Free Reading Post 5 (Violence in America)

"Crime can never be eliminated... But it can be controlled, if criminals are regarded as volitional entities, fully responsible for the consequences of their actions" (266). This chapter basically wraps up the book as a whole. It says that criminals must be arrested and convicted in a timelier manner. Violent criminals are allowed to be free on bail before their court date. The justice system must also become a lot stricter with their punishments. Many prisoners are let off early and they don’t serve their full jail sentence. I believe that the current method makes the just system seem weak, and flexible. In order for the justice system to act as a deterrent to potential criminals, law enforcement must be much more firm with their punishments. This will keep violent criminals off the street, preventing them from committing a violent crime again. By making the justice system stricter, dangerous criminals will be kept away from the public, and it will also deter future criminals.

Free Reading Post 4 (Violence in America)

“Serial murderers have all reported feelings they could not control, voices whose urgings forced them into criminal acts, or sensations from deep within their minds” (212). There are mental diseases that exist which cause people to be unnecessarily and inexplicably aggressive. Rage can build up within a person, which they must take out on others in order to satisfy it. This chapter argues that it is not American society which influences this behavior, but it is mental disorders, which is a natural thing, and it is currently out of human control. Medication has been created to deal with anger and aggressiveness issues, but it doesn’t work all of the time or for everyone. Unfortunately controlling serial killers is an out of reach goal, but that is why the justice system must improve itself so it can effectively arrest and punish these individuals. However I believe that the punishment for a serial killer must be punished differently compared to an average murderer. If it truly is a condition that one cannot control they should be placed in a highly secure mental institution where they can receive proper treatment, and they are not a harm to themselves or other prisoners.

Outside Reading Post 3 (Violence in America)

“The present system is based on the idea that [juveniles] can be rehabilitated and yet fails to provide deterrents, structure, and supervision” (143). This chapter is titled The Juvenile Justice System Encourages Teen Violence. The author is very critical of the juvenile justice system, and she is basically calling it hypocritical. She says that the juvenile justice system claims to strive to rehabilitate juvenile criminals, but it doesn’t provide the necessary elements. After a juvenile is punished, they are sent on their merry way, when they should be under strict supervision, and shown reasons (deterrents) why they should not continue to commit crimes. In my experience I have seen multiple students in my grade get arrested for possession of drugs, DUI’s, or other crimes. These crimes lead to violence and it is also unsafe. They have been arrested and served their punishment, yet they continue to use drugs, and commit other crimes. The justice system must find new ways to discipline juveniles, that are much more effective. By finding a way to deter children from committing these crimes, they can prevent them from becoming more dangerous criminals when they get older.

Outside Reading Blog Post 2 (Violence in America)

“The evidence from decades of research shows an almost linear relationship between economic deprivation and serious crime” (42). This chapter explains that a person’s socio-economic background will influence their likelihood to commit crimes. The more desperate situation that a person is in, they will do more to get by, that includes stealing, or selling drugs. More often than not, these types of crimes lead to violent cases of assault, or even murder. I order to decrease the amount of crime among minorities, and decrease it overall; the government must help those who live in neighborhoods that suffer from poverty. I believe that more government money should go towards improving desperate neighborhoods, and less money towards wealthy communities. By increasing the effectiveness of the schooling system, people in these poor situations can increase the chances for them to succeed, and stay out of trouble. Also by increasing the amount of security in these areas it deters possible criminals from committing these crimes, and it also increases the chances of bringing criminals to justice. The government must focus on helping those in poor socio-economic in order to prevent crime and violence in America.

Free Reading Post 1 (Violence In America)

"The Criminal Justice System Contributes to Violence"


"Criminals repeatedly slip through our 'criminal justice' system and victimize innocent citizens time and time again" (37, Violence in America). This chapter pointed out the many flaws in the American justice system. It has examples of criminals who have been released from prison within a time span much shorter than their sentence, and shortly after they are released they commit another violent crime.

This chapter raises a good point, which I find myself agreeing with. Many violent criminals are likely to repeat their actions after being released. Criminals are allowed to be let out on bail after they are arrested and they remain free until a jury finds them guilty after their trial date, and it takes a while for the trial to occur. The justice system must make corrections so more violent criminals remain imprisoned for longer periods of time, in order to prevent them from committing these crimes. If the justice system becomes less lenient, criminals are less likely to be released early from prison, and they don't have a chance of committing these crimes again. Also by maintaining a more strict prison sentence, prison will act more as a deterrent to violent crimes, since criminals will know that it is not as easy to slip through the prison system. I believe that the only way to combat the amount of violence in America is to create more deterrents. The way to this is by creating much more strict prison policies, as well as tighter restrictions on criminals with a violent history.

Marketplace of Ideas 5

Today I continued my research about renewable energy sources. I found a very helpful article on "Gale Opposing Viewpoints". It explained the different types of energy that can be used along with their benefits and their flaws. As of now I believe that I will take a stand that involves a combination of renewable energy sources, since it seems that a single source is not possible due to multiple factors like, location, cost, and consistency. I think that I have found enough sources and information where I can start working on my abstract and the rest of the project.

Marketplace of Ideas #4

Today I began looking for sources. So far I have found several articles on "Gale Opposing Viewpoints" and I also found some helpful information on the website for "An Inconvienient Truth". I found tips for the everyday person to get involved and reduce their carbon footprint. I found the different alternative energy sources that I will use. They are wind, solar, hydroelectric, biomass, geothermal, wave-tidal, and nuclear power. I will study each of these energy sources in the next few days and I will choose the source which I think is best for the world to use.