Ken
Petress, Ph.D.
Professor
Emeritus of
First Year Seminar Course
Calendar
Syllabus
Journal
Assignment
A.M.A. Certificate Course: Communication
for Managers
Course
Text Notes
Course
Articles
Case
Study Assignment
A.M.A. Certificate Course: What Managers Do
Course
Text Notes
Course
Instructor Notes
Case
Study Assignment
AMA Leadership for Managers calendar
AMA Leadership text notes
AMA Management Course Instructor Notes
Web Based Book on Controversial Issues
(A) Educational Policy and Procedure Issues
(B) Legal and Criminal Justice Issues
(C) War, Peace, and Military Issues
(D) Economic Issues
(F) National Political Issues
(G) Athletics and Sports Issues
(H) Social and Cultural Issues
(J) Free Speech and Free Press Issues
Educational Policy, Procedure, and Practice Issues
A0. Ken Petress.
(2006).Introduction to Educational policy and Procedure Issues.
A1. Richard P.
Douthit, Kenneth C. Petress, and Kenna J. Reeves. (1991). An Analysis of the
Basic Communication Skills.
This article discusses basic
skills used by some teachers in sharpening interpersonal skills for
students. These are skills needed for basic social and professional
development and competence.
A2. Kenneth C.
Petress. (1992).Let's Return Athletics to the Curriculum. Education, 113
(1): 64-67.
This article advocates more emphasis in schools
with school budgets be placed on universal intramural education than on a more
elitist intercollegiate competitive model.
A3. ----.
(1992). Universal Course Requirements: Some Thoughts about Higher
Education. Education, 113 (2): 331 334.
This article analyzes and critiques core
requirements in institutions of higher education. Very few schools agree on what constitutes a basic
education.
A4. ----. (1993). Are Doctorates Really Needed for Non-Research Faculty Positions? Journal of Instructional Psychology, 20(4): 321-322.
This article advocates
multiple related master’s degrees rather than doctorates in schools where
research is not a required component of faculty work.
A5. Ken
Petress. (1993, March). How to Write an Essay: Some Suggestions. Upward Bound
By-Line, pp.4-11;
This essay describes, in detail, topic selection, the gathering of materials, writing components of content, organization, style, mechanics, and documentation. This essay serves as a comprehensive writing role model.
A6. ----. (1993,
April 9). How to Study for a Test. Upward Bound By-Line,
pp. 12-18;
This article discusses the many variables that constitute test preparation including physical, mental, psychological, attitudinal, and mechanical aspects.
A7. ----. (1993,
May 6). An Operational Definition of Class Participation. Upward Bound
By-Line, pp. 26-27;
This article discusses what is meant by effective class participation including many behaviors to avoid. The essay advocates active student involvement in class.
A8. ----. (1993,
June 3). A Case for Repetition. Upward Bound By-Line, pp.5-6;
This essay distinguishes between useful and waste-of-time classroom repetition of material. Uses for repetition are explained as additional learning opportunities both within classes and between classes.
A9. ----. (1993,
October 20). Where Does Our Knowledge Originate? Upward Bound By-Line,
p. 2;
Knowledge originates from
insight, experiences, discussion and debate, reading, activities, experiments,
and instruction.
A10. ----. (1993,
November 15). What is an Education and Who Are the Educated? University
Times, p. 3;
An education is broadly
defined as experiences that inform, persuade, or enrich. Educated persons
are those who take advantage of learning opportunities, make use of what they
learn, and who value continued learning beyond their formal education.
A11. ----. (1993,
November 23). The Value of Outlining Your Ideas. Upward Bound
By-Line, pp. 16-17;
Outlining ideas for a speech/presentation or an essay are advocated and modeled. Outlining helps avid redundancies, omissions, tangential points, loss of thesis focus, and an imbalance of major points.
A12. ----. (1994,
November 17). College Is Not Just a Place; It Is a Culture. Upward
Bound By-Line, p. 35;
This article asserts that
college constitutes a learning culture; a venue with rewards, rules,
expectations, artifacts, a hierarchy, social functions, rituals and ceremonies,
and status.
A13. ----.
(1994, December 20). A System in Need of Repair: The College Work Study
Program. College Student Journal, 28 (1): 116-118.
This article decries the way some colleges misuse the college work study
program. It was designed as a way to help subsidize student educations has
been perverted by some schools to save payroll money at the expense of
some other students.
A14. ----.
(1994, November 24). Final Examination Scheduling and Student Circadian
Rhythms. Education, 114 (4): 560-561.
Final exams frequently represent significant grade weight above other course activity. Students get used to certain daily rhythms that sometimes get out of synch when final exam schedules cause changes in those rhythms.
A15. ----. (1994, October 5). The College Course Withdrawal Policy: A Critical View. College Student Journal, 28 (3): 370-372.
This article decries the ways some schools allow students to abuse liberal course withdrawal policies as a means of grade protection. Such abuse is an unintended consequence of a well-intended policy.
A16. ----. (1995, March
29). Coping With a New Educational Environment: Chinese Students' Imagined
Interactions Before Beginning Studies in the
Imagined interactions are those rehearsal activates engaged in prior to anticipated real interaction and/or the evaluative process we engaged in post interaction. This article analyzes how Chinese college students engage in these processes.
A17. ----. (1995, May 12). A Partial Solution to the University Journal Subscription Problem. Journal of Instructional Psychology, 22 (2): 115-116.
This article proposes a radical and controversial method of alleviating some of the hardship university libraries face as a result of ever-increasing periodical costs.
A18. Kenneth C. Petress and Keith L. Madore. (1995, July 12). College Faculty Absences Need to be Treated More Seriously. College Student Journal, 29 (3): 362-364.
In many cases, faculty absences are treated too cavalierly. Such absences need to be better anticipated and treated with more weight than many schools now treat them.
A19. Kenneth C. Petress. (1995, July 21).Questions of Obligation, Cost Effectiveness, and Efficiency: University Remedial Programs. Education, 116 (1): 35-36.
Many remedial programs exist and many are performing well; however far too little empirical evidence exists to validate the time and money spent on these programs.
A20. ----. (1995,
May 11). How Is College Different From High School? Upward Bound By-Line,
pp. 6-10;
This article describes some of the content, intellectual skill, emotional expectation, physical layout, and deportment issues that differentiate high school from college.
A21. ----. (1996). Stress. Employed as a public speaking class handout.
This article defines stress and provides its use and common consequences. Also discussed is the role of stress indecision-making. Stress is seen as a reality that needs to be effectively managed.
A22. ----. (1996,
June 14). The Dilemma of University Undergraduate Student Attendance Policies: To
Require Class Attendance Or
This article takes a positive stance for requiring class attendance. Class cutting makes class management more difficult; it deprives classmates from absent student participation, and it gets absent students behind in classroom activities.
A23. ----. (1996,
May 3). What Is An Academic Advisor, Anyway? University Times, p. 4.
Reprinted in (1996, Fall). UB Magazine, p. 4;
Advisors serve several functions including: information providers, motivating students, being a resource person, acting as an initial reference guide to other services, and being a friend to students.
A24. ----. (1996,
December 14). Why Take Instructor & Class Evaluations Seriously? University
Times, p. 3;
Formal class evaluations aid instructors and administrators in discovering instructors’ strengths and weaknesses. Strengths can then be shared with colleagues and weaknesses can be addressed for correction.
A25. ----. (1997,
February 4). Why Take Core Courses Early in One's College Career? University
Times, p.3;
Core courses are seen as the
basic underpinnings of more advanced and sophisticated course offerings and
should be taken, when possible, before basic courses. Core courses are
seen as opportunities to betaken advantage of, not onerous hurdles to overcome.
A26. ----.
(1997, September 12). What Is Meant By 'Active Learning?' University Times,
p. 3;
Students are encouraged to take active roles in their education by asking questions in and out of class, taking quality notes, forming study groups, seeking outside examples of what is learned, and speaking up in class.
A27. ----. (1997,
October 24). What Do College Students Learn In College? University Times,
p. 3;
This article discusses how students learn outside of formal classes and the types of learning that take place. Learning includes activities, social interactions, and formal school work.
A28. Kenneth C.
Petress and Kurt O. Hofmann. (1997, September 3). The Community Review Board
Offers Students Fairness in Administrative Decisions. Education,
118 (1): 70-71.
This article describes a
student services program that allows students to formally appeal staff and
administrative decisions in much the same way students can appeal instructor
grades.
A29. Ken
Petress. (1998, March 27). What Are Textbooks For? University Times, p.
3;
Texts serve multiple educational purposes including: reference, theory presentation, case study offerings, and outside added readings on a subject.
A30.
----. (2007, May 12). How Can We Attract and Retain Quality Teachers. Education, [in press].
Our education system is one of our nation’s most precious resources. It is failing to recruit and retain the brightest people in the teaching profession. This article suggests two major problems that need correcting before other problems can be solved.
A31. ----. (1999,
April 30). The Purpose of and the Value of Documentation. University Times,
p. 3;
Documentation (footnotes,
bibliographies, etc.) are seen as vital to the learning and practicing of
writing. Documentation is seen as a value laden
exercise.
