https://www.echeat.com/ Coursework Assessment (2) There probably won’t appear to be many mutual benefits around with regards to Brexit. Be that as it may, the approach reaction to a potential recession could be one of them. It would be destroyed for the UK if similar mix-ups were rehashed just 10 years on from the monetary emergency. Mark Carney, the Bank of England’s Governor, has demonstrated that it is more probable interest rates should be cut than brought up in case of no deal. Different individuals from the Monetary Policy Committee have alluded to more resource buys. Without strategy from the Treasury, that would obliterate any expectation of putting something aside for less fortunate families and youngsters. In the meantime, those with a lot of monetary and property resources will cash-out by and by. As Positive Money showed even before the Brexit vote, there are a few choices for expanding the cash supply without undertaking Quantitative easing. Two specifically would help unburden the UK’s most denied areas and families (In Santos et al. 2021). Both would require organizing strategy across the Treasury and the Bank of England. The first would be a ‘helicopter drop’ – a strategy it is difficult to accept doesn’t as of now highlight in national bank tool compartments (Van Kerckhoven, 2021). The Bank could purchase a specific volume of government bonds, with a guarantee to turn them over in interminability, depending on the prerequisite that they are promptly planned to go out to families as an oddball tax reduction of a similar incentive for each citizen. UK families, burdened with obligation and by and large spending more than they procure, could utilize a bonus from the public authority. Theresa May’s 2020 declaration of £1.6 billion for ‘left-behind networks through the ‘Stronger Towns Fund’ compares to roughly 0.08% of GDP (In Santos et al. 2021). Envision a national bank upgrade that would precisely balance the yearly effect of somberness, specifically 1% of the UK’s GDP, or around £20 billion (not exactly a large portion of the first extension of the Bank’s asset report concurred in March 2009). All things considered, that would hand all of the UK’s 27.2 million families nearly £750 (Van Kerckhoven, 2021). Those families that go through the cash will contribute straightforwardly to additional interest and inflation. Besides, the deal is equivalent by plan, yet the additional money would mean the most to those battling to cover their 2021-04-26T09:59:19.117-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Brexit-45511.aspx Name Course Professor Date Can Plato’s Kalllipolis Come into Being? One of the striking works in the world was the Republic, and even with more passing time, it still is on the top list of intellectually and historically compelling writings of political as well as philosophical theories. Of the earliest philosophers, Plato was famous for developing a utopian state model. Utilizing his concepts of a just society, Plato had an assertion of creating an ideal city using a fictitious discourse between Socrates and other philosophers. There has been a lot of arguments amongst scholars over the centuries regarding the intent of Plato in writing the Republic. However, its effect on succeeding philosophers and societies tends to be evident. Among the purposes of Plato's Republic is bringing forward the concept of a just state. He gives a sketch of how such a nation should be structured, the people that would govern it, the type of education that could be offered to the children and several other aspects. Plato additionally goes into detail, declaring the ideas that might strike a contemporary leader to be petty, and more so wicked. Utopia is a society characterized by extremely desirable aspects or rather a perfect community. Nevertheless, the most crucial question is if Plato's Kalllipolis can come to being. Arguments around the query tend to differ among various philosophers with some stating that his ideas were just but fictional while others visualize a strong possibility. Some of the elements comprised in the utopia are exceedingly current, but it is indeed impossible for Plato’s Kalllipolis to be built and prevail in the modern society. The initial suggestion for the Republic’s deal city is regarded as a sincere and health model for utopian life. The city offers only the most fundamental necessities for its citizens encompassing shoes, shelter, food, and clothing. Its construction is on a modest division of labour whereby every person performs a simple task depending on his most proficient skills. Everyone agrees to take his stand in the City and engages in activities that are supposed to benefit him as well as the rest of the citizens.The reason for doing is this that his requests are met. Plato proposes kallipolis to be the ideal political state. His proposition of presenting the ideal city is the construction of a model of justice as it may be evident in a governmental entity or nation. He argues that the city, as well as 2018-12-05T04:05:46.397-05:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Can-Plato’s-Kalllipolis-come-into-being-45462.aspx Name: Tutor: Course: Date: Political Science: American Government The major theories that revolve around the American leadership are pluralism and elitism, which concentrate on the distribution of power. In this case, the pluralist theory is defined as one where the government has all the members sharing equal status with regards to possessions, authority, and privileges (Krutz and Waskiewicz 17). In other words, this form of leadership seems to appeal to the public including the less fortunate. On the other hand, elite theory entails the privileged individuals and those who have attained the success ladder in the sense that they are in a position to take up the governing power due to their notable prominence. Such power distinction of power started to be evident during the historical periods. The main reason the American colonists revolted was due to their belief that they had been denied their privileges, especially in the aftermath of the French and Indian battle (Bardes et al. 45). The initial feeling before the revolt was that they were becoming more prosperous and that they deserved more rights than those from Britain. In essence, the American government is formed through elitism despite many arguing that pluralism has a part to play in its creation. In fact, this can be seen from the political class that rules the nation, who are well educated and prominent individuals in the United States. Chapter 1: Elitism vs. Pluralism The question whether the American government is formed by the citizens or the elite is debatable. In this case, it is clear that the United States gives a chance to its people to take part in leadership in various ways. Moreover, it is created into many diverse levels and departments where citizens can access services. In this case, some people may argue that the citizens in the United States influence the actions by their government (Krutz and Waskiewicz 16). However, opponents of this pluralist theory argue that this is not the case in the United States because many economically and politically privileged individuals tend to influence the leadership. The above information leads me to the belief that the elites form the government in the current regime. In this case, I would agree with authors, such as Wright Mills who indicated that the government is mostly under the hands of the business community, military, and the political elites (Krutz and Waskiewicz 16). The leaders are well-established individuals who have graduated from prestigious 2018-01-26T05:58:02.14-05:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Political-Science-American-Government-45416.aspx How The US Is Unfair to Its Poor People in The 21st Century Name Affiliation Date How The US Is Unfair to Its Poor People in The 21st Century The poor people in America that mainly consist of the minorities have often complained about the lack of government support in improving their conditions. In reality, the government has failed to offer the opportunities that can facilitate their likelihood of succeeding. This essay will reveal how the government has failed to stop the racial discrimination in the job market, banned certain businesses, and placed strict requirements for the minorities seeking loan facilities, and the issues have clearly intensified the situation of the poor people. The government has failed to set strict policies that will reduce the racial employment gap. In this case, the poor people have been unable to get the jobs that can help them in getting a constant source of income. Alan et al. (n.d.) reveal that the “unemployment rate for adult white high-school dropouts (11.4 percent) was less than the rate for blacks with some college education or an associate’s degree (11.6 percent)” (417). The scenario clearly proves that the poor people are less likely to get money that can improve their conditions because of the discrimination. Most minorities have been unable to access any loan facilities that can assist them in financing their business ventures. In particular, Alan et al. (n.d.) assert that “more stringent collateral and credit requirements” have led to the black businesses failing to get enough loans that can support their daily needs (420). More important, the Black people have been unable to secure employment opportunities, and starting business ventures have turned out to be a huge problem. The government has also focused on banning ice creams and cigarettes with the aim of protecting the population, yet, they are interfering with business opportunities. However, abolishing ice cream in Brooklyn and the cigarettes in New York showed how the government was not ready to support the poor people in saving themselves from severe poverty (Mangu-Ward, n.d.). Most minorities are simply trying to create a proper way of getting enough income to cater to their needs and ending such initiatives shows the lack of government support. The US government should provide a supportive environment that will offer the poor people a chance to get the loan facilities and friendly policies. Most of the Black people and other minorities cannot access the loans because of 2017-06-02T02:26:07.493-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/How-The-US-Is-Unfair-to-Its-Poor-People-in-The-21st-Century-45337.aspx Diaz Elects a Governor" & "Mexico Revolution & Stability "Diaz Elects a Governor" and "Mexico Revolution and Stability." In the article Diaz Elects a Governor and American Revolution, the words caudillos and scientific have been mentioned. The two words are nicknames that Mexican people had given their political leaders during the year 1908. Those political leaders believed in natural law and argue that the nation cannot develop without their control. Those leaders have manipulated the country and believe that no person can rule the country without their involvement (Gonzales, 2002). I think 2016-07-28T23:34:07.29-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Diaz-Elects-a-Governor"-"Mexico-Revolution-Stability-35207.aspx Since three years, the war in Syria has started. It has claimed the lives of thousands of people and forced additional three millions to flee their lands to live in harsh conditions in camps in the neighboring countries. For many people, the war seems pointless and peace is far-reachable. Yet peace is not as harder as they think if these three ways are used efficiently: active negotiations, cutting military support and national reconciliation. The first feat that the international community strongly insists on for peace restoration in Syria is active negotiations. Both sides of the conflict in Syria, the regime and the military opposition, have to get to the negotiation table to wholeheartedly make every effort to reach a satisfactory solution to their crisis. Negotiations are indeed an effective way to solve international conflicts if both sides give concessions to progress .For instance, after the Second World War, France and Germany succeeded to put an end to their inherited hostility and restored their relationships. Moreover, both of Al-Assad’s regime and the military opposition should appreciate and respect each other’s proposals because if negotiations lack respect and appreciation, they will surely reach an impasse. Most importantly, convening”Geneva2”conference will lessen to some extent the intensity of the conflict. All the sides involving in the war should agree unanimously on the conference resolutions and strive to put an end to the ongoing sectarian war in the country. Negotiations remain useless if violence in Syrian is still escalating in unbearable proportions. The second step to be taken to achieve peace in Syria is to cut military support from both of the regime and the opposition for military support prolongs the uprising. Russia and China have signed transactions with Al-Assad’s regime to supply it lavishly with the latest weaponry. Also the opposition has received arms from their Gulf allies namely Saudi Arabia and Qatar with which poorly will fight the government troops. Furthermore, the International Security Council must intervene to stop the flooding of terrorists into Syria. These terrorists, already being trained and incited by fanatic organizations or individuals serving hidden agendas, have committed war crimes in Syria. For example, ”DAESH”( Arabic abbreviation for :the Islamic state of Iraq and Sham) an extremist Islamist militia in both Syria and Iraq has killed children and raped women and enslaved hundreds of civilians in territories under its control. If Al-Assad’s regime falls, these 2013-10-21T11:47:48.93-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Uprisings-in-Syria-how-to-find-peace-2-34975.aspx Uprisings in Syria: how to find peace? Since three years, the war in Syria has started. It has claimed the lives of thousands of people and forced additional three millions to flee their lands to live in harsh conditions in camps in the neighboring countries. For many people, the war seems pointless and peace is far-reachable. Yet peace is not as harder as they think if these three ways are used efficiently: active negotiations, cutting military support and national reconciliation. The first feat that the international community strongly insists on for peace restoration in Syria is active negotiations. Both sides of the conflict in Syria, the regime and the military opposition, have to get to the negotiation table to wholeheartedly make every effort to reach a satisfactory solution to their crisis. Negotiations are indeed an effective way to solve international conflicts if both sides give concessions to progress .For instance, after the Second World War, France and Germany succeeded to put an end to their inherited hostility and restored their relationships. Moreover, both of Al-Assad’s regime and the military opposition should appreciate and respect each other’s proposals because if negotiations lack respect and appreciation, they will surely reach an impasse. Most importantly, convening”Geneva2”conference will lessen to some extent the intensity of the conflict. All the sides involving in the war should agree unanimously on the conference resolutions and strive to put an end to the ongoing sectarian war in the country. Negotiations remain useless if violence in Syrian is still escalating in unbearable proportions. The second step to be taken to achieve peace in Syria is to cut military support from both of the regime and the opposition for military support prolongs the uprising. Russia and China have signed transactions with Al-Assad’s regime to supply it lavishly with the latest weaponry. Also the opposition has received arms from their Gulf allies namely Saudi Arabia and Qatar with which poorly will fight the government troops. Furthermore, the International Security Council must intervene to stop the flooding of terrorists into Syria. These terrorists, already being trained and incited by fanatic organizations or individuals serving hidden agendas, have committed war crimes in Syria. For example, ”DAESH”( Arabic abbreviation for :the Islamic state of Iraq and Sham) an extremist Islamist militia in both Syria and Iraq has killed children and raped women and enslaved hundreds of civilians in territories under its control. If Al-Assad’s regime falls, these 2013-10-21T11:37:06.617-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Uprisings-in-Syria-how-to-find-peace-34974.aspx Human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran This article is about human rights since the 1979 Islamic revolution. For the previous regime, see Human rights in the Imperial State of Iran. The state of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran has been criticized both by Iranians and international human right activists, writers, and NGOs. The United Nations General Assembly and the Human Rights Commission[1] have condemned prior and ongoing abuses in Iran in published critiques and several resolutions. The government of Iran is criticized both for restrictions and punishments that follow the Islamic Republic's constitution and law, and for actions that do not, such as the torture, rape, and killing of political prisoners, and the beatings and killings of dissidents and other civilians.[2] Alleged restrictions and punishments lawful in the Islamic Republic which violate international human rights norms include: harsh penalties for crimes; punishment of "victimless crimes" such as fornication, homosexuality; execution of offenders under 18 years of age; restrictions on freedom of speech, and the press, including the imprisonment of journalists; unequal treatment according to religion and gender in the Islamic Republic's Constitution - especially attacks on members of the Bahá'í religion. Reported abuses falling outside of the laws of the Islamic Republic that have been condemned include the execution of thousands of political prisoners in 1988, and the widespread use of torture to extract repudiations by prisoners of their cause and comrades on video for propaganda purposes.[3] Also condemned has been firebombings of newspaper offices and attacks on political protesters by "quasi-official organs of repression," particularly "Hezbollahi," and the murder of dozens of government opponents in the 1990s, allegedly by "rogue elements" of the government. Under the administration of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad Iran’s human rights record "has deteriorated markedly" according to the group Human Rights Watch,[4] and following the 2009 election protests there were reports of killing of demonstrators, the torture, rape and killing of detained protesters,[5][6] and the arrest and publicized mass trials of dozens of prominent opposition figures in which defendants "read confessions that bore every sign of being coerced." [7][8][9] Officials of the Islamic Republic have responded to criticism by stating the IRI has "the best human rights record" in the Muslim world;[10] that it is not obliged to follow "the West's interpretation" of human rights;[11] and that the Islamic Republic is a victim of "biased propaganda of enemies" which is "part of a greater plan against the world 2012-05-26T18:47:01.96-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Human-rights-in-the-Islamic-Republic-of-Iran-34576.aspx Choose an example of a failed state and identify the major causes of its problem. How could we solve these problems? State is one of the core concepts in the study of politics. There are several definitions of state but all of them come to a conclusion that state is an institution trying to put a society in proper order. In other words, a failed state might lead to social disorder within the state and even in the global community. To identify the causes of a failed state, the nature of states would be firstly discussed and the consequences of a failed state would be examined. Moreover, the case of Somalia is chosen as an example and the failure of the country in various aspects and the causes of failure would be studied. Lastly, solutions directed to the causes of the problem would be proposed at the end of the essay. A state, in the simplest way, can be understood as a governmental structure recognized by the public includes the bureaucracy, the military and the courts and so on. (Heywood, 2007) It is different from a government in the sense that it is permanent as it does not change with a change of governors. A state also refers to an instrument of domination and is a monopoly of ‘legitimate violence’. (Weber, 1946) It is sovereign and enjoys absolute power over any other groups in the territory. There are still many other definitions of a state. Nevertheless, no matter which definition we adopt, the goal of having a form of state is for the good of the public and a state is supposed to reflect the permanent interests of the community. As state plays an important role politically, a failed state would induce serious negative effect on the country. According to the Foreign Policy (2010), a failed state is defined as a state fails to physically control its territory, loses its legitimate authority to make collective decisions, is unable to provide reasonable public services and interact with other countries as a full member of the international community. An institution with legitimated authority, a state failed to exercise its power might lead to lawlessness. No one observes laws and rules and the society would be highly unstable and unrest. People’s right and property are not protected and the country would have little, or even no, economic growth. A failed state would also affect 2011-11-30T12:27:15.673-05:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/A-Failed-State-and-its-Problem-34368.aspx This research paper examines the basic provisions of the ADA, and then discusses several issues involving the law and its application. I Introduction The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is federal legislation designed to prevent discrimination against disabled people. It applies to all disabled persons, no matter the nature of their disability. This paper examines the ADA and discusses some of the ramifications of the legislation. II Americans with Disabilities Act The Americans with Disabilities Act (hereafter ADA) was enacted in 1990, and its purpose is stated thusly: “The Americans with Disabilities Act gives civil rights protections to individuals with disabilities similar to those provided to individuals on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, and religion. It guarantees equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities in public accommodations, employment, transportation, State and local government services, and telecommunications.” (“Questions and Answers,” PG). It is designed to protect against discrimination in employment for “qualified individuals with disabilities.” (“Questions and Answers,” PG). These individuals include both applicants and employees. An individual is considered disabled if he or she has either a mental or physical handicap that severely limits “one or more major life activities, has a record of such an impairment or is regarded as having such an impairment.” (“Questions and Answers,” PG). People who have a relationship with a disable person are also protected from discrimination based upon that association. The Act makes a distinction between those that are impaired, have a record of impairment, or who are regarded as impaired. This distinction is significant. The first definition covers those impairments that severely limit a “major life activity.” This means anything that makes it difficult for someone to breathe, see, speak, etc. When functioning is interrupted as this fundamental level, the person is considered disabled. The definition extends to cover people with “epilepsy, paralysis, HIV infection, AIDS, a substantial hearing or visual impairment, mental retardation, or a specific learning disability…” (“Questions and Answers,” PG). Such things as flu, broken bones, and other injuries that can be considered minor are not disabilities within the meaning of the Act. The second part of the definition, “has a record of such impairment,” covers people who have been disabled but are now recovered, such as someone who has had cancer, or mental illness, but is now back at work. (“Questions and Answers,” PG). Discrimination against such persons 2011-10-26T23:34:29.663-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/The-Americans-with-Disabilities-Act-34159.aspx This paper discusses various aspects of social inequalities, including free trade and corporate greed, and further discusses the ideas of Plato, Nietzsche and Marx with regard to class struggle, and how the ruling class became the ruling class. Political Thought Free Market Concerns and Corporate Greed in the 21st Century I Introduction In the latter half of the 20th Century, and particularly in the 1990’s, we have seen an increasing tendency toward the privatization and “marketization” of many facets of our lives. The argument about the unregulated free market has been going on for centuries, with conservatives tending to argue that the free market works and should be left to its own devices; and liberals pointing out that such a “dog-eat-dog” position often means that the very people who should be able to compete are instead forced out of the market. This is perhaps the most basic example of the way in which large economic issues impact society. The example that most Americans have before them, however, is that of Enron, Worldcom, and other giants of “Corporate America” whose egregious business practices have led to the suffering of the many while a few grew enormously wealthy. The social and economic inequities that result when greed runs rampant, aided by a government that either cannot, or will not, act to curb the excesses, are startling, and can undermine the entire societal structure. We also see examples of privatization in the suggestion that government programs should be run by private concerns: prisons are already one of the largest growth industries in the United States, and the current Administration is seeking support to privatize Social Security. These ideas are questionable at best, and at worst, are being suggested in order to maximize profits to a few, again at the expense of the many. This paper will examine the inequities that result when the so-called “free market” is left on its own; it will also examine briefly the type of philosophy that drives people like the Enron executives, and in order to do so, it will look at the writings of Plato, Marx and Nietzsche to see if clues and explanations for today’s behaviors can be found in their writings. It also argues that unbridled greed is vicious; that the government must resume its basic duties and responsibilities toward its poorest citizens; and that Corporate America must be regulated. It also argues that 2011-10-26T23:17:16.883-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Free-Market-Concerns-and-Corporate-Greed-in-the-21st-Century-34153.aspx [color=black:fb92fd082c][/color:fb92fd082c]The Foreign Policy of Mexico is not that open to many countries. This is because of their democratic beliefs based on the doctrines Carranza ad Estrada. However, as time passed Mexico is starting to veer away from this path. Trade paves way for another path which will hopefully enable Mexico to have a strong and effective foreign policy and thus have strong ties with other countries. According to the Democracy Coalition Project, while the foreign policy of Mexico has increasingly integrated democratic standards that became institutionalized throughout Latin America in the 1980s and 1990s, the belief of Mexico in the basic principles of non-interventionism has prevented it from taking a role in leading the defense of democracy in the Latin American region. Furthermore, it has abstained from participating in, and did not receive international electoral observation missions until 1994. In general, Mexico tend to be cautious of any practices suggested in the “international fora” that have seemed to impose foreign values and practices on other countries. According to Democracy Coalition Project, “the result of repeated foreign interventions in the nineteenth century and its struggle to establish revolutionary governments, Mexico’s foreign policy came to be based largely on the Carranza and Estrada doctrines”. These two doctrines, the Carranza and Estrada, are doctrines that advocated the principles or beliefs of non-intervention, non-aggression and the self-determination of nations, regardless of the actions by which any government came into power. As said by the Democracy Coalition Project, over time these doctrines were used and manipulated by authoritarian regimes which led to their using of these two doctrines as a shield against international inquiry of internal undemocratic practices. These doctrines allowed Mexico to not to “care” about their neighboring countries thus, weakening their foreign relations with other countries. Although Mexico is still a supporter of non-interventionism, beginning with the Salinas Administration which was from 1988-1994, it has begun to move away from this strict obedience to these principles- the Carranza and Estrada doctrines. Mexico has relied on a variety of tools to promote democracy abroad, including participation in electoral observation missions, provision of technical electoral assistance, and adoption of most regional instruments to defend democracy. According to the website Mexidata.info, during the Salinas administration integration into the global economy rather than democratic political reform, continued to dominate domestic and foreign policy. International agreements, such as the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), focused on economic development and did 2009-03-13T12:42:46-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Mexican-Foreign-Policy-34013.aspx Part 1: Physical Health; Mental Health; Moral Monster; Future Crime Against Somebody; Unnatural 1. Physical Health This chapter deals with the arguments concerning the body harm which illegal drugs cause. The arguments for putting drug abusers into jail or mental institutions is that thus their health is saved. Drugs are bad for the health, they kill, jail is better, makes you live longer. Let us take the hardest drug – heroin (to which all ‘soft’ drugs eventually lead according to propaganda). I have never tried heroin, and would feel bad if someone close to me developed a heroin dependency, but I definitely would not ‘forbid’ heroin. They say “once you start heroin, you’re a goner”, and that “people die from heroin”. These statements are absurd. People do not die from heroin alone – in fact, in places where there is a tradition of manufacturing it, like Afghanistan or Pakistan, there are old people of 80 and over, who have been taking it since they were 10, and are still alive and kicking. Or at least alive and mumbling. People, who shoot heroin into their veins, and who die young as a direct result of this practice, die generally due to three reasons (apart from being put into jail): a) overdose; b) dirty heroin; c) disease from dirty syringe. When someone dies from a heroin overdose, this happens because the consumer of heroin is never sure of the concentration of heroin inside the dust he buys from the dealer. Suppose that Jimmy is used to a 15% heroin and 85% added obscure crap mixture. If someone sells him a mixture in which the heroin is 30%, he must take twice less than usual, otherwise, he will have an overdose – a dose of heroin to which his organism is not conditioned. But Jimmy does not know what he buys, because it is illegal, and there is no quality control. In fact, he dies, because heroin is illegal. If heroin was legal, bought at the local drug store, with strict quality control of the product, he would not have died. When someone dies after injecting heroin mixed with rat poison, it is reported as “junkie dies after injecting heroin”, not “citizen dead in rat poison scandal”, but if someone dies after drinking wine with rat poison in it, he will be treated as a victim of poisoning, people will not blame the wine. When Jimmy 2009-02-12T13:37:40-05:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/My-Choice-to-Abuse-Drugs-33971.aspx Illegal Immigration Rights One of the most controversial issues facing America is illegal immigration. This is a problem that must be stopped as it hurts America’s economy, tax paying citizens and the economies of the country they left. Undocumented immigrants leech off of tax payers, take jobs and housing of hard working citizens, and leave their country of origin without skilled workers and help lead it into poverty. Being undocumented, immigrants do not have pay as many taxes as normal citizens do, such as income tax and social security. Legal American citizens pay taxes to support health care, welfare, public schools and many other social services, many of which, are taken advantage of by illegal immigrants. If a child is born in America, even with illegal parents, it is a registered American citizen, making it the states burden to make sure it gets taken care of adequately. So your tax dollars are going towards welfare and food stamps for illegal immigrants just because they had a child on American soil. The majority of Americans, since the 1950’s have been predominantly a working middle class, who have been accustomed to a middle class lifestyle. With illegal workers fleeing into the country, who are willing to work for less then the average pay for that work, the salaries of legal workers are going down, as employers are getting cheaper labor from undocumented citizens. This is making it harder for American citizens to get good paying jobs. Illegal immigrants also tend to bring down the standard of living in their communities. The higher illegally immigrated cites on average have 30% longer commuting time, 40% more people living in poverty, 60% more high school dropouts, twice as many violent crimes, twice as many unemployed, more than twice the welfare dependency, and more than seven times as much crowded housing. Illegal immigration not only effects America, but it also hurts the country they are leaving. By leaving their country and coming to America illegally, immigrants are leaving their country, and taking away skilled