Luton's Media World

Luton's HDTV Review

2006-03-18T16:28:00.000-05:00

An HDTV Review: What You Need ~ What They Will Try to Sell You

By Dr. John W. Luton

The Internet TV Guru

Associate Professor of Mass Communication
Elizabeth City State University

What is all the hype about HDTV? Here is an HDTV Review!

There really is a lot of hype out there regarding high-definition television, better known as HDTV. Type those four letters into any of the major search engines and you’ll find yourself swimming in more information than you, or most other normal people, will ever be able to use.

Is there any way to make sense out of so much information? Is there an effective way of distinguishing between what you really need and what some sales person might try to unload on you? What you need is an HDTV Review!

What is High Definition Television anyway? Here is an HDTV Review!

HDTV is about the best thing that’s ever happened to home entertainment—no doubt about that! Without getting into a lot of unintelligible mumbo jumbo, HDTV is a digital television format that gives you a picture that’s about five times sharper and clearer than traditional TV. While that’s enough to make most people eager to plunk down some cash, it gets even better.

Not only does HDTV provide a much better picture, it’s viewable on a much wider screen. Regular television screens are 4:3, which defines a screen ratio of four horizontal units to three vertical units. In other words, traditional television screens are practically square. HDTV screens have a 16:9 ratio—sixteen horizontal units to nine vertical units. In plain language (which is what most of us speak anyway), an HDTV screen is almost twice as wide as it is tall. Now, where have you seen a screen like that before? Right—at the movies! Watching a television program or DVD on an HDTV set is like being in the front row of your favorite movie theater. Bring on the popcorn! Sorry, I get a little carried away just thinking about the HDTV experience.

Smart consumers, however, need clear, logical thinking. And that brings me to a very important point: Don’t let your emotions carry you away when thinking about purchasing HDTV equipment. Beware of sales persons who greet you at the door of their store with a bag of popcorn in one hand and your favorite soft drink in the other. The next thing you know, you’ll be wrapped up in their display model’s surround sound, signing your life away for something you may not want or need. Take a little time to slow things down. Let’s see what’s available before making our purchase. Again, our HDTV Review can help!

What do I really need to watch HDTV? True HD vs. HD-ready: HDTV Review has an important word of caution!

Probably the most important fact to grasp is that there are basically two major types of HDTV sets. If your neighborhood gets high-definition Cable signals, then you might want to go ahead and get a true high-definition set with the tuner integrated in the unit. Plug your unit into a power source and a Cable line and you’re ready to go.

As any good HDTV Review should point out, HD-ready sets, on the other hand, require the purchase of a tuner before they’re ready to receive the HD signal. In other words, they’re not as ready as you might first think. The problem is: HD sets with integrated tuners (the true HD systems) can cost in the thousands. So, if cost is an issue, you might want to think about purchasing the components separately. If money is no object (I’m sure that must apply to someone!), go ahead and spring for the integrated unit and you’ll be ready for HD viewing in a snap.

For an HDTV set with the regular (Liquid Crystal Display) screen, you’ll pay anywhere from $1,000 to $8,500, depending on the size of the screen. The same integrated system with a plasma screen will run from $4,500 to $15,000. So, either way, you’re going to be making a big investment. Just be sure what you’re buying is what you really want.

Are there any other considerations? Our HDTV Review has a couple of important ones!

Just as you might expect, some well-meaning, but inadequately informed, consumers have purchased HDTV equipment thinking that they’re getting the integrated system (You know—the one that’s really ready for HD viewing.), only to find out later that they need to buy something else before they can watch television in high-definition. That’s no fun—talk about buyer’s remorse! Also, you might want to check with the Cable company in your area to make sure that they’re carrying the HD signal. If all the Cable line is carrying is digital, you won’t be getting HDTV.

Now, some of those companies will try to pull one over on you by saying, “Yes, we can fix you up right away with digital Cable.” If they tell you this, don’t forget to ask: “But is your digital Cable in high-definition?” There is a difference. In addition to the screen presentations we mentioned above, many digital signals only give you 480 lines of resolution, whereas HDTV pops with 1,080. Again, and even if you’re not a techno-wizard, the more lines resolving the television picture, the more you’re going to see. So, don’t fall into the “I thought we were getting HD, but all we got was digital” trap. I’ve talked to a few people who’ve been there. It’s not a fun place to be.

An HDTV Review of Plasma Screens – Are they worth the money?

I am glad you asked because your HDTV Review has a good answer. As I am sure you’ve already gathered, plasma screens on an HDTV system will cause your price to soar well beyond what is available in LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) format. Right now there’s a big debate concerning the durability of plasma screens. The brilliance of a plasma screen will diminish over time. The gas inside the screen doesn’t wear out—it is inert — so it doesn’t have to be replaced. However, the phosphors do decrease in brilliance over time, resulting in a dimmer picture.

How long do they last? HDTV Review has you covered here too. Many of the plasma screens are currently rated anywhere from 20,000 to 30,000 hours of viewing life. If you watch a lot of television, say about 17 hours per week, the plasma screen will last from 22 to 34 years. LCD screens will last twice as long. Again, it depends on what you want. LCD screens, for their lower cost, also have better brilliance of picture, better contrast, and a wider (175 degree viewing angle). They also come in much smaller packages, just in case you don’t want to have to build your apartment around your TV set. The smallest plasma screen available now is 32 inches, and they go right on up to more than 60 inches measured diagonally.

Okay, are you ready to go shopping? Take your HDTV Review along with you!

In the final analysis, buy what you need, what you want, and what you can afford. Don’t get stuck with something hawked by a smooth-talking, and sometimes uniformed, sales person. Knowledge is power. Knowledge also makes a smart consumer. So get out there and show them what you know, make your purchase, and sit back for a viewing experience that will knock your socks off! And tell them HDTV Review sent you!

The ITV Guru – Dr. John W. Luton

How to Make Money Using Google Adsense

2005-11-26T23:48:00.000-05:00

So, you've decided to jump on the bandwagon and try to make a little money using Google's Adsense program. You and so many others -- including me. In fact, that's the reason I'm creating this blog in the first place.

What is Google Adsense?
The Google Adsense program has been around for quite some time, but a lot of people still don't know much about it. I teach at a small state-supported university in northeastern North Carolina, and many -- perhaps most -- of my students had never even heard of the program. That's another reason I thought I might write a basic article to help beginners get started in the Google Adsense program.

First Things First
To get hooked up in the Google Adsense program, first go to www.google.com . Once you're there, click on the link to Advertising programs. Go to Google Adsense and just follow the instructions that will ask you to register and supply all the pertinent information. Now, it won't do any good to go to the Adsense program if you don't at least have a blog, or a Web site where Google can place their ads. So, you'll need to take care of that little item first.

