Thursday, May 19, 2011

Should Abortion be an Option?

Raul Martinez
                                                                                                                                                                       
Mrs.Boresen

Period 4

May 13, 2011

Final Essay
Should Abortion be an Option?
Abortion in the United States has been legal in every state since the Supreme Court decision on January 22, 1973, but there is still much debate on whether or not it should be an option. Is there a sufficient impact on humanity to support the illegalization of abortion? After researching the statistical data, I am pro-choice on the subject, meaning that abortion should remain a legal option. Human birth is an experience that should take place under the right circumstances. Granted there is no correct way of raising a child, nor are there eligibility rules here in the United States for who may give birth, but there is the option for choosing whether or not one will go through with the birth of their expected baby. I am in support of allowing the expecting mother to choose if she would like to go through with the birth of the expected baby.

Besides getting into the legal aspect of the argument, there is a great deal of reasons why this option should remain open. Taking the same position as Brian Elroy McKinley on the matter, I can support the claims. Nearly all abortions take place in the first trimester, when a fetus cannot exist independent of the mother. It is a dependent of another life form and has not begun its own life. Abortion is a safe medical procedure. Eighty-eight percent of those who do have an abortion have it done in their first trimester. This does not physically affect a woman's health or future ability to become pregnant or give birth. In cases of rape, a woman may be uncomfortable of the realization of this terrible act, or is unaware she is pregnant. In the case of not knowing, the morning after pill is ineffective. Teenagers who become mothers have grim prospects for the future. They are much more likely to leave of school; rely on public assistance to raise a child; and develop health problems. It is good that abortion is an option because a baby is a huge responsibility that affects more than its own life.
The website abortionfacts.com holds the arguments against abortion are on the subjects of immediate and eventual medical effect, psychological effects, and effects on future children. Of the psychological reactions reported after abortion it was reported that women who had an abortion as a teen were significantly more likely to report: nightmares; flashbacks to the abortion; hysterical outbreaks; unforgiveness of those involved; feelings of guilt; fear of punishment from God; excessive interest in pregnant women; excessive interest in babies; a dramatic personality change for the worse; a waking or sleeping "visitation" from the aborted child; having talked to the aborted child prior to the abortion. To this side of the argument I can consider that a person’s well-being is a huge part of their life, but these are emotions. Feelings change, memories fade, and people come in and out of one another’s life. A human born unto a mother is going to stay that person’s son or daughter for the rest of their life. The central theme of birth is not bad, it is when the mother is a teenager, or has been raped, or any other unfortunate example you can think of, when following through with the birth is not the best option.
Abortion is not a good thing overall. I say that because it had to come from somewhere where a man or woman did not love each other, or it was caused by an act of rape. I certainly hope that no one would ever need an abortion. The simple idea here is that it is important for it to be an option for the sake of progress. Whether it’s progress in the expected mother’s life, or on a larger scale of progression of American women as a whole, the point is that it provides a way to set up to do things right the next time.

