A Plan for Broadband

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/21/opinion/21sun1.html

Summary: The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is seeking to implement a new system of high speed internet/access to high speed internet. The U.S. is significantly behind in broadband speed compared to the rest of the developed world, and the FCC wants to put us back at the top. The average download speed in the U.S. is 8 megabits per second, which the FCC plans to increase up to 100 megabits per second. The problem is TV broadcasting companies and communication companies oppose this, as it would potentially decrease telephone and TV users as the internet would be so much better (in terms of speed and price). A very few major companies currently hold a monopoly on prices for broadband service in the U.S. and this lack of competition keeps prices so high. The FCC has very limited regulatory powers in this area, so Congress must give them authority to increase power and get prices down so everyone has access to internet.

Opinion: I agree that the U.S. should definitely seek to increase broadband internet speeds, as well as decrease the cost. The internet has become the place to look for jobs, news, and entertainment, and a relatively few amount of people have access to all this (33/100). That means people who really need jobs (unemployed and poor) are at a disadvantage in finding a new job as they can't afford the internet. The FCC needs increased regulatory power so that by 2020 we can actually have a realistic cost for the majority of Americans and faster speeds for quicker access.

Healthy Solution: Taxing Soda

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/09/opinion/09tue3.html

Summary: Lawmakers in New York are on the verge of passing a bill that would put a steep tax on all soft drinks and other sweetened drinks. This bill kills two birds with one stone, providing a way to make significant amounts of money in a bad economy and at the same time helping to fight obesity, which is becoming one of New York's, as well as the rest of the United States', largest problems. An estimated $7 billion is spent battling obesity a year in New York, and this tax could bring in as much as $1 billion alone, as well as lowering that $7 billion.

Opinion: Obesity is disgusting. It is in my opinion the worst thing facing the world right now. The people most at risk are those in the lower class, as they for go the more expensive healthy food options for the cheaper options like fast food and soft drinks. I believe this tax needs to be implemented as soon as possible so it can become a model for what the United States should do: start fighting obesity.

A Nonfrivolous Suit

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/09/opinion/09tue2.html

Summary: Frank Sutton took a bite out of his chicken sandwich from McDonald's and was sprayed all across his face by a scalding pocket of grease in the sandwich. His lips were severely burnt and bled for 24 hours after the initial injury. Frank is suing McDonald's for over $2 million, claiming that in the amount of medical bills, loss of pay, extra expenses, that's how much was necessary. The case is going forward and has "enough evidence" to make a legitimate case against McDonald's.

Opinion: First off I think the man should have exercised more care in biting into a hot sandwich, be that as it may, there is absolutely no reason that a chicken sandwich should have boiling hot pockets of grease enough to cause damage lasting more than 7 months. This needs to be looked into properly and effectively, as that could easily have been a child who would have been hurt much more severely than an adult. The fast food industry needs much stricter restrictions and inspections before sales can be made if things of this nature are happening.

National School Standards, At Last

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/14/opinion/14sun1.html?ref=opinion

Summary: A new proposal laid out by the National Governors Association for reorganizing the structure of the curriculum of United States schools from kindergarten through twelfth grade. The new system would have students developing reasoning and logic skills earlier than they do now, and making the system national would make sure that it doesn't depend on what county you live in the type of education you will receive.

Opinion: I feel very strongly about this proposal. I think that it is exactly what is necessary for the United States to once again be at the top of the world in terms of education. Most other countries have students well beyond the U.S. in terms of math and reading at almost any level. This needs to change. If the new system is actually incorporated, which I feel it will not be, then young children can start reaching potential earlier and developing new skills to put the U.S. back to the innovating and intelligent level necessary for international competition.