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Differentiating Reasoning

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Differentiating Reasoning
CRT 205
August 21, 2011

Article #1: "Homeschoolers Deserve Equal Access to Extracurricular Activities."
In this article I believe that the author used a deductive argument. The issue described pertains to the population of home schooled children in the state of Alabama having the right to participate in interscholastic extracurricular activities. The author argues several points that lead to the same conclusion; that homeschoolers have the same right to join extracurricular sports in the community as public or private school children.
“Interscholastic extracurricular activities are an important complement to the academic curriculum. Participation in a comprehensive extracurricular and academic program contributes to student development of the social and intellectual skills necessary to become a well-rounded adult.”
“Public schools do not "own" competitive athletics; they belong to the students, their families, and the residents of Alabama.”
Several valid premises are made through this argument that I believe make it deductive. “A homeschooled student is a student just the same as a public or private schooled student and therefore deserves equal and fair treatment, especially by the state sponsored educational establishment. This should apply to athletics as well as academics.” Another point that was made, that I find to be a little disturbing, is the premise that an illegal immigrant can enroll a child into our public school system giving them an education and allowing them to participate in extracurricular activities. So why is it that a legal citizen enrolling in extracurricular activities an issue? It shouldn’t be especially if they are obtaining a valid home schooled education.
The final point I found that I believe makes this argument deductive is the premise of paying taxes. “All parents pay taxes to support the free public education system, but their children are penalized because they chose a different path to education.” I believe that they should have the same right as any other tax paying citizen does. These taxes support the cost of books, computers, faculty wages, and competitive athletics. Thus, there is no reason why homeschooled children should not be allowed the opportunity to join in these extracurricular activities, especially if their taxes contribute to the public school systems.

Article # 2: There Are Many Alternatives to Incarceration
I believe that the author for this article uses deductive reasoning as well. There are several premises in this argument as well. I believe the one of the main premises in this article surrounds the option of alternatives to imprisonment of criminal offenders, with a suspected outcome that will benefit the taxpaying population. I believe that the other supporting premise is the effects of such alternatives on the offender compared to imprisonment.
“They save taxpayers money. It costs almost $28,000 to keep one person in federal prison for one year (some states' costs are much higher). Alternatives to incarceration are cheaper, help prevent prison and jail overcrowding, and save taxpayers millions.”
[40 percent of all people leaving prison will reoffend and be back in prison within three years of their release. Alternatives to prison such as drug and mental health courts are proven to confront the underlying causes of crime and help prevent offenders from committing new crimes.]
Imprisonment is sometimes the only option when dealing with very violent crimes or repeat offenders, but in some cases the crime committed could be minor and sometimes even a one-time mistake by an individual. The alternatives of probation, parole, etc. place serious demands on offenders and provide them with intensive court and community supervision. In my opinion these alternatives really make an offender think about what they have done and take opportunities’ for rehabilitation, whereas in prison they are constantly thinking of getting out or learning ways to do things worse instead of changing, in most cases. They also still have the chance to spend time with their family members with these alternatives which I believe promotes pointing them in the right direction, because if they violate the conditions presented by the courts then they lose this one special freedom that they will not be allowed in prison. The final premise I believe is valid is the fact that almost 80% of adults believe that alternatives to incarceration are appropriate.
“Eight in ten (77 percent) adults believe that alternatives to incarceration (probation, restitution, community service, and/or rehabilitative services) are the most appropriate sentence for nonviolent, non-serious offenders and that prison or jail are appropriate only if these alternatives fail.”

APA Citations:
EqualAccess, Alabama. "Homeschoolers Deserve Equal Access to Extracurricular Activities." Homeschooling. Ed. Myra Immell. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2009. Current Controversies. Rpt. from "The State of Alabama's Tim Tebow Bill: Frequently Asked Questions and Answers." www.timtebowbill.com. 2006. Gale Opposing Viewpoints In Context. Web. 22 July 2012.
Families Against Mandatory Minimums. "There Are Many Alternatives to Incarceration." Alternatives to Prisons. Ed. Ronnie D. Lankford, Jr. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2012. At Issue. Rpt. from "Alternatives to Incarceration Fact Sheet." 2009. Gale Opposing Viewpoints In Context. Web. 22 July 2012.

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