Political Writing - U.S. Shutdown impacts the Global Economy and Syrian Conflict

Approximately seven days have passed since the United States Congress has enacted a government shutdown. All pressing matters pertaining to American and international operations have been pushed aside until Democratic Senate and Republican House members can reach an agreement about spending priorities for 2014. Fox News reports that the slimdown that kicked in October 1 has also resulted in Congress delaying work on other, pressing matters because members have had to slash their staff, which organizes hearings and helps draft legislation.

Each side blames the other for their unwillingness to negotiate these matters while citizens are penalized by issues revolving the shutdown. Some American workers are on furlough, not receiving paychecks timely, and wondering about the long-term effects that the shutdown will have on domestic soil as well as international affairs.

The United States is one of the world’s primary economic powers, and CNN states that when similar issues emerged in 2011, UK Business Secretary Vince Cable lamented that a bunch of "right-wing nutters" was holding the American government and the world economy to ransom by refusing to agree the usually routine increase in America's legal debt limit. World leaders might avoid the blunt description used by Cable but their thoughts are probably very similar. The U.S. is, once again, having another political gunfight over public funding and debt issues.

In addition to the impact on the global economy, Homeland Security remains to be questioned. So how does the shutdown impact potential threats and acts of war? Our financial security? Our chemical inspection facilities?

Facts:

• Hundreds of thousands of Federal employees including many charged with protecting us from terrorist threats, defending our borders, inspecting our food, and keeping our skies safe will work without pay until the shutdown ends.

• During a federal funding hiatus, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) must be able to cease its government operations in an orderly fashion. Certain functions and activities that will be permitted to continue are “exempt” from work restrictions specified in the Anti-Deficiency Act.  The Department has developed the procedures outlined in this contingency plan that all DHS components must adhere to in the case of a funding hiatus.

• Work to protect consumers, ranging from child product safety to financial security to the safety of hazardous waste facilities, will cease. The EPA will halt non-essential inspections of chemical facilities and drinking water systems.

ABC News says: The Department of Homeland Security, meanwhile, is maintaining most of its security functions, such as border patrol, cybersecurity, Travel Security Agency travel screenings, TSA air marshals, Coast Guard maritime security, and port security, according to its shutdown plan–pretty much everything you’d think to worry about, in terms of security-related federal employees. Agencies have exempted from furlough employees whose jobs relate to the safety of life and property. The White House did not publish shutdown plans for CIA and NSA. But Treasury’s offices responsible for combating terrorist finances and financial crimes have been scaled back by the shutdown, too, the official said.

These statements essentially mean that Americans are left wide open for any type of attack – financial, terrorists, and other forms of assaults – due to our limited human resources because of the government shutdown. The Syrian conflict has been circulating reporting platforms in both traditional and new media arenas, particularly over the previous few months. With the government shutdown and the threat of chemical warfare from Syria, it is no wonder why Americans are on edge about the recent turn of events.

Additional reading and articles of interest

Reuters: U.S. Shutdown hurts enforcement of Iran, Syria sanctions

ABC News: Shutdown hinders Iran, Syria Sanctions Enforcement, Treasury Official Says

Political Writing - U.S. Government Shutdown and Its Impact on Americans

This week’s blog will deviate from topics surrounding the United States prospective role in the Syrian conflict to address breaking news affecting Americans in every community.

President Obama announced a possible GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN September 30, 2013 for the first time in 17 years, due to disagreement among Congress concerning America’s deficit. According to Fox News, each year, Congress is supposed to come to an agreement on a dozen appropriation bills to fund federal agencies and set spending priorities and limits. The current Congress hasn't been able and has resorted to stopgap budgets to keep the government going. The last stopgap was passed on March and ended yesterday at 11:59 p.m.

A government shut down will impact and disrupt international and American operations. The President states that Congress wants him to agree to a long list of demands including cutting taxes for the extremely wealthy and gutting the health care law. The issue at hand would be detrimental to the United States’ economic stability. Please see President Obama’s speech below regarding the crisis.

The shutdown will not only affect governmental progress, it will also cause distress to U.S. citizens – from the average person to small-business owners to government employees to veterans to NASA personnel and beyond. The President believes the threat of a shutdown is essentially about the new health care bill, as emphasized in the following news press.

CNN states that Republicans and Democrats couldn't agree on a spending plan for the fiscal year that started Tuesday as they wrangled over Obamacare, leaving federal coffers short, which is what caused the shutdown. CNN also believes the health care law isn't directly tied to funding the government, but it's being used as a bargaining chip. A group of Republicans, led by freshman Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas, believe the president's signature domestic policy achievement is so bad for the country that it is worth disrupting government funding to undercut it.