A32. ----. (1999,
September 10). How to Be a Good Advisee. University Times, p. 6;
Advising is seen as a two-way exercise.
Advisees need to be prepared, ask questions, keep abreast of goals, keep
advisors informed, and be on-time for meetings.
A33. Ken Petress. (1999, April 5). Listening: A Vital Skill. Journal of Instructional Psychology, 26 (4): 261-262.
This article describes good listening skills and behaviors that impede quality listening. Also discussed are advantages of good listening.
A34. ----. (2000, October 23). Constructive Criticism: A Tool for Improvement. College Student Journal, 33 (3): 475-477.
This article suggests ways that quality criticism [offering judgment] can be rendered and offers ways that criticism can be more graciously and effectively be received.
A35. ----. (2000, August 11). In-class Tutoring Provides Vital Assistance to In-Need Students. Education, 120 (2): 247-248. [Not available in full text format -- see library holdings or inter-library loan].
This article describes a program of in-class tutoring designed for more
effective and direct aid to needy students
A36. ----. (2000, May 22). Letters of Recommendation: Their Motive and Content. College Student Journal, 33 (4): 485-487.
Requests for recommendation letters should be preceded by careful analysis of what is needed by the requester and transmission of these needs to the prospective writer(s).
A37. ----. (2001, June 12). Credibility. Handout employed in several communication classes.
Two forms of credibility are discussed and exemplified: message credibility and message maker credibility. Both are vital. These are skills needed for basic social and professional development and competence.
A38. ----. (2001, May 24). The Ethics of Classroom Silence. Journal of Instructional Psychology, 28 (2): 104-107.
Student silence is seen as unethical in that it deprives teachers and classmates from the silent student’s thoughts and reasoning. Silence also contradicts the intent of collective learning.
A39. ----. (2001,
April 27). The “Final” Word. University Times, p.16;
This essay suggests ways that students and faculty can a priori reduce some of the familiar tensions ands stressors related to examinations. Stress management can measurably improve test results.
A40. ----. (2002). Cognitive Complexity. Used as an interpersonal communication class handout.
Cognitive complexity is defined as having options in various situations. This article describes benefits for such options and pitfalls when options are not available.
A41. ----. (2002).
Guidelines for the Ethical Use of Evidence. Used as a public speaking
class handout.
This article suggests questions message makers and receivers ought ask when preparing or evaluating messages. Communication ethics are the responsibility of both senders and receivers.
A42. ----. (2004). Critical Thinking Questions.
This article lists several question categories designed to prepare or evaluate speeches, articles, performances, or media events. This piece is directly applicable to A48 below.
A43. ----. (2002,
December 13) New Federal Education Rules Seem to Have Not Been Well Thought
Out. University Times, pp. 9, 14;
This essay discusses how some federal rules governing education tests, funding, and other variables seem not to have been well devised and considered.
A44. ----. (2002, April 24). An Alternative Model for Decision-Making. Journal of Instructional Psychology, 29 (3):189-191.
This article suggests ways academic decisions can be made more soundly, more logically, and more methodically. Decisions are the product of planning, thinking, and negotiating.
A45. ----. (2003,
January 12). The Nexus Between Assigned Class
This article suggests a way that class assignments, outside readings, tests, and class discussions can be unified to assure a quality content dimension to classroom activity.
A46. ----. (2003, May 28). An Educational Philosophy Guides the Pedagogical Process. College Student Journal, 37 (1): 128-134.
This article maintains that quality teaching emanates from instructors who have developed a teaching philosophy. Offered here is one teacher’s career-long philosophy as a starting point for others to consider.
A47. ----. (2003, August 17). Academic Dishonesty: A Plague on Our Profession. Education, 123 (3): 624-627; reprinted in (2004). Jennifer Pelosco (Ed.), The Reference Shelf: Intellectual Property, pp. 47-50.
This article defines plagiarism, cites its
deleterious effects on education and society, offers rationales for cheating,
and offers ways to avoid it.
A48. ----. (2004, January 9). Critical Thinking: An Extended Definition. Education, 124 (3): 461-466.
This article offers a collection of definitions and examples of what constitutes critical thinking. See item A42 above for related discussion.
A49. ----. (2004). Résumé Construction PowerPoint Slide Show [23 slides]
This slide show illustrates, with examples, how to step-by-step construct
a complete résumés. Résumés are a personal selling and promotional
campaign and typically are the initial make or break point in the
interviewing/application process.
A50. ----. (2004). The Benefits of Group Study. Education. 124 (4):587-589.
This article advocates group study. Group effort required dedication, responsibility, commitment, and focus to work well. Physical, emotional, and intellectual benefits of group study are listed.
A51. ----. (2004,
September 3). Some Thoughts On Starting An Academic Career. University
Times, p. 6;
This article offers suggestions related to preparing for college. It includes variables such as high school courses, parental support, attitude formation, physical fitness, and social control.
A52. ----. (2004, February 2). Some Thoughts about Deception. Journal of Instructional Psychology, 31 (4): 334-337.
This article defines deception in its various forms, describes its effects, lists various motives, and advocates reducing deception.
A53. ----. (2005). What Is a Scholarly Community and What Are Our Individual and Collective Responsibilities? Education, [in press]
This article discusses the need for academic honesty and the responsibilities of message creators, consumers, and teachers to enforce intellectual honesty rules.
A54. ----. (2004). What Do College Examinations Accomplish? College Student Journal, 38 (4): 521-522.
This article describes different types of examinations are described and their various intellectual demands for each examination type are analyzed.
A55. ----. (2005). The Role of Censorship in School. Journal of Instructional Psychology, 32 (3): 248-252.
Censorship in public schools by teachers, school administrators, school boards, parents, and the courts has occurred for years. This article surveys several major censorship cases as examples of the diversity of censorship opinion.
A56. ----. (2005). The Importance of Music Education. Education,126 (1): 112-115.
Music is argued in this article to be among the most important subjects taught in schools. Its lessons pervade aesthetics, self discipline, social interaction, grace, task timing, appreciation of culture and history, appreciating practice, and self gratification.
4
A57. ----. (2005).Questions and Answers: The Substance of Knowledge and Relationships. College Student Journal, 40 (2): 374-376.
This article advocates teaching how to ask quality questions and how to produce valued responses when asked questions at all educational levels. These skills require instruction and are not well learned without formal training. These skills are the basis for inquiry and for relationship building.
A58. ----. (2005). Just What Is History, Anyway? Used as a rhetorical theory and criticism class handout.
History is seen as a series of choices of memories and interpretations of personalities, events, and assumptions of the past. Historians are seen as having severe limitations of artifacts, testimonial, and document access. History is seen as organic, not a static rendering.
A59. ----. (2005). Social Values. Handout used in several communication classes.
Social values, the underpinning of claims, assertions, discussions, persuasion, and propaganda, are listed along with a parallel list of opposing values. Such lists are convenient when deciding which values to use in deciphering, analyzing, and evaluating our writing, speaking, reading, and speaking as well analyzing others’ discourse.
A60. ----. (2005).
Rules for Fair Argument. Used as a presentation handout for Residential
life staff workshops.
This article offers twenty five rules suggesting ways that arguments can be formed, articulated, and evaluated are presented. Argument fairness affects credibility, legitimacy, and utility. Arguments need not be unpleasant if participants are able and willing to argue civilly.
A61. ----. (2005). A Discussion of “Spin.” Used as a First Year Seminar handout.
“Spin” is defined; examples of its use are included; and various uses of spin are illustrated. Reasons for “spinning” are included in the discussion.
A62. ----. (2005). A Model for Analyzing, Evaluating, and Understanding Influence In Events, Acts and Utterances. Reading Improvement, 44 (1): 3-5.
This article, in recognition of the pervasiveness of influence in our social, political, economic, and educational world, posits a model for analyzing and evaluating influence attempts. This model includes elements of naming, framing, sequencing, prioritizing, and evaluating messages, acts, and symbols.
A63. ----. (2002, August 2). Costs of a College Education. Used as handout for parents presentation during UMPI summer orientation.
This article discusses the advantages of a college education and the negative aspects of opting out of attending college. There are vocational, economic, social, and spiritual costs involved.
A64. ----. (2005). The Value of Precise Language Usage. Reading Improvement, 43 (3): 109-1111.
This article decries imprecise, sloppy language as it typically fails to convey senders’ intended meaning and can cause receivers difficulty. Effective language use affects one’s image and perceived status.
A65. ----. (2005, January 6). The Wonders and Horrors of E-Mail. Used as a handout in First Year Seminar class.
This article describes the problems in lack of typical message precision, mechanical writing care, and often too prompt responses that e-mail invites as well as the convenience and time saving e-mail offers.
A66. ----. (2005, January 9). What is an Academic Minor? Used as handout for First Year Seminar.
This article describes academic minors and their purposes in terms of a degree program and its implications for career path preparation. Minors aid in making students more versatile.
A67. ----. (2005, March 13). What Can Mom and Dad Do To Help Their Children Succeed in College?
This article lists several financial, social, emotional, communicative, and encouragement attitudes and behaviors that parents can adopt to assist their children on their way and into college.
