Major Problems in Mexican American History Essay -- Mexican History Cu

Major Problems in Mexican American History Mexicans have been a people long oppressed. That is evident not only by the readings edited by Zaragosa Vargas in Major Problems in Mexican American History, but also by the the documentary Chicano!. The Mexicans’ past is underscored by conquest of the present-day American Southwest first by the Spanish and then by the United States following the Mexican American War. With other countries establishing control over them, Mexicans have never really been able to establish themselves. Efforts were repeatedly made to shape them into what others perceived them to be. The language they should speak, the religion they should practice, the things they should learn, and the way they should live, were all decisions that for many years Mexicans did not have the power to control. This lack of power allowed the Spanish and the United States to take advantage of Mexican rights, labor and land. In addition, it also produced a loss of Mexican identity and culture. Mexican American history began in the16th century under Spanish colonialism. The Spanish had a goal of conquest and colonization. Evidently, that goal was successfully accomplished because when the Spanish first arrived in 1492 Mexico’s population was fourteen million, but by the end of the 16th century it had drastically declined to one million. Numbers decreased because of the cruel treatment, forced labor, and disease brought by the Spanish. The Spanish eventually controlled most of the territory in the Southwest and over three hundred towns had been established for the purpose of control and conversion. The Spanish imposed conditions on the natives of Mexico that would belittle them. They aimed to convert them in order to make them re... ...heightened sense of self and group identity. The term Chicano encouraged Mexican Americans to take pride and interest in their history of struggle in America. It is when dealing with this period in Mexican-American history that the documentary Chicano! steps in for Vargas, better explaining the movement that occurred. Mexican Americans distinguished themselves at home and abroad during World War II and worked toward political, educational, and social equality in the country they defended. ...La Raza! Mejicano! Espanol! Latino! Hispano! Chicano! or whatever I call myself. I look the same. I feel the same...I cry and Sing the same. I am the masses of my people and I refuse to be absorbed. I am Joaquin...The odds are great but my spirit is strong...My faith unbreakable...My blood is pure...I am Aztec Prince and Christian Christ...I SHALL ENDURE! I WILL ENDURE!