Fox News reports, a prior Republican effort to include a provision defunding Obamacare in the budget bill failed. House Republicans then voted, early Sunday, to add amendments delaying the health care law by one year and repealing an unpopular medical device tax.

“Senate Democrats have made it perfectly clear that they’d rarther shut down the federal government than accept even the most reasonable changes to Obamacare,” Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell countered.

It appears that Obamacare has stimulated the shutdown and Congress members' disposition over spending priorities and limits. Nevertheless The Washington Post cites, “The Affordable Care Act is moving forward. That funding is already in place. You can’t shut it down,” Obama warned Republicans as the final hours before the shutdown deadline ticked away. According to President Obama, Americans will be able to apply for health benefits under the Obamacare program. Citizens seeking such benefits will not be affected even during the government shutdown. Yet, the latest findings across the nation contradicts this information.

Facts

N.J. News headline: Obamacare exchanges: not working as planned

Twitchy US Politics headline: Surprise! Obamacare health insurance exchanges website don’t work; HealthCare.gov a total mess

Yahoo! News headline:  HealthCare.Gov experiences delays on first day

NBC News headline: Obamacare is here and so are the glitches

I concluded with this information because the American public must be in the know. We depend on our government's credibility and expect them to follow through with what has been relayed to us. Those who have supported this plan, looked forward to its impact, and attempted to secure health coverage through Obamacare have fallen victim to government propaganda once again. Now we Americans must all play the game of "wait and see."

Additional reading and related articles:

Fox News – Congress misses deadline, sending government into partial shutdown

Fox News – Here Comes Obamacare & A Government Shutdown

CNN – Government shutdown: What’s closed, what’s open?

CNN – Poll: GOP would bear the brunt of shutdown blame 

USA Today – 66 questions and answers about the government shutdown

Political Writing - Must the U.S. Congress Approve International Attacks?

According to CNN and Fox News, Syrian President Bashar Assad agreed to allow U.N. teams to access chemical weapons sites. The civilian attack near Damascus on August 21 prompted the urgency for the investigation, and since then, tensions have increased across the U.S. concerning our prospective role in the conflict. President Obama has sought authorization from Congress to initiate international military action in the name of foreign policy.

As I follow media reports regarding the Syrian conflict and U.S. intervention, I continuously read posts from commenters asking: “Does the President need to gain Congress approval to launch an international attack?” In response, the public is divided. Some American citizens believe that President Obama must have Congress approval, while other disagree but feel that Congress approval will be helpful.

The media has perpetuated the idea that President Obama does not have the authority, nor the backing by government officials, to involve U.S. troops in conflicts abroad. For example, headliners across reporting agencies include CBC News: Syria attack illegal without Security Council approval, UN warns; MSNBC: UN suggests American attack on Syria would be illegal; and Aljazeera: Striking Syria: Illegal, Immoral, and dangerous contradict other headliners such as RT: Obama asserts right to strike Syria without congressional approval; New American: Ex-Defense Chiefs Say Obama Can Strike Syria Without OK from Congress; and Fox News: Like it or not, Constitution allows Obama to strike Syria without Congressional approval.

Such reporting platforms have misled the public by demonstrating varying understandings of U.S. regulations pertaining to international threat and potential war. The purpose of this week's blog is to clarify facts from misconceptions of foreign affairs and the President's authority to call for U.S. intervention in Syria. Although the President needs Congress approval to declare war, history has also shown that the government can misuse the term “war” to fulfill an agenda.

Below is a video excerpt of Former President Bill Clinton's retort on the matter.

Facts:

Clinton, himself, initiated a strike December 1998 along with Great Britain, against Saddam Hussein in response to chemical weapons stockpiles. He did not go to Congress for authorization or approval to commence Operation Desert Fox. Clinton further elaborates in the video that there has been an international pact (Geneva Protocol) against chemical weapons dating back from World War I, nearly a hundred years ago. Therefore, President Obama is not required to gain Congress approval, although their authorization for intervention would serve as support for the President.

Geneva Protocol Brief Overview:

• Prohibits the use of chemical weapons in warfare
• Prohibits the development, production or stockpiling of chemical weapons
• Provides for the elimination of an entire category of weapons of mass destruction under universally applied international control
• Ensures a credible, transparent regime to verify the destruction of chemical weapons; to prevent their re-emergence in any member State; to provide protection and assistance against chemical weapons; to encourage international cooperation in the peaceful uses of chemistry
• Calls for cooperation between the United Nations and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons and is regulated by the relationship agreement between both organizations adopted by the General Assembly in September 2001

Related Readings

CNN

CBS News

Fox News Insider

Articles of Interest

CNN – The CNN/ORC International poll released on Monday shows that even though eight in 10 Americans believe that Bashar al-Assad's regime gassed its own people, a strong majority doesn't want Congress to pass a resolution authorizing a military strike against it.