professionals. This causes a smaller work force and can lead to poverty in smaller communities, which will lead to even more illegal aliens fleeing to America. Illegal immigration into America is a very serious problem and needs to be addressed as so. They drain America’s economy by taking from the system and not returning the 2008-12-18T02:25:52-05:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Illegal-immigration-undocumented-aliens-essay-33923.aspx Can we ever think of a society free of violence? Can the government ensure a peaceful society? What are the goals that the perpetrators of terror activities seek to achieve? Are we losing the war against jihad-is? These are some of the issues that come out of the in-depth discussion on the terrorism. In a layman’s language, terrorism is a sort of violence that is aimed to achieve some goal. These goals are generally those, which the government denies to the perpetrators of the terror activities. These monstrous activities have been ramped up in the recent weeks, in India. This calls for a strident response on the part of the government. Terrorism is more awful than the war. When there are the indications of war, we have the room for the tackle mechanisms. But the terror attacks leave no room for such mechanisms. Moreover the response of the Indian government has been not to the extent that it can be ensured that such activities are the past story. UPA no better than the NDA. The UPA government is always set to criticize the terror attacks that occurred during the NDA regime. But the estimates, from the Washington-based National Counter-Terrorism Centre, discern that the lives lost to the terror attacks in India in last four and half years have crossed 5000. The recent incidents that occurred in Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Jaipur, Samjhauta Express, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and the like have overshadowed the memory of Kandhar hijack, Akshardham, Parliament attacks. The UPA can no longer use the arguments that the NDA regime was worse, as these arguments come with use-by-dates. Government can, use these arguments during the time of election. After the UPA won the trust vote, despite the it was bruised by the accusations of giving payoffs to the BJP MPs, it got down to the major reforms. Although the UPA might have shaken off the trust vote dilemma, a major responsibility of ensuring a counter terror mechanism has still to be observed. Naxalism and loopholes in the government’s policy. The government might consider naxalism as a kind of sinister happenings in some faraway places that are out of sight and out of mind. But it is to be observed that the internal security has never in the history of insurgencies has lost so many lives. If we go over the five decade history of insurgencies, it becomes obvious that the 38 lives lost in the 2008-09-11T13:26:46-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Terrorism-Taking-the-Indian-Goverment-to-the-Ransom-33710.aspx The United States government is a democracy. In a democratic government every citizen within the country gets to have a say in what decisions are made. In order to get their opinions heard, people join political parties and vote for candidates who represent their position in the government. People who become over enthused about politics, whether it is voters or the politicians themselves, are known as political extremists. Political extremists can be categorized into three main groups: ultraconservatives, ultra-liberals, and know-nothings Ultraconservatives are part of the Republican Party. They normally oppose raising the minimum wage, and universal heath care, but support tax cuts for the rich. This is because many ultraconservatives tend to be part of big businesses, or large corporations. In order to save money and get richer, the corporations want the minimum wage stays low, and they do not want to pay more money to ensure that all of their employees have full healthcare benefits. Since the corporations are making more money, they now want to hold on to it. Once they are richer, they do not want their taxes getting raised. Typically ultraconservatives are very religious Christians. Due to their fervent religious beliefs, ultraconservatives often overlap their strong religious beliefs with their political ones. For example ultraconservatives are almost always opposed to same sex marriages. This is because the Christian doctrine states that homosexuality is a sin. Some examples of ultraconservatives include politicians such as George W. Bush, Ronald Reagan, and John McCain. Ultra-liberals are part of the Democratic Party. They support raising the minimum wage, and universal healthcare. They also support more tax brackets with higher pay percentages in the brackets designated for the rich. This is because many ultra-liberals tend to be poorer, and part of the working class. Ultra-liberals want everyone to have the equal chance to live comfortably, so they discourage people from having too much money while others have nothing. Raising the minimum wage would ensure that everyone would make at least enough money to support themselves, and their families. Having universal healthcare would ensure that anyone who cannot afford to buy medicines, or see a doctor regularly, would still be able to get the medical attention they need. Also, having more tax brackets would ensure that people are less likely to have to pay unaffordable amounts money to the government that. Having a higher percentage of money taken from people in higher 2007-10-02T02:45:56-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Breakdown-of-Political-Extremists-33343.aspx Should the President Be Allowed to Detain Citizens Indefinitely in Wartime? 1. Mr. McCarthy uses Jose Padilla as an example of a citizen detainee and his designation as an “enemy combatant”. Stating that in certain circumstances such measures are necessary to prevent ongoing investigations and intelligence information from being compromised in a court of law if such a person were to be presented in court with a court case. Mr. Koch, on the other hand, states that it doesn’t matter what happens all “persons” are afforded the right to representation and a fair and speedy trial under the sixth amendment. Each author uses Mr. Padilla as their basis for their individual arguments. Each author also uses the case of Ex Parte Quirin, a case involving 8 Nazi spies entering the U.S. at differing times with the orders to cause harm. They were apprehended and tried by a military tribunal. One of these men was a naturalized American citizen. These men admitted to being Nazi spies. Therein lies the difference in the arguments put forth by both McCarthy and Koch. McCarthy states that what kind of terrorist is going to admit to being a terrorist? Their code of honor doesn’t work that way. Mr. Koch stresses the incidents of one of the spies turning himself in (and having trouble doing it). He also talks about the fact that all eight spies were given the right to attorneys even though they weren’t American citizens. Both men talk about U.S. District Judge Michael B. Mukasey, but in totally different views. Each gentleman states opposite views on his comments and judgments. Mr. McCarthy states that Judge Mukasey wrote a 102 -page opinion siding with the President. At no time does McCarthy mention the reservations and aggressiveness that Mr. Koch discusses. It seems as though they are speaking of two completely different people. 2. Ex Parte Quirin can be used to bolster both sides. If persons of a nationality other than American are to be allowed a counselor, then why aren’t American citizens to be afforded the same privilege? On the other hand just because the eight gentlemen admitted to being spies doesn’t mean that anyone associated with al-Qaeda is going to stand up and say, “Yes I am a terrorist”. But they should also be allowed representation as per the sixth amendment. However Article I, Clause 2 of the 2007-07-12T14:50:27-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Should-the-President-Be-Allowed-to-Detain-Citizens-33275.aspx Ideological Identity 1. My ideological typology is a Social Conservative. Social Conservatives are second in church attendance to the Pro-Government group and are very aggressive (second only to the Enterprisers) in regards to foreign policy. Social Conservatives are also known as Moralists or Moderate Republicans. They are considered to be very conservative on issues of social importance. Social Conservatives are most similar to Enterprisers, but differ in their opinions of how fairly businesses operate. Social Conservatives tend to be cynical in their views of big business, politics, and programs for the poor and immigrants. Social Conservatives tend to have a negative outlook on issues dealing with abortion and gay marriage; they are also for a more aggressive policy when dealing with other countries. They aren’t really convicted too much one way or the other on issues dealing with life here at home except they are not impressed with the idea that businesses have been given the amount of power that they have with not much regulation. Social Conservatives in general support the government actively preserving the environment. In reference to how Social Conservatives stack up demographically: 56 % own a gun, 51% attend a Bible Study, and 53% go to church, they are mostly white (91%), female (58%) and almost half live in the southern part of the U.S. The average age is 52% with 47% being 50+ in age. 43% are Evangelical Protestants, which is more than twice the national average. As a Party 82% are Republican and 18 % are Independents. 2. There are a whole host of issues in which we can all be evaluated on how we think and there are those who would argue or agree with us. Here are nine of the ones that interest me most. a. Domestic Issues: Social Security, private assets or being allowed to donate some of your social security pay to private retirement accounts. Social Conservatives have a 56% approval of this. The closest groups are tied at 59%, which are the Pro-Government, and the Upbeats. Social Conservatives are least like the Disadvantage Democrats (17% in favor) on this issue. b. Social Issues: Abortion. Enterprisers and Social Conservatives are on the same page on this issue at 54% being in favor of it being made harder to get an abortion. Pro-Government Conservatives come close at 53%. Social Conservatives have the least in common on this issue with the Liberals (10%) and the Disadvantaged Democrats (22%). c. Supreme 2007-07-12T14:48:05-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Ideological-Identity--33274.aspx When average Americans apply for jobs, they hope that the companies acknowledge Equal Opportunity. They know that the color of skin, gender, or even physical disabilities do not hinder the person’s capabilities to grasp the job; he or she earns it through skills and qualifications pertaining to that career. How can America justifiably discriminate by allowing Equal Opportunity to some but not for all? Therefore, the president of the United States must not be selected based on gender or the color of the skin, but elected by the content of character and political views. Throughout history, America has cultivated a diverse group of presidents. True, all were Caucasian men, but their backgrounds, personalities, and values cover the vast fields of difference, from quiet Jefferson to idealistic Wilson to the scandalous and drunk Grant. Also, most people can name terrible leaders (i.e. Pierce, Hoover, or Nixon) and great (Lincoln and Washington). What made them terrible or great? Race or gender obviously played no part; politics separated these people. Charisma and liberalism probably come to mind when one hears Barack Obama’s name. He speaks beautifully, supports minimum wage increase, and believes in universal health care. However, some people think America takes a mighty step forward with him because he is African American. Since race should play no part, it stands important that America has already seen Obama—twice in a century. Franklin Delano Roosevelt and John Kennedy also spoke eloquently and possessed far left ideas for transforming the nation: the New Deal and the New Frontier. All three work(ed) for the people, supporting them, helping them achieve the American dream of freedom and equality for all. Some people also believe Hillary Clinton’s chance of being president marches women’s rights a mile forward, but she cannot be elected merely because of gender. She, too, deserves the equal opportunity others receive. The executive branch also once hosted Clinton’s ideals—not with the obvious Bill Clinton—but with Harry Truman. Both spent time in the Senate on countless committees, remain(ed) nonpartisan, and advocate(d) Social Security. Both also originally supported a war (Iraq and World War Two) only to eventually decide those wars worked horribly, as complicated travesties. The point stands—we have seen her before. We have indeed seen both Obama and Clinton before. Yes, in the Senate, but also their ideals once belonged 2007-05-25T21:51:16-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/America-s-Next-President-33234.aspx Is the Government of Sudan to Blame for the Events in Darfur? I. Introduction: The future of Sudan is uncertain because of the violence of recent years. Its past is consistent with the exploitation of the “New World” by the old. Colonialism left its mark on the country, and finally it gained its independence from Great Britain in 1963. At that time the new government tried to transform the political system that had worked for the British into one that would serve the ethnically diverse country. The main problem with Sudan is no matter how well the government and the minority Christian party worked out their problems the minority party would still feel as if the current system is working against them. In the years during the Emperor Justinian the country would be “rapidly Christianized” (Embassy) . It had ties to the Coptic Church in Egypt, and then around the year 650C.E. the Muslim conquest overtook the northern half of the country. This would lead to conflicts throughout history between the north and south. The divisions among the religions would allow for the country to be occupied by Turkish forces at the turn of the 19th century, after the fall of the Funj kingdom. “In 1820 Muhammad Ali, the Turkish Pasha of Egypt, sent two military expeditions south and westward into Sudan, capturing Sennar and El Obeid in the following year” (Embassy). When the Turkish state declined from power at the end of the 19th century, it would be the British, pushing from the north down through Egypt that would come to dominate Sudan. In the 1880’s the northern half of the country came under Anglo-Egyptian control. In 1885, at the Battle of Khartoum , British General Charles George Gordon was killed, resulting in a removal of Egyptian, and therefore, British control over the region. The freedom form Britain would last for some time, until the British decided to return to the area a few years before the turn of the 20th century. In 1899, following the Battle of Omdurman between the Sudanese and Anglo- Egyptian forces , the Anglo-Egyptian Sudan was established (Sudan). In theory it was a protectorate of Egypt, but in reality the governor-general was appointed by Egypt with British oversight, effecting giving the control to Britain. To keep the religious differences that now ravage the country, the British governed the colony as two halves, north and south. The 2007-04-20T00:12:02-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Events-in-Darfur-33071.aspx History of the Clinton Sex Scandal Rare is a person that crosses the path of the White House without some emotion of envy or awe. This building epitomizes world leadership and unprecedented power. This renowned leadership may be the only association made by certain countries, while in the United States many see an other significance: Watergate, Whitewater, Kennedy's brutal and mysterious assassination, and today, Clinton's "zippergate" scandal. When the President of the United States takes oath, he gives up a part of his life. His private life becomes the public's life, and they feel the right to know what happens behind the Oval Office. Now the Presidency must battle against Newspaper journalists, radio personalities, televised news reports and now, even more menacing: the Internet. Presidents who are constantly reminded of their power and prestigious rank, become exasperated because they cannot control the news media, even though they can to a large degree set the news agenda. Media has expanded in its presence, becoming widespread on the Internet, perhaps monopolizing the domain, by becoming more powerful and more used than written, televised or radio journalism. The Presidents' inability to control the press exposes their vulnerability and tends to question the actual power they can actually exert. All presidents, at some time or another, became frustrated at what they perceived as unfair treatment by the press, even while acknowledging its vital function in a free society, and many presidents have been a part of a scandal. The current Presidential scandal with Monica Lewinsky had swept the Nation overnight. It seems quite impossible to know just how it will all turn out, and unfair to even speculate, but the media certainly seems to think they possess that right. It is obvious that this story has changed the face of journalism, has put online media on the map in a major way, and has made life more difficult for newspapers forever. First, let's take a look at how this story developed and how it acted on the Internet. David Noack of E&P in his article "Web's Big Role in Sex Controversy" does a great job of detailing the twisting path this tale took from rumor to investigation to publication, and how the Internet played a key part. Noack points out in his article that the "Clinton/Lewinsky" scandal has drastically changed online media. He writes: "A year ago, most 2007-04-18T02:46:29-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/History-of-the-Clinton-Sex-Scandal-32972.aspx Rhetoric In The Context Of Public Relations “Through rhetoric, people – individuals and organizations – influence opinions, understanding, judgements and actions. Negotiation and conflict resolution involve rhetorical changes of opinion, facts and resources. Policies by which people live together often require debate and consideration.” Robert L. Heath 1. INTRODUCTION In this assignment I will try to illuminate and discuss what the term rhetoric is all about, how it is used, and how it becomes an implemented part in Public Relations situations. I will discuss the importance of rhetoric as a communication tool to solve specific communications problems and illuminate this by the use of a specific case. The case used in this assignment is NATO's 78-day intervention (war-campaign) in Kosovo in 1999. When using this as a case, it is difficult to describe the campaign to its full extent to illuminate the total use of rhetoric in all of the different communication situations occurring. I will describe and discuss NATO's intentions and needs to communicate about the intervention to the public opinion, both prior to, and during, and how it was done. When doing so, I will show that NATO was indeed facing a major communication problem towards the public opinion, if they did not address their intentions and motivations for intervening in the first place and later. In the assignment I will consider a brief background for why NATO intended to act in Kosovo, though this will not be discussed in depth. I will mainly illuminate what NATO it self defined as the ultimate main reason for intervention, and how the use of rhetoric was a significant tool as part of an overall public relations strategy. Further on, this assignment will be limited, but will provide one example that demonstrates the general and particular use of rhetorical approaches. This example will hence be NATO's bombing of the Chinese embassy in Belgrade. When discussing in the assignment, I frequently use the term "public opinion". When referring to this term, the context is within a European public and not in particular the American public. The reason for this is the difference in which one might say that briefings about the intervention to the European public was made by NATO, whereas briefings to the American public more often came from Pentagon. Being a conflict in Europe, the average American had naturally less interest 2007-04-18T01:13:04-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Rhetoric-In-The-Context-Of-Public-Relations-32945.aspx Proposal for Anti-Bioterrorism Warning System and Plan We Development Leaders provides only the best in planning and designing your company’s growth. As you requested, I am submitting this proposal for a new anti-bioterrorism warning system. BACKGROUND In the past, bioterrorism was something that we saw on TV. A far image that failed to become real until September 17, 2001. The first case of anthrax was reported. It caused a mass hysteria and spread fear throughout the citizens of the United States of America. The main problem that exists within the Postal service is the lack of screening equipment available in detecting any dangerous substances that may be in the mail. Thus, I propose the RXV510. This is a scanning device that attaches to your existing conveyer belt. The chip inside the machine tells the computer if anything “unusual” is detected. Full details of how the RXV510 operates will be explained in our orientation session. OBJECTIVES The RXV510 will help do the following: 1.Better equip postal workers against dangerous and hazardous substances in the mail. 2.Help stop the spread of such substances like anthrax through mail screening. PROCEDURES During the orientation session, a service we provide to our customers, explaining the RXV510’s functions and the do’s and don’ts of operation, is showcased by one of our associates. The detection system requires a computer controlled conveyer belt, internet connection and an operating system created after 1997. Most post offices have efficient systems to run the RXV510. The machine must be connected to your op systems character card while in operation. Any suspicious particles will show up red on the conveyer screen with a number to match. Listed next to the number per letter will read what was detected. The internet connection is used to consult our database of hazardous materials. The fee for the RXV510 hazardous materials detector is 15,500. Your organization will receive in the purchase the chip, all the hardware and the orientation class. QUALIFICATIONS With a never ending war against terrorism and hazardous materials, we at Development Leaders have been called upon several times over our 11 year existing to help make Americans live at easy. SUMMARY With the fight on terrorism getting harder every day, why not make life just that much safer for your workers by purchasing the RXV510 to do 2007-04-18T01:11:23-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Proposal-for-Anti-Bioterrorism-Warning-System-and-Plan-32944.aspx Globalization vs. Civilization By Aleem Yousaf Today’s fast moving world owes much to its instigator the Globalization. The rapid transition and developments in the world are very much a production of what we call globalization. The world has become a global village where technology rules and gives man the consciousness that he is 2007-03-18T11:07:10-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Globalization-vs_-Civilization-32806.aspx Issues Surrounding Huessin and the Iraq Invasion It is believed that Huessin hoped to gain complete control of Kuwait and make millions of dollars controlling the market price of oil without the rest of the world getting involved (Desert Storm). This invasion led to United Nations, United States and many other countries military involvement and ultimately sanctions that would cost Iraq billions of dollars. Hussein’s actions caused Iraq to be put into a situation that limited their only money-producing export, oil. Oil has been the only profitable export in the Persian Gulf for decades. The combination of a valuable export like oil, and mediocre third-world countries with out stable government led to a gigantic conflict that all started because of the rich oil fields that blanketed the Persian Gulf. The actual invasion only took six hours from start to finish. It was early morning on August 2, 1990 when Iraqi forces crushed Kuwait’s minimal defenses allowing an battalion of 30,000 heavily armed soldiers that attacked from three different directions to take control off the small Persian Gulf country. After the initial takeover, Huessin ordered 70,000 more soldiers to take complete control of one of the largest oil producing countries in the world. After Kuwait had fallen and the bulk of Huessin’s forces had been positioned at the southern tip of Kuwait it had become evident to the rest of the world what exactly Saddam had planned. The first country that had realized this was the leading oil-producing country in the world; Saudi Arabia, also a neighbor of Kuwait. Saudi Arabia had been purchasing advanced military equipment during the late 80's in preparation for a medium-sized attack from any of the other oil-producing countries. Nevertheless Saudi Arabia’s army was no match for the Iraqi army that had recently defeated Iran in a ten year war that enhanced their military capabilities far beyond those of any other Persian Gulf country. The attack on Kuwait marked the second anniversary of the cease-fire agreement between Iraq and Iran. Before the Iraq-Iran war had begun Iraq had been spending billions of dollars on almost any weapon Huessin desired, except nuclear weapons. Iraq’s military expenses were so high that there were more then three billion dollars more then the Soviet Union and almost double the United States, who were also stocking up on weapons. Fortunately for Iraq, this information was concealed so that the United Nations 2007-03-05T00:20:15-05:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Issues-Surrounding-Huessin-and-the-Iraq-Invasion-32730.aspx Analysis of the 2004 Democratic Primaries The primaries are a set of elections in our country that determine the two candidates for the presidential election. Each state holds its own elections for the registered voters, and the candidates from each party are selected. Some states have different primary elections whether they are “open” or “closed.” These two terms apply to what kind of voter participation is allowed. Closed primaries allow registered party voters to participate in that party’s election whereas the open ones allow any registered voter to participate in one of the elections. This election year the democratic candidates are battling for the primaries with the hope of running against incumbent George W. Bush for the presidency. At this point it is hard to say who is truly ahead in campaigning for the democrats. A good start is often helpful to a particular candidate but as George Bush showed us last election, it isn’t everything. As of now four democratic candidates stick out as strong contenders. In terms of polling, Howard Dean, Wesley Clark, John Kerry, and Dick Gephardt stand in the lead thus far, with Joe Lieberman a close competitor. The polls, however, are all from different sources, including the Associated Press poll, a CNN/Times poll and some others, and the true leader will not be evident until the election is complete. When examining what is going on here in terms of political analysis we must look at the lenses as we learned them from Lowi this semester. They are based on five simple principles: The Rationality Principle, the Collective Action Principle, the Institution Principle, the Policy Principle and the History Principle. By using these “lenses” se can look at the primaries in a way that can answer questions and explain what the election is really about and how it works so that we may all be more educated voters next term. This analysis brings up questions on the issues that the candidates stand for and how they will play out in the election. Each politician has their own goals in mind at the top of everything, and the rules that they have to play by shape the election until the voters, as best we can, choose our favorite candidate in terms of who meets our own interests best. So what are the interests of the individual candidates? What do they want and how can they make an appeal to 2007-02-19T22:16:07-05:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Analysis-of-the-2004-Democratic-Primaries-32669.aspx Extended Essay Should the UK remain in the EU? The European Union is an international organisation, which contains 27 member states and was founded in 1951. It has disproportional political and economic importance to it’s land mass (about 6% of the world) and it counts among it’s member states half of G8. The EU is both supranational and intergovernmental in its operation. It was established for economic benefits and to avoid another war (Europe had just endured a bloody period of conflict) however relatively recently its role has changed and it now deals with policy with would previously have been left to the member state’s own government. It is a common misconception that the European Union has ultimate power over member governments in all cases but this is not true; while some areas of policy are out of the hands of national governments, most are still dealt with internally. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (which is usually referred to as the United Kingdom or UK) is a state situated in North Western Europe (see map 1). It is made up of England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and other territory around the world, for example Gibraltar. Its population is about sixty million people. The main language of the UK is English but Welsh is also a national language. Its government type is parliamentary constitutional monarchy which, simply put, means that the UK is a democracy with a sovereign who technically has supreme power but it is unlikely that it would ever be used. The UK has great international importance; both economic and political. The UK’s main moneymakers are services; for example banking. The European Union, if good for nothing else, is a fascinating experiment in politics and it is completely unprecedented. The EU is, and always will be a topic of great debate. It is intergovernmental, it is supranational and it is certainly hard to understand. There is much debate over the EU and the main topic of debate is should membership be retained. This debate is not limited to the UK and is a topic of political discussion throughout the member states. It is worth noting that the UK’s public are more anti-EU than most of the member states’. In this essay I will look at whether or not the UK should remain in the EU; to do this I will look at the history of the EU, the 2007-02-11T23:12:19-05:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Should-the-UK-remain-in-the-EU-32612.aspx Controversy of Gays in the Military “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” Throughout the history of the country, the United States has banned gay and lesbian citizens to serve in the military, and serve the land of the free. Even today, the United States is one of the two countries left in the world that still refuses gays to be open and honest with their sexual preference in the military. Something is obviously wrong, and it is no wonder that the issue has always been a controversial one. Up until 1993 , no one has questioned this ban, but then a heated national debate arose, and the country had to reach some sort of a compromise. This compromise, set fourth by President Clinton and Congress , has consistently caused as much controversy as the original ban. “ Don’t ask , Don’t tell , Don’t Pursue. “ was challenged by the courts , but even today they deem it unworthy to consider it constitutionally. The current U. S. policy is the only law established by our government that prohibits a gay / lesbian citizen to be honest about their personal lives and puts them at risk for being fired or to face a jail sentence. If we examine this thoroughly, it’s easy to see that it is hypocrisy. Our country, supposedly created by the people, for the people, set up our national government on the sole idea of freedom. Our Bill of Rights , erected to protect of from injustice, clearly states in it’s first amendment that we are guaranteed the freedom of speech. Now in the year 2001 apparently things have changed. The same country built on freedom is stripping that freedom away from its gay and lesbian citizens. They’re forcing people who are willing to die to protect their country in the military to lie. In the Bill of Rights, along with freedom of speech, comes the freedom of religion. In the Christian religion, chiseled into its commandments, it states it is a sin to lie. The government of this country is forcing us to lie, cheat our faiths, and be denied rights granted to us by them. How would a gay/ lesbian soldier affect the morale over the rest of the unit? This is the question that has remained unanswered. On March 16, 2000 the Defense Department released the results of a survey conducted by the inspector general. 