Google Adsense Likes Sites With a Theme
Web sites that are organized around a certain theme seem to attract the right kinds of Google Ads. When Google "spiders" your site, it will pick up recurring key words or phrases. Now, if you want Google to cross you off their list forever -- without ever making any money from them -- just start adding key phrases indiscriminately, or start filling up your site with key phrases that have been "white-inked." Please, do not do this!

On the other hand, if you've done a good job organizing your site around an easily discerned theme, and have strategically used your key phrases a half dozen times or so, you stand a good chance of prompting Google's spider to give you a good report when Google takes a look at your site.

Good Key Phrases Bring Good Ads
If you don't have a good number of key words, chances are Google's spider won't be able to figure out what kind of site it's just visited. As a result, you'll probably find only Public Service Announcements (PSAs) on your site. While PSAs are really good, and many of them draw attention to worthy causes, you won't make any money with them -- even if visitors are clicking your ads. That's why you'll need to use key words and phrases that really reflect the focus of your site. Once you've started with the Google Adsense program, check your sites to see what kinds of ads they're bringing in. If the ads are totally unrelated to your the content on your site, do some tweaking to see if you can coax Google into sending some better ads. Then, when visitors find your site while looking for information on their topic, you'll stand a better change of getting some clicks. Google pays according to the number of clicks your ads get. That's how it all works.

Well, I hope this basic discussion of the Google Adsense program has been helpful -- especially if you're a beginner who's trying to find out about the program. As I learn more, I'll pass it along. In the meantime, thanks for stopping by -- and, good luck with the Google Adsense program.

All the best!

--John

John Roberts: The Danger of Elusive Brilliance

2005-09-15T22:11:00.000-04:00

By Dr. John W. Luton
Associate Professor ~ Mass Communication
Elizabeth City State University

Thursday, September 15, 2005

To conclude that Judge John Roberts possesses a brilliant legal mind would probably incite little disagreement. His intelligence – some would prefer the term brilliance -- is beyond question. Like Karl Rove, and other right-wing strategists of similar ilk, Roberts’ public performance before the Senate Judiciary Committee this week has demonstrated an abundance of brain power – both in his knowledge of relevant legal matters, as well as his skillful maneuvering around direct questions. And with an intensity of gaze, an unflappable demeanor and carefully crafted use of language, his performance may have enabled this nominee for chief justice of the United States to secure his intended position. Before the votes are tallied, however, maybe one more look at Roberts’ record would spark constituents to encourage their representatives to vote against his confirmation.

While intelligence and good articulation may be essential attributes for a position on the Supreme Court, other necessary qualities are perhaps just as important. And, in Judge Roberts’ case, these qualities are missing. The chief justice of the United States should possess an effective blend of legal expertise and concern for social justice. He or she must be a stalwart defender of individual rights of American citizens – someone who will be willing to preserve all our constitutional rights, especially those freedoms guaranteed by the First Amendment.

A complete scrutiny of Judge Roberts’ record is impossible, since many documents pertaining to his White House service during the Reagan administration have never been made available to Congress or the media. This denial of access, considered alone, should have proved an insurmountable obstacle to Roberts’ confirmation. Since the White House has prevailed in its refusal to provide access to these documents, a documentary analysis (though incomplete) must focus on texts and memos which are available for scrutiny.( I wonder what happened to the more than 100,000 Freedom of Information Act requests that were submitted for key documents.)

In light of the missing documents, Judge Roberts’ testimony could have provided answers to clear up any misgivings regarding his past service as well as actions he might take as chief justice. Instead, the judge skillfully used language to further cloak and obscure meaning. So, much that we derive from his testimony must be based on what he did not say.

At no place in Judge Roberts’ two and one-half days of testimony did he express passionate support for the First Amendment, that first article of the Bill of Rights that guarantees the freedoms of speech, press, religion and other vital personal liberties. In fact, when Sen. Patrick Leahy asked Roberts under what conditions the Supreme Court might justify a denial of media access, Roberts said, “Senator, I haven't dealt with a lot of First Amendment access cases. I studied one about media access to prisons, for example; the issue about whether the media had a right of access to prisons -- they wanted to report on it. And so I'm not terribly familiar with the precise levels of scrutiny that apply.”

Are we, as Americans, seriously considering the confirmation of a candidate who is “not terribly familiar” with the levels of scrutiny that apply in First Amendment cases? If Roberts is confirmed, we can expect one of two scenarios. In one, the Supreme Court will be presided over by a chief justice whose lack of experience in First Amendment access cases may need to rely on other sources and influences to reach decisions, rather than the doctrine of stare decisis, which follows legal precedent. A second scenario might present a chief justice who avoids acting on decisions he does not fully understand, especially those pertaining to the media and the First Amendment. Either way, the American people stand to lose precious ground.

Equally disconcerting is Judge Roberts’ lack of forthrightness when questioned about such issues as civil rights, abortion and the death penalty. In each instance, Roberts declined to address questions that might cause him to prejudge cases that could come before the Supreme Court. What a convenient way to skirt some of our country’s most important issues! Sen. Dianne Feinstein could only gasp at such responses, saying, “Many of us are struggling with exactly that: what kind of a justice would you be, John Roberts?" Sadly, Senator Feinstein’s question is as appropriately posed at the end of Judge Roberts’ testimony, as at the beginning.

While some are predicting Roberts’ certain confirmation, the American people are left with a nominee for chief justice of the United States, about whom we know very little. And what little is known about John Roberts – his alleged brilliance notwithstanding – provides cause for no small alarm.

John W. Luton, Ph.D.
Associate Professor ~ Mass Communication and Media Law
Elizabeth City State University
Elizabeth City, NC 27909

There's nothing like planting a garden!

2005-05-16T15:40:00.000-04:00

Monday, May 16, 2005

Dr. John W. Luton
Associate Professor - Mass Communication
Elizabeth City State University

Planting a garden is a wonderful way to relax.

Looking for a great way to relax? Then why not plant a vegetable garden this year. It's a great way to reduce stress and enjoy the outdoors, while preparing for some really great summer eating experiences.

I finally got out there today and planted my garden. Finishing a task like that always gets me excited -- more so than getting started.

So, what's in the garden this year?

I put in nine hills of squash (including crooked, straight and zuccinis), fourteen tomato plants (one cherry type, three that are supposed to bear monster fruits, and ten bush varieties that aren't supposed to require staking).

Next to the tomatoes, I put in six pepper plants. Three of these are sweet cherry peppers (which I've never tried before, but they sound delicious). The other three are sweet golden peppers. I couln't find any plain green peppers at my favorite gardening center; but the clerk said they should have more in a couple of days.

