Arguments for and Against Horse Slaughter

Arguments for and Against Horse Slaughter While animal advocates argue against horse slaughter, some horse breeders and owners say that horse slaughter is a necessary evil. According to The Morning News, â€Å"a recent national poll found that almost 70 percent of Americans support a federal ban on horse slaughter for human consumption.† As of May 2009, there are no slaughterhouses killing horses for human consumption in the United States. There is now a federal bill pending that would prohibit horse slaughter in the US and would prohibit the transport of live horses for slaughter. While this federal bill is pending, several individual states are considering horse slaughterhouses. A Montana bill allowing horse slaughter and protecting potential slaughterhouse owners became law in April 2009. A bill modeled on the Montana law is now pending in Tennessee. Slaughter for Human Consumption Horses were being slaughtered for human consumption in the US as recently as 2007. In 2005, Congress had voted to withhold funding for USDA inspections of horse meat. This move should have stopped horse slaughter because the meat cannot be sold for human consumption without USDA inspections, but the USDA responded by adopting new rules that allowed the slaughterhouses to pay for the inspections themselves. A 2007 court ruling ordered the USDA to stop the inspections. Horses Still Being Slaughtered Although horses are no longer slaughtered for human consumption in the US, live horses are still shipped to foreign slaughterhouses. According to Keith Dane, Director of Equine Protection for the Humane Society of the US, about 100,000 live horses are shipped to Canadian and Mexican slaughterhouses each year, and the meat is sold in Belgium, France, and other countries. A lesser-known issue is that of horse slaughter for pet food and for zoos to feed to carnivores. According to Dane, these facilities are not required to be inspected by the USDA, so statistics are not available. The existence of such facilities usually goes unnoticed until there are a cruelty allegation and investigation. The International Society for the Protection of Exotic Animal Kind and Livestock, Inc. alleges that one such slaughterhouse in New Jersey kills the horses in an inhumane manner, and the case is still under investigation. According to Dane, most major pet food companies do not use horse meat, so there’s little chance of buying cat or dog food that supports horse slaughter. There are many reasons a breeder or owner may decide to sell a specific horse for slaughter, but on a macro level, the problem is overbreeding. Arguments For Horse Slaughter Some view horse slaughter as a necessary evil, to humanely dispose of unwanted horses. Unlike dogs and cats, unwanted horses cannot be dropped off at the local animal shelter. Sanctuaries for horses do exist, but there are not enough of them. Euthanasia is not always financially feasible. Having the horse humanely euthanized and then having the body of a 1,200-pound animal disposed of or transported to a rendering plant is expensive, sometimes prohibitively so. Rendering plants that turn horses into fertilizer and industrial products will accept carcasses, but do not pay for them. Some argue that the alternative to horse slaughter is neglect and abandonment. Horse slaughter proponents argue that horses should be treated no differently from cows, pigs or chickens, and there is no reason horses should not be slaughtered for human consumption. Arguments Against Horse Slaughter Animal rights activists do not believe in killing any animals for food, but there are several arguments that apply specifically to horses. Horse slaughter increases prices and profits for horse breeding. If there is no profitable or easy way to dispose of unwanted horses, fewer horses will be bred. As reported in the Morning News, Before slaughterhouses closed, ranchers knew they could get $1 per pound for the meat. The same meat is now worth only about 20 cents per pound[...] Ranchers are also simply getting out of the horse business, said Ross Lockhart, owner of Stockman’s Pride in Bentonville. He used to raise registered quarter horses but hasn’t bred anything for the past two years. Many Americans believe horses are special and should be treated more like companion animals than livestock. Neglect and abandonment do not increase when slaughterhouses close. According to the International Fund for Horses: California banned horse slaughter in 1998. California has experienced no increase in abuse case, and even noted a decrease 3 years following the ban. During the 4 years that [the Cavel slaughterhouse] was closed, Illinois saw a noticeable decrease in abuse and/or neglect cases. Texas, which had the only two slaughter plants in 2003, had among the nations highest rates of cruelty and theft. Some believe that horse slaughter is unusually cruel. At some slaughterhouses, horses are first stunned with a captive bolt gun, then bled to death. However, the horses are sometimes improperly stunned and are sometimes skinned and bled while still conscious. Allowing horse slaughter creates another source of profit for thoroughbred breeders, thereby supporting horse racing, to which many animal advocates object. Several major horse racetracks oppose horse slaughter. There are about 9 million domestic horses in the US, and approximately one percent of that number are sent to foreign slaughterhouses each year. If shipping live horses for slaughter were banned, that relatively small number of horses could be absorbed by the horse community in the US. The Upshot Whether prohibiting the export of live horses for slaughter will lead to neglect and abandonment remains to be seen, especially in an economy where foreclosures threaten all types of companion animals. However, several major racetracks oppose horse slaughter and taking away an incentive for breeding or overbreeding is a powerful argument against horse slaughter.

IBM Indiana and Telecommuting essays

IBM Indiana and Telecommuting essays The purpose of this case study is to explore the benefits of and problems with telecommuting. It also provides an understanding of the importance of technological support in making telecommuting successful. Technological advances have made it feasible to redefine where work is done. The traditional notion of an office as the place where someone goes to work seems to be going the way of the buggy whip, the eight-track tape, and the stenographer. Companies such as Procter portable computers, cellular phones, and fax machines all enable remote or mobile work. This paper will elaborate on how IBM – Indiana implemented telecommuting, perspectives of the employees, perspectives of IBM, advantages to society, the effectiveness of Wiley's leadership, the mobility concept, and tips for managing in the new environment. Why did IBM-Indiana decide to adopt telecommuting? In 1993 IBM-Indiana was contemplating further head-count reductions on top of earlier drastic decrease in staff. The goal was to reduce worldwide employment to 225,000 by the end of 1994. IBM real estate manager John Frank proposed an alternative option to lying off additional staff. His proposal could possibly save the required overhead expense by reducing the required amount of office space by allowing employees telecommute from offices in their home. This proposal was accepted and implemented for some 300 people in three months' time. The technology was available to enable IBM to redefine the concept of the traditional office; portable computers, cellular phones, and fax machine...

