Blog Post #13: Health Care Price Increases

A growing number of U.S. employers are switching from classic single or family insurance plans to “per participant” coverage. This change has occurred partially in response to a part of the federal health care legislation which allows young adults to remain on their parents’ coverage until the age of 26. Prior to 2010, children were dropped from their parents’ plans at the age of 18, 21 or when they left college. Under the “per participate” plan, the amount an employee has drafted from each paycheck grows along with each person added to their plan, instead of having a set rate as with the previous family plan. Although the plan has been available, Craig Rosenberg (an Aon Hewitt benefits leader) says of company decisions to choose the “per participate” coverage, “It is a trend that is emerging and will gain more traction.” Although benefit analysts consider the estimated 1-3% increase to premium costs small, it is indeed another price rise in health care, that many employees are already struggling, or unable to pay.

Rising cost account for only one of many problems the global health care industry is suffering from. Although the United States spends more than other countries on its health care, costs are rising almost everywhere. This has led to budget deficits, tax increases, and benefit reductions. Even countries with greater government control (national health care systems) must deal with rationed health care or long waiting lists. Creating a successful health care system in any country must become a joint effort of government, employer, health care providers, and insurance companies alike.

Sources: http://prescriptions.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/11/23/young-adults-coverage-may-cost-parents-even-more/

http://www.cato.org/pub_display.php?pub_id=9272

Blog Post #12: Taliban Strikes Again

Two Taliban suicide bombers took to the streets of Afghanistan this week as Muslims were exiting a mosque during the Feast of Sacrifice Festival. Seven were killed, including 2 local police officers, and 18 others injured. Of the two bombers, one completed his mission while the other was captured before he could engage his explosives. The number of civilians dying in this area as a result of Taliban terror has continued to rise, causing much concern about the Afghan force’s ability to protect its people without the help of NATO – whose plan is to hand full security over by the end of 2014. NATO also reported that two of its own service members were killed within the past week, which brings the total number of coalition deaths alone to 495 this year.

Countries that have been targeted by Taliban assaults include Afghanistan, Kabul, Pakistan, The United States, Iran, and India. The Taliban’s far-reaching effects have paralyzed many countries with fear following attacks, threats, and suicide bombings. NATO has been engaged in a decade long war versus the Taliban – whose attacks continue to increase. While Taliban leader Mullah Omar claims that his fighters must protect innocent civilians, this statement does not reflect historical massacres that have involved citizens on almost every occurrence.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/11/06/afghanistan-suicide-bomb_n_1078456.html?ref=terrorism

Blog Post #10: Threat of Terrorism

Columbian officials sighed with great relief this week, as the top commander of the country’s largest guerilla group was killed. However, security experts in the area warn that the 40 year rebel group, known as the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Columbia (FARC), still holds the power to regroup and fight back. Although the rebel group has suffered the loss of several top leaders within the past decade, its core supporters have continued to rally in operations involving kidnappings, shootings, threats, and various other types of armed conflict. Former Columbian defense minister, Marta Lucia Ramirez, said, “They’ve stopped being a threat for Columbian democracy, but they continue being a threat to the citizenry.”

Dealing with terrorist or guerilla groups is an issue that is not confined to Columbia, rather- it has become one that is increasingly widespread and feared across the globe. From religious, ethnic, or territorial differences, these groups have used force, weapons, and mass killings as their method of choice. The Global Terrorism Database contains information on over 98,000 terrorist attacks worldwide since the 1970s.

Terrorism results in an uncertain economy, fearful civilians, destruction, and casualties. While many governments have tried to contain or eradicate terrorists from their countries, these groups can be stubborn and hard to rid of. As with the Columbian case, even when terrorist or guerilla groups are no longer threats to democracy as a whole, the people within reach feel constantly threatened and fear their lives. The governments in such countries are responsible for the safety and well-being of the citizens and should make every effort possible to end conflict with such groups. At times, even bringing in the military or police force seems to make little difference. Increasing security checkpoints, closely monitoring country boundaries, keeping records of those crossing such boundaries, and enforcing punishment on involved individuals who are captured can aid in bringing terrorism to an end and reassuring citizens that their protection is a primary goal.

