David Pierson wrote "Where 'A' is not on the Menu" for Column One of the LA Times this week adressing the restaurant grading system and Chinese cuisine. Pierson stated that the bold letters from the health department in restaurant windows help reduce the amount of people getting sick from food by 13%. However, a large number of Chinese restaurants have either a B or a C grade. According to Pierson, Chinese restaurant-goers do not seem to care about the rating, despite the health risks involved. The column is anectodal, told through an experience of a health department officer. Pierson presents a balanced argument, including the defense of restaurant owners and background on the grading system. He makes the reader relate more using the experience of one person and defends his claims with sufficient evidence. Pierson effectively engages the reader, presents fresh points of view, and thouroughly adresses the issue of health standards for food.
link:
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-food28sep28,0,2317856.story?page=1&coll=la-home-headlines

"Our Father, Back in Court, Indefatigable"
This week, a New York Times editorial tackled the debate of the "Under God" portion of the Pledge of Allegiance. The editorial stated that Michael Newdow's lawsuit distracts people from real issues concerning the First Amendment. The New York Times acknowledges the origin of the phrase that is not very well known. Apparently, "Under God" was inserted in the pledge due to fear of Communism and a desire to "link patriotism with religious piety." The editorial acknowledges that the insertion probably should never have happened, but that focusing on it undermines important issues such as actual prayer in school and allocation of funds to religious schools. I admire the editorial's use of historical context to both acknowledge the opposition and demonstrate how we should move on from this issue. I also noted that the editorial did not support any one side, but simply noted that there are more important issues to focus on. Well said!

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/09/19/opinion/19mon4.html?n=Top%2fOpinion%2fEditorials%20and%20Op%2dEd%2fEditorials

This week I read a column from the New York Times online by Maureen Dowd called "A Fatal Incuriosity." Dowd's column focused on President Bush's inaction when it came to Hurricane Katrina, especially towards patients in abandoned hospitals. Although I am not one to bash Bush or our government lightly, Dowd's style and approach reeled even me into her column. She started with a personal tone talking about how she feels about hospitals, instantly creating rapport with the reader. Then, she continued to refer to news stories in the NY Times and Newsweek, strengthening her credibility. Dowd made the story hit home by using examples of wheel chairs lined up at the hospital door in hopes for evacuation. Although Dowd makes some strong statements against the President at the end of her column, she gets the reader on her side using an exquisite appeal to emotions. Her column is timely, bold and brilliantly executed.
LINK: http://www.nytimes.com/2005/09/14/opinion/14dowd.html?hp

The best story of the week was about Jabbor Gibson who stole a school bus in New Orleans and rescued about 100 complete strangers throughout the 7 hour journey to Houston. I first heard about this story on Fox News when they interviewed the humble Gibson hours after his arrival in Houston. I later read about the controversy over Gibson's actions on blog sites such as The Daily Kos (http://dailykos.com/story/2005/9/2/19856/62219) where people debated whether he was a criminal or a hero (or both?) Another blog site, The Free Republic (http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1476351/posts) included an article that called this incident an "extreme act of looting" and saying that the people on the bus were not exactly welcome in the Astro Dome. Most of the responce was praising Gibson and his bravery. Interestingly, Gibson was charged with stealing a car right before the hurricane, giving a hopeful, human perspective on those who break the law.
I liked the way Fox News reported the story, actually bringing Gibson in to speak for himself. I was also very impressed at how vocal people were online over just a few comments made by one publication. The response and demand for fairness gives me hope that people still hold a high standard for their news sources.