Should Same Sex Marriage Be Legal - 968 Words

The Definition of Family What is your definition to the term ‘family?’ The answer to that question varies depending on whom you ask, and everyone seems to have his or her own idea of it. Just this year, same-sex marriage was finally recognized in Alabama – one of the most conservative, southern states that you could possibly drive into. The whole idea of homosexuality regarding important topics such as marriage, psychological health, and parenting have been called into question to scientifically define what the term family should mean. Just to be clear, this topic sparks a grand amount of opinion, and opinion can easily be shut down by facts and relative research. First and foremost, majority of the individuals that are opposed to same-sex marriage are usually just as opposed to same-sex couples raising children (whether or not these children of homosexual parents grow up to be heterosexual or homosexual). These individuals will typically argue that children raised by same-sex parents will suffer psychologically and will grow up to be anxiety ridden, depressed adults with the inability to identify with a sexual orientation. Upon further research, one will find that a child being raised by same sex parents or a homosexual parent has very little influence on the child’s well being (Golombok, Perry, Burston, Murray, Mooney-Somers, Stevens, and Golding, 2003, p. 2). According to Wainright, Russell, and Patterson’s (2004) research on children raised by lesbian mothers, theyShow MoreRelatedSame Sex Marriage Should Be Legal1288 Words   |  6 Pages Marriage is not precisely the same as it used to be interpreted. For example, women used to be their husband’s property. Sometimes the women were forced to marry whoever their parents wanted them to marry and most of the time they couldn’t leave the marriage. Nowadays women have more freedom. They can vote, they can run their own business, and they can marry whichever man they want to. The laws change as the people’s mind change. As they get more comfortable with the idea, they become more openRead MoreSame Sex Marriage Should Be Legal Essay1475 Words   |  6 PagesSame sex relationships relate to when a man or woman are attracted to someone of the same gender of themselves. It is being rejected as same gender marriage denies the obvious purpose between a man and a women which is procreation (Richardson-Self, 2012). Denying same sex couples the legal right to get married, could mean that they are being denied their basic human rights to enjoy human benefits (Richardson-Self, 2012). However, the opposing view is that if gay marriage was granted the legal rightsRead MoreSame Sex Marriage Should Be Legal1403 Words   |  6 PagesSame-Sex Marriage â€Å"I now pronounce you†¦Ã¢â‚¬  At some point in a person’s life, they have heard or will hear those words. What follows, however, has changed somewhat over the years; although, the commitment has remained the same. Those words historically indicate that until the death of a spouse, that couple shall remain together. Who should be able to determine whom that spouse is for that person? Some people judge others for their sexuality and how it is affecting them, but they never stop andRead MoreSame Sex Marriage Should Be Legal1144 Words   |  5 PagesGay Marriage There are many issues the revolve around same-sex marriage. Many issues like: Whether same-sex should be legalized and should there be an amendment on same-sex marriage? There are multiple side to view this, but gay marriage but in my opinion gay marriage is socially accepted. it should be legal and it does affect American teens in a broad spectrum of ways. There have been a lot of issues on whether or not same-sex marriage should be legal or not. According to Burns, â€Å" The unionRead MoreSame Sex Marriage Should Be Legal998 Words   |  4 PagesSame sex marriage ought to be legalized on the grounds that it is uncivilized and unmerited. Marriage is a commitment between two people that cherish one another. In almost every country and culture, marriage is a commitment of loyalty and love. Marriage is an authority contract gathering two individuals together, furnishing them with profits of holy matrimony such as tax cuts and clinical privileges. The debate throughout most countries today is whether or not the rights of these profits and commitmentsRead MoreSame Sex Marriage Should Be Legal1659 Words   |  7 Pages Same-sex couples can hardly remember a time where they were not fighting for their right to marriage in the United States. After several court cases, California Proposition Six, and their struggle against the Defens e of Marriage Act (DOMA), same-sex couples found their way into U.S. society. Many misguided studies appealed to those opposing same-sex marriage, but after several years of integrating in society, same-sex couples found the support they were looking for. Before the Supreme CourtRead MoreSame Sex Marriage Should Be Legal899 Words   |  4 Pages In the United States, same sex marriage became legal nationwide on June 26, 2015, when the United States Supreme Court overruled the court in favor of same sex freedom and marriage. The victory of same sex marriage came to be recognized from the Obergefell v. Hodges case which was submitted when an American Ohio man was denied and regretted to get his name on his late husband’s death certificate. Same sex marriage has been a controversial social issue in the United States for several decades. SinceRead MoreSame Sex Marriage Should Be Legal1491 Words   |  6 PagesSame sex marriage is one of the most debatable issues in the modern world. Marriage has been accepted as the social union between a man and a woman for the past thousand years. Homosexuality was viewed with scorn, and marriages among same sex couples were prohibited in most cultures across the globe. However, gay relationships are slowly obtaining acceptance, as homosexuals have come to be expressive in fighting their rights to marry in the early 90’s. As homosexuality grows in acceptance in theRead MoreSame Sex Marriage Should Be Legal892 Words   |  4 PagesLove Same sex marriage is now allowed in all states across the country. But it took years and years for this â€Å"issue† to be finally laid to rest. The first state to legalize same-sex marriage was Massachusetts in 2004. There was not a last state to legalize gay marriage. The supreme court realized how many states were now legalizing it, so they just had all of the states left legalize it as well. ProCon.org supplies information that â€Å"Twenty-six states were forced to legalize gay marriage becauseRead MoreSame Sex Marriage Should Be Legal2253 Words   |  10 Pages1776). The recognition of same-sex marriage is an issue influenced by numerous factors, and debates continue to arise over whether people in same-sex relationships have the right to marriage. Marriage provides many benefits, legally, financially, and personally. Same-sex marriage can open up those in same-sex relationships to tax benefits and financial demands comparable to those afforded to and required of peo ple in opposite-sex marriages. Same-sex marriage also gives them legal protections, such as

Last Sacrifice Chapter Thirty-six Free Essays

