T. Euthanasia

Euthanasia: the painless killing of a patient suffering from an incurable and painful disease or in an irreversible coma. The practice is illegal in most countries.

Euthanasia is a very controversial subject. Should people have the choice to end their life due to certain circumstances? Mainly this is talked about for adults, but what about children? In Belgium, parliament is taking action. When Belgium legalized euthanasia in 2002 it excluded minors from the law. However, they have now passed a bill which makes it legal for minors. There are conditions to this though, the parents or guardians must consent and the child must be judged able to understand what euthanasia means.

A mother in Belgium who had a disease that slowly destroyed her nervous system sided with the legalization of euthanasia. Her 10 month old daughter was heavily sedated and withheld from food and water in her last few days of life.

Critics do question if children have the ability to make a decision for ending their lives.

An eighteen year old girl with Huntington’s disease lost her ability to walk, eat, or speak for herself. She still can think for herself, and when her mom explained to her and asked her about euthanasia she expressed that it is not a good thing.

It is easy to see how euthanasia is such a controversial topic; especially when it involves children losing their lives. However, for some people it may seem like an only option. If a person can fully understand and chose for euthanasia, they should be able to make that decision. However, when it comes to children that can’t make the decision for themself and are in very bad condition and going through a lot of pain, a parent or guardian should be able to choose. It is important to put yourself in the child’s shoes and think what kind of life are they living?

T. Senior Night

                “The game of basketball has been everything to me. My place of refuge, place I've always gone where I needed comfort and peace. It's been the site of intense pain and the most intense feelings of joy and satisfaction. It's a relationship that has evolved over time, given me the greatest respect and love for the game.”

-Michael Jordan

Over the past six years playing basketball I have made really strong bonds with girls on the team that mean a lot to me. Last night was senior night, my final home game, playing with the girls who I will never be able to play another game with after the end of sectionals. It was a very bittersweet experience. I have made so many great memoires with many great people throughout my basketball career. It is sad that it is all over but I wouldn’t trade the memories I have made for anything. My parents and my grandma got a chance to be recognized for how supportive they have been my whole live, and the past 6 years for basketball in school. It is weird to think it is all over because it seems like not long ago I showed up for my first basketball practice and Alden Middle School for rec basketball. Modified basketball flew by, and then there was JV for one year and varsity for 3. I love the sport and wish I could have just a few more seasons. No matter what I will always love shooting the ball in my driveway, playing pig with my dad, and having small games with my friends. I really hope that once I graduate college I will get a chance to coach a basketball team. And I hope I can have as big of an influence on the girls I coach that my previous coaches have had on me. Maybe it sounds cheesy, but I’m so passionate about basketball and really wish it wasn’t over.

S. Could Sugar be Killing You?

Could extra sugar be killing you? New studies are showing added sugars could be deadly. The American Heart Association says that women should not consume more than 24 grams of sugar a day and men should consume no more than 36 grams a day. Many Americans consume so much more than this. For example, in one 12oz can of soda alone there is 35 grams of sugar. Even just the sugar you put in your coffee in the morning, candy, cereals, breads, juices, and so much more. You can be in all the processed food we consume that there is way more sugar than we need to consume. There is a difference between natural sugars found in fruits than in added sugar. And the added sugar is what is really bad for us. Doctors are seeing obesity starting at much younger ages. Sugar intake cannot be the only blame for obesity but it is a major factor. Diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and high cholesterol have all been linked to high sugar intake. One study suggests high added sugar intake causes increased cardiovascular mortality which is death because of heart or blood vessel failure. It is very important to watch our diets. We do not to be consuming all these sugary foods. It is important to eat healthy and cut back on sugary sodas, candy, and other sweets. Watch out for foods that seem healthy, chances are they have a lot of added sugar in them too. The best bet in reducing sugar intake is to eat natural foods, like fruits, vegetables, and water. Try to stay away from processed foods because there really are no health benefits to them. Consuming a lot of sugar is not worth a life full of health problems. Think before you eat and change your diet before it is too late.

R. Grandma

My middle name is Joanne. When I was younger I used to be very embarrassed to tell people what it was. Everyone elses seemed so much better than mine. Marie, Rose, Nicole, anything but Joanne. But Joanne is my grandma’s name. And I’ll tell you one thing, that woman means the world to me.  I am so thankful to have her in my life. She is so friendly and can start a conversation with anyone. All the stories she has and the way she tells them can turn anyone from a bad mood to a good mood almost instantly. My grandma doesn’t hesitate before she walks up to a young girl in high heels and compliments them and says she wishes she could still wear them. Or when she will walk up to a mom and her baby in public and start talking to the baby. She just has the type of inviting personality where she can make anyone love her instantly.

Not only is it her personality, but she is so supportive. She takes turns attending my cousins and my sports games. She is the best cheerleader in the stands. If she doesn’t agree with the refs she will make sure they know. And after every game she brings a candy bar, and after a tough loss she will make sure you don’t leave upset.

Every time I visit with my grandma it is time I cherish. I love her so much and really look to her as a role model. She loves her gardening, and tells me that if you talk to the plants it will help them grow better. She will always offer you food when you visit her house. She is the type of person it is impossible not to love. I can tell you one thing, I love my middle name and I hope I can be just like my grandma.

R. Legalization of Marijuana

Should marijuana be removed from the criminal justice system and be regulated like alcohol and tobacco are? If this were to happen, marijuana would be America’s number one cash crop; thus, creating jobs and economic opportunities. Corrections and court costs would also decrease significantly due to people not going to jail/court for marijuana related charges. Also, there would be a lot of tax revenue from selling regulated marijuana. In 2012 Colorado and Washington became the first states to legalize and regulate marijuana. There are many facts people should know about marijuana before they say it should be illegal. People say marijuana is a gateway drug, but in most cases marijuana users never use any other illicit drugs. For the majority of people who use marijuana it is a terminus, and they will not use any other drug. Another fact is that many marijuana users only smoke occasionally. Marijuana is not addictive and is not related to any dependence. “THC is virtually non-toxic to healthy cells or organs, and is incapable of causing a fatal overdose. Currently, doctors may legally prescribe Marinol, an FDA-approved pill that contains 100 percent THC. The Food and Drug Administration found THC to be safe and effective for the treatment of nausea, vomiting, and wasting diseases.” Marijuana has not been shown to cause mental illness, it can temporarily cause panic, anxiety, and paranoia, but that is it. Marijuana has also not been shown to increase a risk of cancer. Medicinal Marijuana is prescribed to patients with a wide range of diseases and health related problems and is very helpful with many symptoms. In driving studies, it is shown that marijuana causes no major car-handling impairment. In fact, effects of marijuana tend to make the user more cautious. In 2012 alone 749,825 people were arrested and charged with marijuana related law violations.

Overall, there are more harmful legal things in our society including alcohol, cigarettes, and other tobacco products. The legalization of marijuana would have positive effects all the way around in the US.

Info and facts found on: http://www.drugpolicy.org/