On the far end of the garden, I planted five hills of cucumbers. Four hills are of the straight variety (for salads). The remaining hill is planted in cucumbers that are supposed to be just right for pickling. Just in case my mother decides to make up a batch of her famous sweet pickles -- What these will do for tuna or chicken salad!

Don't forget the rabbits!

At the last minute (while still in the store), I decided to help out my furry rabbit friends by scrapping the last cucumber hill and converting the space for a small row of radishes and carrots. We like radishes and carrots too, and we'll probably get a few of them. I just thought it might be neat to plant some for the rabbits and just watch them feast. Something about Peter Rabbit and Farmer Brown's garden must have touched me I guess.

Gardening goes a little deeper than the seeds.

Well, I'm not sure anyone else will have an interest in reading about my garden, but I thought it might be nice just to jot down a few thoughts after planting this year. There's something about planting a garden that makes me feel at one with the earth -- like a certifiable tree-hugger. I grew up on a farm and I think my dad felt a similar connection to the soil. I love to watch things grow; I think I got that from Daddy because he did too.

Maybe being outside and digging in the dirt reminds me of a simpler time in my life -- before things got as hectic as they sometimes do nowadays. At any rate, I had a good time planting my garden this year and I can't wait for my wife to get home so I can show it off. I know she'll be pleased too. Then, in a month or so, we'll start reaping the fruits of my labors. With the price of tomatoes, I might even save a buck or two, but that's just a side benefit as far as I'm concerned. The real joy comes from watching seeds grow into plants which then blossom and bear fruit. I guess it's a lot like life.

I just hope I can bear enough fruit to justify where I'm planted.

Any thoughts or comments? Thinking about planting a garden? I'd love to hear about it!

Enriching Entertainment Art Through Inclusion: Issues Facing the Entertainment Industry

2005-05-12T15:12:00.000-04:00

Dr. John W. Luton
Associate Professor ~ Mass Communication
Elizabeth City State University

What are the top 3 issues facing the entertainment industry today? Here they are:

Taking a Stand for First Amendment Rights

The main issue facing the entertainment industry today is the need to be allowed to operate with the degree of freedom of speech guaranteed by the First Amendment of the Constitution. The entertainment industry provides entertainment and all expressions of civil liberties should proceed without any hindrance from the federal government and politicians who court votes from conservative constituencies by indicting Hollywood for all the evils of society.

Accurately Reflecting Society

A second concern is the challenge of relecting demographic segments of society in ways that are accurate and fair. The mass media, while reflecting reality, can also be used to shape images and perceptions that influence behaviors. In times past, certain ethnic groups were presented in one-dimensional ways. These presentations often reflected cultural, racial and, sometimes, religious biases. While the entertainment industry must remain free as a means of artistic expression, producers and directors should also operate in the awareness that media tools effect powerful influences that can and do shape attitudes and actions.

Leveling the Playing Field

Finally, the entertainment industry must address the underrepresentation of certain groups (including gender and racial distinctions) in the film industry in particular. While advances have been made in this area, an increased awareness of the present and potential contributions of all racial and ethnic groups will greatly enrich entertainment art and encourage more people to see the industry as a realistic goal for viable employment.

Any comments? All viewpoints are welcomed and respected.

Interview with Bill Luton, Author of 'Drop Corndogs First'

2005-05-03T21:26:00.000-04:00

May 3, 2005

Bill Luton, author of the newly released "Drop Corndogs First" (iUniverse Publishers) sat down with Luton's Media World to share a few thoughts about his book.

LMW: Why did you decide to write this book?

Bill Luton: I wrote Drop Corndogs First to try to arm young managers with some of the tools I thought would really help them accelarate the advancement process in their careers. I think too many managers burn out and fail to succeed due to lack of training and deserved guidance from their supervisors.

Drop Corndogs First will not make good managers, but I hope it will help up-and-coming managers reach their full potential. Drop Corndogs First is not an instruction manual; it's a mindset and it's also fun.

Where else can you learn time management by playing "Tetris?"

LMW: "Drop Corndogs First" is an interesting choice of words. What inspired the title?

Bill Luton: The title was drawn from the time management section of the book. If you were cooking a meal in a fast food setting where corndogs take the longest to cook and require little or no attention during the cooking process, you should drop corndogs first.

I have also used the illustration with my cooks in operations. They liked it so much that any time I started to correct them for not using time management in the cooking process during a rush, they would tell each other to "drop corndogs first, guys," even if there weren't any orders for corndogs. Once again, it's a mindset.

LMW: You've chosen iUniverse as your publisher -- what did you like about the publishing process? What were any disadvantages?

Bill Luton: iUniverse is an excellent company. I chose them because I had firsthand knowledge of their process. I liked the step-by-step, fully electronic publishing process. The chief disadvantage was that they have become very commercialized. They thrive on "up-sells" and costly recommendations for additional text editing, etc.

LMW: What do you see as the primary use for your book?

Bill Luton: I hope Drop Corndogs First will be recognized as having some beneficial content, and that it will be used as a training manual. I think the real purpose for the book is to make managers better. I hope that will be the primary use.

LMW: Any other writing projects in the works?

Bill Luton: I've started the research phase for a book about the National Restaurant Association's ServSafe® Food Safety Certification program and test. I want to help managers become more knowledgable about food safety and more marketable in the restaurant business.

ServSafe® certified managers are so widely recognized as being an asset to a restaurant that many health departments give one or several bonus points on the health inspection grade just because a restaurant has a ServSafe® certified manager working there. My book will help managers sort through the vast course material and will use easy techniques to learn the program and pass the test.

LMW: Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts, Bill. And please keep us informed about your book's progress and any new projects that may be coming up.

Bill Luton: Thank you.

"Drop Corn Dogs First" can be ordered from iUniverse Publishers, New York (ISBN: 0-595-34703-7). For more information, and to read the first chapter of "Drop Corndogs First," follow the link below:

Drop Corndogs First

Bill Luton Publishes 'Drop Corndogs First'

2005-04-30T21:02:00.000-04:00

Saturday, April 30, 2005

Bill Luton, a seasoned manager with RARE Hospitality, has just published a training manual titled "Drop Corndogs First."

The book is a guide for "Growing Restaurant Managers" -- a topic Luton certainly knows something about. One of the youngest managers with RARE Hospitality, Luton's experience in the restaurant business dates back several years. His advancement in the business has been quite rapid.

When asked about other writing projects currently in the works, Luton said he'd like to complete another training manual that will help manager trainees pass other standard modules in the industry such as the ServSafe® program.

