Gambling Casinos Essay - 868 Words

Gambling Casinos: A Plague on Society Gamblers no longer need to trek to Las Vegas or Atlantic City to find the action they so badly crave. It is available today in their own hometowns. Legalized gambling is one of the fastest growing industries in the United States. Gambling’s tremendous popularity is evident in the recent increase in the number of off-track betting parlors (OTB’s) and riverboat casinos that dot the midwest and the Mississippi Delta. Billboards on major highways depict the action and excitement available at such facilities. For most of the industry’s patrons, gambling is fun and a form of harmless entertainment. For the four to six percent of gamblers who become problem or pathological (compulsive) gamblers,†¦show more content†¦In 1980, the American Psychiatric Association accepted pathological gambling as a â€Å"disorder of impulse control â€Å". It is an illness that is chronic and progressive, but it can be diagnosed and treated . Some of the costs are: physical and psychological stress, significant increase of substance and alcohol abuse, major depressive disorders and attempted suicide. The gambling addict is basically a â€Å"slave† to the habit. He needs the stimulation that winning money creates and this possibility keeps him going. The underlining problem is a self-image of himself as a failure and this destroys his self esteem. Many of them have been laid off work or ousted from a relationship and gambling tends to distract one from thinking about one’s failures. Besides the negative effects that gambling can have directly on an individual, there are overwhelming economic and social costs of widespread casino gaming that many states (particularly the ones which allow legalized gambling) have to deal with. In 1996, Professors William N. Thompson and Ricardo C. Gazel of the University of Nevada Las Vegas conducted a BGA (Better Government Association) study on the effects of riverboat gam bling on the state of Illinois. Thompson and Gazel found that the social costs of one pathological gambler is $10,000 a year, this includes the economic cost of debt, insurance, crime, incarceration, andShow MoreRelatedIs Casino Gambling A Pastime?1998 Words   |  8 PagesCasino Gambling This day in age gambling has become a pastime that virtually everyone partakes in at least a few times in their lives. Nothing is quite as exhilarating as wasting some of your hard earned money to have a chance at winning big. This is the premise that many people believe and is partially why gambling and specifically casino gambling is so popular. The topic that I chose to do this sociological episode on is indeed casino gambling. The reason that I chose this topic is because ofRead MoreCasino Gambling Should Be Illegal887 Words   |  4 PagesHardwood English110 December 5, 2014 Casino Gambling Should be Illegal in Canada Casino when we hear this word the meaning comes to everyone’s mind- a place of entertainment, a place to try our luck, a place where we can earn with playing. In some sorts we are right casino is a place where we play game like a rolling of dice, playing cards, picking up team, all these games we play using money as a bet to earn more known as casino gambling. These games had meanings that were important toRead MoreOnline Gambling And Online Casino1782 Words   |  8 PagesWhat can players expect more of when it comes to online casino gaming in 2016? Considering it’s January, it is no shock to see that online casino industry analysts are clambering over themselves to issue predictions for the upcoming 12 months. 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What the Internet has done has workedRead MoreTexas Gambling: The Morality vs Legality of Casino Gambling Essay1846 Words   |  8 PagesFor years casino gambling was portrayed in the media and Hollywood as being associated with criminal activities and the mafia. Now with proper scrutiny and government regulations casino gambling has become a lucrative business, with casinos stock even trading on Wall Street. Casino gambling is an ever increasingly popular and legal activity in many states throughout the United States. â€Å"The term gambling or ‘gaming’ as the industry calls it, means any legalized form of wagering or betting conductedRead MoreEffects Of Casino Gambling On The United States2737 Words   |  11 PagesCasino Gambling in the United States There is an extensive and constantly changing literature on the effects of casino gambling in the United States. As of December 2010, there were 939 commercial, tribal, and race track casinos operating in 38 states in the US (American Gaming Association, 2011.) In this paper, I will review the economic literature on the effect of casino gambling, looking at three categories: Price Sensitivity, Social Effects, and Location Determinants. This paper will exploreRead MoreOnline Gambling : Newtown Online Casino Essay1901 Words   |  8 PagesNewTown Online Casino Malaysia The Most Preferred Online Casino Product in Malaysia Newtown Online Casino Malaysia (also known as NTC33) is another outstanding online betting product that is highly favored by the local online casino gamers. By leveraging on the exceptional slot games rendered by Playtech, Newtown Casino has deeply penetrated into the local online betting sphere, which is also highly renowned as one of the most remarkable online slot games in Malaysia. Moreover, there are numerousRead MoreOnline Gambling And Online Casino Gaming1742 Words   |  7 PagesBlog 25 – Manage your way to online casino success We’ve all heard the stories, as many players have been brought to their knees by the world of gambling. Online casino gaming can be notoriously cruel to some, especially those who don’t play with skill and common sense in mind. While there is no denying that there is risk involved in online casino gaming, it must be said that if you fail to prepare then you really should be prepared to fail. There is no other way around it; luck is only going toRead MoreOnline Gambling : Online Casino Gaming1753 Words   |  8 PagesBlog 7 – Online casinos continue to raise the stakes when it comes to prizes In the world of online casino gaming it truly is a jungle out there. Whether you are a player scouting an online casino portal for the best deal or an online casino fighting it out to secure new business, it can be a warzone to say the very least. However, as this war has taken place, what has occurred has actually worked wonders in pushing the industry forward. New games and new innovations are regularly released, withRead MoreOnline Gambling : Online Casino Bonus1765 Words   |  8 Pagesmake the absolute most of an online casino bonus Let me tell you something, as a true veteran of the industry, I am all to aware of what is needed from somebody in order to â€Å"make it†. While everyone will consider himself or herself to be unique, the reality is that every online gambler’s journey starts the same way. It is through online casino bonuses that modern day players are able to step into realm with dreams of winning big. Finding the right online casino bonus has made it effortless through

A Brief Note On Depression And Its Effects On American...

According to www.adaa.org about 15 million Americans suffer from depression. The ability to think positively is essential in the average american’s life. Although life has its many ups and downs it is important to stay positive through them all. â€Å"As a man thinketh so is he† (Proverbs 23:7). Additionally, this quote from the bible also portrays the idea that if positive thinking can help lead you to success and a life full of happiness. Therefore, if you think positive about the so called negative aspects of life then you will be happy, and happiness leads to success. Being black in America today is not nearly as difficult as it was in the past. Although in present times there are many different forms of prejudices, but it is not as public†¦show more content†¦So to no surprise, women are often portrayed as being weaker than males, but Giovanni refutes these past assumptions in her poem. Giovanni uses imagery and a hyperbole to exemplify the power of the women. The woman is so powerful that she is allowed to â€Å"sit on the throne... with Allah† and when she â€Å"got she sent an ice age to Europe.† Commonly, there are many different names for God and Allah is the Arabic word of God so what Giovanni is saying is that the woman is the most powerful creature after God. Furthermore, Giovanni is that they are not weak and powerless in fact, they are a lot more powerful than they society portrays them to be. Right on time in the 1920 s and 1930 s there was another time that moved around, The Harlem Renaissance. The Harlem Renais sance was a dynamic and academic blossoming that developed another time in the African American people group. Moreover, this time was loaded with ability, inventiveness, and mind that changed the United States and whatever is left of the world so far as that is concerned. Through all the innovativeness and the music of this time verse still prospered with many individuals communicating their contemplations on paper. While verse was a huge piece of the Renaissance, two prominent artists are Langston Hughes and Countee Cullen. Both of these writers have ballads of bounty, however there are two that emerge: I Too Sing America by Langston Hughes and Incident by CounteeShow MoreRelatedKeynes Vs Hayek Essay804 Words   |  4 PagesKeynes Versus Hayek The relationship between economists John M. Keynes and Friedrich A. Hayek is quite complex. Both had influential roles in economic studies, emerging after World War II and during the Great Depression era (BBC). It’s important to note that both of these economists had opposing views when it came to economic theories and policies. Briefly summed up, Keynes theories were in support for government involvement in the economy (EconedLink). In contrast, Hayek argued that the governmentRead MorePolio : An American Story1378 Words   |  6 Pages1900s, polio was every American family’s worst nightmare. The crippling disease frequently preyed on young children, often leaving them handicapped for life if not dead. Extensive media coverage of polio outbreaks led to nationwide hysteria, prompting the race for a cure. The nation rejoiced when Jonas Salk successfully developed the first effective polio vaccine in 1955. David M. Oshinky’s Polio: An American Story tells the thri lling tale behind this quest and how society coped with the outbreakRead MoreAnalysis of Mullers Viewpoint1333 Words   |  5 Pagescurrent course we are actually taking is a good one. It is evident that his framing of the issue as conflict between two diametrically-opposed worldviews was necessary, because for his intentions of dissecting the way modern capitalism has shaped society his recommendations and conclusion have little potency. The present course of action, after all, is the middle path that results from different political viewpoints converging to develop policies. If there ever was a conflict of the type he positsRead MoreBio Psycho Social Spiritual Cultural Analysis1705 Words   |  7 Pagespopularity in research and recognition as being inseparable from other dimensions of personhood. Culture is also seen as a powerful environmental dimension that demands acknowledgment to truly gain insight into a person’s worldview. The following is a brief summary of these dimensions in regards to youths experiencing bullying. I will start by describing the biological dimensions of bullying victims, perpetrators, and bully-victims. Carpanzo et al. (2011) asserts that there are gender differences inRead MoreDisordered Eating and the Media Essay1344 Words   |  6 Pagessuch as Kate Moss (Katzmarzk Davis, 2001). Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia nervosa affect between 1% and 4% of young adult females (American Psychiatric Association, 1994). Eating disorders have been linked to body shapes and images present in the media (Shorter, Brown, Quinton Hinton, 2008). For many children it is genetically impossible for them to obtain societies ideal body image, which may contribute to their obsession for a thin body frame (Lawrie, Sullivan, Davies Hill, 2006, pp. 366).Read MoreSpanking a Child and Child Abuse1076 Words   |  5 Pagesforgiveness or reconciliation. Yes, spanking may cause brief discomfort, but it is not the same as beating, punching, or kicking a child. The Chicago Tribune author wrote, â€Å"Make no mistake: hitting a child hurts, not just physically, but psychologically† (â€Å"Child Abuse in Plain View†). The author is partially correct. Hitting a child does hurt, however; there is no solid evidence that hitting a child causes psychological issues. It is important to note that pain from a squat on the buttocks is temporaryRead MoreThe Importance of Self-Concept and Self-Esteem1252 Words   |  5 Pagesthe active or behavioral self (Brown, 1998). Self-esteem and emotion. Self-esteem has been associated with a wide array of positive and negative emotions. Depending on the discipline, self-esteem has been linked to psychological states, such as depression and anxiety, to knowledge and competence, to shame and pride, to contentment and happiness, and to anger, hostility, and resentment. It is generally accepted that self-esteem is an important and central factor in the emotional life of human beingsRead MoreDesign Of A Cross Sectional Design Essay1566 Words   |  7 Pagescontext of physical activity and cardiac health. The use of journals and published study reinforced the purpose statement of this research paper. The researchers used a six minute walk test that followed the American Thoracic Society that has a moderate to good validity. The authors’ also note that the use of the SenseWear â„ ¢ Mini Wristband(SWA) also shown to be a valid and reliable measurement tool (CITE). The paper focused on the different levels of physical activity and proved that they could trackRead More Richard Essay1302 Words   |  6 Pagesâ€Å"Richard Wright: Author of Black Boy† nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;Richard Wright’s â€Å"Black Boy† depicts the different observations of the South and the North. In the South, Wright faces pre-depression and racism. In the North, Wright faces the conflicts from the Communist party. At the end of Black Boy, Wright quotes â€Å"What had I got out of living in the city? What had I got out of living in the South?†(Wright 452) nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;Wright’s thought of the South was that the SouthRead MoreCurrent Research On Bipolar Disorder II2570 Words   |  11 PagesCurrent Research on Bipolar Disorder II Shannon J. 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Homeland Security Free Essays

