Monthly Archives: February 2011
WHEREVER GOVERNMENT MEET…
Wherever government meets…
Like the wind their lies endlessly blow
Mankind fell from my pedestal long ago
Rapist, murderers, liars and cheats
Crooked politicians wherever government meets
Families are riddled with hunger, struggle and strife.
A father loses his job, then takes his own life
That mother?
She tried to raise those three girls but it was no use
She could not see, they were being molested blinded by her drug abuse
Now, three more children are condemned to the streets
Yet, they are not discussed wherever government meets
For children, hunger, and society lost
Are never the topics of the day
War, control, and money are all their lips spray
It’s always their business what God you serve what you believe
It’s their job to dictate, it’s our job to concede
There are logical answers to the world’s suffering, bureaucracy, and red tape
But without confusion our wallets they could not rape
I say we stand up, don’t accept defeat
Then, one by one cast them out wherever voters’ meet
Stephanie A. Kinzel (2011, January 22)
STEPS…
STEPS…
Forgive you
Where would I start?
The hunger for justice has filled my heart
Since I was young you’ve haunted my dreams
You are still victimizing me –
Or so it seems
I pray and scream into the night
If only someone could make it right
But what you have done cannot be erased
The innocence you stole can never be replaced
Understand you –
There is no excuse!
I won’t accept annalistic theories for your abuse
I want you judged for your perverted desire
Tormented by the same in HELL”S FIRE!
Pity you –
Where was mine?
The night you raped me
You filthy swine
So –
Forgiveness, understanding, and pity you’ll never get from me
One day –
Your face I will no longer see…
(By Stephanie A. Kinzel)
The Labeler…
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The labeler…
Go ahead
Stand there and throw your psychological label
But how crazy would you look if I turn the table
Your need to analyze the world of crazy drama
The hunger to hear stories of childhood trauma
An educated ego that pats you on the back
But in education in life is what you lack
So proud of that degree displayed on your wall
A year’s mortgage payments line down your hall
Battered and abused they await your help
Without payment, would you really care how they felt?
Would you patiently listen about their abuse, obsessions and fears?
Give free advice on breaking habits like drugs, whiskey and beer
I seriously doubt it you self-serving Freud
Because you need the crazies money to fill your empty void
What happened?
Mother didn’t hug you enough, was daddy never home
Poor thing
Did you have to pay for that Lamborghini all on your own?
Were you picked on while struggling in Ivy League School?
Is that your best excuse for becoming a money hungry old fool?
I think we are all crazy and we all have an excuse
You’re just a higher class of crazy
Minus the abuse!
Stephanie Kinzel February 2007
Metaphorically Me…
Metaphorically Me
Searching through memories printed in my psychologically impaired mind; I struggle to find the child that was once me. That unwritten manuscript we all start as; blank pages, un-typed by life experience. But all I seem to find are jumbled paragraphs with unhappy endings. I begin to wonder if the blank paper ever existed.
After pondering for a while, I realized, the first few chapters of my Brain Journal were missing.
While thumbing through the old tattered pages neatly scattered throughout my head; years of entries begin to quickly flash a horrific lightning storm with nowhere to hide; Line after line, page after page, of bad choices, child abuse, drug abuse, self-destruction and fear, with an index of great shame based on a character of shady descent.
Instantly, pondering became fixation; fixation on the main character in the manuscript, me. The ideas started to flow; what if some creative editing was done, a rewrite of the main characters’ purpose, casting her as a knowledgeable, patient, spiritual woman, with promising goals of prosperity, charity, and integrity. And artistic journalistic must read!
After debating the projects worth, I decided the manuscript was worth salvage. The question now at hand, was where to start. The main character’s thinking process would be an appropriate choice. Without proper change of thinking change of being could not be written.
Much research would be necessary to successfully change the thinking process. I must first reread the chapters already in print, every entry. Decide what needs to change in the characters direction. What all did she need to learn? What exact behaviors need modification? Are there traits that could be built upon? Only when I knew these things could I begin.
Quick into the read, I found many characteristics that needed more than modification. They needed a complete change. My intellect began to rant,” What uneducated idiot permitted such entries to be printed?” Suddenly my head hung in shame as I felt the accountability.
