Articles written by James Buthman

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About me - James Buthman

I am an writer and political science PhD student living in Flagstaff Arizona. I joined Helium because it sounded fun and I believed it would be a good place to work on writing. I have started a website called Politics and Nature and have learned the difficulty

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Politics, News & Issues > Environmental Awareness Easy ways your family can "go green": 1 of 319
"Going green's" popularity reaches the heart of what it means to be American. The challenge comes in how to actually "go green". Many possibilities are open to any family wishing to move in a greener direction. It can be as simple or as complex as you choose. The most prominent measure, and not a small one, has come to nation... More..
Politics, News & Issues > Environmental Awareness Should oil companies pay a windfall profits tax?: 3 of 21
Windfall profits taxes on big oil companies will be passed on to the consumer. Unfortunately, the individuals who will pay most dearly are those that are on fixed incomes or at the lowest end of the economic spectrum under this solution. It is aimed at punishing the wealthiest and most powerful but it is not wise policy. The ... More..
Politics, News & Issues > Political & Economic Theory Understanding democracy: 17 of 73
Democracy takes many forms. The United Kingdom, South Africa, and Canada, among others, utilize a parliamentary system. The United States is based on a two party system wherein the winner takes all. Democracy in its purest form means that people govern. Today, many people are disenchanted with democracy as a theory and as a m... More..
Politics, News & Issues > Presidential Elections 2008 Who's the best 2008 candidate for promoting energy independence?: 2 of 7
The best candidate for promoting energy independence? The question begs the notion of what energy independence entails and what sort of government policies will enable the nation to wean itself away from foreign fossil fuels. Reality illustrates that it is unlikely that the United States will be energy independent any time so... More..
Health & Fitness > Exercise Tips Smokers and exercise: 7 of 17
Strange Bedfellows: Smoking and ExerciseI smoke. Have for twenty years. I can feel the effects more each year. I consider quitting. Tried many times but to no avail. If, like me, you have been unable to kick the habit, it is vital you begin exercising. Smoking restricts your lung capacity and can clog arteries. Getting up and... More..
Sciences > Social Science (Other) Will written text survive as a communication medium?: 34 of 59
Written text will survive. Fear escalated that written letters, books, and newspapers would be enveloped within the e-world. Concern was that e-mail would encapsulate everything and there would be no need for words written beyond the narrow confines of a computer screen. Newspapers are struggling with new formats and they are... More..
Sports & Recreation > Skiing The many types of skiing: 2 of 3
Winter in the Great OutdoorsWe often hear about many types of skiing. Adventure seekers find thrills in helicopter skiing, being whisked to a mountain deep in wilderness and dropped to experience fresh powder on steep ridges. Backcountry skiing requires a bit more patience, discovering untrammelled areas, surrounded by nature... More..
Politics, News & Issues > Political & Economic Theory Reflections: The true cost of "Hillary Care": 5 of 7
"Hillary Care". Another in the recitations repeated ad infinitum regarding the evils of anything proposed by the junior Senator from New York and former first Lady. Anyone with a vague understanding of the Constitution and the operation of the U.S. government will comprehend that none of the so-called plans proposed by any co... More..
Creative Writing > Humor Humor: Job interviews: 27 of 31
College was over and it was time to enter the real world. Put on a suit and tie. Cut the hair. Shave. Finally, head off into the business world to discover where fame and fortune lie. Unfortunately, the cold white cubicles blinded me. Suffocating, stale air within giant, glass covered buildings clogged my arteries and forced ... More..
Politics, News & Issues > Politics, News & Issues (Other) Smoking in the UK: Was the government right to ban smoking in all public places: 29 of 31
I do not agree with a total smoking ban. There are places wherein people should have the right to associate with whom they choose and to stay in an atmosphere that makes them comfortable. Smoking is a dirty habit and second hand smoke is a problem, yes. But here in the US, as more and more cities ban smoking entirely, it is c... More..