It surprised me that one of the most read pieces on the http://www.bbc.com/news/blogs-echochambers-27074746 recently was “The US Is Dominated by a Rich and Powerful Elite.” Both the title and subject of the article were the result of a study by two professors, Martin Gilens of Princeton University and Benjamin Page of Northwestern University. Their stark conclusion was clearly, if academically, stated, “Americans do enjoy many features Continue reading “European Perspective of US Politics”
Category: Civil Rights
Medical Ethics
According to an essay in the Annals of Internal Medicine, some surgeons are grossly disrespectful to their female patients while they lay unconscious on the operating table. Groping as well as making unsavory remarks or gestures, were reported in an essay by an anonymous writer who had witnessed them. In an editorial the editors explained the dilemmas behind publishing a piece which may place the profession in an unflattering light and perhaps affect the trust of patients, but ultimately felt that transparency was more important. They felt that perhaps exposing the behavior Continue reading “Medical Ethics”
Shackling and the Humanity of Others
Can you think of being shackled, handcuffs, waist chains and ankle manacles, while delivering a baby? Anyone who has given birth, indeed anyone with a conscience, would have to feel revulsion at such practice. Yet it is being done—and legally—in 28 states! A law against it was passed in New York State in 2009 but it was recently discovered that despite it the practice often continues, women in delivery are still shackled, and will be until a new law is signed by Governor Cuomo. On the other coast the U.S. 9th Circuit issued an order Continue reading “Shackling and the Humanity of Others”
Fighting Human Trafficking
Trafficking is a $150 billion business and involves some 36 million people. Fighting it is therefore obviously difficult and complex. A reader may have heard of Operation Underground Railroad (OUR), an endeavor began and in the main maintained by Mormons. The organization now has a film called The Abolitionists because it sees its mission not only with the zeal of faith but also with the same kind of commitment the abolitionists saw slavery—for to OUR trafficking is slavery. They are also filming what they hope will be a TV series documenting Continue reading “Fighting Human Trafficking”