That was it, accountability! My character must accept accountability. Not just except it, but demand it from her. Because looking back at all the printed finger-pointing, very little accountability lay upon another. Only accountability would bring about change. For if she were blind to her faults, she would not see what she needs to change.
During the grueling process of categorizing accountability; my fault, others fault, and nobody’s fault, I stumbled upon another must learn from my character, control. Control over emotions and actions would lessen the need for accountability; which proved to be a painful acceptance. Yet, acceptance would prove to be pertinent for my characters survival.
Less she have acceptance, the effort to change would be a wasted one. She must accept accountability, except she has control over everything that transpires within her life; except criticism, without criticizing back, accept failure, love, friends and family.
As she whipped her tears away, she realized…She could fix herself.
Stephanie A. Kinzel (2011)
Incitement: Finger Pointing Politics
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Incitement: Finger Pointing Politics
When a finger is pointed at another, there is said to be three more pointing back at the pointer; we have all heard this sentiment in one form or another. Another good analogy is, “sweep off your own back porch before you ride your broom to mine”. The American Government and politicians must have not heard of this concept yet. It seems that America is in a new generation of diversion and denial. A lot of finger-pointing has been going on across America since the January 8th attempted assassination of Congresswoman ‘Gabby’ Giffords. Politicians are blaming the tragedy on incitement, and some are naming names. Have they heard of the Constitution and Freedom of Speech? America needs to put the accountability where it belongs, on the offender. Dictionaire Philosopique, 1764, suggests, “We have a natural right to make use of our pens as of our tongue, at our peril, risk and hazard,” (Guillemets, 2010. p.2). All Americans have the moral responsibility to speak appropriately and responsibly; Freedom of Speech allows Americans to speak freely, no matter the content.
Talk of the Nation host Neal Conan, interviewed Law Professor Gregory Stone from the University of Chicago in 2006; the Professor suggests, it would take an extreme case of clear association to the criminal’s activities for a conviction to occur in the United States. Professor Stone goes on to state that;
“As long as the [offender] is thought to have sufficient opportunity to make an independent decision about whether or not to commit a criminal act or not…the law will essentially say, punish the [offender]…not the speaker” (Conan, 2006.p.5).
Are we just upset because we do not like what was said, or did the words or phrases really promote that criminal action (Conan, 2006.p. 1, 3, 5). With over 360 billion Americans invoking their right to free speech, someone is bound to get offended. We should teach tolerance, patients, and responsible behavior, instead of limiting Free Speech? If Americans now let our words be governed, may none of us ever speak again!
We must beware of the finger pointers, more so than the one’s being pointed at. We should ask why they are so quick to point out someone else’s behavior. Most of those doing the pointing have had a shady past themselves. Bill Clinton has opened his lying pie hole again accusing others of inappropriate language and behavior, the Tea Party, Republicans, Sara Palin, and many others; boy does he have his nerve. It was not long ago, he stood in front of the whole country and lied like a tacked down rug. “I did not have sexual relations with that woman”, stated then President Bill Clinton during an investigation into his conduct. Others, like Glen Beck and Rush Limbaugh are pointing fingers as well; while they have been pointed at the most for incitement and rhetoric (Gist, 2010. p 1.). We are a free people with free will and speech, and free will means we do not have to listen to another’s free speech, we have other options. The Founding Fathers’ did not intend for our tongues to be shackled by a government that cannot control their own mouths.
If Free Speech were to become governed there would be extreme consequences. America was built upon the principle of personal responsibility; that will faultier if someone else can be blamed in some way, possibly casting a ‘shadow of a doubt’. John Stuart Mill, on liberty (1859) wisely stated;
“If all mankind minus one were of one opinion, mankind would be no more justified in silencing that one person than he, if had the power, would be justified in silencing all mankind”, (Guillemets, 2010.p. 4).
That is a powerful quote, and there are a plethora of others similar to that one. Yet, none are as powerful as the First Amendment Right of the Constitution of the United States of America;
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or for prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or of the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances”, (The Washington Times, 2010).
