Drugs

The legalization of currently illegal drugs is a highly controversial and debated topic. In my opinion, there are some drugs that should be legalized and others that should remain illegal. Those highly addictive drugs such as meth, heroin, cocaine, and others that cause those who use them to become unproductive, unwell-mannered, and unfunctioning members of society should not be legalized. For those few drugs that do not effect a person’s productivity and aid to society, there is a chance that these substances should be legalized. This is because most people who use these drugs know the risks and as long as they do not disturb others with their use then it should be allowed. Like other addictive substances such as cigarettes and alcohol those drugs that have the potentiality to be legalized should be given out with an age limit such as 18 or 21.

Subsidies

A government subsidy is is a form of financial assistance paid to a business or economic sector. There are many forms of subsidies and they are made to prevent the decline of industry and an increase in product prices. Subsidies, however, are dangerous to a free market. This is because only cheap, unhealthy food is being subsidised, the government sometimes subsidises the wrong industries, and large businesses get richer as small businesses get smaller.

Food Inc.

Food Inc. was an extremely eye opening documentary. It raised many questions about the food industry, farmers and their lives, and the government’s involvement in the food industry. After watching the film I am absolutely horrified at our food system. The way animals and plants are treated, patenting life, persecuting those who go against the system… all of these things are additives that go into the monstrous food industry in America. Large businesses control nearly everything and small farmers, such as those who try to use their own seed or run their own organic farms, are sued, persecuted, and usually put out of business. The seemingly "healthy" food sold in most stores now makes me sick. Knowing what really goes into these products and learning about what sort of ingredients are used make me think twice about something before I buy it. After Food Inc. I am honestly concerned with what Americans are being fed and peoples’ lack of knowledge with what they are eating. Many improvements need to be made to make our food system better and healthier. Organic and small farmers need to be allowed to run their own businesses, government involvement should become more honest and fair, and large businesses should keep safe and healthy choices when making food not just take the cheap way out. As an individual, I can make choices to eat healthier foods, know what ingredients and substances are going into my foods, and buy organic things and shop at local farmers’ markets.

Industrialized Farming

Industrialized farming displays little postives to consumers other than being incredibly affordable and easy to access. These ideas may seem like an incredible bright side however it is impossible to know where this food is coming from due to so many processes that it undergoes. Pesticides can contaminate both our food and our bodies. Also, steroids are injected into the beef and other meats that we consume. While it is unknown what these steroids and pesticides do to our bodies many people still favor these options instead or organic or healthier ones. Many people do not realize the possible effects of these products and look to ease of access and price over potential risks and nutritional values. There are always ways to reverse trends and in this scenario these include consuming fewer processed foods, allowing for organic farms and organically grown foods, and knowing what we eat and its nutritional value before consuming it based solely on price and artificial flavors.

Decision-Making Models

The SWOT and VRIO acronyms both stand for models that can be used to make decisions. The SWOT decision-making theory stands for: S) strengths, W) weaknesses, O) opportunities, and T) threats. Analyzing all of these four factors can aide in the decision-making process. The letters VRIO stand for the questions of: V) value, R) rarity, I) imitability, and O) organization. Asking yourself these important questions can help in making a decision. These two decision-making models are similar to the GREAT method and the Quadrant because they all aide in making a wise and well thought out choice and help in thoroughly thinking through multiple options before deciding something. These methods are different because GREAT and the Quadrant are often used for personal choices while VRIO and SWOT are commonly used on a larger scale and for many businesses. The most effective method would be a combination of the VRIO and SWOT methods. This is because VRIO asks many important questions before making a decision and SWOT would allow you to thoroughly look at all your options before choosing.