Homeland Security Community Threat Assessment Jesse Anderson Boston University Abstract The purpose of this brief is to provide Homeland Security with a terrorist threat assessment of the local community. It is suspected that an eco-terrorist organization is forming in the area. The organization’s structure, typology and force multipliers are analyzed. We will write a custom essay sample on Homeland Security or any similar topic only for you Order Now The primary goal of Homeland Security as listed in the National Strategy for Homeland Security is the prevention and disruption of terrorist attacks (Department of Homeland Security, 2007, p. ). Despite the fact that the largest terrorist threat comes from Islamic extremist groups, other organizations that pose a threat to the Homeland must be monitored by federal, state and local governments as well. As a nation, â€Å"we confront an ongoing threat posed by domestic terrorists based and operating strictly within the United States. Often referred to as ‘single-issue’ groups, they include white supremacist groups, animal rights extremists, and eco-terrorist groups, among others† (Department of Homeland Security, 2007, p. 10). Since September 11th, radical environmental groups engaged in eco-terrorism have been identified as the leading domestic terrorist threat (Vanderheiden, 2005, p. 425). It is my opinion that this type of organization is forming in the local community. Their actions thus far fall under the FBI’s definition of domestic terrorism, and their organization can be classified under a domestic geographical typology and a cause-based mode of attack typology. The organization utilizes a pyramidal structure with command, support, intelligence and tactical divisions. Technological and media force multipliers may be used to increase the striking power of the small organization. The FBI defines domestic terrorism as â€Å"the unlawful use, or threatened use, of force or violence by a group or individual based and operating entirely within the United States or Puerto Rico without foreign direction committed against persons or property to intimidate or coerce a government, the civilian population, or any segment thereof in furtherance of political or social objectives† (Federal Bureau of Investigations, 2005, p. v). Recently, vandalism and arson were committed at a local construction site in which trees needed to be cut down to make room for a new housing development. This unlawful use of violence in the name of an environmental cause meant to intimidate the company funding the housing development falls under the FBI’s definition of domestic terrorism. According to Ash (as cited in Kegley, Jr. , 2003), there are four things to look at when deciding whether someone is a terrorist: biography, goals, methods, and context (p. 62). Graffiti at the scene suggests that the offenders are associated with the Earth Liberation Front. In the past, this organization has had similar incidents of violence and vandalism to intimidate anti-environmental companies all over the nation. The goal of E. L. F â€Å"is to cause targeted economic harm to anti-environmental offenders in order to remove the profit motive from killing the earth and all life on it† (Vanderheiden, 2005, p. 426). This goal is achieved through property attacks using methods of vandalism, arson, and bombings. Members are not oppressed, and have the ability to air their grievances and make their cause known peacefully. Thus, instilling fear in the public through violent property attacks with the aim of achieving political and social objectives can not be justified. Therefore, using the FBI definition and through examination of biography, goals, methods and context, it is determined that the local E. L. F. group is a terrorist organization. This organization can be classified through geographical or modes of attack typologies. Since the attack was committed within this country by residents of this country, the organization is classified as domestic (Goldstein, 2008, Typologies of Terrorism section). Under the modes of attack typology, this organization is classified as â€Å"cause-based†. This is because the group is devoted to an environmental social cause, and is using violence and vandalism to â€Å"address their grievances† (Goldstein, 2008, Typologies of Terrorism section). As the case with most terrorist organizations, the group’s structure is most likely pyramidal with command, support, tactical and intelligence subsections (Goldstein, 2008, Organization of a Terrorist Group section). The person in command is at the tip of the pyramid and oversees all aspects of the operation. The support section is responsible for the materials necessary for the attacks. Surveillance, planning, and target assessment is the responsibility of the intelligence section. Finally, the tactical section carries out the actual terrorist action. Although the local E. L. F. group is estimated to be small in number, force multipliers allow for the â€Å"increase in striking power without increasing the strength of the unit† (White, 2009, pp. 98-99). This organization will most likely utilize technology and the media as force multipliers. Eco-terrorists like the E. L. F. re careful to cause damage only to property and not people. Therefore, the use of weapons of mass destruction is unlikely. Cyberterrorism, however, is a possibility. â€Å"Cyberterrorism refers to the use of computers to attack technological targets or physical attacks on computer networks† (White, 2009, p. 101). Many companies in this area that could be targets for this local E. L. F. group rely heavily on computer networks. The use of computer viruses to attack the information structures of these companies would cause a great deal of harm, making it a very attractive option. Additionally, media reports on arsons and bombings committed by the organization gives â€Å"recognition to their causes, grievances and demands† and can also serve as a â€Å"psychological weapon† (White, 2009, p. 205). As such, the use of cyberterrorism and the media as force multipliers should be anticipated. In conclusion, Homeland Security’s dedication to preventing and disrupting terrorist attacks in America has led to an analysis of suspected terrorist activity in the local community. Islamic extremist groups may pose the greatest terrorist threat to America, but there are still domestic terrorist organizations that need to be confronted. It is suspected that an eco-terrorist organization affiliated with the Earth Liberation Front has formed in the local community. This local E. L. F. group can be determined as a terrorist organization through application of the FBI’s definition of domestic terrorism and the examination of its biography, goals, context, and violent methods. The organization can be classified as domestic or cause-based under geographical or modes of attack typologies. Furthermore, a pyramid structure with command, support, intelligence and tactical subsections is most likely being used. Along with traditional modes of attack, media and technological force multipliers might be used by the organization to increase their striking power. How to cite Homeland Security, Papers