Why has the UK's productivity lagged behind that of its major Article

Why has the UK's productivity lagged behind that of its major competitors and what can be done to improve the productivity and competitiveness of the UK economy - Article Example A person such as the Exchequer Gordon Brown’s UK Chancellor, in his speeches, productivity is his main theme. However, despite the fact that UK is lagging, it is far much at the forefront in terms of labor and capital markets structural amendments. To come up to the analysis that UK’s productivity is low, examination of the economy’s six sectors took place and the results indicated that it’s true that output was low. Those sectors examined are; car production, retailing software, telecoms, food processing and hotels. McKinsey Global Institute a global most highly regarded management consulting firm is the one that conducted the research regarding the matter. UK should address several issues to increase its output. One of the major concerns is increasing expenditure to boost high levels of research and development and reducing diversion of resources towards the public sector which is less productive. It is vital for the state to increase its level of investment despite the fact that the Crash of Lehman Brothers led damaged the country’s economy in the year 2008 because many other firms held off from investing in the modern, most efficient technology and processes. Businesses should enhance their levels of innovation, come up with good labor relations, improve their technology usage and adopt modern technology to ensure that businesses stay for long in their field. The government should come up with extra reforms in its business regulations in order to boost investment thus increasing productivity of the

The Case of Australian Securities and Investment Commission Essay

The Case of Australian Securities and Investment Commission - Essay Example The issues in the cases about Paul, Kim, and Karen in the texts involve the following scenarios; Paul suggested that Properties One Pty Ltd (PO) should be the consultants for their company SIL to investigate the most appropriate place for a new power plant in Toowoomba region. Whilst doing this Paul did not inform the other directors that his wife was a director and a major shareholder at PO. Paul also hired the Security One Pty Ltd (SO) on the basis that it had a nice website instead of doing a thorough background check on the company to find out if it was a registered company, the management and even the track record of the company. The other issue is that Kim informed Judy the sister-in-law about SIL proposal and she went ahead to buy shares at PO. Karen’s issue is that she entered into a contract with Conveyers Australia Ltd after she was informed by the Chief Financial Officer that the prices of coal would go up by 25% because of the cold weather but she ignored as she on ly saw it as a short-term issue and used it to benefit herself. According to the Corporations Act (2001) of ASIC, directors are officers of a corporation and are supposed to oblige to the duties they are entitled to in section 9 CA. â€Å"Section 182 states that a director must not improperly use their position to gain an advantage for themselves or someone else, or cause detriment to the corporation.† Paul broke this law by suggesting the PO Company be used by SIL to promote the company of which his wife is a major shareholder and a director. Additionally, Paul breached section 180(1) which stated that â€Å"directors must exercise their powers and discharge their duties with the degree of care and diligence that a reasonable person would in that position.† Paul used his power to hire the security firm that was not registered and hired the firm based on the fact it had an attractive website, therefore, leading to theft in the company. Kim and Karen improperly used their powers in order to make a selfish gain.

Power hand drill Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3750 words

Power hand drill - Essay Example The grouping or classification of hand drills depends mainly by the maximum size of drill bit shaft that the drill chuck can hold. A power drill comprises mainly of two sub-systems, which are mechanical and electrical. The two sub-systems play specific, different, and important roles in the working of the electrical hand drill. The first subsystem, which is the mechanical, has components, which transfer, translate, and apply forces in the hand drill. The electrical subsystem mainly deals with power. It has components that supply and control power flow in the hand drill. In this paper, we look on how to design an efficient and functioning hand drill. We will have a list of each mechanical component, the materials of the parts and the mechanical properties of this material. After designing the hand drill, we try to look on how to improve it to work more efficiently. Specifications of the hand drill 1. The input power is 800w 2. Its speed is 0-800rpm 3. Has a chuck capacity of 10mm 4. D rill capacity (a) Steel: 13mm (b) Wood: 25mm Mechanical components of the hand drill. Frame Shigley, (2008 Pg. 23) This is the outer part of the hand drill and it covers the inner mechanical and electrical components. One can also refer it to the housing. This component comprises of hard plastic. The mechanical property behind the idea of using the plastic is that it is a poor conductor of heat and electricity. Since the hand drill produces heat as it is in use, the frame does not get to harm or burn the user since its conductivity to heat is very low. Plastic also makes it safe for the user to use, as the risk of electric shock is minimal. This part is to be high smooth hence polishing is very important as it should be comfortable for the user to hand while using it. Plastic also makes the machine to be less heavy and the user can comfortably carry it without straining and in case of any accidents, the user is less likely to be less hurt by the frame as it is of plastic in nature. Two gears assembly Shigley, (2008 Pg. 23) There is transmission between the chuck and the motor. This transmission consists of pears of gears. We use gears from alloy steel elements for example stainless steel. Gears require materials of have a high resistance to corrosion. Steel gears offer high strength and has a wide range of heat treatment properties. Steel gears are also very durable and they provide the highest strength. Austenitic stainless steel is non-magnetic and has good corrosion resistance. These are the mechanical properties of this material. They can also be martensitic stainless steel that is easy to harden with heat, has magnetic properties, and have reasonable resistance to corrosion. This stainless steel (martensitic) is more appropriate to use as there is a high power ratings and it will therefore make the machine more effective Chuck Shigley, (2008 Pg. 23) It comprises the outer and front section of the hand drill. It has jaws, which holds the drill bits in posi tion. We use a chuck that has three-jaw attachment that applies radial gripping to certain number of drill bits and accessory shafts. Chucks from stainless steel are the most appropriate. They provide high resistance to corrosion, as they are mainly hard. This mechanical property makes it more suitable as it is always in contact with the drill bits, which are always in constant motion and act on materials of different hardness. Stainless steel also lasts longer and it is

