Ali Albaqshi
CMTY 195: Community & Democratic Citizenship
WEEK 3: Climate Change, how much power, Don’t get used, and Top economic
Dr. Chuks Ugochukwu
St. Cloud State University
St Cloud, MN
Date: January. 23, 2018
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1. Cynthia Tucker, “Climate change deniers push back on Environmental
Regulation”, 2014
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One of the key concepts from the article is on how leaders can play an
important role in mitigating the factors that lead to climatic change. The
author notes that President Obama played an important role in coming up with
environmental regulatory policies. This made him unpopular with the
corporate lobbyists who don’t care about the effects their plants have on the
planet and also leaders who were from the states that had plants that were
being affected by the regulation. The leaders were not supporting the president
mainly because they did not want to lose the votes from their states. Clearly
what is needed is support from across the board so as to avoid future effects of
climatic change.
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One thing I find missing from this article is the recommendation on how the
leadership can bring together those who are against the regulations so that they
can be able to see from the point of view so that the process of eliminating this
risks is successful.
2. Emily Badger, “How much power do cities really have to combat climate
changes”, 2014
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One important point from the article is that cities are indeed powerful when it
comes to fighting climatic changes. This comes out clearly by the fact that the
people can come up with groups that lobby for the climatic change, for
example, the global mayors. Also, it is important to note that most government
cities have control in their cities even if they do not have much say when it
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comes to national policy. This is so because they come up with the policies in
their cities.
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One issue that was not clear from the article is what these lobby groups are
doing in order to reach out to the national government so that they can support
them in their quest. Though, from the article, we are able to see the lobby
groups getting support from the city governments through them encouraging
installation of equipment that are environmentally friendly. This goes a long
way in reducing the effects of climatic change.
3. John Metcalfe, “Don’t get used to the idea of a global warming slowdown idea”,
2014
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One main objective of the article is to caution the reader against the reports
purporting that the global warming will go down in the years to come. The
author makes it clear that global warming is here to stay. One thing that comes
out from this article is that the scientists do not tell us is how we can actually
slowdown the global warming.
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One key concept from the article also was to give reasons for the slowdown in
global warming in the Atlantic cities. This comes out clearly where the
scientists give reasons such as natural and human-generated particles that play
a role in the distribution of solar energy. Another possible reason is that the
ocean is sucking up the excess heat as the atmosphere can only hold so much
at any given time.
4. Benjamin Hulac, “ Top Economic risk of 2016 is Global Warming”, 2016
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One main point of view from the article is that global warming should be
viewed as an economic risk. This is so because of its catastrophic effects on
the environment which affects the sustainability of the income generating
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activities for various countries. This is so because most rely on either water or
energy for agricultural and industrial purposes. This should be taken seriously
because from it countries gross domestic product will go down and their
people will be faced with immense poverty.
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One more thing that is coming out very clearly from the article is that the issue
of global warming needs to be addressed urgently because it is also
contributing to social insecurity where people will start fighting for scarce
resources like water this will lead to social ills such as corruption.
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Ali Albaqshi
CMTY 195: Community & Democratic Citizenship
Pension, Megacities and Retirement age
Dr. Chuks Ugochukwu
St. Cloud State University
St. Cloud, MN
February 6, 2018
Page 1 of 5
1. Jamie Robertson, “The shock that awaits pensioners at retirement”, 2015
One of the most important information from the article is that the retirement plan is
underfunded, and the author wants to make the pensioner in America aware of the
situation at hand. Because of this she encourages the workers to work longer and save
more. The author brings to our attention that if the people delayed their retirement until
they are 70years then they have put aside enough money to spend once they have retired.
The article is encouraging people to take advantage of the pension schemes available and
start saving as early as they start earning to have a monthly income during retirement.
The author also enlightens us on what is happening in the other countries, what their
governments are doing to ensure that their citizens save up enough for their retirement.
One concept from the article is that the government should consider letting the people use
equity on their house to finance their pension. Since many people hold their homes dearly
and would want to leave it to their children. But on the other hand, this seems not to be
the solution. The authors suggest that the citizens should be encouraged to start saving for
their retirement as soon as they start working. One thing that I think the authors should
have done is looking for more permanent solutions.
2. Richard Florida, “Why so many emerging megacities remain so poor”, 2014
One of the most important information that came out from the article is the rapid growth
of cities around the world. Economists and Urbanists consider this as a good thing
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because it helps in economic development. On the other hand, the author draws to our
attention that most cities remain poor. Such as Africa, Asia, and Latin America and he
asks if urbanization drives economic development why do many global cities remain
poor. This is because they have poor governing structures and weaker institutions. For the
situation to be overturned cities need competent governments with enough money.
Challenges that poor cities face include high levels of crime and congestion. Also, there
is high spread of diseases.