Corporate Governance and Social Responsibilities

Question: Discuss about the Corporate Governance and Social Responsibilities. Answer: Introduction This study is based on the subject area of corporate governance and social responsibility. In order to get better knowledge over the subject, the case study of James Hardie is selected for this study. The analysis of the case study of James Hardie provides a clear view of the corporate responsibilities and corporate governance activities of a business organization. In this study, the corporate governance responsibilities, corporate governance issues as well as the actions taken by the stakeholders of James Hardie are evaluated and analyzed in the answers of six different questions. At the end of the study, the conclusion is derived by jotting down the findings in overall study. Identifying various stakeholders of James Hardie and corporate governance responsibilities of the company Stakeholder Group of James Hardie Corporate Governance Responsibilities Owed by Directors of James Hardie Employees The primary corporate governance responsibility of the directors at James Hardie is providing healthy working environment at the workplace. At the same time, it is also the duty or corporate governance responsibility of the directors to inform the employees about the possible harm while working within the organization (Tricker 2015). Apart from these, the directors at James Hardie are also responsible for ensuring sufficient compensation package that will be given to the employees for any kind of physical damage caused by the activities of the company (Azeez 2015). Investors The directors of James Hardie also have some corporate governance responsibilities towards the investors. The first corporate governance responsibility is to provide all relevant information related to the business activities and financial position of the company to the investors. Along with that, it is also the responsibility of the directors to file the actual return on the investments on time in the annual report of the company (Galloway 2016). Shareholders Towards the shareholders, the directors of the company are also responsible. It is the corporate governance responsibility of the directors to provide all information in detail to the shareholders along with the investors. At the same time, the cost structure of the company and the investments made by the company in different areas are also needed to be disclosed to the shareholders (Moerman and van der Laan 2015). Apart from that, the directors also need to provide the pros and cons of the business activities of the company to the shareholders. Government Towards the government, the corporate governance responsibility of the directors is to provide each detail of the financial performances of the company like they provide the information to the shareholders and investors (Anderson and Lama 2015). Along with that, it is also the responsibility of the directors to ensure that the company is maintaining the rules and regulations like, Corporation Act 2001, provided by the government of the country or state. Society The corporate governance responsibility of the directors towards the society is to maintain the healthy environment, where the company is having its plant. At the same time, the corporate governance responsibility of the directors is to ensure that the company is producing and delivering of better quality products (Galloway 2016). Customers The directors of James Hardie are responsible to provide each detail of the products to the customers, while selling the products to the customers. If the product is including any harmful element or material, then also it is essential to disclose that fact also along with the possible harmful effect of the product (Lama and Anderson 2015). Corporate governance issues at James Hardie ASX Principles Key Corporate Governance Issues Corresponding to that ASX Principles Lay solid foundation for the management and the oversight of the company The board of directors at James Hardie failed to develop proper policy so that the management of the company can manage the operations properly. Due to this particular problem, the business operation of the company was ceased by the government authority. The corporate governance policies of the company concentrated more on enhancing the profitability and tried to conceal the unethical business of the company. Therefore, the ASX principle has not been properly followed by James Hardie (Sharma 2015). The company must promote the ethical and responsible decision-making for the business operation The board of directors or the higher management at James Hardie failed to promote the ethical and responsible decision-making. As the management of the company was aware of the negative impacts of manufacturing asbestos-based products, they should have disclose the fact to the employees and needed to provide proper compensation to the employees (Du Plessis, Hargovan and Bagaric 2010). However, there was nothing mentioned in the reports of the company regarding the asbestos related issues. At the same time, the corporate governance policies had not included any such compensation until the case of workers compensation occurred in the year 1939 (Jameshardie.com.au 2016). The company must safeguard the financial reporting integrity The company failed to safeguard the financial reporting integrity also. In the year 2001, James Hardie declared that the company will meet the liabilities and all of the future and past claims and at the same time, it will provide required fund to the Medical Research Compensation Foundation or MRCF. In 2006, it was founded by KPMG that the company had not funded MRCF with required amount, but the activities of the company had not break the legal boundary. However, the company had not made reliable estimates and misleads the public statements (Moerman, L., and van der Laan 2015). The company must provide respect to the rights of the shareholders The corporate governance policies at James Hardie showed that the company has provided proper respect to the rights of its shareholders. However, in reality, the company had misled the financial statements. The company stated that the liability of asbestos-related diseases is A$1.5 million. However, the company used A$30 million shareholders fund in order to meet the liability. At the same time, company had not disclosed that the MRCF is underfunded until it was founded by KPMG. These show that the rights of the shareholders were ignored by the company (Wan 2015). The company must recognize the possible risks and try to manage them The higher authority at James Hardie was aware about the fact that the manufacturing of asbestos-related products is injurious to health of the employees as well as for the neighbors of the manufacturing plants. However, until 1939, the company corporate governance had not included any policy related to the management of the risks. Moreover, the company had not stopped its asbestos-related products manufacturing and did not provide required compensation and did not provide required fund to the MRCF (Jameshardie.com.au 2016). The company must provide fair remuneration and responsibility It is one of the primary principles of ASX that the company should provide fair remuneration and responsibility to the employees. However, the company had not paid proper remuneration to its base level employees as per the risk that the employees bear during the manufacture of the asbestos products (Boggio 2016). Actions that James Hardie could have take ASX Principles Actions that the company should have taken to comply with the ASX guidelines Lay solid foundation for the management and the oversight of the company (Council 2007) The board of directors of the company that is James Hardie should have disclose the possible negative impacts of manufacturing the asbestos-related products in the annual report and at the same time, the management could have stated the proper measures to manage the impacts in the corporate governess policies of the company. If the company had taken this action, then negative impacts of companys activities would have been clear to the government and the other stakeholders of the company (Rainford 2015). At the same time, the stakeholders of the company would have been aware about the steps to manage the situation. The company must promote the ethical and responsible decision-making for the business operation (Council 2007) In order to meet the guidelines provided by ASX, the directors of James Hardie could have stop the usual procedure of manufacturing the asbestos-related products and could have start more improved procedure that is less harmful. At the same time, the company needed to take proper decision regarding the compensation scheme to the employees (Gopalan and Guihot 2015). Along with that, as the work of the base-level employees was full of health-related risks, the company needed to provide high wage to the employees. These decisions or actions would have been more ethical because these show that the company is responsible towards its employees. The company must safeguard the financial reporting integrity This particular guideline of ASX could have been followed by the company by stating all the actual financial figures in the financial statements of the company. The company needed to provide more fund to the MRCF. If it was impossible for the company to provide more fund to MRCF, then the company could have at least mention the actual funded value in its financial statements. At the same time, the management needed to consider reliable estimates and mentioned that in the financial reports. These actions would help the company to maintain the transparency of its financial activities (Lindgren and Phillips 2016), which would enhance the trusts of the stakeholders on the activities of the firm. Along with that, maintenance of proper financial transparency could have save the company from any kind of operational guilt. The company must provide respect to the rights of the shareholders (Council 2007) In order to provide proper respect to the rights of the shareholders, the company could have disclosed the actual costs structure of it to them. The matter of underfund of the MRCF could have been disclosed in front of the shareholders. These actions would have increased the reliability of the shareholders on the activities of the company (White 2015). The company should not have done misleading communication with the shareholders because if a company misleads the shareholders, it becomes impossible to attract new shareholders towards the company. The company must recognize the possible risks and try to manage them In case of James Hardie, the company knew that its business activities are injurious to the health of the employees and the other people. however, in order to manage the matter in a better way, the company could have disclose the real impact of asbestos-products manufacturing on the health of the employees. Along with that, the company also could have mention how the employees can get rid of this problem (Gopalan and Guihot 2016). For this, the company could have provided extra medical facilities and allowances to the employees for taking care of their health. This action would help the organization in better management of the risks. The company must provide fair remuneration and responsibility (Council 2007) In order to maintain this principle or guideline, the company could have increase the remuneration packages of the employees after the disclosure of the fact that the manufacturing activities of James Hardie is having negative health impacts. If the company had done this, then the employees might not claim for extra compensation and the brand image of the company could have been maintained (Lindgren and Phillips 2016). Effects of the decisions taken by the directors of James Hardie on the long term interests of each stakeholder Stakeholder Group of James Hardie How long term interests of stakeholder groups were affected or exacerbated Employees Due to the continuation of the manufacturing the asbestos-based products during 1960s to 1987, the health of the employees degraded more and the effects of the unhealthy working environment remained for 15 to 30 years after the employees exposed to the asbestos dust. At the same time, the employees were in loss of proper amount of compensation for their health issues (Boggio 2016). Investors As the company announced that it is liable for the manufacturing of unhealthy asbestos-based products and responsible for the health issues of the employees, the investors believed that the company will act ethically and meet the liabilities. Due to this the investors continued their investments (Moerman and van der Laan 2015). However, the company did not stop the production. At the same time, the company also misstated the financial figures in the annual report. Due to which the investors did not get proper return and as the company continued the operation, which negatively affected its reputation (Rainford 2015). For this, the financial performance of the company declined. Shareholders The company withdrew excessive amount of money from the shareholders fund for meeting the liability, however, actually, the liability was less. This affected the return percentage of the shareholders. Along with that, due to the controversies, the share value declined and company had to pay high amount of money as penalty. This again decreased the income of the shareholders (Du Plessis, Hargovan and Bagaric 2010). Government Due to the continuation of the operational activities from 1960s to 1987 and underfunded the MRCF, NSW sate government charged A$4.5 billion from James Hardie for Final Funding Agreement. At the same time, with the support of Australian Taxation Office, the Asbestos Injuries Compensation Fund Limited received high annual income from the company (Wan 2015). Society The environmental condition of the places beside the manufacturing plant of James Hardie declined due to the continuation of the production. This affected the health of the people in the society became weak and they were affected by the lung cancer and many other diseases. Comment on the decision taken by the board of director in mid 1960s In mid 1960s the higher authority of James Hardie disclosed the asbestos-related diseases information to its employees and announced that the company will pay the liability and compensation to the employees for their health issues. However, the company continued the operations or the manufacture of asbestos-related products. As per the KPMGs report, the financial decision taken by the management or the board of directors of the company was under the law. However, the estimates made by the company were not proper (Jameshardie.com.au 2016). From the legal point of view, the activities and decisions of the company were right. However, if the analysis is made from the moral ethical point of view, then it can be clearly said that the activities of the company were unethical. The higher authority of the company was always aware of the negative effects of the production of asbestos-related products, but they never disclosed the fact (Lindgren and Phillips 2016). In fact, the management did not even provided proper compensation to the employees for their health issues. Moreover, after 1939, when the workers compensation case happened, the company did not stop its operation and it announced that it will meet the liabilities. The production of asbestos-based products not only affected the health of the employees, but it also affected the health of the people in the society (White 2015). On the other side, the company had also provided misleading statements in its reports. Therefore, by considering all of these matters, it can b e stated that the activities or the decisions taken by James Hardie were morally unethical. However, from the business ethics point of view, it can be said that the decisions taken by the management of James Hardie were in favor of the business growth of the company. The board of directors of the company highly concentrated on increasing the profitability and maintaining the business growth, which were ethical from business point of view. However, as it misled its employees, it was against the business ethics (Boggio 2016). Identifying the effects of the actions taken by stakeholders on James Hardies sustainability The activities done by James Hardie were morally unethical and due to that different stakeholders of the company had taken different actions. These actions affected the corporate sustainability of the company. The effects of the actions taken by the stakeholders of James Hardie are discussed below: Specific stakeholder group How did the action threaten James Hardies corporate sustainability Government The state government in NSW claimed total amount of A$4.5 billion from the company for the Final Funding Agreement. At the same time, the company was also charged by the Injuries Compensation Fund Limited to pay a percentage on its free cash flow and capital percentage on an annual basis. These charges affected the financial position of the company. At the same time, due to the breach of the Corporation Act 2001, the investigation has been carried on the corporate structures of the company in different countries. All of these affected the reputation of the company. At the same time, the JHIL shares of the company were cancelled and the company was failure in the proper disclosure of information. Due to this, the company was penalized. As the reputation of the company was highly affected, the company failed to gain the competency in the market and as a result, the sustainability of the company came in to unstable situation (Tricker 2015). Employees The employees of James Hardie demanded for proper compensation and as the government of the country was in favor of the employees, the company was bound to meet the liabilities or pay the compensation. This increased the cost structure of the company. Due to this, the financial and market position of the company was badly affected (Azeez 2015). Conclusion In this study, it has been identified that the operational activities of the company that is James Hardie were morally unethical. The interests of the stakeholders of the company were negatively affected due to the unhealthy and unethical business operations of the company. The study has found out that James Hardie continued its unhealthy production activities after knowing that the production will affect the health of the employees as well the people in the outside area of the manufacturing plant. It has also been identified that the company has not maintained the ASX principles in the proper way. However, the study has mentioned about some essential steps, that the company or the management of the company could have taken in order to manage the situation in a better manner. At the same time, the study has found out that due to the unethical business activities of James Hardie, the stakeholders of the company have taken several steps, which affected the sustainability of the company. Reference list: Anderson, W., and Lama, T. 2015. Company characteristics and compliance with ASX corporate governance principles. Azeez, A. 2015. Corporate governance and firm performance: evidence from Sri Lanka.Journal of Finance,3(1), 180-189. Boggio, A. 2016.Compensating Asbestos Victims: Law and the Dark Side of Industrialization. Routledge. Council, A. C. G. 2007. Corporate governance principles and recommendations. Du Plessis, J. J., Hargovan, A., and Bagaric, M. 2010.Principles of contemporary corporate governance. Cambridge University Press. Galloway, C. 2016. Crisis Communication Research in Australia.The Handbook of International Crisis Communication Research,43, 337. Gopalan, S., and Guihot, M. 2016. Cross-Border Insolvency Law and Multinational Enterprise Groups: Judicial Innovation as an International Solution.George Washington International Law Review,48(3). Jameshardie.com.au. 2016. Jameshardie.com.au. Retrieved 7 August 2016, from https://www.jameshardie.com.au/ Lama, T., and Anderson, W. W. 2015. Company characteristics and compliance with ASX corporate governance principles.Pacific Accounting Review,27(3), 373-392. Lindgren, M., and Phillips, G. 2016. Asbestos Memories: Journalistic Mediationin Mediated Prospective Memory. InMemory in a Mediated World(pp. 158-175). Palgrave Macmillan UK. Moerman, L. C., and van der Laan, S. L. 2015. Silencing the noise: Asbestos liabilities, accounting and strategic bankruptcy.Critical Perspectives on Accounting,27, 118-128. Moerman, L., and van der Laan, S. 2015. Exploring shadow accountability: The case of James Hardie and Asbestos.Social and Environmental Accountability Journal,35(1), 32-48. Rainford, J. 2015. NSW taxpayers funding James Hardie's asbestos debts.Green Left Weekly, (1047), 11. Sharma, S. 2015. Review of The Corporate Governance PracticesAn International Perspective.Scholedge International Journal of Business Policy Governance ISSN 2394-3351,2(3), 28-32. Tricker, B. 2015.Corporate governance: Principles, policies, and practices. Oxford University Press, USA. Wan, W. Y. 2015. Directors defence of reliance on professional advisers under Anglo-Australian law.Common Law World Review,44(1), 71-93. White, R. 2015. Environmental Victimology and Ecological Justice. InCrime, Victims and Policy(pp. 33-52). Palgrave Macmillan UK.