A68. ----. (2005, April 30). Beware! The Blade of Information Technology Has a Rough Edge
This article describes the pitfalls of depending on the world wide web for
information that is current, defendable, trustworthy, and academically sound.
A69. ----. (2005,
May 12). Let’s Stop Overwhelming Our Teachers.
This article explains how school teachers keep having added tasks and dimensions of responsibilities heaped upon them with little training, and no more time or pay.
A70. ----. (2005).
Perils of Current Testing Mandates. Journal of Instructional Psychology, 33
(1): 80-82.
This article describes and evaluates current and dated testing programs in the common schools. Such testing is seen as not fulfilling improvement in education as advertised.
A71. ----. (2005).
Greater Media Consumption Needed To Improve
This article asserts that improved reading in school can be partly accomplished by using newspapers and news magazines. Such use improves current event under-standing and serves to heighten interest when both home and school conversations revolve around such reading.
A72. ----. (2005,
September 3). Leadership. Used as Handout for AMA Certificate course.
This piece defines leadership operationally and offers a list of common leadership traits, characteristics, and skills. Leadership is seen as a vital skill for all to learn and improve upon.
A73. ----. (2005, September 7). Group and Organization Roles. Used as a handout for AMA Certificate course.
This piece defines and describes group/organization task, maintenance, and individual roles. Roles are behavior types. Roles are self-determined, other-determined, or situation ally determined.
A74. ----. (2005, July 7). How to Make College Tests More Relevant, Valid, and Useful for Instructors and Students. College Student Journal, 40 (1): in press.
This article offers test
construction, administration, and evaluation strategies. Tests are useful,
but only if they're seen as serving a valid purpose.
A75. ----.
(2005, September 9). Let’s Talk About Teachers, Students, and Sex.
University Times, p. 6;
This article discusses the serious problems with
teachers engaging in sex with middle and high school students. More action
is needed to prevent more such cases.
A76. ----.(2005,
September 23). Versatility and
This article discusses the
need for college students to make good decision, acquire visionary thinking,
and seek education and training that portends adaptability and versatility in a
rapidly changing workplace.
Legal and Criminal Justice Issues
B1. Kenneth C. Petress.
(1988). A Judicial Decision Under Pressure: A Dramaturgical Analysis of the
This study examines reasons why Ethel and
Julius Rosenberg were the only two atomic spies to be executed even though they
were convicted of conspiracy to commit espionage, not treason or espionage
itself.
B2. Kenneth C.
Petress. (1993, June 20). Some Burkean Insights into Vying Inter-pretations in
the Rodney King Beating Case. Paper presented to the Kenneth Burke Society;
The first Rodney King case resulted in not
guilty verdicts due, in great part, to an inurnment of the jury to the
endlessly replayed beating tape. This essay explains how such a verdict could
be reached by reasonably rational jurors.
B3. ----. (1994, September
15). We Need to Renew Faith in Our Legal System. Univer-sity Times, p.
3; reprinted in (1994, November). Upward Bound By-Line, p. 67;
Our legal system is the hallmark of our
political system. Lately, this system has suffered several blemishes through
jury misconduct, inept judges, incomprehensible judicial decision, accusations
of bribery, violence in courtrooms, and other various problems. We need to
straighten out our legal system lest the public lose faith in that system and
begin the demise of our social order.
B4. ----. (1994,
October 3). Let’s Return to Responsible Court Coverage.
This article critiques (negatively) much
current media court coverage. Reporter sensationalism, hyperbole,
misrepresenting testimony and evidence, lack of context reporting, highlighting
material that is clearly inadmissible as evidence, rendering biased judgments
on witnesses and defendants, and spreading salacious rumors and innuendo occupy
a frightening proportion of court reports.
B5. ----. (1994,
October 30). Another View of Prison Reform. University Times, p. 3;
Prisoners deserve safe, humane conditions
when incarcerated; however, too many “benefits” are offered many
prisoners when law abiding poor people are denied these advantages like TVs,
exercise equipment, computer use, and others. Prisoners ought suffer bare
minimum conditions.
B6. ----. (1995,
March 17). Can We Really Expect Justice From This? University Times, p.
3;
The O.J. Simpson trial exposed the system as
a farce ready to happen. Constant lawyer-judge bickering, endless sidebars,
numerous judicial and lawyer change of minds, witness badgering and endless
repetitive questions, frequent outbursts by the judge and lawyers about various
issues, and media coverage that contributed to a circus-like atmosphere.
B7. ----. (1995,
November 3). Our Civil Legal System: What Does It Say About Our Values? University
Times, pp. 4-5;
Our civil legal system where suits are
decided is turning into a national or state lotto game. People are suing over
everything; their first venue when a disagreement arises is civil court where
it is possible they can win a judgment or at least get a settlement.
B8. ----. (1996,
February 16). Myths About Lawyers, Appeals, and Courtroom Practice. University Times,
p. 4;
Most Americans do not understand the appeals
system in the American justice system. This essay explains how appeals work
both substantively and procedurally..
B9. ----. (1996,
August 30). An All Too Common Disrespect for Defendant Rights. University
Times, p. 1;
Our legal system depends on fairness to all
parties. Unfortunately, there have been too many instances where
defendant’s rights to a fair and unbiased trial have been violated.
B10. ----. (1997,
October 10). Is the Special Prosecutor Law Worth Its Unintended Consequences? University
Times, p. 3;
This article analyzes the nation’s
special prosecutor needs and likely results of newly proposed new laws. Special
prosecutors need to be chosen carefully as once appointed, they have enormous
autonomy and power.
B11. ----. (1998,
January 30). How to Defeat the
Juries are average Americans with average
intelligence. When cases are made unduly lengthy, complicated, and boring by
lawyers and judges, juries get bored, tired, and make mistakes.
B15. ----. (2001,
December 12). Questioning New Laws. Star Herald, p. 5A.
Attorney General John Ashcroft has advocated
several new and changed laws designed to protect
B16. ----. (2002,
January 25).
This article is an extension of B15 above. It
questions several provisions in the Patriot Act which restricts access to the
courts by certain offenders.
B17. ----. (2002,
March 15). Some Questions Concerning Our Legal System’s Decision-Making. University
Times, pp. 13-14;
Legal insanity; “presumption of
innocence” in court when a presumption of guilt was employed to allow
arrest; dueling “experts;” sequestering of jurors; and the
exclusionary rule are among topics questioned in this essay.
B18. ----. (1994,
October 17). Too Many New Suits. University Times, p. 3; reprinted in
(1994, November). Upward Bound By-Line, p. 6;
Too many lawsuits by too many people, over too many issues are being allowed to clog our courts. Many suits seem outrageous, petty, and this endangers access for meritorious cases.
B19. ----. (1992,
November 2). The Jury's Three Pronged Decision. Presentation to the Breakfast
Club;
This article describes three major issues the
civil jury of O.J. Simpson faced: race, fame, and guilt.
B20. ----. (1997,
October 3). Public Perception of the Criminal Justice System. Presentation to
the Criminal Justice Club;
Many
B21. ---. (2003,
December 5). Our System of Protecting Criminal Defendants Needs Rethinking. University
Times, pp. 8, 13;
This article advocates the US change its laws
and behaviors regarding press coverage of trials to a system closer to that followed
in Canada where press coverage pre-trial and during trial is held to a minimum.
This is to protect the right to a fair trial.
B22. ----. (2004,
June 9). Proper Prisoner Treatment is Required. Star Herald, p. B2.
This article decries horrible prisoner
treatment seen in
B23. ----. (2004,
June 30). A Case Against Denying Prisoners a College Education.
Many
B24. ----. (2004,
July 1). When the Law, Morality, and Common Sense Lag far Behind Cloning and
Stem Cell Research.
Law, science, and societal attitudes and
values often are not in synch especially in regards to the stem cell research
issue.
B25. ----. (1999,
October 14). Some Changes Are Needed.
This article decries US firms moving offshore
to avoid American taxes and to use cheaper foreign labor. It is advocated that
tax breaks to such firms be revoked.
B26. ----. (2005,
April 2).
This article analyzes and critiques new laws proposed post 9-11; some of these laws are found to be needed and others are found to be problematic.
B27. ----. (2005,
April 20). Pedophiles Need Much Stricter Supervision. Star Herald, p.
A4.
Pedophiles are a clear and present danger in
our society and more legal action is needed to punish them and to protect our
young children.
B28. ----. (2005).
Some Questions Concerning Our Legal System’s Decision-Making
This article poses some vexing questions regarding or legal system including the paradox of defendants arrested for “probable cause” and then “presumed innocent” in court; also the paradox juries find themselves in when contradicting “experts” testify.
B29. ----. (2005,
August 3). Laws Should Apply to Journalists. Star Herald, pp. A4-A5;
This article defines the reason NYT reporter Judith Miller has been jailed, it is for contempt of court despite the press’ false attempts to frame her imprisonment as a 1st amendment case.
B30. ----. (2005,
September 21). Senate Should Hold Hearings. Star Herald, pp. B1, B3;
This article claims that the Senate ought to
forego the public hearings for Supreme Court nominees as they elicit so little
useful information. The newspaper editor who chose the title missed the
article’s point.