Political Writing - U.S. Questions Red Line for Syria

In August 2012, President Obama made a nationally observed speech regarding the U.S. tolerance for, or lack thereof, chemical weapons use in Syria. CNN, Fox News, and other news mediums broadcasted that the President had set a red line for Syria if chemical weapons begin to move or be utilized in Syria. Both mediums explained that to Congress, U.S. Officials, and Americans this meant the U.S. military would intervene once authorized by the Senate.

Earlier this week, the President was interviewed again about his intentions on enforcing that red line. His response left some Americans to question his stance and his credibility.  But did the President actually set a red line? If so, is he turning a blind eye to the Syrian conflict and there use of chemical warfare by retracting what was “speculated” by the public after his 2012 speech?

Facts:

Obama, August 20, 2012: I have, at this point, not ordered military engagement in the situation. But the point that you made about chemical and biological weapons is critical. That’s an issue that doesn’t just concern Syria; it concerns our close allies in the region, including Israel. It concerns us. We cannot have a situation where chemical or biological weapons are falling into the hands of the wrong people.

We have been very clear to the Assad regime, but also to other players on the ground, that a red line for us is we start seeing a whole bunch of chemical weapons moving around or being utilized. That would change my calculus. That would change my equation.

… We have communicated in no uncertain terms with every player in the region that that’s a red line for us and that there would be enormous consequences if we start seeing movement on the chemical weapons front or the use of chemical weapons. That would change my calculations significantly.

Obama, September 4: First of all, I didn’t set a red line; the world set a red line. The world set a red line when governments representing 98 percent of the world’s population said the use of chemical weapons are abhorrent and passed a treaty forbidding their use even when countries are engaged in war.

Congress set a red line when it ratified that treaty. Congress set a red line when it indicated that — in a piece of legislation titled the Syria Accountability Act — that some of the horrendous things that are happening on the ground there need to be answered for.

And so when I said in a press conference that my calculus about what’s happening in Syria would be altered by the use of the chemical weapons, which the overwhelming consensus of humanity says is wrong, that wasn’t something I just kind of made up. I didn’t pluck it out of thin air. There’s a reason for it.

***

Although the President did not specifically say We or I Have Set a Red Line..., his 2012 speech indicated that U.S. military action would ensue if there was threat of chemical weapons use in Syria. The President's carefully dictated words lead to assumptions made by officials and the American people. Moreover, those words and lack of action have caused citizens and international enemies to devalue his credibility and the United States' authority as a superpower. 

In previous posts, I wrote about the media portraying biases in reporting practices, misrepresenting information, and inappropriately persuading the public with one-sided facts in accordance to their own agendas. However, the situation here is a prime example of what occurs when the informational source, in turn, distract the media and the public through word play and demeanor. It seems that we, the public, must continuously question every facet of reporting, including statements that come straight from the horse’s mouth.

Political Writing - Americans’ Perspectives of ObamaCare (interview)

As year-end approaches, more opinions surface regarding America’s health care system reformation under the ObamaCare plan, formerly “The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, effective in 2014. According to the United States Census Bureau, more than 46 million U.S. citizens are without health insurance and the ObamaCare plan will work to ensure affordable coverage for middle to low-income individuals and families.

ObamaCare Highlights

Prohibits:

Disapproval for pre-existing conditions

Coverage termination for illnesses

Out-of-pocket overcharges

Offers:

The Exchange

Tax credits/low-cost coverage

Public health insurance option

The Washington Post conducted a poll indicating that after the law passed in 2010, 74% of moderate and conservative Democrats backed the reformation. However, a recent survey suggests only 46% continue to support the plan, an 11-point decline since mid-2012. Liberal Democrats stand at high levels of support at 78%.

Kimberly Strassel with the Wall Street Journal explains:

Democrats for three years have comforted themselves with the thought that 2014 would be the year they broke free of the ObamaCare night sweats…Once the law was up and running, Americans would wake up to its benefits. Or so they believed. Instead, it is Democrats who are waking up – to a horror film. Every morning brings fresh news of terror: missing deadlines, programs running out of money, premiums set to soar, flailing technical implementation.”

