Common Green Rocks and Minerals

Adopting Multiple Children Who Have Severe Needs - 1451 Words

The Washington Post discusses that in the town of Dietrich, Idaho Tim and Shelly McDaniel, known for adopting multiple children who have severe needs. One of these kids, being a mentally disabled boy and a member of the football team becomes a victim of assault by his teammates. They soon discovered three of the boys had sexually assaulted the young boy with a coat hanger and made him recite the words to a racist song. According to the report, race-based bullying had been occurring for numerous months before the assault, which the coaches overlooked and described as part of a â€Å"toughening up† program. When interviewed, Hubert Shaw states, â€Å"I guarantee that those boys had no criminal intent to do anything or any harm to anyone,†...†Boys are†¦show more content†¦Rarely does the media offer how the victim tried to defend against the aggressive act, but it quickly allows those accused to state no assault occurred, merely a miscommunication. Celebriti es and song artists using rape culture and sexual assault as a way to further their career diminishes society s concern when attacks occur. Today’s generation typically decides as a whole whether or not the statement or event categorizes as offensive or immoral, leading to not only the victims but individuals attempting to raise awareness to be told their views are invalid. An example of the media being used to corrupt the minds of thousands that the actions were justifiable, is an article by CBS News, Donald Trump’s 2005 â€Å"Access Hollywood† video which was released and discussed. Throughout the video Trump proudly tells encounters of when he would grab and grope women, resulting in many of the victims reliving experiences of assault. In the video Trump states, â€Å"When you’re a star, they let you do it. You can do anything. Grab them by the pussy. You can do anything.† (insert source). Once women began accusing the president of sexual assaul t Trump immediately reported to CNN that he was the true victim. He went on to claim, â€Å" They are coming after me to try and destroy what is considered by even them the greatest movement in the history of our country.† (insert source). Rather thanShow MoreRelatedA Need to Foster and Adoption1364 Words   |  5 Pagesconsider when adopting. A child could have emotional setback because of the care the child has received or events that the child experienced in foster care or on the streets. There can be several negative life-long effects of adoption on a child or the parents. Adoption has multiple benefits that come along with adopting a child. When adopting a child that child who has not had any love or parental support will gain parents, love, someone who cares, and the feeling of want. Adopting a child willRead MorePersuasive Essay On Adoption1064 Words   |  5 PagesImagine spending so much effort of trying to have a child but you can’t because through a complication in the war you became sterile. Military Veterans look towards adoption as a way to have children since combat injuries dont permit them to (Wax-Thibodeaux). Therefore, the costs of adoption are almost 40,000 dollars per child in the U.S. today (Kaminer). Furthermore, you have to think about the additional funds you need to raise the child after the adoption is complete. Within the year 2008, domesticRead MoreThe Current State on Russian Orphans Essay601 Words   |  3 Pages2012, President Vladmir Putin has called for a ban on all Americans adopting Russian children. Due to in tense relations between America and Russia and the increasing death and illness rate of Russian children living in America, Russian officials have ceased adoption by American couples. By denying access to Russian orphans, the government is bound to cause an increase in children with mental disease and possibly prevent these children from prospering for their future. In 2008 the first incident ofRead MoreMalaria Is A Disease Transmitted By Parasites1384 Words   |  6 Pagesuncomplicated and severe. â€Å"Uncomplicated malaria typically has the following progression of symptoms through cold, hot and sweating stages: sensation of cold/shivering, fever, headaches, and vomiting (seizures sometimes occur in young children), and sweats followed by a return to normal temperature, with tiredness (#1).† Severe malaria if left untreated could be fatal. â€Å"Severe malaria is defined by clinical or laboratory evidence of vital organ dysfunction. As a general overview, symptoms of severe malariaRead MoreMedicine Should Not Be Banned1709 Words   |  7 Pagesmany people do not realize that overuse can hurt them. Medicine should only be used for last resort if all else fails, but in today’s world, people use it as a quick fix for every little thing they have. We rely on prescription and over the counter medication way too much for illnesses that are not severe and it is doing more harm than good. To begin with, the United States uses more medication than any other country. A 2010 survey, â€Å"revealed that between 1999 and 2009, the number of prescriptionsRead MorePersuasive Speech : Kids Should Have A Pet Essay1548 Words   |  7 Pageskids should have a pet to help them growth Introduction I. â€Å"Owners of dogs will have noticed that, if you provide them with food and water and shelter and affection, they will think you are god. Whereas owners of cats are compelled to realize that, if you provide them with food and water and shelter and affection, they draw the conclusion that they are gods.† ― Christopher Hitchens, The Portable Atheist: Essential Readings for the Nonbeliever II. I believe many of us had expected to have a pet whenRead MoreInternational Adoption1992 Words   |  8 Pagesbirth of a child represents a milestone in the life of families. For those who are not able to conceive a child by natural means, adoption often comes as an alternative and rewarding way to build a family and fulfill individuals’ desire to experience parenthood. Whether for biological or personal reasons, many have taken the path to adoption despite the fact that they are able to have their own biological child. Others have taken this remarkable road based on values or altruism. Whatever the reasonRead MoreEssay about Alternative Methods of Healing: Music Therapy1561 Words   |  7 PagesAlternative methods of healing have been utilized by non-western medicine for generations. The use of acupuncture to heal everything from seasickness to muscle soreness is well documented and widely used. Physical therapy is often a precursor to surgery and many times will prev ent the need to undergo a more invasive procedure. A lesser-known form of alternative healing but becoming more popular is music therapy. In the late 18th century, scientists began to investigate the effects of music onRead MoreShould Welfare Be Limited with Time1714 Words   |  7 PagesShould Welfare be Limited with Time Picture this, you’re in the grocery store and you have budgeted yourself down to the last dime. You then think how hard you have worked for two weeks and you’re already low on cash because you had to pay rent, utilities, and other necessary bills. In front of you is standing a woman with a grocery cart full of groceries. You wonder how she can afford all that with the way prices are up. Then she pulls out a card, which looks like a debit card and tells the clerkRead MoreCorporal Punishment And Its Effects On The Classroom1553 Words   |  7 PagesPunishment vs. Positivity For as long as there has been an educational system, teachers and administration have used various forms of punishment to manage student behavior. In America today, there are fifteen states that that expressly permit the use of corporal punishment and seven more that do not prohibit the use of corporal punishment in schools (Turner, 2016). At the same time, the U.S. Department of Education has established the National Technical Assistance Center on Positive Behavior Interventions

Volcano Facts Essay Example For Students

Volcano Facts Essay Hot! Fire! Destruction! These are words that most people associate with volcanoes. But some good effects can come out of volcanoes. Volcanoes also have their own special mythology associated with them. A lot of volcanoes have some general characteristics in common. There are many volcanoes around the world and some have special characteristics. So come along and take a trip with me into the wonderful and exciting world of volcanoes. Over 550 volcanoes have erupted on the surface of the Earth since human kind has been able to record history. Their destructiveness has claimed the lives of over 200,000 people during the last 500 years with 26,000 deaths between 1980 and 1990 alone. They have also cause an innumerable amount of property damage. The biggest eruption of the twentieth century was the eruption of Novarupta on the peninsula of Alaska. The amount of lava that erupted measured to roughly 15 cubic kilometers! All of the lava erupted equaled to the amount of 30 times the amount of lava that came from Mount Saint Helens and it is also the equivalent of 230 years of eruptions at Mount Kilauea. The eruption lasted for 60 hours on June 6, 1920. The biggest eruption, despite its size, was not the most destructive, for the most destructive was the eruption of Mount Saint Helens in Oregon during the week of May 18th, 1980. This eruption mainly caused just loss of property, because many people didnt expect the volcano to erupt. Although some people did die, this volcano was kind of weak compared to the size of the eruption and amount of lives lost in other eruptions like Tambora, Indonesia in 1815 where 92,000 people died. Despite all of these bad effects, some life still shines through these tragedies. For example the ash that a volcano spews out covers many square miles of plants and trees. This holds in water and waters plants. The ash also contains many nutrients that plants use. A little more than 80 percent of the Earths surface is volcanic in origin, meaning that most of the Earths surface was formed by volcanoes. Also, magma deposits heat water underground which produces geothermal energy. The word volcano comes from an island off of the coast of Sicily called Vulcano. The people of Sicily thought that the clouds of dust and spurts of lava were made from Vulcan, the blacksmith for the Roman Gods. They believed that Vulcan forged thunderbolts for Zeus and weapons for Mars on that island. Out of the 550 of the worlds active volcanoes, the worlds largest active volcano is Mauna Loa, it is one of the Hawaiian islands. The island protrudes around 13,677 feet above sea level; while the whole island was formed by an underwater volcano, this brings it 28,000 feet above the ocean floor where it started. From the base underwater to the summit above water, this volcano stands higher than Mount Everest. There are two main types of volcanoes out there in the world today, the first is felsic, and the second is mafic. Felsic volcanoes have a high silica content and a light color to the lava. The second, mafic, has just the opposite, a low silica content and a darker color. Then there are underwater volcanoes and above ground volcanoes. The underwater volcanoes are less known about than above ground for the obvious reason that they are seen when they are above ground. Underwater volcanoes produce some things called black smokers, they are basically just ash as well as black smoke that combine and heat up water to boiling temperatures. An interesting fact about underwater volcanoes is that some islands have been formed by lava eruptions building up year after year. An island chain that is very well known that has been formed by this process is the chain of the Hawaiian Island chain. Ecofeminism Essay This chain also includes the worlds largest volcano, Mauna Lao, which, when you count the amount underwater and the amount above water is taller than Mount Everest. Some volcanoes have been found in our solar system that are not on the planet Earth. One volcano, which is the largest one in our solar system, is Mount Olympus Mons on the planet Mars. This is the only volcano found on the planet mars. There are also numerous volcanoes found on Io, a moon of the planet Jupiter. These volcanoes also show that some plate tectonics on Io, even though no plate tectonics is believed to have occurred on Mars. Volcanoes form when magma, melted rock underground (it is called lava when it reaches the surface) (most of it forms around 50 to 100 miles underground), when the magma mixes with .

There Is No Gene for Fate Essay Example

There Is No Gene for Fate Essay It is unquestionable that all people deserve equal respect and appreciation for who they are. Any prejudice or discrimination based on race, religion, sexual orientation, gender, or disability is not acceptable either. Although this concept should be fundamentally rooted in our society, it is with regret to see that in some areas certain people still receive unfair treatment. Therefore, some movies and TV programs have been designed to raise peoples awareness of the importance of accepting all people without prejudice. One excellent example is a movie called Gattaca, which conveys the human capacity to do things with perseverance and will, even if one has physical disabilities. On the surface, Gattaca portrays an imaginary future society in which peoples physical traits are prenatally decided through gene manipulation. Our hero in the movie is Vincent Freeman, who was born without any manipulation on the doctors part. Expected to die at the age of 31 from heart failure, Vincent has to go through a not-so-favorable life to realize his dream of being an astronaut. The reality for the Gods child is an underclass where people like Vincent find it hard to get much opportunity to realize their dreams. However, Vincent consoles himself with the fact that he once saved his younger brother, who has perfect genes in his body. He believes that one can do anything once he sets his mind to it, regardless of his genes. Although Vincent takes exams and does interviews to become an astronaut, he fails, and then runs away from home. In the end, he finds himself as a cleaner at the worlds most renowned aerospace engineering company, Gattaca. We will write a custom essay sample on There Is No Gene for Fate specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on There Is No Gene for Fate specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on There Is No Gene for Fate specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer With his dream so near, Vincent decides to go into a dangerous gamble of life; he finds someone who sells fake gene credentials and gets himself hooked up with a dominant gene possessor, Jerome Morrow. From then on, Vincent deserts his identity and goes through a rigorous and painful process of becoming Jerome. However, the process is not easy and Vincent has to get various painful surgeries and even inject himself with Jeromes urine and blood in order to successfully hide his recessive gene. So strong was his wish, Vincent becomes an astronaut in the end. Just as he replied to his dominant gene brother Anton when he asked how he had saved him from drowning, he succeeds at Gattaca because he never saved anything for the swim back but kept himself going through obstacles. This movie is appropriate in many ways to arouse awareness that physical conditions do not always decide peoples fate. More broadly, any physical trait one has does little to guarantee or discourage one from realizing ones dream. What matters is not how a person looks like or is physically capable of, but how willing he or she is to persevere and overcome exacting circumstances. In fact, we can see around us handicapped people performing unbelievable things such as winning a gold medal at the Paralympics, or saving a child from burning in a fire. Such feats are difficult even for average healthy people. We therefore call them miracles. However, these people are often unconscious of the motive of those so-called miracles; only perseverance and will power could have allowed the physically disabled to perform such things. We can now think in a broader sense and find out what Gattaca tries to tell us; as Vincent tells us, There is no gene for fate, and you are the authority on what is impossible. If this fine movie is shown at school, students will begin to appreciate each other more as who they are. Young people are easily plant prejudice in themselves because of the lack of experience they have. However, because they are young and still have a chance to change their views, Gattaca will be an excellent opportunity for them to value every individual for their own characteristics, and not judge hem by their appearance. There have been many movies and TV programs intended to arouse peoples awareness of human equality regardless of how they look on the outside. However, I would like to especially recommend Gattaca because not only is it impressive in its new approach to show the value of human will power, but also it brings out the deep emotion of compassion in anyone who watches it. After all, compassio n is the first step to understanding and appreciating others.