Shadows In Architecture

Shadows In Architecture As we all know that light is essential for various activities and shadows are intrinsically connected with light. Light is inseparable from the notion of form and space and so is shadow from light. Throughout the world architects have strived to marvel the use of natural light, but seldom do they consider the shadowed areas caused due to that light. The ambience of a space is affected by the quality of light and shadows. Treatment of light and shadows has been a typical feature of traditional Japanese architecture which understands and lays importance to the design of areas in shade from a source of light. Ar Juhani Pallasmaa on shadows: The imagination and daydreaming are stimulated by dim light and shadow. In order to think clearly, the sharpness of vision has to be suppressed, for thoughts travel with an absent-minded and unfocussed gaze. Homogeneous bright light paralyses the imagination in the same way that homogenisation of space weakens the experience of being, and wipes away the sense of place. (Pallasmaa, 2005). Architect Peter Zumthor listed the following as one his favourite ideas: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦to plan the building as a pure mass of shadow then, afterwards, to put in light as if you were hollowing out the darkness, as if the light were a new mass seeping in. (Zumthor, 2006). The area of study of this dissertation will be based on the idea that if the lighted parts of an object are too light, the form of it is difficult to perceive, and if the parts in shadow are too dark no form will be seen. When light falls on a relief perpendicular to its surface, there will be a minimum of shadows. The intricacies will hardly be visible. Similarly perception of texture also depends on minute differences in relief. The dynamic nature of the shadows cast by sunlight gives an immense potential to effectively design and create shades and shadows. Ordinary day-to-day phenomenon like openings along a long corridor create patches of light and shadow and breaks the monotony of the long walk. Elements of buildings such as sunshades, jaalis, screens, louvres, etc cast shadows which have shapes. The phenomenology of shadows is an important aspect of spaces. Hence, it is more than evident that light and shadows are an essential part of a space.If the architect has an understanding of the relationship of the object with its shadow, he will be better able to control it to compose the shadows and hence the feel of the space. Research Question: How do shadows affect spatial design? Need Identification Every experience of architecture is multi-sensory; qualities of space are measured by the eyes, ears, nose, skin, and tongue simultaneously. A development towards the dominance of the sense of vision has been observed and analyzed by a number of philosophers in recent years. Vision, as we all know, is a consequence of light. Hence, in a very direct way, light is essential for perception of architecture. This study will focus on a rather unspoken, yet ever-present, product of light, i.e. shadows. Elements of architecture undergo innumerable transformations during the course of the day and from season to season. In 1849 John Rushkin stated that among the first habits that a young architect should learn, is that of thinking in shadowà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦. (Rushkin, 1880). The shadow gives shape and life to the object in light. Casting of shadow reveals the relationships between objects. Just as Chiaroscuro in paintings and sculptures creates vitality, the play of light and shadow brings life to buildings. (Sullivan, 1947). Objectives To study, in brief, the role of shadows in spatial design throughout the history of architecture in a chronological way. To study the role of shadows in the design of contemporary spaces, taking up examples and case-studies To study how people react to the above mentioned cases. (designers intent vs. achieved). Lastly, attempt to formulate/arrive at generalities to assist the incorporation of shadow-design in the basic design of spaces and buildings Scope The study will analyze the role of self-shadows and cast-shadows (formed under natural light) in spatial design. Understand and analyze the effects of the two different types of shadows (with a visual boundary and without a visual boundary) Study changes in the use of light and shadow throughout the history of architecture. The study will include: Visual perception of the spaces Basic understanding of tones, intensity etc The study will NOT include: Climato-logical impact of the natural light Technical aspects of light, including definitions and quantifiable items like Lux, Lumens, Illuminance, etc. Limitations Shade/shadow is seen as absence or relative deficiency of light. Hence, a direct quantification is not possible. The study has been limited to use of natural light in buildings to streamline the topic of study due to time and text limitations. Secondary case-studies will rely on the imagery and data available in the media and/or books. Direct interview of people using the mentioned spaces (outstation or otherwise) is not possible hence the study will rely on the literature available. Methodology Literature Survey Case-study Primary Prominent examples of such spaces in or around Delhi which have successfully incorporated shadow as an element in the design Secondary Prominent examples of such spaces which have successfully incorporated shadow as an element in the design, with sufficient data available for analysis. Analysis Analysis of the data collected after the Literature Survey and Case-studies. Formulation of ideas Arrive at generalities after a detailed analysis of the collected data to assist the designing of shadows for spaces and buildings. This will help in sensitizing the reader to consider shadows as an important element in spatial design, and hence a whole new approach to designing. The formulations will tentatively be with respect to: scale; forms blocks and massing; geometry; material colour and texture; pertaining to particular elements of buildings (like sunshades, louvers, screens etc) Definitions: (http://oxforddictionaries.com/) shadow: (noun) a dark area or shape produced by a body coming between rays of light and a surface. shade: (noun) comparative darkness caused by shelter from direct sunlight. darkness: (noun) the partial or total absence of light. chiaroscuro: ( http://www.britannica.com) the interplay of light and shadow on or as if on a surface ( from Italian: chiaro, light; scuro, dark) technique employed in the visual arts to represent light and shadow as they define three-dimensional objects. phenomenology: It is a philosophical design current in contemporary architecture and a specific field of academic research, based on the experience of building materials and their sensory properties. Works Cited Pallasmaa, J. (2005). The eyes of the skin : architecture and the senses. Chichester: John Wiley Sons Ltd. Plummer, H. (2009). The Architecture of Natural Light. London: Thames Hudson Ltd. Rasmussen, S. E. (1962). Experiencing Architecture. Cambridge: The MIT Press. Rushkin, J. (1880). The Seven Lamps of Architecture. New York: Drover Publications, Inc. Sullivan, L. (1947). Ornament in Architecture, Kindergarten Chats and Other Writings. New York: Witten Art Books. Tanizaki, J. (1977). In praise of shadows. New Haven, Conn.: Leetes Island Books. Zumthor, P. (2006). Atmospheres : architectural environments, surrounding objects. Basel, Boston: Birkhà ¤user. Bibliography Murray, D. (1990). Architecture and shadow. New York: Rizzoli. Pallasmaa, J. (2005). The eyes of the skin : architecture and the senses. Chichester: John Wiley Sons Ltd. Plummer, H. (2009). The Architecture of Natural Light. London: Thames Hudson Ltd. Rasmussen, S. E. (1962). Experiencing Architecture. Cambridge: The MIT Press. Rushkin, J. (1880). The Seven Lamps of Architecture. New York: Drover Publications, Inc. Sullivan, L. (1947). Ornament in Architecture, Kindergarten Chats and Other Writings. New York: Witten Art Books. Tanizaki, J. (1977). In praise of shadows. New Haven, Conn.: Leetes Island Books. Zumthor, P. (2006). Atmospheres : architectural environments, surrounding objects. Basel, Boston: Birkhà ¤user. Chapter Outline: Acknowledgements Chapter 1: Introduction Light and Shadow: The inseparable Shadows and spatial design Research Question Need Identification Scope Limitations Methodology References Chapter 2: Architecture Precedents Shadows in Architecture through time Works of contemporary architects Chapter 3: Understanding shadows 3.1 Shadows Self-shadows and cast-shadows Shadows having a visual boundary versus without a visual boundary (shades); obscuring etc Dominance of shadow versus dominance of light Effect of shadows in spatial design Form Elements: Jaalis, relief, pergola etc Materials and texture Dynamism through light and shadow Chapter 4: Case-studies Primary: Spiritual/meditation center India Habitat Center Secondary: Church of Light by Tadao Ando The Pantheon, Rome Chapter 5: Conclusion Analysis and conclusion List of Plates