2007-01-12T03:27:29-05:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Controversy-of-Gays-in-the-Military-32392.aspx Should all nuclear weapons be put under the control of the UN? Background: The Nuclear Age began, when the first bomb was tested on a quiet stretch of desert in Alamogordo, New Mexico on July 16, 1945. There are currently around 36,000 nuclear weapons in the world's arsenals, primarily in the five Nuclear Weapon States - USA, UK, Russia, France and China. These states possess what is estimated to be 2,667 times the firepower experienced in the entire six years of World War II. At the height of the Cold War there were around 65,000 nuclear weapons. In September 1996, the United Nations completed negotiations on a treaty banning all nuclear testing. Under international law, it is illegal to threaten to use or use nuclear weapons. The US and Russia still keep some 4,500 nuclear weapons on hair-trigger alert ready to be fired on a few moments notice. The World Court ruled that any use of nuclear weapons, like other weapons, must not indiscriminately kill civilians and must not cause unnecessary suffering. No use of nuclear weapons could meet this criteria. Therefore, the threat or use of nuclear weapons is illegal under international law. The Conference on Disarmament (CD) is the world's sole multilateral disarmament treaty negotiating body. While the CD is independent of the United Nations, its secretary is appointed by the UN Secretary-General; it is required to consider recommendations from the General Assembly; and it submits reports at least annually to the UN General Assembly in Geneva. Most items on the CD agenda are discussed in ad hoc committees, held in private. The whole conference must agree by consensus to the mandate given to ad hoc committees. On August 6, 1945, Hiroshima became death. Three days later, on August 9, 1945, Nagasaki became death. By 1950 those two bombs and the radiation from them had claimed 350,000 lives. Nuclear arms control treaties have been placed by the un on both qualitative and quantitative limits on nuclear weapons. Some Say: The sheer folly of trying to defend a nation by destroying all life on the planet must be apparent to anyone capable of rational thought. - Queen Noor of Jordan "The United Nations must assume world leadership to end once and for all the threat of nuclear war. It is our moral responsibility." - Harisson Ford "We the Peoples of the United Nations are determined to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war" - UN Secretarty General 2007-01-11T20:17:42-05:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Should-all-Nuclear-Weapons-be-put-Under-Control-of-the-UN-32385.aspx Analysis of President Bush's State of the Union Address “As we gather tonight, our nation is at war, our economy is in recession, and our world faces unprecedented dangers—yet the state of our union has never been stronger.” In the State of the Union Speech that President Bush addressed Tuesday evening was a strong, confident, powerful speech. From the beginning he made it clear and direct that the nation is still under attack. “That it may have won the first battle but the war, and the threat—is far from over.” And he emphasized that homeland security must be strengthened because thousands of terrorists remain at large. What moved me from his speech was the fact that he acted like a President. He put all the politic competition and rivalries between parties behind him and showed that he really did care about the US. “We are not here to act as Republicans, Democrats but as Americans.” The message he is trying to give out is that the September 11 tragedy is real, and serious. He warns us and tells us about the danger the US is in but that he is doing everything possible to keep us secure and win this war. He also informs us in how evil our allies are. Afghanistan has terrorist camps in preparing themselves to harm us and that there are thousands of terrorist here residing all over the US trained to destroy us. Even though he tells us this giving us a fright he also reassures us that we are in good control and that this tragedy has brought us as one expressing great patriotic spirit. In order to keep our Economy well off he wants to provide and produce jobs for those that don’t have one and for those that have a business he wants to provide security for them insuring them that they won’t have to put all their hard work payments that they have saved for years to save their company. He wants to do this by continuing on cutting the tax payments. He mentions that to develop a good community we should get involved in a volunteer program or help within our neighborhood etc for at least two years. He is also 2007-01-11T19:48:00-05:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Analysis-of-President-Bush-s-State-of-the-Union-Address-32374.aspx Should Canada continue to participate in NATO and NORAD? Many people believe it would be beneficial to stay with these organizations. They want the safety and security provided by NATO and NORAD. Without them, some think we would be less prepared and could not stand a large attack from countries we are currently protected from. Despite these facts many Canadians want to leave these alliances. The cost to us is very large and some causes may need the money more. The world has become more peaceful and the cold war is now over. There is no need for Canada to still be involved in NATO or NORAD. Other groups such as the U.N also provide many of the services provided by these unions. The advantages of remaining with these partners are more important than the disadvantages so Canada should stay a part of them. One of the benefits is it costs less. NORAD has many satellites and bases under its command. They play a critical role of alerting Canada of incoming air attacks. The bases and satellites contain technology that Canada could not have developed on its own. The U.S. has shared its information with us so that we do not have to pay so many research costs. Canada could not afford the cost of this great protection without the help of the U.S. NATO also developed many weapons and shared its advances with Canada. If Canada left NATO it could cause bad feeling between us and other members. The countries of these assemblies want Canada to stay. If we pulled out of NATO and NORAD the members may feel we are abandoning them. Many countries would no longer think highly of us and believe we do not support them in staying a peaceful world. If we left and another war broke out, it would be very hard to form alliances with these countries again. If we left NORAD the U.S. may get mad and stop some of its trade to us. Canada gained protection by staying. Canada is very safe and secure because it is a part of NATO. All the countries of NATO have agreed to many simple rules and ideas. One of their three basic rules states: Member countries will combine 2006-12-29T16:11:12-05:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Should-Canada-continue-to-participate-in-NATO-and-NORAD-32161.aspx Mexican Political Parties Under Mexican Law, parties are categorized into eight divisions, including three major political parties and more than five minor parties. Each division is comprised of people with common interest and goals. The political parties of Mexico are organized in ways similar to the United States. Like the United States, Mexico has a multi-party system. The biggest political parties are the PRI, PAN, and the PRD. The dominating political party is called the Industrial Revolution Party (Partido Revolucionario Institucional, also known as PRI). It is part of the Socialist International. It is most perceived as left of center, supporting a mixed economy idea and naturalized industries. The party was organized as a result of Polutarco Elias Cales’s efforts to stop a violent and long-term struggle for power after the Mexican Revolution, which was a period of political and military conflict. The PRI, under various names, has been in power almost 70 years. All presidents between the end of the revolution and the election of 2000 were representatives from the PRI, or one of it’s variously named predecessors. After the loss of the Cristero War, another major party, the National Action Party (Partido Accion Nacional, PAN) was born. The party was also looking for peace after the chaos of the Mexican Revolution. It is based on a Christian lifestyle with conservative views and even support from the pope. With it’s right-winged attitude and conservative opinions, this party could be compared to the United States’ Republican Party. But, although, it is currently linked to a conservative stance, it does not consider itself to be a conservative party. Like the Republican Party of the United States, National Action Party members fight for anti-abortion laws, advocates free enterprise, reduces taxes and aims for a smaller government. Some PAN mayors and governors have banned employees from wearing mini-skirts, have been known to use religion to pressure rape victims out of having an abortion, and even banned the use of profanity in public from their employees. Vicente Fox, a candidate representing the National Action Party in 2000, was fined $20,00 for mixing religion with politics by holding a banner of the Virgin of Guadalupe. Even in a country where 90 percent of the population is Catholic, there is still a 2006-12-22T22:27:00-05:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Current-Political-Parties-In-Mexico-32128.aspx Proposition 13 and the California School System To understand the effects of Proposition 13 on the California school system, we must first understand what Proposition 13 is. We must also briefly glance at the events leading up to Proposition 13, also known as the Jarvis-Gann initiative. Proposition 13, adopted on June 16, 1978, is an amendment to the Constitution of California. It forever changed Californian property laws and sent massive shock waves across other state governments. “The sound roaring out of the West- what was it? A California earthquake? A Pacific tidal wave threatening to sweep across the country? Literally, it was neither; figuratively, it was both. That angry noise was the sound of a middle class tax revolt erupting . . .” Time, June 19, 1978 Before Proposition 13- The Tax Revolt There are 2 factors that stand out when striving to understand the brief history of Proposition 13. These factors include the unusual economic conditions of the late 1970’s and the ineffective political leadership of that era. The economic conditions present in that era, different than those of prior eras, were a major contribution to the tax revolt of the late 1970’s. Incomes, which were on the rise throughout the post-World War II period, began to decline in 1973. At the same time, government spending was experiencing a period of steady increase. Prior to 1973, both government spending and income experienced a period of steady increase. Throughout the 1960’s, there were no fluctuations in the percentage of income taken as taxes by both state and local governments, although income and spending grew at an increased rate. But government spending in California continued to grow 30 percent faster than did income throughout the 1970’s. The public sector was now feeling the effects of inflation on tax revenues. Rising prices began to increase sales tax revenue, while rising money incomes skyrocketed taxpayers into unwanted higher tax brackets. However, real incomes had not increased at all. Local governments now experienced a huge increase in state income tax. The sudden increase in single-family home values caused homeowner’s property taxes to rise. At the same time, poor economic conditions held business property tax rates steady. California taxpayers paid 12.7 percent of their income in state and local taxes in 1970. By 1978, this 2006-12-20T02:16:39-05:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Proposition-13-and-the-California-School-System-32112.aspx George W. Bush and the Kyoto Agreement In 1997, the world’s major political figures, Including President Clinton of the United States, signed the Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. (1). While successful negotiation of the Protocol is a positive step for the global environment, it is only a small step. A number of obstacles such as some nations’ economic interests conflict with the Protocol, have to be overcome if the Protocol is to produce real reductions in emissions of greenhouse gases that have begun to influence global climate. The current U.S president George W. Bush, for example, against the agreement based on defending the economic interests of the U.S. Through this conflict with the Kyoto Agreement and searching for the balance between the greatest national economic interests and focusing on global environmental protection, George Bush’s role on the world stage has been redefined. The target of Kyoto Agreement was to bind all signing nations to reducing their carbon dioxide emissions. According to most scientists, Carbon dioxide is the most important man-made greenhouse gas, accounting for about two-thirds of the human-derived greenhouse effect (2). The worst-case scenario forecast by scientists is the "runaway greenhouse effect" in which all the factors that cause global warming would eventually override the factors which work against it. Forests, for example, are thought to counter carbon dioxide emissions, because plants recycle carbon dioxide during photosynthesis(3). There are also fears that if Polar icecaps begin to melt, then organic matter stored in the ice will be oxidized. This could release huge amounts of carbon dioxide and methane. The melting of the Arctic ice cap would also reduce the amount of solar radiation the planet reflects, allowing more heat to be trapped (3). One prediction suggests that if current trends persist, Carbon dioxide levels will double by 2050, air temperatures could rise between 1 and 3.5 degrees C. by 2100. Recent research published in the magazine Nature has suggested this rise could be more like 6 degrees C. in the next century. As the world warms, the average sea level is expected to rise - by between 15cm and 95cm by 2100 relative to 1990 - as a result of thermal expansion of the oceans and melting of glaciers and the ice sheets. The 90s were not only the warmest decade of the 20th century, but also of the millennium. In 2006-12-19T03:27:28-05:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/George-W_-Bush-and-the-Kyoto-Agreement-32059.aspx Analysis of the Arab - Israeli Conflict Hate. Anger. Confusion. Power. War. All of these are words can be used to describe the Arab-Israeli conflict, but no words have can describe an effective way to solve it. Since the creation of Israel, a never-ending struggle between the Arabs and Israelis has taken place. This has more than often resulted in violent measures causing countless deaths. Numerous peace talks have been had, but almost all agreements have crumbled. Since the Jews persecution by the Nazis, the Jewish refugees were forced to search for a land to call their home. What better land to chose but land that God had graced upon them from their creation? The land formerly known as Palestine was their choice. The Arabs were angered at the Jews invasion of their land. The Arabs felt that they had no reason to give up land because of mistreatment of Jews in Europe. This had led to fueled battles for control of towns and cities of Palestine. Britain, who had controlled Palestine at the time, could not control the flaring tempers of the Jews and Arabs. Still feeling the aftermath of WWII, Britain pulled its forces out of Palestine and put it into the hands of the UN. The UN in turn had tried to separate the land into Jewish and Arab states. Arabs believe that placing the Jews in Palestine is an exertion of power by the western nations. I do not believe it was an exertion of power as much as he UN was just trying to find the Jews a home. It was a stupid move to place them in Palestine, and the UN knew that Arabs would be outraged, but they persisted to place the Jews on Arab territory. The UN may have been trying to do good, but they needed to think things through before they make decisions like this. I assume that the UN knew that these two groups could not live together in peace, desperately needed a home for the Jews. With good intentions, they placed two groups together that would wage war from then on until now. Even now, it cannot be seen when the fighting will conclude. No matter the plan, the Arabs refused to give up any land to 2006-12-19T02:23:46-05:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Analysis-of-the-Arab-Israeli-Conflict-32045.aspx The Success of Welfare in America The idea of welfare started when the country was in it’s Great Depression. President Hoover spoke of such programs that would bring the country out of the slums it had fallen into, bring it back on track. Hoover was all talk, though, and nothing really changed in his presidency. Along came Franklin Roosevelt with his New Deal program. The program started what we now have established as the social welfare. The New Deal and various other programs were intended to help the poor, and at the time, they did. As these programs continued, the people of the nation found ways to cheat the system and “live off of welfare”, where the ones who really need it are being left out in the streets, uneducated, and malnourished. In the recent presidency of Bill Clinton, welfare is being taken care of, and reformed. The programs that once helped the nation are to do that very same thing once again. Hillary Clinton was one of the major partakers in this movement to reform welfare. Hillary said that the program was started to help those in dire need, those who were living on the streets and got shot out of luck. But instead of these same types of people taking advantage of welfare, the program has gone to waste on to the many who cheat the system and those who just don’t want to get up every day and go to work to earn their living. Billions of dollars have been wasted over the years that welfare has been unsuccessful, and it is because of this lack of success that the poor and needy are still stuck in that endless hole of depression, living on the sidewalk of New York City or Los Angeles. The welfare program has been a failure, a welfare trap. But in 1994, the voters wanted the welfare system as is stood, to end. Congress agreed and, finally after much persuasion, the President did as well. Since 1994, since the people have spoken and government taken action on their words, the welfare reform has proved to be a success. Welfare no longer is creating a nation of ignorant cheats without any work ethics, fewer damaged youths starting their young lives on drugs or in the delivery room at age fourteen. Family values have been reinforced and the educational opportunities of all citizens of this 2006-12-08T03:06:19-05:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/The-Success-of-Welfare-in-America-31947.aspx It seems that today, whenever any American citizen tries to influence government decisions based solely on Christian convictions, or publicly expresses Christian sentiments, someone will inevitably object via the “establishment” clause of our Constitution’s First Amendment and reference the phrase “separation of church and state”. To begin with, the words "separation of church and state" are found nowhere in the U.S. Constitution. The original source of those words is a private letter written in 1802 by then-president Thomas Jefferson to the Danbury Baptists in Connecticut. Being a religious minority in their state, the Danbury Baptists were concerned that their religious freedoms might be considered “favors granted” by the Connecticut state legislature rather than “inalienable“ rights. Their reason for fearing this was because religious oppression was being directed toward them in the form of taxation without representation. The Baptists were being forced to support another denomination and decided to write Jefferson to seek his aid, being aware of his past defense of religious freedom. Jefferson replied back, pledged his support, and reminded and assured them that, on the national level as well, the legislature of Congress had no authority or right to tax or make laws favoring an establishment of religion because there exists, in his words, “a wall of separation between church and state“. However, Jefferson never wrote or even hinted anywhere in this letter that public Christian expression is outlawed by the Constitution, but rather affirmed the right of any denomination of Christians to freely express themselves in any public setting. He therefore, in effect, strongly implied that the “wall of separation” was a ONE-WAY impediment. That is, Congress could not interfere in church affairs and religious matters, but at the same time this did not dictate that Christian principles and expression were to be exiled from the operations of civil government or the public arena. Indeed, it can be seen from the metaphor Jefferson used in his reply that it is evident his “wall” was constructed to SERVE free exercise of religion, not prohibit it. Lastly, Jefferson’s letter concluded with a prayer. This is quite ironic since, according to the modern judiciary’s interpretation of the “establishment” clause, Jefferson had violated the principle he just expressed and endorsed! Hardly. For the sake of argument, let’s suppose Jefferson had actually written in that letter, "It is my belief that 2006-11-26T08:59:08-05:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Judicial-Tyranny-Modern-Separation-of-Church-and-State-31839.aspx Research Paper on Operation Desert Storm In the beginning of August 1990, Saddam Hussein, president of Iraq, had built up troops on the southeastern border of his country. Everyone knew he was going to order an invasion into the small country of Kuwait, lying just on the other side of the crowded imaginary line. Sure enough, on August 2, troops poured into Kuwait, terrorizing and killing many people (Bratman 5). Hussein’s main objective seemed to be to get another ten percent of the world’s oil supply that was flowing beneath the teeny country, but it was more than that (Encarta n.p.). After taking the oil, he hoped to reunite his own country with the money he made from additional oil sales (“The War” n.p.). Iraq also owed a large sum of money to Kuwait for expenses in the Iran/Iraq war. Taking over Kuwait would cancel this debt. Hussein also clamed that he had fought the Iranians for the benefit of all Arab nations, and that Kuwait owed him for that. He also somehow convinced himself that Kuwait should be part of his country because it had been a province of the Ottoman Empire, which was based in Iraq. Kuwait became independent just before Iraq itself was formed (Deese 300B). Having considered all of his reasons to invade Kuwait, it almost made sense. Unfortunately for Saddam, the U.S. wasn’t about to stand around and let this happen. Within hours of the attack, President Bush had started forming a broad-based international coalition (“The Gulf War”n.p.). On August 7, five days after the invasion started, Bush announced he would send troops to the Middle East to help defend Saudi Arabia (Deese 300C). This action came to be known as Operation Desert Shield. Before even that was done, all Iraqi assets in the U.S. such as money and other useful things had been shut down (Bratman 6). When the coalition was organized, the various countries agreed to set the deadline for Saddam and his troops to be out of Kuwait for January 15, 1991 (“The War” n.p.). Although the United States was a large part of it, neighboring Arab countries also did what they could. Before even joining the coalition, Arabs first tried to solve the problem themselves (Encarta n.p.). The president of Jordan went and talked with Hussein to see if he could get him to back down. When their plan failed, 2006-10-31T22:40:12-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Research-Paper-on-Operation-Desert-Storm-31647.aspx Public Policy with Regards to E Coli Since E Coli is mostly a result of unsanitary food and living conditions, an education program to increase the awareness of what causes the disease would be effective for prevention. We would launch a media education campaign which would air 30 seconds spot ads providing information on the disease and how to prevent it. These commercials would be broadcast globally, especially to third world countries and the countries most effected by the disease. If certain areas affected by the disease do not have TV’s, ads promoting the prevention of E Coli will also be placed in magazines and newspapers, so that less developed countries will be able to benefit from the education program as well. Other classroom education programs will be established in high-risk countries that frequently suffer from E Coli outbreaks. E Coli can appear anywhere, even in countries with a high standard of living, like America. E Coli in most countries spreads through the contamination and improper preparation of foods. Because of this, it is mostly restaurants and food companies making food products that spread the disease. In order to reduce and prevent the contamination of foods and the spread of e Coli through food products, rules and regulations for food preparation will be released through the FDA. These regulations will be administered to all major countries across the globe and will specifically target the companies that handle e Coli prone food products such as meat factories. Meat factories for instance must make sure that they properly butcher the cows without rupturing the intestine, and if they do, they must know how to treat this infection of their meet. All restaurants and food companies will have to meet these FDA regulations for food preparation. Not adhering to these rules for proper food preparation and sanitation will be illegal. The intent of these rules is to ensure that food companies will release clean and uncontaminated food products, which meet the global standard for proper food preparation. The third step towards the prevention and reduction of E Coli will be to set up a global food surveillance program. This program will check up on all major food companies and restaurants to make sure that they are abiding by the FDA regulations and to check if there have been any cases of e Coli outbreaks or infections. The program will not 2006-10-31T22:29:49-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Public-Policy-with-Regards-to-E-Coli-31645.aspx Military mission in Afghanistan far from finished Osama bin Laden. (AP) WASHINGTON (AP) - Osama bin Laden and his al-Qaida network are on the run in Afghanistan and their Taliban supporters are in disarray, but the U.S.-led military campaign to crush them is far from over, senior administration officials said Sunday. Secretary of State Colin Powell and Deputy Defense Secretary Paul Wolfowitz, in separate talk show interviews, both said they have no reason to think bin Laden, believed to be the mastermind behind the Sept. 11 terror attacks on the U.S., has escaped Afghanistan. "I have seen no intelligence or information to suggest" he has left, Powell said on ABC's This Week. WAR ON TERRORISM • Complete coverage • Breaking world news • Sept. 11 revisited The Taliban's envoy to Pakistan said Saturday that bin Laden had left Afghanistan, but that has not been substantiated. Later, the diplomat said he meant only that bin Laden was outside areas under Taliban control. Powell, Wolfowitz and national security adviser Condoleezza Rice all suggested bin Laden's room to maneuver is shrinking, his options narrowing. "It's getting harder for him to hide as more and more territory is removed from Taliban control," Powell said. "I don't think there's any country in the region that would be anxious to give him guest privileges if he showed up." Wolfowitz described bin Laden as "in very great danger" of being killed or captured. "This is a man on the run who's doing his best to hide," Wolfowitz said on CBS's Face the Nation. Added Rice: "We're beginning to narrow his possibilities for hiding." Powell said the Central Intelligence Agency has been doing "some rather splendid work with respect to our activities in Afghanistan, working alongside our military forces that are inside in Afghanistan." The Washington Post reported Sunday the CIA has paramilitary forces in Afghanistan; Powell would not confirm that. "I think we've got a very fine linkup between our intelligence assets, our military assets, all within the framework of a good political and military strategy," Powell said on This Week. "And it's now starting to show rather significant results." If bin Laden were to flee Afghanistan, the United States would keep up the hunt, Wolfowitz said. "We are going to continue pursuing him," he said. "Let's also remember we're going to continue pursuing the entire al-Qaida network, which is in 60 countries, not just Afghanistan and, worst of all, 2006-08-31T17:40:51-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Military-Mission-in-Afghanistan-Far-from-Finished-31397.aspx The Role of Religion after September 11th Fellow world kings, presidents, and leaders: In a time of despair and emptiness, the world we knew has changed forever. Perhaps in this day and age, it is difficult to fathom why anyone would mastermind the attacks of September 11th. In the time that has followed that fateful day, news organizations have ingrained into our brains images of planes crashing into buildings, people jumping from windows many stories up, abandoned shoes among the rubble, and -- of course --images of the victims and their families. As madness and insanity engulfed our nation, some of us blame God for the things that have happened and for not helping us out when we really need his help. You cannot blame God for our own problems, as he is not the one who is responsible for our sins and miseries. In these times of hopelessness, we need to live in a Kingdom of Heaven. In order to live in this Kingdom of Heaven we are reminded that blessed are those that are hungry, blessed are those that are poor, blessed are those that are weeping, to make peace with our brothers and then come back, and to turn the other cheek. If we are reminded of these things we can only merely begin to live in harmony with the world. