Hemp draft paragraphs

I am intrigued with how Hemp, a product that goes back thousands of years with archeological discoveries dating back to 10000 B.C. China where they used it for food, clothing and shelter and as medicine became a substance that has been vilified and maligned and now is controlled by the D.E.A. Over 70 years ago Popular Mechanics magazine¹ called Hemp “The New Billion Dollar Crop” in which the article stated would create thousands of American jobs and replace imports of raw materials with American grown.  It is my belief that Hemp restrictions have been based on emotion not logic and the greed of wealthy men who used fear and smear tactics to convince Americans of the evils of ‘marihuana’.

The purpose of this paper is to examine and expose the truths, the history and the real story of Hemp.  The focus will be to critically review the myth and fallacies of what hemp legalization in the United States would mean to us. Thus, I believe the restrictions to grow industrial Hemp in the United States should be lifted because it is a legal product; I plan on showing how it is a vital resource to the world. I believe the U.S. Government should not impede on economic freedoms of its citizens.

One of the concerns that opponents to the legalization of Industrial Hemp has is that it is a gateway to legalizing marijuana².  I do not believe this will happen because marijuana is a drug and Hemp is a product that has major ecological, agricultural, and economic potential.  I agree some people who support legalizing Hemp also support legalizing marijuana but should we oppose it because simply because of that? That would be unsound reasoning; most supporters of hemp are manufactures, farmers, consumers and workers.  The hemp industry has evolved into one that has become focused on the agriculture and industrial products and potential.  Even under the 1970 Controlled Substance Act³, marijuana is labeled a Schedule I drug, while products derived from hemp- are explicitly excluded from the definition of marijuana and from the regulation. Under federal law, these products are legal yet the U.S. DEA control production and growth though restrictive practices.           

Currently the U.S. government spends millions of dollars on eradicating Hemp; they have a vested interest in keeping the product labeled a drug so that they may protect their budgets.  They call it their cannabis eradication program in which a large portion of their budget goes to destroying ‘ditch weed’ a remnant of the past production farms that doesn’t contain the THC levels of marijuana.  These funds could be used to fight real drug issues and criminals.  All the time and effort to destroy wild hemp plants could be used to collect valuable DNA of a plant that was cultivated and survived from the beginnings of our nation.

Resources

1.  Popular Mechanics, February 1938, pg 236, 239,244, copy located at http://hempfarm.org/BillionDollarCrop.html

2. http://www.snowspotmedia.com/2010/09/07/jack-conway-marijuana-is-a-gateway-drug-therefore-farming-industrial-hemp-should-remain-illegal/

Logical fallacies

I do not feel people as a whole are aware of logical fallacies.  Let’s look at the three main kinds of fallacies; fallacies of faulty reasoning, fallacies of relevance, or fallacies of language.  People use a Hasty Generalization fallacy [a faulty reasoning] on a regular basis and probably don’t even know it. For example: I have Harleys and they have all leaked oil.  All Harleys must leak oil.  Another common one is the False Cause fallacy which reminds me of superstitions especially when athletes don’t change a piece of their ‘lucky’ clothing and when they do and lose it must be because they didn’t have that ‘lucky’ item.  It is assume that the lack of one thing caused the other.

Ad Hominem is an fallacy in which they attack the person instead of the argument trying to discredit the credibility of the person. Ad Populum is the ‘they say’ fallacy such as our teenagers tries to use…’everyone else is allowed’ argument. 

Fallacies of Language have many examples using ambiguous wording or phrases confuses an audience to what exact meaning is being conveyed and usually is done on purpose.  Advertisers use this means quite often…I went by a sign that said ‘now accepting new patients’, this implies that they had stop accepting patients and now have openings but in reality they are struggling and need more clients.  Especially when it is an appeal to an authority such as a sports figure although they are not an authority on what they are selling yet the public buys into it.