Friday, May 6, 2011

The Cast of The Secret

Raul Martinez
Mrs.Boreson
Period 4
May 6, 2011
Option 2
The Cast of The Secret
The creator of The Secret found again and again that the knowledge of one principle had been applied throughout the lives of significant men and women throughout history. The Secret and those in the film possess a knowledge that is so simple, yet for many, the story is nearly impossible to comprehend. No person's story in this film is better than another's. These people have reached their highest level of success, and have done so either through the secret, or unconsciously throughout their life and have now given it the title of THE SECRET.
To say that one of the featured person’s testimony is more significant than another’s would be invalid. The reason behind this is because The Secret is based on the universe having an abundant amount of resources for us to use at our disposal, so that we may go on living a richer lifestyle. Well, not everyone is chasing the same resource, which is to say that each person in this film specifically wanted something different, and obtained it.
“Pursuing money to the exclusion of everything else does not bring lasting happiness. I thought money alone would do it for me. But none of the money I earned brought me deep satisfaction and self-worth. Fortunately I acquired self-respect and integrity by working honestly, but I also began to realize that my personal definition of true success included much more than just acquisition of money”, John Assaraf. John Assaraf is in the hit film “The Secret”, where he shares his enlivening words to address the unknown capabilities that the viewer holds. He is the perfect example of rags to riches by following a certain mindset.
He was forced to grow up quick due to financial problems at home and began working at the age of eight. At nineteen he decided to the real estate business was a realistic area in which he could prosper. By mimicking the styles of successful real estate agent Alan Brown, he was able to develop life and business skills whose effects would immediately be seen. He made a hefty thirty thousand dollars in real estate his first year. At age twenty he was living his dream making $150,000 in real estate. (John Assaraf). In 1982 he took a break from the real estate success he had built in search of something that he could apply to all areas of his life. Traveling the world for two years, he learned of different cultures and beliefs, but more importantly the similarities in those who are rich in their respectable setting. You will see in the film that he is glowing with excitement to share his knowledge with you, for the sole reason that he knows it works.
After that trip around the world John Assaraf was able to create a multi-billion dollar real estate company. In 1999 he began an internet start-up in which users could experience online tours. Just six years later he co-founded ‘One-Coach’, a company that trains and consults individuals to becoming successful entrepreneurs.(John Assaraf).  He did this with his friend of twenty-five years Murray Smith, and together they generated $7million in the first year (John Assaraf). He is now a certified Life-Coach and globally recognized speaker. John has appeared on television shows such as Larry King Live, Ellen, and Anderson Cooper 360. His story directly ties in with “The Secret” as living proof of its teachings.
Dr. John Demartini faced physical and mental challenges in the first years of his life. He is featured in “The Secret” as a successful overcomer of obstacles and as a philosopher. His hardships that he faced earlier in life acted as a slingshot to passion for education.
 At age seventeen, Dr.Demartini made a life-changing decision of dedicating his life to understanding the capabilities of humans. With focus and determined effort, he attained entry level into Wharton Junior College.  He then progressed to the University of Houston where he completed his Bachelors of Science degree in 1978. He went on to study Chiropractic at the Texas Chiropractic College where he graduated with honors - Magna Cum Laude in 1982. (Dr.Demartini)When looking at John’s academic accomplishments it is impressive that he would go through these different practices. Until we understand his hardships that he faced at a young age, we cannot give justice to what he really has done for himself.  He proclaims, "When you believe you cannot read or learn and you then discover that you can, it awakens an insatiable appetite for knowledge." From birth, Dr. Demartini wore hand and leg braces to correct a birth defect.(Dr.Demartini) At the age of fourteen he dropped out of school. In school he had difficulties that would later go on to be diagnosed as dyslexia and a speech impediment. In school he had difficulty reading, writing and speaking which was later diagnosed as dyslexia and a speech impediment. At age fourteen, Dr. Demartini dropped out of school, headed for Hawaii, and became a surfer. At 17 he almost died of strychnine poisoning. Strychnine is a poison that can cause serious health effects, including death.  This is where his life began to change greatly, and lead him to where he is today.
The similarity between Dr. John Demartini and John Assaraf goes deeper than the fact that they became travelers in search of a deeper understanding of themselves. They transformed their life using The Secret and by believing in themselves. Dr. John Demartini will speak in the film in a manner of ‘it’s so simple, anyone can do it’.
The only Feng Shui Master in the film is a woman named Marie Diamond. She has been filmed in other inspiring documentaries as well, where she helps people transform their lives from negative to positive. To say she is highly educated would be an understatement. Marie has provided tips to fortune 500 companies, and it is undeniable her methods work.
Marie Diamond is an author, lecturer, teacher, and a leader in the transformational movement. A native of Belgium, Marie trained there as a lawyer and criminologist. Fluent in five languages, she worked in government, publishing, and sales early in her career. Her safety management skills are sought by multinational corporations like BP-Amoco, Exxon-Mobil, and Total Fina, whose productivity and safety records improved dramatically after implementing her recommendations.
When you see Marie in the story, and this applies as well with all of the other people, you will see she is just an everyday human being. One of the main focuses is that as ‘average, everyday’ human beings, we all have this law of attraction within ourselves and it operates the same for everyone. Her accomplishments include being an author, lecturer, teacher, and a leader in the transformational movement.(Marie Diamond) she is impressively fluent in five languages, which leads many to believe had a deep impact during her years working for the government. Her safety management skills are sought by multinational corporations like BP-Amoco, Exxon-Mobil, and Total Fina, whose productivity and safety records improved dramatically after implementing her recommendations.(Marie Diamond) What sets her apart from the others featured in this film is that she is a Feng Shui Master. This is an ancient art and science developed over 3,000 years ago in China. It is a complex body of knowledge that reveals how to balance the energies of any given space to assure the health and good fortune for people inhabiting it. (Feng Shui) We begin to see that if people all across the world are using the same theme for reaching happiness and fulfillment for their lives, with the exception of giving it different names, then our conclusion is that it must work. She has seen both titles of this power that is rarely put to use, but is realistically obtainable for all.
Those who are featured in this film are sharing their stories, and have been carefully selected by creator Rhonda Byrne. Each of these three people are living proof of what choosing to live The Secret can do for you. You will see that they keep the focus on what the viewer can do, and much less on what they have done. These people will reveal The Secret in this film and a viewer can either take it or leave it.







Bibliography
1.      Kovacevich, Patty. "John Assaraf Having It All." Majestic Living Magazine: 32-37. 30 Mar. 2008. Web. 5 May 2011. <http://www.johnassaraf.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/JohnAssaraf_MajesticLiving.pdf>.

2.      "Profile." Demartini Homepage. DEMARTINI INSTITUTE. Web. 06 May 2011. <http://www.drdemartini.com/dr_demartini/profile#content_top>.

3.      "Meet Marie Diamond." Marie Diamond. MarieDiamond.com. Web. 06 May 2011. <http://www.mariediamond.com/meetmarie.htm>.

4.      Tchi, Rodika. "What Is Feng Shui - Feng Shui History and Theory - Feng Shui Tips." Feng Shui Tips - How To Apply Feng Shui - Bedroom Tips, Colors, Home, Office & Garden Feng Shui. Web. 06 May 2011. http://fengshui.about.com/od/thebasics/qt/fengshui.htm.