SENIOR ENGLISH - RESEARCH PAPER ON a topic of inte Essays

SENIOR ENGLISH - RESEARCH PAPER ON a topic of interest from the Middle English period: The Hundred Years' War; The Black Prince, son of Edward III; Weapons and warfare in the Middle Ages; Richard III; Feudalism; Thomas Becket; The Black Death; The Crusades; Education in the Middle Ages; Entertainment in the Middle Ages; Joan of Arc. Date assigned : Thursday, October 12 ; Date due: Thursday, November 29-30 Your BLOCK DAY ( 7 weeks) Paper requirements : Total number of pages in the paper One title page One outline page Body pages 3-4 One works cited page All pages must be typed. 12-point font, Times New Roman font, double spaced, one inch margins - MLA Format ; https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/01/ Required sources 3 Internet sources 1 other source (books, periodicals, interviews, text book, etc.) Direct quotes may be used following guidelines One direct quote must be no longer that two typed lines Five separate direct quotes are the maximum to be used. Bible verses are considered direct quotes Cliches, slang, etc., requiring quotation marks are not considered direct quotes Proper introduction of each quote is expected in addition to proper citation A udience : classmates informing them of pertinent information regarding the topic of your choice. Make your paper interesting to your audience. WHAT SHOULD IT INCLUDE? CITATIONS - Although most of the paper is to be written in your own words, the use of properly written citation is necessary. For every direct quote, a citation is needed. For every paraphrased information segment, citations should be used. -103517-12350 4286885323431 SLUG Source # (PARENTHETICAL REF.)0 SLUG Source # (PARENTHETICAL REF.) Notecards: write only on the front of the card , however each card should be filled completely with bulleted information and NEATLY written . They should be placed within the envelope banded or clipped together in order when turned in. BIBLIOGRAPHY CARDS : write only on the front, NEATLY written, in order, handed in an envelope with your complete name on the front of the envelope. 4 Bibliography notecards (sources you are using) ONE SOURCE PER CARD formatted according to MLA guidelines https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/01/ Outline: basic outline with main ideas and sub points neatly written; Thesis statement should be well developed in the outline and designated so that I can clearly see it. Rough drafts : Must be double spaced with legible r evisions and editing marks used. Wed/Thurs, Oct 17-18: Media Center for research November 1-2 : 10 note cards; 2 bibliography cards N/A : Progress viewed; produce the beginning of paper, outline, works Cited November 15- 16 : Draft to be teacher edited (outline works cited page included) W./ Th. , November 29-30 : Final paper with works cited page, RUBRIC, edited draft to be included with the final - Graded on appearance , MLA format , compo sition (strong plan, details relate to main idea , cited information correctly done ), Written expression (vocabulary, tone, sentence structure varied and well-constructed, paragraphs well-constructed with unity and coherency), mechanics (punctuation, capitalization, spell ing, subj/verb agreement, etc.) Outline Topic :_ ____________________________________________________ Thesis: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___ Outline ___________________ ____________ ____________________________ A. B. C. II. ______________________ __________ ______________________________ A. B. C. III . ______________________________________ __________ ____________ __ A. B. C. IV. ______________________________ ________ ________________________ A. B. C. Composition (composing) WRITING RUBRIC 4 = 7-9 checks 3 = 4-6 checks 2 =2-3 checks 1 =0-1 check The main idea clearly stands out (Thesis statement clearly stated in the first paragraph) Thesis is incisive and directs the structure of the paper A balance of concrete details with commentary (COHERENCY) Has several important examples, reasons, or details Shows a strong plan (ORGANIZATION) ; introduction, body, conclusion All details relate to the central idea (UNITY) Transition words used adequately and correctly (COHERENCY) Correct point of view and consistent ; 3 rd person narrative consistent Strong opening and closing Written Expression 4 = 6-7 checks 3 = 4-5 checks 2 = 2 -3 checks 1 =0-1 check Precise information and vocabulary that creates images Highly specific word choice Has tone and voice ; formal and academic tone; no personal interjections of opinion Includes simple, compound and complex sentences correctly Paper has a rhythmic flow Logic is clear; no awkward sentence formation due to word choice or syntax

Army Rangers History Until World War Ii Essay Example

Army Rangers History Until World War Ii Essay Example Army Rangers History Until World War Ii Paper Army Rangers History Until World War Ii Paper Essay Topic: Orlando United States Army Rangers are elite members of the United States Army. Rangers have served in recognized U. S. Army Ranger units or have graduated from the U. S. Armys Ranger School. [1] The term Ranger was first used in North America in the early 17th century; however, the first ranger company was not officially commissioned until King Philips War (1676) and then they were used in the four French and Indian Wars. Rangers also fought in the American Revolution, the War of 1812, and the American Civil War. It was not until World War II that the modern Ranger concept was conceived, authorized by General George C. Marshall in 1942. The six battalions of the modern Rangers have been deployed in wars in Korea, Vietnam, Afghanistan, and Iraq, and saw action in several conflicts, such as those in Panama and Grenada. Of the current active Ranger battalions, two- the 1st and the 2nd- have been in service since reactivation in 1974. [2] The 3rd Ranger Battalion and the headquarters of the 75th Ranger Regiment were reactivated in 1984. The 75th Ranger Regiment is now a special operations combat formation within the U. S. Army Special Operation Command (USASOC). The Ranger Regiment traces its lineage to three of six battalions raised in WWII, and to the 5307th Composite Unit (Provisional)- known as â€Å"Merrills Marauders,† and then reflagged as the 475th Infantry, then later as the 75th Infantry. The Ranger Training Brigade (RTB)- headquartered at Fort Benning, GA- is an organization under the U. S. Armys Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) and is separate from the 75th Ranger Regiment. It has been in service under various names and Army departments since World War II. The Ranger Training Brigade administrates Ranger School. Successful completion of this 61-day course is required to become Ranger qualified and to wear the Ranger Tab. When the American Revolution began, Major Robert Rogers allegedly offered his services to General George Washington. Fearing that Rogers was a spy, Washington refused. An incensed Rogers instead joined forces with the Loyalists and fought for the crown. Not all of Rogers Rangers went with him, however, including such notable figures as Israel Putnam. Later on during the war, General Washington ordered Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Knowlton to select an elite group of men for reconnaissance missions. This unit was known as Knowltons Rangers, and is credited as the first official Ranger unit (by name) for the United States. This unit, however, carried out intelligence functions rather than combat functions in most cases, and as such are not generally considered the historical parent of the modern day Army Rangers. Instead, Knowltons Rangers gave rise to the modern Military Intelligence branch (although it was not a distinct branch until the 20th century). [ The most famous Rangers of the American Civil War fought for the Confederate States Army. In January 1863, John S. Mosby was given command of the 43rd Battalion, Partisan Ranger. Mosbys Rangers became infamous among Union soldiers due to their frequent raids on supply trains and couriers. Their reputation was heightened considerably when they performed a raid deep into Union territory and captured three high-ranking officers, including Brigadier General Edwin H. Stoughton. Weeks after the surrender of the Confederate Army Mosby disbanded his unit rather than formally surrender. Also a famous Confederate commander, Turner Ashby led a cavalry company known as the Mountain Rangers, who became known for their ability to harass Union soldiers. The most successful attacks against Mosbys Rangers were carried out by the Union Armys Means Rangers. Means Rangers became famous when they successfully captured General James Longstreets ammunition train. They later fought and captured a portion of Mosbys force. In January 1941, during World War II, Colonel Dudley Clarke met American Colonel William J. Donovan during a strategic tour of the Mediterranean. During the Second World War, Major General Lucian K. Truscott, the US Army Liaison, saw the capabilities of the British Army’s SAS (Special Air Service) Commandos. He immediately sent a proposal stating We undertake immediately an American unit along the lines of the British Commandos on 26 May 1942 to General George Marshall. The US Army then began a program to make a commando unit for the US Military. The telegram Truscott sent out was received by Major General Russell P. Hartle, the commander of all US Army forces in Northern Ireland. Now that the first battalion of commandos was authorized, a name for the new commando unit would be chosen. Truscott picked Rangers because â€Å"The name Commandos rightfully belonged to the British. † Rangers were a part of the earliest stages in colonizing America so it seemed to be an exceptional choice. [11] Now the General was tasked to find a commander worthy enough to lead the Ranger battalion. General Hartle decided that his own aid-de-camp, Captain William Orlando Darby, a graduate of West Point with amphibious training, was the ideal choice. This decision was highly approved by General Truscott who rated Darby as outstanding in appearance, possessed of a most attractive personality. and filled with enthusiasm†. [11] Thousands of applications poured in from the Army in Northern Ireland. Most came from units such as the 1st Armored Division and the 34th Infantry Division. The Officers would be hand picked by Darby to ensure maximum unit efficiency. He then brought in the applicants he chose. After a stressful and grueling weeding out of his new applicants at Carrick Fergus, NI, the first battalion officially activated on 19 June 1942. In May 1942, the 1st Ranger Battalion was sanctioned, recruited, and began training under the British Commandos in Carrickfergus, Northern Ireland. Their courage is evident from the observation that of 500 volunteers who first formed the Rangers at Carrickfergus, only 87 were alive by the end of the war. [12] 80 percent of the original Rangers came from the 34th Infantry Division. Together with the ensuing 3rd and 4th Ranger Battalions they fought in North Africa and Italy commanded by Colonel Darby until the Battle of Cisterna (29 January 1944) when most of the Rangers of the 1st and 3rd Battalions were captured. The remaining Rangers were absorbed into the Canadian-American First Special Service Force under Brigadier General Robert T. Frederick. They were then instrumental in operations in and around the Anzio beachhead. [13] all info on this paer is courtesy of http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/United_States_Army_Rangers#American_Revolution

Web activity 2 Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Web activity 2 - Research Paper Example The value proposed by these scientists is higher than VAP measure because the VAP measure does not account for increased number of immigrants along with convicted felons while calculating the total population that can vote in presidential elections. This is why the VEP has been able to calculate a higher rate of turn around as compared to the VAP. While calculating the figures of voting population one should use the VEP measure because it takes into consideration the demographics of the population that is technically eligible to vote. The population that passes the eligibility test is the ones who are registered to vote. It eliminates those who can not register or vote which includes those who are non citizens and those who are considered as felons (United States Elections Project 2008). VEP is more appropriate than VAP because the registration has become easier than before; new programs such as mail services have been used by the US to register voters. Due to introduction of technology in voting registration, the numbers have increased and should be clearly taken into account. The total turnaround rate of US is higher than the total turnaround rate of Texas even though several new ways of voting have been used such as the mailing and online registration system. This is due to several reasons which mainly include socio and economical reasons. One of the main reasons is that the education and literacy rate of Texas is quite low and a huge number of the population is below the eligibility age. Secondly due to lower literacy rate, the population of Texas has failed to use the advance ways of registering and voting. The total population of Texas is heavily covered by minorities who do not get a chance to vote or fear