string(32) " was a low hum of conversation\." I’D OFTEN DREAMED ABOUT waking up with Dimitri, waking up in a way that was †¦ ordinary. Sweet. Not because we were hastily trying to catch sleep before fighting our next foe. We will write a custom essay sample on Last Sacrifice Chapter Thirty-six or any similar topic only for you Order Now Not because we were recovering from sex we had to hide, sex laden with baggage and myriad complications. I just wanted to wake up together, in his arms, and have it be a good morning. Today was that day. â€Å"How long have you been awake?’ I asked drowsily. My head was on his chest, and I was wrapped against him as best as I could manage. My wounds were healing rapidly but still had to be babied. We’d found a few creative workarounds last night. Sunlight now spilled in through the windows, filling my bedroom with gold. He was watching me in that quiet, solemn way of his, with those dark eyes that were so easy to get lost in. â€Å"A little while,’ he admitted, lifting his gaze to the sunlight-filled window. â€Å"I think I’m still on a human schedule. Either that, or my body just wants to be up when the sun is. Seeing it is still amazing to me.’ I stifled a yawn. â€Å"You should have gotten up.’ â€Å"I didn’t want to disturb you.’ I ran my fingers over his chest, sighing in contentment. â€Å"This is perfection,’ I said. â€Å"Is every day going to be like this?’ Dimitri rested his hand on my cheek and then moved down, tipping my chin up. â€Å"Not every day but most days.’ Our lips met, and the warmth and light in the room paled compared to what burned inside me. â€Å"I was wrong,’ I murmured when we finally broke the long, languid kiss. â€Å"This is perfection.’ He smiled, something he was doing an awful lot of lately. I loved it. Things would probably change once we were back out in the world. Even if we were together now, Dimitri’s guardian side would always be there, ready and watchful. But not right now. Not in this moment. â€Å"What’s the matter?’ he asked me. With a start, I realized I’d begun to frown. I tried to relax my face. Unbidden, Adrian’s words had come back to me, that the next time I was in bed with Dimitri, I should think about others who weren’t so lucky. â€Å"Do you think I ruin lives?’ I asked. â€Å"What? Of course not.’ The smile changed to shock. â€Å"Where would you get that idea?’ I shrugged. â€Å"There are just a lot of people whose lives are still kind of a mess. My friends, I mean.’ â€Å"True,’ he said. â€Å"And let me guess. You want to fix everyone’s problems.’ I didn’t answer. Dimitri kissed me again. â€Å"Roza,’ he said, â€Å"it’s normal to want to help the people you love. But you can’t fix everything.’ â€Å"It’s what I do,’ I countered, feeling a little petulant. â€Å"I protect people.’ â€Å"I know, and that’s one of the reasons I love you. But for now, you only have to worry about protecting one person: Lissa.’ I stretched out against him, noticing my injuries really were constantly improving. My body would be able to do all sorts of things soon. â€Å"I suppose that means we can’t stay in bed all day?’ I asked hopefully. â€Å"Afraid not,’ he said, lightly running his fingertips along the curve of my hip. He never seemed to get tired of studying my body. â€Å"They come first.’ I brought my mouth back toward his. â€Å"But not for a little while.’ â€Å"No,’ he agreed. His hand slid up to the back of my neck, tangling in my hair as he drew me closer. â€Å"Not for a little while.’ I had never attended a royal coronation before, and honestly, I hoped I never would again. I only wanted there to be this one queen ruling in my lifetime. Eerily, the coronation was kind of a reverse of Tatiana’s funeral. What was the old saying? The queen is dead. Long live the queen. Custom dictated the monarch-to-be spend the first part of the coronation day at the church, presumably to pray for guidance, strength, and all that spiritual stuff. I wasn’t sure what custom did in the case of atheist monarchs. Probably they faked it. With Lissa, who was fairly devout, I knew that wasn’t a problem and that she was probably legitimately praying she’d do a good job as queen. After the vigil, Lissa and a huge procession walked back across Court to the palace building, where the crowning took place. Representatives from all the royal families joined her, along with musicians who were playing much more cheerful tunes than they had for Tatiana’s procession. Lissa’s guardians–she had a fleet now–walked with her. I was among them, wearing my finest black and white, including the red collar marking me as a royal guardian. Here, at least, was a notable difference from the funeral. Tatiana had been dead; her guardians were for show. Lissa was very much alive, and even if she’d won the Council’s vote, she still had enemies. My colleagues and I were on high alert. Not that you’d think we needed to be, not with the way the onlookers cheered. All those who had camped out during the trials and election had stayed for this fanfare, and more had shown up still. I wasn’t sure when there’d ever been this many Moroi in one place. After the long and winding walk, Lissa made it to the palace building and then waited in a small antechamber adjacent to what served as the Moroi throne room. The throne room was almost never used for modern business, but every once in a while–like a new queen being sworn in–the Moroi liked to pull out ancient traditions. The room was small and couldn’t hold all the witnesses from outside. It couldn’t even hold the entire procession. But, the Council and highest-ranking royal members were there, along with some select invitees of Lissa’s. I stood off to the side, watching the glamour unfold. Lissa hadn’t made her grand entrance yet, so there was a low hum of conversation. You read "Last Sacrifice Chapter Thirty-six" in category "Essay examples" The room was all green and gold, having been given a thorough and fast remodel in the last few days, since custom dictated the ruling family’s colors dominate the throne room. The throne itself sat high against the far wall, accessible by steps. Carved of wood I could no longer identify, I knew the throne had been carried around the world by Moroi monarchs for centuries. People were lining up in carefully assigned positions, preparing for when Lissa would enter last. I was studying one of the new chandeliers, admiring how realistic the â€Å"candles’ in it looked. I knew they were electric, but the craftsmen had done amazing work. Technology masked in old-world glory, just as the Moroi liked. A small nudge drew my attention away. â€Å"Well, well, well,’ I said. â€Å"If it isn’t the people responsible for unleashing Rose Hathaway on the world. You’ve got a lot to answer for.’ My parents stood before me in their typical and wildly contrasting clothing. My mom wore the same guardian outfit I did, a white shirt with black slacks and jacket. Abe was †¦ well, Abe. He had on a black pinstripe suite, with a black dress shirt underneath. Splashed against the darkness was a bright, lemon-yellow paisley tie. A matching handkerchief peeped out one of the jacket’s pockets. Along with his gold earrings and chains, he also wore a black fedora, which was a new addition to his outlandish wardrobe. I guess he wanted to go all out for an event like this, and at least it wasn’t a pirate hat. â€Å"Don’t blame us,’ said my mother. â€Å"We didn’t blow up half of Court, steal a dozen cars, call out a murderer in the middle of a crowd, or get our teenage friend crowned queen.’ â€Å"Actually,’ said Abe, â€Å"I did blow up half of Court.’ My mom ignored him, her expression softening as she studied me with her guardian eyes. â€Å"Seriously †¦ how are you feeling?’ I’d seen them only briefly in the days since waking up, just enough for us all to check in on each other. â€Å"You’re doing an awful lot of standing today. And I’ve already told Hans not to put you on active duty for a while.’ It was one of the most motherly things I’d ever heard her say. â€Å"I †¦ I’m fine. A lot better. I could go on active duty right now.’ â€Å"You will do no such thing,’ she said, in exactly the tone she’d use giving orders to a troop of guardians. â€Å"Stop coddling her, Janine.’ â€Å"I’m not coddling her! I’m looking out for her. You’re spoiling her.’ I looked back and forth at them in amazement. I didn’t know if I was witnessing a fight or foreplay. I wasn’t thrilled about either option. â€Å"Okay, okay, just back off you guys. I survived, right? That’s what counts.’ â€Å"It is,’ said Abe. He suddenly seemed very fatherly, which weirded me out even more than my mom’s behavior. â€Å"And despite the property damage and string of broken laws left in your wake, I’m proud of you.’ I suspected that secretly, he was proud of me because of those things. My cynical interior commentary was brought to a halt when my mom concurred. â€Å"I’m proud too. Your methods were †¦ not ideal, but you did a great thing. Great things, really. Finding both the murderer and Jill.’ I noticed her careful wording of â€Å"the murderer.’ I think it was still hard for all of us to accept the truth about Tasha. â€Å"A lot will change because of Jill.’ All of us looked over at the foot of the throne. Ekaterina stood on one side, ready with the book of royal vows. The other side was where members of the monarch’s family stood–but only one lone person was there. Jill. Someone had done a great job of cleaning her up. Her curly hair had been elaborately styled and pinned, and she wore a knee-length sheath dress with a wide portrait style collar, just barely showing off her shoulders. The dress’s cut made the most of her lanky figure, and the dark green satin looked great with her features. She was standing straight, chin high, but there was anxiety all over her, made more obvious by her being so conspicuously alone. I glanced back at Abe, who met my eyes expectantly. I had a lot of questions for him, and he was one of the few who might tell me the truth. The decision was: which question to ask? It was like having a genie. I’d only get so many wishes. â€Å"What will happen to Jill?’ I asked at last. â€Å"Will she just go back to school? Are they going to train her to be a princess?’ Lissa couldn’t be both princess and queen, so her old title went to the next-oldest member of her family. Abe didn’t answer for several moments. â€Å"Until Lissa can get the law changed–and hopefully, she will–Jill is all that allows her to keep her throne. If something happens to Jill, Lissa will no longer be queen. So. What would you do?’ â€Å"I’d keep her safe.’ â€Å"Then you have your answer.’ â€Å"It’s kind of a broad one,’ I said. â€Å"†Safe’ means a lot of things.’ â€Å"Ibrahim,’ warned my mother. â€Å"Enough. This isn’t the time or place.’ Abe held my gaze a bit longer and then broke into an easy smile. â€Å"Of course, of course. This is a family gathering. A celebration. And look: here’s our newest member.’ Dimitri had joined us and wore black and white like my mother and me. He stood beside me, conspicuously not touching. â€Å"Mr. Mazur,’ he said formally, nodding a greeting to both of them. â€Å"Guardian Hathaway.’ Dimitri was seven years older than me, but right then, facing my parents, he looked like he was sixteen and about to pick me up for a date. â€Å"Ah, Belikov,’ said Abe, shaking Dimitri’s hand. â€Å"I’d been hoping we’d run into each other. I’d really like to get to know you better. Maybe we can set aside some time to talk, learn more about life, love, et cetera. Do you like to hunt? You seem like a hunting man. That’s what we should do sometime. I know a great spot in the woods. Far, far away. We could make a day of it. I’ve certainly got a lot of questions I’d like to ask you. A lot of things I’d like to tell you too.’ I shot a panicked look at my mother, silently begging her to stop this. Abe had spent a good deal of time talking to Adrian when we dated, explaining in vivid and gruesome detail exactly how Abe expected his daughter to be treated. I did not want Abe taking Dimitri off alone into the wilderness, especially if firearms were involved. â€Å"Actually,’ said my mom casually. â€Å"I’d like to come along. I also have a number of questions–especially about when you two were back at St. Vladimir’s.’ â€Å"Don’t you guys have somewhere to be?’ I asked hastily. â€Å"We’re about to start.’ That, at least, was true. Nearly everyone was in formation, and the crowd was quieting. â€Å"Of course,’ said Abe. To my astonishment, he brushed a kiss over my forehead before stepping away. â€Å"I’m glad you’re back.’ Then, with a wink, he said to Dimitri: â€Å"Looking forward to our chat.’ â€Å"Run,’ I said when they were gone. â€Å"If you slip out now, maybe they won’t notice. Go back to Siberia.’ â€Å"Actually,’ said Dimitri, â€Å"I’m pretty sure Abe would notice. Don’t worry, Roza. I’m not afraid. I’ll take whatever heat they give me over being with you. It’s worth it.’ â€Å"You really are the bravest man I know,’ I told him. He smiled, his eyes falling on a small commotion at the room’s entrance. â€Å"Looks like she’s ready,’ he murmured. â€Å"I hope I am,’ I whispered back. In true grandiose fashion, a herald brought the room to attention. Perfect silence fell. You couldn’t even hear breathing. The herald stepped back from the door. â€Å"Princess Vasilisa Sabina Rhea Dragomir.’ Lissa entered, and even though I’d seen her less than half an hour ago, I still caught my breath. She was wearing a formal gown but had once again dodged sleeves. No doubt the dress-maker had had a fit. The dress was floor-length, with a skirt of silk and chiffon layers that moved and fluttered around Lissa as she strode forward. The fabric was the same jade as her eyes, as was the dress’s top, with a halter collar covered in emeralds that gave the illusion of a necklace. Matching emeralds covered the dress’s belt, and bracelets completed the display. Her hair was worn long, brushed out to gleaming, platinum perfection, an aura unto itself. Christian walked beside her, a sharp contrast with his black hair and dark suit. Customs were being modified significantly today since a family member normally would have escorted Lissa, but †¦ well, she was kind of running out. Even I had to admit he looked amazing, and his pride and love for her shone on his face–no matter what troubled feelings stirred within him over Tasha. Lord Ozera, I remembered. I had a feeling that title would become more and more important now. He led Lissa to the base of the throne and then joined the Ozera delegation in the crowd. Ekaterina made a small gesture to a large satin pillow on the floor in front of the steps. â€Å"Kneel.’ There was the briefest hesitation on Lissa’s part, one I think only I noticed. Even without the bond, I was so attuned to her mood and tiniest actions that I could pick up on these things. Her eyes had gone to Jill. Lissa’s expression didn’t change, and it was so strange not to know her feelings. I could make some educated guesses. Uncertainty. Confusion. Again–the pause was only a moment long. Lissa knelt, artfully spreading her skirts around her as she did. Ekaterina had always seemed so frail and wizened in that testing room, but as she stood there with the ancient Moroi coronation book, I could sense a power still within the former queen. The book was in Romanian, but Ekaterina translated it effortlessly as she read aloud, beginning with a speech about what was expected of a monarch and then going to the vows Lissa had to swear to. â€Å"Will you serve?’ â€Å"Will you protect your people?’ â€Å"Will you be just?’ There were twelve in all, and Lissa had to answer â€Å"I will’ three times to each one: in English, in Russian, and in Romanian. Not having the bond to confirm her feelings was still so strange, but I could see on her face that she meant every word she said. When that part finished, Ekaterina cued Jill forward. Since I’d last noticed the girl, someone had given her the crown to hold. It had been custom-made for Lissa, a masterpiece of white and yellow gold intertwined with emeralds and diamonds. It complemented her outfit beautifully, and, I noticed with a start, Jill did too. Another tradition was that the monarch was crowned by a family member, and this was what Jill had been saved for. I could see her hands tremble as she laid the bejeweled wonder on her sister’s head, and their gazes met briefly. A flash of troubled emotions swirled in Lissa’s eyes once more, gone quickly as Jill stepped back and the weight of the ceremony took precedence. Ekaterina held out her hand to Lissa. â€Å"Rise,’ she said. â€Å"You will never kneel to anyone again.’ Holding Lissa’s hand, Ekaterina turned so that they both faced the rest of us in the room. With a voice startling for her small body, Ekaterina declared, â€Å"Queen Vasilisa Sabina Rhea Dragomir, first of her name.’ Everyone in the room–except Ekaterina–dropped to their knees, heads bowed. Only a few seconds passed before Lissa said, â€Å"Rise.’ I’d been told this was at the monarch’s discretion. Some new kings and queens enjoyed making others kneel for a long time. Paperwork followed, which we all watched dutifully as well. Basically, it was Lissa signing to say she’d been made queen while Ekaterina and a couple witnesses signed that they’d seen Lissa made queen. Three copies were on the ornate paper Moroi royalty so loved. One was plain white letterhead, which would go to the Alchemists. When the signing was done, Lissa took her place on the throne, and seeing her ascend those stairs was breathtaking, an image that would stay with me for the rest of my life. The room broke out into cheers and clapping as she settled into the ornate chair. Even the guardians, who normally stayed so deadly serious, joined in the applause and celebration. Lissa smiled at everyone, hiding whatever anxiety she felt. She scanned the room, and her grin broadened when she saw Christian. She then sought me out. Her smile for him had been affectionate; mine was a bit humorous. I smiled back, wondering what she would say to me if she could. â€Å"What’s so funny?’ asked Dimitri, looking down at me with amusement. â€Å"I’m just thinking about what Lissa would say if we still had the bond.’ In a very bad breach of guardian protocol, he caught a hold of my hand and pulled me toward him. â€Å"And?’ he asked, wrapping me in an embrace. â€Å"I think she’d ask, â€Å"What have we gotten ourselves into?† â€Å"What’s the answer?’ His warmth was all around me, as was his love, and again, I felt that completeness. I had that missing piece of my world back. The soul that complemented mine. My match. My equal. Not only that, I had my life back– my own life. I would protect Lissa, I would serve, but I was finally my own person. â€Å"I don’t know,’ I said, leaning against his chest. â€Å"But I think it’s going to be good.’ First and foremost, thank you to all of the loyal and enthusiastic readers around the world who have accompanied Rose and me throughout the series. I couldn’t have made this journey without you and hope you’ll continue to enjoy the many Moroi and dhampir adventures to come. Thank you also to all of the friends and family who have supported me–especially my husband, who continually amazes me with his patience, love, and ability to live with the ups and downs of a â€Å"creative type.’ A special shout-out also goes to Jesse McGatha for creating the forest riddle, something I could never have come up with, let alone solve. And as always, I’m grateful to the publishing folks who work behind the scenes to make these books happen: Jim McCarthy–my agent, occasional therapist, and non- stop advocate; Lauren Abramo, who keeps finding more countries I’ve never heard of to send Rose to; Jessica Rothenberg and Ben Schrank, editors extraordinaire whom I’m pretty sure forego food and sleep to perfect these books; and publicist Casey McIntyre, who organizes my tours and interviews, with great care to arrange them around my hair appointments. A final thanks to all the others who work on this series at Penguin Books, Dystel Goderich Literary Management, and my international publishers. There are far too many of you to list, but all of you are essential in telling Rose’s story. Thank you. How to cite Last Sacrifice Chapter Thirty-six, Essay examples

The EverChanging American Culture Essay Example For Students

The EverChanging American Culture Essay As Americans, we used to worry little about war, having enough to eat, travel, freedom, and our most basic everyday activities. The tragic events of September 11, 2001 have forever changed the American way of life. We have now become more concerned with our physical health because of the few cases of anthrax and the possibility of more biological warfare. We also worry about nuclear warfare and the effects it could have on our health and environment. Americans have certainly become more patriotic and involved with their families since September 11. Most of us watch the news diligently to learn of any defeat the United States has accomplished in Afghanistan. Many of us are avoiding the airlines and are not spending very much money. This has helped push the economy further on the downward slope. The stock exchange hit bottom on September 21 in the 8100 range and is now back over 9900, which is right at the cusp of being a bull market (Pellegrini). Oil prices have been dropping rapidly and are now around 17 dollars a barrel, which will help to boost our slowing economy. Unemployment rates will unfortunately probably remain the same. Manpower, Inc. said Monday that its survey of United States companies hiring intentions for the first three months of 2002 barely registered a pulse, a weakness not seen since the recessionary early months of 1991. Unemployment numbers will continue to climb up through the winter and spring even as and if a recovery takes hold (Pellegrini). Our commitment together to boost the nations economy will ensure a bright future. Americas future seems to be based on our new ideas formed since September 11, but yet we still carry on the problems of the past. There is still many Americans living in poverty. There is still illegal drugs that infest our nation with addiction and crime that encircles the drug trade. There are many children not getting a good education and many of whom who are fearful of violence at our schools. It is up to us as Ame ricans to face these problems head on now more than ever before. We will write a custom essay on The EverChanging American Culture specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now The nations most important problems to tackle and change are our illegal drug problem, the lack of good education for those of all ages, and to end the terrorist situation. The United States War on Drugs has done little to stop the sources of the problem and has only persecuted the user. The nations children are often trying these illegal drugs at early ages despite drug education. These children also happen to lack in nearly every subject when compared to other nations around the globe. Many of the free nations of the world are dealing with terrorism and we all hope for a solution that will prevent any further violent acts committed against innocent people. The situation in Afghanistan actually began in 1979 when the Soviet Union invaded their country. The United States funded money to the mujahedin, or holy warriors, in the name of stopping communism. From this support, Afghanistan was able to defeat the Soviet Union in 1989. Yet the country became very unstable after the war. Political power was fluctuating often and leaders came in and out of power rapidly. Farmers resorted to growing many drugs such as poppies and marijuana and sold them around the globe. Cities were annihilated. Over five million Afghanis fled to other countries in search of a better life. When the Afghanis turned to the United States for help in rebuilding our country, we refused. This caused great anger amongst the Afghani people directed toward the United States. This also lead to Mullah Mohammod Omar, the current leader of Afghanistan, to form a ground of men to rebuild his country. They are now known as the Taliban. Omars personal description is, A simple band of dedicated youths determined to establish the laws of God on Earth and prepared to sacrifice everything in pursuit of that goal. The Taliban have many radical believes including the idea of the never ending holy war or, jihad. Since the original forming of the Taliban, they have taken over 90 percent of Afghanistan with some assistance from Pakistan. Now that number is probably much lower due the war efforts there. Osama bin Laden himself gave the Taliban over three million dollars in 1996 to take over Afghanistans capital (McGeary 14). Another source of the Middle Eastern peoples hate for the United States stems from our involvement with Israel. The United States has had a strong influence on Middle Eastern politics, which usually involve backing Israel. The United States supports Israel economically by giving them $840 million annually. Israel also obtains much military support from the United States, funds exceeding $3 billion and access to our weaponry (Beyer 19). Arabic people are also infuriated with American culture being thrust upon them, while they themselves cannot live our life of freedom and luxuries. Many of these people may wish to live our way of life, yet there are many who want to live the traditions of their past and want no American involvement. The main question on most Americans minds is what happens after Osama bin Laden and the al-Qaeda are destroyed. The al-Qaeda has provided training and inspiration to about 11,000 menaccording to United Stated intelligence estimateswho passed through its Afghan camps (Cloud). Most intelligent analysts agree that the network of terrorist could function without its leaders. Irene Stoller, former director of Frances anti-terror division states, This movement, these groups, are far too spread out, diffuse and fluid for a single operation to knock them out. bin Laden and his lieutenants may seem from the outside like super-managers of international Islamist terror, but the real planning and execution is carried out at lower levels. (Cloud). Many experts believe after the war, many terrorists will travel home to their native lands or travel to free countries and regroup with other like-minded people. Cloud states, Osama bin Ladens inner circle, the most senior figure worrying the United Sta tes investigators is Mustafa Ahmed, a.k.a. Shaikh Saiid, the bin Laden business manager and