Sources:

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/06/world/americas/alfonso-cano-dead-but-farc-dangerous-analysts-say.html?_r=1&hp

http://www.start.umd.edu/gtd/about/

Blog # 9: Equality Not Passed to Bedroom.

Norway and its neighbors compete to be named the most gender-equal country in the world. However, gender equality has remained at an archaic standstill when it comes to the bedroom. Rape numbers are staggering, as it has been estimated that as many as 1 in 10 Norwegian women over the age of 15 have been a victim. Some experts argue that as societies move towards a position of gender-equality, the traditional roles and levels of power are being redistributed, causing a transitional period, where violence (in this case, rape) rises as a final expression of male domination.

The majority of rape cases are never reported, and the Justice Ministry has stated that only 10% of cases that are brought to official attention end up in a conviction. The most overlooked type of rape is that of the family home, an area that has historically been considered off limits to law enforcement agencies. Contrary to common belief, most rapes occur in a private location such as the home, and are committed by someone well-known to the victim such as a close friend or family member. Tove Smaadahl, general manager for the country’s largest shelter organization, says that Norway will not ensure equality until the issue of relationship rape has been addressed.

Marital rape was long considered to be a contradiction of terms, as it was seen as a contractual duty of the wife once she chose to be married. Only recently, with women’s rights movements and consent laws, has marital rape been held to higher standards where it may be considered a crime. Norway is still 1 of 127 countries in the world that do not clearly prohibit rape within marriage. Laura Turquet, chief author of the U.N. 2011 Progress of the World’s Women report, believes that criminalizing this behavior is central to changing it. She states, “Explicit legislation accompanied by clear protocols send a very clear message to the police and the courts that sexual violence is never a private matter.”

Whether it occurs in the bedroom or elsewhere, rape cannot be ignored. Women who are victims of this crime are not confident in taking the matter to officials for a number of apparent reasons such as: low conviction numbers, downplay of marital rape, and their relationship with the offender. If Norway plans to further its search for gender equality, it must understand this obstacle. Its treatment of rape must undergo a transformation that allows women to become equal in all areas.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/25/world/europe/in-norway-gender-equality-does-not-extend-to-the-bedroom.html?pagewanted=3&ref=europe

Blog #7: India Students Pushed into U.S.

Moulshri Mohan is one of many high school graduates in India who will be attending a second pick college (Dartmouth University) in the United States. Moulshri’s mother said that the admission season had surprised her, “Can’t get into DU, can make it to the Ivies.” Although Mohan scored a cumulative 93.5 percent on her final exams, she was rejected at her first pick, a college at the prestigious Delhi University. Delhi is one of India’s top universities, and like the small number of other colleges in the country, has been forced to become extremely selective towards its applicants.

Considering that nearly half of India’s 2.5 billion people are under the age of 25, it is evident that only the best of the best will be able to attend colleges there. Many of Delhi’s top colleges have a cut-off score nearing 100%. India government minister, Kapil Sebal, who supervises education, says the problem can be easily explained in terms of supply and demand. He explains that there are just not enough quality institutions to match the growing number of quality students wanting a quality education.

Meanwhile, American colleges and universities have enjoyed the increase in student numbers resulting from the shortage of schools in India. According to the American Embassy, student visas from India have increased 20% in the past year. Parents and students alike have begun to view American schools as a safe option from the stress and fear of not making it into one of India’s schools.

Socially, many parents have had to cope with their children traveling across seas, oftentimes alone after learning that they will not be able to attend a school in their home country. In the US, this has resulted in a greater population of Indian students, and ultimately more Indian business owners and entrepreneurs. This has been the cause of some discomfort among Americans in an already tumultuous economy, the most extreme declaring that members of other countries are here to “take over.”

Globally, many countries are affected by the United States and India, whether it be through trade, location of call centers, or indirectly. The issue has actually allowed for some positive aspects to occur in both countries. U.S. colleges have experienced a growth in Indian students, a much-needed boost after high school graduate numbers have decreased over the past few years. India has been able to partner together with U.S. universities, allowing them to set up offices to attract more students. This results in a greater number of students being confident that they will be able to attend college, while simultaneously building camaraderie between the two countries.

Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/14/world/asia/squeezed-out-in-india-students-turn-to-united-states.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&hpw