Isalmic Studies Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Isalmic Studies - Essay Example Be it in-law or in blood. Thus, Shi'ites could have descended from the bloodline of the prophet Muhammed, peace upon him. This poetic piece of the Qur'an is quite glaring substantiation to the idea of the Shi'ite. Their shadows may mean descendants, mornings may mean children and young ones, and afternoons may mean the middle and old aged. "And to Allah (alone) falls in prostration whoever is in the heavens and the earth, willingly or unwillingly, and so do their shadows in the mornings and in the afternoons (Surah 13:15), and "whosoever is saved from his own covetousness, such are they who will be the successful" (Surah59:9) In the 7th century, after the death of the prophet Muhammed, peace upon him, a void was left to his position as a leader of a Sunni community. It is a population of believers in Islam. This was initially filled by his friend and father-in-law Abu Bakr. He is the father of Aisha who is the second wife of Muhammed, peace upon him. After Abu Bakr, the leadership was passed on to three more unidentified Muslims. The same post was accepted by Ali the son-in-law of Muhammed, peace upon him. He is the husband of Fatima. Fatima was the daughter of Muhammed, peace upon him, with Kadija. Kadija was the first wife of Muhammed, peace upon him. ... al, 1989). Khawarij in Arabic Kharijite meaning one that departs, dissenter, a member of a Muslim secessionist sect establishing a radically democratic reform community in the 7th century (Webster's Third New International Dictionary, Unabridged). It can then be synonymous to Shia. It is a group originating in the controversies over leadership of the community (The Encyclopaedia Americana International Edition USA, 2002).There were two contenders to the Caliphate then. First the Umayyad's who were a family of power (Perry, 1989). They succeeded in assuming the leadership. Second the Shi'a, Shi'ites, proponents of ascendancy (Perry et. al, 1989). They must be the descendants of the prophet Muhammad, peace upon him. They tried but failed to retake the post (Perry et. al., 1989). Eventually they turned out into Khawarij because they departed. They established a radically democratic and puritanical reform community (Webster's Third New International Dictionary, Unabridged). They adopted some philosophies. They evolved practices different from those of traditional Muslims, known as the Sunni. They did not acknowledge the Umayyad's (Perry et. al. 1989). Over the years, the Umayyad's held the highest position of the caliphate. It gained the support of the greater part of Muslims who were all Arabs (Perry, 1989). So, they to all intents and purposes made extensive triumph escalating Muslim dominion. However, the Umayyad's never saw their inaccuracy. First, it repositioned the Muslim seat of power from Mecca to Damascus in Syria. Second, it gave only Arabs the holdings of prominent positions in the hierarchy. This was to the bitterness of its new members. They were

Epistemology and Skepticism Essay Example for Free

Epistemology and Skepticism Essay * Epistemology and Skepticism: How does The Matrix illustrate the challenge of skepticism about the external world? Explain, discuss, and critically evaluate the hallucination argument for complete epistemological skepticism. Be sure your essay includes a discussion of either Hospers or Crumley IIs criticism of complete epistemological skepticism. Is complete epistemological skepticism a logically coherent theory? Support your answer with a well-reasoned argument free of any major errors of fact, fallacy or logical contradiction. I. Introduction * The matrix questions the nature of reality. * How can we know for certain that the world is how we perceive it and not just a veil over our eyes? * Explain movie- trapped in virtual world believing they are in 21st century * Explanation proposes question, what is real? II. Main Points. * Main Character Morpheus: â€Å"What is ‘real’? How do you define ‘real’? If real is simply what you can feel, smell, taste and see, then ‘real’ is simply electrical signals interpreted by your brain. † * Consequently, â€Å"How can we be sure our brain isn’t being tricked by some simulation to believe things are real, when they aren’t? This is how matrix proposes the challenge of epistemological skepticism. * Hallucination argument: Modus Tollens, question soundness (valid) 1. If we posses knowledge (K) we must be able to rule out the possibility of systematic hallucination (S). K S 2. ~S (the matrix hypothesis. ) (MT 1) 3. ~ K ( MT 1 2) * One arguer against skepticism: John Hospers * Merely verbal * Skeptics take strong sense of the word knowledge, must have proof at all times * Others use weak sense, meaning we only need proof or evidence only when someone is proving otherwise. * Doubt is an empty word. * Basic point: once a test has been done to remove doubt we have a good reason to believe it is true, thus we have knowledge. III. Conclusion * Skeptics believe knowledge is unobtainable, in this case the hallucination argument proves the premises are true through Modus Tollens. Although the argument is sound, it is self-defeating because skeptics believe they know that they don’t really â€Å"know† anything. Moreover, complete epistemological skepticism is not a logically coherent view because the argument being claimed would require the person to have knowledge to conduct such argument.