Eulogy for Grandmother :: Eulogies Eulogy

Eulogy for Grandmother I looked at myself in the mirror. I noticed the lines of my face and the curve of my neck. I looked down at my hands remembering the moment I first realized that they looked like hers. Long, thin, delicate hands perfect for playing the piano or braiding cornrows. All my life I had not noticed until the day I sat at her bedside holding her hand in mine. She had told me that she was not afraid to die. We sat in silence for a long time, sometimes sharing a stare and a smile. I don't know how long I sat there, looking at her, realizing for the first time who I looked so much like. As I stood in front of the mirror, I remembered that day as I prepared for her funeral. Sarah Smith, my grandmother's going home day. My father asked me to do her eulogy. I had thought and thought of what to say. The words didn't come until the morning of her funeral. That morning I went to the lake where me, my brothers, and my sister would go swimming in the summer on weekend visits to my grandmother's. As I soaked in the sun and watched its rays dance on the waters a memory came. As a child there were only two people that I would let touch my hair, my mother and my grandmother. Cornrowing my hair was an event when my grandmother did it. She would take me out on the stoop, bringing a chair for herself, and I would sit in front of her with my head between her knees. Moving my head in reaction to the slightest direction from her hands became natural. Other women and children would come and sit while she picked out my hair and greased my scalp. I would listen to the women talk. I don't remember anything that was said but I do remember the comfort of the stoop and my grandmother's fingers doing magic in my hair. Sitting on the dock I realized that I had never known my grandmother's life story. I don't know the struggles she must have had as a black woman in the South raising two sons alone because her husband beat her, and she had told him enough was enough. I don't know what it was that kept her going through poverty. I do know that her trust and love in God was deeply rooted in her heart. Eulogy for Grandmother :: Eulogies Eulogy Eulogy for Grandmother I looked at myself in the mirror. I noticed the lines of my face and the curve of my neck. I looked down at my hands remembering the moment I first realized that they looked like hers. Long, thin, delicate hands perfect for playing the piano or braiding cornrows. All my life I had not noticed until the day I sat at her bedside holding her hand in mine. She had told me that she was not afraid to die. We sat in silence for a long time, sometimes sharing a stare and a smile. I don't know how long I sat there, looking at her, realizing for the first time who I looked so much like. As I stood in front of the mirror, I remembered that day as I prepared for her funeral. Sarah Smith, my grandmother's going home day. My father asked me to do her eulogy. I had thought and thought of what to say. The words didn't come until the morning of her funeral. That morning I went to the lake where me, my brothers, and my sister would go swimming in the summer on weekend visits to my grandmother's. As I soaked in the sun and watched its rays dance on the waters a memory came. As a child there were only two people that I would let touch my hair, my mother and my grandmother. Cornrowing my hair was an event when my grandmother did it. She would take me out on the stoop, bringing a chair for herself, and I would sit in front of her with my head between her knees. Moving my head in reaction to the slightest direction from her hands became natural. Other women and children would come and sit while she picked out my hair and greased my scalp. I would listen to the women talk. I don't remember anything that was said but I do remember the comfort of the stoop and my grandmother's fingers doing magic in my hair. Sitting on the dock I realized that I had never known my grandmother's life story. I don't know the struggles she must have had as a black woman in the South raising two sons alone because her husband beat her, and she had told him enough was enough. I don't know what it was that kept her going through poverty. I do know that her trust and love in God was deeply rooted in her heart.