Anyone who would like to purchase "Drop Corndogs First" can do so by visiting the iUniverse Web site, or by clicking the link below:

Drop Corn Dogs First

Pope Benedict's Inaugural Mass

2005-04-24T06:39:00.000-04:00

Sunday, April 24, 2005

By Dr. John W. Luton

While I must admit it was a little tough viewing the mass of Pope Benedict XVI at 4:00 a.m. (ET), what I heard made my early rise worth it all.

Although fewer people attended the new pope's inaugural mass than were found at John Paul's funeral, those in attendance (as well as the ones who tuned in via TV) were treated to a mass that was embroidered with strands of hope and reconcialtion.

No mere dour keeper of theological starch this new pope -- Benedict XVI presented a homily that will benefit believers and unbelievers alike. After all, who wouldn't like to see a genuine rapprochement between the peoples of the world. Though Benedict XVI is obviously from the same mold as John Paul II (and that's not a bad thing), many viewers of his inaugural mass are likely to come away with a sense that the new pontiff will quickly emerge with his own personality and agenda -- a glimpse of his own individuality that will be welcomed by the faithful.

It will be interesting to measure the reactions of people of other faiths to Benedict XVI's overture of reconciliation. Jews will likely embrace the pontiff's well articulated celebration of the Judeo-Christian shared cultural and religious heritage. Muslim reactions to the pope's words are likely to be more restrained, yet favorable within the mainstream. Extremists in all groups are likely to remain unimpressed.

Any comments? All views are welcome and appreciated.

Do we really want Bolton in the UN? President Bush's "How to Destroy a Country in Two Administrations or Less" drama continues.

2005-04-23T03:36:00.000-04:00

Saturday, April 23, 2005
By Dr. John W. Luton

George Bush has done it again! To prove that he's completely out of sync with reality, Bush has tapped one of the most anti-UN people in the United States for the position of -- gasp!-- ambassador to the very organization he detests.

In selecting John Bolton for U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, President Bush continues to effectively demonstrate his total lack of understanding about -- well, just about everything. Not only has he almost singlehandedly mired our country in a war from which we may never extricate ourselves, he's added fat to the fire by nominating Bolton as UN ambassador. Yes, this is the same Bolton who, in opposition to sounder thinkers and better intelligence, helped orchestrate one of the most egregious and far-reaching notions of our time: the administration's weapons of mass destruction fantasy, which "justified" the present war with Iraq.

Is this the kind of person we want representing the U. S. in the United Nations? Never in a million years. So, what prompted Bush to settle in on this particular nominee?

My theory is that our president, in a consistent demonstration of his penchant for gathering "like thinkers" around him -- in order to perpetuate his rubber-stamping, group-thinking approach to running the country -- must have decided long ago that Bolton was a man he could not afford to be without. Unlike former Secretary of State Colin Powell, who continually registered strong disagreement with many of the president's policies -- I can't wait to read that book --, Bolton has consistently demonstrated the "yes man" mentality that Bush thrives on. Hence, Bolton's nomination for this key spot before the rest of the world.

Is Bolton's dour demeanor the image of America that we need to project? A thousand times no! He just happens to agree with George Bush's overriding desire to flaunt American jingoism -- the "us four and no more" theory of statesmanship -- and to flout the pesky encumbrances of collegial peer pressure. Bush, while in office as well as when he flunked his test on world leaders a few years ago, has done everything in his power to demonstrate his belief that the UN is, at best, a body of powerless resolution-makers whose rules and regulations don't faze him in the least. And with Bolton, the chief respondent in Bush's amen corner, the president has found a kindred spirit -- one with mean streak that he's all too willing to unleash on anyone who thinks otherwise.

So, as congress continues to open Bolton's baggage and air his dirty laundry en route to what many pundits are predicting to be an ultimate confirmation, we continue to observe, with few exceptions, partisan party politics at its best -- notwithstanding Assistant Secretary of State Ford's on-the-record remarks and Powell's behind-the-scenes suggestions to the contrary.

If John Bolton is confirmed in his nomination to this high post, we're in for a rough For someone who doesn't believe that cloning is moral and ethical, Bush seems to be doing a good job of it when it comes to reproducing cronies who share his less than stellar grasp on what's right and good for our country. Bolton's nomination is just the latest chapter in George Bush's serialized version of how to destroy a country in two adminstrations or less.

As always, I welcome your opinions. All views are welcome.

Ratzinger Elected Pope

2005-04-20T00:05:00.000-04:00

April 20, 2005

After a few puffs of black smoke -- one column amid pealing bells -- the most watched chimney in the world finally released a steady stream of white. This time the bells missed their cue by about ten minutes, but soon the world was informed that a new pope had been elected.

The election of Joseph Ratzinger, the first German pope to be elected in more than 500 years, came as no surprise to anyone. Ratzinger, a Vatican insider and a favorite of the late John Paul II, always figured prominently whenever media comentators speculated on the replacement for John Paul. Now, with Pope Benedict XVI steering a conservative course for more than 1 billion Catholics worldwide, will the Church move even more to the right? Only time will tell.

Many German Catholics are saying that the new pope is too old and too conservative to move the Church into the 21st century. Some have expressed their disappointment that a younger, more progressive pope was not elected. Still, and in spite of foredrawn conclusions based on Benedict's conservative theology, the new pontiff does indeed seem to be one to set his own policies based on heartfelt, if conservative, convictions. While many will not like the fact that Benedict will probably continue the late John Paul's ban on women in the priesthood and married priests, they will find in the former Joseph Ratzinger a pope who will serve admirably as the vicar of Christ.

This is likely to be a very exciting ride and, I intend to follow his words and actions closely. So stay tuned!

St. John Paul? Why not?

2005-04-15T21:10:00.000-04:00

There is a growing worldwide sentiment that the late Pope John Paul II should be beatified in record time and then ushered directly in sainthood. Already reports of miracles are surfacing in support of John Paul's canonization.

According to one such report, while visiting Mexico more than a decade ago, the pope kissed and blessed a little boy with leukemia. Within a day or so, the boy -- four years old at the time -- began to feel strong and soon experienced a complete recovery. The recipient of the pope's blessing, now a health 20 year old, attributes his miraculous recovery to the pontiff's intervention.

According to Catholic scholars, such miracles that take place during an individual's life do not qualify for canonization consideration. Rather, a total of two miracles that occur after death must be attributed to the one who is being considered for sainthood. It will be interesting to see if claims of such miracles are brought forward in Pope John Paul's behalf.