Americans, too, have decreasing support of ObamaCare. The Washington Post cites, 42% support and 49% oppose, retreating from 47% apiece last July. Americans across Dallas/FT. Worth explain their positions.

Jeannine Batiste, 43 of Pleasant Grove, Tx, stated: “My daddy was diagnosed with cancer about five years ago. He didn’t have insurance. He couldn’t afford it. He did get on state aide, which didn’t help much though. But maybe with ObamaCare, he’d still be alive today. She supports the plan and hopes no other Americans would have to live her story.

Alicia Gomez, 19, awaited her next class at the University of Texas at Arlington and agreed to share reasons she supports ObamaCare. “My parents have a traditional marriage – mom raises four children and dad works as a mechanic. They tried to apply for Medicaid, but our household income is above the qualifying amount. Insurance is too expensive for all of us, so we just do without and pray to St. Anthony that we all stay healthy.”

Patrick Duncan, 27, intervened, “Why should the government dictate my expenses? If I decide not to pay for coverage, that should be my choice, not the President’s. Americans shouldn’t be forced to enroll in insurance if we don’t want to.”

Adult student Cedric Odom, 35, worried about long-term effects of low premiums, co-pays, and tax credits. Odom considered issues argued by Republicans and Democrats. “Where will financial resources for this plan come from over the next few years? Will this put America in debt or considerably increase our taxes?” Odom asked. He, as many Americans, is apprehensive and undecided about the effectiveness and logic of ObamaCare.

Katrina Espinosa, 31, sat in an over-crowded waiting area at Bluitt Flowers Clinic to receive the Depo-Provera contraceptive. Espinosa informed, “I have a family already, great husband and two beautiful kids. But after my second pregnancy, I started having female issues. These shots help a lot, but I pay almost $100 monthly. If ObamaCare helps with that cost, then I am for it.” Espinosa continues wading through ObamaCare information and potential impact on her family’s lives.

Clifford Heglar, 69, sat patiently in a wheelchair for nurses to call his name. Heglar had lost both legs due to diabetes. Yet, he took a nonchalant approach to ObamaCare, saying that he does not know much. His needs are met through Medicare and Disability programs, and ObamaCare seems irrelevant to his situation.

Of six persons surveyed, three supported ObamaCare, one opposed, one was undecided, and one did not formally vote. However, more perspectives are expected to emerge during upcoming months.

Political Writing - Is the U.S. supporting Al-Qaeda in Syria?

President Obama has received support and opposition from all sides - Republicans, Democrats, Americans, and international officials and citizens - since announcing his stance on the United States' potential role in the Syrian conflict. Many question his objective for interference as well as the impact on American lives. The media, particularly Fox News and CNN, permitted representatives to speak either for or against the President's position, as depicted in the videos below.

Fox News

Senator Rand Paul (R), believes that if the U.S. goes into Syria on the side of rebels, we, in fact would be supporting Al-Qaeda. He had even been cited to consider delay voting on the matter by implementing a filibuster. 

Senator Paul states that he believe the President has attempted to prove he can go beyond the law and take matters into his own hands, outside the realms of what the Constitution allows. This video depicts the President, his position on U.S. interference in Syria, and international authority as hazardous to Americans. 

Chris Wallace of Fox News seems to be in agreement, asking few questions to deter from Senator Paul's summation. They both allude to all rebels being members of Al-Qaeda.

CNN

Secretary of State John Kerry (D) and Former National Security Adviser Stephan Hadley believes that not all rebels are part of Al-Qaeda and supports U.S. involvement in the Syrian conflict on some levels. There are many core groups that are Democrat-linked and the U.S. can and should be working with them during the conflict, according to Hadley. 

Again, John Berman of ABC News did not press Hadley on his perspective, similarly to the Fox News interview conducted by Chris Wallace. Berman and Hadley illustrated the President's decision as being a sound one; however, they did possess an underlying tone of not agreeing with sending troops in Syria and U.S. involvement should be more diplomatic. 

***

The agenda on behalf of Fox News and CNN is to only rely particular information to the public in support of their own initiatives. Fox News portray the President as incompetent overall, as well as his position on the level of U.S. involvement in the Syrian conflict as a push to exhibit powering beyond his intended scope. Yet, CNN backs the President's political measures rather than his methods, per se, and upholds his level of authority. Amid their differences, both reporting mediums agree the fact remains that President Obama and Congress will execute military or diplomatic action. They also concur that some rebel groups are part of Al-Qaeda.

Either way in my opinion, both agendas must be scrutinized by the public. We must conduct a comparative analysis to weed through facts and assumptions to make more informed verdicts on international affairs affecting American politics and our communities. 