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” (Matthew 5:6) Jesus does not mean physical hunger and thirst, which may foster either goodness or despair and greed. A hungry person has a gnawing sense of emptiness in his stomach. He knows "I need food." But a person who is well fed isn't looking for anything to eat. So Jesus is talking about spiritual hunger, the hunger of a heart that senses a need for spiritual food. That is why we come to church to be fed, and we read the Bible to feed on the Bread of Life. But people who are satisfied with what the world has to offer never feel hungry for God. Let us not forget all the starving children who live in war everyday, because they are the ones who (according to Jesus’ teachings) will overcome us in the Kingdom of Heaven. God represents righteousness and the kingdom of the heavens is the realm of righteousness. At the most, only a few can attain righteousness. Consequently those who 2006-08-29T15:30:45-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/The-Role-of-Religion-after-September-11th-31371.aspx Current Issues Pertaining to Afghanistan I've been hearing a lot of talk about "bombing Afghanistan back to the Stone Age." Ronn Owens, on KGO Talk Radio today, allowed that this would mean killing innocent people, people who had nothing to do with this atrocity, but "we're at war, we have to accept collateral damage. What else can we do?" Minutes later I heard some TV pundit discussing whether we "have the belly to do what must be done." And I thought about the issues being raised especially hard because I am from Afghanistan, and even though I've lived here for 35 years I've never lost track of what's going on there. So I want to tell anyone who will listen how it all looks from where I'm standing. I speak as one who hates the Taliban and Osama Bin Laden. There is no doubt in my mind that these people were responsible for the atrocity in New York. I agree that something must be done about those monsters. But the Taliban and Ben Laden are not Afghanistan. They're not even the government of Afghanistan. The Taliban are a cult of ignorant psychotics who took over Afghanistan in 1997. Bin Laden is a political criminal with a plan. When you think Taliban, think Nazis. When you think Bin Laden, think Hitler. And when you think "the people of Afghanistan" think "the Jews in the concentration camps." It's not only that the Afghan people had nothing to do with this atrocity. They were the first victims of the perpetrators. They would exult if someone would come in there, take out the Taliban and clear out the rats nest of international thugs holed up in their country. Some say, why don't the Afghans rise up and overthrow the Taliban? The answer is, they're starved, exhausted, hurt, incapacitated, suffering. A few years ago, the United Nations estimated that there are 500,000 disabled orphans in Afghanistan , a country with no economy, no food. There are millions of widows. And the Taliban has been burying these widows alive in mass graves. The soil is littered with land mines, the farms were all destroyed by the Soviets. These are a few of the reasons why the Afghan people have not overthrown the Taliban. We come now to the question of bombing Afghanistan back to the Stone Age. Trouble is, that's been done. The Soviets took care of 2006-08-27T23:02:15-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Current-Issues-Pertaining-to-Afghanistan-31336.aspx China's Acceptance into The World Health Organization The debate over China’s human rights violation has been an ongoing issue in the international communities for the past decade. One way to show the international community’s disapproval of the human rights violations in China that comes to mind would be to prevent it from joining international organizations, such as the World Health Organization. However, due to the nature and role of the World Health Organization, and the nature of Chinese politics, government, and social atmosphere, I strongly recommend China’s acceptance to the World Health Organization, despite the country’s supposed human rights violations. The following support my argument. First, the situation of human rights in China needs to be examined. According to the US Department of State, The People's Republic of China (PRC) is an authoritarian state in which the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is the paramount source of power. At the national and regional levels, party members hold almost all top government, police, and military positions. Ultimate authority rests with members of the Politburo. Leaders stress the need to maintain stability and social order and are committed to perpetuating the rule of the CCP and its hierarchy. Citizens lack the freedom to express peacefully opposition to the party-led political system and the right to change their national leaders or form of government. This view is shared by most western nations and many other countries throughout the world. Even assuming this view to be completely factual and accurate still does not justify a refusal to admit China into the World Health Organization. The World Health Organization is a special agency of the United Nations with a goal of improving the level of health of all people worldwide. It was established for the benefit of humans around the world, regardless of their governments. According to its constitution, it is "the directing and coordinating authority on international health work" and is responsible for helping all peoples to attain "the highest possible levels of health.” Therefore, it should be dedicated to aiding the people of the world regardless of their government and those governments’ policies. Not admitting China to the World Health Organization would only detriment the Chinese people, who make up about a fifth of the world population. Moreover, admitting China to the WHO does not go against the International Community’s stance against human rights violations in China, as it is only for the benefit of the Chinese 2006-08-08T09:46:36-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/China-s-Acceptance-into-The-World-Health-Organization-31165.aspx Recap of the 2001 Elections By Virginia being a Republican state, there comes no surprise that majority of the predicing winners for this year's 2001 Elections are republicans; except for Tim Kaine whis is running for Lieutenant Governor. In the race for Governor, I predict that the winner will be Republican Mark L. Early; not only for the simple fact that he is leading in the polls as we speak, but for the fact that the public feels he is a well spoken man who is definitely not all talk. He carres himself well in public ans is not afraid got get the job done. As far as the issues of transportation. education, and crime are concerned, both Early and Warner agree on a lot of the same ideas; however, taxes was their main difference. Warner supports the idea that he will not raise taxes, wehreas Early supports the notion that he will actually further cut food and car taxes. As we all know, whenever the words "tax cut" is heard in a campaign ad, the public tends to sway more in the direction of that candidate, because it always means less for the average citizen to pay. In the end Earley, if elected, just has the better demeanor, desposition, temperament, tone, and chance of cooperating with the General Assembly to make the positive budgetary decisions relatie to an unsteady Virginia economy. Time Kaine, the Democrat running for Lieutenant Governor, will win with his strong emphasis on public education. He wants to focus on the fact that a promise of furthering children's education was made and it should be met. Virginia is underfunding public education, so in an effort to make a change, Kaine hopes to enhance the public school funding from the state, further protecting public education money from going into private schools. Katzen, on the other hand, sponsored a bill that would have awarded $500 tax credits to people or businesses if they donated money to specially formed charitable groups that award scholarships to private school students. Not only would money have been scarce for the public school system, but he would have furthered prohibited the learning capacity of children; which obviously does not suit well for parents in today's society. So Kaine's proposal, in the long run, just makes better sense and the public is always looking for someone who can make logical sense out of problems. There are many qualities 2006-08-07T22:08:56-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Recap-of-the-2001-Elections-31153.aspx To What Extent is the US Responsible for September 11th In the wake of what is undisputedly one of the most destructive acts of terrorism ever seen by the world, America and her allies have been quick to condemn the perpetrators as unjustified, unprovoked extremists. The media has painted a picture of an evil regime intent on the shedding of innocent blood; motivated only by rage, hatred, jealously and sheer lunacy in the belief that this martyrdom will take them to paradise. Of course few in the west will doubt that the financial workers and tourists were blameless, and undeserving of the cruel fate which we have all seen emblazoned in our minds eye and replaying endlessly on our television screens as terrified men and women fall to their deaths, and the buildings that were the pride of New York fall to their destruction. Forming a sepulcher to the fallen victims and Americas national pride of the invincible. With destruction on this scale, those of the world who observe such a tragedy might be more comfortable with the mass-murders, if the perpetuators are thought of simply as evil men. James Rubin once a senior official in the US government recently said of the terrorists held responsible for this, the Taleban that they "have no agenda". This is an extremely convenient viewpoint to be held by the US government, and one to be boosted as much as possible by the media, as it effectively eradicates any possible apportioning of guilt. How can anyone be to blame for inflaming a regime which "has no agenda, [when] all they want is to destroy the West." If they are simply motivated by fanaticism, fed by irrational hatred then surely America cannot be accused of having 'brought this one themselves'. However, the question which should be asked in furtherance to this conclusion, is what has given rise to anti-American feeling so strong that they have brought a regime to commit mass-murder. For many people vague statements regarding Jihad, religious fervor, Gulf war and misconceptions about American evil satisfy, but if one looks closer into individual incidents a pattern can be seen emerging. Almost since the bombing itself, and certainly since Osama Bin Laden came to prominence as the US's prime suspect, Islam and the fanatical belief in such has been cited as a primary cause, even as a motive for 2006-08-07T15:30:06-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/To-What-Extent-is-the-US-Responsible-for-September-11th-31134.aspx Patriotism in America After September 11th It was September 11. Nothing exciting was happening. School was already boring by now. I had just arrived in homeroom when I heard a sound that was frightening. Was it sirens? No, it was just the TV. I didn’t pay much attention at first but after I got settled I looked to see a plane flying into a building. I was shocked. A thousand questions began to run through my head-where was this located?, was it ORNL where my Dad works?, or was it an accident? - while at the same time trying to focus on what the reporters were saying. We all know what was unfolding in the next few minutes, the United States of America was attacked by cowards in hopes of destroying the security of our country. Looking back on the morning, how was I supposed to know that these events would change our lives and that of our country? I mean we have all seen pictures of wars on TV but it was always in another country. I never expected for war to be within the United States and for our lives to be in danger. Patriotism is a word I have heard all my life but to me it always meant getting a cute red, white and blue shirt for the fourth of July celebrations or going to the Veterans Day Parade or hearing the old war stories my Granddaddy often tells. To be patriotic had always been to stand respectful during the playing of our national anthem before sporting events or saying the pledge. How differently would I look on what being truly patriotic really meant as the days and weeks began to unfold. Webster defines patriotism as love and loyal support devoted to one’s country. These are only words until you see first hand men and women that are willing to risk their lives to save a stranger. It is an emotion that causes you to act upon a feeling or a thought without considering the danger to yourself in a certain situation. The examples of this have been many from the four planes that were hijacked to the men and women who have left their families to go overseas to fight this war and maintain our safety from 2006-08-05T10:18:54-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Patriotism-in-America-After-September-11th-31008.aspx New Aspects of Leadership with Globalization A significant part of effective leadership is the close connection between the leader and the follower, which often determines the success of the leader’s mission. Unfortunately, this leader-follower relationship cannot be created according to some simple formula. Without inspiration, involvement, and encouragement from both participants, the relationship suffers. Leaders, in particular, must give an extra effort to reach out to followers in order to initiate and develop this alliance that is so critical to the achievement of goals. Young leaders of today face special challenges as they try to communicate and interact with their followers and potential followers. As a result of the changes that are rapidly occurring in the world, three aspects--globalization, human diversity, and ethical issues—are becoming an important influence on leadership, both on a global level and in our own neighborhoods. By exploring global perspectives, human diversity, and ethics, young leaders can take yet another step forward in their development and preparation for twenty-first century leadership. Globalization has many implications for leadership today and in the future. Earlier this century (and to some extent today), there was a tendency for many people to think locally: one’s hometown was one’s world. Currently, people are realizing that, although this point of view may have been common during that era, globalization is rapidly occurring. As technology and communication improve, barriers between nations disappear, exposing everyone to new cultures. Global perspectives are being spread to the farthest points in the world and to the most isolated people. People of different cultures come to the United States daily to live, travel, or engage in business. Not only that, American individuals and organizations are going to foreign countries as they used to travel to neighboring states. Globalization has become and will continue to be a new way of life that all people must face. Leaders must respond to this challenge of globalization so they can effectively reach out to as many people as possible. Opening themselves to the world’s changes allows leaders to compare and contrast their culture with the arts, language, beliefs, customs, philosophies, and ways of living of other people. Even minor details of the culture, such as gestures, can be important. By observing and questioning another culture, leaders can understand the origin of an individual’s viewpoints and become more sensitive to the cultural needs of that individual. Therefore, the leaders prove their respect and sincere 2006-07-30T20:58:57-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/New-Aspects-of-Leadership-with-Globalization-30838.aspx Reaching Out To America’s Future It’s strange to think that I am part of this great country’s future. Therefore, I should do my best at everything I attempt. Being a well-rounded and informed American is very important. You must show your Patriotism by performing your duties as a citizen, understanding our government, and becoming well read. On September 11, 2001 patriotic Americans came together like never before. People all across our great nation presented themselves as magnificent examples of true Americans. These Americans instantly became role models and heroes to everyone. Children want to grow up to be just like them, and this is what we need - Dedicated Americans to run this country now and in the years to come. A friend in the community where I live responded to this patriotism of America by saying, “This is not the new America, this is the old America, the one that we once knew coming back to life.” I admire and honor those Americans, past and present, that have fought and continue to fight to protect the freedom each and everyone of us enjoys in our great nation.. Doing your duty as a citizen is probably the most important job one has as an American. Good citizens are surprisingly abundant. This knowledge was brought home to me on that ill-fated September 11, 2001 when we Americans were attacked by terrorists on our own soil. Americans, young and old, rich and poor, male and female have come together in one single united bond to overcome shock, denial, and grief when the World Trade Center and the Pentagon were attacked. Americans have always displayed a true sense of patriotism and goodness when the need has arisen. But there is more to being a good American. As citizens we have many duties. We need to work to support our families, to serve on juries when called upon to do so, to make sure our children are safe and well taken care of. We also need to reach out and comfort those who need comforting and help those who need help. We must continue to stick together as patriotic American citizens and to continually fight to preserve our freedoms that our forefathers worked so hard to obtain. These are just some of the qualities our 2006-07-29T16:06:59-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Reaching-Out-To-America’s-Future-30785.aspx Student Analysis on the War on Terrorism On the morning of September 11 2001 the United States awoke to find itself under attack. In the city of New York hijacked commercial airliners smashed into the World Trade Center with enough intensity to topple them to the ground killing thousands of innocent men, women, and children plus hundreds of rescue workers trying to save the endangered. This is undoubtedly the deadliest day on American soil in American history, costing more lives than Pearl Harbor. “The attack was meant to break our spirit. It has utterly failed. Our hearts are broken but they continue to beat, and the spirit of the United States of America has never been stronger.” One Nation p.6. This gruesome attack on America was unprovoked, we were not given any demands to succumb to, this was done out of pure hatred for our country. For that we must defend our life, liberty, and justice. We must enforce strong military action against the responsible parties of this act of terrorism. This is the only way that the world and the terrorists will know that we care for one another and our way of life and this will not be tolerated. We will find all groups responsible and bring them down dead or alive, but all will be brought to justice. Strong military action against terrorism is inevitable and very necessary to ensure freedom and the American way of life. Terrorism is not new to America, but now it has struck at the heart and soul of Americans like never before. The September 11 attack was not only aimed at U.S. military centers (Pentagon) and financial institutions (World Trade Center) but at thousands of innocent people. This is the worst act of terrorism in modern history; it left Americans stunned and vulnerable. The damage from the attacks was incomprehensible even after seeing every angle of the two planes rip through the World Trade Center. Overnight, the “war on terrorism” became every true Americans no. 1 priority. A poll done by Fox News shows that 91% of people who were asked said they supported “US military action being taken in response to terrorist attacks.” My question is for the 9% that did not support this poll, are you true Americans? Do you not care what happens 2006-07-27T12:51:44-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Student-Analysis-on-the-War-on-Terrorism-30729.aspx Fundamental Analysis of Islam The Islamic Congress's president, Mohamed Elmasry. Mr. Elmasry said there are bad Muslims just as there are bad Christians and Jews. "We treat them as such and so should you. But Islam is a religion of peace. Muslims have a religious duty to be tolerant of other faiths and other ideologies.'' Mr. Elmasry said journalists need to differentiate between the peaceful teachings of Islam and the claims of some Muslim extremists that their actions are justified by their interpretations of Islam. He likened the situation of Canadian Muslims today to that of Canadian Jews 50 years ago. "Jewish children were being (wrongly) called Christ-killers just as Muslim children are called terrorists today.'' In their letter to the editor in the April 27 issue of the College Hill Independent, Jumana Musa and Shadi Nahvi made some excellent points. They rightly asserted that the Western press tends to portray Arabs and Muslims according to stereotypes and these myths persist partly due to Western popular ignorance about Arabs and Muslims. Since the Muslims students at Brown condemned the bombing of a Tel Aviv bus last year, I am learning to separate the handful of Muslim and Arab extremists who commit terrorist attacks against Israeli and Jewish civilians from the millions of Muslim believers who do not participate in this violence and sometimes express opposition to it. Since I began interacting with Muslims students through the kosher/hallal meal plan this year, I am changing my perceptions of Muslims and seeing them as people instead of abstractions. I think that many, many people in the United States and in western countries, in Europe, are afraid of a monster called Islam. And as the honorable Congressman Dana Rohrabacher said, it is an insult to consider the whole of Muslims, to take them into one side, and make them extremists. Really it is not correct. It is a little bit insulting. What is the definition of extremism? We can see in all of history: even when the first settlers came to the United States they were from different countries; Spain, England, France, European Countries. They were fighting on this land and fighting with the Indians. Do we call this extremism? A fight for a better living, which you understand you are doing not for a religious motive, is not extremism. Extremism in Islam, or in religion, is when you use religion to label intolerance, 2006-07-26T12:35:52-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Fundamental-Analysis-of-Islam-30682.aspx Examination of Counter Terrorism Efforts Terrorism: it strikes fear into many. There are a few brave souls that stand up to one of the most dangerous threats this world has ever known. Dozens of Counter-Terrorism teams use the latest technology to combat international terrorism. Many people do not know that counter terrorism teams exist. These are Counter Terrorism teams and what they are doing to combat terrorism (ECSI International)? Origins of Counter Terrorism Teams Some of the highest trained, best-equipped good-guys are counter terrorism teams. Some counter terrorism teams originated because of tragic events that could have been prevented if a well-equipped, well-trained counter terrorism team would have been there. GSG-9 was created because of the Munich Olympics when eight Arab commandos ran into the Olympic compound. Later, after taking the Israeli hostages, the Arabians killed all of the Israeli athletes (SpecWar Net). One of the most active counter terrorism team in the world, is the British SAS or Special Air Service. Captain David Stirling created the SAS during WWII. Stirling thought of the SAS while he was recovering from a parachute accident. Initially created to weaken Rommel’s force in North Africa, they have now switched over to combating terrorism. Dave Stirling was recently knighted in 1990 for his ingenious idea of the SAS. The SAS has trained many other tactical teams including U.S. Swat teams (SpecWar Net). Germany’s GSG-9 is one of the world’s premiere counter terrorism team created on April 17th 1973. The reason this counter terrorism team was created is because of the Munich Olympic Massacre, when terrorist took Israeli hostages then killed them. The police let the situation escalate and did many things wrong due to their lack of training on terrorism. The government, three months later, created GSG-9 to help combat a future situation in their country (SpecWar Net). The GIGN of France have just recently completed one of the most dangerous, most praised hostage rescues, Air France flight 8969. Between 1974-1988, the GIGN have done 650 operations, freed 500 hostages, eliminated dozens of terrorists, and have arrested over 100 terrorists. Five GIGN Agents have been killed and 27 severely wounded. In Air France Flight 8969, 4 terrorists were killed, 9 GIGN were wounded, and around 300 hostages were saved. The 2006-07-25T12:31:44-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Examination-of-Counter-Terrorism-Efforts-30627.aspx Motivation for the Attacks of September 11th A terrible event took place on September 11th 2001. Our nation was attacked, but not over seas or financially. This nation and its people were attacked here, within the United States, by our own planes. Members of the Islamic extremist group know as the Taliban attacked the United States and our way of life. The leader and financier of this group, Bin Ladin, is now the main suspect as the mastermind behind this attack. These people seek not only to destroy buildings and kill Americans, but they also wish to combat the American way of life and install terror into the minds of Americans everywhere. To them this a religious war, or Jihad, against the American evil. Explaining what motives were behind this attack can be done by using three views on socialization, which are Functionalism, Conflict Theory, and Symbolic Interactionism. Functionalism is based on the assumption that all aspects of society exist in an equilibrium. Functionalists relate society to a machine with individual parts working together to make the machine work. A change in the machine or dysfunction will cause the machine, or society, to stop working. Conflict Theory, is the belief that change is needed in a society in order for the strong to fall and to be replaced. This overthrowing and rebirth of society is a normal routine within Conflict Theory. Finally, symbolic interactionalism focuses on the individual’s performance in a society, and how they see the world around them. In this particular scenario, of the September 11th attack, the conflict theory best describes the terrorists’ motives for this attack on our way of life. Up until the morning of September 11th the people of the United States of America led routine lives. All aspects of this society were attempting to advance the society to new economic and social heights. The motive for the terrorists that day was to try to disrupt the machine, which is the American society. By doing this they hoped to cause chaos in which America would fall socially and economically. This is why they choose a high populated economic icon and the center of our military power as targets. They were successful in some degree in this attack. The economy is now suffering because faith 2006-07-24T19:23:23-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Motivation-for-the-Attacks-of-September-11th-30605.aspx Do Modern American Campaigns Advance Democracy? Of course, campaigns are necessary in any democracy, whether they are simple or complex. Simple campaigns involve only the candidate giving a single speech or even a few speeches, but regardless a campaign still exists. In today’s American sense, campaigns are a lot more complex. They involve primaries, conventions, numerous speeches, cross-country travel, and a humongous campaign staff. These campaigns are necessary because they inform the public of what candidates they are voting for in the upcoming elections. One of the main problems however is that sometimes these campaigns can be harmful to the democratic system. No one doubts that they are necessary, since the public cannot vote blind; however, there is a debate about how much is necessary. Some of the aspects of a modern campaign may decrease an election’s democratic aspects. However, the public has the choice to vote or not, and if a campaign turns them away, then that is a conscious choice. They are not forced to not vote, they have chosen to do it. Even if campaigns turn people away from voting, they still do not affect how democratic a government is. Campaigns advance democracy, because they give people a choice of what to do with their vote, and also show the voting public exactly who they are voting for. One of the main arguments that campaigns decrease levels of democracy is the declining level of election turnout over the past few decades (Geer lecture). Turnout is right around fifty percent of the total population, and only seventy-five percent of those eligible voters who are registered. The argument states that campaigns are too long and that the negative ads, or attack ads, turn voters away from elections. The never-ending campaign is also a problem. Even though a president may have just started his term, parties talk about who their candidates for the next election will be as soon as the past election is over, which makes could possibly make voters disgusted in how parties get a candidate elected, then immediately look ahead. Another argument against modern campaigns are negative/attack ads. These are ads in which one candidate attacks the other’s policies or morals and does not spend any time on their own policies. These ads can be completely negative and simply attack the morality of a candidate, which sometimes hurts the person who is doing the 2006-07-23T19:37:37-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Do-Modern-American-Campaigns-Advance-Democracy-30550.aspx The Constitutional Abuse of Free Speech Free speech and the abuses that surround it are like wild horses that need to be broken and tamed. The laws that were created to protect free speech were made long ago and in a much different spirit. The days of the American Revolution were filled with political oppression, enforced by British rule. Speaking out against such obvious tyranny meant being crushed under the boot of colonial governors. Free speech was designed to combat these infractions against proper civil liberties. The first amendment provided for free speech to be constructive. In today’s society, free speech is a shield for protecting hatred and conspiracies. The common reply of many of today’s hate mongers is “It’s a free country!” There must be a line that cannot be crossed. When there are no safeguards against such things, we encourage hate to fester within our society and from outside as well. The results, costs, and consequences of the unchecked reign of free speech are terribly high. Evidence of this comes from the terrible tragedies that took place in New York City and Washington D.C. on September 11th, 2001. Terrorist forces, both domestic and foreign, flood our country with their messages of hate. Klu Klux Klan to Al Qaeda. From America’s heartland to the lands of the Middle East changes must be made. Terrorists, again domestic and foreign, use our internet and public arenas to communicate and proliferate. On any given day there are hundreds of questionable chat rooms at such a website as http://chat.yahoo.com or using a simple program called mIRC. Many of these rooms are created with the expressed purpose of plotting against the United States and its people. Our public facilities must be available for any Klan or other group rally that agrees to be “peaceful.” More often than not, these meetings are not peaceful, as in Columbus and Cleveland this past summer. The fruits of these group’s labor come into season when people die. They do not seek political reform, economic changes, or policy revision; these groups seek blood in the streets and terror in our hearts. The Constitution was created as a flexible document, one that grew with the times. Now, in its rigid and sharp edged ways, it is harming 2006-07-23T17:54:17-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/The-Constitutional-Abuse-of-Free-Speech-30541.aspx Role of Nationalism in Contemporary Politics Nationalism plays a major role in world politics today. Nationalism is a concept that can be viewed as positive and negative. Nationalism has changed since the 19th century. September 11, 2001 will be a day that no one will ever forget. It was a day that has changed lives forever, creating distress throughout the world. The terrorist attacks on the United States affected more than America; it was an attack on all Nations that are allied with the United States. That is an example of how nationalism plays a major role in world politics today. Nationalism has caused and causes governments extreme amounts of work including: negotiating and signing treaties. The United States, and the Philippines, and Taiwan are other examples of the world aspects and its affects on politics. However, nationalism does not always have to result in negative outcomes. For example, a positive result was the separation of Yugoslavia into five states. The separation of the Soviet Empire was a basis of nationalism and was rather serene. (1) Nationalism has been going on for centuries; this is not a new idea. Throughout time however, the concept has changed. Nationalism came about during the 19th Century at the time Romanticism there were two different forms: liberal nationalism and integral nationalism. In the age of Romanticism and the Enlightenment emphasized were societies and the link holding people collectively as a group or common people and the distinction between groups of people. From this idea away from the center of the individual, one can see how nationalisms arose. Liberal nationalism was seen as traditions, myths, dialects, and places. This was the more rational of the two; most liberal nationalist, did not think that the growth of one custom or inhabitants meant an eradication of another. An example would be the formation of Germany and Italy. The Germans wanted a Germany and the Italians wanted an Italy. Another type of nationalism was Integral Nationalism, which came about from the Prussian War. This was the irrational form and idea that “one nation became at the expense of another.” This idea of power over one nation over another created problems and which resulted in World War I and World War II. (6) An 2006-07-23T17:37:08-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Role-of-Nationalism-in-Contemporary-Politics-30536.aspx Is Local Government an Important Feature in Today's Society The structure of local government in England and Wales at the end of the 1990's was still essentially a two-tier system based on counties (the top tier) and the districts (the lower tier). This broad division between two levels of authority is a historical survival pre-dating the Local Government Act 1972, the first serious attempt to reform the structure. This Act was in turn partially based on the proposals contained in the Redcliffe-Maud report of 1968. It was set up by the Labour government led by Wilson in 1966, and the commission was charged with examining the structure of local government with a view to making recommendations for its improvement. It was said, that many local authorities were too small to function efficiently, as they lacked qualified staffs and resources. Possibly the most important findings of the Maud Commission were the criticisms relating to local democracy and central-local relationships. The effects of the structural defects existing in local government were firstly, the public perceived local government as irrelevant, with a consequent increase in apathy. Secondly, central government ministers were reluctant to expand the powers of existing local authorities because of the inefficiencies in the system. Maud wanted to see existing local councils replaced by more efficient unitary authorities. This never happened. Instead a more complex three-tier system was created in 1995 (comprising of two tiers and a single tier). Although it is early to comment on the new authorities, the introduction of what is in effect a "hybrid" system of local government has had a mixed reception. The generally held belief is that local government should be accessible and close to the people it serves. If people are to participate, local government boundaries should reflect local community feelings. Local government is elected, and is therefore representative and responsible. This makes it different from local administration, which would be where branch offices of government ministries run local affairs. Local government - in principle - is fairly autonomous, and this gives it a claim to power. It is the only directly elected body apart from parliament. In theory local government is a useful addition to democracy. Firstly, it is necessary to protect local interests, which someone in London may know nothing about. Secondly, some things can be more efficiently administered locally, by local people. Co-ordination of the different services 2006-07-23T13:40:36-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Is-Local-Government-an-Important-Feature-in-Today-s-Society-30510.aspx John Ellis “Jeb” Bush – Governor of Florida Often referred to as Florida’s “most accessible governor”, our 43rd governor Jeb Bush as also taken on the task of proving the skeptics wrong. Accused by critics of “riding the coattails” of his father and brother, Jeb Bush has begun to come into his own. With a bachelor’s degree in Latin American Affairs from the University of Texas in hand, Governor Bush came to Florida in 1980 with ideas and dreams of big opportunity. A businessman first, Bush helped start what is now one of the largest commercial real estate companies in South Florida - The Codina Group – and the launching board of his political career (Meet the). Dividing his time between his real estate firm and his political career, Bush served as Florida’s Secretary of Commerce under Governor Bob Martinez. He volunteered his time working with various civic organizations such as the Miami Children Hospital, the United Way of Dade County, and the Dade County Homeless Trust. In 1995, after a failed campaign for governor, Bush founded the Foundation for Florida’s Future, a nonprofit organization designed to influence public policy at the grassroots level as well as co-founding Florida’s first charter school (Meet). Jeb Bush made his second bid for governor in 1998 with an agenda of improving Florida schools, a solid tax-relief plan, the fight against illegal drugs, tougher gun laws, environmental protection, and reforming the social services system. With promises that “no child will be left behind” in regards to education and a society of safety instead of fear, the support for Bush was strong (Govenor). The St. Petersburg Times said, “Bush can make a meaningful contribution to the education debate (What).” T. Williard Fair, President and CEO