Ashley Looker

Assignment:  The second paper you’ll be writing this semester is an editorial.  This means that you need to not only figure out a topic that interests you and has an argumentative bent, but you also need to get informed on the topic.  Write a blog entry that presents two “hot” topics that are going on in our school, in our community, or in the area.  Present each topic and then give a 3-4 sentence description of the arguments behind it. 

• My first “hot” topic I think is relevant to discuss is the snow!  Many people are probably wondering how this–snow– would fit the assignment… well, here it goes:

This is one of the main things, if not the main topic, on all of us “Northlanders” minds; Everywhere we go, it’s there, and we got it all at once… that’s why it is the biggest topic in the Northland.  Yeah, we’re living in Northern Mn, so we should be use to snow and we are… we lust didn’t think we were going to get it this winter, and definately not like this. LOL 

There are many reasons this is great for debating:

No snow>masses of snow= poor driving>cancellations>accidents or low lake level will rise>less drought risk, sports…. 

In my opinion, there’s the good in this happening because we need snow but the bad is the problems snow like this causes.  I’m going to go w/ the posivive side.  The level of Lake Superior was greatly effected by the low snow throughout the winter.  If we did not have the snow– 1 to 2 feet more is to come– the lake level would have remained low.  That would have effected the economy: shipping industry.  With this the community really has a reason to be greatful.  Another important factor of finally getting snow is forest fires.  It has been so dry this winter, this summer is suppose to be too, that forest fires were suppose to be very high.  The snow is reducing this risk as well.  A 3rd factor snow is good is sport!  In the winter most people sit inside in front of a fireplace keeping nice and toasty or they go out and play.  This wniter noone could go out and play; instead, the community sat all couped up in side not doing anything but getting winter depression.  With the snow we all have a reason to enjoy where we live–Northern MN.  We can get out, move a lil, and cheer up!!!

• My second hot topic is Mayor Herb Bergson and the Bayfront Blues festival.  Bergson is trying to charge the festival in addition to rental cost but per ticket sold. 

This attempt of Bergson’s to boost revenue for Duluth I find to be greedy.  The event brings in tourist every year and those tourist are bringing in money to the community.  Those who host the event should not be charged extra to benefit the city even more.  If those people who host the event said, “screw it” and didn’t hold the event any longer Bergson would be down and out.  The city wouldn’t even benefit from the tourism the event brings in annually.  I think the best bet is to remember the old cliche: “leave well enough alone.”