As a protestant, this whole discussion of canonization and appropriate miracle verification has me not just a little puzzled. But one thing is for sure: According to untold millions of people, John Paul should be granted sainthood. Being accustomed to close political elections in which a victor is sometimes declared by the narrowest of margins, it seems to me that John Paul II is way ahead in the canonization polls. Further, I doubt if a protestant endorsement would strengthen the pope's case for sainthood, but I'd certainly be willing to cast a vote in his favor. I really don't see how it could hurt. After all, if John Paul's isn't deserving of sainthood, who is?

Thoughts on Pope John Paul II

2005-04-03T19:41:00.000-04:00

While I've lived through the reigns of several different popes, the papal image that will always come to my mind is of John Paul II.

I'm not Catholic, but I did attend seminary in Baltimore, Maryland, at the Ecumenical Institute of St. Mary's Seminary. St. Mary's was the first Catholic seminary in the United States. Since my days there, I've been keenly aware of all things Catholic -- especially anything involving the pope.

I believe Pope John Paul II was an amazing individual. I didn't agree with much of his conservative theology, but I have always possessed great admiration for his social conscience. During the past week I've heard a number of Catholic officials and news reporters attribute much credit to John Paul for the demise of Communism. I doubt that John Paul himself would have accepted such unqualified accolades. I, however, agree with the commentators that he had as much to do with the fall of Communism as anyone.

One thing that really impressed me about this pope was his accessibility to children and youth. How many children he must have kissed during his life. This also reminds me of the one whose presence he represents. Jesus always seemed to have plenty of time for the children too -- even during the final days of his earthly ministry when his enemies were busy plotting his crucifixion.

Other actions of John Paul left an impression on me as well. I'll never forget the images of John Paul's visit to the cell of his would-be assassin. While this kind of behavior may have been expected of the pope, I really believe his actions were heart felt.

Now, the Roman Catholic Church must, through their cardinals, choose another successor to the apostle Peter. I'm certain they'll choose wisely and I'm hopeful that the new pope will make great strides toward strengthening relations between Catholics and other persons of faith throughout the world. This individual, in my estimation, will have big shoes to fill as he succeeds Pope John Paul. However, I'm sure that in the years to come, the new pope will engender just as must love and respect as the man whose image and actions remain etched in the lives of Catholics and the rest of us.

I'll follow his ministry closely, comment on his words and deeds, and -- most importantly -- I'll offer my own prayers as he strives to well represent his Lord and mine. Still, there will always be a very special place in my heart for John Paul, my favorite pope -- so far.

To read more articles by Dr. John W. Luton, visit his Author page at Pulse Media International.org. Just follow the link below:

Dr. Luton's Articles.

Still Thinking of Terri Schiavo

2005-03-25T00:10:00.000-05:00

Luton's Media World
"The Lunch Hour Report"
Special Edition
Thursday, March 25, 2005

By Dr. John W. Luton
Associate Professor ~ Mass Communication
Elizabeth City State University

Like many others, I suppose, I'm still not comfortable with the position I desribed on yesterday's blog, "Weighing in on Terri Schiavo." After today's developments -- the refusal of the U. S. Supreme Court to review the case and the additional denial of the Florida Court to re-insert Terri's feeding tube -- I felt like I needed to do some more thinking. And since I require the tactile stimulation of a computer keyboard to think, here's what I've come up with.

I listened to Larry King's broadcast tonight and appreciated many of the comments by guests who represent both sides of this tragic dilemma. One thing that really grabbed me was the guest who commented, "Her parents can't even put an ice cube on her lips."

Even though I still believe that Terri's wishes should be honored -- as shared by her husband's intention to allow her to die -- the image of medical personnel refusing a parent's placing an ice cube to Terri's lips is heart-rending. This demonstrates further just how tough a decision both Mike Schiavo and Terri's parents, the Schindlers, are confronted with. On one hand you have a husband who is trying to be faithful to his wife's wishes; and on the other, a tragic situation that no parent should ever have to endure.

As it stands now, it looks like the feeding tube will not be re-inserted and Terri Schiavo, after a long ordeal, will soon be at rest. My hope is that all of her family and friends who are hurting so much will be able to mourn her passing in a manner that is both healthy and productive.

As with any case like this, self-appointed alarmists and insensitive opportunists are sounding a call to arms, as if somehow the government has suddenly decided to declare war on all persons who have a serious disability, or are in a coma or similar state. I hope the people who are motivated by the prospect of political gain will desist from such preposterous suggestions. I have more confidence in our country than to believe that this would be anyone's intention.

In closing, my thoughts turn once again to Terri's bedside where a woman's life is slowing ebbing away -- blissfully unaware of the attention and clamor her situation has prompted. Perhaps this is the one blessing that remains: that Terri will somehow sense only the love and concern so many people are expressing for her -- even though these expressions have taken on such radically opposite forms. How unfortunate it is that people who are prompted by a common love can apply their love so divisively.

"Weighing In" on Terri Schiavo

2005-03-23T16:48:00.000-05:00

Luton's Media World
"The Lunch Hour Report"
Wednesday, March 23, 2005

By: Dr. John W. Luton
Associate Professor ~ Mass Communication
Elizabeth City State University

When I first encountered her in the hallway at school this morning, I knew my colleague had something on her mind - something important.

"So, have you weighed in on Terri Schiavo?" she asked as she leaned against the wall that joins our two offices. I knew immediately what she meant, but I asked for a clarification.

"You mean, did I write anything about her yet on my blog?"

"Yeah," she replied. "I thought you might have something up by now. How do you feel about her?"

Then I realized why I hadn't written anything. I really didn't know how I felt about Terri Schiavo, or if I should even be having an opinion -- let alone expressing it. Terri's situation, it seems to me, requires a personal decision. I somehow felt like I was violating her rights by even commenting on something that I felt deep down was really none of my business.

The conversation with my colleague was cut short; we both had classes to teach. I was given a temporary reprieve.

Now, it's later in the day and I'm at home, still thinking about Terri Schiavo, her husband Mike and her parents, the Schindlers. As soon as I turned on CNN, it seemed that everyone was talking about Terri. So, partially out of a sense that I was somehow shirking my journalistic duty, I decided to make an attempt to organize my thoughts. Maybe this will be meaningful to someone else who's having a similar problem.

First, I feel really sorry for Terri. Her life basically ended when she had the heart attack 15 years ago. It's unimaginable that she would have been living in a "vegetative" state since then. While I don't like that phrase "vegetative," I understand why it's used of people for whom there is such a small degree of quality of life. Judging from those clips that they play over and over on TV (which I understand are several years old), it doesn't seem like Terri's had any quality of life for years.

