Child welfare

Colorado’s child welfare system is not in compliance with federal regulations on child safety and well-being. The review found that Colorado did not meet standards for abuse in home care and placement stability. The state has recommended establishing a centralized call system for reporting suspected abuse and neglect, the creation of a child advocate office and stricter timeframes for providing services to families that move to different jurisdictions.

This is an ethical issue because children’s welfare was not in compliance with regulations and children especially need laws for their protection.

Consumer group claims Zhu Zhu hamsters unsafe

In this article, one of the hottest selling toys of the holiday season is seen as unsafe for consumers. The Zhu Zhu hamster is said to carry high amounts of a potentially hazardous substance, antimony. “We found levels of about 93 to 106 parts per million,” O’Rourke told CNN. “The new federal standard is about 60 parts per million.” Antimony is used in textiles and plastics to prevent them from catching fire. Producers of this product say that it is safe for consumers.

Corporations have a duty to test and re-test products to make sure they are safe for consumer. With the holiday season approaching rapidly, this is a very serious issue. If this is one of the hottest items of the holiday season, millions of kids are going to be wanting these hamsters. Comments?

http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/12/06/zhu.zhu.toys/index.html

AB

Comcast aquires NBC, possible monopoly brewing?

This articles discusses the acquisition of NBC by Comcast from General Electric.  With the purchase Comcast has become a larger jugernaut in the cable providing business.  However, there are concerns being raised that Comcast could restrict cable providers from airing NBC programs or charge high prices to these providers.  There is govt. legislation that restricts these type of practices.  There are many skeptics of the purchase and the viability of the deal being profitable for Comcast.    The deal gave Comcast control of NBC network and the NBC universal film studio.  One critic of the deal claims it will lead to higher prices and fewer sources for unique content and innovation.

I believe the deal between Comcast and GE will be a success for everyone. The governmental regulations in place should protect the consumers and other businesses from unfair practices.  Furthermore, Comcast wouldn’t risk their reputation and economic value by acting in monopolistic fashion.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704007804574574090503124988.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

DWT (Driving While Talking)

Cellphones have been promoted the most to drivers. These seems like it should almost be illegal because researchers at Harvard estimate that driver using cell phones cause an estimated 2600 crashes a year and 570,00 accidents a year. Critics of the industry argue that the recent education efforts provide a weak counterbalance to its encouragement of cellphone use by drivers. Critics say the industry should do more, like overt warnings on packages and screens.

I agree that safety should be promoted over the use of cell phones while driving. This is not ethical to tell drivers to use their cell phones while driving because this is a distraction which can cause accidents, death, and injury.

Favre says he played “a lot” with concussions

In this article, the discussion of how serious concussions are and how they can affect players seriously in the future. Brett Farve tells NBC that he has continued to play countless games with serious blows to the head. With athletes, especially football players, the severity of concussions is ignored. After having a few serious blows to the head, the results can be permanent brain damage. Athletes of the NFL are constantly playing games with these serious injuries.

After Ben Roethlisberger took a serious blow to the head and had a pretty serious concussion, you would think that the NFL would take a more serious action to ensure the safety of the athletes. What do you think the NFL should do to help create a more safe playing environment? Comments?

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2009/12/06/favre-says-he-played-a-lot-with-concussions/

AB

Internet piracy

The government of Spain has proposed new measures to curb the digital piracy of music and movies. The proposal calls for the use of government sponsored commission to investigate and shut down websites accused of being a conduit of piracy. This week,music industry groups presented a petition signed by more than 2,500 musicians calling for stronger action against illegal copying, which is not an offense in Spain.

I feel that it is not ethical to copy people’s music without giving proper compensation for their work so I agree with this law. I feel that this should be passed and enforced.

Flying with the flu? Some may be tempted

In this article, the issue of people traveling for the holiday season when they are well aware that they are sick. The H1N1 flu virus is very contagous and for some reason people arent taking this situation very seriously. Some still traveling when they know their sick and not taking proper safety precautions. People dont seem to be worried when they are in a tiny, cramped airplane cabin that these germs are going to spread and very well like wild fire.

I personally think travelers need to be safe and very aware of their surroundings espically during the busy holiday season. Some people need to travel and airplanes are the only method for them. If this is the case, pack your bags properly with a mask and carry antibacterial hand sanitizer. Comments?

http://www.cnn.com/2009/TRAVEL/11/23/flying.with.flu/index.html

AB

Philanthropy at its finest

Three months ago, Kushal Chakrabarti co-founded vittana.com. This website soared when The Huffington Post named this website “The Ultimate Game Changer in Philanthropy”. They are a student loan organization that cater to microfinance institutions in third world countries. So far they have made loans totaling $37,000 to 33 students. There are major banks that give loans in these countries but they are typically so expensive that they are out of the reach of most families.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/06/us/06vittana.html?hpw

The work that vittana.com is doing is very commendable and a good thing for the people in these countries. It is honorable to help someone get an education so that they can better themselves and make a better life for themselves and family in the future.

Freddie Mitchell arrested

In this article, Formal Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver, Freddie Mitchell was arrested for failing to pay child support. This all arose from a tweet from CSN Philadelphia. Mitchell has been in the media for his countless attempts to be signed by the Cincinnati Bengals.

Mitchell was wrong for not paying child support and should be held accountable for his actions. There is also the question of privacy that raises controversy. Was Leslie Gudel of CSN Philadelphia, violating Mitchell’s privacy when she tweeted his personal business? Comments?

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2009/12/06/report-freddie-mitchell-arrested/

Business Ethics in College Curriculum

With the downfall of many “successful” companies being linked to a lack of business ethics, many people in the collegiate business environment believe courses in ethics, sustainability, and CSR should be more prevalent in today’s scholastic environment. The article mentions that when today’s business leaders were studying for their MBAs, there was a severe lack of emphasis on training in business ethics. The article mentions surveys given to alumi, students, and senior managers that agree there is a need for a greater emphasis on the growing issues of business ethics in bachelor and MBA programs

http://www.hrmagazine.co.uk/News/MostEmailed/972104/Ethics-CSR-sustainability-greater-prominence-business-schools-curricula/

I believe that there is a need for additional courses that offer knowledge in ethical business practices. As the future leaders in business, it is essential that we have this knowledge because we will have the responsibility of building and rebuilding a economic environment that prospers while operating with highest ethical standards.