There was a time when that Amendment was the most important in the Constitution. Now there are some that want to modify that right. Elected Justice Elena Kagan suggests that a ‘redistribution of speech’ method would fix the issue. Kagan goes on to suggest that the government has a ‘right’ to govern speech if that speech incites violence or hate (The Washington Times, 2010. p 1-2). Maybe President Obama should rethink his nomination. The foundation of America was built upon the Constitution of the United States; the people will not allow such tyranny.
The whole world is saddened by the tragedy that fell upon our fellow Americans that fateful day in Tucson, Arizona; no one wants to see this kind of thing happen. In the vast wasteland called media, this mentally disturbed young shooter could have gotten his ideology from any of the distasteful programs produced across the airwaves (The Associated Press, NBC News, msnbc.com, 2011.p 3-5). The government has cut mental health benefits and program funding time and time again; now they want to divert and deny the results of those actions (which is par for the course of government and politics). Incitement should not be the issue here; lack of proper mental health care is. Furthermore, the only mouths that should be shackled are the ones that are pointing fingers and purposely diverting the real issue, keeping the political rhetoric heated. Americans will not be silenced, no matter the cost. Our people have fought too hard for the freedoms of this country.
The cuts in mental health benefits have been progressively getting deeper since 2009. State agencies and communities are growing concerned and angry about the dangers of those who may go untreated. It seems that those cuts being made are just being passed on to other community agencies; emergency rooms across the country are now trying to deal with the crisis (Goodman, 2011.p 1-4). The problem with that is mental illnesses like ‘schizophrenia’ and ‘bi-polar disorder’ are not easily managed, even in a psychiatric setting; American hospital emergency rooms are certainly not equipped to handle these issues. “I’d be screwed and there would be a lot of crazy people on the street and I don’t think the city would be safe,” said a Seattle woman in response to the cuts made in 2010, which cut doctors, medications, and related programs (Brill, 2010.p.1). These are the tyranny behaviors that should dominate our airwaves after such tragedies as the Tucson shooting. Freedom of speech is rarely the issue in these cases; one just has to see past the political rhetoric to find the true cause.
Throughout history some American rebels have been arrested for incitement (criminal syndication laws); however, those cases have since been overturned or pardoned. The very first critical case in America was in 1919; Charlotte Anita Whitney was convicted for invoking her free speech at a gathering thrown by the “Communist Labor Party”. Whitney was pardoned a short time later by the then Governor of California, although, the Supreme Court later held up the previous conviction (Whitney v. California, 2011.p 1-3). The next important case to freedom of speech was a Ku Klux Klan leader named Clarence Brandenburg; though, there were cases in-between. Brandenburg publically burned crosses and called for the execution of Negroes, and the deportation of all Jews back to Israel. Mr. Brandenburg was convicted in the 1960’s for his outlandish behavior and language; however, this conviction was overturned in 1969 by the higher courts. Case after case in America has proven time and again, that freedom of speech is a natural human right that cannot and should not be governed (The Gale Group, 1999.p 3-4).
In conclusion: All Americans should look deep within themselves for their own faults and modify their own personal imperfections; pointing fingers compares to gossiping, the action only makes the accusing person look guilty. Freedom of speech should be nothing short of self-governed. And American politicians and government need to set an example of the behaviors they want ‘We the People’ to invoke. Finally, the American Government and its staff will do what ‘We the People’ allow them to. We can peaceably make them abide by ‘OUR’ Constitution; one by one we can cast them out wherever the voters’ meet.
References
Associated Press the, NBC News, msnbc.com. (2011, January 10). Friends tell of Ariz.
suspect’s anger, paranoia. Msnbc.com.p. 3-5. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/ns/us_news_courts
Brill, L. (2010, December 6). Mental health experts worry funding cuts may lead to unsafe
Streets. King5.com. p.1. http://www.king5.com/news/local/Mental-Health-Funding-Cuts
-111418094.html.
Conan, N. (2006, February 8). Incitement and the limits of free speech. Talk of the Nation.
p. 1, 3, 5. http://www.asj.ac.jp/middle/ac/ss/8sb/DebateFreeSpeechNPRInterview.html.