Democracy Is the Best Form of Government

Democracy is a form of government in which all eligible citizens have an equal say in the decisions that affect their lives. Democracy allows eligible citizens to participate equally—either directly or through elected representatives—in the proposal, development, and creation of laws. It encompasses social, economic and cultural conditions that enable the free and equal practice of political self-determination.The term originates from the Greek (demokratia) â€Å"rule of the people†,[1] which was coined from (demos) â€Å"people† and (kratos) â€Å"power† in the 5th century BCE to denote the political systems then existing in Greek city-states, notably Athens; the term is an antonym to â€Å"rule of an elite. † The English word dates to the 16th century, from the older Middle French and Middle Latin equivalents.A democratic government contrasts to forms of government where power is either held by one, as in a monarchy, or where power is h eld by a small number of individuals, as in an oligarchy. Nevertheless, these oppositions, inherited from Greek philosophy,[2] are now ambiguous because contemporary governments have mixed democratic, oligarchic, and monarchic elements. Karl Popper defined democracy in contrast to dictatorship or tyranny, thus focusing on opportunities for the people to control their leaders and to oust them without the need for a revolution. 3] Several variants of democracy exist, but there are two basic forms, both of which concern how the whole body of eligible citizens executes its will. One form of democracy is direct democracy, in which eligible citizens have direct and active participation in the decision making of the government. In most modern democracies, the whole body of eligible citizens remain the sovereign power but political power is exercised indirectly through elected representatives; this is called representative democracy.The concept of representative democracy arose largely from ideas and institutions that developed during the European Middle Ages, the Age of Enlightenment, and the American and French Revolutions Definition While there is no universally accepted definition of â€Å"democracy,†[5] equality and freedom have both been identified as important characteristics of democracy since ancient times. [6] These principles are reflected in all eligible citizens being equal before the law and having equal access to legislative processes.For example, in a representative democracy, every vote has equal weight, no unreasonable restrictions can apply to anyone seeking to become a representative, and the freedom of its eligible citizens is secured by legitimized rights and liberties which are generally protected by a constitution. [7][8] One theory holds that democracy requires three fundamental principles: 1) upward control, i. e. sovereignty residing at the lowest levels of authority, 2) political equality, and 3) social norms by which individuals and institutions only consider acceptable acts that reflect the first two principles of upward control and political equality. 9] The term â€Å"democracy† is sometimes used as shorthand for liberal democracy, which is a variant of representative democracy that may include elements such as political pluralism; equality before the law; the right to petition elected officials for redress of grievances; due process; civil liberties; human rights; and elements of civil society outside the government. [citation needed] In the United States, separation of powers is often cited as a central attribute, but in other countries, such as the United Kingdom, the dominant principle is that of parliamentary sovereignty (while maintaining judicial independence). citation needed] In other cases, â€Å"democracy† is used to mean direct democracy. Though the term â€Å"democracy† is typically used in the context of a political state, the principles also are applicable to private orga nizations. Majority rule is often listed as a characteristic of democracy. [by whom? ] Hence, democracy allows for political minorities to be oppressed by the â€Å"tyranny of the majority† in the absence of legal protections of individual or group rights. An essential part of an â€Å"ideal† representative democracy is competitive elections that are fair both substantively[10] and procedurally. 11] Furthermore, freedom of political expression, freedom of speech, and freedom of the press are considered to be essential rights that allow citizens to be adequately informed and able to vote according to their own interests. [12][13] It has also been suggested that a basic feature of democracy is the capacity of eligible voters to participate freely and fully in the life of their society. [14] With its emphasis on notions of social contract and the collective will of the eligible voters, democracy can also be characterized as a form of political collectivism because it is d efined s a form of government in which all eligible citizens have an equal say in the decisions that affect their lives. [15] While democracy is often equated with the republican form of government, the term â€Å"republic† classically has encompassed both democracies and aristocracies. Democracy is the best form of government. Yes because†¦ Freedom Democratic states nearly always have freer people than autocratic states. They obviously have the right to vote for their government so by extension deciding the policy of their nation and what their nation should be like.They have more freedom of speech and expression than in autocracies. In particular they are free to criticise their own government. Represents the people The biggest virtue of Democracy is that it is government by the people for the people. The government represents the views of the people who elect them and can throw them out if the government does things that the people do not like. Unlike other forms of g overnment democracy is about the little man, everyone rather than the elite that are often disconnected from how everyone else lives their lives.Better governance due to transparency Democracy is as much about having checks and balances to the executive and having transparency of decision-making as it is about elections and the populace throwing governments out of power. In a democracy the parliament, the media and sometimes the judiciary all keep an eye on the executive and what is being done with the people’s money. They are therefore able to see if the executive is doing things that are detrimental to the country, are immoral, or even illegal. This can then be brought to a halt.Even where such actions are not visible on the surface there are separate institutions that have the power to investigate the executive and watch any ‘secret’ deals or actions that are going on away from public view. Respect of Human Rights Democracy as much it is understood, is the gov ernment of the people, by the people and for the people. If democracy is put at it appropriate performance, then, all facet of human rights is respected. The citizens would have the rights to exercise freedom of speech concerning the well-being of the populace in areas of the economy, education, health, infrastructural development, etc.Promotes Human Rights As much as Democracy is understood, it is a government of the people, by the people and for the people. The ability of the people to have a voice in the running of the State, in the economy, health, education, infrastructural