Please comment on this post and respond to the related poll below (the poll closes 10/27/2013 and will be deleted once votes are tallied).

Political Writing - Congress Divided: Syrian Plan in Question

After more than two years of fighting, Syrians have turned their conflict toward one another during the quest for territory and power. Civil war has erupted, and citizens are experiencing high unemployment rates, significantly declining currency values, decreasing human rights, detriment to the health care infrastructure, and impending vehement backlash from its government, which has led to over 100,000 deaths.

Foreign forces stand on high-alert, for the Syrian violence is spilling into neighboring lands. International administrations have been carefully monitoring Syria and even cautioned their populace on the dangers of traveling there. Western nations, among others, are considering intervening in the crisis due to its impact on innocent Syrians and potential effects on international affairs. Syrian officials responded to this notion with threats of chemical weapons attack.   

The U.S. notes that the Syrian government has already initiated a chemical assault in the Damascus suburbs, killing more than 1,429 people, including 426 children August 21. Additionally, Doctors Without Borders treated 3,600 patients with “neurotoxic symptoms” shortly after the attack. This strike further demonstrates the Syrian regime’s merciless intentions.

The Pakistani Taliban (TTP) plans to establish a command and control center in Syria, and August 31, President Obama announced that he will seek Congress approval to send in U.S. military forces as a preemptive measure for war. Thus far, plan supporters of the President’s plan believes it will send a message to Syria that chemical attacks will not be tolerated. Opponents feel more diplomatic methods should be set in motion to avoid further oversees conflict. Either way, trouble lies ahead.

Informational Map and related articles

***

Fox News versus CNN Politics (political ticker) and Fourwinds10

Fox News states, “The president and his aides are sending out conflicting messages.” On the one hand, CNN Politics (political ticker) reports that President Obama indicates that he would not strike until Congress approves. However, Fourwinds10 writes about multiple signs indicating President Obama has already taken a stance on the matter.

Four U.S. warships with ballistic missiles are already moving into position in the eastern Mediterranean Sea in order to bring Tomahawk cruise missiles down inside Syria, if necessary. F-16 fighter jets were also placed in but not removed out of Jordan, per request of Jordanian government officials, earlier this year, with claims that this action was due largely to facilitate military exercises. (See Fourwinds10's 5 Signs That Obama has Already Made the Decision to go to War with Syria.) 

It appears U.S. citizens are receiving conflicting information from our government regarding the military's level of involvement, as well as overall intent. American citizens, such as myself, would likely rather be informed on the government's truthful status in the Syrian civil war, along with corresponding information from the news segments, to remain aware of potential effects on the enlisted, our economic affairs, resources and so forth. In this instance, TRUST is of high importance concerning the United State's position and media reporting to ensure citizens are educated appropriately on matters impacting our communities and our nation.

Please comment on this post and include insight on how U.S. interference may affect our nation as well as our communities. Also, please view the video on Obama's seeks military action in Syria and respond to the related poll below (the poll closes 09/12/2013 and will be deleted once votes are tallied).

 

Poll results are in:

 

Should the U.S. interfere with the Syrian conflict?

Yes = 33%

No = 33%

Undecided = 33%

Political Writing - This I Believe

Today we live in a world populated by approximately seven billion people, adhering to enforced rules of distinctive social constructs and forms of governmental and political bodies. At times, such regulations must be challenged to bring about long-term benefits for the betterment of an evolving mankind. Viewpoints from abroad influence happenings on domestic soil.

History has validated this perspective and our willingness to take stances regarding economic and civil modifications, as in cases of power, respect, and financial gains. While some citizens across the world remain unaware, disconnected, or even desensitized to struggles and triumphs, others recognize the need to protect the interests of individual social groups. Ancestors have protested, battled, and perished as martyrs to acquire certain alienated rights, liberties, and justice for future inhabitants.

All in all, these historical and future heroes maintain a common objective – the progression of humanity – and with this I believe that we are all connected. Every experience, situation, and outcome relate to and affect all others. We are united, bound together to represent the Spirit of Brotherhood.

Political Writing - From the Center to the World's Margins

Most American scholars are taught at an early age about the keys of reporting and writing by examining main ideas, as well as focusing on the Who, When, Where, What, and How. Often such students are required to present newspaper articles covering current events across geographical regions – domestically and abroad. They analyze behaviors, ideas, and actions and reactions of tragedies and achievements. They investigate struggles, policies, and relationships of interests groups. Students then must make inferences and draw connections to determine measures in which their individual environments are affected by each situation through logical reasoning.

