Thursday, November 15, 2012

PPC Assumptions

When we learned about the economy there was one thing that stuck out to me the most, the PPC assumptions. Each assumption had me thinking about how untrue they are based on todays economy.

The first assumption is that resources are fixed. Meaning we cant increase or decrease the amount of resources available to us. This is a complete lie. When you look at todays world people are constantly buying new land, changing their businesses, and finding new ways to move forward. Which is why they say a PPC graph can be increased to set new efficiency  levels when resources are increased.

The second assumption is all resources are fully employed. This means that everything is at its maximum height when it comes to production. However, this isn't true either because products are constantly changing prices and sales depending on the customers. The Ipad Mini for example isn't selling as well because they are charging way too much. Then other versions like Sony sell the same size for less, so they will get the business.

The third assumption is only two things can be produced. This can't be though, because several large companies like Apple, Disney, and car dealerships all sell more than two products. This rule was set to make the graph easier. However, not many companies choose to sell only two products.

Finally the last assumption is that technology is fixed. Technology is constantly growing and changing. It started with the Space Race and hasn't been the same since. To say that technology is fixed is ridiculous when the Iphone five just came out with brand new technology.

Thursday, November 8, 2012

More States Legalize Marijuana

In class we talked about all of the states that were deciding to legalize marijuana. We watched a video on the topic and I decided to look up an article to get more information. The link is here: http://www.cnn.com/2012/11/07/politics/marijuana-legalization/index.html?hpt=hp_inthenews. The article got me thinking and here is what I thought.

As time progresses more and more states are starting to legalize marijuana. Those that want to legalize marijuana, argue that marijuana is less dangerous than alcohol and tobacco. They also go as far as to say alcohol and tobacco are more dangerous.  So it shouldn't be any more illegal than alcohol and tobacco. Another point according to Alan Duke is, "Legalization could save U.S. taxpayers the $10 billion spent each year on enforcing marijuana prohibition, and eliminate the criminal cases against more than 750,000 people arrested per year for possession,". This evidence supports those pro marijuana, proves that taxes would decrease, and the number of arrests would go down. However, they do not want to see the many down falls to legalizing marijuana. 

They said crime rates would go down, but Alan Duke found proof to say otherwise. "Three forfeiture lawsuits were filed and warning letters were sent to 71 "illegal marijuana stores" in Los Angeles and Huntington Park, California, in September by federal authorities." Marijuana brings trouble wherever it goes. They say crime will go down, but they are giving drug dealers free rain to sell out in the open. With marijuana you may not be able to over dose, but your self control and memory will be gone. Then there is the fact when they call it "medical marijuana". If you are truly sick then it is understandable, but people are lining up for their "get marijuana legally" cards. These people are completely healthy whic means the marijuana was never for medical use. That was only an excuse to legalize marijuana and get it more conveniently. This is all just a way for them to make marijuana more accessible and legal. So the only question left is what will the Government do? A large majority are starting to legalize and the government wants balance. Do they make a law flat out calling it illegal or do they pass a law to make it legal? Only the future can tell.