Brave New World And 1984 Essays - Nineteen Eighty-Four, Newspeak

Brave New World And 1984 Imagine a world in which people are produced in factories, a world lost of all freedom and individuality, a world where people are exiled or "disappear" for breaking the mold. Both 1984 by George Orwell and Aldous Huxley's Brave New World are startling depictions of such a society. Although these novels are of fictional worlds, control of the future may be subtly evolving and becoming far worse than Huxley or Orwell could ever have imagined. Each society destroys the freedom of the individual through various controlling methods such as the denial of language and literature, a caste system and conditioning. One way in which each society controls is by limiting the language and literature of every citizen. In 1984, a language called Newspeak is devised in order to narrow all thought into one mode. There are three categories of Newspeak vocabulary: A, B and C. The A vocabulary consists of words used in everyday life to express simple thoughts. The B vocabulary includes words meant for political usage, forcing a particular mental state on the person using the vocabulary. Finally, the C vocabulary is based solely on technical and scientific words, constructed of only strict and rigid meanings. Individual thought is completely impossible because the constricted vocabulary is intended to include only principles of the Newspeak language. The vocabulary is constructed so that words of unorthodox meaning such as "individual freedom" are eliminated all together. Newspeak is designed to douse the flame of thought and idea, while encouraging collective ideas. Over time, Newspeak destroys any variation of idea from the intention of the "Party's". Literature is also slowly altered so that the author's original meaning is lost to the meaning of the Newspeak language. Newspeak translations seem to consume thoughts and memories much like a sponge absorbs water. In the Brave New World, literature and art are taken away in order to destroy individuality and freedom of thought. For as Mustapha Mond says, "It isn't only art that's incompatible with happiness; it's also science. Science is dangerous; we have to keep it most carefully chained and muzzled" (Huxley 231). The Controller has made thinking impossible by taking away all science, art and religious based books. Literature, such as Shakespeare and the Bible, that teaches old-fashioned morality and beliefs is non-existent in the brave new world because people cannot understand its text. Consequently, by banning literature the people cannot experience life to the fullest. Its colors are dulled because the individual never has the chance to feel the vast spectrum of life. Emotions like anger, sorrow, love, trust and caring do not exist. As the Savage explains, he never knew he hated Pope until he felt the emotions through the works of Shakespeare. Thus, by destroying forms of art, all emotions are destroyed as well. Only happiness at its simplest state is spared, for blind happiness is necessary for stability. As an individual, there comes an ability to recognize and value what beauty truly is, such as the waves crashing upon a shore or the innocence of a child. But with the denial of literature and language, the individual is a mindless member of society. In each novel, a caste system is developed in hopes of keeping each group separate from one another, yet each individual alike. In the book 1984, there are three different social classes: the Inner Party-the rich, the Outer Party-the middle class, and the Proles-the poor. Each party plays a part in an endless cycle of control. The Inner Party controls and is out of touch with the others. The Outer party resents the Inner party's superiority, while the Prolesare seemingly oblivious to their destitute place in society. As the classes are detached and busy, the Inner Party is free to create the future by destroying all evidence of the past. For example, if an estimated 10 million shoes are to be produced that year and only 5 million are actually produced, then they destroy all evidence of ever having estimated 10 million. They find all newspapers including this information and destroy them. The Ministry of Truth then prints a new estimate in the next newspaper, stating they over-filled their quota. The caste system is a way of manipulating the thoughts and actions of each group, thus limiting the power they possess to realize their individualism. In Brave New World, each person is chemically pre-determined and born into a certain class. There are several castes beginning with the Alphas, the highest class, to the Epsilons, the lowest class. Each person is merged into

The Threat Called North Korea essays

The Threat Called North Korea essays Nearly a year ago, George W. Bush first labeled Iraq, Iran, and North Korea, as the axis of evil. So why then have we heard so much about how Iraq is such a threat to U.S. national security, and hardly a word about North Korea? There is no doubt in Americas mind or in anyone elses outside of Baghdad that Sadaam Hussein is a menace to society. Hes both a threat to his own people and to the rest of the world. He has broken sanction after sanction; and received nothing more then a smack on the hand for it. Meanwhile, with the worlds view pointed in Iraqs direction, and Iran trying not to anger anyone, North Korea has decided to try to steal some of the limelight. Always a problem, and sometimes referred to as a rogue-state, North Korea is stirring up quite a mess in Washington, and the worry is well warranted. For the following reasons North Korea has become more of a threat than Iraq: For their development of nuclear technology, their willingness to sell weapons to the highes t bidder, their disregard for several treaties, and their emerging capabilities to hit the continental U.S. with a nuclear tipped missile. North Korea has proven time and time again that they are more then willing to sign a treaty, or agree to sanctions, and then continue on without the slightest regard to international law. On October 21, 1994, the Unites States avoided a deadly and costly showdown with North Korea by signing the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) along with South Korea, and Japan, a treaty that North Korea would then break only a few years later. This treaty gave North Korea a package of benefits in return for a freeze of their nuclear program. The benefits were to include: light water reactors totaling 2,000 electric megawatts and shipments of heavy oil to North Korea (50,000 tons in 1995 and 500,000 tons annually beginning in 1996 until the first reactor was...