B31. ----. (2005,
October 12). Honesty is the Best Policy. Star Herald, p. B3;
This article questions President Bush’s
claim that his latest nominee for the Supreme Court is the “best
available lawyer” for the position. The lack of specific criteria for
“best” is suspicious.
B32. ----. (2006,
March 31). Facing a Loss of Confidence. University Times, p. 7;
This article expresses alarm at the multiple
lenient sentences given child molesters lately. Such leniency is believed to be
causing a lack of public confidence in our judiciary.
B33. ----. (2006,
April 26). Trials Belong in Court, Not on TV. Star Herald. p. B8;
This
article comments on the negative aspects of media’s pretrial analyses and
judgments of cases and warns of dire consequences if this situation continues
or worsens.
B34. ----. (2007, March 18). Justice Needs To Be
Pure.
This
article advocates that federal prosecutors be immune from political involvement
once they are selected by the President and confirmed by the Senate. Real or perceived political meddling places
suspicion on our system of justice.
B35. ----. (2007, April 12). A Change for Justice.
This
article recommends a change in the present ties between the White House and
federal prosecutors. Presently, they
serve at the pleasure of the President and can be removed at any time for any
or no reason. It is suggested here that
they should only be removed for job performance reasons, similar to an impeachment. This is promoted by the 2007 controversial
removal of 8 prosecutors for ever changing reasons.
B36. ----. (2007, April 22). The Case Against
Attorney General Alberto Gonzalez
This
article calls for the resignation of Attorney General Alberto Gonzalez for
incompetence and for being unaware of matters so vital to his department.
B37. ----. (2007, May 30). Laws Need to be Better
Written. Star Herald, p. A3;
This
article decries laws that are written verbosely and with loopholes allowing
people and groups to skirt our laws.
Since many of our lawmakers are lawyers, this should not occur.
B38. ----.
(2007, June 13). Treat Impaired Driving More Seriously.
This article calls for consistent harsher
penalties for impaired drivers. Too many
such drivers fail to get the message under current lenient impaired driving
penalties and others are getting needlessly injured and killed as a result.
B39. ----. (2007, June 10). The Three Strike Law
Needs Amending.
This article questions whether minor offenses
should count as felonies putting offenders away for life. This law was struck to take care of multiple
violent offenders.
B40. ----.
(2007, July 4). What Now for Immigration Bill?
This article pleas for Congress to not delay
in beginning sensible and prompt deliberation to the national immigration mess
that currently exists without typical partisan wrangling, election year delays,
and lobbyist and special interest diluting of a meaningful set of needed
solutions.
War and Military Issues
C1. ----. (1995,
December 8). An Atomic Disgrace.
Past US government conducted and sponsored
experiments on people without heir knowledge is reprehensible. Added protection
against a repeat needs to be put in place.
C2. ----. (1995,
September 22). How Do We View War? University Times, p. 3;
This article describes various social,
economic, military, sociological, and spiritual ways war is interpreted. War is
seen as evil, necessary, needed, and excessive by various persons.
C3. ----. (2000, November
17). Peace Comes Only to Those Who Genuinely Need It. University Times,
p. 15;
C4. ----. (2001,
October 3). Peace Will Not Come to Middle East Until It is the Only Option. Star
Herald, p. 5A.
This is a follow up to article C3 above.
Peace will only come when no other alternative is viable to the various
parties.
C5. ----. (2001, December
14). The Subject of Torture Rears Its Ugly Head.
Various
C6. ----. (2003,
December 17). Saddam’s Capture is Only the Start: Now Comes the Hard
Part. Star Herald, pp. 1B-2B.
Saddam Hussein’s capture starts a lengthy, costly, deadly, and frustration process that will take more time, money, and lives to complete than many people believe.
C7. ----. (2002,
September 6). Tough Decisions Lie Ahead. University Times, p. 5;
This article discusses
several military, foreign relations, economic, and political issues that the
C8. ----. (2003,
April 18). Some Perspectives on War. University Times, p. 13;
War is never a desired way to solve problems;
however, many have used war. War has many awful results and needs to be seen as
devastating before it is entered into.
C9. ----. (2003,
September 3). Silence Could Become Catalyst For War. Star Herald, p. A4.
When world political, religious, and social
leaders remain silent when others are voicing hateful, inciting, and seditious
comments, that silence could be interpreted as agreement or acquiescence. This
could lead nations to war.
C10. ----.
(2007, March 8). Wounded Veterans Deserve Better. University Times, p. 9;
This article decries the deplorable
conditions at many hospitals where wounded veterans are recovering. Our
veterans deserve top flight psychological and recuperative conditions and
environments.
C11. ----.
(2007, March 20). Mercy, Policy, and
Money Needed.
This article calls for better care for the
mentally ill. Currently, mentally ill patients receive sub-par medical care,
much former physician supervised care in hospitals is now offered by overworked
social workers, psychologists, halfway houses.
Too often, no care at all is given to many homeless patients who wander
our streets.
C12. ----. (2007, March 30). Mental and Emotional
Injuries Deserve Equal Compensation.
This article advocates giving mental and psychological military injuries equal footing with physical injuries in regards to disability compensation and purple heart awards.
D1. ----. (1995,
February 10). Let's Strive to Get Our Money's Worth. University Times,
p. 3;
This article claims we do not get our
money’s worth from members of Congress. They often labor on mundane,
silly, and unimportant pet projects while allowing vital issues languishing. We
really only pay lip service to choosing highly qualified people to run for
office.
D2. ----. (1995,
October 6). Recent Media Mergers and Acquisitions: When More Is Not Necessarily
Better. University Times, p. 3;
Recent numerous media mergers portend less
content variability, less access for many consumers, and likely higher costs
for consumers.
D3. ----. (1999,
August 30). Pay Off the Debt.
This article advocates paying off the
national debt with the current national surplus. The debt is costing and will
continue to cost inordinate sums that should be better spent.
D4. ----. (2001,
February 16). Inquiry at What Cost? University Times, p. 11;
This article questions the number of
congressional hearings held. Hearings are expensive, they take leaders away
from other needed duties, and they are often used to get our minds away from
vital issues.
D5. ----. (2002,
August 6). US Should Fund Iraqi Reward. Star Herald, p. A4.
US supplied Iraqi reward funds for captured
wanted figures is alleged to come from moneys found stolen. I suggest that any
reward offered by the
D6. ----. (2003,
September 17). Companies Taking Jobs Elsewhere Should Not Burden the
This article decries companies taking jobs
overseas getting tax breaks. It is advocated that the outflow of US jobs be
curtailed by legislation governing the
D7. ----. (2003,
September 19).
Various proposals to forgive much world debt
are emerging. This essay suggests greater thought, debate, and public
involvement before such decisions are made.
D8. ----. (2003,
October 3). What Does a Zillion Dollars Do for Our Political System? University
Times, p. 10;
The last election campaign cost more money
than ever. What is gained by such an enormous set of expenditures? Are there
serious political negatives involved? We
need an open and frank public discussion on this topic.
D9. ----. (2004,
March 5). Voodoo Economics II. University Times, p. 5;
This article discusses the contradictions,
hypocrisy, and convoluted logic used in government officials’ economic
actions and statements.
D10. ----. (2005,
March 4). Bush’s Private Social Security Investment Proposal. University
Times, p. 7;
This article questions the wisdom and
applicability of President Bush’s social security changes proposals. Long
term costs and seeming inequitable benefits of the proposed changes are
analyzed.
D11. ----. (2005,
March 6). Charity and Safety Begin at Home.
Many Presidential and Congressional decisions
have recently offered huge sums of money to foreign lands. This essay questions whether we can afford
this largesse with so many domestic needs remain unfunded or under funded.
D12. ----. (2005,
March 11). Major Decisions Face Us. Star Herald, p. A4;
D13. ----. (2005.
February 26). Indirect Consequences of Fines and Lawsuits.
This article discusses the insidious effects
lawsuits have on families, children, and lifelong emotional and financial well
being.
D14. ----. (2005,
May 11). Building New Oil Refineries No Easy Task. Star Herald, p. A2;
Opening new energy sites involves long-term
planning, huge monetary outlays, and negotiating through inevitable protest
groups, law suits, and regulatory hassles.
D15. ----. (2005, October 4). Debt Forgiveness is Questionable.
This article assesses the recent
multi-billion dollar debt forgiveness package offered to select African
nations. This offer is interpreted as highly problematic.
D16. ----.
(2007, July 11). Massive Largesse Must
Stop.
This article appeals for less funding on foreign needs and more spending on critical domestic needs like infrastructure, health care, public schools, and prison reform.
E1. Roderick
Deihl, Michael J. Schneider, and Kenneth C. Petress. (1984, May 12). Dimensions
of Music Preference: A Factor Analytic Study. Popular Music and Society,
9 (3): 41-49. [Not available in full text format -- see library holdings or
inter-library loan].
This study analyzed music preferences in a
E2. Andrew King and Kenneth C. Petress. (1990).
Iran-Contra and the Defeat of Accountability. Communication Reports, 3
(1): 15-21. [Not available in full text format -- see library holdings or
inter-library loan].
Many participants in the Iran/Contra affair
escaped punishment by avoiding personal responsibility. This was accomplished
in a variety of ways including: lying, scapegoating, protection under national
secrecy laws, and imaginative lawyering.