The Rise of Autism

â€Å"In February 2007 the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revised the prevalence figures for ASD to one in every 150 individuals† (Richard, 2008, p. 26). There are many theories for this increased incidence. One factor discussed is the ability to finally fully diagnose the disorder. Since the increased awareness of autism, scientists have been busy researching and modifying the diagnostic criteria for autism. Correctly diagnosing is a very important step in helping children improve skills that are affected by autism. The other factors discussed are the general developmental disorders that take place during early childhood. There are many possible factors, such as vaccinations and genetics, that have led to the rise of autism and because of this rise funding for autism research has increased tremendously, as has the cost of treatments. Autism used to be a low incidence disorder now it is one of the fastest growing developmental disabilities in the United States. There is still not one explanation for this sudden change in history, but scientists are getting closer and closer to the answer everyday. Since scientists have discovered a diagnosis for autism, they have been able to better understand autism and the possible causes for its existence. Proper diagnosis has been a huge factor in the rise of autism, but that still doesn’t mean the cause of autism is not important. There is a reason for this rise and finding the cause is the only way scientists are going to be able to prevent this increased incidence from growing in the future. One possible factor that scientists are researching is environmental toxins. Evironmental toxins have been a long suspect for the cause of autism. There are many ways that children can be exposed to these toxins. Children could be exposed even before birth, during excessive ultrasounds and even electronic devices. One scientist conducted a study on the drug terbutaline, a drug used to stop pre-term labor in pregnant woman. He found a direct correlation in the continued use of terbutaline and the increased likelihood of autism among twins (Patel & Curtis, 2008, p. 83). This is just one study that has been proven to show a link between environmental toxins and autism. Mercury is another issue that has been researched. Mercury has been put in the air through coal-fired power plants, as well in vaccines. Mercury and other chemicals have been shown to alter the normal development of the brain during fetal development in the womb and during early childhood development (Kirby, 2005). Findings have indicated that many children have a metabolic impairment that reduces their ability to rid their bodies of heavy metals and other toxins (Wallis, 2008). This suggests that there is some link between the two, environmental toxins and autism, even if toxins are not the sole cause of the disorder. Another possible factor is nutritional problems among autistic children. Autistic children have significantly low levels of nutrients in the hair, blood and other tissues. Along with the lack of nutrients, they usually have low levels of magnesium, zinc, selenium, vitamins A, B-complex, D and E, omega-3 fatty acids, and carnitine (Patel & Curtis, 2008, p. 82). Therefore, this proves that nutritional deficiencies is a common problem among autistic children and may link scientists to a possible cause. Another issue scientists have found in autistic children deals with the allergies towards gluten and casein. Gluten is a protein found in wheat and other grains and casein is a protein found in dairy products. Scientists have found that children who have allergies to gluten and casein experience odd behaviors. If an autistic child would eat either of these two substances it would send them into hours of disturbing behaviors (Simontacchi, 2008, p. 10). Scientists have found because of this study that children that are a gluten-free and casein-free diet, they do not experience as many tantrum behaviors. This also helps support the fact that nutritional problems can cause autism. The last possible factor discussed is the possibility of genetics and its connection to autism. Most scientists believe that genetics is one of the major causes for autism. There are many findings that have led scientists to believe this is true and one of these is simply because this disorder has been known to run in families. Studies have shown that if one child is autistic, his or her sibling has a three to six percent chance of being autistic as well. Identical twins have a much greater probability of being autistic than fraternal twins (Merriman, 2008, p. 8). This is more than enough evidence to show that there is a connection between genetics and autism. Scientists have also discovered a variety of genes that have showed signs that link to autism. Scientists are still not positive which gene has more of a connection with autism, but they definitely have found a relation between the two. One of the areas that researchers in the Autism Consortium have identified is the 25-gene area on chromosome 16 that when duplicated or deleted could account for a small percentage of autism cases (Merriman, 2008, p. 18). Scientists have uncovered a lot of new evidence to support the connection between autism and genetics. The rise in autism has increased funds for autism research tremendously. Since scientists have been able to fully diagnose autism, government involvement has grown immensely. There have been many new foundations introduced to help research for autism. One of the many include The Autism Research Foundation, which is a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization dedicated to researching the neurological underpinnings of autism and other related developmental brain disorders (Chmura, 2008). The Autism Research Foundation has a big impact on the future for autism research. A recent news release in April 2008 stated that, â€Å"The FY08 Defense Appropriations Act provides $6. 4 million for the Department of Defense Autism Research Program to improve the lives of individuals living with autism spectrum disorder now† (Chmura, 2008). This contribution has been an enormous help in the funding for autism research. The rise of autism has also caused an increase in cost for the families of the autistic children. Families of the autistic child spend thousands of dollars on treatment. Most of this money families spend is just trying to find the right treatment for their child because not all treatments work for the same for every child. New technology has also been a factor in the increased cost for autism treatments. Not only is the cost of the treatments expensive so is the cost of screening and diagnosis. Many groups have started grant programs to assist those families with an autistic child who are in financial crisis. One of these grants is brought by the National Autism Association. Families who live in the United States with a child, no older than age eighteen, on the autism spectrum may qualify for the grant. The maximum dollar amount one can request is $1,500. This money is to only be used for biomedical treatments, supplements or therapies for the child (â€Å"CDC study†, 2007, p. 6). These grant programs will be a huge help for families who are struggling to pay for these expensive treatments and screening tests. Scientists are still in the process of finding the exact cause of autism. One day scientists may finally be able to find a cure and put an end to this rise of autism children. Knowledge of autism has come a long way since the first diagnosis of autism and hopefully that trend continues into the future. Diagnosis has been a very important part in helping autistic children improve their skills as well as helping scientists better understand autism altogether. Now scientists have a lead in the possible factors like environmental toxins, nutrition, and genetics. Once the pieces are put together, scientists will finally be able to control and hopefully put an end to the rise of autism among children in the United States. Reference http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1821595,00.html