Some fallacies still work even though the argument has errors because of implied meaning or the spirit of what is said.   Most political debates have fallacies of logic but work on persuasive appeal; people hear what they want instead of questioning the logic of a statement. Becoming aware and noticing fallacies helps not to be persuaded to accept ideas or conclusions based on emotion or poor logic.

Outline of Industrial Hemp Report

1. Introduction. Hemp restrictions have been based on emotion not logic and greed of wealthy men who used fear and smear tactics to convince Americans of the evils of marihuana.
2. Thesis- I believe the restrictions to grow industrial Hemp in the United States should be lifted because it is a legal product; it could be a vital resource to the world and the U.S. Government should not impede on economic freedoms of its citizens.
3. Historical Background Info- We can trace Hemp production back to 10,000 BC, China. It was considered one of their two main sources of clothing; mulberry and hemp. How did we get from there to modern day bans of such a versatile plant?
4. Statistics- What are the main categories for products and uses of hemp?
5. Refutation of challenging views- Is it a gateway product to legalizing marijuana? Would it lead to an increase in crime; such as marijuana producers using the fields as a cover?  
6. Appeal to logic- What does the restrictions do to the basic economic freedoms that this country is based on? This country and the world have agreed that we need to use green products (renewable products) and how does this product accomplish that?  
7. Appeal to compassion- Hemp is one of the most nutritious foods. Could is help end world hunger?
8. Evidence- Scientific and Ecology Facts regarding the growing and cultivating of hemp.
9. Appeal to authority- What legality does DEA stand on with the Controlled Substance Act if this is exempt? What other branches of government are involved with this issue? What is the stance of states toward development of industrial hemp as an agricultural product?
10. Conclusion

Assessment Posting: Rogerian

In this day and age, people are bombarded with others attempts to convince them of something such as the case in advertising. So I feel that people are more cynical and might not respond well to the Rogerian argument if they do not feel it is sincere.  They would have to truly feel that their ‘side’ is being understood.  This type of argument also allows the author to understand their own beliefs and where those beliefs are coming from.   I could see this type of argument in a political speech in which the author is trying to convince the audience to see his point of view, at first they might be defensive, but by bridging the difference gap with common ground they may be able to communicate it’s a win/win situation.   A situation that would be served well with this approach would be one in which the problem or objective was very similar.

Dr.King and Rogerian Model

King was trying to open a bridge between himself and his critics; by writing a letter he made it a personal dialogue instead of a manifesto which would be a declaration of his beliefs.  A declaration does not acknowledge the beliefs of both sides; it states the beliefs of one side.

He identified the assumption that the critics were “men of genuine good will…..criticisms are sincerely set forth”.  He wrote what he understood his critics’ side was and where they were coming from and then gave his side with his explanation (claim). He found common ground with the fact(s) that they were all clergy and they were all Americans with the desire for freedom.

He seemed un-Rogerian when he openly criticized other clergy for the lack of participation in the struggle for human rights, even saying their lack of action was worse that of any hate group.  I would believe Dr.King was trying to open their eyes to the fact that no action was similar to an approval of the immoral acts that were being carried out.   Sometimes to see the truth the veil of politeness needs to be removed; hopefully that is how his intended readers saw it. 

King used Aristotelian appeals throughout his letter.  His use of ethos is demonstrated when he show his credibility of serving as president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference  and further as a member of the human race who is willing to stand up for injustice.  His use of pathos is demonstrated when he gives examples of the damage that racial injustice is doing to the future generations of Americans and to humankind in general.   Finally, logos is demonstrated though the use of citations and quotes from credible sources such as Abraham Lincoln and Thomas Jefferson. 

 In his last paragraph he looks forward to meeting them as brothers in faith and to work together.  

Kings essay shows the Rogerian model by the Introduction in which he introduced his reason for writing which was “to answer criticism of his work and ideas”.   . He wrote about the different sides with their respective claims.  He showed both sides wanted the same ‘civil rights’.  He gave examples of why it was unjust laws were wrong and why civilized people should not follow them. The analogies of the Nazis and Jews to what was legal were very relevant to his case.

