It was brought to my attention that one third of the American population is on antidepressants. This was shocking to me since I thought when I was growing up that depression is rare and only effects a small part of the population. However, one third is very significant. So I then think, is this because more and more people are becoming depressed in an increasing sedentary life style and unsatisfactory 9-5 desk jobs? This seems plausible, that depression is becoming more common because of the unsatisfactory lives people live. Maybe too many people are living for a monotary value and leading empty lives. This maybe true, but I think there is a better explanation for this unexpected statistic.
More and more people are coming forward and talking about their problems now that it is culturally acceptable. It is the common believe in the present that sharing your feelings is good. In the generations before us, your feelings were better off ignored because you had more important things to worry about. So, with this change in public mentality it isn't as surprising of a statistic. Before you were crazy if you saw a psychiatrist, but now the psychiatrist is being viewed more as a regular doctor for average people with problems. This makes more sense since we all have problems. Why not go to a profession for advice?
Some say many patients are over medication, but I believe this is a small percentage of the population. Most of the antidepressants are perscribed to the benefit of people who aren't as happy as they could be do to countless reasons (once again, not because they are crazy). The bright side of this statistis is that most people who need help are actually getting it instead of being pushed aside.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Tweener!
I can't believe this shot really happened. I was just talking about it with my room mate and the unheard of happened. This is definitely the best shot I have ever seen. Check it out and tell me if you have seen better and then send me a clip of it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=37qyvTRVus8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=37qyvTRVus8
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
A Noteworthy Post
My name is Doug and this is my first attempt at creating a personal blog. I will be striving to achieve noteworthy posts that will attract positive attention, and even spark curiosity. These noteworthy posts will probably be random and whatever I happen to be thinking of that minute, hour, day, week, etc. With that being said, I will propose my first topic.
Is Walmart a threat to the US economy?
This question was first posed to me by the media, on talk shows, the news, and even South Park. A considerable amount of people across the country seemed to think Walmart was in some way "evil" and was actually hurting the US economy as well as the American people. I didn't think about it much until my friend brought it up after he had seen a video accusing Walmart of many negative economic effects. He showed me part of the video and we discussed it afterwards.
The main arguements from the movie were as follows:
1. Walmart puts small businesses out of business and lowers nearby property values
2. Walmart does not provide most of its employees with health care plans
3. Outsourcing
My friend agreed with the movie that these were all bad business practices. However, when I saw the movie I didn't see many facts or unexplainable "evils" Walmart may have commited. Most of the movie appeared to be emotional appeal, and not much economics.
The way I see it, Walmart, being a very successful business, will inevidably put small businesses out of business. I feel bad for the small business owners, but that is business. I don't see why Walmart not providing their workers with health care is an outrage either. If people do not like these conditions, they shouldn't work for Walmart. Also, there are many government programs that offer health care plans to those in need. Finally the most controversial topic, outsourcing. This is the most complicated matter, and unfortunately I can not give a well rounded answer to this. I realize outsourcing hurts the low skilled labor force in the short run, but I'm not sure how it effects the US economy. It may cause more of the American public to go school and better themselves, or it might just make others poorer. Even if outsourcing is proven to be a problem, I don't think Walmart is necessarily solely to blame. If foreign labor and imports were hurting the US economy, could tarrifs on these services not be imposed by the government?
Even though I don't think there is anything wrong with Walmart I respect those who despise it and refuse to shop there. I think they are being responsible consumers and standing up for what they believe in. However, I have my doubts about those who think Walmart is terrible and continue to shop there. If you think Walmart is detrimental, doesn't it make sense that you are part of the problem by continuing shopping or working there? I wonder what percentage of people who are against Walmart still support it economically...
Is Walmart a threat to the US economy?
This question was first posed to me by the media, on talk shows, the news, and even South Park. A considerable amount of people across the country seemed to think Walmart was in some way "evil" and was actually hurting the US economy as well as the American people. I didn't think about it much until my friend brought it up after he had seen a video accusing Walmart of many negative economic effects. He showed me part of the video and we discussed it afterwards.
The main arguements from the movie were as follows:
1. Walmart puts small businesses out of business and lowers nearby property values
2. Walmart does not provide most of its employees with health care plans
3. Outsourcing
My friend agreed with the movie that these were all bad business practices. However, when I saw the movie I didn't see many facts or unexplainable "evils" Walmart may have commited. Most of the movie appeared to be emotional appeal, and not much economics.
The way I see it, Walmart, being a very successful business, will inevidably put small businesses out of business. I feel bad for the small business owners, but that is business. I don't see why Walmart not providing their workers with health care is an outrage either. If people do not like these conditions, they shouldn't work for Walmart. Also, there are many government programs that offer health care plans to those in need. Finally the most controversial topic, outsourcing. This is the most complicated matter, and unfortunately I can not give a well rounded answer to this. I realize outsourcing hurts the low skilled labor force in the short run, but I'm not sure how it effects the US economy. It may cause more of the American public to go school and better themselves, or it might just make others poorer. Even if outsourcing is proven to be a problem, I don't think Walmart is necessarily solely to blame. If foreign labor and imports were hurting the US economy, could tarrifs on these services not be imposed by the government?
Even though I don't think there is anything wrong with Walmart I respect those who despise it and refuse to shop there. I think they are being responsible consumers and standing up for what they believe in. However, I have my doubts about those who think Walmart is terrible and continue to shop there. If you think Walmart is detrimental, doesn't it make sense that you are part of the problem by continuing shopping or working there? I wonder what percentage of people who are against Walmart still support it economically...
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