Ethics In Business: The Bernard Madoff Investment Scandal

Ethics In Business: The Bernard Madoff Investment Scandal The organizational leadership of Bernard Madoff Investments Securities LLC was held by Bernard Madoff himself. Madoffs charismatic leadership style included seducing friends, those in secluded groups, and even his own employees. He seduced his clients by making them to believe they were investing in something special. He would often turn people away, which helped Bernard in courting people and charities with more assets to offer. Bernard Madoff created a system which was promising high returns in short terms and was nothing else but the Ponzi scheme. The systems idea relied on funds from the new investors to pay misrepresented and extremely high returns to the existing investors. He was doing this for years; tempting billions of dollars from wealthy individuals, charities by getting them to invest in his hedge fund. And they did so because of the extremely high returns, which were promised by Madoffs firm. But if anyone would look deeply into the structure of his firm, it would defin itely show that something is wrong. This is because nobody can make such big money, especially if no one else could at the time. How could one person, Madoff, who held all his clients assets, priced, and managed them. It is clearly a conflict of interest. His company was showing profits year after year, despite most of the companies having looses. In fact, Bernard Madoffs case is absolutely amazing, both in its range and in its list of investors who got caught up in it. Bernard Madoff Case Summary Bernard Madoff opened his firm in 1960. His business began to grow when his father-in-law Saul Alpern, who was an accountant, came to the firm. Because there were a lot of competitive firms at that time, Madoff decided to use innovative computer information technology to spread its quotes, which later on became the NASDAQ. This technology provided his firm with a really good income and at this point his securities become the largest buying and selling market maker at the NASDAQ. Eventually, his scheme reached a staggering 50 billion dollars under his management. It came to an end after market conditions let to a considerable amount of redemptions when investors started to take their money back. After Bernard Madoff, former NASDAQ chairman, was arrested on December 11, 2008, he acknowledged that his performance was nothing but the Ponzi scheme. He pled guilty to the biggest investor fraud ever committed by anyone on March 12, 2009. On June 29, 2009 Bernard Madoff was put in jail, and will spending there long 150 years. Stakeholders Madoff was able to align himself with government, rich individuals, and businessmen. This empowered him to have an unlimited access to different groups of investors. Among Madoffs Ponzi scheme victims, it is easy to find wealthy individuals, charitable organizations, and its stakeholders, such as employees, communities, vendors, and government. Investors that took the biggest losses, which was billions, because of this scheme are marked in the Wall Street Journal; among them are Fairfield Greenwich Group, Tremont Capital Management, Banco Santander, Fortis, and others. Investors lost their money because of their lack of conscious and unwillingness to understand or realize that it is impossible to have such high returns in a legally managed investment operation. They also failed to understand that one day they could lose everything. They would rather believe in a fairy tales about high returns in short terms, without any consequences. 7 Steps 1. What are the facts of the case? Madoffs business had obvious facts that showed he was doing a scheme. First of all, because he was being a pioneer in electronic trading, he refused to provide his clients with the on-line access to their accounts and sent out statements by mail. Though, most hedge funds in that time were e-mailing statements to their investors, in order to provide its customers with convenience and the ability to analyze their account. It should have been an important signal to investors, but it was ignored. Secondly, Madoffs firm processed all of its trades and appeared as its own broker-dealer. This made impossible for the outside investors to verify their actual holdings. In fact, one of Madoffs unusual tactics was to get rid of his holdings by selling them at the end of the period. It helped him to avoid filing disclosures of his holdings with the SEC. As well, he was always refusing to talk to any outside audit for the reason of secrecy of his firm. This should raise questions and concerns amongst its investors, but again it did not. The fact that Madoffs fund only had five down months since 1996 could have shown investors that Madoffs business was at least suspicious and warned them to avoid investing in his hedge fund. It is, for sure, impossible in investment or any business to have only a couple down months in more than 10 years of a companys performance. Besides, there are some known factors that helped Madoff to commit his fraud for years, including the following: Madoff had a good reputation in the investment field over the years. Madoff knew how to create the aura of trust. Madoff constantly promised high and stable returns to his investors. 2. What are the ethical issues? In 1980s Bernard Madoff was providing payments to his brokers to perform the customers orders through his brokerage. Later this system received a name, a legal kickback, and because of this he became the biggest dealer in the U.S. stock market. When academics questioned the ethics of these payments, Madoff replied that those payments did not change the price that the customer received, and were a legal business transaction. The SEC investigated Madoffs fraudulent practices and they had concerns that his firm did not show its customers orders to other traders, but they could not find anything illegal in the period from 1999 till 2000. As well, Madoff was too secretive about his investment performance and kept all financial statements closely protected. He usually refused to meet directly with his investors. After some time, he decided to invent a new investment method that was promising constant returns to selected investors, rather than supplying all new investors with high returns. This new innovation was too complicated for outsiders to understand. That should, for sure, raise some questions in his investors, but they did not demand any information and explanation. Of course, there were some investors in the Madoff case that used caution and could see that something is not really clear in his business, and as well because they did not want to lose their money, they removed it. And it was their best decision in regards to this fraud. 3. What are the norms, principles, values related to the case? The culture of a company is heavily influenced by the actions of upper-level management. Their actions are seen by workers throughout the organization and help develop a cultural norm within the company. When lower level employees witness those above them acting unethically, they will think that those actions are acceptable and the norm. This can lead to all types of unethical actions like, fact concealing, budget twisting, and many other unethical actions that were prevalent in the Madoff case. Ethical boundaries arent always clearly defined. The ethical action is not always perfectly obvious, placing investors money into risky investment while trying to gain in the short term is illegal. However, if not done carefully, it could be viewed as unethical. Because of this, it is necessary to train employees in ethical decision making processes. Then they will be able to make the right decision when the ethical thing to do is not completely obvious. In addition, an ethical environment must be set by management, in order to promote good ethical decision making processes. Making the correct decision in an ethical dilemma requires good judgment. Having a good example to follow definitely helps. However, a persons values and beliefs are important in making an ethical decision. If a decision does not seem morally right, then it is most likely not an ethical business decision. Promoting strong values and internal judgment helps employees at all levels of a company behave ethically. 4. What are the alternative courses of action? a) It is very important to provide education to board members about financial and operational matters, as well as analyze and modify all procedures in governance policy and investment policy areas, and always to remember to avoid conflicts of interest in business practice. b) It is also important to provide investors with companys records, for the purpose of due diligence. Inform and explain to the investors about each companys performance, even though it is a time consuming process. This effort will demonstrate a companys commitment to its investors. 5. What is the best course of action? The best course of the action is definitely to be open and clear with investors and committed to the best practices in governance and operations. This will help the company to succeed in the competitive investment environment. 6. What are the consequences of each possible course of action? These actions will open new horizons to interest new investors and will lead the company to profit and success. 7. What is the decision? The shocking Madoff scandal and an unfavorable economy created challenging times for stakeholders. In order foster a competitive environment that will interest new investors, a company needs to legally make profits and always provide clients with all the information. Laws are the minimum code of conduct to which the company has to abide by. The company can always take further actions, beyond what the law requires, in order to ensure investors confidence. What recommendations would you make to your client about the existing 35% investment with Bernard Madoff? I would explain to the client that keeping 35% investment in one investing company can be very risky, especially if the company is Bernie Madoffs which is not regulated or publicly traded. I would further advise my clients the following: Sell off 30% investment with Bernard Madoff. Invest 20% in equity mutual funds. Invest 5% in equity exchange-traded funds. Invest 5% in individual stocks. What recommendation would you make regarding the $100,000 they currently have in cash? I would advise that the $100,000 in cash cleverly would be to invest in different areas, such as in hedge fund the $15,000, Treasuries $25,000, mutual fund $10,000, Madoffs fund $10,000, and the rest $40,000 to spend on buying fixed asset. How would your recommendation be affected if your client tells you that they would like to give the additional $100,000 to Madoff to invest? My recommendation would not change if my client tells me that they would be interested in investing additional money in Madoffs fund. This is because my recommendation is based on the fundamentals of investments. However, I would spend more time explaining to my client the excessive risk they are taking by putting a significant portion of their eggs in one basket. With the information you have at this point in the case, is there anything else that you should do? Definitely, I have to inform the client of a possible risk of investing in Madoffs fund. I will present one some arguments, such as: Bernard Madoff denied outsiders access to records. The company hedge fund was not registered until 2006. Madoffs fund rarely lost its value, even in times of economic downturn. Should you mention to your client that the $5 million in sales may draw the attention of the IRS, because of the relative size of that number compared to the rest of the return? Based on the AICPAs Statements on Standards for Tax Services (SSTS) and Treasury Department Circular 230, which provides authority to the Treasury allowing disbarment or suspension from practice before the IRS, it is not considered unethical to mention to my client that the $5.0 million investment sales can interest and raise questions of the IRS. Though, I should make the client aware that $5 million in sales will be a red flag for the IRS because of its relative size to the rest of the return. At the same time I would need to let the client know that any sales number must be supported by proper documentation that would unquestionably prove its validity. As a professional tax practitioner, I would refrain from making those kinds of comments without any valid evidence. It can even be misleading to the client to give this kind of unsubstantiated advice. Should you discuss with your client the possibility that their account is being churned? I would not discuss with my client the possibility of the account being churned because it is beyond the scope of regular tax preparation. Additionally, churning, if proven can lead to prosecution of the broker since it is considered a fraudulent practice. Churning has been labeled as a falsified practice in 1934. Churning is when stock-brokers execute a large volume of sales on their customers accounts. Since those brokers are earning a commission on each transaction, they get paid more if they execute more transactions. So, those fraudulent brokers would carry out excessive amounts of small transactions, in order to earn their commissions, which would slowly drain the customers account. After awhile, the investors account would be reduced because of the constant charges. Eventually, the customers account would be drained and they would not know how it occurred, or that they had been defrauded. In fact, if I would have suspicion that the clients account is being churned, I should disclose that to the client. Churning is illegal and unethical, and suspected churning should be addressed. I should share with the client that sometimes brokers and traders maliciously trade securities very actively in a brokerage account in order to increase brokerage commissions rather than customer profits. And in this particular case Madoff may be tempted to churn the clients account because Madoffs income is not transparent and could be directly related to the volume of trading of the clients account. Based on the information you have thus far in the case, what further information do you believe you need in order to prepare the tax return with regard to the Madoff investment? I would need following information: The investment sale prices in order to estimate and accurately report capital gain/losses, and include the result in the gain/loss report. The investment purchase prices in order to correctly calculate and report capital gains/losses, and include the result in the gain/loss report. The date of the investment purchase and sale is also important in order to determine if the capital gain is short-term or long-term. As well, I would need the following data to complete the return: Investment sales price. Investment purchase price. Description of the securities purchased and sold during the year. Gain/Loss from the options. Market value of the open options at year-end. For sure, in order to prepare tax return to the Madoffs investment I should obtain all necessary tax forms from Madoffs accounting firm, including a 1099B for sales, 1099DIV or 1099 INT. I cannot just rely on his accountants explanation on how to calculate dividend and interest. Moreover, since options trading is a very complex subject I must do additional research on how to report income on options trading, and be sure that all the necessary tax forms are provided by Madoffs firm. We now know the Madoff investments for some period of time have been fraudulent. Were there indicators that might have caused you to react differently with regard to your clients investment? There were the following indicators: There was no online access to accounts. There was no issuance of forms a) 1099B (for investment sales transactions), b) 1099 DIV, and c) 1099 INT. David G. Friehling, a sole CPA practitioner, audited the hedge fund. Madoff did not file any disclosures of his holdings to the SEC, because he was easily selling his holdings. The business cannot have only couple down months when operating for years, it is impossible. In other words, the Madoff case was filled with signs of fraud that could have led one to think that something was going on and changed the way the average investor feels about investing. Fraud comes in many forms, it can be as simple as taking money from a companys account, or it can become as complex as the Madoff case. In order to catch fraud in companies as complex as Mr. Madoffs, one must pay attention to more subtle signs that could point to fraud. The transparency of Mr. Madoffs company was minimal and should have alerted someone that something was wrong. Mr. Madoff repeatedly denied outsiders access to records, which should have been available. The companys hedge fund was not registered with the SEC until late in 2006, which should have been another sign that something was amiss. This shows that Mr. Madoff had something to hide, because he did not want the SEC evaluating his hedge funds. In addition, the companys auditor was Mr. Madoffs brother-in-law, which opens the door for fraudulent activity. Auditors are supposed to be independent and definitely not family members of the company that they are auditing. This situation becomes more alarming when you consider that Mr. Madoff was frequently opposed to outside audits of any type. A family member as an auditor and a strong resistance to all other audits should have been the first sign that something fraudulent was occurring. Funds managed by Mr. Madoffs company performed so well, that it could have been another clue to the fraud that was taking place. Forecasts were matching outcomes, in areas like earnings per share, to the point that it became unrealistic to be able to forecast that accurately. Earnings per share figures have so many variables that it is nearly impossible to predict them accurately time and time again. In 2008, one of Mr. Madoffs hedge funds, which invested in the SP 500, gained almost 6% in value, while the SP 500 itself was down over 35%. This was yet another clue that something in this company wasnt right. Mr. Madoffs funds rarely lost value, even in times of economic downturn. So, while most investors were losing money in the market, Madoffs funds continued to profit. With the advantage of hindsight, what additional due diligence could you have performed? In regards to Financial Planning: A quick search on Google could have shown that Madoffs practice starting 1990s was exposed to accusations that he was front-running his investors, and the idea of this practice was to buy or sell shares before filling investors orders. All of the articles and complaints about Madoff in the early 2000s would have been revealed as well. Independently investors have to check the stock prices and trades on a daily basis. Dig into the small accounting Firm that audited Madoffs Fund. To check any Web sites in order to gain more information about his practice, such as the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, or FINRA. I would quickly come to the conclusion that my client should divest 100% of their investments in Madoffs fund. In regards to tax preparation: Dig further into the multi-page printout of listing of hundreds of transactions. Request for a formal 1099B (for investment sales transactions), 1099 DIV, and 1099 INT. Recalculate the gain/losses reported on the summary sheet. If you run across a similar situation in the future, do you feel any more comfortable about how to handle it? Yes. Would you report such situation to SES, IRS, or other regulatory body? Yes. Madoff stopped trading and has been fabricating investment return of his clients during middle 1990 till 2008. He and his accomplices have committed fraud. The crime was committed based on the value of greed and a get rich quickly scheme. From the investors position, greed is also what fueled billions of dollars to be invested in Madoffs Hedge Fund. Investors should have avoided the following: Invest into an unregulated hedge fund. Too little due diligence. Higher than average returns usually cannot always be realistic. Absence of the audit of financial statements. Now that we know how Madoff performed his Ponzi scheme, we will able to figure out and try to avoid scheme in future, and do not forget to: Broadly analyze the company performance. Watch closely for warning signs. Verify filing with the SEC. Check for the company reputation. 6 Pillars Applied: Responsibility: Though Madoff was performing the investment operations as a Ponzi scheme, but when his investors wanted to have their money back, they got it without any delays. Of course, this does not show his responsibility to all the investors, but a little percentage to those who were smart enough to withdraw their investment from his fund. Those investors definitely were aware that Madoffs firm does not conduct its business transactions according to law and ethics. In fact, Madoff has violated mostly all 6 pillars, such as trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship. His only goal was to benefit himself and his family, while completely ignoring the well-being of others. Madoff cared little about those he harmed and only worked to better himself at the expense of others. Therefore, from an ethical perspective, Madoffs scam was a white color crime. White color crime creates victims by establishing trust and respectability. As in this case, victims of white-color crime trusting clients, who believed there were many checks and balances certified the Madoff investment operation as legitimate. Madoff appears to be the classic white-collar criminal. He was an educated and experienced individual in a position of power, trust, respectability, and responsibility, who abused his trust of personal gains. From the inception of his investment business, he knew he was operating a Ponzi scheme and defrauding his clients. As a result, he is serving jail time and will be paying restitution for the rest of his life. In the end, he knew this day would come.