of the Urban League of Miami said, “Jeb Bush has proven himself to be decent, caring, compassionate and committed to the things that are important (What).” It was this kind of support that helped him beat out Buddy McKay by capturing 55% of the vote. Among Jeb Bush’s accomplishments lies his ability to make good management decisions in regards to policy issues and prove his strong leadership skills in carrying out those decisions. Governor Bush’s top priority has always been education reform. Believing that education starts in the home with parents, he has established 2006-07-22T18:41:32-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Jeb-Bush-Governor-of-Florida-30489.aspx Politics of PaT Buchanan Pat Buchanan’s views in his article definitely portray him as a supporter of isolationism. He compares many different actions the united states has taken in the past, and makes it seem as if we’ve been very hypocritical in our actions. He states strongly that we must think of America first and others later. He stresses that the cold war is over and we must modify our foreign policy accordingly, and believes he has the best plan to do so. He also sees as us a global police officer who must involve himself in every little dispute that he feels are none of our business. But all of this focuses mainly on the idea that we must separate from the rest of the world in order to save ourselves. Pat believes that one of the major problems with our foreign policy is the unfair treatment we deal out. In the massacre at Tiananmen Square we sent officials to reassure the government that we understood why they did what they did, but when rebels took over a communist government we imposed sanctions. So, in short, after a cold war which was a decade long battle against communism, we basically supported a communist action on one front and punished someone for fighting communism all within a few years of each other. And he feels it was improper of us to be the 37th to recognize Croatia as a country when they declared independence from their communist leaders. He feels that decisions made for human rights have been replaced by decisions made to keep peace and stability throughout the world. Though its hard to understand it seems he’s saying its better to not be involved in disputes than to be on the wrong side of a dispute, which seems understandable. But how do we put America first, Mr. Buchanan? According to Pat, we must re-evaluate everything from Cold War times, from the United Nations to the world bank. He feels we should never turn our backs on the world, because we are people from all continents. But we must work to better ourselves. Remove our troops from UN service, and bring them home from other countries. If Germany and Japan are doing well enough to steal our markets, he says they should be able to defend themselves. Our resources our not being used efficiently 2006-07-17T22:48:40-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Politics-of-PaT-Buchanan-30320.aspx Global Number of Afghan Refugees Growing By the late 1980s, some 6 million Afghan refugees had fled as a result of the Soviet occupation of their homeland. Of these, 3 million, mostly from eastern Afghan provinces, went to Pakistan. Another 3 million, mainly from western provinces, fled to the Islamic Republic of Iran. By March 1995, around half had returned home, including large numbers of women. Many refugee women returning to their devastated country after up to 16 years in Pakistan and Iran need both 2006-07-10T18:04:30-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Global-Number-of-Afghan-Refugees-Growing-30186.aspx Foreign Aid in American Foreign Policy In the times we live in, there are still enormous differences between rich and poor, developed and less developed countries. But why and who is to blame? What can one do about it? Many things have been tried to solve these problems, but have they worked? It is very weird, that we modern, intelligent people, have not yet achieved to get rid of the differences between developed countries and less developed countries. Developed countries try, every year, they grant a certain percent of their Gross National Product to foreign aid to help the less developed countries to get a better standard of living (better agriculture, more and better schools and hospitals, access to health care, medicines, etc.). On the other hand, are the developed countries "standard of living" the best for less developed countries, and the one that the developed countries should impose on them? For instance, what is the point of giving high tech machinery like tractors and farming equipment, which need expensive fuel and maintenance, and education to people who have none of the above and have harvested their crops by manpower for hundreds of years? We know for a fact that the money we grant is not being used effectively. The governments of the less developed countries take a lot of the money, and a great amount of the sum are not being used to the purposes they are meant for. Bribery and corruption are huge problems in developing countries. It makes more sense for the developed countries to dig wells for people who walk for miles every day to get their daily water supply, than to support government officials who buy BMWs and own great property. The World Bank was established, and a large amount of money was poured in, despite the fact that the Third World lacked the level of infrastructure, economic and social background, and the skilled personnel that Europe and North America did have. The failure of this model of economic development to create economic well being and growth for most Third World countries is due to a few factors. These factors include the amount of economic resources in the hands of the rich and of deceiving governments, the elimination of the large majority of populations, which are affected from economic decision making, and the 2006-07-09T14:47:22-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Foreign-Aid-in-American-Foreign-Policy-30137.aspx Inadequicies with Campaign Finance in the 2000 Election The 2000 elections will be remembered for more than the cliffhanger presidential race. This year's campaign also essentially buried federal limits on the role of money in American national elections. Record-shattering sums--and new ways to get them into campaigns in large, unregulated amounts--have shredded restrictions imposed after the Watergate scandal. On Thursday, the Democratic and Republican parties reported their first postelection finance totals, beginning to provide a comprehensive view of the 2000 campaign. Altogether, political donors, who four years ago anted up a record $2 billion for candidates for federal office, raised the stakes this year by an estimated $500 million. Election winners and losers alike are expressing incredulity at the escalating money race and wondering what the future holds. "It even staggers me, and I'm pretty hard-core," said Harold M. Ickes, the driving force behind the Democrats' no-holds-barred 1996 fund-raising and a top advisor this year for Hillary Rodham Clinton's successful New York Senate race. Records fell left and right this year. Six years after a California candidate spent $27.5 million of his own money in an attempt to win a U.S. Senate seat, a New Jersey investment banker proved that it could be done--with double that sum. In the presidential race, the Republican nominee, George W. Bush, refused federal funding for the primaries because that would have forced him to accept spending limits. As a result, he waged the first privately financed $100-million campaign in U.S. history. And independent interest groups, exploiting loopholes in campaign spending laws, pumped so much money into their own advertising campaigns in some congressional districts that the candidates themselves felt like bystanders. "You had as much control over the system as a Londoner during the blitz," said a shell-shocked Rep. Brian P. Bilbray, a San Diego Republican who was defeated last month. More of the same is in prospect. With both the House and Senate evenly divided and the redrawing of House districts according to the new census expected to create more competitive House seats in 2002, a renewed race already looms. Each election since Watergate has set new standards, and this one was no exception: --In New 2006-07-05T16:05:23-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Inadequicies-with-Campaign-Finance-in-the-2000-Election-30022.aspx Present Day Violence in Palestine Continues The violence which began at the Intifida continues all the way until present day. In this instance, a 2-year-old Jewish child was killed by a Palestinian. Because of this, Israel Defense Forces placed an area of Palestinians under a curfew. Many Jews and Palestinians have been killed throughout this constant battle. It is caused by something very simple, somebody’s religious beliefs. In this area, 500 Jewish settlers live in an area with 130,000 Palestinians. Why 2006-07-04T15:55:56-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Present-Day-Violence-in-Palestine-Continues-29987.aspx Analysis of Current American Foreign Policy In the aftermath of the recent September 11 attacks, the ordinary Americans continue to ask why it happened, they still ask themselves this question why there is so much hatred towards their beloved America? Their America -the land of liberty and opportunities. Their home which has been so hospitable to so many immigrants, sharing their freedom and the goodness of the American way of life. But the American people ought to know that it is not them but their foreign policies that are so hated. The problem lies in the fact that the “American goodness” is hardly exported; it remains confined to its shores. What we hear about the American liberty and rules of law and democracy are rarely practiced in their Foreign Policy. Today as things stand their foreign policy towards the developing countries can be branded “immoral” because it employs double standards, is self-serving and justifies the use of excessive force. (Several current world events highlight the double standards employed in the US foreign policy, most noted of which are the situations in Iraq and Palestine) The American government claims that it condemns and looks down upon crime on children by adults. When a few American children are killed in school shootings then the whole nation mourns and the media is used to blast the whole issue out of proportion to gain sympathy from people all over the world. But if we look carefully at the situation in Iraq after the economic sanctions were imposed we would get to see the first signs of double standards in the American foreign policy towards the Middle East. The economic embargo imposed on Iraq has destroyed the counties entire infrastructure and the people to suffer the most have been the children of Iraq. According to foreign affairs, 576000 children have died as a result of the sanctions due to malnutrition and preventable diseases. Today Iraq has become a Pediatrician’s hell with no way to stop dying. Although leaders worldwide have forced the US to ease the sanctions , the US took the position that the sanctions would remain even if Iraq complied with the UN Inspectors. IN 1998 Dennis Halliday the assistant secretary general of the UN who was in charge of enforcing the sanctions resigned rather than administering the sanctions in protest due to the deaths it was causing. But the Americans still stayed focused 2006-07-02T23:07:58-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Analysis-of-Current-American-Foreign-Policy-29919.aspx President Bush and Relations with India Bush also 2006-07-02T22:45:17-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/President-Bush-and-Relations-with-India-29911.aspx Analysis and Review of "Hillary's Choice" by Gail Sheehy Hillary’s Choice, written by Gail Sheehy, has to be one of the most intriguing books I have recently read. Most literary works have the tendency to start off slow, wind up to a climax and finally produce a strong finish. It is not the case you find when you read Hillary’s Choice. From the very beginning you are introduced to the scandals that the Clinton’s have had to endure throughout their lives. That is why the first chapter is labeled as, “Into the Flames.” You are being taken straight into the heart of the hell you might say, this will later become the climactic point of the book, the biggest and most painful scandal to occur to former President Bill Clinton, his extramarital relation with intern Monica Lewinsky. Gail Sheehy, in this first chapter alone provides you with juicy details to keep the reader interested, fascinated and to provide an insight of what awaits the reader within the book. As you read further, “into the flames (of hell),” the story begins to take a turn into revealing the childhood of both Hillary Rodham and Bill Clinton himself. The conversion from scandals to childhood is accomplished in-order for the reader to acquire an understanding of why and how the Clinton’s came to be the way they are. As you proceed in reading you will be fascinated with some of the stories you encounter. Some of them have been portrayed by the media and other stories have definitely been kept “in the closet,” until now. From the title of the book being “Hillary’s Choice” you would think that the book would solely depict Hillary Rodham’s life and the choices she has made throughout her career, but it’s quite the contrary. You as the reader are introduced to both aspects of childhood, Hillary and Bill Clinton’s, and you might make a conclusion of how the both turned out the way they are. As you learn about Hillary’s childhood you become well informed of how she has come to be the woman she is. Gail Sheehy emphasizes on Hillary’s father playing a very significant role in the way she turned out to be. You will be informed of how her father used to discipline them. You might even call the man a 2006-06-20T17:52:53-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Analysis-and-Review-of-quot-Hillary-s-Choice-quot-by-Gail-29730.aspx Global Politics Questionaire on Nelson Mandela 1. The reason why Nelson Mandela was so admired as a leader is because he believed that apartheid in South Africa was wrong. As a leader he led the ANC through their struggle. Not only did he believe in this but he had the strength and the courage to go to jail for 27 years for his beliefs. People that were living in South Africa knew that what was going on was unjust be he was the soul person that united everyone and then in the face of fear he stood up for what he thought was right. I feel that he is similar to other leaders because he learned how to stand up and led a protest against the unjust. The readings say that he is greatly admired the world over for his dignity in the face of his oppressors’ behavior, and his unerring belief in doing what was “right”, no matter what the consequences. I could not agree more. 2. I have learned that being a leader does not come without struggle. And if you believe in something not only do you have to talk about but you have to be about it. You have to also realize that the actions that you take will of consequences and you have to deal with them. 3. He was supported in his led role by the ANC and the PAC. This was both outlawed organizations that led non-violent protest against apartheid. 4. As the circumstances changed and the times changed I feel that Nelson Mandela become more of a staple in the struggle. I think that more time that he spent in jail showed that he really believed in what he was doing and people saw that and then they took him seriously. Freedom Fighter Questions 1. First to be a freedom fighter you have to have a cause that you are willing to fight for with everything that you have. You have to be willing to sacrifice and be willing to give your life for what you believe in. I think the people who are willing to devote themselves to being a freedom fighter are the ones that have been oppressed for a number of years. The only reason that I feel this why is because if you are angry enough about something (for example oppression) then you will think it is a worthy cause to 2006-06-20T17:23:56-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Global-Politics-Questionaire-on-Nelson-Mandela-29719.aspx Examination of the Presidential Powers from 1970 to Today The powers of the President was limited in the 1970s. Congressional authority was reasserted in the policy-making process. Congress passed the War Powers Act and the Budget Impoundment and Control Act. These two acts are held in regard to limiting presidential power in the 1990s. The War Powers Act was passed in 1973 over the President’s veto, limiting the President’s ability to use military force. The act was broad, but hit on key points. It stated that the President must report within 42 hours to congress when troops have been placed in a hostile area. Within 60 days of being in a hostile area, the act provided congress to continue hostile action by U.S. troops; however, if congress fails to authorize, the President has the ability to withdraw the troops. Lastly, the act stated if congress passes a concurrent resolution removing the troops, the president must comply. Under the War Powers Act, the president has reported the use of troops to congress on several occasions, including President Bush’s invasion of Panama, and the toppling of Manuel Noriega’s drug trafficking. As the wage and price controls imposed in 1971 broke down and the OPEC oil embargo took effect in 1973, inflation skyrocketed. Nixon believed that reducing the federal budget deficit was critical to getting inflation under control. He relied heavily on impoundment, spurring Congress to try and outlaw the practice. A year following the War Powers Act, congress passed the Budget Reform Act in 1974. Some believe if Nixon was not on the brink of impeachment, he would’ve vetoed this bill. This act requires the president to spend all appropriated funds, unless he first tells congress what funds he wishes not to use and congress, within 45 days, agrees to delete those items. Reagan’s presidency was marked by huge deficit spending. As a solution to paying back the budget, his successors, Bush and Clinton, spent all government money to balance the budget. By the late 1990s, the deficit era seemed to disappear, leading critics to believe it’s time to let the Budget Reform Act go. The War Powers Act and Budget Reform Act were a tremendous part in America’s prosperity over the past 29 years. In conclusion, our nations owes a lot to those two acts passed in the mid 1970s. ";"80";"381";"1020297010";"41215";"6" "lybrat4";"Civil Rights In America";"Throughout the Civil Rights Movement, the federal and southern 2006-06-20T17:05:53-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Examination-of-the-Presidential-Powers-from-1970-to-Today-29710.aspx Answers to American Foreign Policy Questions 1. How did the American defeat in Vietnam affect the Gulf War? The American defeat in the Vietnam War was crucial to the strategy and thinking behind the Gulf War. Because war in Vietnam was contained and not broadened, the net cost was high. Also because of the fact that decisive strikes against Vietnam were not really used it further put us away from the chances of winning. In the Gulf War, however, we systematically focused our attention on decisive targets. By taking care of Iraq’s resources one at a time in controlled precision strikes, we were able to cripple their armed forces and successfully win the war. Instead of a limited perspective to just wage war we were controlled and decisive in the well-planned chaos that unfolded. 2. Is a successful foreign policy necessary to get a president reelected? Give an example Successful foreign policy is necessary to get a president reelected. As much as the public focuses on domestic affairs, it is vital that for a current president to be reelected that he has a good record of foreign policy. If you look at president Clinton you see a good example. Because of his dealings with the Middle East he laid the foundation for his reelection in ’96. Because of this coupled with the fact that he had a pretty good domestic policy, he was able to secure reelection. If he had a bad track record on his foreign policy issues he would probably not have been elected to a second term 3. Is a successful foreign policy enough to get a president reelected? Give an example. Successful foreign policy by itself is not enough tom get a president reelected. If you look at George Bush, his foreign policy was, I believe, very good. He had a decisive victory in the Gulf War and his approval rating was through the roof for that. However, on the home front he was not as strong and that was his Achilles’ heel. Because of his lackluster record on domestic affairs, his bid for reelection was not fulfilled. Even with the strongest foreign policy, a president must still appease his own people to remain their chosen leader. 4. Why do radicals in the Moslem world regard the US as the "great Satan?" The US doesn’t have the best reputation among the Moslem world, 2006-06-16T19:14:18-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Answers-to-American-Foreign-Policy-Questions-29659.aspx A Transformation of the American Dream Try not to become a man of success, but rather try to become a man of value." (Albert Einstein) The American Dream, although different for each one of us, is the personal paradise, we all aspire to achieve. It promises prosperity and self-fulfillment as rewards for hard work and self-reliance. It offers faith in the possibility of a better life. Traditionally, the original dream consisted of a spiritual quest, the pursuit of a sublime gratification. Humanity’s main goal was to become one with God. It was a dream in an era where the spiritual world dominated people’s values. The dream was pure, selfless and devout. People were in search of the divine. However with time, the spiritual quest was mutated into a material quest. The American Dream was transformed into a desire to attain wealth and power. Society began to prioritize their materialistic desires over self-discovery. They were now in pursuit of worldly goods, and desired a life of great wealth. In F. Scott Fitzgerald’s short story, Winter Dreams the new transformed American Dream is portrayed. This story tells the tale a young man’s obsession and determination for the love of Judy Jones, a women who represents the ideal characteristics of the American Dream. She is beautiful, rich and persuasive- everything that Dexter wants. She is the American Dream. However, Fitzgerald illustrates how life based on materialism alone is a corruption rather than a fulfillment of the American Dream. He portrays how those who try to maintain a lifestyle based purely on materialistic values are doomed by their self-delusion. In this sense, the story shows how the American Dream is an illusion, how it can be detrimental to oneself and how it is temporary and easily destroyed thus demonstrating the corruption within the American Dream. In itself, the American Dream is an illusion. In Merriam-Webster’s dictionary, an illusion is defined as ‘a misleading or deceiving image presented to the vision as a perception of something objectively existing in such a way as to cause misinterpretation of its actual nature.’ Similarly, many of the goals and desires that the American Dream holds are not always what they seem to be. On the surface, they may seem to be what everyone wants, however below is the real truth 2006-06-15T22:40:37-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/A-Transformation-of-the-American-Dream-29572.aspx Seattle Riots Illustrate Democractic Values Black Flag Over Seattle by Paul de Armond Editor's forward Read any war memoir, and notice that veterans almost always comment on the battlefield stillness before the fighting begins. Often it is the only personal note in the writing; the rest of the account describes history book heroism and savagery, troop movements and general's strategies, cannonfire and the screams of the injured. But these preceeding hours of quietude always seem as memorable as the carnage that follows. Welcome to Seattle Washington, as dawn rises on Tuesday, November 30, 1999, and about five hundred members of law enforcement prepared for duty. Sharing their own moments of stillness are about 35,000 protesters plus 15,000 members of organized labor. The police are outnumbered 10 to 1. The evening before, the forces had aligned themselves into camps. There was the Direct Action Network (a coalition of enviro and human rights groups), which planned to shut down the WTO conference by swarming the streets. There was the AFL-CIO, which planned to hold a rally and parade in an effort to influence national trade policy -- and the upcoming presidential elections. There was the Seattle Police Department, tasked with preventing the protests while allowing the labor parade. There was the camp of outside law enforcement agencies, champing at the bit to enter into the fray -- but as long as the SPD maintained order, they would be forced to sit on the sidelines. And milling around the edges were the Black Blocs, fondling their crowbars and dreaming of chaos. What would happen next was anybody's guess -- but as old veterans say, no plan of battle survives contact with the opposition. We present the story of the Battle of Seattle in 20 parts, meant to be read in sequence. Please don't skip ahead; each section builds on important details revealed before. The Plans for Battle The police on the streets expected to disperse the few hundred protesters before noon What exactly happened during the crucial hours of that Tuesday, November 30 morning battle in Seattle is shrouded in confusion and controversy, but the broad outlines can be discerned. "It was a classic example of two armies coming into contact and immediately experiencing the total collapse of their battle plans," said Daniel Junas, a Seattle political researcher. Each faction had a strategy that would ensure that their forces would control the streets -- 2006-06-15T19:25:20-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Seattle-Riots-Illustrate-Democractic-Values-29554.aspx Student's Response to the Attacks of September 11th According to the September 22nd edition of Star-Ledger, Professor Richard Falk of Princeton University stated, “the mainstream media have turned into a 'war-mobilizing mechanism' leading to intense indoctrination of the public in support of a military response…We are living in a society that is so convinced of its own innocence that it is ready to embark on its own 'holy war’”. He emphasized that if and when the United States decides to use force, it should do so only in conformance with international law and according to the principles of a "just" war. Falk continues by saying "These would include making it illegal to target non-military sites or people, making sure the response is proportionate and ensuring that no unnecessary pain is inflicted. In Bush's address (Thursday night) I saw no signs of sensitivity to any of these limits, no deference to the authority of the United Nations" . Contrary to Professor Falk’s opinion, the leaders of our country do consider the factors of collateral damage before undertaking actions of war. In addition, the complexities and possible outcomes of the military action are measured against the criterion of a "just war." A similar discussion ensued prior to the Gulf War, before moving to turn back Iraq's invasion of Kuwait in 1990. There was a good interview on the CNN website on the topic of a “just war.” This interview in particular gave multiple points as to fair and just wars. I do not believe there is any disagreement that non-violent methods of resolving conflicts must always be used, even if there is a chance of minimal success. Unfortunately, peaceful means do not always produce the best resolution to conflict. When war seems inevitable, it is important for the country’s leaders to determine if a war-like conflict is “just”. This mode of thoughtful decision-making dates back to St. Augustine and has been highly developed over the centuries; initially among Catholic theologians, but the principles have become generally accepted, as Professor Falk's own statements imply. It rests on the lawful right to self-defense when other methods have failed. Making a commitment to a “just war” must meet four criteria, not just the one cited by Professor Falk. First, the damage inflicted by the aggressor on the nation or community of nations must be grave, lasting and certain. Second, all other means of 2006-06-15T16:16:18-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Student-s-Response-to-the-Attacks-of-September-11th-29547.aspx Political Problems in South African Society Police In South Africa In the old South Africa before 1994 the police officers job was to squash subversion and his main obstacle was that most people hated him. Today after the 1994 years election the South African police force main job is to stop the growing crime rate. Which seems impossible for them to manage. The police officers main hurdle is his own lack of modern policing skills. Many policemen are barely literate, and are no good at the administrative tasks on which they spend seventy percent of their time. South Africa's murder rate is eight times that of the United States, and figures released on December 7th, 1999 showed steady increases in the other 18 of the 20 most serious categories of offence (The Economist January 22nd 2000). According to data released by the police, only one in every seven murders reported ends in conviction; and only one in 50 car hijacking result in a conviction (Business Day, 14 January 1999). School children can today in South Africa get hold of guns more easily than pencils. There are nine million legal guns and estimated to be three to four million illegal guns in circulation. Some hospitals now treat more bullet wounds than traffic injuries. Almost 18,000 new gun licenses are granted each month, and many believe that a firearm is their best defense. Guns themselves are often target for robbers; most of the 225 policemen killed in South Africa last year were murdered for their weapons (The Economist February 27th 1999) Corruption - Governance South African government official policy has been to downsize the government and make it more racially representative. The South African government tried to achieve this goal by offering generous severance packages to white public servants and then did not fill their vacancies. By early 1998 24,000 individual packages had been granted to white (After Mandela, The 1999 South African Elections, pg 15). This policy backfired on the South African Government since most of the people taking the packages were more experienced and competent public officials the public service could not afford to lose. Men and women who have been taken literally from the bush and without previous training, and they have been asked to run the governments. There are too many civil servants, and they often do not like each other. Some public servants claim multiple salaries and pensions, 2006-06-15T00:00:55-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Political-Problems-in-South-African-Society-29520.aspx American Society's Dependence on the Education System Each child that grows up in America by law is supposed to attend schooling from first grade through the age of sixteen. The purpose is so that being that all people in the country will be literate, and able to be a productive member of society. Does this mean that all students must reach the same level of education, the same level of literacy? Unfortunately, not all students that attend school until they are sixteen will have the same education. Many schools do not have the resources needed to prepare students properly. Is it the fault of the students, the school or the community? So what should schools do? Many people who study education have different views on how to deal with that question. Mike Rose, and E.D. Hirsch are two people who have very different views on education. I believe that schools need to tailor their education systems to fit the students that they are teaching. Kids today are coming from very different backgrounds, and that should be taken into consideration when preparing a curriculum for school. Students who are coming from rough areas are going to have a difficult time focusing on school. Some kids will be wondering when they are going to be able to find food for their next meal, while others may be afraid to go home. There is no way that these students are going to be able to pay attention in classes, and get all their homework done. I don’t think that students should ever be looked down upon, or be viewed as “un-teachable”, but rather there should be a different way that they are able to learn the same basic concepts that are taught in high schools. As soon as a child feels that they are unable to do something that student is going to shut down, and give into these ideas. Students need to be encouraged; they need to know that teachers care about their success, and them. Kids who have positive motivators around them are going to do better than kids who are continuously put down. Mike Rose believes more along the lines of what I do. Rose feels that education should be focused on the different areas. Rose was a student in a rough area. Then, he went off to school, he was accidentally placed in the wrong class. He was put with the 2006-06-13T18:30:12-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/American-Society-s-Dependence-on-the-Education-System-29441.aspx Marine found as victim in US crash in Pakistan Marine Sgt.Scott Germosen never wanted to worry his mother. When the United States began its military campaign in Afghanistan, Germosen told he’s mother that he had a duty that was taking him to Italy. As he was telling her the mother Myrna Washington of Coram had a feeling that he wasn’t telling the truth. Myrna was remembering how she had a cousin Sonia Morales Poupolo who died on the first plane that strucked the first tower building on September 11. Then she thinks to herself how the war is closer it is to her home. So on a Wednesday as she’s getting home she was accompanied by her sister and some of the other marine staff that told her that her son Germosen who was 37 died in the KC-130 cargo plane that crashed in a mountain