September 11 paymaster who was in the United Arab Emirates until shortly before the attacks. Ahmed has the skills and connections to put together funding for another terrorist operationand he doesnt need bin Ladens money. Investigators have learned over the past few weeks that al-Qaedas money comes from many varied sources beyond bin Laden, including gem miners who help raise funds for the group in Tanzania; contraband traders in the Muslim-heavy border region where Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay meet; and workers at charities throughout the MidEast. The long term solution requires tackling of underlying political, economic, and social roots of terrorismunresolved demands for Palestinian rights, perversion of Islam by radical clerics, corruption and poverty in many Arab states and grievances over United States policy in the region. Although the United States continue to battle the terrorists in Afghanistan, the terrorists continue to attack us here the United States. For over a month, federal investigators have tried to the follow the trail of anthrax victims in hope of finding a source. So far this strain of anthrax has killed five people and infected 13 others. This strain of anthrax, known as Ames, originated from the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases in Fort Detrick, Maryland. Investigators now believe that, Ames may have slipped through an informal network of scientists to Iraq, which sought the strain from a British bio-defense institute in 1988 but whose application was rejected because of concerns that it would be used to manufacture biological weapons (Fainaru). Federal investigators have also proved that the strain Ames, which appeared in Florida, is also the same that was discovered in Connecticut, Washington, and New York. Yet discovering the strain is Ames has done little to display who is using the strain in such a violent way. Ames has been recognized for its resistance to vaccines and is a natural strain from a diseased cow. Slowly, investigators are tracing the movement of Ames to discover who sent the anthrax mailings, but it will be difficult because many samples and mutations of this strain have been sent out across the country and could have fallen into the wrong hands. Especially Iraqi hands that have wanted the pathogen for a considerable amount of time (Fainaru). .u2fb0d83839aa718d0a68dec78d6f2281 , .u2fb0d83839aa718d0a68dec78d6f2281 .postImageUrl , .u2fb0d83839aa718d0a68dec78d6f2281 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u2fb0d83839aa718d0a68dec78d6f2281 , .u2fb0d83839aa718d0a68dec78d6f2281:hover , .u2fb0d83839aa718d0a68dec78d6f2281:visited , .u2fb0d83839aa718d0a68dec78d6f2281:active { border:0!important; } .u2fb0d83839aa718d0a68dec78d6f2281 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u2fb0d83839aa718d0a68dec78d6f2281 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u2fb0d83839aa718d0a68dec78d6f2281:active , .u2fb0d83839aa718d0a68dec78d6f2281:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u2fb0d83839aa718d0a68dec78d6f2281 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u2fb0d83839aa718d0a68dec78d6f2281 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u2fb0d83839aa718d0a68dec78d6f2281 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u2fb0d83839aa718d0a68dec78d6f2281 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u2fb0d83839aa718d0a68dec78d6f2281:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u2fb0d83839aa718d0a68dec78d6f2281 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u2fb0d83839aa718d0a68dec78d6f2281 .u2fb0d83839aa718d0a68dec78d6f2281-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u2fb0d83839aa718d0a68dec78d6f2281:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: JC Penney Marketing Research Outline EssayAs Americans, it is most important to feel safe here living in the United States and protect our freedoms. In order to continue to cope with the terrorist situations, we must face the reality. First it is important for bin-Laden and al-Qaedas fighters to be hunted down and stopped before they can reach another point of safe haven in a country that will protect them. Secondly, once the war is completed in Afghanistan, the United States should provide medicine, food, and rebuilding money to Afghanistan so we dont turn our back on them like we did before. The most important idea though is that Relative poverty did not create and does not excuse international terrorism. But it can build a network of sympathy for those who take up the bomb and gun. Somehow the West, with its commitment to rationalism, belief in the future, confidence in the soothing effects of prosperity, has to learn how to talk to those with a different mental cap, (Elliot). We also should remember that the terrorist attack of September 11 may have murdered more civilians than ever in our history, but it did not destroy our spirit. It is important for all of us to continue on with our daily lives and remember those lost. We should accept the tightening of security and laws at places and understand they are for our protection. We should fight terrorism with understanding (Alter). As Americans, we should continue to fight these new problems facing us and to try and tackle the old problems as well. Our children are our most important future and we need to protect them and educate them better than ever before. There are many reasons why the nations educational system is failing its children. Originally, formal schooling was set up to Americanize immigrants (Lieberman 41). There has been a decline in birthrates since the 1960s, yet lower socioeconomic groups birth rates remain the same. This means more middle-class and lower class children are attending public school, while though upper class children are attending private schools. Adults in low-income families are less activity politically and generally are less involved in their childrens education (Lieberman 9). There has also been a great increase in the population of senior citizens. Those older than 45 make up 35.9% of the population. Senior citizens tend to care less about supporting monies for education and more about health care. In 1987, federal spending on senior citizens per person averaged around $10,000, while average spending per child was only $854 (Lieberman 21). Changes in the family such as single parent homes, divorces, and poverty affect the education of children greatly. In 1987, 9.4 million women had children with no father involved in their childrens life. Of those families, 53.3% of those fathers did not pay any kind of child support (Lieberman 25). Also, more than one million children under the age of 18 are directly involved in a divorce each year. In 1996, 14% of the American population lived in poverty, 20.5% of which were children under 18 (Quiram 12). Families are not the only ones to blame for the lack of quality education in the United States. Eighty-five percent of the costs of public schools are spent on salaries and benefits of school district personnel, not the students (Lieberman 51). Teacher unions also only seek benefits for themselves, not for the students. Teachers are also paid based on their schooling and years of experience, not on the quality of their teaching (Lieberman 57). In 1990, the George Bush administration set up the National Educational Goals that were to have been met by the year 2000. It stated that the high school graduation rate will increase to 90%; all students leaving grade four, eight, and twelve will have competency in English, mathematics, science, foreign languages, government and geography; the nations teachers will have access to programs to improve their teaching skills; United States students will be first in the world in mathematics and science achievement; every adult will be literate and have necessary skills to function in todays economy; every school in the United States will be free of drugs, violence, firearms, and alcohol; and every school will promote parental involvement (Quiram 68). Yet it is true in fact that none of these goals have been completely achieved or even tackled by our school systems. The dropout rate for 1999 was 11.2%, which is still less than 90% of the students graduating (NCES). Students on the high sc hool level on the average only complete 3.8 years of English, 2.5 years of math, .2 years of computer science, 2.9 years of social studies, 2.1 years of physical and