development, etc creates a bit-balanced environment for governance to thrive; this can only be achieved in a democratic governance. This is not the case. The most developed and richest countries are all democracies.While they may well have been developing their democracies during their initial industrialisation democracy and the freedom it brings is increasingly necessary for economic growth once the country has moved to being mostly dependent upon services rather than manufacturing or natural resource exploitation for economic growth. Once this occurs then creativity becomes important and the freedoms associated with democracy are needed to foster this creativity that is needed for industries such as information technology, creative arts, research and development etc.Democracy is the best form of government. No because†¦ Freedom Except for the freedom to choose the government there is no reason why people cannot be as free under an autocracy as in a democracy. Represents the people Democracy does not do very well at representing the people. In first past the post systems a government may not even have the support of a majority of those who voted not even including that many will not have votes and many more will not have the vote. This means that it is often a small minority of the population who determines which party gets in to government.Once they are there they are rarely rep resentative of the people as they have several years to do what they like. Yes they need to think about re-election but that simply means they need to do more that the people like than the people dislike (or else have a good advertising campaign). Better governance due to transparency While this is mostly found in democracy it is not something that has to be exclusive to democracies. Autocracies can potentially be transparent and have checks and balances they however often do not simply because an autocracy often has the time, and the willingness to use force to prevent these from occurring.Economic growth Autocracies are better at big projects, they can get things done and as such they are likely to be better at creating economic growth if they have the will. In an autocracy there are not the avenues for dissent that can block building projects, the police or troops can be used to clear protests that in the west would slow down large infrastructure projects. As a consequence of thi s all the infrastructure that is needed to create a modern economy can be produced quicker and cheaper than would be the case in a democracy.Also the resource base of the country can be accessed faster (no pesky environmentalists preventing drilling and mining! ) and used more efficiently. Increasingly about money In some countries democracy seems to be increasingly about money. The U. S. is the obvious example where millions are spent on elections with big events and glitzy advertising campaigns. This is not what democracy should be about and it discourages other countries from moving along the path to democracy. Indeed it undermines the very idea of democracy. Democracy when money is involved to the extent that it is in the U. S. A. ecomes elitist and corporatist because only the elite and rich businessmen can afford to fund the campaigns for congress let alone for the presidency. The 2008 campaign for the White House cost $1. 6 billion and the whole 2008 election including senate and house of representatives races cost $5. 3 billion. Autocracies obviously avoid this immense expense by avoiding elections. Is democracy the best form of government? Disagree : By Richard What if someone was in power who cared about the people, stood for the people, was in touch with the people and was not corrupted by the power that Dictatorship brought him.Yes, it seems unlikely but what if? We could have the ability to do more, faster with less red tape, paperwork, and continual discussion (as with a dictatorship) coupled with the freedoms of democracy. The problem is the people always believe the mob (majority) to be right. The truth is people are easily manipulated when in a crowd or together as a majority on an issue. It takes but one person to convince 10 000 that his conviction is the right one. Nevermind what the minority of free thinkers, academics, intellectuals, or revolutionaries have to say or have warned against. Political Ideology is not the problem.Humans are. W e are self-righteous, greedy, self-serving, destructive, and worst of all manipulative. People always point me to the selfless acts of others they have witnessed in order to prove me wrong on my previous statement. But the fact is these selfless people are in the tiny minority, or as with Maslow's hierarchy of needs, already have 10 houses, 4 cars, 2 security guards and a 10 mil bank account. â€Å"Giving† to the poor doesn't detract from their riches as they resupply their wealth with shares bought and sold or actually working. Thus, they aren't losing wealth. They simply aren't gaining more.We need the minority just as much as we need the majority. That minority of free thinkers, academics, intellectuals, and revolutionaries are the ones that changed the world. They brought us medicine, computers, a better understanding of science and space, but most important of all a curiosity for knowledge. Democracy should protect the rights of the minority more often than it does. We r ely too much on what the mob thinks, when in actual fact they don't think. They just regurgitate the drivel fed to them by some sob who knows how to manipulate the mob for his own profit. And that is the biggest problem facing democracy.How do you overcome the this human condition where if we are in large groups, emotion replaces logical thought? Disagree : By Prashanth I think there are better forms of government other than democracy. Dictatorship is not completely bad neither is democracy completely good. Consider this form of government– Instead of having bulky political parties why not have leaders of parties etc stand as candidates for the post of President/Prime Minister. The people can directly vote for them. Better still we could invite applications for this post from the citizens. Based on screening them for leadership track record,no criminal cases etc. e could select the top 5 or 10 most eligible candidates. People can select the candidate who is most popular/likab le for 5 years. He could then select experts from different sectors as ministers. He could hand pick distinguished people from different sectors as expert advisory group who could debate/discuss proposed laws. He can hand pick worthy local people for mayor position in cities/villages who should interact directly with people and pass immediate orders to solve their problems. He should have a citizens forum where people directly give ideas to the Prime Minister/President.The judiciary to oversee the constitutional validity of laws passed,Election Commission,Constitution and an ombudsman to check corruption etc all of them will be there. This form of government will cut flab,be efficient and agile. It will eliminate unworthy but popular people from getting elected. Also the people debating will be experts in their field. There is greater likelihood of better decisions. As it is today the party leaders only call the shots. Then why not have worthy leaders directly elected by the people. These leaders will keep a balance between expert opinion,constitutional provisions and public opinion.