in Pakistan. The worst part about this is that that was her only child. As Germosens Aunt and godmother, Olga Algarin said crying that he was her baby! He was born in Mount Sinai Hospital in Manhattan and lived in Queens with his father and mother. Until they got divorced. Then he moved to Coram with his mother. After his graduation, he wanted to be in the Marines because he wanted to travel around the world and also to get a scholarship for college. After he served the Marines for 4 years and became the deputy sheriff in Los Angeles for five years. As the loved one of Germosen gathered together yesterday, she put out some images of her son in military uniform. Alongside the pictures was he’s wife who was 25 and his 22 month old daughter Alyssa. So while the silent moments Myrna the mother thought of all the lifelong dedication to his service. As the mother spoke she said that she knew sooner or later that her son would be in war, because she knew he will not refuse it because he loves his country. In the early 90s he was leaning to be a Marine, but also wanted to be close to his mother. But his mother was the one that told him to pursue his dreams. She also told him that “If hat’s what he wanted to do then do so.” His wife said that he didn’t have to go to Afghanistan but he 2006-06-13T03:20:09-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Marine-found-as-Victim-in-US-Crash-in-Pakistan-29402.aspx Covering the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) I. The Origins of NAFTA The underlying rationale not only of NAFTA, but of all free trade agreements is the belief that international trade is a win-win proposition. This belief is based on theories developed by theorists such as Adam Smith and David Ricardo, who dismissed the mercantilist view that a country could only gain at the expense of its rival. In their view, mutual gains for all parties involved would be created if two conditions were met: 1. If each country specialized in producing and selling the goods that it could produce most efficiently relative to another country (= law of comparative advantage) and 2. If there were a free and unregulated flow of goods among and between countries. Though the belief in the economic and moral rightness of free trade became a national dogma in Britain in 1846, it took a while for the free trade fever to hit the Americas, where the governing class held long and hard to protectionism and where Alexander Hamilton’s Infant Industry Argument raised in 1792 was still very popular. This trend finally climaxed in the infamous Smoot Hawley Act of 1930, which raised U.S. tariff rates by almost 50 % between 1930 and 1932. What followed was the great depression of the 1930´s with astronomic unemployment rates, deteriorating living standards and a total collapse of international trade. As a result, the world economy was reassessed and restructured after it was found that trade barriers had contributed a great deal to causing the problems. Hence, a new trend towards free trade emerged and, finally, the necessary steps to secure free trade were taken: First, the Bretton Woods conference of 1944 created the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank. Then, in 1946, the General Agreement on Tariff and Trade (GATT) was created at the first session of the Preparatory Committee of UN Conference on Trade and Employment. Conventional wisdom attributes much of the prosperity that occurred in the global economy since the 1940´s to the existence of GATT. In particular, GATT is considered to be responsible for the dramatic increase in world trade and the absence of any serious trade friction. In the face of this, today’s numerous free trade agreements, such as NAFTA and ASEAN, have been founded in the spirit of GATT and free trade. Apart from these general reasons, there 2006-06-12T20:53:03-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Covering-the-North-American-Free-Trade-Agreement-NAFTA-29372.aspx Conflict with Unionists and Nationalists in Northern Ireland “The only way to beat the British Monarch is to refuse its existence and believe that the Irish Republic is real and alive. Now, if I die, who will take my place?” These powerful words were said by an Irish martyr, Michael Collins, who’s unyielding determination as a Nationalist and a Catholic served as inspiration to continue in the struggle that the province of Northern Ireland is still engaged in today. But, from where did this all originate, what steps have been taken towards peace and why is Northern Ireland so reluctant to be ruled by England? The history of the troubles that haunt Northern Ireland are not due to any one particular incident but rather a series of incidents beginning back when the island of Ireland was conquered by the Anglo-Normans troops in the late 12th century. English rulers then tried to colonize the island by any means possible, making enemies out of the Irish. Throughout history England has ruled Ireland. A drastic change took place in 1921, when the country was divided. Northern Ireland remained part of the UK, while the remainder of the country became the Republic of Ireland. The English progressed into Ulster Country with hopes of colonizing it. However, a clash of cultures erupted due to the animosity that Ireland, as a whole wanted to be the Republic of Ireland. The Irish Republic Army fought in hopes of driving the Protestant British out of Catholic Ireland and they only secured 26 out of 32 counties. The desire to drive the British out inspired rebellion on the behalf of the Irish Catholics. They were the domination of Ireland, and now being discriminated against on their own land. They were punished and taxed due to their behavior. They wanted to keep their culture; sacred, their religion; majority and their home, home. From a political standpoint this is a conflict of the Unionists and the Nationalists. “The Unionists (Protestant) who believe in maintaining Northern Ireland’s political union with Great Britain.” (Path to Peace) “While the Nationalists (Catholic) were exiles from the Irish nation; in their exclusion they clung to their religion as a mark of cultural identity; politically; they dealt with the Northern Ireland State by ignoring it.”(4 Holland) In 1968, 2006-06-12T03:06:54-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Conflict-with-Unionists-and-Nationalists-in-Northern-Ireland-29295.aspx Terrorism and Other Homeland Security Threats “It’s a little after 9 A.M., at Ronald Reagan National Airport, and a middle aged man of indeterminate nationality has his hand in my pants. He’s not very far down into them, barely over the belt line, but a little of this sort of thing goes a long way” (Goldberg 29). This sort of thing, airline security, has reached a new level resulting from the 9/11 tragedy. The quiet solitude stemming from an early morning layover in LaGuardia International Airport is all but interrupted by the feeling of Big Brother watching, glaring at one’s every flinch. One does not make any sudden motions to his bag or allow anyone to see him pull his letter opener out to open yesterdays mail because these actions might pose the threat of death or even greater terrorism. The simple pleasures and relaxation of travel have all been taken away like a thief in the night coming to steel the very freedom this Nation was founded upon. In recent history, terrorism was a word only used to describe the malicious acts of pre-democratic societies, but now, the word has become a common term used in the media as many times as the basic articles a, an, and the. The United States has changed even if the country’s attitude is still the same. These changes have all been implemented for protection, but just how much do these so called safety precautions really protect this country. Jonah Goldberg describes, “Washington, D.C.,” the nations most “protected” airport, ”is full of exasperated people telling stories about confiscated nail clippers, impounded emery boards, seized tie clips, and similar outrages” (29). A United States congressman John Dingell was forced by security to drop his pants at Reagan Airport in Washington saying the security “felt me up and down like a prize steer” (Donnelly 24). People are beginning to get tired of this charade by the government to evade terrorism. Some of the people affected the most are the pilots who are “often searched several times in a single day” (24). The pilots are forced to deal with these time consuming delays without complaint or else the airlines will discipline them. It is important to understand that airport security before 9/11 was definitely lax, and 2006-06-11T01:52:41-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Terrorism-and-Other-Homeland-Security-Threats-29161.aspx How Television and Media have Affected Contemporary Politics Both of these argumentative papers were written respectively by Samuel Popkin and Anthony King. Popkin argues that the commercialism of the electoral process is responsible for the low voter turnout. He believes that the campaigners must focus more on the real political issues in order to stimulate voter turnout. King also believes that the media has effected the government for the worst. His solution for the problem is to give our representatives longer terms, relieving the stress of campaigning, and thus giving them more time to focus on the issues. In his paper Popkin acknowledges the fact that the majority of the American people get their information about their governors through television. This gives the media an extraordinary amount of power. Their coverage and opinions can effectively make or break an election. This in turn makes many politicians very consciences of what they say and do in front of the camera. They are not really able to express their full opinion, due to time constraints and fear of being made a fool of. A good example of this is when Nixon lost to Kennedy in 1960. Their last debate killed Nixon’s chance for the White House that year. Another problem with the media is that a good politician can cover up his mistakes. If he lacks knowledge on a particular issue he can pretend to cover this mistake with quick words or a broad slogan that doesn’t even answer the question. In these days the political campaign has turned into a mass art in which the message is translated so that the simplest man can understand it. This in turn hinders the smarter, and usually more interested viewer, from learning what the candidate is truly about. This makes the voter uninterested in the campaign, alienating even more people. With so many issues having to be addressed, it is hard for the candidate to give a clear opinion on his beliefs. This forces him to spend his very short amount of time on the air talking about main issues. Not spending time on the smaller threats can be a pitfall in a politician’s political career and eventually a problem to the American people. Popkin believes that on the road campaigning would diversify the candidate’s topics of discussion, thus giving you 2006-06-07T16:39:17-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/How-Television-and-Media-have-Affected-Contemporary-Politics-29107.aspx Victories in Foreign Policy but a Domestic Downfall The Second World War destroyed the old diplomatic system of "great powers" and replaced it with a polarized world of two superpowers. Germany, Japan, and Italy were occupied and demilitarized. France, Britain, and China had all suffered heavy losses, and their economies were in shambles. Although the Soviets had suffered over 15 million casualties during WW II and witnessed the burning and bombing of much of European Russia, the USSR still possessed the most powerful infantry in the world. The US undoubtedly emerged from the war as the world's most powerful nation. The US had the largest navy and air force, and its economy had grown massively during the war. Employment in the US for women had risen from about 20% in 1939 to 60% in 1945 (May 50). Perhaps most importantly, the US had a monopoly on the atom bomb. Both these countries, the US and the USSR, once allies had a different agenda on their mind. The United States was looking for stabilizing themselves and help out those countries that were destroyed after the war. On the other hand, the USSR was seeking to spread communism around and wanted to become a force to reckon with. The United States had feared the global spread of communism and sought to fight it, the Cold War began. With the beginning of the Cold War in effect, a set of policies was established to “contain” the spread of communism, both internally and externally, in the United States. These policies would prove to contain foreign affairs more effectively than to help with domestic ones. In the home front all that could be seen is fear of what was happening around them. The idea that at any given moment nuclear and atomic warfare could occur lead many people to think differently about the way they should live. Indeed, containment had its effect on shaping roles of women, how men should react to situations and brought about a sexual revolution to our nation, but they would have no real positive effect on the actual Cold War and their reactions were fired up by hostility. America’s Policy of Containment was introduced by George Kennan in 1947. This policy had a few good points but many more bad points.Kennan's depiction of communism as a "malignant parasite" that had to be contained by all possible measures became the basis of the 2006-06-02T02:11:08-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Victories-in-Foreign-Policy-but-a-Domestic-Downfall-29007.aspx Validity of Communism as a Legitimate Threat to World Peace In this century of upheaval, we have seen communism, a philosophy introduced to the world by Karl Marx and Freidrich Engles, spread throughout the world, and bring governments to the point of global annihilation. In 1949 in the tense post-war years, Orwell saw communism as a major threat to world peace and personal liberty. In Nineteen Eighty-Four, he describes how a nightmare future could be created is communism triumphed. However, Orwell was certainly left wing, fighting against Franco in the Spanish Civil War, so why did he see communism as a threat? The simple answer to this is that it was a threat. Marx’s ideals had been watered down from day one, and in the first communist state, Russia, the theory became so diluted and changed, that the new emerging theories became known after their creators (i.e. Stalinism). If communist Russia was a threat in 1949, was communism itself the problem, or was it the leaders of the communist soviets? Well, I think that the threat to world peace was no greater under Stalin than under Lenin. Although, of course, Stalin could cause far more damage to the world with the advent of nuclear technology, his main threat was to his own people. He was not trying to enforce Marxist ideas of world communism, unlike Lenin, who believed in the world revolution. I am not trying to underestimate the threat caused by Stalin to world security, but I am saying that it was no greater than under Lenin (or for that matter Kruschev) So the question arises, is it the fact that they are head of a communist state that drives these leaders to be so hated by non-communists. I believe this is the truth. The problem stems from the fact that communism and capitalism cannot survive together in peaceful coexistence, simply because they each actively undermine the principals of the other. Communism destroys the single person, and capitalism revels in it. Capitalism believes in a ridged class system, whereas communism believe everybody is equal. In this way it is impossible for there to be peace between communism and capitalism, unless there is a common enemy. An example of this is World War, when we see a united communist and capitalist front against Nazism (I consider the Nazi-Soviet non-aggression pact of 1939 as nothing more than a time winner for Stalin and Hitler). As William 2006-06-01T19:53:33-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Validity-of-Communism-as-a-Legitimate-Threat-to-World-Peace-29001.aspx Developing US - Iraqi Relations Since the Early 1990s On August 2nd, 1990 Iraqi military forces invaded and occupied the small Arab state of Kuwait. The order was given by Iraqi dictatorial president Saddam Hussein. His aim was apparently to take control Kuwait's oil reserves (despite its small size Kuwait is a huge oil producer; it has about 10 per cent of the world's oil reserves ). Iraq accused Kuwait, and also the United Arab Emirates, of breaking agreements that limit oil production in the Middle East. According to Saddam Hussein, this brought down world oil prices severely and caused financial loss of billions of dollars in Iraq's annual revenue. Saddam Hussein had the nearly hopeless task of justifying the invasion. He plead the fact that Kuwait had been part of the Ottoman province of Basra, a city in the south of Iraq. However, the Ottoman province collapsed after World War I and today's Iraqi borders were not created until then. There was also a further and more obvious blunder in a bid to justify this illegal invasion. Baghdad, the capital of Iraq, had namely recognized Kuwaiti independence in 1963. Furthermore, Hussein claimed that Kuwait had illegally pumped oil from the Iraqi oil field of Rumaila and otherwise conspired to reduceIraq's essential oil income. By invading Kuwait, Iraq succeeded in surprising the entire world. The USA ended her policy of accommodating Saddam Hussein, which had existed since the Iran-Iraq war. Negative attitude toward Iraq was soon a worldwide phenomenon. The United Nations Security Council passed 12 resolutions condemning the invasion. The ultimate decision was to use military force if Iraq did not withdraw unconditionally by January 15, 1991. Then, when the deadline was set, it was time to start preparing for the worst-the war. President George Bush confronted little difficulty in winning Americans' support for the potential war against Iraq. However, the government found it difficult to decide upon and state one overriding reason for going to war. Was it to oppose aggression or was it just to protect global oil supplies? Other powers were more directly concerned as consumers of Persian Gulf oil, but they were not as eager to commit military force, to risk their youth in battle and to pay for the costs of the war. Critics of President Bush continued to maintain that he was taking advantage of the issue of energy supplies 2006-06-01T19:44:35-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Developing-US-Iraqi-Relations-Since-the-Early-1990s-28998.aspx Political Comentary: Norht American Free Trade Agreement On January 1, of 1994 a new approach to trade amongst North American countries took effect. With the aid of the United States Congress, President Bill Clinton was able to form a contract between The North American Countries of Canada, Mexico, and The United States of America. This contract, known as the North American Free Trade Agreement (or Nafta for short) was designed with many economic results in mind. Hopes were that not only would trade be easier, cheaper, and more abundant for all countries evolved, but economic wealth and growth would follow. Support for Nafta was split among most citizens of this country. One side seeing the proposal as having the potential for great economic success in each country involved. The other announcing that this plan would prove to be terribly detrimental to United States employment. Nearly six years after coming into effect the question still remains Is Nafta in the best interest of the United States? And what can we expect of it in the future? Since the implication of free trade between the three countries of North America back in 1994 the effects of that agreement are just now becoming apparent, both short term and long term. There was little doubt as to how both Canada and most definitely Mexico would benefit from Nafta. What was yet to be seen was the impact it had on previous concerns of the United States.(Contesting Globalization) Most economists and even ordinary citizens could understand Canada and Mexico’s enthusiasm when free trade, destroying tariffs, was proposed. After all, the United States has long been the major consumer of exported goods in both countries. No longer having to pay taxes on goods imported into the United States meant larger sales and more profits for all Canadian and Mexican businesses. These profits were foreseen as perpetual economic boosts in their respective country. These boosts created opportunities for more workers to be hired, lowering unemployment and helping to improve the quality of life of citizens in both countries. Not only did removing the tariffs make it possible for companies and manufacturers of Canada and Mexico to increase profits it also lowered to price of foreign goods. These new lower prices were now able to compete with the domestic products in the United States. Although usually slightly lower in quality the products made up for their lacking by 2006-05-31T18:38:45-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Political-Comentary-Norht-American-Free-Trade-Agreement-28929.aspx Discrimination in the War on Terrorism Due to the massive terrorist attacks against The World Trade Center, many Muslims and Arab Americans are being persecuted. Jerry Falwell’s speech discusses the root of the hatred. He believes it stems from the permissive groups. This fact in itself is ironic because one would think that these groups would know more than anyone the feeling of resentment. In a desperate attempt to place blame, these innocent people are feeling the pressure of resentment. Just because of their race small children are being harassed at school, and senior citizens are being run down in parking lots. These unwarranted acts of violence are a strong indication of the ignorance plaguing our society. However, this is nothing new, racial prejudice and stereotypes have been present for many years. One of the most tragic displays of hatred was the treatment of the Jews during World War II. Before the start of the war Germany was in a serious economic slump and in need of a strong leader; Adolph Hitler was the answer. He gained the trust of the German people and made them feel safe. He was also able to manipulate their thoughts, and to brainwash them into thinking that they were of a superior race. He persuaded the Germans to join him in blaming the Jews for all of their countries problems. The result of this was devastating. Millions of innocent Jewish lives were lost. Outside of the blatant massacre of the Jewish population was the mistreatment they endured prior to their death. Elie Wiesel, the author of the book Night, felt the racial oppression first hand. He was one of the few survivors of the concentration camps, which were set up ultimately to exterminate the Jewish race. He would probably sympathize with the Muslim/Arab minorities of the present who are feeling the retaliation for something they are not remotely responsible for just because they are of a certain ethnic group. The similarities between the Holocaust and the acts of violence aimed at the innocent Muslims and Arabs today is scary. It puts hatred in perspective. Hatred is something ugly that can occur in an instant and last forever. One would hope that we would learn from the mistakes of the past rather than repeating 2006-05-31T18:36:05-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Discrimination-in-the-War-on-Terrorism-28928.aspx This country is one that has always prided itself on its freedoms. If the government mandates forced population control, it would go against everything this country stands for. The United States of America is the land of the free. We have freedom of choice that many countries do not. America has never been a place where the government invoked rules that invade our personal lives. I agree that we are using all of our resources quickly. However, I believe that the key to increasing the quality of life for all Americans in future generations does not lie in mandated population control, but in Education. In the past, many adults had children because it was culturally expected, a need to carry on “The Family Name”. Our ancestral relatives pressured by society reproduced to ensure the survival of the bloodline. A man was considered a “bona fide man” if he fathered many children, the woman considered a “superior wife” if she bore these children to her husband. Another valid reason was the lack of modern birth control. Birth control techniques were not as advanced as they are today therefore there were larger families before 1900. The current trend of smaller families is rising on its own and many partners today are having just one-child by choice. The National Average of children per family has declined drastically over the past thirty-five years. “The preference for smaller families is evident. In 1972, 56 percent of those asked in a large national opinion study thought that three or more children were ideal; in a similar study done in 1998 that percentage had dropped to 39.1” (Newman, Ph.D., 2001) Economics plays role in a couple’s choice of having fewer children. Prices are sky rocketing for everything, housing, food, transportation cost and not to mention medical care. Two paychecks are better than one when it comes to cover expenses and live a comfortable life. It is widely believed that having only one child somewhat assures this secure life so sought after will be a reality. “However, it is not based on scientific principles, but on vague beliefs that developmental arguments against only-children have been disproven, and that one-child families are better ecologically.” (Talbot, 1998). Many women today are choosing to have just a single child because they do not wish to take the time out from their careers to have and raise more than one 2006-04-01T14:12:00-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Forced-Population-Control-28650.aspx Nine Eleven There is great debate over whether or not the World Trade Organization (WTO) is a worthy association with many proponents arguing for each side. The WTO may succeed in it’s ultimate goal of creating free trade among nations and equalizing products, but at other, most costly measures to both the United States and worldwide. Even if the WTO does create free trade among member nations, it will be at these greater expenses, and will ultimately only end up being more costly for all in the end. The WTO follows a set of guidelines known as GATT. They were originally intended to be a set of rules and guidelines for the nations of the WTO to follow. GATT also established a way to break up trade disputes among member nations. The power that the WTO was given to remove trade barriers on imports and exports has now been taken advantage of by international businesses, who instead of just applying it to the textiles and manufactured items that it was intended for, are also adding ‘socially conscious’ legislation (environmental laws, health care, animal rights, etc) to the list as well. When GATT was created, thought was not given to protecting animals or the environment, since those were not issues that many nations were concerned over. GATT was only intended to serve for trade in goods, but the Uruguay Round negotiations (which led to the creation of the WTO) extended that coverage to include less concrete items that a value cannot necessarily be placed on, such as services and intellect. Unions are opposed to the WTO because of job loss and lower wages. They argue that free trade provides advantage to countries that have no minimum wage, child labor, or industrial safety laws. The unions express the concern that manufacturing corporations may shut down their businesses in the United States, and relocate to a more inexpensive area to produce their goods. In these less developed nations where little to no restrictions are placed on manufacturers, companies can produce and export their goods to the United States at a lower cost than if they were to stay in the US to generate the products. In these other nations companies can get away with employing young children in dangerous positions in plants, while only paying them pennies because there is no minimum wage 2006-01-07T07:30:11-05:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Nine-Eleven-9-11-28411.aspx Fidel Castro: How One Man With A Cigar Dominated American Foreign Policy In 1959, a rebel, Fidel Castro, overthrew the reign of Fulgencia Batista in Cuba; a small island 90 miles off the Florida coast. There have been many coups and changes of government in the world since then. Few if any have had the effect on Americans and American foreign policy as this one. In 1952, Sergeant Fulgencia Batista staged a successful bloodless coup in Cuba . Batista never really had any cooperation and rarely garnered much support. His reign was marked by continual dissension. After waiting to see if Batista would be seriously opposed, Washington recognized his government. Batista had already broken ties with the Soviet Union and became an ally to the U.S. throughout the cold war. He was continually friendly and helpful to American business interest. But he failed to bring democracy to Cuba or secure the broad popular support that might have legitimized his rape of the 1940 Constitution. As the people of Cuba grew increasingly dissatisfied with his gangster style politics, the tiny rebellions that had sprouted began to grow. Meanwhile the U.S. government was aware of and shared the distaste for a regime increasingly nauseating to most public opinion. It became clear that Batista regime was an odious type of government. It killed its own citizens, it stifled dissent. (1) At this time Fidel Castro appeared as leader of the growing rebellion. Educated in America he was a proponent of the Marxist-Leninist philosophy. He conducted a brilliant guerilla campaign from the hills of Cuba against Batista. On January 1959, he prevailed and overthrew the Batista government. Castro promised to restore democracy in Cuba, a feat Batista had failed to accomplish. This promise was looked upon benevolently but watchfully by Washington. Castro was believed to be too much in the hands of the people to stretch the rules of politics very far. The U.S. government supported Castro's coup. It professed to not know about Castro's Communist leanings. Perhaps this was due to the ramifications of Senator Joe McCarty's discredited anti-Communist diatribes. It seemed as if the reciprocal economic interests of the U.S. and Cuba would exert a stabilizing effect on Cuban politics. Cuba had been economically bound to find a market for its #1 crop, sugar. The U.S. had been buying it at prices much higher than market price. For this it received a 2005-12-25T06:02:20-05:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Fidel-Castro-How-One-Man-With-A-Cigar-Dominated-America-28249.aspx Bush Vs. Gore Is this sick or what? November 3rd 2000 over 100 million American voters took to the polls unaware that their votes wouldn’t matter. Al Gore won the popular vote and George W. Bush won the electoral vote; or did he? Something was not right in the state of Florida. The contest to become the 43rd President of the United States became a Supreme Court dispute over the way we vote. The guy who got the most votes in the U.S. and in Florida and under our Constitution (Al Gore) will lose to America's second choice (George W. Bush) that won the all-important 5-4 Supreme Court vote (2). How could this happen and was it fair? How does America’s subsequent choice become president? For one to fully understand what occurred last November and December you must know how the Electoral College works. Under the Electoral College system, American voters do not elect the president directly. Citizen’s votes help elected state officials decide which nominee receives their state’s electoral votes. 