biological science and .3 years of foreign language (Quiram 24). This is not nearly enough education to compete with todays foreign market. Many of the nations public schools are still in horrible condition. In 1999, one quarter of school reported that at least one type of onsite building was in less than adequate condition. Half of schools reported that at least one building feature was in less than adequate condition. About four out of ten reported at least one unsatisfactory environmental condition. Close to ten percent of schools have enrollments twenty-five percent greater than the capacity of their buildings. The average dollar amount needed to fix each individual school is about $2.2 million and the grand total of funds needed to repair these schools is $127 billion (NCES). School safety has become a large concern since the many high school shootings. Yet statistics have not been changing for the better. During the 1996-1997 school year, 57% of public schools reported that one or more incidents of crime or violence had happened in their school. Ten percent of all public schools experienced one or more serious violent crime. Violent crimes are defined as murder, rape, sexual battery, suicide, physical attack, fight with a weapon, or robbery. Forty-five percent of elementary schools reported one or more violent incidents, compared with 74% of middle schools and 77% of high schools. School crime is proven to happen in larger schools, 38% of small schools reported incidents, while 89% of large schools reported criminal incidents. Schools in cities were twice as likely to report violent crime and gang activity than rural or suburban schools. During the 1998-1999 school year, 3,523 students were expelled for bringing a gun to school (NCES). Yet 78% of all sch ools claimed they had some type of violence prevention program, but it doesnt seem to be working. Neither does our former presidents plan to reform education. Lieberman lists many ways to help improve education. He recommends that high school age children should be able to graduate in a shorter period of time if they desire and receive rewards for doing so (274). He believes the PTA should just consist of parents and students making goals for education to discuss with teachers and the school board (275). He believes there should be a national curriculum plan so that all children are taught the same basic important ideas. Teachers should be required to take state examinations to evaluate their competency. He also believes parents should be given a better interpretation of their childrens grades by report cards that include: checklists, anecdotal comments, how attendance affects grades, how the grade point average was computed, what curriculum path the child is on, and increase the frequency of reporting (Lieberman 87). The United States government should also give better funding to schools that need repairs and new materials because our chi ldren are our most important asset of all. .u5e6dad78f22c44a0188675d083ac891d , .u5e6dad78f22c44a0188675d083ac891d .postImageUrl , .u5e6dad78f22c44a0188675d083ac891d .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u5e6dad78f22c44a0188675d083ac891d , .u5e6dad78f22c44a0188675d083ac891d:hover , .u5e6dad78f22c44a0188675d083ac891d:visited , .u5e6dad78f22c44a0188675d083ac891d:active { border:0!important; } .u5e6dad78f22c44a0188675d083ac891d .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u5e6dad78f22c44a0188675d083ac891d { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u5e6dad78f22c44a0188675d083ac891d:active , .u5e6dad78f22c44a0188675d083ac891d:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u5e6dad78f22c44a0188675d083ac891d .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u5e6dad78f22c44a0188675d083ac891d .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u5e6dad78f22c44a0188675d083ac891d .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u5e6dad78f22c44a0188675d083ac891d .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u5e6dad78f22c44a0188675d083ac891d:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u5e6dad78f22c44a0188675d083ac891d .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u5e6dad78f22c44a0188675d083ac891d .u5e6dad78f22c44a0188675d083ac891d-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u5e6dad78f22c44a0188675d083ac891d:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Essay Humans In The BiosphereThe nations illegal drug industry is not only thriving among school age children, but across the entire population of the United States. The United States is the single largest market place for illegal drugs (Zill). About 13 million Americans claim to occasional drug use of cocaine, marijuana, ecstasy, and other drugs, but about five million people have serious drug habits, spending over $500 a week to support their habits. These two groups of users spend $60 billion a year on illegal drugs (Zill). In 1999, Americans spent $63.2 billion on illegal drugs, $37 billion on cocaine, $12 billion on heroin, $10.2 on marijuana, and $4 billion on other illegal drugs (Who are Americas Drug Users?). This extremely large sum of money is collected in stash houses down south from Mexico to Columbia. All this money pays the salaries of shippers, processors, and bribes of government officials. Countries like Columbia and Mexico are almost dependent on the demand for drugs from the United States. The illegal drug industry stays intact because of its huge profit margins. Zill states that, Processed cocaine is available on the streets of Columbia for $1,500 per kilo and sold on the streets of America for as much as $66,000 per kilo. Heroin costs $2,600 per kilo in Pakistan, but can be sold on the streets of America for $130,000 per kilo. Methamphetamine are often even cheaper to manufacture costing approximately $300 to $500 per kilo to produce in clandestrine labs in the United States and abroad and sold on United States streets for up to $60,000 per kilo. The so-called War on Drugs seizures of illegal drugs have little effect on the industry. Current drug interceptions only stop 13% of heroin shipments and 28% to 40% of cocaine shipments (Zill). Between 1984 and 1999, the number of defendants charged with a drug offense in Federal courts increased from 11,854 to 29,306; 65% of those charged had been previously arrested, 16% reported being an importer, grower, or manufacturer, and 25% reported they were street-level dealers (Federal Drug Offenders). In the past decade, federal and state law enforcement agencies have seized over $48 billion in drugs, cash, and assets. The government has not been tackling the major sources of illegal drugs in the United States and only seems to arrest growers, users, and sellers, not those in charge. The government should learn to target the source of drugs and also provide better education to young people. The highest rates of illicit drug users are found among older teens. In 1999, 22% of tenth graders and 26% of twelve graders had used an illicit drug in the past month (Americas Drug Users). Twenty to Twenty-one percent of young adults age 18 to 20 reported using an illicit drug within the past month. The highest drug using ethnic population is Native Americans and those reporting mixed races. In 1999, 8.7% of men and 4.9% of woman were illicit drug users (Americas Drug Users). The most commonly used drug is marijuana, with 11.1 million users in 1999. The use of marijuana has remained almost constant throughout the 1990s. There was also about 1.5 million cocaine users in 1999, representing 7% of the population. The federal governments planned expenditures on illegal drugs for the year 2002 is an estimated $19.2 billion, compared to 2001s budget of $18.1 billion. The government plans to spend $2,296 million on plans to reduce youth drug use, $8,052 million on reducing drug-related crime, $3,101 million on rehabilitation programs, $2,555 million on border control, and $2,047 on reducing the source of supply. This money is further broken down into specific programs. Parents for a Drug-Free Future Program will spend $5 million dollars on educating communities on drug abuse prevention of young people, and providing scientific information to provide factual information to children. Eleven million dollars will also be spent on the Drug-Free Communities Program, which assists community-based groups to foster local anti-drug activities. The federal government will spend