Gale Group the. (1999). Brandenburg v. Ohio. The Gale Group.p.1-4. Legal citation: 395 U.S.
444 (1969). http://wf2dnvr11.webfeat.org/
Gist, D. (2010, April 21). Terrorizing the Tea Party movement. The Washington Times.p.1.
Database: Regional Business News. Item: 4KB520100421001926610009.
http://web.ebscohost.com.wf2dnvr1.webfeat.org/ehost/detail?hid=14&sid=a0467dd8
-277d-4164-9b30-b0bb5fcaec1e%40sessionmgr11&vid=2&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc
3Q%3d%3d#db=bwh&AN=4KB520100421001926610009
Goodman, A. (2011, January 11). Jared Loughner, mental illness and how budget cuts have
Slashed behavioral health services in Arizona. Democracy Now. p. 1-4.
http//www.democracynow.org/2011/1/11/jared_loughner_mental_illness_and_how
Guillemets, T. (2010, September 9). Quote Garden.para.2, 4.
http://www.quotegarden.com/censorship.html
Washington Times The. The first amendment under ‘progressive’ siege. The Washington Times.
p.1-2. Database: Regional Business News. Item: 4KB520100514042346810036.
Whitney v. California. (2011, January 10). Whitney v. California.p.1-3. Legal citation: 274 U.S.
357 (1927). http://wfdnvr11.webfeat.org/
60 Year Civil War Continues
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60 Year Civil War Continues
The fight for the legalization of marijuana has been raging within America for decades. Millions of people in America have been ticketed or imprisoned for growing and possessing the drug. NORML reports, “Over 20 million American citizens have been arrested for marijuana offenses since 1965…while over 100 million Americans have used marijuana…most use it regularly.” (NORML, 2010) Although some have claimed to not have inhaled, they have still tried it. The country’s jails and prisons are packed to capacity; so much so that, they are releasing criminals back into society before serving out their sentences. American economical and judicial struggles have everyone, including the government, robbing Peter to pay Paul, and there is no relief in sight. The legalization of marijuana would bring economical and judicial relief to America.
Although most polls show up to 60 percent of Americans support the legalization of marijuana, the White House shows no sign of surrender. “In fact, the default fate of any politician who publicly considers the legalization of marijuana is to be cast into the outer darkness…(Klein, 2009) There was some show of promise when previous pot puffing President Elect Barack Obama stated he would bud-out of medical marijuana issues. “[But] incoming drug czar Gill Kerlikowske declared…that legalization is not up for debate under any circumstances.” (Dickinson, 2009) While the opponents turn a blind eye to the benefits of legalization, and a deaf ear to the American voters, supporters are circling the wagons and preparing to fight for their freedom and rights. The debate over the legalization of marijuana and hemp continues to be the longest civil war in history, lasting 60 years to date.
The government first declared war in the 1950s, when they banned American farmers from cultivating hemp because of its relationship to marijuana. Hemp is the stock, leaves, and flowers off of the marijuana plant; it is used to make paper and over 25,000 other goods for trade. In early America, some farmers were mandated to grow hemp. As a matter of fact, “many of our earliest Presidents, including George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, all grew hemp.” (Huff, 2010) America has strayed far from our founders’ intentions; far from the freedoms once had. Prohibition was wrong then, and it is wrong now; legalizing marijuana would only help the economical and judicial plight of America.
On the judicial side of the matter, American police officers have arrested or ticketed almost 900,000 people for smoking or possessing marijuana, which is just in the year 2008. The prohibition costs tax payers’ nearly $70 billion dollars a year on prisons and jails alone. Not to mention the almost $160 billion on police and court costs. (Klein, 2009) America’s prisons and jails are so over populated; prisoners are turned out into society before their sentences are complete. Violence occurs all along the Mexican/American boarders, drug cartels and thugs fighting over drug territories, murders and kidnappings are a frightening daily reality. Legalization will take the power away from the criminal, and pull America out of the judicial and economical hole the government has dug through years of prohibition.