Tree Planting Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Tree Planting - Essay Example If you are planting a tree just for the purpose of planting, your choice may differ. However, if you are planting the tree so that you can grow it and eat its fruit your overall effort may be different. It is therefore extremely important to define the purpose for which the tree is being planted. 2. Selecting the right time of the year is another important step because not all trees can be planted in every season. Planting trees in summer or late spring may not be suitable as the heat may not allow the plan to grow properly and may ultimately die down. It is critical that right time of the year must be chosen to plan the tree. 3. Digging the hole in right size and width is another important step to be performed in order to successfully plant the tree. Many a times, people dig holes which are either large or wider and thus may not be suitable for the planting of the tree. One can learn from the intuition as to what should be the right width and depth of the hole considering the size of the tree being planted. A typical standard to dig the hole of right size is to dig it at least twice as large as the root ball of the tree. You may also need to check the local requirements for digging the hole of right size especially if you are digging it near a telephone booth or other public places. There may be certain restrictions on digging the hole over the particular size in local areas so better check with the local requirements. 4. Once hole is dug, next step is to place the tree in the hole in a manner that it can easily fit the tree inside the hole. The overall process to place the tree in the hole is however, different for large and small trees. If you are planting a small tree, it is easier to upside down the pot and remove the tree to plant it. However, if the tree is large, you may require a large scissor or knife to actually cut through the packing and then place the tree in the hole of right size. Sometimes, large trees have

United States Coast Guard Maritime law enforcement seizure of boats, Research Paper

United States Coast Guard Maritime law enforcement seizure of boats, weapons, and contraband - Research Paper Example The paper reflects the role of the Coast Guard of US which enquires, inspects and searches the waters for the violators of United States maritime laws including traffickers of drugs, arms and to prevent illegal human migration. Introduction The United States have entered into a number of counter-narcotics agreements with different countries. In total there are 25 countries which have a law enforcing agreement including 3 countries that entered into the agreement after the completion of military installation in the Panama Canal in 2000. The countries include many of the Latin American countries like Colombia, Costa Rica, Jamaica, Haiti, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Trinidad and Tobago, Venezuela etc. The agreements are based on a number of clauses and allow the coast guards different degree of freedom to enforce the maritime counter-narcotics laws of the United States. According to the ship-boarding provisions the authorities of United States can take quick permission from the other countries for the coast guards to search a vessel for illegal trafficking. In some cases no permission are required from the respective countries to board and search the vessel. Most of the countries except El Salvador, Netherlands Antilles and Aruba and Turks and Caicos have this agreement with the United States. According to the ship-rider provision the coast guards can position officers on the vessels of the countries. Colombia, Ecuador, El Salvador and Venezuela are the only countries that do not have an agreement of ship-riding with the United States. Pursuit provision has given the Coast Guards the ability to chase a vessel or aircraft into the territories of different country or search their vessel in the absence of available vessel or aircrafts of the country. All the countries have agreed on this provision except for Colombia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Turks and Ca icos and Venezuela (United States Government Accountability Office, 2005, pp. 39-40). Role of Coast Guard Coast Guard is one of the premier forces for the enforcement of laws and has a high number of arrests and seizures each year (Roach, Smith, 1996, p. 491). The following table shows the removal statistics of Coast Guard Drug removal (year wise) in pounds United States Coast Guard, 2011 Narcotics One of the major duties of the United States coast guard is to identify and interdict the drugs smuggled through water mainly by the small sea vessels. Near the coastal areas the coast guards ensure the enforcement of drug laws in collaboration with the United States Customs Service. Further away into the ocean the US coast guards are the primary force responsible for enduring the drug laws. The major regions of duty of the force rest in the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean and in the region of South Florida. In the former two areas the force looks out for mother ships that transfer their ca rgo to the smaller boats which carry it to the coasts. Apart from the drugs the other items of marine trafficking are arms and illegal human transport. The United States coast guards also carry out regular missions to prevent these kinds of trafficking. The force also ensures that the United States marine reserves like fisheries and other reserves are protected from the outsiders. Often the vessels of transport are seized by the force (Kash, Cross, 1987, 34-35; University of Virginia). In 1994, 28 vessels were seized by the United States Coast Guards which is a sharp decline from the previous year’s trends. Most of these vessels were carrying large

Research proposal--- The effects of transnational media on Asian Proposal

--- The effects of transnational media on Asian countries - Research Proposal Example The advancement in technology led to the free flow of communication to all over the world despite the resistance from the non-Western countries. Rapid advancement in communication technology guaranteed the transnational media the uncontrolled exposure of audience all over the world to the western messages. Western movies, news, music, game shows and other entertainment items have become easily assessable to all. This uncontrolled penetration of westerm media to other cultures and traditions has become dominant feature of the advancement of transnational media. Satellite, cable and computer have empowered the audience to choose and receive the media messages without any control. Local governments have no freedom to censure and control the content of the transnational media programmes and the local audience have gained the total freedom of choice, based on their values and tastes, what to see and not to see. This often leads to the cultural ‘sensitization’ or ‘hybrid ization’ internationally. The international audiences are constantly exposed to the social and cultural situations which are completely contradictory to their original cultural and traditional beliefs. For example, in many (most of) Asian countries, behaviors like dating (or any premarital sex), gambling and alcohol drinking are antisocial and unacceptable. But as a result of cultural desensitization, the constant exposure to these activities through entertainment shows, the people in Asia become desensitized to be free from the social inhibition and finally become more accepted and indulged in the above said Western behaviours (Galander, 2008). 2. Background of the Study and Review of the Existing Literature Initially, globalization affected industry, trade, finance and even agriculture of the nations, but the culture and traditions are also influenced by the globalization process by extending the activities of electronic and borderless media. It has led to the ‘statel essness’ and oligopolistic market of few transnational media firms (Hamelink, 1993). With the advent of communication technologies, media firms penetrated into the foreign markets by utilizing the opportunities of the opening up of communication sectors in the developing nations and tried to create production and distribution efficiency and built their own transnational media empires (Gershon, 1993). Globalization of entertainment industries with the advent of transnational media has led to the homogenization and westernization of traditions and cultures. This post modern hybridization of culture has occurred within the larger context of economic, political and cultural process within the regions, nations, ethnic communities and this growth was influenced by not only the policy decisions of the governments but also by the strategic management decisions of media owners, cable operators, satellite providers and agencies. The popularization of transnational media and process of globalization of electronic media raise various socio-cultural and ethical issues in the newly emerging Asian countries (Thomas, 2005). Transnational cable channels apply domestication strategie