over $126 million dollars on research to improve drug abuse treatment for addicted offenders in the criminal justice system. Twenty -nine million dollars will be spent on the National Data Collection, which will decide which drug-related services are still effective. The most outrageous statistic of all, the federal government will spend $731 million on the Andean Regional Initiative that will give counter-drug money to Columbia, Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Brazil, Venezuela, and Panama (ONDCP). The description by the ONDCP states, The counter-drug strategy in the region must include funding to bring greater economic and political stability to the region and a peaceful solution to Colombias internal conflict. I find that most of these program descriptions are vague and are generally a waste of taxpayers moneys on programs that havent been working. Something drastic needs to be done to change federal government policy to either decriminalize certain drugs or to actually attack the sources of these drugs instead of funding money to the source. Drugs, the terrorist war, and education have affected each and every single American. All of our nations problems tie into together like a spider web. There are many problems faced by this nation, that all must be handled one issue at a time. More money should be spent on ending poverty in the United States. We need to discover alternative forms of energy incase of an oil shortage. We need to make drastic changes in our environmental policies to stop doing so much damage to our environment. We need to have a great love and compassion of those different than us and respect the variety of people in the United States. As a nation, we need to all become more involved politically so we have better options for senators, governors, presidents, and representatives. We must remember that freedom isnt something everyone around the world gets to experience, and we are most lucky for having it. Most of all, we must continue the patriotism that was born on September 11 and never forget how proud we are of our freedoms, right, and beliefs. Bibliography:Alter, Jonathan. Patriotism. Newsweek Sep 2001. 21 Nov 2001. Beyer, Lisa. Roots of Rage. Time 1 Oct 2001: 19. Cloud, John. What is the Al-Qaeda Without Its Boss? Time 26 Nov 2001. 26 Nov 2001. Elliot, Michael. Dont Make a Matryr of Osama. Time 26 Nov 2001. 26 Nov 2001. Fainaru, Steve and Joby Warrick. Deadly anthrax strains muddy trail. The Washington Post 25 Nov 2001. 26 Nov 2001. Federal Drug Offenders. government. Aug 2001. 18 Nov 2001. Lieberman, Myron. Public Education: An Autopsy. Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 1993. McGeary, Johanna. The Taliban Troubles. Time 1 Oct 2001: 14. National Center of Educational Statistics. government. 18 Nov 2001. National Center of Educational Statistics. government. 18 Nov 2001. National Center of Educational Statistics. government. 18 Nov 2001. Office of National Drug Control Policy. government. April 2001. 18 Nov 2001. Pellegrin, Frank. The Street This Week: Planes, Trains, Automobiles, Malls Or None of the Above? Time 19 Nov 2001. 21 Nov 2001. Quiram, Jacquelyn, Mei Ling Rein, and Nancy Jacobs, eds. EducationReflecting Our Society. Wylie: Information Plus, 1998. Who are Americas Drug Users? org. 14 Nov 2001. 18 Nov 2001. Zill, Oriana and Lowell Bergman. Do the Math: Why the Illegal Drug Business is Thriving. org. 14 Nov 2001. 18 Nov 2001.

Corporate Governance and Social Responsibly

Corporate Governance and Social Responsibly Corporate governance and corporate social responsibilities are competitive advantage strategies that focus on the social, economical, and political improvement of society/community where organizations operate (Moon, 2001). This paper discusses how corporate governance and corporate social responsibilities affect economic, social, and financial elements of organizations and their stakeholders.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Corporate Governance and Social Responsibly specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Corporate Governance and Stakeholder Corporate governance and corporate social responsibilities are central to the success and effectiveness of organizations; when making decisions, leaders should consider the social, economic, financial, and political effect of the decisions; timely, effective, and responsive decision should ensure continued improvement of the above considerations. When conducting business, organization s affects their habitats environment positively or/and negatively; modern strategic management puts emphasis on improving business-environment relationship where emphasis is on corporate governance and corporate social responsibilities. Stakeholders There are numerous stakeholders that are affected by corporate governance, they include the target markets, the community of which the organization operate, government, employees, tax authorities, potential investors, environments, and shareholders. The holy trinity of good corporate governance is the notion of shareholders right to question board/ management decisions, transparency and boards full accountability for their actions. This is ethical behaviour in its true sense (Rasmussen, 2005). Strengths of corporate governance Transparency and accountability force management and the board to be disciplined and ethical in everything they do. Therefore, ethical boards and management are high in effective corporate governance. There is a di rect link and positive correlation between a companys competitiveness and financial performance on one hand and the effectiveness of its corporate governance and its ethical behaviour on the other hand. Organisations that adhere to corporate social responsibilities and corporate governance build customer confidence that facilitate business and boosts its competitiveness (Machan, 2007).Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Reform of Corporate Governance In contemporary business environments, there is need for management to keep changing their corporate governance model to fit the demands of the market. When companies have embarked on CSRs, they have no option than considering ethics and good governance in their business, when these two have been attained, then future disasters are likely to be prevented. In line with CSRs operations, companies make efforts geared toward social enabling efforts like developing infrastructures, providing primary health care, developing education systems among others in developing countries. In wakes of disasters, the company will be ready to assist. Corporate governance and CSR projects should be aimed at improving the operating environment. Internally, it will also aim at making operations safer and enhancing disaster recovery. These efforts will not only benefit community and environment but also enhance the organization image, thus increasing business. Corporate social responsibility manager establish frame works to enhance compliance with internationally recognised CSR standards like Triple Bottom Line (TBL), People, Planet Profit (3Ps strategy); if companies can be genuine and embark on CSR supported by ethical business and good governance, then the world can stand free of disasters, resulting from companies operations (Jones, Parker and Bos, 2005). In contemporary business environment, there is need for organ izations to enact policies that focus on corporate governance and corporate social responsibilities. Corporate governance and corporate social responsibilities involve the manner in which companies are managed to create and distribute increasing value to its stakeholders; the policies include the structure of the board (audit, nomination and compensation committees), management/board relationships, carrying out value creating activities, shareholders rights, record keeping, information disclosures and management compensation and its disclosure. References Jones, C., Parker, M. and Bos, R.,2005. For Business Ethics : A Critical Text. London: RoutledgeAdvertising We will write a custom report sample on Corporate Governance and Social Responsibly specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Machan, T. R. ,2007. The Morality of Business: A Profession for Human Wealthcare. Boston: Springer. Moon, C.,2001 Business Ethics. Boston: Springer. Rasmussen, L.,2005. Ethics expertise: history, contemporary perspectives, and applications. Boston: Springer.