E3. Kenneth C. Petress. (1990). The Big Lie:
The Crackdown in
This essay describes the ways and means the Chinese
student mini-revolt unfolded. Also discussed are reasons why it ultimately
failed.
E4. ----. (1991).
No, You've Got It All Wrong: Multi-Cultural Deciphering Problems Encountered
after the Iraqi Invasion of Kuwait. Paper presented at the International/
Intercultural Communication Association;
The first gulf war was engaged in, in part,
due to cultural misunderstandings, cultural bigotry, bilateral official haste,
impatience, and an over macho stance.
E5. ----. (1992). The Goddess of Democracy as
Icon in the Chinese Student Revolt. In Andrew King (Ed.), Post-modern
Political Communication: The Fringe Challenges the Center. Praeger, pp.
99-113. [Not available in full text format -- see library holdings or
inter-library loan]
This essay (a companion to E3 above) explains the symbolic nature of the Chinese students’ revolt. Democracy as seen by Chinese and Western people is quite different.
E6. ----. (1994,
April 10). To Cane Or Not to Cane is Only Half the Issue. University Times,
p. 3;
This essay takes the stance that affirms
E7. ----. (1995,
November 17).
E8. ----. (1996,
March 29). How Fickle Our International Alliances Are: The Case of
E9. ----. (1997).
Broadcasting in
This book chapter chronicles the lengthy
history of broadcasting in
E10. ----. (1997,
March 3). Diplomatic Immunity. University Times, p. 3;
The concept of diplomatic immunity is widely misunderstood and is therefore highly questioned. This essay explains what such immunity is and reasons for its continuance.
E11. ----. (1997,
March 28). The Shell Game:
American officials waffle on policies toward
E12. ----. (1997,
April 4). International Travel: What Are the Benefits? University Times,
p. 3;
This essay advocates foreign travel as a learning experience, a way to appreciate culture, art people, and language.
E13. ----. (2005,
April 22). Geo-Politics Demand Crisp, Rapid, and Cogent Responses; University
Times, p. 10;
In recent times, we have experienced heightened dangers and adverse results due to response delays. It is required that we have on standby responsible officials who can and will respond quickly and decisively to emerging world events.
E14. Ken Petress
(Ed.). (1994). Paradigm/Comparison of Conservative and Liberal Theology. Used
as a handout in a Political Communication class.
Here is a comparison on several scales of the
differences between conservative and liberal ideologies in their theoretical
pure form.
E15. Ken Petress.
(2001, March 23). An Unforgivable Act. University Times, 13;
The Taliban’s ideologically motivated
destruction of hallowed ancient Afghani national treasures is judged as
unforgivable.
E16. ----. (2001,
April 13). Why the Taiwan Issue is Important to Us. University Times, p.
9;
E17. ----. (2002,
February 8). Generosity or Greed? University Times, pp. 13, 15;
The 911 disaster victim compensation formula,
amounts, and means of distribution are analyzed and questioned.
E18. ----. (2003).
Demonization Reasons, Means, and Likely Consequences.
The reasons for and the likely consequences
of President George W. Bush’s “axis of evil” speech is
discussed.
E19. ----. (2004,
October 22). Another Image Problem for the
Our slanderous, demonizing, and malicious
political campaigns leave both the
E20. ----. (2004,
November 17). World Must Pursue
The
E21. ----. (2004,
November 19). Greatest
This article maintains that Yasser
Arafat’s death offers a great challenge and oppor-tunity for
E22. ----. (2005,
January 26). A Moral Question. Star Herald, p. A4.
This article questions why our government see
fit not to chronicle Iraqi deaths and injuries. After all, this war is
allegedly fought on their behalf.
E23. ----. (2004,
November 17). Do You Wonder Why So Many People and Nations Hate and Distrust
Us? University Times, p. 8;
This article discusses various valid and
questionable reasons why many foreign leaders and peoples around the world
dislike and mistrust us.
E24. ----. (2005,
September 3). Bolton is the Wrong Man. pp. Star Herald, p. B2;
This article decries the nomination of John
Bolton as UN Ambassador and suggests that someone else be forwarded for that
post.
E25. ----. (2006,
September 8). Nuclear Sanctions in
This article suggests that sanctions
typically harm nations’ poor rather than leaders and therefore should be avoided. The
article also calls for a clear, agreeable rationale for one or more nations demanding
other countries curtail their desired weapons.
F1. Kenneth C. Petress and Andrew King.
(1990, March 30). Universal Public Argument and the Defeat of the Nuclear
Freeze Movement. Paper presented at the Southern Communication Conference,
The bipartisan Senate attempt to enforce a
nuclear freeze was defeated. This essay describes how and why this came about.
F2. ----. (1992,
October 6). The Need to Vote. University Times, p. 1; revised reprint in
(1994, November 4). University Times, p. 8;
This essay describes the reasons American
citizens need to vote, including apathy, disgust, confusion, and lack of
interest.
F3. Wendell K.
Davidge and Kenneth C. Petress. (1993, April 5). The 1960 Presidential
Campaign's Pivotal Turning Point: JFK's Speech to the Greater
This essay is a rhetorical analysis and
criticism of Kennedy's speech and its aftermath employing Lloyd Bitzer's
Rhetorical Situation model as an analysis tool.
F4. ----. (1995,
January 27). Sober Reflections on Political Debates. University Times,
p. 3;
This essay analyzes and critiques our
national political debate process. What we presently have are not debates
but are a series of political ad sound bites mediated by a journalist.
F5. ----. (1995,
March 3). Let's Be Honest in the Abortion Debate. University Times, p.
3;
Many debates on abortion have hidden agendas
that are seldom admitted to, are often used in unethical ways to achieve
debating points, and which frequently make the debate hard to follow.
F6. ----. (1995,
August 23). Faulkner, Others Lose.
The Citadel debate about women in the
military school has produced multiple losers. The young woman at the center of
the debate won a battle but lost the war.
F7. ----. (1996,
February 2). Shift the Burden, Shift the Blame. University Times, p. 4;
This article claims too few people seem able
or willing to take blame for their misdeeds or bad decisions. Instead, they
shift the blame on others. Such shifting allows people to avoid responsibility
for what they do and say.
F8. ----. (1996,
March 1). Some Reasons Why the
This article describes reasons why little
gets done in Congress. Reasons range from systemic rules/procedures, personal
obstructionism, party delay tactics, and overly cumbersome laws that are
proposed and passed.
F9. ----. (2004,
March 19). Ho Hum: Here We` Go Again. University Times, pp. 8-9;
This article decries the coming of another
political ad season. It is likely that voters will be turned off, angered, and
lied to as in past ad campaigns.
F10. ----. (1997,
March 14). Drip, Drip, Drip: Let's Stop the Leaks. University Times, p.
3;
This article decries the leaks that occur in
government ad industry. Leaks cause great harm to our nation. Leakers need to
be reigned in and stopped.
F11. ----. (1998,
February 27). Tapes, Tapes: Who Is Listening? University Times, p. 3;
Clandestine telephone conversations by
politicians, candidates, and witnesses at congressional hearings, and lawyers
seem to abound. This secrecy portends telephonic paranoia and/or avoidance if
not curtailed.
F12. ----. (2004,
April 30). In Praise of Governor Ryan.
This article commends Illinois Governor
George Ryan who commuted all the state’s death sentences to life in
prison sentences due to a number of cases where condemned prisoners were shown
to be innocent.
F13. ----. (2004, March 1). Sober Reflections on Political Debates.
This article claims US political debates have developed into a near farce. They are not debates; they are extended and repeated sound bites surrounded by ego-satisfying media reporters.
F14.
----. (1999, February 5). Possible and Likely
Consequences From the
This article predicts President Clinton’s impeachment will have
political, social, and spiritual negative effects for generations much like
F15. ----. (2000,
January 28). A Case for Continued Immigration. University Times, p. 7;
This article takes a liberal view toward
immigration to the
F16. ----. (2005,
June 23). Recent News Events Present Opportunities
This article suggests recent events open
opportunities for change. It takes recognition of opportunity, a willingness to
press for change, and a will to do what is in the common good for such chances
to bear fruit.
F17. ----. (2000,
December 1). Even the 2000 Presidential Election Cloud Has a Potential Silver
Lining. University Times, p. 15;
Two possible advantages to the recent messy
and controversial political campaign are (1) the obvious need for
bipartisanship and (2) the likelihood if cooperation is not forthcoming, less
harm will be done by fighting parties.
F18. ----. (2000,
November 17). Low Voter Turnout in National Elections: Why Citizens Have Opted
Out of Our Political System. University Times, p. 6;
People have opted out of the
F19. ----. (2001,
October 12). No One is Indispensable. University Times, p. 13;
This article claims the fawning over New York
Mayor Rudy Giuliani was overblown and did a disservice to him and the great job
he did after 911.
F20 ----. (2001,
November 9). A Case for Valuing Greater Immigration to the
In general, greater, controlled, and
equitable immigration is an asset to the nation. Demonization over immigrants
has risen and needs to be countered and exposed.