Free Essays on Jihad Vs Mcworld

Benjamin Barber's book â€Å"Jihad vs Mcworld is commentary on capitalism and nationalism and the conflicts between them. Jihad is characterized as tribalism, while Mcworld is characterized by capitalism and consumerism. Barber maintains that Jihad would not be so powerful if the rampant forces of capitalism were not subverting their traditions and customs. Berber talks about America's use of different energy sources. He states 63 million barrels of oil per day were pumped at the peak of global production in 1979 and was between 59 and 60 million barrels per day from 1989 to when the book was published in 1995 (Berber 39). Since the book was published, world oil production has risen above the previous peak to an average of 68 million barrels per day in 2003. This trend of increased consumption and production will continue to rise. According to The Department of Energy, world demand for oil will be 119 million barrels of oil per day by 2025, with the largest increases in China, India, and other developing countries. csmonitor.com/2004/0129/p14s01-wogi.html American consumption of oil fell from the peak of 11.30 million barrels per day in 1970 to 9 million barrels per day in 1990(Berber 41). Berber predicts that America will have to import 75% of the oil it uses by 2010. This has almost come to pass as America domestically produces only 5.7 million barrels per day and uses 20 million barrels per day(msnbc.msn.com/id/4542853/ gravmag.com/oil.html#imports ).eia.doe.gov/emeu/cabs/topworldtables3_4.htmlwhich was an increase of usage of 1.5 million barrels per day since 2002. When Jihad vs Mcworld was published, China imported no oil. Since then, China has became the second largest importer of oil in 2003 with and will likely take the title of the largest consumer of oil from the United States in the future due to the much larger population and an explosion of automobile usage. Currently Chi... Free Essays on Jihad Vs McWorld Free Essays on Jihad Vs McWorld Benjamin Barber's book â€Å"Jihad vs Mcworld is commentary on capitalism and nationalism and the conflicts between them. Jihad is characterized as tribalism, while Mcworld is characterized by capitalism and consumerism. Barber maintains that Jihad would not be so powerful if the rampant forces of capitalism were not subverting their traditions and customs. Berber talks about America's use of different energy sources. He states 63 million barrels of oil per day were pumped at the peak of global production in 1979 and was between 59 and 60 million barrels per day from 1989 to when the book was published in 1995 (Berber 39). Since the book was published, world oil production has risen above the previous peak to an average of 68 million barrels per day in 2003. This trend of increased consumption and production will continue to rise. According to The Department of Energy, world demand for oil will be 119 million barrels of oil per day by 2025, with the largest increases in China, India, and other developing countries. csmonitor.com/2004/0129/p14s01-wogi.html American consumption of oil fell from the peak of 11.30 million barrels per day in 1970 to 9 million barrels per day in 1990(Berber 41). Berber predicts that America will have to import 75% of the oil it uses by 2010. This has almost come to pass as America domestically produces only 5.7 million barrels per day and uses 20 million barrels per day(msnbc.msn.com/id/4542853/ gravmag.com/oil.html#imports ).eia.doe.gov/emeu/cabs/topworldtables3_4.htmlwhich was an increase of usage of 1.5 million barrels per day since 2002. When Jihad vs Mcworld was published, China imported no oil. Since then, China has became the second largest importer of oil in 2003 with and will likely take the title of the largest consumer of oil from the United States in the future due to the much larger population and an explosion of automobile usage. Currently Chi... Free Essays on Jihad Vs Mcworld Jihad And McWorld In a changing world, there are two known political futures: Jihad and Mc World. They are complete opposites of each other. Benjamin Barber writes, â€Å" One driven by parochial hatreds, the other by universalizing markets, the one re-creating ancient sub national and ethnic borders from within, the other making national borders porous from without (53)†. They offer no future for any kind of democracy. The Jihad is the war between cultures, countries, and tribes. The Mc World is the â€Å"fast music, fast computers, and fast food (53)†. Mc World is tied together by technology, ecology, communications, and commerce. Jihad best describes the situation between Israel and Palestine. The war in the nations between the two different cultures can be called a modern day Jihad. On the other hand, The McWorld can best describe the conditions in The U.S. and Other Western European countries, like France, Great Britain, and China. The following article is a summary of Jihad, Mc World, and their characteristics after September 11. The Mc World is the more formal way of life in the U.S. We live in a fast-paced world and real a lot on globalization. These are two more qualities of a Mc World. The McWorld is made of four imperatives: Market, Resource, Information-technology, and ecological. Barber writes, â€Å" by shrinking the world and diminishing the salience of national borders, the imperatives have in combination achieved a considerable victory over factious and particularize, and not least of all over nationalism (54)†. The market imperative is the method in which markets of free trade, open banking, and enforceable contracts are eroding national sovereignty. The market imperative has led to the quest for international peace and stability. The markets are enemies of war and isolation. The market imperative is very powerful, but it is not in agreement with democracy. The resource imperative is the ...