Economically, the legalization of marijuana makes more sense than not. The money it cost to keep this war going alone could pay off some of America’s debt; the government could save billions in court costs, police salary, border patrol, and (DEA) Drug Enforcement Agency costs; leaving more money for education and reducing the defecate. Prisons would have 40% more room, so that hardened criminals could finish out sentences before being released. “It’s a crisis of incarceration…Incarcerated drug offenders have soared 1,200 percent since 1980, “a senator from Virginia proclaimed to Dickinson. (Dickinson, 2009) This means that the cost to American tax payers goes up as well. The legalization of marijuana would also create jobs and a bailout for the American farmer; furthermore, stores selling hemp products and accessories would generate jobs and tax revenues, a potential economical stimulus package. The legalization of marijuana would create employment opportunities and tax revenues, economically reviving America.
Opponents spew skewed information across American airwaves to lasso the uncertain to their side, whereas, scientific information on the medicinal advantages of marijuana see little or no media coverage. Medical studies have shown that moderate marijuana smoking reduces the risks of some cancers; the THC in the marijuana has also been shown to “kill cancer cells, while leaving the healthy ones alone.” Most Americans also believe alcohol to be more dangerous than marijuana. In fact, health costs are lower in those whom partake in Cannabis, than those who drink alcohol and smoke cigarettes.” (Armentano, 2010) Marijuana has also shown promise to those with mental illnesses, such as PTSD, schizophrenia, and anxiety. Even war veterans are now able to access medicinal marijuana without fear of losing their benefits; it seems as if the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs are loosening their reigns of prohibition, changing their stance on the use of marijuana among veterans. (CMAJ, 2010) The legalization of marijuana could save billions of dollars in health care costs, therefore, helping America’s economy.
The opposition wants Americans to believe that ending prohibition would be society’s immoral down-fall. That, children would have easier access, violence would increase, and the very moral fiber of America would unravel at the seams. On the contrary, an ID would have to be shown in order to purchase marijuana, just like cigarettes and alcohol, making it more difficult for minors’ to obtain (a drug dealer does not ask for ID). Individuals caught driving under the influence of marijuana would be subjected to the current penalties for DUI offenses. Studies have shown that marijuana eases anxiety and relaxes the mind; therefore, acts of violence should go down, not up; some individuals even claimed to have formed a relationship with God, a peaceful existence. Taking the criminals “corner on the market” would decrease the violence that already exists, freeing officers and detention staff to tend to other charges. For every excuse the opposition has for not legalizing marijuana, supporters’ has at least three logical reasons why it would be best for America. The legalization of marijuana would only help in the economical and judicial reform of America.
When users speak of the relief that marijuana provides them, it is hard to envision the picture that the opponents’ paint of the drug. Patients’ proclaim pain relief that they have never gotten from narcotics, without the nausea and chemicals. A war veteran explains to the Canadian Medical Association Journal about the first time he tried the controversial medication.
“What I experienced was different. I experienced relief. I was a mess and for the first time in months I felt relief. At that moment, it was a new relationship with that plant.” (CMAJ, 2010)
There are many testimonies just like this across America. Patients with cancer, HIV, MS, and other chronic and deadly illnesses rave about the relief from symptoms they receive from the use of medicinal marijuana, in fact, most non-patients’ state if sick they would consider its use. One cancer patient stated, “If it were not for medical marijuana, I would not be able to eat a thing.” (Hicks, 2010) Claiming the drug cures the nausea caused by chemotherapy. The legalization of marijuana would give access to this relief to all Americans for purchase; this will produce state and federal revenue, which will help the American economy.
Yet, with all the proof of medicinal, social, and economic benefits, the government still refuses to discuss the possibilities of ending pot prohibition. The American voters’ must force the hand of government to relinquish the right back to the people of the United States. When an entity claims dominion gaining full control and dictatorship, resentment will fill the hearts of the people. In this war only one flag is considered a sign of peace and surrender, the end of the war; the red, white, and blue, waving a promise of legalization and restoration of the peoples’ right!
