Schobert Summary and Response

Schobert Summary and Response

In an article published in 2005 in The Washington Post, Les Schobert argues that although the Smithsonian Institution is a key part of America, the treatment of Elephants there is sub-par.  Not unlike zoos nationwide, the unnatural conditions of zoo life is creating life threatening health problems for the captive elephant population.  

With concrete ground surfaces and the inability to roam the natural 1,000 square mile range, housed elephants life expectancy is just a fraction of what it could be in the wild.  Some places around the country have made changes for the better, moving the elephants to much more suitable sanctuaries.  Most others, however, refuse to expand their policies, arguing the poor health of their animals is due to natural causes. Schobert is persistent with his belief that zoos across the US need to improve the care of the elephants, or turn them over to a sanctuary.

    I share my argument with Schobert.  I don’t have the years of experience with zoos or the care of elephants as he does, but it is easy for anyone to see that if you take an elephant out of its natural habitat regardless of the situation, it needs to be treated with the utmost care and attention.  Zoos need to create an environment for all animals, not only elephants, that is as close to their natural habitat as possible.  This would hopefully resolve most of the health issues associated with life at a zoo.  I see a problem if an animal’s well-being is sacrificed for the mere purpose of entertainment.  Its more than understandable, however, if an animal cannot fend for itself in the wild due to some circumstance.  This in no way justifies the cruel mistreatment that goes along with an unnatural setting.  I believe people need to see that having the luxury of being able to drive a few hours to see these wonderful creatures at a zoo comes at a cost to the elephants. And changes need to be done.

Introduction

Me

Hello,

     My name is Korey Cheshire.  I am in my 4th year at LCC, and after years of thought I have finally decided what direction I wanted to take with my schooling.  By some luck last year I found myself nested in the classroom of what would end up being one of the most interesting subjects to me.  The instructor was none other than the economics guru himself, Bill Burrows. I had never imagined that I would take so much interest in economics, thinking to myself I would never care about the economy until I was a grumpy old man well into my 50s. However, I was introduced by Bill to a world of importance that has surrounded me my whole life, too young and naive to pay any attention to. 

     Shortly after my second term with Bill, I was hired on as a Member Service Representative at Pentagon Federal Credit Union.  I took this job because it was a way to pay the bills, and it worked well with my school schedule. At the time it was somewhat out of necessity, but lucky for me the banking industry and my new found love for economics go hand-in hand. 

   Just a year ago I had no idea what path I wanted to venture down, but now as I continue with my schooling I see nothing but options in my future.