issues

4Apr

By THEIRL1ADMIN01No Comments

A Family Physician Explains – How To Navigate Self-Managed Abortion Issues Such As Access, Wait Times And Complications

“Are these pills legit? If I send money, am I even going to get these pills?” These are the kinds of questions people have when they are curious about ordering medication abortion pills online. This process, often called “self-sourced medication abortion,” refers to an individual finding or sourcing medications to induce an abortion on their own, without going through their primary care provider, OB-GYN or other clinic like Planned Parenthood. Globally, abortion pills might be found without prescriptions at neighborhood pharmacies or by accessing local community networks. In the U.S., even prior to the fall of Roe v. Wade, someone could order abortion pills online. As a family physician practicing in Washington, I expect that abortion care will remain legal in my state. Even so, in the ...

DAOs – Cryptocurrency-Funded Groups Are Becoming Charities – Here Are Some Issues To Watch For

3Apr

By THEIRL1ADMIN01No Comments

IN OTHER NEWS, TECHNOLOGY

DAOs – Cryptocurrency-Funded Groups Are Becoming Charities – Here Are Some Issues To Watch For

Cryptocurrency is becoming a more familiar way to pay for things. One option is as part of a crowd, through a decentralized autonomous organization. In this relatively new kind of group, also called a DAO, decisions and choices are governed by holders of one kind of cryptocurrency token, such as ethereum or bitcoin. DAOs also use “smart contracts” that make decisions through online votes by all participants who wish to weigh in and other forms of automation. DAOs are essentially clubs that harness both crowdfunding and cryptocurrency to operate in arenas from art to sports. They are also cropping up in philanthropy. One good example is the Big Green DAO. Launched in late 2021, it’s tied to a decade-old food justice charity that had revenue in excess of US$9 million in 2019. Big Green’s...

Climate Issues At The Forefront Of The 2020 Elections

21Sep

By THEIRL1ADMIN01No Comments

Journalism, POLITICS

Climate Issues At The Forefront Of The 2020 Elections

After decades on the political periphery, the climate movement is entering the mainstream in 2020, with young leaders at the fore. The Sunrise Movement now includes more than 400 local groups educating and advocating for political action on climate change. Countless students around the world have clearly communicated what’s at stake for their futures, notably Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, who just finished her yearlong school strike for climate. Youth activists have been praised for their flexible, big-picture thinking and ability to harness social media to deliver political wins, as Sunrise recently did for U.S. Sen. Ed Markey’s primary campaign. They necessarily challenge the status quo. “Every social movement in the U.S. that has been successful has always had strong youth and stude...

As the coronavirus rages in prisons, ethical issues of crime and punishment become more compelling

3Apr

By THEIRL1ADMIN01No Comments

SOCIETY

As the coronavirus rages in prisons, ethical issues of crime and punishment become more compelling

Across the United States, prisons and jails have become hot spots for COVID-19. Governments at the state and federal level are being pressed to release inmates before the end of their sentence in order to minimize the spread of the disease. So far more than 100,000 of them have been infected with the coronavirus, and at least 802 inmates and several correctional officers have died. New Jersey’s correctional facilities have been hit particularly hard. With 29 deaths for every 100,000 inmates, they have the highest COVID-19-related death rate in the nation. In response, New Jersey has already released more than 1,000 inmates, and Gov. Phil Murphy on April 10, 2020 authorized a case-by-case review of prisoners who are at greater risk. Additionally, the state legislature is considering a bi...

Society’s dependence on the internet: 5 cyber issues the coronavirus lays bare

3Apr

By THEIRL1ADMIN01No Comments

COVID-19, TECHNOLOGY

Society’s dependence on the internet: 5 cyber issues the coronavirus lays bare

As more and more U.S. schools and businesses shutter their doors, the rapidly evolving coronavirus pandemic is helping to expose society’s dependence – good and bad – on the digital world. Entire swaths of society, including classes we teach at American University, have moved online until the coast is clear. As vast segments of society are temporarily forced into isolation to achieve social distancing, the internet is their window into the world. Online social events like virtual happy hours foster a sense of connectedness amid social distancing. While the online world is often portrayed as a societal ill, this pandemic is a reminder of how much the digital world has to offer. The pandemic also lays bare the many vulnerabilities created by society’s dependence on the internet. These incl...