Armentano, P. (2010, August 29). 5 things the corporate media and government don’t want you to know. Retrieved from http://www.alternet.org/module/printversion/148013
(Armentano, 2010)
CMAJ, Initials. (2010). United States war veterans gain access to medicinal marijuana. Canadian Medical Association Journal, doi: 10.1503/cmaj.109-3334
(CMAJ, 2010)
Dickinson, T. (2009, June 25). A drug war truce? Rolling Stone, (1081), Retrieved from http://web.ebscohost.com.wf2dnvr8.webfeat.org/ehost/delivery?vid=3&hid=17&sid=c7eaa…
(Dickinson, 2009)
Gutierrez, D. (2009, July 25). Marijuana has anti-cancer properties. Retrieved from http://www.nayuralnews.com/z026697_research_marijuana
(Gutierrez, 2009)
Huff, E.A. (2010, May 23). Hemp history week, a look back at America’s hemp heritage. Retrieved from http://www.naturalnews.com/z028852_hemp_history.html
(Huff, 2010)
Huff, E. (2009, November 16). American medical association urges federal government to support medicinal marijuana. Retrieved from http://www.naturalnews.com/z027499_marijuana_medicinalgovernment
(Huff, 2010)
Klein, J. (2009, April 16). Why legalizing marijuana makes sense. Time, Retrieved from http://www.time.com/time/printout/0,8816,1889021,00.html
(Klein, 2009)
Messerli, J. (2010, April 20). Should marijuana be legalized under any circumstances? Retrieved from Http://balancedpolitics.org/marijuana_legalization.html
(Messerli, 2010)
NORML, Initials. (2010, March 5). Criminal marijuana prohibition is a failure. Retrieved from http://www.norml.org
(NORML, 2010
Sullum, J. (2010, Aug/Sep). Pot tolerance hits a high. Reason, 42(4), Retrieved from http://web.ebscohost.com.wf2dnvr8.webfeat.org/ehost/delivery?vid=3&hid=6&sid=1146d.
.
(Sullum, 2010)
PLAGIARISM and ACADEMIC HONESTY
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Plagiarism and Academic Honesty
In the Old West a person would be hung by the neck for stealing a rancher’s prized horse. To a writer, their words and writings’ are that prized horse; and the varmint that steals it must be punished for the misdeed! Although, thieves do not swing from the business end of a rope in today’s society, they are still punished severely. If one steals another’s writings, ideas, or phrases, and brands it as one’s own, this is plagiarism. There are many definitions for plagiarism, however, they all agree with one thing, it is cheating and morally wrong. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill defines plagiarism, “the deliberate or reckless representation of another’s words, thoughts or ideas as one’s own without attribution in connection with submission of academic work, whether graded or otherwise.”(The Writing Center, UNC, 2010) Plagiarism is a moral transgression and is dealt with harshly by administrators.
Ignorance has never been an excepted excuse for breaking the law. Children are taught at a very young age not to take something that does not belong to them. Yet, even with stiff penalties, “about 80% of college students admitted to plagiarizing content at least once, according to The Center for Academic Integrity.” (Dye, Jessica; To Catch a Thief, 2010) The student that commits plagiarism brings shame to themselves and the university. “[A] university values what the public thinks of its faculty and students…Not to formally recognize the work and influences of others in your writing violates an ethic of mutual regard.”(Hillard, Van E., Consequences to Plagiarism at Duke, Duke, 2009) Plagiarism and dishonesty in any setting, is stealing and cheating, and it has serious consequences, both academically and legally.
In the Information Age of Technology, stealing another’s ideas or statements is easier than previous generations. But, detecting plagiarized works are easier as well. As fast as a thief can poach information, new inventions are being made to catch them. The invention of such detection tools as Turnitin, Plagialnform, and others is to protect individuals from such thievery. (Dye, Jessica; To Catch a Thief, 2010) As long as there is so much valuable information in the world, there will always be some A Moral person whom will plagiarise.
The best way to prevent being hung for stealing is not to steal! In other words, to prevent plagiarism use original thoughts and ideas, and only use resources to back up that information, never forget to cite the resources used, and when in doubt cite. If a student plagiarized by ‘accident” the first thing is to correct it, write a letter of apology to the author, then write a letter of apology and accountability to the Dean. This will in no way defer the consequences, but it may help refresh the outlook on one’s character. Still the best defense is knowledge; know how to cite APA style, and know it well, this will prevent plagiarism and the consequences following.