If King had taken a classic approach with a ‘winner’ and a ‘loser’ it would have further divided the opposing sides. Instead using this approach brought them together; everyone wins with communities that are whole and not divided.

Research Posting: Summary and Value of Sources

I have found many reliable sources of information which I am trying to sort through and make sure it is relevant to my thesis.

This source gives background information on what Hemp is, the history, the requirements to grow, and the feasibility of growing Hemp in the United States from a purely economic point of view. It gives me an ideal starting point for more in depth research for what is important and relevant for my thesis.

Ehrensing, Daryl T., May 1998. Feasibility of Industrial Hemp Production in the United States Pacific Northwest. Oregon State University. Retrieved from http://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/html/sb/sb681/

Hemp as an Agricultural Commodity shows the difference in cultivating and growing Hemp compared to marijuana this will be helpful in refuting the idea that marijuana growers would plant and hide their crops inside a Hemp field. This report has all of its sources and many are of credible sites that I can reference for more information. This report also shows how Canada is regulating the product. 

Johnson, Renee. December 22, 2010. Hemp as an Agricultural Commodity. Retrieved from http://www.nationalaglawcenter.org/assets/crs/RL32725.pdf

Toulmin's method of argumentation vs. the classical method

The classical approach relies on appeals mainly and the Toulmin model on probabilities rather than absolutes. The classical helps you structure an argument in a way to cover the needs of your audience while Toulmin is good for analyzing arguments by requiring justification. Toulim’s is good for testing ideas so that you can see the truth and strength of the claim.Do you need to give background information first or can you jump right in to your claim? It would depend on whom your audience was and what you where trying to convince them.  

I believe most people use a combination of the two on a daily basis to try to persuade others. Probably more so the Toulmin because it's not so formal with no introduction or conclusion.

Pg 140 ex 4.2

1.
a. Our mayor should be removed from office because we just learned that he was once arrested for possession of marijuana.
The qualifier is he was once; it is the leap from the data to the warrant.  If he had never been arrested the claim would be invalid.  The hard facts or evidence is that he was arrested and that it was for a possession of an illegal substance.  They try to legitimize the claim that he should the removed from office by using ethos or questioning his credibility it could also be looked at as an attack of his values.  The warrant is implied that anyone arrested lacks moral character and should not be in public office. Once a drug user or law breaker always one could be the counter warrant.

b. Any novel that includes the use of racial slurs should be banned from public school classrooms.

The qualifier is includes the use of, books that don’t include the use of are not up for this discussion.  The data is an emotional appeal that racial slurs of any kind are bad and that to have these novels with them in it supports their use or justification.   What is now considered a racial slur was not always so, if a book is to be read in historical context and that is part of the learning process of seeing where society once was compared to where we are.  Racial slurs give the reader a chance to explore the racial complexities that have existed in our society.  With comparison of  where we have been  we are know the argument could be made to leave the ‘terms’ in and learn about the conditions at that time that made it an acceptable term.

c. Beef in restaurants should be prepared well-done regardless of customer preference because of the danger of E.coli infection. 
The qualifier is implied that there is no exception to this rule. The data would be scientific data from the CDC from previous outbreaks and statistical data from inspections and testing of meat for E.Coli.  Testimonial data from scientist or doctors would help reinforce this claim.   The warrant would be logical or scientific with credible witnesses and data from government experts.  The danger of E.coli and the ignorance of the customer from the warrant is based on faulty data. . The danger of E.coli infection is based on the exposure of meat.  Hamburger meat has a higher risk of E.Coli exposure than steak hence steak should not be cooked well done, it ruins it.
2.    Outline for improving conditions where I live.
Classical Model
I.        Introduction
a.     Lead-In…I live in a quiet suburban city where people enjoy….
b.    Overview…The city has grown substantially bringing with it change…
c.     Background…Smallville started out as a train stop ….
   II.        Thesis (Position)….Change to Smallville is understandable but must check points and restrictions so that it doesn’t grow uncontrolled. 
   III.        Appeals
a.     Appeals…Emotional appeal to the way we grew up  (atmosphere), safe to play outside without constant supervision
b.    Evidence…Logical appeal with crime statistics (small petty crimes) which led to larger crimes.
IV.        Refutation…Not all large citys are dangerous look at the statistics per capita
V.        Conclusion…In conclusion I have shown through appeals and evidence that my thesis is correct.