So little is known about one's ability to perceive while in such a condition. Does the person see you? Hear you? Has the conscious part of the brain completely shut down, rendering any type of response impossible? So many questions. The doctors don't really understand the situation completely; how can lay people?

I also feel for Mike. He's made an attempt to continue his life and now has a new family, but I can't begin to understand what he's been going through these last 15 years or so. I have a great deal of compassion for the Schindlers too. They're clinging to whatever tiny thread of life their daughter possesses and fighting hard to have the feeding tube re-inserted. To watch one's child starve to death must be gut-wrenching. I cannot even imagine their pain.

How would I want to be treated?

The only approach I can think of, as a means of forming my own opinion, is to wonder how I would want to be treated if I were Terri. So, I'm making sure that my family and close friends know my wishes -- to be allowed to die. This way, I would be able to abandon a quasi-existence and my family could begin to move on. Of course, how I would like to be treated in a similar situation really has nothing to do with Terri Shiavo.

If Terri were my wife, and she had conveyed her sentiments to me, I would attempt to carry them out. I sincerely believe this is what Mike Schiavo is trying to do. All we really have to go on in this situation is Mike's perception of Terri's wishes. The Schindlers, feeling that they have a better sense of their daughters wishes, are fighting hard to keep her alive.

To make matters worse, if that's possible, politicians are adding their words to the mix. For such personal matters to become politicized represents a most appalling misue of positional clout. And, to insinuate that parties on either side of this issue do not value life is a egregious misreading of intentions. What has now become an intense national debate is peopled by two conflicting views, but it should be recognized that the heat comes from the fact that both sides do indeed value life, and value it highly.

Sanctity of Life and Marriage

I believe we should let Terri die, not because life isn't valuable or because she has become a "throw away" of society, as some have employed the characterization. We hear the phrases "sanctity of life" and "sanctity of marriage" bandied about so often these days. If we really believe life and marriage are sacred, then we should honor a husband's representation of his wife's wishes in this most horrible of circumstances. As difficult as this decision must be, the feeding tube should not be re-inserted.

My prayers are with all those involved -- especially Terri. I also pray their ordeal will come to an end very soon.

To read more articles by Dr. John W. Luton, check out his Author page at:

Dr. Luton's Articles.

Also, feel free to visit Dr. Luton's new Public Speaking Tips Blog at:

Public Speaking Tips

A Tribute to Jessica Lunsford -- So We Don't Forget

2005-03-19T14:31:00.000-05:00

Luton's World Media
"The Lunch Hour Report"
Special Edition
Saturday, March 19, 2003

By: Dr. John W. Luton
Elizabeth City State University

Have you ever wondered what you might be doing at this exact moment -- five years from now? Ten? Or, more? Certainly, we've all thought along these lines. The reason I'm having these thoughts today are because of a little Floridian girl named Jessica Lunsford. No, like millions of others, I never knew her or anything about her until I saw her picture on television last February.

Her winsome smile and bright pink hat drew me closer to the television set. Before I heard the reporter's voice-over, I thought to myself, "What a beautiful child." A moment or so later, the reporter's words finally broke into my consciousness and I realized that Jessica had gone missing from her home.

"Oh dear God," I said as I joined my prayer to perhaps millions of others who soon learned of Jessica's disappearance. Days wore on with no news, but my attention was captured anytime I heard her name mentioned or saw her smiling photograph that has now been etched into my memory.

The Citrus County Sheriff's department and hundreds of concerned neighbors and family members stood admirably by the immediate family as everyone waited for news. Following procedures, law enforcement officials began questioning registered sex offenders, verifying their whereabouts to see if any leads or connections could be made. One such offender, John Evander Couey, afraid he would be sought by the police, violated probation and fled to Atlanta, Georgia. Probation officers alerted law enforcement that he had moved without giving required notification, and soon he was picked up in Atlanta for questioning.

While in custody, Couey told police that he had abducted and killed the young girl. An intensified search of an area near the Lunsford's residence was conducted. Early this morning, before dawn, Jessica's body was discovered some 150 yards from her home. Another victim of a known sex offender released early from prison.

I don't think I could ever forget Jessica. Her photo reflected a young child so full of life, so eager to experience all life had to offer. When I think of the image of Couey, her 46-year-old murderer, his face aged well beyond his years, I realize that the system that was designed to protect our children from sexual predators has failed miserably. That failure has cost another life.

Unfortunately, what could have or should have been done is now moot with regard to Jessica Lunsford. The focus must be placed on how such atrocities might be prevented in the future. The time is long overdue for re-visiting laws that apply to the sentencing and parole of convicted sex offenders. With more than 10 burglaries on his record, Couey had served only two years of a 10-year prison sentence when he was paroled. In this case, his early release back into society has caused Jessica's early departure. How many other children has he harmed or killed? How many others like him are still out there plying their evil compulsion?

Please speak out in favor of our children. Let your voice be raised so that the guilty will not go free so they can rob life from the innocent. And, five or ten years from now, as you remember Jessica's rosy cheeks and enchanting smile, may we all be able to say that her death was not in vain.

My prayer is that new and better laws will carry her name. Laws that will keep sex offenders in prison where they belong. Laws that will protect those members of society who often cannot protect themselves -- our innocent children.

Wolfowitz -- Wrong Man, Wrong Job

2005-03-16T10:48:00.000-05:00

"The Lunch Hour Report"

By: Dr. John W. Luton
Associate Professor ~ Mass Communication
Elizabeth City State University

March 16, 2005

Just the mention of Paul Wolfowitz -- that war hawk who has served as one of President Bush's chief architects of the war in Iraq -- brings to mind a phrase that haunts me: He's the wrong man for the wrong job.

First, the job -- president of the World Bank. While one might wish it were all a joke, Paul Wolfowitz's nomination for the top spot at the World Bank is no laughing matter.

Let's take a quick look at the World Bank's mission statement:

"The World Bank Group’s mission is to fight poverty and improve the living standards of people in the developing world."

The Bank is chartered as a "development Bank which provides loans, policy advice, technical assistance and knowledge sharing services to low and middle income countries to reduce poverty."

Okay, does this really sound like a job for Paul Wolfowitz? Well, let's see -- he has served in the Pentagon in numerous positions. No, that's no good -- the Pentagon's mission is not really about fighting poverty -- just fighting. And that organization doesn't really focus on improving the living standards for people in the developing world.

So, his pentagon experience, including his service as one of Donald Rumsfeld's deputies, doesn't really qualify him for president of the World Bank.

What we do have in Paul Wolfowitz is a slightly more articulate George W. Bush. That, as far as I can see, is Wolfowitz's sole qualification for the job. He thinks like Bush. Frightening, isn't it?

