB 1070. We need to make sure that we have an educated public when it comes to the authorities roles that are outlined within the many pages of SB 1070.

Economic Development Post

     As the Economic Director for the city of Portland I would most certainly put together a proposal to entice and lure outside companies and businesses into our community. First, I would want to make it very clear that Portland is a major “Go Green” city that looks to bring in future businesses that retain that same thinking. My proposal to the city council would be to suggest an assistance program that would allow the city to advise and support small businesses to actively grow and become a bigger asset to the community. In addition, I would propose that my plan offer programs that allow future businesses to borrow against a “Portland Business Owners” fund that is a system of loans made available through existing businesses. These loans would assist with building renovations; equipment purchases, building acquisitions, and other needed resources.

     I would also suggest some sort of tax incentive for businesses just starting out in the community. The major goal is to bring revenue into you city and by allowing tax breaks, new businesses will be able to spend more money in inventory and advertising thereby driving up the revenue for the city. For bigger businesses with higher numbers of employees, I would offer low cost housing opportunities for those employees that would be transferring in with the company. Arranging for lower interest mortgages and assistance with relocation expenses may be included in my proposal.

     For companies that are willing to “go green”, certain utility benefits could be afforded. Keeping the environment safe and healthy is the primary goal of our city and those companies that are in alignment with the same thoughts of our city will be given tax breaks in those areas as well.

     I feel that the Hope VI project would be beneficial for any city. I would apply for the program on behalf of my city for many reasons. One of the first reasons that my city does have areas that are distressed or in poor order and funds from this program would allow our city to be renovated and ensure that all our public housing is up to code. These funds will also bring us revitalized neighborhoods, create incentives for potential investments from the public and private entities, and could result in job creations for my residents. A better looking city will attract more businesses thereby opening up employment opportunities.

High Speed Rail Systems

After watching the videos concerning high speed train systems I do not believe that economists would support such an endeavor. The cost of the system, in the minds of most economists, would outweigh the actual benefits. They would also be taking into account the potential loss of revenue that the car industry would lose. These potential losts profits would cause even more damage as many car businesses could fail which would ultimately cost many Americans jobs. The spiraling loss of profit would not stop there. This loss could also affect other car related businesses such as automobile parts stores, car washes, etc. Many economists would be in favor of more roadways and highways because the potential for long term employment for maintenance on these roads would employ thousands of people for many years.

Having spent many years in Japan with my husband, we had the opportunity to use the Bullet train often on our travels throughout the country. The convenience of hopping a train and being at your desitation in a matter of a few hours compared to the long 12 hour car rides was quite beneficial.

Additionally, the environmental savings is a huge attraction. Less cars and trucks on the road will lead to less pollution and will make a cleaner environment. This will make breathing easier and could result in fewer people being sick. People will be healthier and be able to work more which would be a huge benefit to businesses. Overall, I am for the train sysem for the United States. We are already a country with more cars than most other countries and our highways are getting busier and crowded.

Education in Our Country

     The videos point to two very distinct, but real, issues that plague the American educational system. The first issue deals with how society sees the importance of education and who should be educated. Historically, education has always been directed towards those the society deemed as “eligible” or “qualified” to achieve higher education. Often, many poorer children were not afforded the opportunity to attend school. Those who were “labeled” as dumb were not given a chance for an education. Society felt that wasting the resources and money to educate someone who may have had a lower IQ than others was basically a crime on society. Jump ahead a hundred years and the same problems are still evident. Unfortunately, new problems have also arisen. 

    We are now saddled with a government that feels an education is not worth the time or effort debate during budget talks. President Bush appeared to be headed down the right track with his “No Child Left Behind” proposals, but as with other great ideas, the energy and financial abilities just were not there.

     The political system for decades has talked about the importance of an education and that the children are the country’s future, however, when it comes down to brass tacks, the politicians fall a little short. Whenever talks of budget cuts spring up, education always seems to be one of the first on the chopping block. The question of whether an educational system should be centralized has been a bone of contention for years. The problem is who will control this centralization? Should it be monitored and controlled at the State level? If funds are received from the Federal level, should the control then be given to the Federal Government? 

     I feel that the State level should have control of the educational system within their jurisdiction. However, the Federal government should infuse the programs with funds and should “monitor” the States. By monitoring it, we can be sure that all states are teaching at the same level and using materials that are more unified in nature.

     By changing the paradigm, the problems that are occurring could be corrected and a better educational system would be in place. More serious emphasis needs to be placed on education in our country.