Quotes for Remembrance Day

In 1915, Punch magazine published a John McCrae poem titled, In Flanders Fields. McCrae, a Canadian soldier, had served in the Second Battle of Ypres in Flanders, Belgium. He wrote, In Flanders Fields after a friend died in battle and was buried with a simple wooden cross as a marker. The poem described similar mass graveyards on the fields of Flanders, fields that were alive with red poppies but now filled with the corpses of dead soldiers. The poem highlights the irony of war, where a soldier dies so that a nation of people lives. John McCraes poem made poppies a symbol of the First World War, representing bloodshed. As a mark of respect, people lay wreaths of poppies on the graves of those who died at war. Many people wear red poppies on their lapels as a sign of remembrance. People also observe a moment of silence at 11:00 a.m. on November 11, Remembrance Day. Most places hold a special Remembrance Day service, where hymns and national anthems are played in honor of war heroes. Here are some quotes to share in honor of our past fallen  soldiers and to take a moment to remember them. Jose Narosky In war, there are no unwounded soldiers.Aaron KilbournThe dead soldiers silence sings our national anthem.Richard HoveyOur cheer goes back to them, the valiant dead!Laurels and roses on their graves to-day,Lilies and laurels over them we lay,And violets oer each unforgotten head.Joseph DrakeAnd they who for their country die shall fill an honored grave, for glory lights the soldiers tomb, and beauty weeps the brave.Benjamin DisraeliThe legacy of heroes is the memory of a great name and the inheritance of a great example.William HavardThe greatest glory of a free-born people is to transmit that freedom to their children.Joseph CampbellA hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.Douglas MacArthurIn my dreams, I hear again the crash of guns, the rattle of musketry, the strange, mournful mutter of the battlefield.Publilius SyrusValor grows by daring, fear by holding back.Billy GrahamCourage is contagious. When a brave man takes a stand, the spines of others are often stiffened. MuhammadFour things support the world: the learning of the wise, the justice of the great, the prayers of the good, and the valor of the brave.Elizabeth Barrett BrowningAnd each man stands with his face in the light of his own drawn sword. Ready to do what a hero can.Carol Lynn PearsonHeroes take journeys, confront dragons, and discover the treasure of their true selves.Michel de MontaigneValor is stability, not of legs and arms, but of courage and the soul.Napoleon BonaparteValor is a gift. Those having it never know for sure whether they have it till the test comes. And those having it in one test never know for sure if they will have it when the next test comes.William PennFor death is no more than a turning of us over from time to eternity.Lucy LarcomLife hangs as nothing in the scale against dear Liberty!George F. KennanHeroism...is endurance for one moment more.Rudyard Kipling, The Old IssueAll we have of freedom, all we use or know—This our fathers bought for us long and long ago.Albert EinsteinWe must be prepared to make heroic sacrifices for the cause of peace that we make ungrudgingly for the cause of war. There is no task that is more important or closer to my heart.Louis PasteurIt is surmounting difficulties that makes heroes.John H. JewettOur battle-fields, safe in the keepingOf Natures kind, fostering care,Are blooming,—our heroes are sleeping,—And peace broods perennial there.Omar BradleyBravery is the capacity to perform properly even when scared half to death.Randy VaderThe story of America’s quest for freedom is inscribed on her history in the blood of her patriots.Benjamin DisraeliNurture your minds with great thoughts, to believe in the heroic makes heroes.Henry Ward BeecherThey hover as a cloud of witnesses above this Nation.Schuyler ColfaxThese martyrs of patriotism gave their lives for an idea.William Makepeace ThackerayBravery never goes out of fashion.G. K. ChestertonBrave men are all vertebrates; they have their softness on the surface and their toughness in the middle. Rose Kennedy It has been said, time heals all wounds. I do not agree. The wounds remain. In time, the mind, protecting its sanity, covers them with scar tissue and the pain lessens. But it is never gone. William Shakespeare Praising what is lost makes the remembrance dear. Alexander Henry On what rests the hope of the republic? One country, one language, one flag! Cynthia Ozick We often take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude. Arthur Koestler The most persistent sound which reverberates through mens history is the beating of war drums. Michael N. Castle These fallen heroes represent the character of a nation who has a long history of patriotism and honor—and a nation who has fought many battles to keep our country free from threats of terror. Philip James Bailey Man is a military animal, glories in gunpowder, and loves parade. Maya Angelou How important it is for us to recognize and celebrate our heroes and she-roes! Oliver Wendell Holmes Lord, bid wars trumpet cease; Fold the whole earth in peace. George William Curtis A mans country is not a certain area of land, of mountains, rivers, and woods, but it is a principle and patriotism is loyalty to that principle. Mark Twain In the beginning of a change, the patriot is a scarce man, and brave, and hated and scorned. When his cause succeeds, the timid join him, for then it costs nothing to be a patriot. Thomas Dunn English But the freedom that they fought for, and the country grand they wrought for, Is their monument to-day, and for aye. Jeannette Rankin You can no more win a war than you can win an earthquake. Czeslaw Milosz, The Issa Valley The living owe it to those who no longer can speak to tell their story for them. Sara Zarr When the remembering was done, the forgetting could begin. Thomas Campbell To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die. Robert Reich True patriotism isnt cheap. Its about taking on a fair share of the burden of keeping America going. Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit The more we sweat in peace the less we bleed in war. Gary Hart I think there is one higher office than president and I would call that patriot. Eve Merriam I dream of giving birth to a child who will ask, Mother, what was war? Terry Pratchett, Going Postal Do you not know that a man is not dead while his name is still spoken? G.K. Chesterton Courage is almost a contradiction in terms. It means a strong desire to live taking the form of readiness to die.