At this morning's White House news conference, Bush made a foggy statement about self-dialogue. While I didn't understand his comment at the time -- I'm used to that -- now that I think about it, it's becoming all too clear.

If Bush continues to surround himself with people who are essentially his clones, his late blooming legacy-seeking agenda has a better chance of accomplishing its purpose: writing in indelible historical ink what the less intelligent half of the American people already believes -- that Bush has been a great president.

You may not be able to fool all the people all the time, but half the people? The chances seem pretty good!

Now the matter rests with the World Bank's 24-member board: what to do with Wolfowitz? My suggestion: Send him any place where he won't have anything to do with making life better for poor people.

Otherwise, be prepared for more nation-building policies that resemble the one in Iraq:

1) Destroy the national infrastructure.
2) Ignore petty concerns like collateral damage.
3) Set up "good ol' boy" American businesses for re-tooling.
4) Fund the whole strategy with tax payer money.
5) Denigrate archaic concepts like "allies" to promote American jingoism.
6) Send in a Wolf (or, a Wolfowitz will do nicely) to care for the flocks or poor and homeless.

And we all know what they'll do with the leftover sheepskins!

Are the 24 members of the World Bank's board too wise to be duped?
I certainly hope so!

Educators and Teachers: The Tug-of-War Between School and Home

2005-03-14T22:21:00.000-05:00

By: Dr. John W. Luton
"The Lunch Hour Report"
Tuesday, March 15, 2005

When it comes to cooperation in the classroom, educators and parents could learn a thing or two—maybe even from each other.

Whether your child’s school is situated in a bustling city like Raleigh or Charlotte, or in a smaller community nestled in northeastern North Carolina or similar setting, no one disputes the parental desire for quality education. These are our children, after all. Like resilient little sponges, their minds are busily absorbing tidbits of every encounter. We want them to complete the educational process with full possession of those necessary faculties that bring income and fulfillment in life. And, as parents, we sometimes feel we possess all the components to achieve this outcome. So begins what many perceive to be an enthusiastic and unrelenting “tug-of-war” between the school and home.

Educators, on the other hand, usually see themselves as the ones who ought to be directing this whole intellectual shaping and guiding process. After all, they are the ones who’ve endured the arduous years of study to earn their sparkling educational credentials. They are held accountable for the children’s mastery of age-appropriate learning skills. Their salaries and career advancements are linked to their students’ performance on assessments like End-of-Grade tests. They—many of whom are parents themselves—are, indeed, the professionals in education, and they sometimes resent parental intrusion upon their turf.

And so the opposing teams stand facing each other, holding their respective ends of the rope, gritting their teeth for added intimidation effect as the match begins. Should this characterization be dismissed as a mere exercise in hyperbole? Or, have we peered realistically into that arena where educators and participative parents often vie for ultimate control? While truth may lie between the extremes, which often seems to be the case, perhaps a truer picture will be gained by sketching a scenario that depicts a common encounter between school and home—a vignette from the trenches, so to speak. Imagine a familiar school setting.

A car pulls into the drive of one of local schools. The brakes emit an annoying squeak as two primary-aged scholars clutch their necessary affairs and lean to welcome a departing gesture of parental affection. Good-byes said, the sister and younger brother traipse toward the school building under their mother’s protective gaze. Once inside, the couple part ways and head for their classrooms. Their teachers, stationed near the classroom doors, exchange cordial morning greetings as students quickly populate rows of blond Formica-topped desks. The school day begins.

While the sister navigates successfully through the day’s strategically placed hurdles of learning, her sibling, unfortunately, clips a number of his own. His day has been disastrous, the salient points of which are communicated in the all too dreaded “letter home.” The ominous envelope and contents are nervously examined by the intended recipient as she investigates her son’s back pack. The letter is upsetting, and without mentioning anything to her son, the mother allows silent words of determination to swirl internally. Words motivated by that oft-experienced combo-emotion of parental disappointment, shame and anger. Plans are laid and the necessary time off from work arranged. There will be a showdown.

The next morning, mom and children arrive earlier than usual as the car pulls into one of only two available spaces in the small parking lot. With a confrontational “chip” positioned squarely on her shoulder, the mother escorts her two children to where the halls divide and then marches with observable purpose into her son’s classroom. The teacher, who has not yet assumed her station by the door, greets her with a look of surprise and strains to issue a welcome. Curt pleasantries are exchanged and the three are seated.

“I got your note,” the mother begins as she refuses to make eye contact. “It seems my son is personally responsible for wreaking havoc in your classroom. I think I’ll visit today and see for myself—with your permission of course.”

From the teacher’s perspective, the mother’s tone conveys the familiar “Not my little darling” tactic, which often reflects a parent’s failure to admit that the child is capable of doing anything wrong—at least at school. The mother’s predictable next phrase confirms the teacher’s diagnosis.

“My son does not behave that way at home. Either the other children are bullying him, or he is just simply bored. I’d like to see how you manage your classroom.”

Ah yes, the bored child syndrome rears its head in another classroom, claiming one more innocent student as its victim. This “dreaded” condition may manifest itself in a variety of ways, but perhaps the most common is by robbing an unfocused child of personal agency, prompting a display of unacceptable behaviors for which he or she cannot be held responsible. Parents, who should know their children better than anyone, are expert in recognizing the evil effects of boredom. Their conclusion: Misbehavior stems from boredom, which results from instructional and classroom management strategies that are lacking. Primary culpability must surely lie at the teacher’s feet. Some parents, motivated by anger, set out to prove their theory by visiting the classroom. Cue the participative parent.

Inwardly, the teacher struggles to dismiss such prejudicial thoughts and, with a calming breath that she hopes is not too apparent, extends an appropriately-voiced invitation for the mother to stay. Beaming with professional pride that she has managed to say the right thing, in spite of her offended feelings, she soon begins leading her pupils through the morning’s lessons.

As the day progresses, however, this participative parent observes a couple of actions that puzzle her. In a classroom context, as the teacher had indicated in the letter, her son does indeed have difficulty remaining on task at times, even when participating in activities he enjoys. Without saying anything, the mother continues her reconnaissance mission in hopes of gaining evidence to the contrary. She monitors every action with the acuity of a scientist.

When the students are arranged for small-group activities, the mother notices that her child becomes easily irritated, uncharacteristically argumentative, and, at times, belligerent toward the other children. While the teacher employs measures of proximity and re-focusing instructions to manage the class—techniques that seem to work well with the other students—the visiting parent becomes increasingly aware that her child might benefit from a more comprehensive approach. In a wide-eyed look of utter disbelief, the mother prepares to wave the white flag.