Arms and the Man Essay

G. B. Saw’s Freedom actually is one of the series of radio talks delivered in 1935 on the B. B. C. As it was intended for the larger circles in their capacity as listeners, the lecture seems to be free from theoretical jargons. But Shaw can be very much deceptive in what he says. For, behind his homour lies the satire of the contemporary social condition. Not only that, his simple talk was actually a denunciation of the conventional and capitalist view of freedom. Politically Shaw conformed to democratic socialism, a variant of Marxism, according to which the society should try to reach the socialist political condition gradually by the democratic means. The concept of freedom, which Shaw satirises, was the fundamental principle of Enlightenment, and he does so because in a capitalist society, according to the Marxian view, freedom of the individual can never be realised. Shaw begins the essay with the proposition that a person can be called completely free in such a condition, in which he will be able to â€Å" do what he likes, when he likes, and where he likes, or do nothing at all if he prefers it†. He firmly denies the possibility of the existence of such a person as human beings are all slaves to nature: â€Å"†¦we must all sleep for one third of our lifetime__ wash and dress and undress__ we must spend a couple of hours eating and drinking__ we must spend nearly as much in getting about from one place to place. † From this funny yet inexorable condition of human life, Shaw very cleverly moves on to the fact that some of the â€Å"natural jobs† can be placed on others’ shoulders: â€Å"What you do to a horse or a bee, you can do to a man or woman or child†¦sort†. With this Shaw, however, comes to the immediate social and political condition of the time, in which the concept of freedom __ derived from the grand idealistic project of the Enlightenment, and nationalistic bias produced by the First World War __ was being glorified and used by the upper class as a means to achieving their self-interests. According to Shaw the farce of the democratic system in a capitalist state lies in the fact that â€Å"most actual governments†¦enforce your slavery and call it freedom†. But the citizens of the state continue to be duped by the system instead of rising to protest. Shaw terms this unequal relationship â€Å"the unnatural slavery of man to man†. Shaw points out an important difference between the â€Å"natural slavery of man to Nature and the unnatural slavery of man to man†. According to him, the first, though unavoidable, provides pleasure after its fulfilment; for instance, if nature forces us to drink, she makes drinking pleasant. The same is true of eating, drinking, sleeping and other activities. Shaw introduces this difference and cites examples more importantly to explain the evils of the former in more acute terms. He refers to few thinkers like Karl Marx and Thomas Moore, who denounced this slavery and tried to abolish it. At this point his explanation of the capitalist mechanism, that is, the means by which the system tries to dupe people and establish, legitimize and perpetuate itself approaches the ideological theories of Althusser and Gramsci. â€Å"Ideology represents†, Althusser tells us, â€Å"the imaginary relationship of individuals to their real condition of existence. He points out that there are found a number of ideologies – namely, religious ideology, ethical ideology, legal ideology, political ideology – all of which operate invisibly in the superstructure. Shaw strikes at the very root when he says, â€Å"Naturally the master class, through its parliaments and schools and newspapers, makes the most desperate efforts to prevent us fro m realizing our slavery. † He explains historically how the British capitalist system has established itself by propagating the so-called glorious events as the Magna Charta, the defeat of the Spanish Armada and Napoleon. Then he explains how â€Å"ideological apparatuses†, to quote Althusser, manipulate the common mass to cast votes in favour of the capitalist leaders. What is more alarmingly effective, according to him, is the educational system, which operates in the superstructure and â€Å"ends in deluding the master class much more completely†. Thus Shaw explains the difference between two kinds of slavery and conclusively tells the listeners/readers: â€Å"Wipe out from yours dreams of freedom the hope of being able to do as you please all the time. For, according to him, people have to remain occupied doing the natural slavery for at least twelve hours a day, while their unnatural slavery is controlled and regulated by the legal and administrative system of the country. Character of Louka in Arms and the Man Shaw conceived of Louka as a strong willed woman, necessary for his dramatic purpose of exposing the vanity of the upper-class and the political purpose of showing the socia list principle of showing equality among individuals in a society. It must be said that it was daring attempt on Shaw’s part to lead and raise a maidservant to the status of an aristocratic lady. But he does not do this as a kind of poetic justice or as a matter of mercy; he makes her capable of realizing her aims and object by her worth as a human being and by her strong will power. In the beginning of the play Louka is presented as a maid-servant having some sort of tension with the lady she serves. She behaves in defiant manners and her physical movements, gestures and postures produce the impression of haughtiness and discontent. The audience ascribes this to typical feminine jealousy of a servant for the lady of the same age, but in Act II they understand that she is Raina’s rival in love and is eyeing something above her position. Her confidence is generated from some of the secrets she knows about the ladies of the house. Always on the lookout for those sorts of things, she discovers a terrible truth about the fugitive in Raina’s chamber at night and keeps it for use in future. In Act II Louka is given a loud voice justifying her position. While being instructed threateningly by the middle-aged maid servant Nicola, she scornfully rejects his advice and brands him as a person with â€Å"the soul of a servant†. From Nicola, however, we come to know the predicament of Louka and her father â€Å"on his little farm†. Shaw here brings out the conflicts between rich and the poor, fuming in the backyard of patriotism and nationalism. Shaw makes this explicit by making Nicola fully aware of the effects any confrontation with the aristocracy will bring about. It is not that Louka is not conscious of this; in fact, her defiance of the upper-class people can be ascribed to the angst deposited in her. But while Nicola chooses to reap profit by serving the upper-class and thereby cashing on their weaknesses, Louka resorts to using her youth and feminine skills backed up by her will-power to trap an upper-class gentleman. In Act II Louka employs her youth and charms when she finds Sergius posing as a playboy. From the familiarity of their conversation we can understand that this is not the first time that Sergius engages himself in relaxation from the pressure of higher love† for Raina. As soon as Louka detects his susceptibility or vulnerability, she proceeds to break Raina’s pose of higher love by informing him of the presence of another man in her chamber at night. She does this in order to bring her down to her level of an ordinary human being before Sergius. Even she goes to the extent of saying â€Å"I am worth six of her†, meaning that she is capable of serving or satisfying the six different persons in Sergius, which Raina, according to her, is not capable of. But it would be an injustice to the character if we say that Louka uses only her youthful charms; we find her possessing subtle power of observation, by which she can surely foretell Raina’s move away from Sergius in the case of the fugitive’s return. No other person, including Raina could have this kind anticipation because Louka observes her from a pragmatic position: â€Å"I know the difference between the sort of manner you and she put on before one another and the real manner. Thus she creates agitations in Sergius’s mind quite consciously and deliberately in order that she may win him away by exposing both of them. But since she is intelligent enough to anticipate that he will not believe her unless and until he discovers the truth himself, she lets him out to find the rest of the truth. In Act III Louka enters the stage with her usual â€Å"bold free gait† with the marked difference that her left sleeve is â€Å"looped up to the shoulder with a br ooch, shewing her naked arm, with a broad gilt bracelet covering the bruise†. She does this intentionally in order to remind Sergius of the mark he made on her arm, and perhaps to display proudly the mark as a gift of love in a sort of masochistic exhibitionism. Nicola, as a man with practical wisdom can sense something wrong with her, and that is why he proceeds to warn her about her unusual fashion. Here once again she reiterates her contempt for his servile mentality and refuses to accept 10 levas from him as share of the bribes. Her basic independent nature is to be found in the following words: â€Å"You were born to be a servant. I was not. When you set up your shop you will be everybody’s servant instead of somebody’s servant. † She demonstrates the place she is eying to reach at by seating herself ‘regally’ in Sergius’s chair, an act which the audience notice with surprise and amusement. As Nicola understands her and humbly makes way for Sergius, she once again attracts Sergius now with the mark of bruise, which she uses as a kind of bait for him. When Sergius tries to compensate for the bruise by offering her an amorous favor, she rejects it straight and tries to make him understand that she wants more. She entangles him in a sort of emotional cheating with the protestation of the courage she can show in the case of realizing her true love: â€Å"If I loved you, though you would be as far beneath me as I am beneath you, I would dare to be the equal of my inferior. † Here by implication of the logic Louka wants him to come out of the class-barrier and accept her on equal terms. When Sergius expresses his inability and insults her by making a comparison between Raina and her in terms of the difference between heaven and earth, she returns this and the charge of her being jealous of Raina with a bold assertion: â€Å"I have no reason to be. She will never marry you. The man I told you of has come back. She will marry the Swiss. † Thus she succeeds in creation an emotional storm in his mind and in making him confess: â€Å"If I choose to love you, I dare marry you in spite of all Bulgaria. † In true chivalric fashion he even pronounces an oath, which she readily jumps upon to win him away in the next encounter. In the final encounter with Sergius Louka gathers all her strength of mind and risks being caught up in eavesdropping. However, quite unexpectedly she finds a supporter in Bluntschli, who defends her act by saying that he too once committed this kind of act as his â€Å"life was at stake†. Louka takes the cue from him and boldly declares her â€Å"love was at stake†. At this point we find Raina insulting her from her supposed social superiority and thus quite unknowingly provoking her to disclose the truth about her chocolate cream soldier. Louka is further insulted after the discovery of the â€Å"chocolate cream soldier†, and she turns the situation in her favor by forcing Sergius to apologize to her. As he still clings to his false heroic ideals, he apologises and falls motionless in her trap. In fine, we can say that through the presentation of Louka, Shaw illustrates once again the triumph of women in the chase of the men of their desire. There may be perhaps another reason: she is necessary as the woman for Sergius because she can balance the excess of romantic ideas and impractical dreams in him. But the audience cannot be sure of her capacity; for, immediately after becoming Major Sergius Saran off’s â€Å"affianced bride†, she addresses the lady she was serving by her name and tries to scandalize Raina by openly expressing her doubt of the latter’s being â€Å"fonder of him than Sergius†. The audience and more particularly the readers can take note of the fact that she does not utter a single word after that. She remains speechless even at the climax of the action when the chocolate cream soldier becomes Raina’s man amidst many revelations and amazements.