One key concept to understand from the article is that of the role of social movements
when it comes to pushing for needed institutions, better policies and greater
accountability. This will help reduce the number of slums of poverty. The author notes
that in the next few decades billions of people will make cities their home, this call for
the governments to be able to get it right by having appropriate policies, strategies and
institutions. This will help reduce poverty levels.
3. Tom Sightings, “How Baby Boomers will shift the economy”, 2013
The most important information from the article is on how certain industries will benefit
as a result of number of elderly people increasing because of the products and services
they have to offer. For instance, they will provide money making opportunities because
they will want to move to warmer and friendlier climates, they will also manage their
IRA through financial institutions. Also, they will buy long-term care insurance, pay rent
for senior citizens among others. It is important to note that older citizens are richer than
ever because more elder citizens are working now. Because of this poverty levels have
gone down.
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One concept to understand from the article is on one smart way to invest in the baby
boomers. Which to identify the trend then let an expert pick the specific companies that
are most likely to benefit from those prevailing winds. They suggest three ideas which
are medical since older people use more medical products than older people, finance and
insurance they will need money managers because they are responsible for their finances
and savings, and finally consumer products like personal products such as anti-wrinkle
creams.
4. Christopher Ingraham, “If you thought income inequality was bad get a load of
wealth inequality”, 2015
The most important information from the article is a factor that has been ignored for such
a long time when it comes to determining the haves and the have-nots and that is the
wealth inequality. Wealth can be determined by the amount of stuff you own. In most
cases when countries are measuring inequality they focus on income rather than on
wealth. The author brings to our attention that when you account for the wealth that is
owned by which category of people in the economy then it will give us a clear picture on
the inequality status of the country.
One concept to understand from the article is that more inequality equals to less
economic growth. Because the less fortunate you are not able to contribute to the
economy. Wealth describes the value of what a family owns minus its debts, offers
security and privilege that can last for generations. Wealth starts from where a person
lives. The conclusion from the article is that after adding up all the components of wealth
the white population holds up to 7 times more wealth than the black population in
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America. The article leaves a lot to be desired because it does answer the question on
what can be done to bridge this gap of inequality.
5. Renee Morad, “Age 70 is the new 65 here’s why”, 2014
One important information from the article is that people are delaying their retirement
age to 70 years because they end up getting a lot of money out of it. Their driving factor
is that when you delay the social security benefits they increase by 8% every year. Also,
you can be able to add a full year’s savings. This will increase the family household
income by a few more thousands. It also means that there is longer lifespan since one is
able to support yourself on retirement assets. Finally, people are increasing their
retirement years so that they still find themselves tied down by debts.
One concept to understand from the reading is that there will come a time that the state
will set the retirement age at 70 because the after this age it will mean that the retirees
will be able to take good care of themselves. Also, it can allow the pensioners to save up
some more cash and also give them more time to pay up their debts. Also, it will help
them to keep the lifestyle they are used to even after they retire. The question that comes
out clearly from the article is, are the citizens getting enough sensitization on the
importance of retiring at 70. Then what interventions are in place to ensure that more
citizens change their attitude on the retirement age.
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Ali Albaqshi
CMTY 195: Community & Democratic Citizenship
Week 7 Articles
Dr. Chuks Ugochukwu
St. Cloud State University
St. Cloud, MN
February 20, 2018
Page 1 of 5
1. William Frey, “Diversity is an Opportunity, not a Threat for America.” 2016
One of the most important information in this article is the power of diversity. This is according
to William. In any economy, diversity can be used to the advantage of the nation, and neither the
authorities nor the citizens should see it as a threat to the nation’s posterity. It is from embracing
diversity that numerous advantages are realized in any nation. In justifying this, William states
categorically that a nation that allows diversity within its structures enjoys energized taskforce,
industrialization, increased productivity and ready markets for the produced products.
One concept to understand is diversity and associated dangers. The dangers of not embracing
diversity is another aspect that appears dominant in the article. Besides the importance of
embracing and appreciating diversity for the progress of a nation, William goes ahead to mention
that there are the dangers associated when diversity is ignored. Citizens belong to a nation and
should be accommodated as one. In a case where diversity accommodation does not exist,
conflicts are inevitable. Citizens in such a nation feel neglected and unattended to and thus the
aftermath is a torn nation with failing economies and civil wars.
2. John Newman, “How do you measure diversity?” 2014
One of the most important information being discussed is diversity and how it can be measured.
The United States of America is used in the presented case. Form the arguments presented, the
Department of Education is out on the limelight, with its methods of measuring diversity. From
the information presented, diversity has been argued out using aspects such as race, age and
gender. People seem to forget that aspects that are no quantifiable are also important when it
comes to diversity. Such issues include relationships. This is a new aspect of having a different
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perspective when it comes to diversity and it is finding its applicability in the courtrooms,
schools and in scientific research.