100 senators, 435 representatives and 3 votes awarded to the District of Columbia make up all 538 electoral votes. Our 535 elected officials are, in theory, supposed to reflect the ideas of their constituents. Unfortunately there is not a law that calls for electors to vote according to their state’s popular vote. The 2000 election is an example of how it is possible for a candidate to win the nation-wide popular vote and not the win the presidency. According to cnn.com Al Gore won the popular vote with 50,456,169 ballots and George W. Bush only received 50,996,116(1). Al Gore won a lot of states by a landslide victory but all those popular votes add up to however many electoral votes a state had. George W. Bush, on the other hand, barely won some states but was still given all of the electoral votes. This may not seem fair but this is how the system works and it offered a close outcome in the 2000 election. Another possible reason why the election was so close is because of the popularity of third party candidate Ralph Nader. Like other third party candidates in history Nader offered an alternative to the Republican and Democratic Parties. This election could have been close because of Nader drawing votes away from both Bush and Gore. This is nothing new though; it has happened on at 2005-12-24T19:13:18-05:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Bush-Vs_-Gore-28230.aspx Should The Taliban Hand Bin Laden Over To The U.S. After the September 11th attack on the World Trade Centre, the United States was quick in pointing suspicion at Osama bin Laden. Along with this, the U.S. has pointed some blame at Afghanistan, specifically the Taliban, for harbouring the well known terrorist. This is where the States has forgotten about one specific rule in which they abide by in all criminal cases. According to the American Judicial system, one is "innocent until proven guilty". And so this should stand as America continues to point blame at Osama bin Laden. The arguement in this case is that the American government has no evidence, that we know of, against bin Laden. There are no fingerprints, DNA, hair fragments, papers, documents or signatures that could point towards bin Laden. If there is such evidence, America should not continue to hide it and hand it over to the Taliban. In doing so, the Afghanistan Judicial system can use this evidence against bin Laden and punish him with their laws. The Afghanistan Taliban is also required by no law to "give up" Osama bin Laden. Taliban leader, Mullah Omar, as well as the Taliban as a whole, has said bin Laden is not responsible for the U.S. attacks. The Taliban has also said that they have taken away all of bin Laden's communication with the world. This means that bin Laden could not have had any communication with the terrorists that planned the attacks. Along with those denying bin Laden's involvement in the attacks is bin Laden himself. Bin Laden says, "The U.S. government has consistently blamed me for being behind every occasion its enemies attack it. I would like to reassure the world that I did not plan the recent attacks, which seem to have been planned by people for personal reasons." As the U.S. continues to pressure the Taliban to give up bin Laden, more reasons are found not to. The Taliban feels that the U.S. is pressuring Afghanistan in order to draw attention away from the failure of its own security and intelligence system. An example of this is the fact that some of the terrorists on the highjacked planes, were trained by U.S. flight schools. There are no flight training schools in Afghanistan. The pressure on the Taliban increases as the States threatens attacks on their country. The threatened attacks, however are pointless, 2005-12-24T07:20:01-05:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Should-The-Taliban-Hand-Bin-Laden-Over-To-The-U_S_-28222.aspx Becoming President: Natural-Born Citizens Only or All Citizens? Article II, Section I of the Constitution states, “No person except a natural-born citizen, or citizen of the United States at the time of the adoption of this Constitution, shall be eligible to the office of president.” This means, according to the 2000 census, that roughly ten percent of the population of Americans are ineligible to run for president, as they are naturalized citizens, not natural-born. This issue has emerged quite a few times in Congress. For instance, Representative Barney Frank (D-MA) presented House Joint Resolution 68 in 2000, which would allow naturalized citizens to become president. This concept has never gotten off the ground partly because of the popular public opinion. A national poll in 2003 found that 64% of Americans were against the idea of having naturalized citizens become eligible for presidency (Rourke). Forrest McDonald is an advocate of the Natural-Born only policy. He explains that the reason this was an issue was deemed a necessary inclusion was fear of foreign influence. In fact, Elbridge Gerry of Massachusetts wanted to take the issue so far as to stop foreigners from becoming citizens at all, claiming that the naturalized citizens would always have divided loyalties both to their home land and to America. John Jay, Superintendent of Foreign Affairs (the predecessor of today’s office of Secretary of State), claimed that it would be “wise and seasonable to provide a strong check to the admission of Foreigners into the administration of our national Government; and to declare expressly that the Command in chief of the American army shall not be given to, nor devolve on, any but a natural born Citizen.” Pierce Butler, an Irish-born delegate from South Carolina, developed an intense plan that would defeat all objections arising against earlier proposals for electing the president. However, given the doubts concerning divided loyalties that Elbridge Gerry, John Jay, and others expressed, Butler’s proposal also included what became Article II, Section I of the Constitution. It is evident that the writers had a clear reason to fear conspiracy and divided loyalties, but the question is whether this clause is still necessary today. McDonald feels that the caution of the framers should indeed be continued today. He gives an example of money. Potential presidential candidates spend millions of dollars on their 2005-12-14T21:11:37-05:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Becoming-President-Natural-Born-Citizens-Only-or-All-Citiz-28185.aspx The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) was established when its Charter was formally adopted on 8 December 1985 by the Heads of State or Government of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The idea of regional cooperation in South Asia was first mooted in May 1980. The Foreign Secretaries of the seven countries met for the first time in Colombo in April 1981. The Committee of the Whole, which met in Colombo in August 1981, identified five broad areas for regional cooperation. The Foreign Ministers adopted the Declaration on South Asian Regional Cooperation in 1983 in New Delhi. During the meeting, the Ministers also launched the Integrated Programme of Action (IPA) in nine agreed areas, namely, Agriculture; Rural Development; Telecommunications; Meteorology; Health and Population Activities; Transport; Postal Services; Science and Technology; and Sports, Arts and Culture. The Association provides a platform for the peoples of South Asia to work together in a spirit of friendship, trust and understanding. It aims to promote the welfare of the peoples of South Asia and to improve their quality of life through accelerated economic growth, social progress and cultural development in the region. The Objectives of the Association as defined in the Charter are: • To promote the welfare of the peoples of South Asia and to improve their quality of life • To accelerate economic growth, social progress and cultural development in the region and to provide all individuals the opportunity to live in dignity and to realize their full potential • To promote and strengthen collective self-reliance among the countries of South Asia • To contribute to mutual trust, understand and appreciation of one another's problem • To promote active collaboration and mutual assistance in the economic, social, cultural, technical and scientific fields • To strengthen cooperation with other developing countries • To strengthen cooperation among themselves in international forums on matters of common interest • To co-operate with the international and regional organizations that have the similar aims and purposes. Principles: • Cooperation within the framework of the Association is based on respect for the principles of sovereign equality, territorial integrity, political independence, noninterference in the internal affairs of other States and mutual benefit; • Such cooperation is to complement and not to substitute bilateral or multilateral cooperation; and such cooperation should be consistent with bilateral and multilateral obligations of Member States. General Provisions: • Decisions at all levels in SAARC are to be taken on the basis of unanimity; and • Bilateral and contentious issues are to be excluded from the deliberations 2005-09-20T06:06:09-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/The-South-Asian-Association-for-Regional-Cooperation-28007.aspx Bin Laden overheard on radio U.S. officials say the voice on the Tora Bora broadcasts matches that of the terrorism suspect. Sunday, December 16, 2001 U.S. forces overheard and recorded Osama bin Laden giving orders over a short-range radio. Bin Laden's fighters are scattering across the rocky and forested mountains as they attempt to surrender, hide or escape. Bin Laden's whereabouts remain unknown, but many U.S. officials and Afghan commanders believe he is still cornered in Tora 2005-09-14T00:56:17-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Osama-Bin-Laden-Current-Events-27978.aspx Conflict Regarding High Speed Trains A major reason in favor of the construction of high-speed trains in America is to relieve airways and traffic congestion. First, delays at airports are costly. Larry Johnson, director of the Center for transportation Research at Argonne National Laboratory near Chicago, calculates that passengers lose more that twelve million hours each year in delays at O’Hare airport alone. In 1986, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) airlines, delays cost five billion dollars, including two billion in extra fuel and labor cost, for the ailing airline industry. According to the FAA, relieving airport congestion will cost one hundred and seventeen billion over the next decade (Mobey 14). Transportation planners predict that freeways will suffer from unbearable gridlock over the next two decades. Their conventional wisdom maintains that the U.S. cannot build out of this congestion. The Southern California Association of Governments says that daily commute time, in the Los Angeles area will double by two thousand and twenty and “unbearable” present conditions on the freeways will become “even worse”. By two thousand and twenty, drives are expected to spend Seve nty percent of their time in stop-and-go traffic, as compared to fifty six percent today. Similar predictions have been made for metro areas around the country. Yet the best alternatives that they can offer are to spend billions more on public transport that hardly anyone will use and to try to force people into carpools that do not fit the ways they actually live and work (Samuel p 1). Highway traffic is also costly. Maintaining the interstate highway system could run three trillion dollars over the next several decades (Moberg 14). Urban congestion is a hidden tax on the productivity and welfare of urban areas everywhere. In areas like Los Angeles and New York, this tax is eight billion dollars per year; nationally, about fifty six billion per year. In the next twenty years, this insidious tax is projected to nearly double (Mallinckarodt p1). Bill Fay said,” Cars stuck in traffic waste more fuel and emit more pollutants than cars that are moving”(Dahl 4). High occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes are one of the primary tools used to reduce traffic congestion on the state highway system and improve air quality (“HOV Lanes in California …” p1). The usual goal of HOV lane restrictions is to provide overall congestion, and emissions reduction (Mallinckdet. p 1). However, in 2005-09-14T00:28:15-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Conflict-Regarding-High-Speed-Trains-27971.aspx Globalization in U.S. is Leading to a Breach Between Races For many years black people in the United States have struggled for their rights and their piece of the American dream. Now that the world is moving toward a new global era the African American person, worker and human has been left out of this turn in the century and, the system is letting them hang their selves. Globalization has made it so that anyone with the right equipment and knowledge can chat or do business anywhere in the world with just a few clicks of a couple of buttons. Globalization is making the gap between the races bigger every day, and it seems that no body is slowing down to lend a helping hand. Globalization has placed a new standard on the way we live today. Because now that we have reached the technological revolution, you must have a computer or ready access to one to be considered up to date with the world. There was a time when it was unheard of not to have more than one television in your home. Or if you didn’t have cable you must have been poor. Is being poor a new kind of crime, a crime that says if you can’t log on you are suppose to be were you are, at the bottom. In “ghettos” across America I bet you can count on your fingers and toes how many people have a computer in their house, and I am not talking about a play-station or dream-cast. Is globalization the new apartheid in the United States? Is this away for our land of the free to keep the hold on the poor and lower middle class minorities? Are black people free in the coming of globalization? In Clarence Lusane’s book: Race In The Global Era, he talks of automation and its effect on black workers. Lusane shows us that not all blacks are effected by globalization. For instance Michael Jordan and other ball players that have these big shoe deals. Now these sports super stars have their faces and name all over the product but have no say so in how, where, or who will make the product. The funny thing about it is that some commercial ads are to catch the eye of inner city black youth. I remember when I wanted that new Michael Jordan shoe, but my mother could 2005-08-31T19:52:07-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Globalization-in-U_S_-is-Leading-to-a-Breach-Between-Races-27834.aspx Racism: Has It Changed? - Racial Profiling “I have a dream,” cried Martin Luther King Jr. His dream was filled with images of equality and freedom. Since King’s famous speech, and many steps towards racial equality have been taken, yet at the same time racism is far from gone. As we have been working so hard as a country to eliminate racism and prejudice we have allowed new forms of racism to sneak up on us. For the most part, “racism today is discredited and is condemned to a clandestine existence” (Beneton 1). Intentional segregation in schools, restaurants, buses and other public areas is clearly no longer accepted. The minorities and the majorities for the most part can go where they want when they want. The types of racism we see now can be considered under the table, making them hard to prove and identify. Racial profiling is probably the largest form of racism in America today. This type of racism is seen in our banks, our hotels, our restaurants, and even our shopping centers. In an article titled “Shopping While Black” the author, Adam Fifield, talks about many instances where black men and women are discriminated against while shopping. One example in his article is about a black woman named Paula Hampton. Hampton was shopping at Dillard’s with her two younger daughters. After shopping for almost 45 minutes, Hampton had found a few things she wanted to buy. As she was being politely helped at the register, a security guard rudely interrupted them. “One of our associates,” he said, “saw you put something under your coat.” (Fifield 1) Hampton, not even wearing a coat, was stunned by his accusation. Without even asking the guard reached for her bag and emptied it upside down on the counter. After thoroughly sifting through her new clothes the security guard responded with “that’s fine,” and walked away. As he walked away Hampton told the guard that she did not appreciate being accused of shoplifting. Almost unbelievably, the guard fired back sternly by saying he had not accused her of shoplifting. After several hours of arguing and complaining, she had still not gotten anywhere with anyone. Hampton and her husband decided to file a suit against Dillard’s a year later and won. Although celebrities rarely run 2005-08-21T07:49:05-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Racial-Profiling-Has-It-Changed-27757.aspx The Return of Chemical Warfare Through out time, war has been a large event upon the human life. Way back in tine man use to fight with swords over land and other titles. But, today we use explosives, such like conventional weapons. This was started when we developed technology along with war. With the combination of sulfur, charcoal, and saltpeter we developed gunpowder. Soon after the invention of conventional weapons, man has developed biological weapons; then chemical weapons; and lastest being the newest nuclear weapons. Chemical weapon use was used mostly during the First World War. What drives this weapon to full force is fear. Fear that it would be used against the innocent people of the world. The problem with a chemical weapon is that once released there is no way to control it. So what is exactly a Chemical Weapon? It is a weapon of mass destruction that contains anything that has chemical agents. These Chemical agents contain elements that in some way could effect the nervous system. “The Chemical weapon is the easiest weapon of mass destruction to create.” (Landeau: 7) It is also the easiest out of the three to produce, and could physical kill or hurt someone for quite a time. This could mean many things such as, breathing in through the lungs, skin, eyes, nose, or even throat. They could be anything from a gas, to a liquid, and also a solid. Solid such as powders, and gases such as sprays. They could be sent over by many obstacles. Such as artillery in explosive shells, dropped bombs, flybys from airplanes, and even scattered land mines. “Anything could cause a chemical reaction once being triggered.” (Landeau: 48) Some chemical weapons contain agents, called nerve gas or nerve agents. These could totally put a human being into shock, and even cause death. Sometimes it doesn’t even have to be long exposure to the chemical, instead just being in a small area where a chemical agents has been released could cause the effect. These agents are sometimes colorless, odorless, and even tasteless. With even physical contact to the skin could also be as fatal. Not every chemical agent could cause death quickly. But instead some agents blister upon the exposed individual’s skin. Other gases could cause a mental block or confusion, and others can cause blindness. And some times make them so sick, that they would be unable to 2005-08-15T00:34:47-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/The-Return-of-Chemical-Warfare-27639.aspx The World Has Been Intelligently Controlled - War on Terror August the 2nd 1990 Saddam Hussains forces crashed the defenses of oil rich Kuwait in fear of an Iraqi invasion into Saudi Arabia. The United States and her coalition allies poured into the Arabian Peninsula to form a deterrent that would be known as Desert Shield. The result was a series of diplomatic talks, negotiations and count negotiations that rapidly declined into a no hope situation. On August the 17th 1991 the Desert Shield became Desert Storm. The conflict was witnessed by millions through the eye of CNN and the BBC showing propaganda of the systematic eradication of Saddam's forces by a coalition far superior in technological, political and economic power. However what was little known was that from the outset the war was engineered, controlled and manipulated by an elite group. A group which had created the illusion of a man with power at the head of a million strong army on the verge of going nuclear. A man who had gained control of the 1/5 of the World's oil overnight. However in reality he was merely a pawn in amongst many pawns. Just a puppet in a grand master plan with the Gulf War as a well orchestrated stepping stone. The orchestrates of the War were by no means strangers to controlling major World events. In fact they have done so for centuries. From the shadows they have engineered every major war, revolution and recession. THEY CONTROL EVERYTHING YOU READ, EVERYTHING YOU HEAR AND EVERYTHING YOU SEE. They have managed to indoctrinate an entire populace to their way of thinking and have infiltrated key positions in places of authority and it is from the shadows they have created a new Political Order, a new Economic Order and most sinister a new Religious Order. THEIR ULTIMATE AIM IS TOTAL GLOBAL DOMINATION AND THEY WILL STOP AT NOTHING TO REACH THEIR GOAL. The goal that was outlined in a speech given by a former President of the United States, George Bush "What is at stake is more than one small country it is a big idea a New World Order". However the origins of this Global plan were not created in the offices of the White House. In reality their roots lay in another war this time the year is 1095 and the place Claremont, France. 11th century Europe 2005-08-15T00:33:14-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/The-World-Has-Been-Intelligently-Controlled-War-on-Terror-27638.aspx Separation of Church and State Presently in America there are serious concern about issues dealing with the church and the state. The main issue is the separation of church and state within the United States, dealing with predominantly with the First Amendment and how Americans respond to this amendment. Throughout history, there have been many court cases dealing with the separation of church and state. The Engel vs. Vitale court case also deals with the First Amendment and, the on, that I will address the case of Engel versus Vitale. The First Amendment is of a great importance to the American people because it describes there freedom that they have. The court case of Engel versus Vitale went all the way to the Supreme Court whose verdict came to be an overruling of the district court. This case dealt with the public school district of New Hyde Park, New York. The problem in this case was that school officials were allowing a school prayer at the beginning of the day. A main political issue within public schools involves the First Amendment, how the school system enforces certain things and how schools can get around the separation between church and state. The First Amendment is being violated by allowing public officials(teachers) to direct prayer in schools. The reason that this is a violation is because prayer, bible readings and moments of silence are prohibited in public school systems. The First Amendment has many different interpretations that people are attaching to it. People took this amendment to mean that the government was not intended to be banned from assisting religion or was intended to be erased from public or government officials. The Supreme Court case off 1962, Engel versus Vitale, was a case about whether prayer should or should not be allowed in public schools. The argument is drawn from the First Amendment and Fourteenth Amendment. The Board of Directors of the school district of New Hyde, New York held firm to the prayer they wanted to say at the beginning of school which follows: "Almighty God, we acknowledge our dependence upon thee, and we beg thy blessing upon us, our parents, our teachers and our country(370 U.S. Sec. 421)." This brief prayer is known as the Regent Prayer. Ten pupils of the public school asked if this prayer was against their beliefs, and those that their parents instilled in them. Their parents felt the prayer was 2005-08-14T00:35:26-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Separation-of-Church-and-State-Debate-27616.aspx President Clinton and Sexual Discrimination Sexual discrimination is still alive and well in America. Despite efforts to eradicate it, stereotypes and abuse make it difficult to distinguish. It has gotten so bad that, even at the highest levels of society it occurs. There have been many political cases that have raised considerable concern about this issue one such case involved the presidency of Bill Clinton, a man that raised public outrage because of his actions but who somehow was able to hold on to the reigns of his presidency. Clinton should have been impeached because he destroyed the ideal that is expected of a loyal, powerful and honest President; he is a bad example of Americans at home and abroad; he also lied under oath. Some people would excuse Bill Clinton’s behavior saying that he had a bad marriage or that he is still just an average man who is entitled to make mistakes. However, as President we expect that he would live up to the ideal of a moral leader; to be fair and ethical, unfortunately he sank below the average man. Clinton being the leader of America should have thought about what he was doing. He has to set an example for the Americans, by committing this act; he is telling people that he cannot be a fair and ethical leader. A leader who would punish those who commit acts like this or even punish himself is a true leader. Similarly a President should be one who shows the world that men and women are equal but Clinton’s affair with Monica completely contradicts this paradigm, he thought of her as a young woman and one who is subordinate to him within the organization. Clinton’s main objective was that he was the dominant male and that he can get whatever he wants. Also a majority of high positions in the government are held by men, which indeed would seem beneficial to him. One thing that Bill Clinton did that would absolutely destroy the ideals of a president would be that, he allegedly encouraged Monica to lie about the involvement between them both; and he had also told his colleagues to lie to the jury in order for him to be acquitted. It is obvious here that Bill Clinton failed to live up to the standards of an ideal, moral, ethical leader. As an ideal, Clinton is a familiar at home and abroad. 2005-07-29T07:12:22-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/President-Clinton-and-Sexual-Discrimination-27446.aspx A Brief Look Into The Lindbergh Kiddnapping On a windy winter night in 1932, a kidnapper crept onto the estate of Charles A. Lindbergh, climbed a homemade ladder, placed a ransom note on the window, and left with the baby of the most famous man in the world. The ransom was paid, but the child was found months later, dead in the woods near the house. A two year hunt for the murderer ensued. Arrested and charged was 35-year-old Bronx carpenter Bruno Richard Hauptmann. The purpose of this paper is to research what really went down during the crime of the century. Was all the evidence looked at? Were all the leads followed? Was the question correctly answered? Did Bruno Hauptmann really kidnap little Charles Lindbergh Jr.? It was an event that author H.L. Mencken called “The greatest story since the Resurrection.” Many questions were asked but maybe they were just not the right ones. The trial that followed created a world wide sensation that continues to this day. It was the Crime of the Century someone had dared to kidnap and kill the infant son of the world’s greatest hero! What really happened? On May 12, 1932, seventy-three days after Charlie Lindbergh was reported missing, he was found dead by a truck driver. His body was lying in shallow grave and was covered by a pile of leaves. It was discovered four miles from the Lindbergh’s house in the woods surrounding the home. He had died from a skull fracture and, “according to the county physician who examined the body, had probably been dead since the night of the kidnapping. Nurse Betty Gow first identified the baby’s body as that of little Charlie.” (MONROE 36) Now that the bay had been found, the investigations entered a new phase. The New Jersey State Police no longer had to be concerned about the child’s safety. Now they could just concentrate on finding who kidnapped and murdered little Charlie. The police were kept busy for many months chasing down thousands of leads across the nation. The state of New Jersey offered a twenty five thousand dollar reward for the capture of the baby’s kidnappers. Over the next couple of months, the police intensely questioned the staffs of the Lindbergh and Morrow families as possible suspects. The police mainly concentrated on Betty Gow and Violet Sharpe, the maid. Nurse Betty Gow was the last person 2005-07-24T04:04:06-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/A-Brief-Look-Into-The-Lindbergh-Kidnapping-27354.aspx Terrorism in the Middle East With the collapse of the Soviet Union in the early 1990's and the cold war over, the international community seemed to be on the threshold of an era of unprecedented peace and prosperity. Instead, a new series of problems was created, like ethnic conflicts, weapons proliferation, environmental problems, population growth, drug trafficking, and terrorism. Terrorism, as defined by Title 22 of the United States code, section 2656f(d), is the "pre-meditated, politically motivated violence perpetrated against noncombatant targets by subnational groups or clandestine agents, usually intended to influence and audience." Islamic terrorism is a serious problem for the United States because of the threat to national security, the safety of innocent civilians, and the foundations of democratic societies throughout the world. Most of the Islamic world view the West, especially the United States, as the foremost corrupting influence on the Islamic world today. The Hizballah have taken this further by labeling the Unites States as "the Great Satan."(22) This growing animosity the Islamic nations feel toward the Western world has been continually demonstrated by the increase in international terrorism. However, Muslims do not view their actions as acts of terrorism, but self defense and their religious duty. The Islamic radical movements main success or failure has been their ability to gain legitimacy from the general public or from the greater part of it in each Muslim country.(14) During the past two decades, they have had enormous success with their ability to present themselves to the Arab and Muslim world as the true bearers of Islam. They appeal to the lower class due to the shared resentment of wealthy westerners while the middle class and intellectuals are drawn toward these radical groups in order to expel imported ideologies and forms of government(*). Radical Islamic organizations have declared a holly war , Jihad, in order to bring the Arab world together and take their place as a world power. In order to accomplish these goals, these Islamic radicals have mainly used terrorism as their main instrument of persuasion. The biggest and most active terrorist organizations are those which are state funded. These organizations act as both an overt and covert way of spreading the sponsor countries ideologies. The U.S. Secretary of State has designated seven governments as state sponsors of terrorism: 2005-07-03T04:57:07-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Terrorism-in-the-Middle-East-27217.aspx Anthrax is not a common disease. On average less than 5 Americans a year get infected with it by natural causes. Anthrax is an infectious disease caused by Bacillus Anthracis, a spore-forming bacterium most commonly found in domestic and wild animals. They contract it from contaminated soil, in which spores can remain active for decades. Humans can contract the disease if they are exposed to an infected animal, which most commonly happens on a farm because of the close contact between the farmer and the livestock. It primarily affects grazing animals, such as sheep, horses, cattle, and goats. The disease can be transmitted three ways: through the skin (cuts and abrasions), inhalation (air born spores that enter the lungs), and ingestion (undercooked meat, or contaminated foods). Symptoms usually appear within seven days. Inhalation is the most common form of contraction when infected from a bio-weapon. The symptoms of inhalation most resemble that of a common flu, except that the disease worsens until death. The microbes multiply in the lymph nodes, spreading deadly toxins into the bloodstream. An average human being would have to breath in over 8000 spores to become infected. Inhalation anthrax is usually fatal. About 90 percent of people who inhale anthrax die. Since Sept 11 there has been close to 100 anthrax cases in the United States. These have not been from natural causes. The Bush administration has labeled this a “bio-terrorist attack.” The president said “it wouldn’t surprise him” if Osama bin Laden, the person suspected in the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, was behind the occurrences. A figure given in this article reads: “51% (of the general population) think the anthrax attacks are acts of terrorism.” This is surprising to me. I strongly believe that these attacks were planned and executed by Bin Laden and his followers. I think this because of the fact that Bin Laden has been known to try and acquire bio-weapons in the past. Also, the people responsible for the suicide-hijacking mission inquired about renting crop-dusting planes. Anthrax is not contagious, and therefore it is not that effective as a weapon of mass destruction. Vaccines are commonly made, although a mutant version of Anthrax could be produced that would resist vaccination. All of the anthrax that has been mailed so far is the same strain, and can be combated by common vaccines such as Penicillin. The 2005-06-19T06:44:16-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Anxious-About-Anthrax-26952.aspx People in the United States value their civil rights; it gives them a sense of freedom. Without additional security measures to sustain that freedom, they will have no civil rights to value. The civil liberties the U.S. proudly exhibits, comes with a price. After the September 11th terrorist attacks on the United States, President Bush pushed congress to pass the Patriot Act. The Patriot Act allows law enforcement to arrest and prosecute suspected people for associating with groups or individuals the U.S. classifies as terrorist. With this new act, law enforcement has “enormous leeway” in tapping phones, conducting spontaneous property searches, freezing financial assets, detaining suspects, and deporting immigrants. Shawn Rhea, expresses concern over our civil rights, particularly our right to protest. Recently, Nelson Mandela visited the White House where he was mentioned to be a “symbol of freedom and courage.” Ironically, in the mid- 80’s, the United States openly categorized Mandela and his political group, the African National Congress, as terrorist. Rhea argued his point of view saying, “Had a Patriot Act had been in affect 20 years ago, thousands of U.S. college students who supported Nelson Mandela and the African National Congress, and who were active the anti-apartheid movement here, could have been tried for terrorist activities.” Rep. John Conyers (D-MI) said, “Members were given just two hours to review this very complex 200 page document before casting their vote.” Rhea states that the U.S. government was premature in passing the Patriot Act, declaring it to be a “controversial package of anti-terrorism legislation.” These newly created laws might show some indication of potentially violating our civil rights instead of protecting them; but only if analyzed improperly. People should not view these laws as our government’s undemocratic effort to exploit their civil liberties. A person should not try to analyze the Patriot Act through terrorist’s perspective. If so, then they will confuse who is meant a targeted and who is meant to be protected. People need to stop thinking as though they are victims of some evil scheme, designed to eradicate their constitutional right. However, people should feel victimized by misleading influences. If today, we decided to protest for Nelson Mandela and his followers, we would not fall under the Patriot Act. Even if the African National Congress was considered as terrorists, what defined 2005-06-19T06:29:23-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Act-For-The-Preservation-Of-Our-Civil-Rights-26949.aspx