Competitive Bidding Essay

Introduction An open and competitive procurement procedure begins with the promoter’s description of its requirements and an invitation to suppliers to indicate their interest in the contract and their professional capacity to fulfil it. The promoter then identifies potential suppliers and invites them to submit bids. After the bidding phase, most procurement systems require a public declaration of the competitors’ names and their bid prices and, ultimately, of the successful bidder. There is a wide variety of procurement procedures available for use in tendering when it comes to PPP arrangements. Many of these procedures have become prescriptive in nature. Many local governments follow standard procurement procedures drawn up by the International Federation of Consulting Engineers (FIDIC). However, most commonly PPP contracts are awarded as the result of some form of competitive bidding procedure. Designing a competitive bidding process – and getting the best possible result – is easiest when the product or service required is a fairly standard one and the technical outputs can be defined with reasonable certainty in the bidding documents. Particular attention, therefore, should be paid to providing good quality information to potential bidders and to the detailed design of the bidding process. Defining the procurement process Some initial decisions need to be made regarding the procurement and the bid evaluation process. It includes: Qualifying criteria for the evaluation and selection of shortlisted bidders Process for submission and evaluation Details of pre-submission conference or meeting and of other opportunities to ask questions or seek clarifications Indicative procurement schedule Other general instructions to applicants Application forms (as annexes) The choice of procurement method will depend on the government’s budget, capacity, desire to encourage innovation, need for high-level inputs, vulnerability to corruption, and objectives of the ppp project. Three main options, distinguished by the level of competition they create, are available: 1. Unsolicited proposals or direct negotiations. 2. Competitive negotiation. 3. Competitive bidding. Unsolicited proposals or direct negotiations When confronted with a unsolicited proposal, the government has three options: Direct negotiation to the offer.  Purchase the project concept then competitively tender among a range of bidders. Offer original proponent a predefined advantage in recognition of the value of the original proposal(bonus system)and open up bidding. Entering into a sole-source process can save government time and money and may alert government to an unrealized opportunity for ppp. However, sole-sourcing can encourage corruption through lack of transparency, and the cost benefits to competitive bidding are lost. Competitive negotiation. Competitive negotiation entail inviting a small group of bidders to a structured negotiation. The bidders are aware of the presence of the other bidders and there is pressure to obtain the best price. This arrangement is quicker and less expensive than full competitive process and can yield good prices. A time consuming procurement process may be seen as an opportunity cost to the private sector. This needs to be weighted against the degree of and value to transparency. 1. Competitive negotiations, another option of competitive bidding which generally involve the following stages: The government specifies its service objectives, and requests proposals from private operators for meeting these objectives. The government reviews the proposals and selects those that are technically responsive to the request proposals. The government then negotiates contract terms and conditions with the selected bidders. 2. Competitive negotiations may involve simultaneous negotiations with the objective of awarding one contract, or they may result in the award of several contracts. 3. Competitive negotiations are well suited to project in which technical variations are possible, there is much scope for innovation, and it would be difficult to secure project financing on the basis of standardized contract document. Advantages of competitive negotiations They permit bidders to be more creative and innovative. They reduce the incentive for bidders to deliberately underbid in order to win projects. They offer a richer means of screening bidders than price alone. Disadvantages Bids can be difficult to compare. Competition is less transparent than with competitive bidding. Competitive bidding process A competitive bidding process generally consists of: 1. public notification of the government’s intention to seek a private partner for the provision of, for example, water and sanitation services, including prequalification or a request for expressions of interest from private companies; 2. distribution of bidding documents and draft contracts to potential bidders; 3. a formal process for screening potential bidders and finalizing a list of qualified bidders; 4. a formal public process for presenting proposals, evaluating them, and selecting a winner. Different procedures for procurement include invitation to tender; and request for proposals (one- and two-stage processes). Formation of a Procurement Committee A Procurement Committee, often called a Tender Evaluation Committee, is formed for overseeing and conducting the bidding process. Typically, the Procurement Committee is formed with representatives from a number of MDAs with responsibility for the financial, legal and operational aspects of the project as well as the Bureau/Office of Public Procurement in order to have diversity and no one government group alone in charge of selecting the preferred bidder. The Committee appoints an in-house coordinator or an external consultant (Transaction Advisor) to manage the day-today aspects of the bidding process. However, the Procurement Committee itself (and not the coordinator or Transaction Advisor) is responsible for making the final determination of the preferred bidder. The Procurement Committee, in turn, could be divided into functional teams to focus on evaluation of specific aspects of the bidders’ proposals. For example, the Procurement Committee could have separate teams for undertaking technical review, legal review,  local preference review and financial review. The number of teams may depend upon the complexity of the project evaluation. Invitation to tender Generally, an invitation to tender is issued when the promoter knows exactly what it wants and how it wants to achieve its goals. Most often, the tender is issued and the lowest bidder is awarded the contract. Although this approach reduces the cost involved in developing a PPP, it may limit the promoter’s opportunities to view other, more efficient and/or more cost-effective options for delivery of the service. Request for proposals A request for proposals (RFP) is usually used when the promoter knows what it wants to achieve, but would like prospective partners to use their experience, technical capabilities and creativity to identify how the project objectives can best be met. One of the main differences between an RFP and an invitation to tender is that in an RFP the promoter is looking for value (that is, operating efficiency, cost-saving measures, innovations and so on), rather than the lowest bid. The request for proposals can be issued through either: a one-stage; or a two-stage process. The decision between having a single or a two-stage procedure for requesting proposals will depend on the nature of the contract, on how precisely the technical requirements can be defined and whether output results (or performance indicators) are used for selection of the contractor or concessionaire. If it is deemed both feasible and desirable for the contracting authority to formulate performance indicators or project specifications to the degree of precision or finality necessary, the selection may be structured as a single-stage process. In that case, after having concluded the pre-selection of bidders, the contracting authority would proceed directly to issuing a final request for proposals. Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEI) The RFEI is intended to provide the promoter with sufficient information to draft a clear RFP in cases when the local government has identified its  objectives, but may not have fully defined the project or service to be delivered. The use of an RFEI can assist in two ways: it reduces the time and expense involved in evaluating a larger number of proposals; and it improves the quality of proposals. In this sense, the RFEI is used to gain information to help in drafting the RFP. Request for Qualifications (RFQ) or Pre-qualification A RFQ is used in situations where the promoter and the project team have amore defined project, but do not know if there are any private sector partners with the resources, experience or interest to undertake the project. It is a step within a contract awarding procedure in which the party inviting the tenders selects the companies to participate in competitive bidding for the contract. To this end, potential participants in the competition are requested to submit information on their companies. The RFQ document is more specific than the RFEI document. In traditional government procurement it consists of the verification of certain formal requirements, such as adequate proof of technical capability or prior experience in the type of PPP, so that all bidders who meet the pre-selection criteria are admitted automatically to the tendering phase. Bidders should be required to demonstrate that they possess the professional and technical qualifications, financial and human resources, equipment and other physical facilities, managerial capacity, reliability and experience necessary to carry out the project. Qualification requirements should cover all phases of an infrastructure project, including financing, management, engineering, construction, operation and maintenance, where appropriate. Based on the pre-qualification results, a shortlist is drawn up of the companies eligible to compete. The bidders answer the RFQ with Expressions of Interest. The RFQ process is used as a â€Å"shortlisting† method to pre-qualify selected potential partners who will then receive the RFP. It is not designed to gain answers as to how the project will be completed. Depending on the pre-qualification requirements set out in the documents, different groups of companies will be selected. One recent trend is that pre-qualification requirements laid down by promoters such as local  governments have started to include not only the price and quality of the service they wish to procure, but also requests to address poverty, upgrade welfare and/or create employment opportunities. Often the bidding companies need to prove their recent experience with a previous assignment similar in nature and outcomes. Thus, the purpose of this stage is to enable the contracting authority to formulate its requirements in a manner that enables a final competition to be carried out on the basis of a single set of parameters. Put simply, this is an opportunity to ensure that in the final evaluation, the contracting authority is able to compare â€Å"apples to apples† rather than â€Å"apples to oranges.† Often local small businesses or community-based organizations are best suited to resolve a particular service delivery problem. In such cases, it is important not to leave the m out of the bidding process. One of the means through which this can be achieved is to simplify the tender documents. Obviously, pre-qualification, drafted without taking these potential bidders into account, could serve as an obstacle to the effective and innovative solutions to the existing problems. Meanwhile, the pre-qualifications can still be an effective mean pre-define the bidders for the RFP, when the criteria are correctly specified and weighted according to their value to the PPP project. Simplification of tender documentation The system of tender submission should not require too many forms of supporting information, which could be unnecessarily complicated for small businesses to complete satisfactorily. Besides, the administrative burden for smaller businesses in dealing with tender form requirements for government bodies is disproportionately greater and more expensive than for larger companies. Thus, the tender submission of documentation should be rationalized and simplified as far as possible to make it easier for small contractors to deal with the paperwork involved. However, this simplification of the documentation should not influence negatively the essence of the contract and the contractual obligations. Evaluation of Applications and Shortlisting of Bidders The applications are evaluated based on the technical and financial capabilities to implement the project as per the selection criteria given in  the RFQ. At this stage, the evaluation normally focuses on threshold criteria such that all proposals meeting the criteria are shortlisted for the next stage and all non-confirming proposals are rejected. A Pass/Fail approach is generally the preferred approach for evaluation of responses to the RFQ. However, a target number (3-5) of shortlisted bidders is usually preferred in order to ensure sufficient competition but not at the same time overcrowd the bidding process, and therefore sometimes only the highest qualifying firms will pass on to the full tender phase. If firms feel there are too many bidders, and thus the odds of winning are low, they will not participate in the full tender. Advantages of competitive bidding It ensures transparency. It provides a market mechanism for selecting the best proposal. It stimulates interests among a broad range of potential partners. It works best where outputs are standardized and all technical parameters can be clearly defined. It may encourage underbidding if renegotiation is possible later. The contract Regardless of the option selected, the essential elements to be included in a contract are: The parties to the agreement, Interpretation, sets forth the definitions of important terms and providing guidance on the interpretation of the contract’s provision’s: The scope, territorial jurisdiction and duration of the agreement, The objective of the contract, Circumstances of commencement, completion, modification and termination of contract; The rights and obligations of the contractor; The rights and obligations of the Government; The requirement for performance bonds to provide security for Government if the construction and service delivery falls below standards; Insurance requirements to provide security for the insurable matters; Government warranties; Private sector warranties: Consequence to a change in law; Service quality and performance and maintenance targets and schedules; The identification of regulatory authorities if any and the extent of their roles and authority; The responsibilities of the contractor and the Government with regard to capital expenditures; The form of remuneration of the contractor and how it will be covered, whether from fixed fee, fixed fee plus incentives or another arrangement; How key risks will be allocated and managed; The contractors right and responsibility with regard to passing through or entering public or private property; Reporting requirements; Procedures for measuring, monitoring and enforcing performance; Procedures for coordinating investment planning; Responsibility for environmental liabilities; Procedures for resolving disputes; Delay provisions describing what is and is not an excuse for a delay in construction and operations; Force majeure conditions and reactions; Procedures to be followed when either party to the PPP contract wishes to change any material portion of the contract; Indemnification circumstances; The right of each party to any intellectual property brought to the project or created during the project, including the steps to be taken to protect the intellectual property of third parties, such as information technology software manufacturers; Conflict of interests and dispute resolution; Description of the conditions under which either party may terminate the contract, the process to be undertaken in that regard, and the consequences to each party of a termination; The circumstances that may permit either the Government or any financial institution to â€Å"step in† to the contract to protect its rights under the PPP contract; Consequences of a change in the ownership or key personnel of the private partner; Mechanisms whereby the parties to the PPP contract will interact with each other going forward; Requirement that each party comply with all laws pertaining to the project, including obtainable environmental, zoning, planning and other permits; Conditions by which public sector employees are employed by the private sector contractor, including any restrictions on termination or redundancies for operational reasons; and Conditions precedent: describes any conditions  precedent to be fulfilled by either party before the contract takes effect. This list is i llustrative and does not capture every clause required in a contract. The final content of the contract will depend on the project scope, local legal requirement and precedent, and advice of legal advisors. It may include more elements as per demand of situation and size of the project. CONCLUSION PPP projects have lately become a popular operation model in public infrastructure development all over the world. Long-term contractual arrangements with PPPs change the traditional roles of the public and private sectors. Public sector bodies become clients and private sector bodies become service providers with a large responsibility of the project in question. PPP projects offer different kinds of benefits to both public and private parties. Both partnership parties also have different kinds of goals; however, the common goal is that both parties win. As the results in the text show, proactive law becomes relevant in contract law and contracting. Practicing proactive contracting requires more planning of legal relations. The goal is to prevent difficult future situations and avoid problems. Proactive contracting emphasizes contract preparation. That is why, for example, issues and questions concerning risks, risk management and creative contractual mechanisms play a significant role. In business relations, proactive contracting invites and gathers different professions to participate in a new type of co-operation. A common language has to be found, for example, between the people in companies with technical, financial, and legal backgrounds. In this way, it is possible to assess the possible risks and other critical contractual questions in the contract preparation phase. A partnership mindset is essential in PPP projects. A client and a project company form the main contractual relationship in terms of PPP projects. In addition to this, for example, a project company has several contracts with subcontractors. These partnerships are complex contractual relationships in which trust plays a big role. Co-operation requires constant care in the form of communication and reciprocal trust to strengthen it. Trust is achieved by th e companies and public sector representatives binding themselves to shared goals. Furthermore, once strong  trust has been built and established, firms may enjoy lower costs than those without such trust. In the business context, trust seems to be based partly on economic calculations and partly on the trusting party’s basic values as a human being. Each PPP project consists of several different contracts, so that they are actually a bundle of contracts. These contracts cover, for example, construction, financing, and services. PPP projects are long-term and very complex contractual arrangements which require careful and time-consuming preparation and negotiations. Dozens of different risks exist as well. As regards risks with PPP projects, the proactive way is the only reasonable way to handle and allocate them. This requires investments from the parties. As the results in the text show, changing circumstances play a significant role in long-term contracts and, for instance, in PPP projects in terms of contract law. It is sensible for the parties to prep are for changing circumstances. This requires proactive mindset and actions. In practice, this means that parties have to create flexible contractual mechanisms for contracts so that they can respond to possible changing circumstances in the future. These mechanisms can be, e.g. clauses concerning changes in official regulations and legislation, hardship, renegotiations, and force majeure. As the results in the text show, in Finnish PPP projects and their contractual arrangements, tailored contract clauses, insurances, securities, and guarantees have been used as tools for managing and allocating risks. It has also been noted that the most problematic situations arise when risks are not individualized. Problems also occur when a risk is individualized but the risk-bearing party is not determined. Proactive law and risk management play significant roles in PPP projects. Moreover, tailored contract clauses and mechanisms also have a great significance.

speech codes essays

speech codes essays Campus speech codes like the one that got Eden Jacobowitz in trouble at the University of Pennsylvania do more to violate rights than to uphold them, and should be abolished. In the case of Jacobowitz its a simple sign of rules gone wild. While we need to protect the right of free speech we also need to understand that people can get carried away using that right while some people can scream and cry for the right to speak their minds they will also be the first ones to complain or make a scene that someone has offended them. We have to make or choose our words to not offend another person but to also get our point across to them. Everybody is created different so we see things in different lights so what is offensive to one person might not be the same for another. An example might be instead of Jacobowitz its some black guy and hes at the point where hes hanging out the window yelling shut up nigger. Now if he said that to someone they couldnt, no wouldnt do a thing because hes black and he can say it. But if a white or another colored person said the exact same thing he would be under the racial harassment because hes not black and nigger is referring to a colored person. So I think it depends on what is said. There seems to be tons of words that can be used the same way as the previous example. It depends on who says the slur, in what context, to someone of another race. In an ideal world if people would act with the same moral standards as when these laws were written we would have no senseless accusations. Since society has been demoralized to where swear words are the norm on TV shows at any given time of day. I believe that on instances like this, that when people are accused of doing things like this to where it would have a wide interpretation; it should be reviewed on a case by case basis. Since anybodys feelings can be hurt an...