Toulim Model

I.        Issue…Growth in Smallville has created changing conditions
II.        Claims…The changes are not for the better, crime has increased..
III.        Evidence…Crime statistics
IV.        Warrant…Logical statistics of crime from the police data bases and comparison to other citys of similar size. Ethical warrants from interviews with police and church figures showing the moral decline caused by the lack of knowing your neighbors.
V.        Backing…Cities that have instituted a know your neighbor or have kept that small town feel have less crime and a better quality of life.
VI.        Qualify…This claim is when small towns make the  population jump to above 100,000
VII.        Concluding Reflections
VIII.        Introduction based on information

3.a. Books are an environmental problem.  The printing of books uses approximately 30 million trees annually; this constitutes a massive environmental problem.
b. Cats make better pets than dogs. Cats make better indoor pets for housebound persons than dogs because they do not have to be walked or taken out to use the bathroom. 
c. Students should be admitted to college on the basis of merit only.Students should be admitted to college based on a combination of their board scores and high school grades.
4 and 5
a. There is more to attending college than the getting a degree in one subject it is about becoming a well round critical thinking person and taking at least one economic class would support that goal.  Most new college students are fresh from high school and are newly on their own.  A basic economic class will help them understand our economy, how money works, and how it affects them [i.e. student loans].  Economic training provides a background for people who make choices about resources whether they are personal or business.
b. The more classes offered over the internet the more accessible they would be for students that need a flexible schedule to attend.  According to research conducted for the U.S. department of Education enrollment in distance learning increased from 8% to 20% from the years 2000 through 2008¹.
c. The inadequacy of high school sex education is evident with higher percentage of high school students that become pregnant each year in states that lack quality sex education. Statistics provided by the C.D.C show that states with a higher percentage of black teenagers have the highest proportion of teen births².

 Sources
1. Walton, Alexandria, Learning at a Distance Undergraduate Enrollment in Distance Education Courses and Degree Programs, Pg. 3, retrieved from http://nces.ed.gov/pubs2012/2012154.pdf  
2. National Vital Statistics Reports, Volume 59, Number 1 pg 7, retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nvsr/nvsr59/nvsr59_01.pdf

Pg 100 Exercise 3.1

Their thesis is that population growth and climate change are interconnected and reducing one would reduce the other. They could use evidence of destruction of the environment in areas such as Brazil where the poor have no access to birth control and continue to grow in population. They could use statistics to show a difference in the standard of living between families of different sizes. The statistics used help support their thesis, by showing that population growth rate could be reduced, but it is not shown that it correlates with an increase in living standard therefore reducing consumption of natural resources. There is no data showing the difference of consumption between small and large families, only assumptions made. If a larger family is living off of $2 a day and a smaller family is living off the same do then still not spend and use the same amount of resource just spread among more people?

The Aristotelian appeal to logic states that women would use contraceptives if they were available. Okay this makes sense but does it show how a reduction in population growth will assist climate changes? The appeal to the compassion (pathos) of doctors to help promote the use of birth control is appropriate for this argument; doctors do get to see the family situation(s) as a whole. The refutation of challenging views left me confused, my understanding is that the view is any population reduction plan by a government is done by coercive efforts. Then it gives examples that have halved the reproduction rate by other means; it’s the unmet fertility needs and choices that confused me. Is he talking about birth control choices? I think his refutation needs more clarity and thoroughness. The overall piece follows the classical model fairly well. The lead in paragraph creates a picture in your mind that the essay is about poverty and the environment. The essay uses emotional appeal but I think his statistical evidence could have been stronger throughout the piece. The countries he chooses to use as examples were communist type countries that have not been known for their human rights concerns.