References
Dye, J. (2007, Sep). To Catch A Thief.
Retrieved from: EBSCO Host database
Hillard, V. E. (2009, Dec). Plagiarism-Its Nature and Consequences. Duke Libraries.
Retrieved from: http://library.duke.edu/research/citing/plagiarism.html
The Writing Center. Plagiarism. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. (2010, Oct).
Retrieved: http://www.unc.edu/depts/wcweb/handouts/plagiarism.html
The Writing Center. Quotations. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. (2010, Oct)
Retrieved: http://www.unc.edu/depts/wcweb/handouts/quotations.html
RFID MICROCHIPS IN HUMANS: Modern Day Stalkers
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January 9, 2011
RFID Microchips in Humans; Modern Day Stalkers
In America, an individual who tracks your every move, monitors and studies your behavior, and accesses your personal information, is considered a stalker and arrested. Yet, in the world of technology, there are those who believe “stalking” us is profitable and necessary. With the FDA approval of RFID microchips in humans, comes a whole new world of problems. RFID means, radio frequency identification (commonly known for tracking animals); these microchips are implanted in the hand or arm just under the skin, and stores personal information with a bar code. (Koprowski, 2010) The implanting of RFID microchips in humans is dangerous to health, privacy, and the security of Americans.
The health dangers of RFID microchips have been documented within the pages of scientific studies. In the 1990’s these study results stated that the RFID implants in” some mice and rats” caused cancer; furthermore, two cases of canine cancers were found as well. (Lewan, 2007) Beyond health dangers, privacy and security concerns echo across the country. One comment suggests, “…like smart cards, these medical chips can be read from a distance by predators.” (Koprowski, 2010) A criminal no longer will have to pick-pocket from an identifiable distance. RFID chipping in humans is a dangerous, and an unethical infringement on the personal rights of Americans.
The controversy seems to have exploded in 2002, when the FDA approved the use of RFID microchips in humans. (Stokes, 2004) Rumors of state and government involvement, and possible mandatory chipping, shook the foundation of America; now the fight for freedom is on! With about 2,000 humans already implanted with RFID chips, (Admin, 2007) the concern for the health, security, and privacy of Americans grow more prevalent.
The consequences of RFID microchips in humans are immeasurable. If one human gets cancer, has their privacy invaded or identity stolen, it is one too many. RFID advocates would have us believe that the risk of invasion, illness or theft, is practically non-existent. In a statement made by Zeke Mejia, “he explains, “the problem is the tests were done on mice, which actually has no relation to animals such as pets, and humans.” (Swedberg, 2007) Most pharmaceutical drugs are tested on mice and rats before deemed safe for human consumption; that would mean those scientific studies are unreliable. It is not enough that animals have suffered and died at the hands of RFID microchips, now VeriChip and others want to implant that danger in us humans. Not only is RFID microchips in humans dangerous, there is potential for invasion of privacy and identity theft.
In conclusion, RFID chipping of humans is an infringement of individual rights and privacy. The chipping of products, goods, and animals for the sake of money and science is one thing; the chipping and stalking of humanity is unethical and criminal.
References
Admin, . (2007, July 29). Human-implantable RFID chips: some ethical and privacy concerns. Retrieved from http:www.healthcareitnews.com/print/5347
Koprowski, G.J. (2010, May 14). Where’s jimmy? Just google his bar code. Retrieved from http://www.foxnews.com/scitech/2010/05/14/radio-frequency-rfid-implant/print
Lewan, T. (2007, September 8). Chip implants linked to animal tumors. Retrieved from http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/09/08/AR2007090800997_pf..
Stokes, J. (2004, October 13). FDA approves implanted rfid chip for humans. Retrieved from http://arstechnia.com/old/content/2004/10/4305.ars
Swedberg, C. (2007). Verichip defends the safety of implanted rfid tags. RFID Journal, Retrieved from http://www.rfidjournal.com/article/print/3609
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