Ideology of Economic Discourse in Climate Change

Ideology of Economic Discourse in Climate Change Findings Section While developing a rhetorical genre-based approach to analyzing coalitions’ ideologies, it is imperative to define how specific social functions of environmental and economic views are realized in terms of discourse structure.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Ideology of Economic Discourse in Climate Change specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More At this point, the ideologies of a climate change advocators and climate change skeptics are disguised by rhetoric devices that serve to control certain social groups and make those groups act at economic and political levels. Analysis of Environmental Discourse Coalitions’ Ideologies in the Context of Their Rhetorical Writing The collected data presented below will define how rhetorical devices contribute to expressing ideologies of the two opposing coalitions and persuading different social groups to follow those ideologies. Specific emphasi s will be placed on how climate-change discourse provides the marginalization of a climate change, which is often defined by such metaphors as â€Å"death†, â€Å"holocaust†, or â€Å"threat† (Crist, 2007, p. 30). Ambivalent views on climate change issues will be presented to identify which side of debate is more persuasive and effective in communicating their ideas to society. Characteristics of Coalitions’ Ideologies with Regard to Definitions It has been previously defined that ideology is a set of thoughts and ideas that appeal to a specific social group. The beliefs, values, and arguments exposed by climate change activists are directly influenced by social interests. In this respect, the ideologies reflected in discursive claims of different collations are oriented on particular social groups that contribute to the debate. In addition to this, Adam Smith’s definition of ideology is also congruent with the above assumptions. In particular, the economist insists that ideology is â€Å"the combining of knowledge, beliefs and preference into a comprehensive but distorted perception, which helps cope with difficult and bewildering problems† (Aage, n. d. pp. 8-9). Relying on existing economic discourse, people shape their awareness and attitude toward the problem. Hence, some people are forced either to think over survival techniques, or to ignore the problem. This form of awareness leads to shifts in habitual limits of morality and rationality.Advertising Looking for research paper on environmental studies? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More As a result, the so-called ideological bias is created with the help of such techniques as suppression, repetition, oversimplification, conciliation, and injection. These pillars are closely intertwined with such rhetorical devices as logos, pathos, and ethos. With regard to ideological definitions, it is purposeful t o define how authors apply to ideological standards to introduce their ideas to masses. While considering the supporters of climate change coalition, many authors often resort to neologisms and contemporary phrases to reveal that green economy is the future of prosperous development of the planet. In other words, they stick to one aspect of economic analysis, which meet their core beliefs and values. Similar approaches are used in the report presented by European Renewable Energy Council (n. d.) that introduces a metaphorical phase – â€Å"working for the climate†, that is reflected in other synonymous phrases as â€Å"renewable energy creates jobs†, â€Å"the energy revolution makes economic sense†, â€Å"strong policy boosts renewable energy†, or â€Å"jobs are diminishing in the coal sectors† (pp. 1-23). All these phrases reiterate the main scope of ideological influence – to present thoughts and concepts encouraged by social inter ests. The opponents of the climate change advocacy coalition also resort to identical techniques to enhance their position and increase number of supporting groups. For instance, Harvey (2011) resorts to repetitions of the word â€Å"skeptical† and â€Å"skepticism† while expressing his position about climate change in such phrases as â€Å"†¦first-hand weather experiences make Canadians skeptical about global warming†, and â€Å"that skepticism is being echoed in other parts of the world†. In this respect, the author provides the answer to the question in the title – Do People Still Care?. Avoidance and suppression is also reflected in neutral economic discourse by Harris, who, on the one hand, opposes to both sides of debates. On the other hand, his unique ideological representation aims at searching for the support on the part of advocacy coalition. By focusing on the actual matters of conflict between the two parties, Harris (2011) manages to attract attention of the target social group.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Ideology of Economic Discourse in Climate Change specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More In other words, distorting the ideas of others and interpreting previously stated beliefs in another light are the main ideological approaches used by Harris (2011). Hence, the scientists states, â€Å"†¦scientific theories are never proven by show of hand anyways, no matter how scientifically esteemed those expressing their views are† and adds â€Å"†¦the Earth would still be considered flat and space travel impossible† (Harris, 2011, p. 4). Such digressions indicate authors’ idea about ambiguity of existing scientific investigations. Judging from the examined passages, most authors pay particular attention to discussing bias to attract the audience and make them think over the problem of climate change crisis. In addition, they use rhetoric devices to expose information about the most urgent and complicate issues through invented connotations and distortion. Rhetorical Writing Analysis of a ‘Climate Change Advocacy Discourse’ Coalition: Defining the Main Strategies While evaluating different rhetoric devices used to highlight the main ideologies of climate change advocacy coalition, several non-governmental organizations have been reviewed. Specific attention has been placed to the most urgent discussions in terms of economic framework of climate change discourse. More importantly, the assessed articles and reports have revealed that the economic dimension of climate change is premised on using such rhetoric devices as rhetoric questions, metaphors, classical rhetoric, and use of logos, pathos, and ethos. Because climate change advocacy coalitions focus basically on total re-evaluation of existing economic structure, with no reference to consequences, specific attention is place d to the future perspective analysis, as well as governmental strategies directed as untangling climate change crisis. To enlarge on this point, such organizations as David Suzuki foundation, Greenpeace, Frazer Institute, and the leading political newspapers refer to pathos and ethos, rhetoric argumentation, and invented connotations while describing â€Å"the new economy†.Advertising Looking for research paper on environmental studies? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More For instance, Krugman (2010) refers to a realistic approach while describing the consequences of developing the traditional economic infrastructure. In particular, he states, â€Å"If we continue with business as usual†¦ we are facing a rise in global temperatures that will be little short of apocalyptic. And to avoid that apocalypse, we have to wean our economy from the use of fossil fuels, coal above all† (Krugman, 2010, n. p.). To persuade the readers of the writer’s awareness of the situation, the author digresses slightly from criticism and analyses the reverse side of the medal by introducing a rhetorical question: â€Å"is it possible to make drastic cuts in greenhouse-has emissions without destroying our economy?† (Krugman, 2010, n. p). In such a manner, the author shapes a solid basis for further debates on the topic to prove that a newly constructed â€Å"green† economy is a consistent, step-by-step policy that seeks to present a step forwa rd to a better future. To underscore the importance of introducing changes to economy, many activists place an emphasis on the tragedy of situation by using pathos. At this point, Shellenberger and Nordhaus declare â€Å"the death of environmentalism† because environment movement and its experienced representatives are unable to prevent â€Å"the world’s most serious ecological crisis† (Chirst, 2007. p. 31). As same as Krugman’s text is full of rhetorical questions, Cox (2009) also resorts to this device to highlight the economic discourse in climate change. At this point, all the questions presented in the passage closely relate to the problem of cost analysis and resources that people should invest to prevent such problem as greenhouse gas emissions. For instance, the author makes use of sub-heading in the form of rhetoric questions: â€Å"Public Policy Collision Course?†, â€Å"International Comrades in Arms.† There are also rhetoric ques tion in the text itself: â€Å"†¦it seems fair to ask what percentage of households in China, India, and other developing nations are prepared to pay anything. Cox’s article sounds like a calling for people to pay closer attention to the urgent problem. To intensify the discourse, the author also provides logos – numerical data that is represented in a comparison with real and predicted figures. Apparently, Cox (2009) intends to trigger the audience think about the scales of the problem and make them change their attitude to the climate change. Use of metaphors is the approach that is frequently used by policy-makers and environmentalists to attract the masses and trigger them to action. More importantly, the art of drawing the parallels through metaphors and expanding people’s imagination contributes greatly to developing sustainable and consistent ideologies that will have a potent impact on further development of economic strategies. At this point, Cris t (2007) exemplifies a number of environmental activists who apply to metaphors to strengthen their positions. Specifically, the author mentions Eugene Linden’s metaphor of the word â€Å"switch† to render the idea of the â€Å"tipping point†: â€Å"While we’ve tended to comfort ourselves by thinking that climate change is like turning a dial †¦ the reality is that shifts in climate are more like flicking a switch† (Crist, 2007, p. 31). In other words, the environmentalist calls for the necessity to resort to radical strategies while fighting with global warming and greenhouse effect. As described by Crist (2007), Ostling (2009), the representative of David Suzuki foundation, also clamors for a complete reevaluation of economic situation with regard to climate change. In this respect, he makes use of ethos while presenting the title of his post called B.C. Budget Maintains Core Climate Strategy, but Misses Opportunity to Invest in Green Econom y. By employing such a title, the activist intends to show the ignorance of the seriousness of the ecological problem and reluctance of the government to introduce the corresponding measures to the Canadian economy. Hence, he refers to the government commitment as to â€Å"missed opportunity to strongly position the province in the emerging green economy† (Ostling, 2009, n. p.). Additionally, exposing statistical data also allows the reader to understand the increased concern of the climate change advocacy coalition with the actual impacts of ignorance on ecological and economic problems. Deliberating further on the metaphorical meaning of title, attention should be paid to the one presented by Wood (2008). His title running as Liberals and Conservatives Offer Job Killing Climate Policies where the metaphor killing enhances the author’s attitude to government’s political platforms with regard to climate change crisis. Harris (2011) makes use of the metaphorical phrase â€Å"climate change bandwagon† while deliberating on the necessity to reconcile the climate change debate and provide resolution to existing conflict. Apart from abundant use of rhetorical questions, the author strengthens his writing with sophisticated metaphors and comparisons. At this point, authors appeals to such metaphors that serve to criticize governmental policy toward the climate change, as well as influence of this policy on people’s attitudes: If we are to quickly ‘expand the tent’ of supporters of realistic, science-based climate policies to include citizens of many different political persuasions, social philosophies and commercial interests, then logical fallacies and personal attacks on the integrity of our opponents must end ( Harris, 2011, p. 21). In such a way, the environmentalist states that scientific positions cannot be judged from false perspectives because this sphere of knowledge should always be congruent with objectivit y. Rhetorical Writing Analysis of a ‘Climate Crisis Skepticism’ Coalition: Defining The Main Strategies Harvey’s (2011) title runs, Climate Change, Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Canada: Do People Still Care?, which represents a skeptical article about the actual effectiveness of measures initiated by climate change advocators. The skepticism is especially revealed in the form of connotations and axioms delivering people’s genuine attitude toward the problem of global warming. Using references to reliable resources and respectable think tanks, the authors emphasizes the uselessness of strategies implemented by climate change activists. Adhering to the ideology ignorance, Harvey, apparently, wants to provoke the readers’ interest to his position and make them support the concepts and ideas he defends. Further, to define the economic implications, Harvey (2011) refers to the analysis of the Kyoto protocol by stating that its extension can cause signific ant disturbance among the Canadians. At this point, the Canadian government joined Russia and Japan in withdrawing the necessity to extend the international agreement. To highlight the position, Harper refers to arguments introduced by other leading politicians who recognize that â€Å"climate change is measured by centuries, not whether or not it rained on Victoria Day†. His skepticism is also presented in the following phrase: â€Å"†¦cooling and warming cycles are part of the earth normal pattern† (Harvey, 2011, n. p.). Many organizations whose major policies are directed at preventing the climate change crisis frequently resort to economic discourse to present a unique angle of their ideologies. In fact, their ideologies are more confined to attract people’s attention rather than to introduce effective strategies for fight with ecological disasters. Hence, while reviewing the main strategies and polices of the Global Warming Policies Foundation (2012) w ebsite, one can encounter the phrase â€Å"public trust is our most important asset† (n. p.). Judging from this, it is possible to assume that the organization is more concerned with public recognition rather than with solving the economic and ecological problems. Their economic concerns with climate change are of secondary importance. Much skepticism is revealed in The Wall Street Journal publication that expresses a rigid criticism of global warming concerns. Apparently, their ideologies are focused on maintaining the traditional structure of the economy because, according to their opinions, economic growth is hardly congruent with climate