Prevent Terrorism Countries

Prevent Terrorism Countries MEASURES TO DEFEAT TERRORISM In this paper I will discuss measures that can be taken to help prevent terrorism. Though some measures may be seen as extreme, it is often necessary to take drastic steps to keep a country or even the world safe from terrorism. I will also discuss areas in which countries have already enacted provisions to fight terrorism. What major measures can the international community take to prevent terrorism? Do you think the U.S. should follow Israels example of fighting terrorism? Explain in depth. Identify and explain at least three international conventions organized to suppress terrorism. Briefly evaluate the provisions of the U.S. Patriot Act. Briefly discuss the impact of emergency powers on defeating terrorism. The fight against terrorism is not just a fight that the United States is facing alone. This is evident from the Madrid train bombings, the bombings in London, and the terrorist attacks that Israel seems to face everyday. Terrorism is, in effect, international. Each nation has a responsibility to combat terrorism to protect them and to protect other nations as well. In this paper, I will discuss areas in which the international community can fight against terrorism and steps they have already taken in the fight against terrorism. Steps the International Community Can Take to Prevent Terrorism One of the security measures that can be undertaken is that of securing aircraft and airports. Poland cites in his book that between 1973 and 2002, there was an average of ten skyjackings per year. (Poland, 2005, p. 235) This was a number that surprised me due to the fact that it seems like most werent reported or very little coverage was given to the incidences. There are new technologies being developed all the time to aid in securing of air travel. There is new technology in the area of explosive detection devices. One such technology is called microtagging. During this process, tiny chips of microtaggants are blended into explosive substances and color coded to identify the manufacturer and batch of explosives. This system would also be beneficial in the reconstruction of bomb scenes and used to gain knowledge and prepare for future terrorist acts. Another innovative technology is called dielectric analysis. Dielectric analysis is a powerful non-destructive tool for characterizin g materials; it can provide accurate, repeatable results unavailable by other electrical means. (Unknown, 2007) This, in essence, gives the explosive agents a â€Å"fingerprint† and could provide immediate identification of explosive substances at airports. Along with technological advanced in air security, people can often make the biggest impact. In this area, Federal Air Marshals play an important role. This is not something that all countries partake in but more and more countries are adding these individuals to their flights. The airline association estimates that 10 or 20 out of some 115 airlines that fly into the United States already use air marshals. (Lichtblau, 2003) Israel, for instance, has used marshals on El Al flights for years, and as stated, some other countries have followed suit more recently, as Australia announced in 2003 that Qantas Airways would begin placing armed marshals on flights to Singapore. Even Mexico has stated that they would start to use their own air marshals on flights that are going to the United States. However, not all countries and airlines are signed on to the idea. Air France does not use air marshals and the British Air Line Pilots Association said it does not believe that arms belong on aircr aft, and British Airways, the countrys biggest airline, said it reserves the right not to fly if it is forced to add air marshals. Although there is a general feeling among passengers that they would feel safer on a flight if there is an air marshal on board, not everyone believes the passengers would necessarily be safer. The cite that an armed conflict on a plane would become more dangerous to the passengers as opposed to just letting the terrorist state their demands and work with them for the release of passengers. Intelligence is another area that countries can utilize for overall protection. This is not necessarily limited to military types of intelligence. Political intelligence is an important factor to combating terrorism. This can be used to identify where the groups are garnering the most support for their cause. When this has been determined, pressure from other nations can be placed on these states to not support the terrorists. Of course, military intelligence is vital in any operation. The intelligence gathered here can assist in finding out how many are in a particular group, what kinds of weapons they have, and where they are located. Most countries have some form of intelligence like our CIA and it is important that they use it. Yet another form is economic intelligence. Most terrorist organizations are well funded these days. It is important to track the path in which they receive their money. Terrorists may get their money from several different avenues, including: the sale of d rugs, phony charitable organizations; and even other sympathetic nations. So as one can see, intelligence is a very important factor other countries can use to combat terrorism. Israels Fight Against Terrorism Israel has been fighting terrorism for many years, even before they became a nation in 1948. They are surrounded by Muslim nations which historically do not get along with Israelis. This is particularly true of Palestinians. Since Israel is surrounded by so many that wish to do them harm, they have had to take more drastic steps in order to protect themselves. They had become one of the first countries to articulate a deliberate and official policy of retaliation against terrorism. Most nations understand that a nation must fight back in order to protect itself and its interests. Israel on the other hand seems to retaliate in a much more aggressive manner. Such a case was their retaliation against an Arab village in Qibiya, Jordan in 1953. On October 13, 1953, Jordanian terrorists infiltrated the Israeli border and threw a grenade into a house, killing a mother and two children in Tiryat Yehuda. In an effort to prevent further attacks and protect its borders, Israel launched a reprisal raid on Qibiya, a Jordanian town across the border from Tiryat Yehuda. Unit 101, led by then Colonel Ariel Sharon, destroyed 50 homes, killing 69 Jordanian civilians who were hidden inside and had gone unnoticed. (Oreck, 2007) Sharon had stated that he was not aware that civilians were involved but that did not help in the embarrassment that Israel suffered due to the incident. Israelis have also pioneered the area of preemptive strikes against terrorism. This policy is a bit more difficult to convince the international community for its justification. It is one thing to fight back against an attack on your country it is another to strike first to prevent such an attack. But in many cases is necessary to do so. Israel has carried out such attacks such as the bombing of an Iraqi nuclear facility in 1981. It was feared that if Iraq had been able to produce the nuclear bomb, they would use it against Israel. This strike was something of a success story. Israels preemptive strike against Iraq was heartily condemned in Washington and by the United Nations, although privately most governments, even in the Middle East, were pleased to see the setback to Saddam Husseins ambition. Targeted killings are also something that Israel employs to fight terrorism. However, this form of protection has one big drawback. It is often necessary to obtain information from higher ranking individuals within a terrorist organization. Obviously dead men are of no use to obtain information. In September 1999, the Israeli High Court ruled on specific procedures for interrogation and practices in dealing with terrorists or suspected terrorists. Interrogations can only be conducted by the Shin Bet (counter-intelligence and internal security service). The head of the Shin Bet works with the Attorney General very closely to determine how to proceed on specific cases. Targeted killings have to be confirmed by the prime minister in every instance. If there is a change in the plan on a targeted killing, the head of the Shin Bet must go back to the prime minister and have the operation approved once more. (Dicter, Bronfman, Bronfman Byman, 2005) However, if the head of the Shin Bet feel s there is great urgency, he alone can make the decision to take out the suspect. So the question is â€Å"Do I think the United States should employ the Israeli tactics in fighting terrorism?† If that question had been posed ten or fifteen years ago, I may have said no. Today, my answer would be yes, with a caveat. Though it may be difficult, I think we would need other countries to publicly back us to carry out certain missions. In the case of a preemptive strike, our allies must be informed of such action so they are not taken by surprise of the situation. As far as targeted killings, we had better have support in this undertaking or else we are going to look like the aggressors. Case in point, our current situation in the Middle East. Although the United States has a policy against taking out heads of state which President Ford imposed by executive order in 1976, there is nothing to say that we cannot take out leaders of terrorist groups like Osama bin Laden. In the climate we live in today, we had better have all of our options open and on the table if we want to defend ourselves and help prevent future attacks. International Conventions to Suppress Terrorism Throughout the years there have been many policies and conventions used to aid in the fight against terrorism. They are normally backed by the civilized states of the international community. But it seems over time, these policies go by the wayside. In this section, I will look at three of the more recent conventions. The International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on December 9, 1999, and signed on behalf of the United States of America on January 10, 2000. The Convention is aimed at cutting off the funding that terrorist groups need to operate. This Convention provides an obligation that States Parties criminalize such conduct and establishes an international legal framework for cooperation among States Parties directed toward prevention of such financing and ensuring the prosecution and punishment of offenders, wherever found. In a letter to the Senate in 2000, then President Clinton urged the members to â€Å"give early and favorable consideration to this Convention, subject to the understanding, declaration and reservation that are described in the accompanying report of the Department of State.† (Clinton, 2000) Even before 9/11 it was apparent that funding for terrorists needed to be addressed. Another convention, the International Convention for the Suppression of Terrorist Bombing was adopted in 1997. This convention â€Å"created a regime of universal jurisdiction over the unlawful and intentional use of explosives and other lethal devices in, into, or against various defined public places with intent to kill or cause serious bodily injury, or with intent to cause extensive destruction of the public place†. (United Nations, 1997) It is similar to other conventions in that it requires parties to extradite or submit for prosecution persons accused of committing or aiding in the commission of such offenses. Lastly, the Convention on the Making of Plastic Explosives for the purpose of Detection was ratified by the United Nations in 1991. The members of the U.N. were concerned that plastic explosives had been used for such terrorist acts in the past and could be again in the future and wanted to do something about it. This Convention was aimed at deterring such unlawful acts of the use of plastic explosives because they felt there was a need for an international mandate for States to adopt appropriate measures to ensure that plastic explosives are marked. Provisions of the U.S. Patriot Act The Patriot Act has ten different provisions that outline the United States governments war on terrorism. These provisions impact the war on terrorism in different ways. Some of the provisions deal with rights and responsibilities; others provide areas in which terrorism can be fought. I will discuss, in brief, each of the ten provisions. The first title is for the enhancement of domestic security and provides for funding and information gathering. It also prohibits the discrimination against Muslim Americans. Title II is probably the most controversial of all the provisions. It is here where the perceived infringement on civil liberties takes place. This provision reshapes the way the federal government can collect information. The FBI can seize materials from private citizens when it believes national security is at stake and then get permission from courts to do so afterwards. The third title involves the area of money laundering and the financing of terrorist organizations. Title IV increases border patrols and mandates the detention of suspected terrorists. The fifth title deals with removing obstacles in the investigation of terrorism and addresses the capture and prosecution of terrorists. Title number six provides aid to the families of Public Safety Officers who were injured or killed in terrorist attacks, an d amends the Victims of Crime Act of 1984. Number seven supports the sharing of information by federal law enforcement agencies. This would have been very useful pre-9/11. Title VIII strengthens criminal laws against terrorism, defines domestic terrorism, and expands biological weapons statutes. The ninth provision provides that intelligence information sharing from foreign agencies. The information derived from electronic surveillance or physical searches is disseminated for efficient and effective foreign intelligence purposes. The last title is kind of a catchall and is listed as miscellaneous. It contains 16 sections that do not fall under other titles in the act. Impact of Emergency Powers on Defeating Terrorism Many nations have forms of so called, â€Å"Emergency Powers†. Some countries call it â€Å"State of Exception†, â€Å"Special Powers†, or â€Å"Terrorist Affected†. No matter what a country may call their emergency powers, extreme circumstances may exist in which the security of the country in needed and these powers allow for authorities to stop, search, question and detain individuals suspected of terrorist involvement. There have been emergency powers used even before the United States was formed. Between 1775 and 1781, the Continental Congress passed a series of acts and resolves which count as the first expressions of emergency authority. These instruments dealt almost exclusively with the prosecution of the Revolutionary War. (Relyea, 2006) The President of the United States has available certain powers that may be exercised in the event that the nation is threatened by crisis, exigency, or emergency circumstances (other than natural disasters, war, or near-war situations). The acts of terrorism are ever-changing. It is important that countries are able to react (or in some cases become proactive) to situations as they arise. How well can a country be protected if their leaders cannot make a quick decision on the information they have been provided. In this, emergency powers are essential in both the war on terror and defeating terrorism. References Clinton, W. J. (2000, October 12). The White House Office of the Press Secretary (globalsecurity.org, Ed.) (Intelligence). Retrieved March 29, 2007, from http://www.globalsecurity.org/intell/library/news/2000/10/irp-001012-terror.htm. Dicter, A., Bronfman, C., Bronfman, A., Byman, D. (2005, December, 8). Fighting Islamist Terrorists. Retrieved March 29, 2007, from http://www.brookings.edu/fp/saban/events/20051208.htm. Lichtblau, E. (2003, December 30). U.S. says it will force countries to arm flights. San Francisco Chronicle, A/1. Retrieved March 29, 2007, from http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2003/12/30/MNGJD40F651.DTLtype=printable. Oreck, A. (2007, N/A). Qibya. Jewish Virtual Library, The Library. Retrieved March 29, 2007, from http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/History/Qibiya.html. Poland, J. M. (2005). Understanding Terrorism: Groups, Strategies, and Responses. Sacramento, CA: Pearson/Prentice Hall. Relyea, H. C. (2006, November 13). National Emergency Powers. In CRS Report for Congress. Congress. Retrieved March 29, 2007, from http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/natsec/98-505.pdf. United Nations. (1997, N/A). Conventions Against Terrorism. Retrieved March 29, 2007, from United Nations: http://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/terrorism_conventions.html. Unknown. (2007, N/A). Materials. Retrieved March 29, 2007, from Solortron Analytical: http://www.solartronanalytical.com/products/applications/materials/index.htm.

