SWA #18

Possible research topics:

1.) Extent of Government Control on America's Obesity Problem

Researching the government's involvement in preventing and fighting obesity turned out to be extremely easy and interesting for me. I found several different sources, much more than four, that will provide plenty of information that I will need for my upcoming assignments. However, there is so much information and so many sources, that I believe after further research and reading, I will have to narrow down my topic. I found several different ideas and viewpoints, including the government being the cause of obesity through its food stamp program, the effect of the economy, and examples of government programs targeting the fight against obesity. Additionally, this topic somewhat connects to what we have been studying in class, with Jamie Oliver's argument displayed in his show. At this point, I am leaning towards working with this issue because it is an issue that has captured my attention and I would like to learn more about. Also, I will be able to do plenty of research since there are so many sources available.

2.)  Keystone XL Pipeline 

Another global issue that I could research for my assigments is the implantation of a crude oil pipeline from Canada to Texas by the United States government. I actually came across the issue while on Facebook. One of my facebook friends was publishing protest information about the issue. This prompted me to research it further, using credible sources, and learn more about it. It is a current environmental issue that has been brought to President Obama's attention. Although it is an important issue, I don't think I will use it for my assignment. It was more difficult to research and find sources for. It is not a well known issue by the American public, therefore it may be difficult to find different viewpoints on. However, I will keep in it mind in my search to find the right topic.

3.) Occupy Columbia Protest

Occupy Columbia falls into the local issue category. It is an event that has been happening currently; protestors against current government corruption have taken to the South Carolina Statehouse grounds. Although it is modern and current, I am unlikely to use this for my issue for the next assignments. After reading through my sources, I could not maintain focus on the articles I was reading. I concluded that it was not an issue that interested me, and that I should put my energy into something that does so I can perform better on the upcoming assignments. Therefore, I am much more likely to write about my first and second issue.