Over the next six weeks, I plan to take a similar approach of evaluating events and activities around the globe, particularly the United States' involvement in the Syrian conflict, while building upon those basic reporting concepts. My goal is to justify the significance of political reformation in ways that affect my state of consciousness, community, and beyond – from my center to the margins of the world.

***

Throughout American history, the U.S. has actively intervened in foreign conflicts for one reason or another. Such conditions for interference includes, but of course are not limited to, constraining the spread of Communism, defending democracy, acquiring financial power and territorial control, preventing biological and (in the case of Syria today) chemical warfare. However, is the U.S. presence and participation in abroad conflicts worth the risks to American resources? Is this action conducted in the best interest of national citizens? How had media coverage of these historical events shaped our knowledge and acceptance of America’s foreign intermediation?

Fox News versus CNN Politics (political ticker)

It is often recited within the public spectrum that Fox News takes a more conservative approach, while CNN practices a liberal reporting methodology. They are the most widely used news resources, especially in consideration of domestic and international political affairs. Each medium serves its own agenda, circulating bias, skewed information while censoring imperative facts from audiences.

Reporting accuracy is essential. I believe credibility, subject matter authority, and reputation hold significant ethical value, and audiences must be able to rely on news delivered objectively. Weekly, I will examine information conveyed by U.S. government officials, Fox News, and CNN concerning the Syrian conflict and our nation's involvement to separate fact from fiction, bias and impartiality, as proper reporting mandates. 

The Art of Professional and Technical Writing

Professional writers are vital contributors to the communication process within an organization. We are liaisons between ideas and people, and are responsible for informing, entertaining, or persuading target audiences to make decisions or take action through the art of rhetoric. Our most important task is to successfully transmit usable data in efforts by means of multiple facets to plan and present information deliberately. We must strive to rationalize our purpose for writing, gain public confidence, and maintain ethical and legal accountability, with each element coexisting to deliver rhetoric effectively. Methods for overcoming obstacles we as professional communicators face have always been of interest to me.

From my introduction to Big Chief tablet paper and over-sized pencils as a young scholar, I became fascinated with the power of text and the impact words have on readers. While most children dreamt of securing a position in the medical or legal profession, among other lucrative career choice, I fantasized having a writing career. It was not atypical to find me positioned in a pecan tree with book, tablet, and pencil in hand composing the next best seller. And as technologies evolved to typewriters and then computers, I remained loyal to the compilation of words. I previously and continue to be memorized of how texts captivates and affect readers’ lives. We share a sense of ownership – one of encoder/decoder of messages.

I felt it essential to impart upon others expertise I had acquired through vast study of literature, academic, and professional writing and became an English/language arts teacher. Middle and high school students needed to only know basics, such as syntax, but I challenge them to explore creative, proposal, and other writing styles. Yet, I maintained faithful to my writing career through contract employment during extended academic breaks until I utilized my talents in full-time positions within disparate industries. I have writing and edited educational test competitions and SAT prep training material, agriculture instructional manuals to submit for EPA approval, documents for asbestos court proceeding, marketing and promotional materials for corporate clients, and so much more. Thus, I have demonstrated high comprehension level of governing standards and regulatory guidelines pertaining to confidentiality, copyright laws, and internal organizational policies.

Understanding various style guides, including The Associated Press, The New York Times Manual of Style and Usage, and The Chicago Manual of Style, has been instrumental to my writing and editing accomplishments. In addition, I own an array of resources – from Words into Type to The Copyeditor’s Handbook – and a wealth of materials in support of online writing. Formerly considered a tool, social practice within print and electronic arenas initiated a transformation in writing comparable with circumstances that arise due to informational availability and usage. I understand that there are significant differences in both writing mediums, and I take great measures to remain abreast of innovative practices through professional development or subscriptions to various industry-related publications. In the past, I have relied on my knowledge of technologies consisting of Microsoft Office, familiarity of HTML and visual software, Final Cut Pro, and other applications most of which I learned via on-the-job experience, exhibiting the desire to advance my skill set.

However, awareness of the conventions of writing and technologies does not make an effective professional writer. Productive writers must identify with and create social space with readers. Writers participate in research and risk assessment to situate readers in efforts to determine social and visual aspects of texts. Investigating cultural constraints that alter readers’ reactions permits information to become more usable. I am a researcher of not only information to initiate the communication process, but also of my target audience to engage reader interaction permitting texts to be well-received. Writing comprises perceptions and relationships built from idea conception to document development and beyond. It is necessary to view readers as participants in the writing process, and my foremost consideration is to develop user-centered documents while simultaneously adhering to organizational agenda to influence readers’ decisions and actions.