Sound in The Tempest and the New Orthodox View :: Tempest essays

Sound in The Tempest and the New Orthodox View  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Critics have offered varying evaluations of the characters in William Shakespeare's The Tempest. Some consider Prospero to be magnanimous for forgiving his enemies, for freeing Ariel from the confines of a tree, and for treating Caliban with great sympathy until the monster's attempted rape of Miranda. Others view Prospero as an oppressive colonizer and consider both Caliban and Ariel to be his innocent and mistreated subjects. In his article "Reading The Tempest," Russ McDonald argues that the new orthodox interpretation of The Tempest, "which exalts the colonized, is as narrow as the old, which idealizes and excuses the colonizer" (117). He argues that the actual status of the characters is considerably more ambiguous, and he supports his view by analyzing the rhetorical devices present in the play. However, a close examination of the various sounds disbursed throughout the work--including speech, silence, and music--tends to support a less ambiguous view of the characters. Indeed, it tends to lend support to the new orthodox view that Prospero is an oppressive colonizer, for he often threatens his enemies and servants with unpleasant sounds and demands silence from others, including his daughter. The play begins with a ship's crew being subject to terrifying sounds that Prospero has ordered Ariel to produce. The sounds are all loud: "whistle," "storm," "cry," "thunderclaps," "fire and cracks," and "roaring" (1.1.7, 14; 1.2.203-5; 2.1.2). The terror that these sounds and the accompanying storm inflict upon the mariners is evidenced by their cries: "All lost! To prayers! To prayers! All lost!" (1.1.52). The infliction of these sounds is also made to appear unjust when Miranda pleads with her father: "If . . . you have / Put these wild waters in this roar, allay them. / . . . O, the cry did knock / Against my very heart. Poor souls, they perished!" (2.1.1-9). Indeed, Prospero often refers to unpleasant sounds as a means of threatening others. "I will plague them all, / Even to roaring," he says of Caliban, Trinculo, and Stephano (4.1.188-214). When Prospero believes Ariel is not providing an eager and willful service, he threatens the spirit with imprisonment in a tree, reminding Ariel that when he was previously trapped, his "groans / Did make wolves howl" (1.2.289-90). Prospero also tells him, "Thou hast howled away twelve winters" (1.2.298). Similarly, Prospero threatens Caliban, carrying out his threats and subjecting the monster to tortures accompanied by unpleasant sounds. Sound in The Tempest and the New Orthodox View :: Tempest essays Sound in The Tempest and the New Orthodox View  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Critics have offered varying evaluations of the characters in William Shakespeare's The Tempest. Some consider Prospero to be magnanimous for forgiving his enemies, for freeing Ariel from the confines of a tree, and for treating Caliban with great sympathy until the monster's attempted rape of Miranda. Others view Prospero as an oppressive colonizer and consider both Caliban and Ariel to be his innocent and mistreated subjects. In his article "Reading The Tempest," Russ McDonald argues that the new orthodox interpretation of The Tempest, "which exalts the colonized, is as narrow as the old, which idealizes and excuses the colonizer" (117). He argues that the actual status of the characters is considerably more ambiguous, and he supports his view by analyzing the rhetorical devices present in the play. However, a close examination of the various sounds disbursed throughout the work--including speech, silence, and music--tends to support a less ambiguous view of the characters. Indeed, it tends to lend support to the new orthodox view that Prospero is an oppressive colonizer, for he often threatens his enemies and servants with unpleasant sounds and demands silence from others, including his daughter. The play begins with a ship's crew being subject to terrifying sounds that Prospero has ordered Ariel to produce. The sounds are all loud: "whistle," "storm," "cry," "thunderclaps," "fire and cracks," and "roaring" (1.1.7, 14; 1.2.203-5; 2.1.2). The terror that these sounds and the accompanying storm inflict upon the mariners is evidenced by their cries: "All lost! To prayers! To prayers! All lost!" (1.1.52). The infliction of these sounds is also made to appear unjust when Miranda pleads with her father: "If . . . you have / Put these wild waters in this roar, allay them. / . . . O, the cry did knock / Against my very heart. Poor souls, they perished!" (2.1.1-9). Indeed, Prospero often refers to unpleasant sounds as a means of threatening others. "I will plague them all, / Even to roaring," he says of Caliban, Trinculo, and Stephano (4.1.188-214). When Prospero believes Ariel is not providing an eager and willful service, he threatens the spirit with imprisonment in a tree, reminding Ariel that when he was previously trapped, his "groans / Did make wolves howl" (1.2.289-90). Prospero also tells him, "Thou hast howled away twelve winters" (1.2.298). Similarly, Prospero threatens Caliban, carrying out his threats and subjecting the monster to tortures accompanied by unpleasant sounds.

Heaney’s poems explore by varied poetic means the enduring significance of family and childhood in human life