F21. ----. (2005,
January 21). An Ugly Image Revisited. Star Herald, p. A4.
The 2005 inaugural parties presented an ugly image
of excess. In a time of war and economic strain, such extravagance was
appalling.
F22. ----. (2005,
February 11). The Value of Senate Confirmation Hearings. University Times,
p. 6;
Senate conformation hearings can serve a
useful purpose if they are conducted in a manner and tone true to the
hearings’ purposes. If hearings are conducted as most presently are, they
become tools for mischief and divisiveness.
F23. ----. (2002,
July 24). Pledge of Allegiance Ruling Can’t Satisfy Everyone.
Rancorous, bitter, highly partisan fighting
over the pledge of allegiance is discouraging and deleterious to national unity
and civility.
F24. ----. (2002,
November 15). How Do the "Losers” Govern? University Times,
p. 9;
In recent
F25. ----. (2003,
December 5). A Case for Gay Marriage. University Times, pp. 8, 11;
An affirmative case for the right of gays and
lesbians to marry is made. This case centers around fairness, humaneness, and
tolerance.
F26. (2007, June
6). Vital Questions that Really Need Asking. Star Herald, pp. B1`-B2;
This article decries the press, politicians, and the public not posing probing, incisive, and vital questions rather than the too common inartful, titillating, and redundant ones typically posed. Good questions usually elicit better answers.
F27. ----. (2004,
January 30). Our Present Political Reality: Contradiction or Hypocrisy? University
Times, p. 6;
The 9-11 compensation policy and procedures
show contradictions and cause some people to question its motives and outcomes.
F28. ----. (2004,
January 14). Are Primaries Equitable? Star Herald, p. A4.
The fairness, reasonableness, and usefulness
of primary elections and timing are questioned. Are primaries a useful and
defendable means of choosing our future leaders?
F29. ----. (2004,
June 23). McCain Refusal Questioned. Star Herald, p. B1.
Senator John McCain’s out of hand
refusal to consider joining a bipartisan ticket is questioned. It is his
potential undisclosed political motives that are the issue here.
F30. ----. (2005,
January 28). Politics Equals Values. University Times, p. 6;
The
F31. ----. (2004,
September 15).
Political debates need a radical change from
short and repetitive sound bites and non informing slings and arrows to
meaningful in-depth conversations about important issues.
F32. ----. (2004,
October 1). Pecuniary Corruption Needs Amending. University Times, p. 6;
The role of big money in our political system
has rotted the system from within. We desperately need reform to save our
system from corroding beyond repair.
F33. ----. (2004,
November 19). Buying into President Bush’s Promises. University Times,
pp. 6-7;
This article expresses doubts about President Bush’s economic promises regarding reducing the deficit, social security investment accounts, and spending in Iraq.
F34. ----. (2004,
December 10). We Should Engage in Utopian Thought. University Times, p.
7;
This article engages in hopeful thinking,
asking that political promises be actually carried out.
F35. ----. (2005,
January 5). Hopes for a Second Term Promise. Star Herald, pp. A4-A5.
President Bush’ second term campaign
promise to unite Americans and to make the world safer and more civil, and to
be more “compassionate” are analyzed and evaluated in this article.
F36. ----. (2005,
January 28). Politics Equals Values. University Times, p. 6;
This article claims that Senator Bill Frist
acted irresponsibly when he rendered a diagnosis on Mrs. Terri Schiavo without
seeing her or examining her medical records. His role as a political leader is
also questioned.
F37. ----. (2005,
October 21). Profile in Courage Needed. University Times, p. 9;
This article calls for a change in how we select our leaders and, therefore, who gets chosen. Selection criteria need to be more skill, idea, and performance based than the present appearance, money, and supporter based model.
F38. ----. (2005, January 5). Dean More Harm than Good.
This article suggests that Howard Dean is
doing more harm than good for the Democratic Party with his incendiary
comments.
F39. ----. (2005,
July 15). Politicians Do Possess Some Skills. Star Herald, pp. B1-B2.;
This article sardonically lists skills many
politicians exhibit such as exaggerating, demonizing, fabrication, deception,
obfuscation, evasion, denial, and scapegoating.
F40. ----. (2005,
September 28). Skill, Knowledge, and Commitment Required. Star Herald, p. A1;
This article suggests a better way to select leaders
other than by friendship, campaign contributions, good looks, or media
presence.
F41. ----. (2005,
November 4). When it Comes to Government Dishonesty, Who’s at Fault? University Times, p. 14;
This article places some blame for the
deception that occurs in government on the public’s apathy and inaction
in the face of the lying that occurs. Public vigilance and protests are needed
to counter official deception.
F42. ----. (2005,
December 7). Commercial TV Snubs the President, Star Herald, p. A5;
This article comments on commercial networks
refusal to broadcast live President Bush’s address on
F43. ----. (2005,
December 9). American Citizens Need a National Hero. University Times,
p. 8;
This article laments the pervasive distrust,
lack of admiration for, and the dearth of enthusiasm for our national leaders.
A national hero is needed to return us to a state of enthusiasm, trust, and
personal involvement in civic affairs.
F44. ----. (2005,
January 27). The Costs of Government Distrust. University Times, p. 7;
This article discusses the negative consequences of government distrust. Costs of distrust are political, social, emotional, and spiritual.
F45. ----. (2006,
February 10). An Explanation is Needed. University Times, p. 9;
This article urges US officials to make clear our legitimacy in demanding other nations forego nuclear weapons. Our wishes are sensible but they need clearer explanation to secure international credibility.
F46. ----. (2006,
March 1). The Costs of a Detached President. Star Herald, pp. A1, A4;
This article delineates the likely
consequences of a
F47. ----. (2006,
March 17). Politics Involves Relationships. University Times, p. 9;
For government to work successfully, leaders and the public must form a trusting, cooperative relationship. Lacking such a relationship portends ineffective governance.
F48. ----. (2006,
April 21). We Must Take Back Our Government. University Times, pp. 6-7;
This article discusses the Bush Administration's scaling back our civil liberties and advocates the public take action to curb such practices.
F49. ----. (2006,
May 10). Stop Illegal Immigration. Star Herald, p.A8;
This
article advocates deporting illegal aliens and improving the system of allowing
foreign workers to be employed for limited time in the
F50. ----. (2007,
February 23). We Are In Deep Trouble.
This
article describes our many social, economic, political, religious, and racial
problems and explains that our national problems of infrastructure, social
security, national debt, health care, etc. will not get solved until some
national unity of purpose replaces our constant bickering and fighting.
F51. ----. (2007,
March 18). Presidential Qualifications.
This
article suggests several qualifications voters should look for when nominating
presidential candidates in primary elections.
F52. ----. (2007,
December 13). Togetherness Is a Noble Goal and End.
This
article decries President Bush’s often claimed intention of being a
“uniter” not being acted upon; instead, out nation is more divided
than ever. As divided as we are, little has a chance of getting done.
F53. ----. (2007, February 14). We Must Have Change.
Star Herald, p. 3B;
This
article exhorts social, political,, economic, and spiritual change toward unity
rather than thee present massive divisions apparent in our society. Our personal, national, and global existence
depend on change.
F54. ----. (2007, February 21). It is Time to Go. Star Herald, p. A2;
This
article strongly advocates a prompt
F55. ----. (2007, March 14). Better Leaders Needed to
Run
This
article proposes several criteria for selecting better candidates for elective
and appointive political offices.
F56. ----. (2007, April 19). Do Ideal Political
Candidates Exist? University Times,
p. 10;
This
article sets forth some traits that would make political candidates better
suited for office than current candidates.
F57. ----. (2007, March 22). Cooperation is a Must. University Times, p. 7;
This
article calls for more cooperation between law enforcement agencies of varying
jurisdictions and levels. Provincialism,
competition, and uncooperativeness do not serve us well.
F58. ----. (2007, June 15). Campaign Funding Invites
Scandal. Star Herald, p. B1.
This
article calls for public funding of US political campaigns and a lowering of
campaign expenditures. Excessive
political contributions, whether by individuals, groups, or through bundling
gives reasonable rise to suspicions of bribery and/or nefarious access.
F59. ----. (2007, April 11). Question Not Asked. Star Herald, p. A4;
This article
challenges conventional debating concerning whether or not to depart
F60. ----. (2007, May 8). Our System is Broken. Star Herald, pp. B1-B;
This
article decries the state of our current political system with political
officials’ scandals, corruption, deception and obfuscation in hearings
and public pronouncements, enormous campaign financing, concerns about ballot
counting, and other concerns. Some
suggestions to the biggest problems are offered.
F61. ----. (2007, June 3). Proposed Immigration Bill
is a Disaster.
This
article sees the current immigration bill as disastrous because it is
tantamount to amnesty for millions of illegal immigrants; it will invite
millions more to flood our borders awaiting the next similar bill; and will
bankrupt many states and locales.
F62. ----. (2007, June 20). Why
F63. ----. (2007, June 27). Secrecy Problems Pervade
Our Government.
Too
much information and Activity in the
F64. ----. (2007, July 4). What now for Immigration
Bill?
This
article implores Congress to take up a new immigration bill and pass an
acceptable, sensible, and defensible set of laws protecting our borders.
