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Essay #2 Edited

Here is a fully edited version of my second essay

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Health Care Policy Discussion with Congressman Buddy Carter

While this was last minute I managed to slip into this event. Held on April 25th 2017 The Howard University School of Pharmacy hosted a discussion talk with Congressman Buddy Carter. Buddy Carter is a Republican representative of Georgia’s 1st congressional district. Carter, elected back in 2015, holds traditional southern republican ideas, he apposes not only the Affordable care act but also abortion rights and Gay marriage. I was surprised that he was welcomed here to speak at the Mecca because of his controversial views. Carter discussed his reason for apposing the Affordable Care Act, Republicans repealing it, and what solution is in the works. Carter discussed his belief that the affordable care act is not affordable and that it also does not provide or give options for quality care. He also went into depth about repealing Obamacare and how this is the first step in the right direction to getting America back on its feet. The discussion of solutions to Obamacare or something be put in its place came about in which Carter merely talked about and advocated for a Market driven health care system, which we already have in place. To say the least I hated this particular event because of who the guest of honor was but also it was interesting to see wonderful Howard students rip right into his arguments and statements. 

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Sexual Assault Prevention Week at Howard University

During the week of April 17- 21, 2017 Howard University hosted Sexual Assault Prevention Week. While this has no direct connection to either of my majors it does relate indirectly when discussing legislation to help prevent and keep people safe from a heinous crimes like Sexual Assault. I attended a talk held in Harriet Tubman Quad hosted by DC Rape Crisis Center. It was a fireside chat with many different women that discussed life after rape, the process of prosecution, and title nine. It was really interesting and moving to hear the stories of my peers and of others that have survived and surpassed this one moment in their life. The part that we did discuss at length was the process of prosecution of your attacker. They said that out of every 1000 rapes 994 of those attackers will not go to jail and out of every 1000 rapes only 344 are reported to the police or any official. It really brought into perspective the issues of sexual violence outside of just the act of sexual violence, but the actual repercussions that can ensue because of it. This also brought to light a problem with the system because it does a terrible job of protecting those that have already been violated. It truly was moving to listen to the different stories of survival and perseverance.

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"Nietzsche and the Truth of History" Catholic University Lecture

On March 3 2017 I visited Catholic University and attend a philosophy lecture hosted by the Catholic  University philosophy department. The topic of the lecture was on the great German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche. The lecture was held by Dr. Anthony Jensen and he talked so passionately about the topic it was captivating. Normally, I would be a little skeptical because an older white man talking about philosophy should bore me but he had my attention completely. Jensen discussed the philosopher and length which helped to open my eyes and discover one of my favorite philosophers.Jensen discussed Nietzsche and his works during his life; he went on to discuss why Nietzsche and his works are so important now that our social and political philosophy are shifting and changing so quickly. The lecture  the idea of the truth of History and discussed Nietzsche’s thoughts on history and philosophy. Jensen spoke about Nietzsche’s theory of Christianity, which was so different. He said that Nietzsche believed that Christianity was a guise for those that do not have but hate those that do.This is Nietzsche’s undermining genealogy and essentially has no real connection to the truth. Jensen uses this as a jump off to discuss truth of history and how the truth of history can alter of time like in Nietzsche’s case history of Christianity has changed. Overall it was an enlightening experience and would love to attend another one

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International Women’s Day at Howard University

On March 8 2017 here at Howard University and around the world people celebrated International Women’s Day. Here at Howard we celebrated by hosting a panel discussion. The key speakers in this talk were Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (former Managing Director of the World Bank) and Congresswoman Karen Bass of California.The topic of conversation was black consciousness and gender equality and how that intersects with  women in places of power in African countries. It was interesting to here about their experiences both in the States and outside of the states in Africa. Dr. Ngozi was the most fascinating to listen to because of all of her many accomplishments. To know that it is possible to accomplish what she has as a black woman is extraordinary. She has blazed a path for many other black women in international politics. I think the the thing that stuck out to me the most was what she said about her accomplishments; she said “to be accomplished means sacrifice and dedication, it requires you to pore your all into whatever it is you do. And only then do the fruits of your labor start to bare”. As a young black woman looking to get involved in politics this was truly an inspiring experience.  