Writing is not merely an art form or a career choice. Writing is a lifestyle – a proficiency that continuously evolves. I intend to perpetually hone my talents for the betterment of my readership and organization encompassing skill, accountability, willingness to produce social space to enhance information exchange. In the near future, I anticipate securing a role as Senior Writer/Editor within an ever-changing, innovative company producing highly effective documents that greatly impact the everyday lives of audiences.

Document Redesign

Original Flyer

Redesigned Flyer

Ethical Considerations in Scientific Writing - Annotation

Ethical Considerations in Scientific Writing is a collaborative piece authored by four writers who elaborates of the occurrence of misconduct in research and writing scientific documents. They examine two common issues related to writing ethics – plagiarism, including self-plagiarism, and authorship – geared toward those within the scientific and medical fields, with particular focus on relaying concepts of inappropriate writing patterns within higher education. The article used statistical data, case studies, and details emphasizing writing standards that are enforced by high-profiled U.S. agencies to further prove credibility to its audience.

Plagiarism, as defined by the U.S. Office of Science and Technology, is identified as the [intentional or unintentional] appropriation of another person’s ideas, processes, results or words without giving appropriate credit, including those obtained through confidential review of others’ research proposal and manuscripts (1). One case study illustrating this definition was that of a dissertation student who quoted information from a source, slightly paraphrased the work, and failed to provide citations because he believed the information to be common knowledge (1). The article employs statistical data to enhance information authenticity by including results from a 2000 through 2010 investigation of the rate of plagiarism. It also suggests that there is an increased number of plagiarism cases among international writers, for there are no common or globalized standards regarding such issue. 

In addition, a possible language barrier may make it impossible for those from international countries to paraphrase information obtained through sources (1-2). Self-plagiarism is another form of plagiarism that is considered a less severe ethical breach but one just the same. This is determined when an author copies large portions of an original document and submit it for publication and as a new idea (2). One plausible solution the article recommends is to utilize plagiarism detection software to verify original works before submitting a piece for publication (2).

The second section of the article talks about authorship. Ethical Considerations in Scientific Writing describes a case study concerning a junior investigator preparing a case series and review article in collaboration with a student and college (2-3). Authorship is to be determined in terms of hierarchy, information contribution, and integrity. The article includes a bulleted list by Kevin Strange recognizing several forms of authorship abuse, such as intimidation to gain authorship, inappropriate credit to illegitimate contributors, and wrongful denial of authorship (2). Many methods for avoiding misconducts such as these are also documented within the article. Overall, Ethical Considerations in Scientific Writing serves as not only an essential resource to writers in the science and medical sectors, but ethical issues and standards discussed transcend across all industries employing professional writers and researchers.

Like Ethical Considerations in Scientific Writing, Ethical Issues in Writing and Publishing by Cynthia R. King, PhD, NP, RN, FAAN also delves into to similar attributes of plagiarism and authorship in the medical writing arena. King states, “Awareness of appropriate etiquette is not enough, however, as ethical issues may arise during the publication process, including fraudulent publication, plagiarism, duplicate publication, authorship, and conflict of interest.” Furthermore, King studies writing and publishing regulations of The Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, and Office of Research Integrity, among other agencies, to further prove that an author loses credibility and his reputation if ethical criteria are not met (2-5). Yet, this article places extensive emphasis on ethical issues centering conflict of interest for authors.

Two major areas Ethical Issues in Writing and Publishing defines are intellectual and financial conflict of interest. Intellectual conflict of interest includes situations in which general knowledge may contradict what is reported (8). King goes on to provide examples of this concept such as nurses/authors incorrectly cite their references or citing references that do not adequately support their points (8). Financial conflict of interest surfaces when ad financial association exists between the author(s) and a commercial company (9). A sample of this type of conflict supplied in the article is when an author may have received consistent financial support from a journal or drug company for their works and its results (9). There are guidelines established to prevent such conflicts and King thoroughly cites references leading readers to more in-depth research on matters presented throughout her article.

Pearson Education, one of the leading providers of educational materials, technologies, and assessment services, further examines such guidelines referenced in Ethical Issues in Writing and Publishing through its semi-interactive Website. Pearson conveys various methods for successfully adhering to ethics and writing. The site breaks down information into easily accessible chunks in terms of links correlating with Plagiarism and Academic Honesty and Guidelines for Citing Others’ Work, among sections. The site contains a wealth of information to be utilized by professionals within their company, but also serves as a resource for you academic writers as well.