Compare and Contrast the Reagen and Bush Presidencies INTRODUCTION It is widely accepted that George Bush Snr. was forced to play out his presidency in the mighty shadow of Ronald Reagan. Reagan's charm and personality was one of his greatest strengths and, even now, is widely revered for his time as President. Bush was reportedly always conscious of people's expectations of him in view of his predecessor and this burden seemed to weigh heavily. Reagan's achievements in Washington were considerable if not in number than in impact. His political and strategic skills were impressive and Bush cannot be said to have equaled his achievements certainly at home, and this is borne out by Bush's failure to win re-election. Nevertheless Bush made some staggeringly important contributions to the international arena and is deeply respected for his part in world events where there is every reason to suspect that Reagan would not have been. The huge differences between the two are even more interesting given that Bush was a dutiful Vice President to Reagan for eight years and sought on gaining office only to take over where he left off. Bush did not set out to ring the changes between Reagan and himself; quite the opposite. He purported to be the archetypal guardian president; consolidating Reagan's good work and continuing to steer America on the same path. So why then did they turn out to be such almost polar opposites? This essay explores the realms of domestic politics, vision and leadership and international issues with the focus on drawing comparison between the two men and their styles of leadership and analysing in each instance who may have been the more effective president. I will conclude that, regardless of actual achievements real success in presidential terms depends on successful handling of the media, an area Reagan understood and Bush never would. IMAGE, PERSONALITY, AND MEDIA RELATIONS It is almost universally agreed that Ronald Reagan's greatest strength, certainly early in his first term and arguably until he left office was his ability to communicate with the American people. He won the presidency not only on his package of radical reforms at a time when the current policy orthodoxies had failed the Americans (along with most of the rest of the western world), but on his winsome personality, his awesome eloquence and his considerable charisma. A direct comparison with Margaret Thatcher can be drawn as regards 2005-05-28T21:14:11-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Compare-and-Contrast-the-Reagen-and-Bush-Presidencies-26793.aspx Electoral College: 2000 Election Results Fair? With the surge of controversy surrounding the recent election, the United States has rekindled the Electoral College debate. However, this isn't the first time that a tight election has resulted in unclear or contested results. Nor is it the first time the Electoral College has made a president out of the popular vote loser. In the over two hundred years since its construction, the Electoral College has demonstrated its shortcomings with more than its share of mishaps. Is this system a tribute to democracy and the brilliance of its creators or is it an archaic tradition that should be eliminated? In order to fully understand the workings of the Electoral College we must first look at its origins. What were the founding fathers considering when they created this system for electing our president? We must go back to the days where people still got around on horseback. In 1787, the nation was made up of only thirteen states and four million people. Crude transportation and communication were all that connected the country, making a national campaign unrealistic. Also, keep in mind that these thirteen states were all protective of their own rights and distrustful of any national government. The saying was "The office should seek the man, the man shouldn't seek the office (Kimberling 1)." The goal was to devise a method that would adequately represent each state and at the same time reflect the will of the entire country. The founders originally came up with several different ideas to accomplish this. After deciding against a popular national vote, they considered just having the congress or the state legislature select the president. They finally decided on the system that we have today, the Electoral College. The Electoral College works by representing each state separately in the election. In doing this, the states share power with the federal government. It can be explained as basically having a separate election in each state. Every state has a certain number of allotted electoral votes that will be cast for the presidency. The minimum number a state can have is three. The District of Columbia is also given three electoral votes - the same as the smallest state. Each state is given one vote for each representative in the house 2005-05-15T01:59:56-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Electoral-College-2000-Election-Results-Fair-26606.aspx The Rising Discrepancy Among the Rich and the Poor The United States of America is unquestionably one of the most economically developed countries in the world. Apparently, with the riches come the self-interestedness and indifference towards the difficulties of others (try the 90-100 billion dollar's worth of food gone to the trash every year (What) when millions around the world are dying of hunger). This indifference is not only for citizens abroad, but also for citizens within our country. With the availability of work for the labor force of our country steadily declining due to profit-seeking American corporations and the tip of the money-making pyramid becoming smaller and smaller, the poor are bound to get poorer, and the rich, richer. In his expositive essay, "Why the Rich Are Getting Richer and the Poor, Poorer," Robert Reich makes a very convincing argument stating that the growing discrepancy between the wages of white and blue-collared workers in America is due to an inevitable declining of the workforce in the country. With irrefutable data, he speaks of attributive factors such as cheaper labor abroad and advancing technology, which has been replacing many breathing, living human workers, to substantiate his claims. Being one of the most developed countries in the world, America has a more costly standard living compared to other countries. Consequently, the people of those countries can live a comfortable life in their countries with a relatively much less income than the average workers of America. The result: cheaper labor abroad for large American corporations. The more profitable choice is painfully clear- why pay American workers to do simple, routine production when there are many others all over the world willing to do the same work for a fraction of the original wage? With transporting goods becoming more and more available and less pricey, it's no wonder American companies are setting up factories worldwide for mass production. To deliver his point more effectively, Reich lists plenty of "big-named" corporations. The easiest to follow is AT&T, a magnate in the telephone industry. According to Reich, AT&T hired routine producers in Louisiana to assemble standard telephones until it realized that workers in Singapore would cost much less. Then, as the company once again discovered an even cheaper labor force in Thailand, the Singaporeans were out of the job just as the earlier Lousianians (397). It's not simply manufacturing industries that seek lower wages. Routine data processing, 2005-04-26T18:03:00-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/The-Discrepancy-Among-the-Rich-and-the-Poor-26574.aspx Reverse Descrimination in Hiring, Article Review Tom L. Beauchamp, author of “The Justification of reverse Discrimination in Hiring,” and James Rachels, author of “What People Deserve,” both support reverse discrimination and promote the enforcement of policies derived from reverse discrimination as a solution to the unequal employment of minorities and women. Beauchamp’s main moral reason for supporting preferential treatment is that in order that society will reach general equality among all races in the future, we must establish reverse discrimination now. He bases all his arguments are statistical findings from graduate percentages of women from Harvard to the comparison of percentages of women’s medical school graduates to Germany. He argues that the reason for all these statistics was that all the positions were being filled through word of mouth and the interviews were conducted by white males (1. Beauchamp, cc, 095). Therefore minorities and women never had the chance to apply for the job. And because of these cases reverse discrimination is a justifiable answer to racial balance in the future. Rachel’s argument for supporting reverse discrimination rests on the concept of desert, giving reason to the title of his article, “What People Deserve.” He supports the role model plan, reverse discrimination is needed to place blacks in prestigious careers so that future generations of blacks will have someone to look up to and see that it is possible to become a lawyer, doctor, or other high profile careers. It would show that the white man is not the only person qualified for such a position (2. Rachels, cc, 0033). This argument therefore justifies reverse discrimination because it will reduce prejudice in the future as long as it is used now to set blacks as role models. Young blacks would then be motivated and work harder towards that career because they see that it is obtainable so they could be better prepared for competition from young whites. He argues that there are still many blacks who are poor and hold low income jobs while the higher income jobs are held by whites and as long as this continues old white stereotypes of blacks will remain the same. If there were more black people holding prestigious jobs the old stereotypes will soon diminish because if would prove more difficult for whites to hold old stereotypes against blacks. However, Rachels does not analyze the 2005-04-24T08:36:40-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Reverse-Descrimination-in-Hiring,-Article-Analysis-26569.aspx Your country, right or wrong? Is it a person’s responsibility to support his country in whatever decisions said country participates in? This question is encompassed by a larger question, “What are the responsibilities of a government?” Some would say yes, and some would say no. I am of the latter, and I will tell you why. One is usually not presented with the choice of immigrating to another country, and few take the initiative and actually leave their country of birth by conscious decision. And one should not need to leave their country, because it is my further belief that it is the country’s duty to its populace to NOT infringe on their rights and allow them to pursue life, liberty, and happiness. Furthermore, I think that a country’s main concern, above all others, should be to provide the highest standard of living and provide the most comfortable lives it can provide for its inhabitants. I believe that residing in a country does not make it my duty to love, respect, or agree with my country. This is not only a matter of opinion; it is more importantly a matter of principle. Emigration -- No one should be forced to leave their country for anything. For if a country is putting its peoples between a rock and a hard place, that is, leaving their country or staying, then it truly does not have the best interests of its people at heart. Instead it probably exploits the proletariat, the working class, and takes care of the major bourgeoisie, the upper class. This vision of a tyrannical plutocracy can fit into almost any country in the world. Much of this is opinion. No truly civilized country should be able to cause its people to come to the decision that the best course of action is to leave their homes and travel to a new, strange place and try to scratch out a way of life there. National Responsibility— I believe, since government is a creation of humanity, the main purpose and responsibility of ANY government is to enrich and deepen the lives of those living with it. Here is a perfect example; I was just about to type “enrich and deepen the lives of those living under it”. Those two words would have undermined the entire purpose 2004-11-01T23:37:56-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Support-of-Your-Country-Despite-of-Personal-Opinions-NO-25704.aspx The United States secretary of interior designate is Gale Norton. She was appointed that position for one reason, “because she can get the job done with her experience” among other things, George Bush said after her appointed her to his cabinet. Experience she does have, she was a native of Kansas that moved to Colorado in hear early childhood, getting to enjoy the environment of the Rocky Mountain range. In her early professional life, she worked with community groups and businesses with a Law degree from University of Denver, and later became Colorado’s state attorney general. Her first environmental positions came in Washington in the mid 80’s when she started working for the department of agriculture. In the department of interior, (which she heads now) she worked, as Associate Solicitor for conservation and wild life, were she gained significant experience relating to management and preservation of public lands and environmental protection. Then in 1988, Gale moved back to Colorado and served as Colorado’s first female Attorney general. In her term, some of her main issues where, state environmental issues, including environmental clean up. Overall, she has more than 20 years experience on environmental and natural resources issues, which makes President Bush’s appointee a lock right? No, Gale Norton has come over a lot of scrutiny on her environmental concerns, and has proved to be very controversial by many environmental groups. Gale Norton has a very lengthy environmental record, that proves she stands for keeping a healthy environment that is conscious about what needs to be done to progress our environment for the future. Yet, as you will see, many disagree with her promoting businesses decisions before the environment. Norton has also been known as an advocate for big oil companies that environmentalists do not like. Finally, Gale Norton has stood by what she believes in and in her term and in her past. Through all the controversy, Norton is continuing to do her job successfully, working with others to make a difference for the land we live on, as the Secretary of interior design. As Associate Solicitor for Conservation and Wildlife in the department of interior Norton was responsible for all legal matters involving fish, wildlife service, endangered spices, and national parks. She fought hard to release 90,000 acres to the Big Cyprus National reserve 2004-10-30T04:34:04-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Gale-Norton-Secretary-of-the-Interior-25633.aspx The decision for the trial over the 2000 Election was both just and right. Gore contested the election a couple days after George W. Bush was pronounced the victor. The Supreme Court granted Al Gore’s campaign a recount on justible cause. The recount process ended up taking longer than they thought it would. When the recount went past the grace period granted to them the Supreme Court granted them some more time. This time was not enough for the Gore campaign and they wanted more time. The Florida Supreme Court stepped in, as it is their right to do so, and said no more time. The Gore campaign was unable to overturn the election decision and George W. Bush won the election and became President of the Untied States of America. On November 18, 2000, eleven days after the election, the first recount came to an end. The recount proved George W. Bush to have won the Florida election by 930 votes out of over 5 million votes. Statistically that made the Florida election a tie and crushed Florida’s secretary of the state, Katherine Harris’, attempt to crown Bush the winner and end the 2000 Presidential Election. The Gore campaign had reason to believe that this was not a fair recount and wanted another heavily monitored recount. The Supreme Court granted the Gore campaign exactly what they wanted. They had thousands and thousands votes recounted. After this recount it still proved George W. Bush to be the new President of the United States of America. Gore was now even bitterer and days before the grace period was up Gore wanted another recount. Katherine Harris and the Florida Supreme Court used their powers to deny this recount and gave the victory to George W. Bush. One of the reasons why this was the best decision to make is the fact that Gore’s campaign was trying to get the Supreme Court to make a new law. The role of the Supreme Court in government is to interpret the U.S. Constitution and make a decision based on their interpretation. The Gore campaign basically wanted the Supreme Court to misuse their powers and make a new law so he could have more time. This would not only be a misuse of powers, but also it would 2004-10-29T21:49:37-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/2000-Election-Court-Decision-Just-and-Fair-25604.aspx States stands at the helm of the Middle East. Her control of the Persian Gulf oil is masterful and firm. The world's sole superpower's control of this area is a factor in the exercise of her world leadership. Oil is of strategic significance. It is almost unique in this respect. Its significance lies in its permeating nearly every aspect of the economic life of present-day nations. It consumes governments and precipitates wars. The world's developed economies are heavily dependent on oil, and no reasonable substitute for it is anticipated in the foreseeable future. The bulk of the earth's known oil reserves, more than 70 percent, is concentrated in the Persian Gulf area. And although alternative energy sources have been vigorously pursued, the United States continues, since 1970, to import from the Persian Gulf 24 percent of needed oil for her own consumption. Japan and Europe, of course, are in varying degrees totally dependent on oil imported from this area. The region, therefore, will continue to be the scene of a control challenge amongst the powers of the world. For the control of this area and its individual states presses the oil-consuming countries into accommodation to the directives of the controller. With such magnitude of dependence on oil from the Gulf area, and with the 1973 oil shock vivid in the minds of the US security planners, the Iranian uprising of 1979 and its repercussions alerted President Jimmy Carter in January 1980 to reassert the United States policy in the Gulf in what came to be known as the Carter Doctrine: Let our position be absolutely clear. An attempt by any outside force to gain control of the Persian Gulf region will be regarded as an assault on the vital interests of the United States of America, and such an assault will be repelled by any means necessary, including military force. (Emphasis added.) The vital interests of the United States cannot, therefore, be left to the complexities of Arab politics and Arab-Israeli conflicts. Consequently, the United States, a military and economic might, has embarked upon a path of finding opportunities in crises in the Middle East to strengthen her influence and affirm her presence there. Piece-by-piece she has worked out ways to formulate policies aimed at insulating oil from Middle East politics - and world politics for that matter. Since this study was completed thirty years ago there have been several 2004-07-07T04:12:57-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/The-Control-of-Oil--25540.aspx Written By Robert Alt Baghdad, Iraq—The nine men were arrested on flimsy charges and sent to Abu Ghraib prison, where they were tortured and filmed for their captors’ sadistic amusement. The scars they bear will be with them for the rest of their lives—a term which turned out to be short for two of the captives. Their story is particularly shameful because it was the government that should have been protecting them that inflicted the injuries. Theirs is not a story ripped from the headlines, because their story made no headlines. These are just a few of the victims of Saddam Hussein’s Abu Ghraib. In 1996, Saddam arrested and tortured nine men on suspicion of trading in foreign currency. At the time of their arrest, trading in money other than Iraqi dinars was a crime—or more precisely, it was a line of work Saddam reserved for his cronies. But like many things in Saddam’s Iraq, the law was not exactly black-and-white. As one Iraqi familiar with the case described the chaotic nature of regulation under Saddam, "a law would be passed one day, then another would amend it the next." As a result of unclear law and the open operation of other currency exchanges, the nine men believed they were conducting a legal business. Although Saddam was insufficiently public in his promulgation of the law, he made sure that his enforcement overcorrected for that error. In addition to detaining and torturing the men for eight months, he ordered their right hands cut off at Abu Ghraib, and demanded that a videotape of the mutilation be sent for him to view at his palace. Aside from providing Saddam with sadistic amusement, their mutilation was to stand as a living testament of what happens to those who dare compete against Saddam’s friends. This is the Abu Ghraib of Saddam Hussein, a prison that is rumored to have held as many as 400,000 people; a place where Iraqis were detained for crimes redounding to displeasing the dictator; a place where torture was the rule and not the exception; and a place that Iraqis feared worse than death itself. As Abu Ghraib survivor Ala’a Abdul Hussien Hassan explained, "I don’t believe that anybody can imagine what we’ve been through. We’ve been oppressed on all levels." In post-Saddam Iraq, however, the seven survivors have been given new lives, or at least new hands. Thanks to a 2004-07-07T04:08:31-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/The-Horrors-of-Abu-Ghraib-25538.aspx Written By Peter W. Schramm I grew up with Ronald Reagan. I walked precincts for him when he ran for governor of California in 1966, worked for his election to the presidency twice, and ended up in his administration. I liked everything about him. By the time he became president I came to love him, the way an ordinary citizen can have an honest affection for a public figure. Ronald Reagan was the antidote to the nihilism of the Sixties. Some in the country—especially the sophisticated intellectual elite and the media—had not only come to doubt our policies, but had come to have profound skepticism about the things for which—I thought—we had always stood. The central idea of republican government was placed in question. The ground under our feet became unsteady. The Carter presidency became the political exemplification of this nihilistic onslaught against the last best hope. There was doubt and cynicism and a lot of shouting. It was asserted that the country was not only ungovernable, but that the American spirit had waned. Carter said that we had an inordinate fear of Communism, and was unable to recognize the nature of Soviet tyranny until the monster bit in Afghanistan. At one point in his presidency, Carter asked the people to think of some nice things to say about America. But his disposition revealed the hopelessness he felt and conveyed to the American people. Even worse, Carter always implied that the people were to blame for this malaise. The people were despondent and gloomy and Carter called for seminars on the question. The ancient creed—the massive fact of the American idea—seemed to be teetering. Ronald Reagan was the political antidote to this shrunken view of America. He reminded us that we stood for something great, that we were made of sterner stuff than the nay-sayers implied. He not only made the right arguments and proposed sound policies, but his very person, his character, was such as to make it entirely believable. This was an entirely American man. It is almost impossible to disagree with a man who is full of hope, who looks you in the eye and tells you that you are capable of both self-government and greatness, while joking and laughing all the while. The insensate liberals mocked him for his cowboy boots and hat, for his clear and straightforward talk, for his eternal hopefulness. By doing this they 2004-07-07T04:07:04-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Ronald-Reagan,-American--25537.aspx Written By John Moser We’ve all heard it before. Every time the possibility arises that the United States might intervene in the Middle East, out come the old slogans. "No blood for OIL!" "Stop the OIL war!" "Don’t fight for Exxon!" We heard it during the Cold War. We heard it during the Gulf War. And of course there has been no shortage of such expressions in recent weeks, as the chances of war against Iraq seem to increase daily. As one who thinks war with Iraq would be justified, and might even be necessary, I’ve given some thought to how to respond to this argument. On a certain level it doesn’t even rise to the level of an argument; it is simply an assertion, most appropriate for bumper stickers, but uttered as if it were self-evident. For example, the author of a recent letter to The Collegian, Ashland University’s student newspaper, simply lists a few facts—American consume "more 25 percent of the world’s oil output", Iraq has "the world’s second-largest proven reserves of oil in the world," and American oil companies "currently have no stake in the Iraqi oil market"—then connects the dots to conclude that any war against Iraq would have nothing to do with liberating Iraqis from a brutal tyrant, but everything to do with "liberating oil." At its heart this is nothing more than what even sophisticated leftists refer to as "vulgar Marxism." There is no need to prove that the Bush administration has oil in mind. One must merely show that there is a possibility that a material interest might be involved, then sit back with a knowing smirk, confident that the true motive has been uncovered. Further evidence—indeed, any further argument—is unnecessary. The rhetoric coming from the White House and the Pentagon might fool the hoi polloi, but not the jaded mind of the economic determinist. If one wanted to engage in a game of a corsair, corsair et demi, the defender of the administration could counter that the economic argument cuts both ways. France and Russia have major oil interests in Iraq, and—surprise, surprise—have taken the lead in the United Nations Security Council in expressing reservations about a possible war. However, this sort of argument leads nowhere, as it is no more possible at this stage to find hard evidence in favor of this view than it is to prove that oil is the 2004-07-07T04:05:15-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/A-War-for-Oil-So-What-25536.aspx Time For Reform? Considering The Failures of The Electoral College Description: This paper discusses the many shortcomings of the Electoral College, and posits possible alternative electoral processes which likely are more democratic. A common misconception among American is that when they vote they elect the President. The truth is not nearly this simple. What in fact happens when a person votes is that there vote goes for an Elector. This Elector (who is selected by the respective state in which a vote is cast) casts ballots for two individuals, the President and the Vice-President. Each state has the same number of electors as there are Senate and House of Representative members for that State. When the voting has stopped the candidate who receives the majority of the Electoral votes for a state receives all the electoral votes for that state. All the votes are transmitted to Washington, D.C. for tallying, and the candidate with the majority of the electoral votes wins the presidency. If no candidate receives a majority of the vote, the responsibility of selecting the next President falls upon the House of Representatives. This elaborate system of Presidential selection is thought by many to be an 18th century anachronism (Hoxie p. 717), what it is in fact is the product of a 200 year old debate over who should select the President and why. In 1787, the Framers in their infinite wisdom, saw the need to respect the principles of both Federalists and States Righters (republicans) (Hoxie p. 717). Summarily a compromise was struck between those who felt Congress should select the President and those who felt the states should have a say. In 1788 the Electoral College was indoctrinated and placed into operation. The College was to allow people a say in who lead them, but was also to protect against the general public's ignorance of politics. Why the fear of the peoples ignorance of politics? It was argued that the people, left to their own devices could be swayed by a few designing men to elect a king or demagogue (McManus p. 19). With the Electoral College in place the people could make a screened decision about who the highest authority in the land was to be (Bailey & Shafritz (p. 60); at the same time the fear of the newly formed nation being destroyed by a demagogue could be put to rest because wiser men had the final 2004-07-05T09:16:01-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Considering-The-Failures-of-The-Electoral-College-25316.aspx Marion Barry, former Mayor of the United States capital, is most known in America for his "Bitch set me up", video taped, Ramada Inn arrest. Charged with possession of a controlled substance, he was still reelected in 1994. This proving Mayor Barry was respected by many Washington citizens and a good Mayor. Marion Barry was possibly a great man with great intentions but weaknesses to sex, drugs, racism and pressures of the position of taking care of a city. Marion Barry was born in Mississippi 1936. Raised in a poor family with a yearly income of $250, Marion grew a hatred for the white ruled society around him. Wanting so much more than what he had Marion always struggled to earn as much money as he could. Marion had many jobs as a teenager and teachers often understood he was a very hardworking individual. Barry always stayed out of crime devoting himself to hard work at school and work. (Agronsky 79-85) Upon graduating from high school the same year of the Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas Supreme Court case, Marion would be the first Barry to attend college (Agronsky 87). Growing up in the desegregation period of America shaped the racially focused person Marion Barry became. Marion Barry attended LeMoyne College in South-Memphis were he majored in Chemistry. Teachers and Students alike agree he studied Chemistry to be different from the rest of black students attending LeMoyne (Agronsky 87). Marion claims to have had very different values than others brought up in the same area as he and he was always an individual (Agronsky 88). Unlike many black students in the fifties Marion was very driven by a struggle for civil rights and racial equality. When LeMoyne trustee Walter Chandler made several anti-integration statements Marion took his first action against racism. He wrote a letter to the school newspaper demanding Chandler's resignation. The letter was eventually reprinted in several Memphis newspapers. Upon reading the letter the NAACP executive Roy Akins stepped in and heralded Marion as "one of the most righteous young men in Memphis!" (Agronsky 91). Even though the college was not very happy about Barry's remarks, the students and people of Memphis regarded him as a hero and a hope in the new civil rights movement "sweeping 2004-07-05T01:01:56-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Marion-Barry-A-Good-Mayor-But-A-Bad-Man-25268.aspx Beyond the shared enthusiasm of the Fuehrer and all US presidents (with the possible exception of Warren Harding) for mass murder as an appropriate expression of national policy, I've never seen any particularly close affinity between Adolf Hitler and the current White House incumbent but the Republican National Committee seems peculiarly sensitive on the matter. At the end of the first week in January the RNC lashed out furiously at a Democratic website Move0n.org for including in its featured entrants for robust campaign ads for 2004 a couple that offered Bush/Hitler comparisons. One features Hitler making a speech, cross cut with footage of the Nazi blitzkrieg, while a voiceover says "A nation warped by lies lies fuel fear fear fuels aggression invasion occupation." As the scene fades from Hitler giving a raised arm salute to Bush with his hand raised at his inauguration, the voice-over says, "What were war crimes in 1945 is foreign policy in 2003." The second ad shows Hitler, speaking in German, with a voiceover translating the lines as "We have taken new measures to protect our homeland, I believe I am acting in accordance with the will of the Almighty Creator." Then, as Hitler continues to speak, the voiceover says, "God told me to strike Al-Qaeda, and I struck him." The visage of A. Hitler becomes that of G. Bush and the voiceover continues, "and then He instructed me to strike at Saddam, which I did." "Sound familiar?" the voiceover sinisterly proclaims. As a way of enticing undecided voters to vote against George Bush next November, both ads seem a trifle heavy-handed, which is probably why MoveOn.org's audience didn't include them in the 15 finalists. But this didn't stop the RNC screaming. Somewhat cravenly, MoveOn's Eli Pariser then said his group "regrets" the brief appearance of the two ads on the MoveOn website. They're gone now, though as of January 6 you could find the scripts of the offending two on the RNC's site. Hitler/Bush comparisons began their current vogue after an article by Dave Lindorff appeared last February, here on CounterPunch.org, to which Lindorff is a regular and valued contributor. In a full bore attack on Bush-as-warmonger Lindorff swept into an impassioned finale, declaring that "we must begin exposing George W. Bush and his War Party for what they are: craven usurpers aiming at nothing less than the undermining of all those things that most 2004-07-04T04:26:37-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Bush-as-Hitler-Let-s-Be-Fair-25219.aspx