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Essay #2 Unedited (Prompt included)

This is my second essay and it focuses on the intersection between my two majors Political Science and Philosophy.

Here is a link to the Essay

Prompt

Plato was convinced that people act justly, not for the sake of justice, but out of fear of punishment and for the sake of the honors and rewards that a reputation for justice brings. If people are sure they can get away with something unethical, in other words, they have few qualms about doing so. As a result, he believed that democracies - in which “ordinary” men compete for political power - would be ruled by unjust men and inevitably degenerate into tyranny. James Madison, in contrast, believed there was just enough virtue in society - if not in individual men - to sustain a democracy, if political institutions were designed with the quirks of human nature in mind. Was Madison right about the power of a well-designed republic? Does the constitution of our government (a large commercial republic, a system of representation, separation of powers, checks and balances) solve the problems of power and human nature that worried both theorists? And if not solve them, at least provide avenues for activists and reformers to help us progress toward a more just society? Or did Plato identify basic flaws in the logic of democracy and majority rule that have not been addressed and are responsible for the injustice in society we see today? There is not a right or wrong answer to this question, but a strong paper will engage closely with our readings.

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Essay Prompt

Here is the Essay Prompt for the Essay that was posted Previous to this

 In this unit we have discussed the rhetorical nature of writing and the ways language can be employed persuasively to permit readers to identify with writers and, thus, allow for agreement with someone (and, in some cases, disagreement; e.g. “I understand you, but let’s agree to disagree”). Our ability to identify with particular ideas, in part, shapes our allegiances to particular fields (i.e. your majors) and disciplines of knowledge. For example, some students select Engineering as their major of choice because they identify with its finite nature, investment in design, and goal of building something from the ground up. Ultimately, tt is about puzzling through and fitting objects or ideas together to produce a usable product. When someone states, “I am a scientist” or “I am a writer,” that person is making claims about how language helps her interpret the world, the kinds of evidence she values, and the types of activities she takes pleasure in completing. Your job for this essay is to provide a clear overview of an issue of importance in your major. To do this you should interview a professor in your major and review several strong pieces of writing about your major or future profession. Take time to study the vastness of your major and those writing about issues that excite you within your major. Provide a clear analysis of the articles and interview completed for this assignment. As you work, try to pin point an aspect of your major you were unfamiliar with at the beginning of your research process.

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Essay #1 Edited

Here is the updated and better edited version of my Essay. I will be posting the prompt as soon as possible 

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Essay #1 (Unedited)

This is the first version of my essay this is the rough version. The most Up to date version will be posted soon

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Disciplinary Research Guide

Finally the wait is over, The DRG Is posted and ready for views.

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Reflection on the Howard University State of  the University Address

On January 18th 2017 I attended the Howard University State of the University Address. This event is attended by the biggest student leaders on campus. I am the current Freshman COAS Council Vice President and as a student leader I am required to attend. As a Political Science & Philosophy double major this event ties in perfectly with not only my major but especially in this time where we need to look to the future for answers (as opposed to the current). Our Howard University Student Association (HUSA) President Allyson Carpenter addressed the University along with the HUSA Senate. President Carpenter for the most part covered the accomplishments of Student Government since her election back in May. Carpenter talks about the new Freedom of Information acts which allows for transparency within Student Government and student leadership affairs. She also discussed the recent rewriting of the HUSA constitution which made visitation a right for all students that live on campus. I personally think that the recent events with Drew hall and the taking of their visitation shows the University’s lack of respect for student government. Anyways, Carpenter then looked at the failures of the administration thus far. The lack of a free metro card for all undergraduate students, the many broken emergency Blue lights, and WiFi access to printers for students are a few of  the issues that she highlights and provides hopeful explanation or solution to these issues. In my opinion going to this event showed me what politics in any democratic society looks like. The body language of the senate, to the tone of which Carpenter told me a lot about politics today as well as the political climate here at Howard. This event really helped me to understand that politics is much more that just the words being spoken but rather what is going on behind the words in between the words. Throughout the address the absence of certain senators and the Senators disinterest in what Carpenter had to say shows the Senate’s dissonance between them and the executive branch of HUSA. As a political Scientist and philosopher it is important to observe the behaviors of people outside of intentions or intended actions to get a more honest view or picture of the politics of what is going on outside of what is being said or written.

-Profoud Black Youth