Much of Heaney's poetry, particularly from his early selections, explores childhood and family. Heaney perhaps uses these themes as a means of discovering his true self by travelling back to his roots. His childhood experiences have certainly had a deep impact and acted as inspiration for many of the poems from his first book, ‘Death of a Naturalist', but there are also poems in later books that explore this theme. Aside from giving us an insight into Heaney's early life, his exploration of childhood and family also reflects the rural Irish culture at the time and the political situation in Ireland. The poet also explores the themes of childhood and family through the use of various poetic devices, including vivid imagery and structure. The first poem that I have decided to examine is ‘Digging' from Heaney's first collection, ‘Death of a Naturalist'. This poem focuses on the poet's father and grandfather, and his admiration for their digging skills. It also shows the great contrast between father and son, in that Heaney has â€Å"no spade to follow men like them†; his talents lie in writing. Digging' is the first poem in the selection, and certainly depicts Heaney's insecurities about his writing career and his early struggle to define himself as a poet, and break the family tradition of rural labour. The poem is littered with various poetic devices, which help to bring the poem and the poet's feelings alive to the reader. Firstly, Heaney uses the simile, â€Å"snug as a gun† to describe the way the pen feels when he holds it. This suggests that it fits his hand well and is very powerful. It could also mean that, whereas his father and grandfather use the spade as their weapon, Heaney uses the pen. Some have also proposed that the image of the â€Å"gun† is a reflection of the violence in Northern Ireland. However, this cannot be so, because this poem was published in 1966, before the troubles started. He also chooses to use rather vivid language to describe his father's actions while digging in the garden. For example, â€Å"a clean rasping sound† is almost onomatopoeia, as the word really sounds like the noise a spade makes when it sinks into hard ground. Further examples of onomatopoeia are, â€Å"squelch†, â€Å"slap†, â€Å"sloppily† and â€Å"gravelly†. â€Å"Straining rump† is also a good choice of language, as the reader can instantly visualise how hard the man is working and feel his pain. A further poetic tool is the use of technical language, such as â€Å"lug† and â€Å"shaft†, which show their technique and skill in their trade, as they know exactly what they are doing and thoroughly understand every part of their tool. Colloquial language is also used, such as â€Å"By God, the old man could handle a spade†. This is perhaps used as a way for Heaney to connect with the rural population of Ireland and associate himself with his roots. The structure of the poem is also a very important feature, as it helps to illustrate Heaney's insecurities with his writing career. The stanzas are very irregular, suggesting that the poet's thoughts are wandering aimlessly as he is trying to discover his true identity and accept his trade. However, the structure could also be said to portray the idea of digging, in that the first four stanzas grow in length, almost like a spade travelling deeper into the ground. Heaney uses the theme of ‘Digging' and roots as an extended metaphor, as through writing this poem, he is attempting to get back and identify with his own roots and dig into the past and his childhood, in order to discover his true self. He demonstrates the significance of family and childhood experiences and the impact they have on your actions in later life. Heaney was clearly worried that he was disappointing his father by not continuing the family trade, and this poem seems to act as an apology for this. The last stanza of ‘Digging' is very similar to the first stanza, but instead of the pen being â€Å"as snug as a gun†, Heaney resolves that he will â€Å"dig with it†. This implies that the pen is Heaney's tool, just like the spade was his predecessors' tool. The occupations may be vastly different, but they still require a great deal of expertise. The second poem that I have chosen to explore is ‘Personal Helicon', which is also from Heaney's first collection, ‘Death of Naturalist'. This poem contains many double meanings. On the surface, it would appear as if Heaney is reflecting on his favourite pastime as a child, which was playing with water and wells. This, indeed, is true, but he is also using the theme to talk about writing poetry. The word â€Å"Helicon† in the title refers to a place in ancient Greece where there are springs that supposedly give inspiration to anyone that drinks there. This suggests that, for Seamus Heaney, the memories of his childhood and his love for water and wells are his personal inspiration for his poetry. It is also an interesting choice of word because both sources of inspiration are associated with water. â€Å"So deep you saw no reflection in it† describes one particular well that Heaney encountered as a child. However, the image of the bottomless well also portrays what a poem is like, filled with different meanings. A further example of a double meaning can be found in the line, â€Å"A white face hovered over the bottom†. This refers to the literal reflection of Heaney that could be seen in the water, but could also mean that he is always evident in his poems; each poem connects in some way with the poet, no matter what the theme is. An important poetic device that the poet uses in ‘Personal Helicon' is highly expressive and vivid language, which helps the reader to envision exactly what the wells were like. Good examples of this are â€Å"fungus†, â€Å"dank moss† and â€Å"finger slime†, which all conjure up wonderful, yet repulsive images of exactly what wells are like and the enjoyment that children find in wet, dirty places. Heaney has also incorporated a clever metaphor into the poem, which is â€Å"the trapped sky†. The sky is obviously not trapped within the well in a physical sense, but it appears to be due to its reflection in the water at the bottom of the well. The last two lines of ‘Personal Helicon' are extremely significant, as they represent the motivation behind Heaney's poetry and illustrate exactly what he is like. â€Å"I rhyme to see myself, to set the darkness echoing. † This would imply that Seamus Heaney writes poetry in order to discover himself and approach subjects that cannot be approached in any other way. A critic once proposed that the â€Å"darkness† refers to the unknown, the things that remain hidden, concepts that have not been brought into the light and expressed in words. Whether it is personal fears or social and political injustices, poetry is a medium to bring these unspoken attitudes and opinions to the world, and to make them â€Å"echo† and resound with force. The mention of the word, â€Å"darkness† also links in with Heaney's next book, entitled â€Å"Door into the Dark†, suggesting that he was very insecure and apprehensive about his ‘debut' collection of poems and how successful it would be. Overall, ‘Personal Helicon' gives the reader an insight into Seamus Heaney's childhood and the features of rural Ireland, and shows, similarly to the previous poem, what effects childhood experiences can have on a person's later life. The final poem that I have chosen to study is ‘The Other Side' from Heaney's third poetry collection, ‘Wintering Out'. This poem chronicles the poet's childhood experiences of the vast divide between Catholics and Protestants in Northern Ireland, and tells the story of a Catholic family (Heaney's family) and a Protestant neighbour living on the other side of the stream. Heaney uses a great deal of religious imagery within this poem, perhaps in order to reinforce the theme of religious divide. A good example of this is, â€Å"‘It's poor as Lazarus, that ground'†. Lazarus is the name of a poor man in the bible, so this is a clever simile that not only depicts the poor quality of Heaney's farmland, but also underpins the overall theme of the poem. There are a number of other religious images within the poem also. â€Å"That tongue of chosen people† is a reference to Protestants and the fact that they are supposed to speak â€Å"properly† and in a superior manner to Catholics. â€Å"Chosen people† is a biblical image and â€Å"promised furrows† links in with the bible and the idea of the â€Å"promised land†. Tares† is another word used in the poem that suggests religious significance, as in the bible, these were weeds that the enemy deliberately planted to ruin others' crops. Another interesting simile within this poem is, â€Å"as if party to lovemaking or a stranger's weeping†. This is an excellent use of imagery, as it really portrays to the reader the extent of the neighbour's embarrassment at having interrupted Heaney's family's prayers. Another poetic device used in the poem is onomatopoeia, shown through the expression â€Å"moan of prayers†. The word â€Å"moan† really does sound like the chanting of prayers often heard in churches, as it is a rather extended, droning word, reflecting what the prayers were like. To conclude, ‘The Other Side' depicts the significance of family and childhood experiences, as Heaney has undoubtedly gained much inspiration from his memories of the division between religions in Ireland when he was a child. Overall, it is evident that a number of Heaney's poems explore the enduring significance of family and childhood in human life, as he openly acquires a good deal of inspiration from his early years. Within these poems, he uses various poetic devices as a means of expressing memories, feelings and objects in a highly vivid and engaging way. His fascinating and intelligent use of language is certainly at the forefront of all of his poems, whether it is shown through imagery, onomatopoeia or realistic descriptions. Heaney once said that, ‘Words themselves are doors', suggesting that they can open up new ways of understanding, expressing and interpreting situations and feelings.

Free Essays on Muslims

â€Å"Muslim society had a sophistication matched at that time only by the Tang Empire of China.† (Mcdougal Littell, 242) The Muslim society was very advanced in many ways compared to the societies of other major civilizations. They made great advancements in the blending of cultures, math and science, and arts and literature. All this made possible the a semblance of the House of Wisdom, a combination library academy, and translation center. Muslim culture was centered around its four social classes. It included the born Muslims at the top. Converts were in the next class and had to pay higher taxes than the born Muslims. Next came the non-Muslim people who paid the most taxes of them all. The lowest class were the slaves, all of whom were non-Muslim. Muslims believed that math was the basis of all knowledge. A Muslim first described â€Å"al-jabr†, which we still use today as Algebra. Many of the Muslim’s researched of math lead to scientific discoveries. Astronomy and Optics were two fields in which the Muslims greatly excelled in. Ibn Haytham was the person to discover that rays pass from object to eyes. Literature was a strong tradition to the culture All literature stemmed from things such as bravery, love, generosity, and hospitality. All the culture’s literature was based on the sacred Qur’an. Muslims also had a deep interest in art, though they had to come up with inter esting ways to do it. Islam forbid the painting of humans. So artist came up with creative ways to do it, for example using calligraphy. But the most beautiful thing from their culture was the architecture. Though Muslims are now regarded as back-wards in their ways of women. In this particular time period Muslim women had more rights than most women. Poor women could work along side their husbands and the rich ones overlooked servants and could even get an education.... Free Essays on Muslims Free Essays on Muslims â€Å"Muslim society had a sophistication matched at that time only by the Tang Empire of China.† (Mcdougal Littell, 242) The Muslim society was very advanced in many ways compared to the societies of other major civilizations. They made great advancements in the blending of cultures, math and science, and arts and literature. All this made possible the a semblance of the House of Wisdom, a combination library academy, and translation center. Muslim culture was centered around its four social classes. It included the born Muslims at the top. Converts were in the next class and had to pay higher taxes than the born Muslims. Next came the non-Muslim people who paid the most taxes of them all. The lowest class were the slaves, all of whom were non-Muslim. Muslims believed that math was the basis of all knowledge. A Muslim first described â€Å"al-jabr†, which we still use today as Algebra. Many of the Muslim’s researched of math lead to scientific discoveries. Astronomy and Optics were two fields in which the Muslims greatly excelled in. Ibn Haytham was the person to discover that rays pass from object to eyes. Literature was a strong tradition to the culture All literature stemmed from things such as bravery, love, generosity, and hospitality. All the culture’s literature was based on the sacred Qur’an. Muslims also had a deep interest in art, though they had to come up with inter esting ways to do it. Islam forbid the painting of humans. So artist came up with creative ways to do it, for example using calligraphy. But the most beautiful thing from their culture was the architecture. Though Muslims are now regarded as back-wards in their ways of women. In this particular time period Muslim women had more rights than most women. Poor women could work along side their husbands and the rich ones overlooked servants and could even get an education....

nostradaumous essays

nostradaumous essays Michel de Nostredame otherwise known as the latinized name Nostradamus. Was born on December 14th, 1503 in St. Remy, France and was educated by his grandfather, Jean. Which he was taught mathematics and astrology. Also was taught three languages which include Latin, Greek, and Hebrew. Nostradamus was the oldest son of his family and had four brothers. Nostradamus was a physician in France during a time that many plagues invaded the country. Not many things were known about Nostradamus early life except that he was homeschooled by his grandfather. In most of Nostradamus adult life he was trying to help many French people who were infected by some of the plagues that invaded France at that time. Nostradamus did in fact go to school to get a bachelors degree for medicine in 1532. Nostradamus is also known for being an astrologer which he did not receive a degree for, although there is no facts that he was a good or famous astrologer of his time, many people do mention that in their writ ings. Nostradamus is most famous for his book Centuries that he wrote in cryptic four line quatrains. Nostradamus does not have many accomplishments, but you could call his most famous prophecies his accomplishments because they were heard around the world. The prophecy that started his fame was one, which he predicted that the king of France would die in an accidental death. Four years later King Henri II was pitted against the count in a jousting tournament. Later on, angry mobs burned Nostradamus because of his psychic abilities. Amazingly enough, he managed to escape the mobs and continued in the completion of his book. One of Nostradamus predictions that are thought to be the most famous is his prediction of world revolution. In his book Centuries it states, In the year 1999 and seven months, from the sky will come the great terror king. He will return the life of the great Mongol king. Before and after warfare happily rul...