F65. ----. (2007, July 18). Is
This
article suggests that questions whether or not the
G1. ----. (1994,
January 23). Vexing Moral Questions Arise From Skater's Injury. University
Times, p. 3;
Overzealous competitiveness and criminal
intent led to a scandalous injury to an Olympic skater. Winning at any cost
seems to have overtaken participation and sportsmanship.
G2. ----. (1994,
August 18). A Short Strike Zone.
This article predicted (wrongly!) that
baseball would not be so arrogant and stupid
as to call off the rest of the season and the world series for a few
dollars. Boy, was I wrong here.
G3. ----. (1995,
April 14). Some Sports Figures are More Equal than Others. Univer-sity Times,
p. 3;
Sometimes renowned sports figures get
inordinate special treatment to the detriment
of teammates, teams, and the sports themselves.
G4. ----. (1995).
Olympic Participation by Children: Is There a Dark Side?
This article contends that far to many
world-class athletes suffer physically, mentally, socially, psychologically,
and spiritually in the pursuit of high order sports.
G5. ----. (1997,
November 7). Why Do Great Coaches Win So Often? University Times, p. 3;
The greatest athletic coaches succeed, in the main, due to talent. They are great motivators, inspirers, instructors, nurturers, confidants, and friends. Great coaches know their sport and they know people.
G6. ----. (2004,
March 1). The Thrill of the Kill. Hunting controversies are as ancient as is
the activity.
This essay addresses the pro- and anti
hunting realities and myths.
G7. ----. (2005,
June 6). Perspectives on Baseball’s Newest Scandal.
This article discusses steroid use,
congressional hearings, and sports vs. big business in terms of sports’ continued viability
ad credibility.
G8. ----. (2004,
March 24). Drugs and Sports are Bad Mix. Star Herald, p. B1.
Recent steroid and growth hormone accusations
reignite an old discussion of cheating among athletes. Records will be
questioned and the sanctity of sports can be seriously damaged.
G9. ----. (2004,
September 17). For Pete’s Sake. University Times, p. 6;
The Pete Rose sports wagering scandal and his
attempt at redemption invoke many sociological and spiritual discussions.
G10. ----. (2005).
Ugliness Again Rears Its Head in Sports.
This article comments on the horrendous flare
throwing incident by soccer fans in
G11. ----. (2005,
August 10). Sports Need De-Emphasis.
This article suggests sports hold a position in society that is potentially damaging and which illuminates questionable priorities.
H1. Kenneth C.
Petress. (1989, April 3). AIDS Coverage on 'Nightline': An Integration of Media
Dynamics, Viewer Characteristics, and Production Strategies. Paper presented at
Southern States Communication Association;
This conference paper discusses the plethora of nightly discussions about AIDS on the Nightline television. Included are adaptations to viewers’ needs/desires, production techniques, and moderator efforts.
H2. Kenneth C.
Petress and Andrew King. (1990, April 2). Speaking in Many Voices: The
This conference paper discusses the
conception of, the efforts to design, build, and open the Vietnam Veterans
memorial in
H3. Anne E.
Chapman and Kenneth C. Petress. (1991, May 12). The Mormon Church and Image
Advertising: appeals for Family Unity and Community Responsibility. Paper
presented at the Kansas Speech Communication Association;
This conference paper discusses the effectiveness of television advertising on spreading the work of the Mormon Church as well as serving as a soft-sell recruiting device.
H4. Kenneth C.
Petress. (1991, March 29). Postage Stamps as Rhetorical Political Images. Paper
presented at the Southern States Communication Association;
This conference paper shows how stamps
highlight and reflect a cultures heroes, demons, celebrations, successes,
aspirations, etc.
H5. ----. (1994,
December 16). Santa is Real. University Times, p. 3;
This piece relays a poignant story about a
little girl and her belief in Santa.
H6. ----. (1994,
November 2). Sometimes Openness is Downright Stupid.
Sometimes people act in ways detrimental to their own welfare and to the safety of others. There are times to keep quiet. Shows like Jerry Springer are prime examples.
H7. ----. (1995,
September 8). Let's Take Responsibility for What Choices We Make. University
Times, p. 3;
Blaming others (ie: authors, media producers,
editors, and others) for objectionable experiences and exposures we encounter
ought be replaced, in most cases, by a more careful examination of our own
choices related to what we allow ourselves to be exposed to.
H8. ----. (1998, February 14). Let’s Keep a Sensible Perspective.
This article decries the draconian reaction to a six year old boy kissing a girl classmate in school grounds. The hyperbolic official and media reaction was way overblown and totally unnecessary.
H9. ----. (1995,
December 15). The Dreadful Consequences Brought About By Racism, Sexism,
Ageism, & Protected Classes. University Times, p. 4;
Discrimination based on group membership
results in significant harm to individuals, groups, and our society. Effects
are moral, economic, and tangible.
H10. Debra Madore
and Kenneth C. Petress. (1996). Can the Feminist Perspective Explain the
Condition of Young World-Class Women Athletes? Paper presented to the
Organization for the Study of Communication, Language, and Gender.
This conference paper deplores the awful conditions young female athletes endure in world-class athletic endeavors. We take a feminist perspective in our analysis.
H11. Kenneth C.
Petress. (1996, October 12). What Happened to ALF? University Times, p.
3.
This essay discusses the popular rise and the eventual demise of Alf, a cuddly TV character. This show transcended age, race, and education in its popularity.
H12. ----. (1997,
February 21). Some Concerns about Children's Roles. University Times, p.
3;
Too often, children are exploited, betrayed,
misguided, and taken advantage of. Adults must help our youth to mature into
self assured, safe, civil, and moral adults them-selves.
H13. ----. (1997,
April 25). The Price for a Dream. University Times, p. 3;
This article discusses and evaluates the
charging money for using the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King’s “I have
a dream” speech.
H14. ----. (1997, August
29). Let's Join the President's Call for a Dialogue on Race. University
Times, pp. 3, 8;
President Clinton called on Americans to enter into a dialogue on race to lessen racial barriers and divisions that plague our society. This article applauds that call and urges all to join in this dialogue.
H15. ----. (1997,
September 26). The Value of Letter Writing. University Times, p. 3;
Letter writing has been a long cherished art;
one that builds and sustains relationships; one that sharpens personal
articulation of feelings, observations, and aspirations; and one that saves for
posterity the thoughts expressed to another.
H16. ----. (1997,
November 21). Why Some Relationships Deteriorate and Others Survive. University
Times, p. 3;
Relationships require nourishment, attention,
and care. When relationships lie dormant or are neglected, they atrophy and
eventually die.
H17. ----. (1998,
February 13). Some Thoughts on Trust and Loyalty. University Times, pp.
3;
Trust and loyalty are seen as twin social
needs for harmony and civility. This article discusses both trust and loyalty
as much needed traits.
H18. ----. (1998,
April 17). The Trouble with Louie. University Times, pp. 3, 12;
Sometimes, humor and animated characterization
can illuminate human frailties without damming individuals but getting the
point across.
H19. Ken Petress.
(2005, April 6). How Men and Women Learn Their Place in Life. Handout used in
Gender Issues class.
This article outlines the many ways boys and
girls and men and women learn through observation, experience, role modeling,
and instruction their place in society.
H20. ----. (2005,
July 12). Vital Questions that Really Need Asking.
So much of what appears in the print and
electronic media is silly, redundant, arcane, or boring. I propose several
serious questions that the media ought discuss for the good of the nation and its people.
H21. ----. (2005,
August 25). On the Matter of Family Values.
Family values mean different things depending
on religious conviction, political affiliation, gender, and various social
variables. When people use family values as
an argument vehicle, they embark on dangerous waters.
H22. ----. (2005,
September 30). The Sullying of
This essay claims that our society is
suffering from slow internal rot. Smut, deceptive leaders, official corruption,
misinformed and uninformed citizens, and apathy are among the culprit
ingredients of rot.
H23. ----. (2000,
September 22). Loyalty. University Times, p. 13;
Loyalty is seen as a virtue and it is
recommended that it be taught to our young and more practiced by adults.
H24. ----. (2000,
October 6). We Must All Take Responsibility. University Times, p. 13;
It is all too common to complain about
political, social, and economic events and outcomes when more personal
responsibility and action are needed to exert positive change.
H25. ----. (2001,
February 2). We Must Stop the Waste of Human Lives. University Times, p.
15;
This article clams that many inmates
sentenced to lengthy or lifetime prison sentences have their lives wasted and
that more has to be done to lessen the frequency of such human life waste as
our society cannot afford to blithely discard lives.
H26. ----. (2001,
March 9). What Are Zoos and What Purposes Do They Serve? University Times,
p. 9;
This article describes various functions of
zoos including public education,
species breeding, zoological research, and endangered species
protection.
H27. ----. (2001,
August 31). When Relationships Can Save Your Life. University Times, pp.
10, 12;
This article forwards the proposition that strong relationships can be a lifesaver, socially, economically, politically, and spiritually. Relationships are healing and sustaining
H28. ----. (2005,
March 16). Thank You to Our Civil Servants. Star Herald, p. A4;
This article lauds firefighters, police, and
federal agents who risk their lives to
protect us all.