change policies. However, while conducting an in-depth analysis of ideologies presented in the newspaper article, it can be noticed that many authors apply to connotations, along with pathos, logos, and ethos to object to the scientific findings. In most of economic discourses on climate change apply to invented connotations of words and axioms to denounce scientific findings and impregnate controversial ideas to people’s minds. At this point, Clayton’s (2012) article appeals to ethos to persuade the audience that climate change advocacy policy can even be more harmful than the policy chosen by climate change skeptics. In particular, the author claims that use of alternative energy, such as wind, and sun power, can seriously influence climate both locally and globally. To enhance the position, Clayton (2012) refers to the latest scientific article to analyze the consequences and present ideas of recognized scientists: â€Å"Whatever you use energy for, it almost all ends up as a waste heat† (n. p.). To conclude the discussion and intensify its main idea, the authors applies to pathos while using such words as â€Å"scaremongering† and â€Å"accusation† while exemplifying one more scientific article. Within this context, Favate (2012) makes use of the â€Å"brewing† to emphas ize extreme imposition of public school of teaching about climate change as the main threat to the planet. While presenting two sides of the debate, the authors as if intend to show that climate change issue is on the current agenda overshadowing other, more important issues, such as poverty or unemployment rates. While resorting to the modes of persuasion in rhetoric writing to render economic aspects of climate change, the authors often refer to rhetoric argumentation rather than to other modes of persuasion. Nevertheless, some ideologists take advantage of this technique to attract the readers and support their position against introducing an ecologically predetermined economy. Specifically, Torello (2012) presents figures and charts disclosing budget that should be spent on delivering biofuels: â€Å"The â‚ ¬ 670 million ($ 850 million) investment by the state-controlled company in the plant †¦ aims at benefiting from European Union policies that seek to cut greenhouse- gas emissions from cars and trucks† (n. p.). Further, the author provides figures and percentages of prices of biofuels to prove that this kind of fuels is not profitable. To enhance the position, Favate (2012) applies to ethos while underlining perspectives of social development while introducing a â€Å"green† economy: â€Å"Europe’s squeezed consumers and taxpayers are paying the price for a flawed green policy that delivers no environmental benefits† (n. p.). Hence, the use of statistics is used to persuade the public that use of fuels does not provide benefits to either of spheres. In addition, considering pathos and ethos is also relevant to denounce the existing scientific findings. Discourse and Ideology: Representing Coalitions’ Ideologies as Special Forms of Social Cognition With regard to climate change discourse coalitions’ ideologies, the climate-change controversy is discovered as a system of autonomous political and economic sp heres. In other words, environmental issues are not discussed as separate notions, but as integral components of economics and politics. Through prism of economic analysis, coalitions’ ideologies aim at capturing social attention by their written discourses. Therefore, the impact of economic discourse on social cognition can contribute to shaping social perception of such problems as global warming and greenhouse effect. The collected data presented below will provide a better insight into social dimensions of economic discourse structures, as well as dynamic perspectives of developing economic discourse in environmentalist debates. Social Representation through Discourse Structures While considering the connection between ideologies of the climate change discourse coalitions and their written discourses, specific emphasis should be placed on aspects of discourses that share common social cognition. Judging from these conclusions, many authors establish preliminary internal s tructures and cognitive operations that can have a potent impact on social attitudes. While referring to social constructs and structures, Cox (2009) mentions how economic cost-benefit analysis can influence the marginalization of climate change crisis, which remains the most urgent topic for the world community. In addition, Cox (2009) mentions about financial issues of climate change strategies for the purpose of provoking societal interest to the environmental problem, as well as to readiness of the population to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In this respect, Cox (2009) emphasizes that 2 $ per ton is not enough for reducing emissions because â€Å"American households are simply not on the same â€Å"planet† with the radical change lobby† (n. p.). Apart from referring to financial issues, Cox attains the importance to economic discourse about environmental problems with regard to the world activities concerning gas emissions. Because many consumers all over the wo rld are concerned with economy to a much greater extent than with the climate change problems, the economic discourse in discussing gas emission threats can be an effective means of attracting attention of specific social groups. Similar to Cox’s position, who believes that highlighting economic and financial issues of climate change is much more effective than presenting ethical and ecological dimensions of the debate, Torello (2012), Krugman (2010), and Johal (2011) place a specific emphasis on logos to provoke interest of specific social groups. For instance, Johal, a climate change campaigner, presents a statement is fraught with numerical data: â€Å"The [National Roundtable on the Environment and Economy] calculates that the effects of climate change will cost the Canadian economy at least $ 5 billion a year by 2020, and between $ 21 billion and $ 43 billion year, or possibly more, by 2050† (Johal, 2011, n. p.). Such kinds of predictions foster further discussion s over the importance of economic discourses. Following the phrases, Johal (2011) strives to enhance the effect by stating, â€Å"The study only looked at a few categories of impacts† (n. d.). Climate change skepticism coalition applies to this approach as well by demonstrating the costs necessary for restructuring the traditional economy. Specifically, Torello (2012) exposes the prices on biofuel, which 1.5 higher than the price on traditional fuel. As supportive evidence, the skeptic mentions about decisions of the European Environmental Agency that questions the benefits of using biofuels. As a result, both sides of debates make a specific focus on consumerist tendencies and economic perspectives of social development to persuade the audience in their ideological position. Looking at Discourse Approaches from a Dynamic Perspective A rhetorical genre analysis viewed from a dynamic perspective contributes to understanding how various structural choices interact to meet the e stablished communicative goals of a genre. In this respect, the presented economic discourse in climate change coalitions provide an account on understanding the basic social and personal needs with regard to the current debates on environmental problems. Through economic and financial prism, both coalitions, first of all, refer to the problem of employment that would attract the target audience and make them think over the problem of global warming. In such a way, the ideologist benefits in both cases. Thus, environmental advocacy coalition refers to climate change economy through the perspective of effective job opportunities. In other words, it involves more social groups who are interested in getting new job and developing their professional skills. At it has been mentioned previously, European Renewable Energy Council (n. d.) takes advantage of the employment rate situation and introduces its environmental ideologies through creating new working space. Because job opportunities lead to improving the quality of life, Johal (2011) provides much concern with the ecological situation as the main reason for economic crisis. By focusing people’s attention on cost-and-benefit analysis of resources spent on gas emission reduction, the author plans to encourage people to invent strategies aimed at alleviating g the outcomes of carbon dioxide emissions: We can make a choice to take public transit, use renewable power, eat more responsible, get involved with others in our community who also want action and vote for government leaders who will invest in these solutions and make it easier for citizens and businesses to help fight climate change (Johal, 2011, n. p.). At a glance, the phase explicitly reveals the necessity of rational use of natural resources. However, the discourse contains important undercurrents and connotations presented between the lines that do not only enhance the pivotal phrases, but also impel people to be economically responsible. Addit ionally, the phrase creates an ideological bias, which is among the most common rhetoric approach used by coalitions. Harris (2011) also takes advantage of this approach while presenting his ideological standing. At this point, his views on use of energy with regard environment are extremely controversial. This is explicitly viewed from the article titles that do not actually reveal his apparent affiliation to either of coalitions: â€Å"Do experts really agree that we are causing a climate crisis?† (Harris, 2011, p. 4.). â€Å"Do scientific society open letters really say what we are told they?† (Harris, 2011, p. 10). â€Å"Politicizing the climate science debate has boosted alarmism† (Harris, 2011, p. 16). While looking closer at those titles, much attention should be paid to the terminology used in combination with metaphorical phrases. The disguised meaning is possible to uncover if the entire article is carefully considered. Understanding Environmental Disc ourse Coalitions’ Ideologies as Powerful Tools for ‘Ideological Production, Reproduction and Challenge’ While considering coalitions’ ideologies of as a set of beliefs shaping production, challenges, and reproduction, it is impossible to create those beliefs without identifying target groups. Being a type of social cognition, economic discourse represents practices of social groups through discourse. In this respect, ignoring social collectivities can prevent from delivering climate change concerns through economic discourse. Rhetorical writing, therefore, is primary focused on filling in the gaps between cognition, society and discourse. Judging from these assumptions, Krugman (2010) underscores the existing beliefs in attempt to present a new position based on existing knowledge. Making use of the power of argumentation, therefore, is the core techniques used by the author. Specific point of discussion is enhanced through the use of such words as â€Å" you†, â€Å"we†, and â€Å"us† that engages the reader unconsciously into the discussion: â€Å"†¦one you filter out the noise generated by special-interest groups, you discover that there is widespread agreement among environmental economists that market-based program to deal with†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Krugman, 2010, n. p.) All these phrases, however, are used to attract the attention and heighten the overall importance of the ideas. Further consideration of discourse proceeds with first person phrases uniting the accepted social beliefs and those provided by the author. The beliefs shared by the majority of social groups are also represented in the article by Cox (2009). Specifically, the author provides an detailed account on economic strategies of coping with climate change, but interferes the texts with personal metaphorical constructions, which can be noticed in the following passage: â€Å"The Waxman-Markey â€Å"cap-and-trade† bill still awaits con sideration by the US Senate, interest groups†¦.epitomized by the â€Å"Moving Cooler† coalition, but they are â€Å"low-balling† the costs of implementation†. Such additions as â€Å"cap and trade† and â€Å"low-balling† emphasize the presence of personal outlooks in the light of the generally accepted assumptions. As a result, the author tries to contras between the majority’s view and his own. Apparently, Cox (2009) attempts to highlight the parts that have been little discussed in the light of economic discourse. Using direct quotes from other sources is another approach by means of which the environmentalists strive to enhance credibility of information. This technique is particularly represented in the discourses by Harvey (2011), Harris (2011), Favate (2012), and Clayton (2012) who are more concerned with citing other credible resources and scientific findings to capture attention of concerned social groups. While assessing discour se as a form of social representation specific attention should also be paid to norms and values shared by the coalition. In this respect, the participants of the debates can be the ones supporting conservative views on solving the problem of climate changes and the one underscoring the liberal position while looking at environmental issues. It is logical to assume, therefore, that climate change advocacy coalition expresses a more liberal attitude toward shaping economic infrastructure whereas environmental skeptics stand for conventional underpinnings of the current economy. For instance, Torello (2012), as the brightest representative of conservative vision, expands on the negative consequences of introducing biofuel to the market. References Aage, H. (n. d.). Economic Ideology about the Environment. From Adam Smith to Bjorn Lomborg. Research Articles. Retrieved from: globalenvironment.it/aage.pdf Clayton, N. (2012). How Even Alternative Energy Could Threaten the Planet. Wall Str eet Journal. Retrieved from http://blogs.wsj.com/tech-europe/2012/01/31/how-even-alternative-energy-could-threaten-the-planet/?KEYWORDS=climate+change Cox, W. (2009). The Cost of Climate Change Strategies, Who Will Tell People?. Frontier Centre. Retrieved from: fcpp.org/publication.php/2928 Crist, E. (2007). Beyond the Climate Crisis: A Critique of Climate Change Discourse. Telos. 141, 29-55. European Renewable Energy Council (n. d.). Working for the Climate: Renewable Energy and the Green Job [R]evolution. Greenpeace. Retrieved from greenpeace.org/international/Global/international/planet-2/report/2009/9/working-for-the-climate.pdf Favate, S. (2012). Climate Change Debate Brewing in American Classrooms. The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved from http://blogs.wsj.com/law/2012/01/27/climate-change-debate-brewing-in-american-classrooms/?KEYWORDS=climate+change Global Warming Policy Foundation (2012). Who We Are. Retrieved from thegwpf.org/who-we-are/history-and-mission.html Harris, T. (2 011) Getting Society off the Climate Change Bandwagon. Frontier Centre for Public Policy, 102, pp.1-23. Retrieved from fcpp.org/files/1/PS102_CCBandwagon_F2.pdf Harvey, I. (2011). Climate Change, Greenhouse Emissions and Canada: Do People Still Care? Frontier Institute. Retrieved from fcpp.org/publication.php/3796 Johal, H. (2011). Climate Change: We Have a Choice. David Suzuki Foundation. Retrieved from: davidsuzuki.org/blogs/climate-blog/2011/10/climate-change-we-have-a-choice/ Krugman, P. (2010). 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