Understanding the Ballot Initiative Process

Understanding the Ballot Initiative Process The ballot initiative, a form of direct democracy, is the process through which citizens exercise the power to place measures otherwise considered by state legislatures or local governments on statewide and local ballots for a public vote. Successful ballot initiatives can create, change or repeal state and local laws, or amend state constitutions and local charters. Ballot initiatives can also be used simply to force state or local legislative bodies to consider the subject of the initiative. As of 2016, the ballot initiative process was used at the state level in 24 states and the District of Columbia and is commonly used in county and city government. The first documented approval for the use of the ballot initiative process by a state legislature appeared in the first constitution of Georgia, ratified in 1777.   The State of Oregon recorded the first use of the modern ballot initiative process in 1902. A major feature of the American Progressive Era from the 1890s to 1920s, the use of ballot initiatives quickly spread to several other states. The first attempt to gain the approval of the ballot initiative at the federal government level took place in 1907 when House Joint Resolution 44 was introduced by Rep. Elmer Fulton of Oklahoma. The resolution never came to a vote in the full House of Representatives, having failed to gain committee approval. Two similar resolutions introduced in 1977 were also unsuccessful.According to the Initiative Referendum Institutes Ballotwatch, a total of 2,314 ballot initiatives appeared on state ballots between 1904 and 2009, of which 942 (41%) were approved. The ballot initiative process is also commonly used at the county and city levels of government. There is no ballot initiative process at the national level. Adoption of a nationwide federal ballot initiative process would require an amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Direct and Indirect Ballot Initiatives Ballot initiatives may be either direct or indirect. In a direct ballot initiative, the proposed measure is placed directly on the ballot after being submitted by a certified petition. Under the less common indirect initiative, the proposed measure is placed on a ballot for a  popular vote only if it has first been rejected by the state legislature. Laws specifying the number and qualifications of names required to place an initiative on a ballot vary from state-to-state. Difference Between Ballot Initiatives and Referendums The term ballot initiative should not be confused with referendum, which is a measure referred to voters by a state legislature proposing that specific legislation may be approved or rejected by the legislature. Referendums may be either binding or non-binding referendums. In a binding referendum, the state legislature is forced by law to abide by the vote of the people. In a non-binding referendum, it is not. The terms referendum, proposition and ballot initiative are often used interchangeably. Examples of Ballot Initiatives Some notable examples of ballot initiatives voted on in  the November 2010 midterm elections included: Washington State Initiative 1098 would impose a first-ever state income tax, initially on individuals with incomes above $200,000 but later possibly extend to other groups at the legislatures discretion. This action would remove Washington from the list of nine states without a state income tax.Californias Proposition 23 would suspend enforcement of the sweeping California Global Warming Act and all laws related to it until the states unemployment rate eases and becomes stable.A ballot initiative in Massachusetts would  slash the states sales tax from 6.25 percent to 3 percent, and repeal in most cases the state sales tax on alcoholic beverages.Californias Proposition 19 would legalize the possession, cultivation, and transportation of marijuana for the personal use of persons 21 years of age or older.As a sign of opposition to the new federal health care reform law, voters in Arizona, Colorado, and Oklahoma considered ballot initiatives affirming individuals choices on purchasing insurance or participating in government plans.

The Masterpiece in Public Enemys Hip Hop Track Essay

The Masterpiece in Public Enemys Hip Hop Track - Essay Example The essay "The Masterpiece in Public Enemy’s Hip Hop Track" discusses the Public Enemy’s Hip Hop Track â€Å"Fight the Power†, one of the greatest musical works in history. The track features a hard, intense sound – one that is clearly different from the other hip-hop songs produced earlier. Produced in June 1989 as a single, at the request of Spike Lee, the track was to be used as the theme song to the movie ‘Do The Right Thing’. The movie focused on the racial tension that was then being experienced in Brooklyn, New York and in the rest of the United States of America. Contrary to what the title of the song literally suggests, â€Å"Fight the Power† was not about fighting the authorities that reigned at the time but rather it had all to do with fighting the abuse of powers by them. The abuse of power by white authorities led to oppression and violation of human rights. This song came at a very significant point in the history of the black people in America. Because after the Civil War of the 1960s that were believed to have ended racism, the song revealed the situation on the ground. It was believed that racism did not exist in the 1980s - a notion that is very far from the truth as racism had only taken another form. During the 80s, racism hurt mor e because most of the black people knew their rights and still experienced its harsh effects. According to the song, being black made one an enemy of the public. If a crime was committed in the U.S. during the 80s, the first suspects were the African Americans. Accusations against people were simply based on their race. The blacks were effectively considered to be guilty until proven innocent in spite of the fact that the law stated that one is innocent until proven guilty. The song urged people to talk against racism and make use of their right to freedom of speech (Lyrics Depot par. 1). The song noted that it was time to do the right thing; talk against all forms of racism. The right to freedom of speech for the black community had long been a foreign concept. The song urged the blacks to fight for their constitutional right to be respected unto death. The lyrics of the song state that â€Å"Our freedom of speech is freedom or death† (Lyrics Depot par. 1). The song also vie wed everybody as equal regardless of race, age and neighbourhood. The song â€Å"Fight the Power† addresses the issue of Blacks’ history. For a long time, it had been assumed in the U.S. that Blacks did not have a history, this in spite of the fact that they had been in existence for a long time. The heroes that were being recognized in one way or another and their pictures featuring on the stamps are the very ones that the Blacks could not relate with. In the song, one example of such heroes is Elvis who was considered to be the king of rock and roll (Lyrics

Natural hazard in Japan Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Natural hazard in Japan - Term Paper Example Natural hazards or disasters that Japan is frequently subjected to experience include volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, heavy torrential rains, typhoons, and heavy snow (Kingston, 2012 pg. 216). Every year in Japan, there are great loses of peoples’ lives and property due to natural hazards. Until 1950s numerous large scale typhoons and earthquakes caused thousands of casualties and extensive damages. However, though the causes of disaster are natural and cannot be within anyone’s control, the disasters damage have been shown to be on a tendency which is declining even if the natural disasters are still occurring. Japan and its economy have been through series of naturally hazardous occurrences. The Japan economy, according to the statistical economy figures released in 2011, shrank by 3.7% in the first period of 2011. Such an economic shrinking tipped the country in to a recession. The economic crisis also disrupted the Japan’s political life. This was illustrated by incidence of Mr. Kan starving being starved off through a vote of no confidence. The action gave a deep insight of division between the government of Mr. Kan and the alliance of bureaucrats that has dominated the public life of Japan for decade (Kingston, 2012 pg. 254). There are overwhelming human and economic losses due the natural hazard that are experienced by Japan. Japan was estimated to have lost 5% of stock in the capital as a result of disasters and hazards. After initially playing economic impact down as a result of the March 2011 earthquake, there was an announcement by the government that Japan had officially fallen into recession following the tsunami and the soon followed nuclear disaster. The GDP of the country fell by 0.9% in the quarter of January to March and 3.7% annualized retreat. Insurance companies in the economy have been hit hard. This is because more than 400000 claims on damages of properties were made while many survivors say that they had no insurance