H29. ----. (2002,
May 3). Our Character is Measured By How We Act in Times of Duress. University
Times, p. 11;
This article suggests that the way
individuals act while under duress, stress, and in bad times reveals a lot about their
character.
H30. ----. (2003,
October 24). The Practice of “Protective Classes” Perpetuates
Problems. University Times, p. 12.
The concept of “protective
classes” has merit in many cases; however, when some people get
advantages solely due to what group they belong to, they often take
unreasonable and unconscionable advantage such as when a millionaire Black
family gets financial advantages by being Black in an economic arena.
H31. ----. (2003,
October 24). Absolutism in Any Form is Wrong. University Times, p. 13;
Absolutism is questioned and reasons why it is problematic and examples of cases where absolutism is problematic are offered.
H32. ----. (2003,
November 21). Relationships Deteriorate Unless They Are Nourished; University Times, pp. 12,
14;
This article maintains that family, social,
workplace, and political relationships are
in danger if they are not regularly and diligently nourished and
affirmed.
H33. ----. (2003,
November 21). Audiences Have Control Over What is Presented to Them. University Times, pp.
13-14;
This article argues that audiences need to exert more personal control over offensive photographic, musical, movie, TV and radio, and performances we are all subjected to so as to neutralize the benefit that insistent consumers of such smut offer makers of such material.
H34. ----. (2004,
January 30). There’s Got to Be a Change. University Times, p. 6;
Criminal murders in health care facilities
have to be stopped and perpetrators need to be permanently ostracized from
society.
H35. ----. (2004,
February 13). The Dangers of the Coarsening of
American values, its self image and its image
elsewhere, its aspirations and hopes,
and its resources are diminishing due to heightened coarsening of our
behavior, language, media portrayals, and attitudes of its people.
H36. ----. (2004,
March 19). Let’s Revived Lincoln’s Dream. University Times,
p. 8;
Abraham Lincoln strived hard and gave his
life for unity and civility among the American People. Current patterns and
trends in social and political life seem
willing to tear the national fabric apart with bickering, plotting, name
calling, accusations, and dirty politics. This article asks that we strive to
live
H37. ----. (2004,
March 19). Vote No For a Constitutional Amendment Banning Same Sex Marriages. University Times,
p. 7;
This article offers a persuasive case against
an amendment banning same-sex marriages. A psychological and sociological
approach is offered.
H38. ----. (2005,
March 18). The Death of the American Dream. University Times, pp. 9, 11;
This article decries the publicity, fanfare,
and financial benefits that some persons convicted of crimes receive and the
negative reactions whistleblowers and others
who do good receive for their acts.
H39. ----. (2004,
November 5). Speeches Make a Difference. University Times, p. 6;
This article claims that noteworthy speeches
in our lifetimes have a profound influence on our values, attitudes, and
feelings. Five speeches affecting the author are offered as examples.
H40. ----. (2005,
February 11). The Holocaust Really Happened. University Times, p. 6;
This article condemns those vocal and venomous few who claim the holocaust never happened in face of incontrovertible first-hand testimony and tangible material evidence of its occurrence.
H41. ----. (1999,
June 2). A Personal Struggle Over the Issue of Capital Punishment.
A personal narrative over the cognitive dissonance conflict between being for and against capital punishment is discussed.
H42. ----. (2005,
May 1). What Does the New Pope Mean to Us?
This article
describes major issues facing Pope Benedict XVI as he begins his term as pontiff.
H43. ----. (2005,
May 4). Mistake Costs Many. Star Herald, p. A4;
This article
judges the case of a woman who ran away from her impending wedding leaving
people and authorities believing she was in danger.
H44. ----. (2005,
May 11). Survival Depends on Trust.
This article
decries the recent spate of government deceptions. These lies corrode our society. A government not believed is
one not obeyed and not respected.
H45. ----. (2005,
May 18). Our House Divided.
This article
calls for reduction or elimination of the many areas of division in the nation.
Political, social, economic, religious, and racial and ethnic divisions
are costly to us individually and
collectively.
H46. ----. (2005,
October 7). Here We Go Again. University Times, pp. 7, 10;
This article
rejects the notion that creationism or intelligent design be included as part of the science curricula. Creationism
and intelligent design are not science; they are faith based beliefs.
H47. ----. (2005).
Definition of and Explanation of Feminism.
This article
defines feminism, shows the diverse variables employed with that term, and
discusses various other factors feminism has been involved with.
H48. ----. (2005,
July 20). Recent Violence Is No Mystery. Star Herald, p. B2;
This article
explains the root causes of recent worldwide violence including poverty,
alienation, scarce resources, and long-term hatreds.
H49. ----. (2005,
September 7). No One’s Fault. Star Herald, p. B2;
This article decries the ‘blame game’ activities present in the
Katrina hurricane reportage.
H50. ----. (2006,
March 8). When Cultures and Values Clash. Star Herald, pp. B1, B4;
This article calls for tolerance and forgiveness in relation to the cartons
depicting the prophet Mohammad
recently published.
H51. ----. (2007, March 15). Drugs Endanger Little
Kids as Well as Adults. University Times,
p. 14;
This
article decries giving illicit drugs to children. Our legal system, our laws, and practices
must protect our children. Providing
drugs to kids is a heinous act.
H52. ----. (2007, April 4). Imus Spawns a Dangerous
Change.
This article
warns that the hurried and furious departure of Don Imus due to his horrid
comments regarding the players on the Rutgers University women’s
basketball team can easily transform into a cultural witch hunt for others who
have and are acting/writing/speaking in politically incorrect ways unless
calmer voices who will be heard over the din of protests can quell the
outbursts.
H53. ----. (2007, July 2). What Explains Poor Citizen
Awareness?
This article suggests polls showing poor citizen awareness of basic facts and circumstances result from stupidity, apathy, overload, disinterest, and a willingness to let others carry the load. Consequences for each of these explanations are offered.
Free Speech / Free Press Issues
J1. ----. (1994,
November 18). Audiences Should Take More Responsibility for What They Watch or
Listen to. University Times, p. 3;
Troublesome performances, authorship,
utterances, and displays occur. Upon such appearances, some decry these as
though they have little or no relationship to audience needs. wants, and
tolerances. It is audience thirst for objectionable material that spawns its
creation.
J2. ----. (1996,
January 3). Freedom of Speech Cannot Be Conditional. Upward Bound By-Line,
p. 3;
When tough cases arise involving free speech,
a separation of those strongly taking a strict constitutional view banning laws
against free speech and those troubled by what others say and are allowed to say.
J3. ----. (1996,
March 15). The Split Personality of Deception. University Times, p. 4;
reprinted in (1996, April). Upward Bound By-Line, pp. 29-31;
This article discusses the nature of
deception, deceivers, and those deceived while being aware of or suspicious of
deception. Deception is seen as a “game” in our culture.
J4. ----. (1996,
September 20). Beware! The Blade of Information: Technology Has a Rough Edge. University
Times, p. 5. reprinted in UB Magazine. (1996, October), p. 12;
New communication technologies are not all
for the good. Privacy concerns, disruptions to bystanders, implicit rush to
respond, social/political/financial errors made due to haste, and sloppiness in
message creation and interpretation cause many heartaches.
J5. ----. (1998,
October 9). Questioning Press Motives. University Times, pp. 3, 7;
We need an active, skeptical, and probing
press. We have,, at present, a press devoid
of ethics, fabricating stories, acting lazy, and being boorish at press
conferences.
J6. ----. (2002,
April 19). Free Speech is Limited. University Times, p. 13;
Too frequently, people improperly claim to
have unlimited free speech when, in fact, there are several limits to what one
can freely say.
J7. ----. (2004,
April 23). Beware of “Weasel Words.” University Times, p. 9;
Weasel words are those designed to implicitly
deceive like “new and improved” when only a few drops of perfume
are added to gasoline or when an “economy” size package has less
content and is more costly. Such linguistic games are played far too
frequently.
J8. ----. (2005,
April 1). Testing the Meaning of the First Amendment. University Times,
pp. 6-7;
This article is a companion article of J6;
free speech is really not understood by many nor, when hard cases emerge, is it
agreed to by all the people.
J9. ----. (2005, August 12). Senate Filibuster Compromise at Risk.
This article
explains how future presidential choices for candidates requiring Senate
confirmation control whether or not the filibuster negotiation will hold or
fail.
J10. ----. (2007,
March 4). We Need More Honest Information.
This article
asks media outlets to provide citizens with more useful information about
political candidates than sound bites and mock debates. True debates,
extended stand alone speeches by candidates would help voters much more than
current offered fare.
J11. ----. (2007, March 12). The Press Contributes to an Uninformed Public.
This article
comments on the increasing amount of fluff, pap, and fawning over
celebrity’s misdeeds, divorces, etc. on so-called news shows. The
public is entitled to real news so as
to be better informed.
J12.
----. (2007, February 8). Drug Advertisements Are Problematic. Star Herald, p. 10;
This article
describes some medical dangers associated with advertised pharmaceuticals.
J13. ----. (2007, June 20). Question Types, Functions, and Limitations. Used for AMA Interviewing course handout.
This article
describes various interview question types.