At the day’s conclusion, when the other children have been dismissed, the former adversaries once again seat themselves for a session of strategic planning. The sister helps occupy her brother in the back of the classroom while the adults confer. This conference, however, seems bathed in an atmosphere that is more open and receptive than the earlier one. Less productive expressions of emotion and previous faulty perceptions have diminished in a manner that facilitates more effective communication. In the more comfortable context, the mother manages to articulate her true feelings.

“I’m afraid I may have spoken too hastily,” she offers apologetically. “I’ve never seen him act this way at home. It’s just that, when I read your letter, I just knew you were hinting at an attention deficit. I’ve read a lot about A.D.D. and A.D.H.D. and, to be honest, I feel that sometimes educators jump the gun when it comes to suggesting medication. Maybe some teachers just don’t want to deal with a child who is more active than most. How do you know when the diagnosis is on target?”

At the parent’s suggestion, the teacher addresses the mother by her first name and begins to explain several approaches that are sometimes used for diagnosis and intervention. After several moments, a shared strategy involving medical examination, questionnaires, daily academic reports and support activities are detailed. An agreement is reached that includes open and frequent communication between home and school. Both parties leave the school convinced of the other’s concern and support. A common goal has been identified and a partnership begun.

While this confrontation between an educator and a participative parent ends happily and productively, less friendly encounters occur just as frequently, and to little positive avail. While most educators and parents are equally vigorous in their desire to provide for the educational needs of their children, a meeting of the minds is sometimes difficult to achieve for a number of reasons.

As a parent, I have occasionally felt as if my children’s educators evinced an attitude of condescension toward me and my wife, especially in some of their written communications. As I reflect back on episodes in our own experience, I don’t remember this problem being as apparent in face-to-face encounters. My wife and I are teachers, and we know that it can be difficult to adequately express one’s intended message in the written medium. Letters home are sometimes composed when emotions still hold sway over clarity. These notes may have been hurriedly scribbled at the end of a long, trying day, or, perhaps, during an elusive snatch of time that has been seasoned with endless interruptions. Previous parental encounters that have gone awry may still loom in the memory and, with renewed determination to assert authority and set the boundaries (or maybe even unintentionally), teachers may come across to parents as harsh, insensitive, or demanding. Such triggers can even release tucked-away feelings of a parent’s own educational misadventures.

Just as written communication—created in a less than serene context—may not effectively present a teacher’s true intention, the parent’s world is filled with its own seemingly unending array of challenges. By the time work is concluded, the commute home navigated, the evening meal and a host of other activities attended to, a letter from school, discovered just before bedtime, is not a welcome sight. No matter how supportive the parent might be, the threshold of tolerance will only protect from so many perceived assaults. I use the word “assaults” with much consideration, because I have often bristled while reading a letter from one of my children’s teachers, especially if I felt my child was being unjustly (or justly!) criticized. I have always been determined to be supportive of educators—call it preservation of my species—but the parental radar can be an indomitable force that sidelines reasoning. With my own reasoning sitting on the bench, I, too, have drafted a few letters to the school that I later regretted. And so the conditions are set for a win-lose proposition.

In moments when I have been possessed by clearer thinking, I have been able to remind myself that everyone—educators and parents—are really on the same team. For years, we’ve been straining and tugging against each other when we could have been working together. Wouldn’t it be astounding if, when observing a tug-of-war, both teams suddenly lined up on just one side of the rope? All opposition would be obliterated—because there would be no opposition!

What’s the key? Well, I certainly don’t have all the answers—remember I’m the one whose capacity to think reasonably has often sat on the bench. But, in retrospect, the more I tried to appreciate the other’s perspective, and the greater sensitivity I allowed to guide my interactions, the more satisfying the results. Again, educators and teachers are all about the same thing. We want to provide an educational experience for our children that will serve them well in life. Each perspective can provide a piece to the puzzle of how best to promote learning. Each is vital to the process. Armed with these and similar realizations, I have gained a deeper appreciation for educators and parents. Both have a wealth of insight and experience to contribute to their children—and to each other.

By: Dr. John W. Luton
Associate Professor – Mass Communication
Department of Language, Literature and Communication

To read more articles by Dr. John W. Luton, visit his author's page at Pulse Media International.org.

You can access this page by clicking the link below:

Luton's Articles

Alan Greenspan: Deficit Hawk or Lap Dog?

2005-03-07T12:51:00.000-05:00

The topic I'd like to address on today's "Lunch Hour Report" is:

How do we figure out Alan Greenspan?

You see, I've been having a lot of trouble understanding what he's up to lately. How could the same person who helped drive the economic successes of the Clinton Administration find anything "good" to say in defense of George Bush's plan to privatize Social Security?

Okay, just to be fair, Greenspan actually said that personal accounts "might be good for maintaining the solvency of Social Security" for the next several years. I guess that's not the same thing as saying Bush's plan is good. But for those of us who'll be depending on that Social Security check in a decade or so, the thought of privatization is, well, not just a little frightening.

Greenspan also recommends reducing benefits for Social Security retirees. Bush, if he possessed a thread of intellectual honesty, would admit that maintaining solvency in the Social Security program would probably require a combined approach including benefit reduction and other strategies. The one that comes to my mind is the removal of the cap on how much income is subject to Social Security taxes.

Both Bush and Greenspan have indicated their fascination with consumption taxes as a means of increasing revenue and reducing the deficit. It seems to me that the removal of the Social Security income cap would apply a similar principle of basic economics. With a consumption tax, the more you spend, the more taxes you pay. Social Security taxes should be assessed in a similar manner: The more you make, the more Social Security taxes you pay in and, at retirement, the larger your benefit.

The failure of politicians and economists to promote the lifting of the Social Security income cap prevents the utilization of a valuable revenue source. Maintaining the cap, and locking the reservoir of potential funds, could seriously jeopardize the solvency of a program that was designed to provide financial security for people during the time of their lives when earnings are generally down and living expenses continue to rise.

Alan Greenspan, usually quite hawkish on deficit reduction strategies and a staunch supporter of economic growth, has seemingly misplaced his voice when it comes to arguing against George Bush's disastrous ideas to privatize Social Security. Nor has he used his powerful position to decry the ludicrous 2010 deficit projection of $219 billion, an amount that conveniently leaves out a couple of expenditures -- like the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, for example!

So, Mr. Greenspan, are you someone we can turn to as our country stands on the brink of financial disaster? Or will you continue in your service as presidential lap dog? I liked you much better as a hawk.

Invitation to Respond -- All views sincerely welcome!

And now, my dear readers, I've had my say. I'd like to hear from you!

John W. Luton
Luton's Media World "Lunch Hour Report"
Monday, March 7, 2005