The segment titled Copyright, Plagiarism, and Fair Use of Other’s Writings initiate language as a share resource that is borrowed from by writers who need to be aware of the ethical and legal guidelines involving fair use of others’ work – give credit where credit is due (1). The Web page continues with defining copyright laws/intellectual property, the fair use provision plagiarism in the work place and copyright and electronic sources. Copyright and regarding electronic sources is an ongoing topic due to advancements in technology. 

Most agree that electronic texts – e-mails, Web pages, electronic texts, and images – are copyrighted, although laws are in a state of flux at this time (3). The Web page leads readers to acquired deeper meaning of the controversial ethical issue, but one of the most exhilarating offerings promoted by the site is the discussion questions on real-world examples (4-5). Discussions questions consist of problems revolving texts, visual, and informational recycling infringements, which all serves as a semi-interactive basis for anyone requiring more details about ethics and professional and academic writing.

Alicia McBride evaluates the power technical communicators exhibit when making ethical decisions about their work in Toward a Sense of Ethics for Technical Communication. McBride perceives moral implications as a major topic of consideration in technical communication journals, with most articles beginning with the assumption that communicators do not have much power to make ethical decisions about their work (1). This article contains excerpts contributed by writers in various technical industries including engineering, and analyzes their notions of taking an ethical stance while effectively providing a service to their company and audience. 

McBride offers ideas on how best practices can be developed in support of Aristotle’s concept of ethos. By applying unified values, an ethical character, and instituting his/her own voice and sense of ethics, writers can determine the ethos essential to convey (3-5). The writer will, additionally, be more prepared to face corporate challenges that may arise, for example, filtering information on a need-to-know basis, which could potentially be harmful to readers (7). The article recognizes writers as encoders and colleagues, demonstrating fairness and ownership in writing (8-10).

All in all, Toward a Sense of Ethics for Technical Communication is an extensive researched account of ethical practice in technical writing on a more personal approach. McBride gives many resources, documentation, and corporate viewpoints to elaborately support her observations. The article clearly allows writers to understand their ethical role in interactions with readers and negotiation procedures regarding conflicting perspectives in the field (11).

Similar to topics addressed in Toward a Sense of Ethics for Technical Communication, blogger and freelance writer Jennifer Mattern explains an experience she encountered that led her to choose her reputation and professional ethics above financial gain. Why I Gave up an $18k Writing Gig over Professional Ethics, Mattern tells how corporate reconstruction initiated changes to one of the Web sites she writes for made her uncomfortable (1). Keyword targeting, obscenely repetition, and other modifications made were questionable but there was nothing she could do about it (1-2).

The article continues by notifying writers of techniques to employ if faced with ethical challenges. “My ethical standards don’t have to be the same as yours,” Mattern insisted, which marketed her credibility on the subject (2). Her insight depicted the fluidity of professional and personal ethics. Following the content, readers posted comments and highlights from their professional experiences, along with alternatives for handling particular situations that places a writer’s ethics on the line.

The common theme among all articles cited is that writers must be professionally and personally responsible for their writings, liability in terms of legal compliance and reputation, and individual belief systems to become and remain successful professional writers. Each document observes pressures writers face and the policies by which they must adhere. They resort to using statistical data, researched information, and authentic resources to build upon each idea presented, and provide the insightful information for novice and seasoned writers across the professional sphere.

References

Carve, Jane D., Ben Dellva, Patricia J. Emmanuel, and Ritu Parchure. “Ethical Considerations in Scientific Writing.” U.S. National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health. Web. Jul-Dec 2011: 124-128. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3195176/

“Copyright, Plagiarism, and Fair Use of Other’s’ Writing.” Pearson Education. Web. 2005. http://wps.pearsoncustom.com/pls_1256647969_pwo/217/55692/14257259.cw/index.html#electronic

King, Cynthia. “Ethical Issues in Writing and Publishing.” Oncology Nursing Society. Web. http://www.ons.org/Publications/CJON/AuthorInfo/WritingSupp/Ethics

  

Mattern, Jennifer. “Why I Gave up an $18k Writing Gig Over Professional Ethics.” All Freelance Writing.  All Freelance Writing. Web. 18 Sept, 2012.

http://allfreelancewriting.com/2012/09/18/freelancing/business-career/writing-gig-professional-ethics/

  

McBride, Alicia. “Towards a Sense of Ethics for Technical Communication.” Orange Journal. Web. 10 Apr, 2005. http://orange.eserver.org/issues/3-2/mcbride.html