Research Posting: Thesis paragraph for Research on Hemp Legalization

Farmers should be allowed to grow Hemp in the U.S. since it is legally allowed to be imported. Although the Hemp-product market continues to grow in the millions a ban on growing Hemp means that they must rely on imported Hemp; denying jobs in the United States.  The fact that a Congressional committee currently has a bill before them to amend the Controlled Substances Act to exclude industrial hemp from the definition of marijuana is evidence that individuals support the rights of farmers to economic freedom.  Farmers should have the economic liberty to succeed without restriction beyond what is necessary to protect and maintain liberty for our citizens.  

My outline will grow as I do more research but I believe it gives me a basis for sorting through the data.
1.       Introduction
2.       Thesis
3.       Statistics- Economic possibilities,  
4.       Historical Background Info- What is industrial hemp? Products and uses.
5.       Refutation of challenging views- gateway product to legalizing marihuana
6.       Appeal to logic- Business freedoms,
7.       Appeal to compassion- One of the most nutritious foods, end world hunger?, green products (renewable products),
8.       Evidence- Scientific and Ecology Facts
9.       Appeal to authority- legality of DEA , Support of states
10.   Conclusion

Pros and Cons, the Classical approach

The Classical model of argument is writing with a reason: to change an opinion or mind.   The structure allows the argument to be argued logically and flow in a manner that the audience can easily follow.  With that in mind the Classical model is for arguing to an audience, you must consider your audience when writing with this model.  One of the cons is that the outcome is a win-lose situation.  It does not allow for a compromise situation.   When writing with this model the author might be tempted not to fully look at the opposing views arguments with an open mind not wanting to weaken their own argument.   

Topic of Research Paper

I have decided to research the Hemp industry and why it continues to be illegal to grow in the United States.  I feel this issue is multi-dimensional and that I could learn a great deal.  Investigating the logic behind the different arguments against the legalization is what intrigues me.  Are they sound? What is the vested interest that the government has in keeping this product illegal to grow? Are they afraid it’s a slippery slope to drug use if we grow it in the states? I feel this will be an interesting topic. 

pg 92

1. I find that reading with the three stages technique helps my understanding of what the author is trying to convey. First previewing allows my mind to consider the topic such as pre-learning does, then when you actually read in depth the subject isn’t a completely foreign concept.  Postreading ensures that you really did understand the topic and you might be able to grasp the tone the author is trying to convey. 
2. When I’m reading in depth I try to analyze the logic of the argument to see if it is information piece, a persuasion piece, or if it is analyzing the pros and cons of the topic. I understand the importance of keeping an ‘open-mind’ while reading yet it is important to understand the topic being argued so I look for what the emphasis on whether it is the evidence, my emotions, or the ethics. Sometimes figuring out what is being argued is difficult, especially in marketing when emotion is involved such as A.T. &T. commercials reminding you to call your mother. Isn’t that nice of them? No, they are selling you long distance phone time while using your emotional ties to your mother. 

Exercise 2.7 #2

My reading activities since the beginning of school have been mainly “required”. I read required text consisting of research material for English, Speech, and Occupational Analysis and at work policy and procedures. I struggle to maintain some leisure time for “nonrequired” reading. My morning ritual of skimming the paper while eating hasn’t changed but I don’t have the luxury of rereading the paper during lunch, which time I would critically read articles and evaluate the content, that time is now dedicated to required reading material. The only other leisure reading I have is Bloomberg Businessweek a weekly magazine that arrives in the mail. The day that arrives I skim the articles for interesting pieces. I find myself reading, rereading, and critically evaluating the articles, if I have trouble with a certain passage because of content or wording I may read it several times before I can understand what the author was trying to convey. If it is something that is important to me such as the article on Credit reform I will not only read the article but highlight items I would like to do further research on such as the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. I don’t know if my motivation to read improved, but my desire for correctly understanding the material has, along with being able to critically view the logic that the author has presented.