One concept from the article is Diversity Index. This exceptional tool can be used to determine
the diversity mix up in a group. It is an effective tool for determining the likelihood of different
races in a case where two or more people are gathered. In my opinion, when such a tool is used,
it can be of help in attaining a diversity balance in our institutions and workplaces. This is
because the diversity tool can be used to identify a racial imbalance and necessary adjustments
suggested to cover for the inadequacies. With the tool effectively utilized, it is easy to know
whether all races and ethnic groups are getting equal presentation. The ratios of the index are
compared and the minimal the difference, the better the presentation.
3. Errin Haines Whack, Report Finds Racial gap widest in nearly four decades.” 2016
One of the most important information is based on the continued economic disparity between
races in the United States of America. The comparison is between the white and the black
people. When the wages of this two were compared, the difference was as clear as day and
continues to increase. In a personal opinion, I would argue that cases of racism are still rooted in
the economic corridors of the United States of America, to the extent that the black race is not
being given a chance to represent and empower itself through the thriving economy of the United
States of America.
One concept from the article is the concept of economic disparities. The disparities continue to
exist even with education and campaigns to have equality in the United States of America.
Wages of the black race remain low even when education qualifications are similar to those of
their white counterparts. From the article, I feel that the key issues pointing to ending
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discrimination are not effectively addressed. The failure to do so leaves the black people in
danger. There is therefore, the need to effectively address the issue, not just how it is thriving in
the United States of America but how to end it. There is the need for laws and policies that
protect the black people. The black people need economic empowerment.
4. Dr. Luke Tripp, “The Illusion of Racial Progress.” 2013
One of the most important information is the illusion of racial progress in the United States of
America. There have discussions in the country al related to providing a solution racial quality,
but there seems to be not forth coming solution to the problem. Those who seem to be the
advocates have fallen victims in one way or another. A vivid example is given of Martin Luther
King. He was fighting for equality and racial justice for the black people. What happened was
intimidation and his assassination, a clear indication that the system is to blame for the illusive
perception of racial progress in the United States of America. There seems to be no progress
after all. As a conscious people, therefore, we need to realize the illusion and stand as a united
front in fighting for racial justice.
One of the concept to understand is the unfair distribution of wealth. In the article, there is the
mention of the unfair distribution of wealth in the United States of America in the article.
Despite the mention, there are no concrete solutions or suggestions put forth in ending or
decreasing the difference. There is therefore the need to discuss the issue of wealth disparities
with recommendations to end the menace. There is no solution that will come forth just by
mentioning the problem. There is the need for reforms and polies that are geared towards the end
of inequality and segregation in the United States.
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5. Daniel Hertz, “There’s Basically No way not to be a Gentrifier.” 2014
One of the most important information is the privilege that race has given to some of us.
According to the author of the article, we often find ourselves in an elevation that we cannot
explain or tell how we got there. There is the heated debate on the practice of gentrification, and
all the people in the room somehow managed to graduate and not just mere graduation but
graduation from a prestigious college. They are all leaving in a good neighbourhood. Something
that all races have not been granted. There is what the author calls cohort, with the delusion of
the existence of racial homogeneity, which is not the case with our societies.
One concept to understand from article is the concept of Gentrification. Gentrification is not the
problem. We desire to live in the elevated neighbourhoods and that is not a problem. The
problem is how we got there in the first place. We pride and greed, we have pushed away those
who lived there and owned the best places in town and urban centres, where racism is allowed.
There is the need to come up with a way to address the issue of gentrification, not only in terms
of where we live but also in a more comprehensive way that addresses the plight of those who
were pushed away.
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Saint Cloud State University
Department of Geography & Planning
Planning & Community Development Program
Spring 2018
CMTY 195: Community & Democratic Citizenship
339 Stewart Hall
Instructor: Chuks Ugochukwu, Ph.D.
Phone: 320-308-2097
Office Hours: M: 11-3; Tues.: 2=3; Wed.: (open for Appointments 10-3; or Digital -ccugochukwu@stcloudstate.edu
QUIZ 1
Answer All the questions 1, 2 and 3
1. Briefly discuss 3 pros and 3 cons for a community that experience or is experiencing
globalization i.e. an influx of new people, more older populations into the community. What
types of areas and spaces of co-operations, and challenges seem to be in contention, of concern
in communities. [1 point each]
2. Briefly explain 4 examples of positive change to the challenges in the community you outlined in
question one above. What 4 examples of positive change from the course articles or videos
demonstrate what communities are doing.
3. Do you believe the schools can play an important role here, explain. [1 point each]
NOTE:
1. Be sure to format and number your responses appropriately for ease of reading them and my
understanding.
2. Be sure to provide your citations in the proper writing style format (MLA, APA, ….), and then a
list of the references or works cited entries for all the articles and videos you used
3. 5-pages maximum allotted for this quiz
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