Shurtleff Test Essays - Free Essays, Term Papers, Research Papers

Shurtleff Test Essays - Free Essays, Term Papers, Research Papers Shurtleff Test First Guidepost- Relationships Summary: This is identifying the role you play in the life of your fellow character (s) and achieving it by using the realm of emotions. The reason is because the relationship will determine the state of emotions in the play and as soon as you understand the relationship then you can begin to explore and while exploring, this feelings or emotions should be created as you will feel them and not how the character will feel in their own world. In other words , invoke your own emotions into the character. The relationship is the answer to questions like why am I here? Why do I feel this way towards the other character? Understanding the relationship is very important because the playwright only provides the facts that surround the conflict My Monlogue: In the monologue, I play Roxy who is trying to break up with Derek on a rollercoaster. The character I play seems to have two sides of her relationship with boyfriend Derek. The first side is an unbalanced rough relationship for about 10 months and 22 days to be persist. The second side which my character presents midway through the play is the happy content girlfriend satisfied with the relationship and wouldn't have it any other way. Guidepost Two: What are you fighting for? Summary: The second guidepost explains the conflict, or reason behind every scene. Every action has a reaction and that goes around in a continuous loop. Reactions also cause actions and that is what Shurtleff is trying to explain through this guidepost; every action a character takes in a situation or scene has a motive behind it or a trigger. These motives are what make a situation interesting. Many times, these reasons are hidden and an actor must look deep within the character to seek out the problems. This is another way of saying "getting into character"; this means understanding and experiencing the character's life as your own and fighting for the character's goals and aspirations as they are their own. It is important to find the desire and the willingness to keep fighting for whatever reason the character engaged in the scene in the first place but also by using tactics to help the character help reach their goal. My Monologue: In the play my character is fighting with Derek to stop being so immature and become more of a man. Roxy is fighting for a deeper connection, a connection that comes with long term commitment and a overall healthy happy relationship but Derek seems to be in the opposite position compared to my character. Guidepost #3: The Moment Before Summary: Performing a scene takes creativity and be an art piece if done diligently and with passion. When an actor comes in prepared, committed and ready to go, it is impressive for the judges. It is so important to understand the relationship and the motives in a scene, to be able to perform it with justice. The Moment Before guides an actor on how essential it is to use their imagination. According to Shurtleff, every audition scene given usually starts in the middle, thus it is left up to the actor to fill in the blanks for the moments before the actual scene and understand the chemistry. The more imaginative, believable and interesting the story made up, the more engaged and interested will the audience be in learning more and staying hooked on the play. An actor needs to be able to find the truth in the scene and carry that message throughout the performance. To be able to fully indulge oneself in the character, it is important to note what the character has been through in the past and what exactly is going through their head right now My Monologue: In order to play my character truthfully its important I start to imagine all those days during the 10 months Derek and Roxy dated and think about what lead my character to break up with her boyfriend, think about what types of events could have taken place. Was her heart broken because Derek did not give my character the attention she needed through-out the relationship or was he not looking for something

The Dressmaker of Khair Khana Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

The Dressmaker of Khair Khana - Essay Example In addition to this, she mobilizes her community to stand against the Taliban who had taken control of Kabul City where she lived. This book is therefore her personal story and her buoyancy to keep her family intact at a time when there is chaos in Afghanistan and women are not allowed to go to any public places and particularly to schools. My paper will look into the two major issues of distributive injustice as well as cultural imperialism that Kamila and her community faced once the Taliban entered their city of Kabul. Deutsch defines distributive injustice as having four different kinds of capital which includes investment, consumption, social and skill (Deutsch, 2005). In Kamila’s example they face skill capital especially when Kamila who has completed her teaching degree is denied the chance to get a teaching job and is forced to stay at home. There is also the social capital whereby kamila her sisters and the women in the neighborhood get together to grow the dressmakin g business. Cultural imperialism on the other hand according to Deutsch â€Å"involves the universalization of a dominant group's experience and culture and establishing it as the norm.". For example in Kamila’s story the women have to wear the chadri as mandated by the Taliban’s, something that they were not used to. When it comes to growth mindset Dweck states that is helpful to people’s growth as they look forward to a successful future however there is always a risk of failure (Dweck, 2006). For instance Kamila did not despair when she found out she could not get work, instead she started her own business in dressmaking and made it her priority to see it through to the end. Her business was however facing a lot of challenges particularly from the Taliban’s. This example shows that there is a risk element in growth mindset since despite the fact the Kamila was hopeful of succeeding her businesses she could she did not see the challenges ahead of her w hich would have affected the businesses growth. History of Afghanistan Afghanistan’s history dates back to 500BC at the time of the Achaemenid Empire. The meaning of Afghanistan translates to â€Å"land of Afghans†. Some of the most powerful kingdoms came because of Afghanistan state with the inclusion of Kushans, Ghurids, Hotakis, Mauryas and many others. When it comes to how women in Afghanistan are treated, this is whole different story especially compared to western societies. Women in Afghanistan are denied the privilege to many essential things with examples of education, work and even power. It is believed that women’s role is to stay at home while the men go out to fend for the family. Women are also not allowed to speak in public as they are only to be seen and not heard. Should they go out they have to be escorted by a man from their own home. Once the Taliban gained power in the year 1995, girls and women were automatically discriminated upon as well as their human rights being undermined. As a result, this led to the social and economic standards of women getting worse. Women who had previously been having good jobs as doctors, teachers found themselves jobless. This is why prostitution increased at a very alarming rate. In the year 2001, the Taliban has later prohibited women from even driving their own cars. Worse still, they would be humiliated and hammered in public. Another Taliban rule was that women had to go out fully covered from head to toe with the

Save our city Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Save our city - Essay Example However, with continuous human interference with Venetian ecology, the city is now more prone to floods from high-rise tides. The utilization of mudflats for construction and diversion of rivers and other similar actions have disturbed the ecological balance of Venice with the Arabian Sea. This is the main reason for Venice getting floods during high tides and heavy rains. (Nosengo). It is the Italian name of the engineering solution for saving Venice. Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi initiated this costly project and declared the working on it in December 2001. The project cost is around USD 2.6 billion and it is scheduled to complete in 2011, with the construction of hollow gates starting in 2006.The project being an engineering solution to save Venice from floods involves construction of 78 hollow metal gates, having the height of 20m with thickness of 5m. The placement of these gates is at three main inlets of this lagoon. (Nosengo). Many environmentalists have shown concerns about the project as they feel that even a few hours of closure of gates can cause tremendous disturbance to the ecosystem of this lagoon. Politicians have expressed fears that money meant for this project will be diverted elsewhere in the city. Deputy Mayor of Venice, Gianfranco Bettin has been the most forthright in his criticism of MOSE, saying that it is â€Å"expensive, hazardous and probably useless†. (Nosengo). The strong criticism to the technical feasibility of MOSE is from Paolo Antonio, who was born in Venice and works with Laboratory of Physical Geography in Meudon, France. His main concern relates to MOSE being developed keeping in mind the 1966 major floods, which are unlikely to occur for another 165 years. He says the project cannot offer result-oriented solution for smaller floods. His other concern relates to the rapid rise in water levels during the closure of gates. However, supporters of MOSE argue that 1966 can