Inauguration Reactions: The Making of a Memory in January

As a â€Å"baby boomer†, I have seen and done many things during my 60 years in the world. I grew up to see technical innovations, the space race, and the transformation of the United States in the 1960’s. I have traveled all over the country as a child with a father, who was a career military man. I have even traveled the world during my stint as a Seaman. I have seen the hard life of the streets and walked the hallowed halls of the university, receiving a Master’s in Criminal Justice, some twenty-plus years ago. The events of my past tie into the major event I will soon see in my future, President-elect Barack Obama’s Presidential Inauguration. I must admit that this milestone in our nation’s history brings to me pride, wonder, and nostalgia. Along with all these emotions, comes what a man like me finds hard to admit, fear. Barack Obama has been talking about change and I know all about and I have seen change, I have embraced it. I will embrace inauguration day with as much enthusiasm as I can, even though I am still filled will wonder. I must admit that the new transformation of the nation is difficult for me and many like me. I grew up, as a young boy, to understand that the integrity of a military person was never to be questioned. It was an inconvenient truth in my twenties, during my own military experience to see the opposite. Many Vietnam veterans were not received and revered like the military men of my father’s wars. To me, McCain was the epitome of courage and strength during that misunderstood war in Vietnam and to see the shift away from the honor that men like him deserve brought up many painful memories for me. I must add too, that I am white. But, color has never been an issue with me in this situation. Most of us, who remember the 60’s, have evolved from pointless racism. As a man, though, who has seen the ins and outs of criminal justice, it is hard to trust the integrity of an attorney. Most in the criminal justice field feel similar. As an older person, as well, it is hard to trust the unfounded optimism of the youth and their vote. I remember when I was young and saw many activists hitting the streets in protest and to me it was simply chaos. But, then it was â€Å"word of mouth† grassroots campaigning while now technology has advanced us to internet activism and social networking. Some have even said the Obama won because of his extensive internet presence. All of this is a wonder in itself. I must admit that some of the fear, too, comes from recalling the tragedies of innovative men like Obama. I vividly recall the assassinations of both Kennedy brothers, Martin Luther King Jr. , and Malcolm X. When I hear reports of dissidents in the U. S. , I fear for this man, because I know that this can happen, because it has happened. I wonder if the youth think about that much. In closing, I would like to say that I was proud of both candidates that ran for President in 2008 and will be proud of Obama, when he takes the honor in 2009. I feel as if I am passing the torch into a new era, a torch that has been burning now for some years without me even realizing it. It will take a lot of acceptance and expectations for this new generation, but I am confident that they can handle the charge appointed not just to the President, but to them, as well. As long as the conception of honor and integrity stay always on the table, I can rest assured that the next four years will be memorable and momentous.

Moral dilemma essay Essay

A moral dilemma entails a choice between two highly conflicting values, where the decision made may result in guilt and remorse. As responders we are able to assess our own values in regards to the character’s actions. These characteristics are present in the texts Montana 1948 by Larry Watson 1993, The Returning by Daniel De Paola 1964 and Clint Eastwood’s Million Dollar Baby 2004. I personally have been influenced to assess my own values towards family ties, justice and the balance between right and wrong. When faced with a moral dilemma, avoidance and denial often result in greater consequences. In Montana 1948 the sheriff Wes has conflicting values of family loyalty and justice leading to an immense moral dilemma whether to convict his own brother even though this may have an adverse effect on familial ties. Wes instead resorts to denial of the situation. This denial is highlighted shortly after Franks exploitation of Indian women was brought to light by Gail. Wes attempts to refuse Marie’s accusations. â€Å"For gods sake, you know how she (Marie) likes to make up stories.† Despite knowing his brothers capability to commit such actions his aggressive tone shows his resistance to Gail’s argument, instinctively protecting his value of family over the law and also his loyalty to Marie. After coming to terms with the facts of Franks perversity Wes attempts to solve the problem, although half heartedly, by confronting Frank. â€Å"I think the problems been taken care of. Frank said he’ll cut it out,† In this context the colloquial language ‘cut it out’, referring to the molestation and raping of women, undermining the situation, reducing its severity and allowing Wes to not only justify his own avoidance but to pacify Gail. The relevant consequence to his lack of action is Frank’s mur der of Marie the following day, in an attempt to dispose of evidence against him, a much graver fate than if Wes had convicted Frank initially. Denial of a moral dilemma is also manifest in the film Million Dollar Baby. The scene in which Maggie asks Frankie to end her life, Frankie is faced with an unfathomable decision that contradicts his love for her as a daughter but also his faith in God. Repetition of â€Å"I can’t† demonstrates Frankie’s affliction towards the situation. The diegetic sound of Maggie’s  breathing paired with a close up shot addresses Maggie’s constant suffering supporting her reason to beg Frankie for the favour. Frankie chose to avoid maggie’s request until she attempts to take the problem into her own hands. The use of dark lighting in the final hospital scene, emits an eerie feeling to symbolise Frankie’s daunting and pressing task. He realises he must end her suffering. These texts demonstrate that doing what is morally correct may be difficult. Nonetheless I have learnt that the outcome of ignoring an issue may become an even bigger burden. If presented with a moral dilemma, I would work to solve the problem as quickly as possible but also to take the time to do it correctly. The perception different individuals hold for one another influences the approach taken in a moral dilemma, highlighting values of family, race and social status. In watson’s novel Wes is aware of the racial division, upon native American Indians of the time. This prejudice plays a large role in the treatment of Marie. The prejudice of the native indian women is evident in Julian’s comparison of native american women to â€Å"red meat† The derogatory metaphor ‘red meat’ conveys his perception of the native American Indian females as lowly animals, merely alive for amusement value. However Wes has a moral dilemma between the prejudice and his personal beliefs. This is demonstrated in the scene prior to Marie falling ill. David describes Wes as: â€Å"He simply held them (Indians) in low regard†¦he could treat indians with generosity and respect (as he could treat every other human being)† The use of the pronoun ‘them’ is intended to inflict primitiveness and inferiority on American indians by stereotyping them, meanwhile the words ‘generosity’ and ‘respect’ holding positive connotations, show Wes’ broader perspective. The conflict between his personal and family values pose a moral dilemma. Wes’ valuable perception of all individuals lives, override the views held by his brother and father, compelling him to seek justice. In Daniel De Paola’s short story â€Å"The Returning† we are presented with an underlying conflict between the whites and the natives. Although not spoken between one another, each character has been influenced by society to hold certain views. Negative connotations from Dark cat expressed in â€Å"At another  time and place, he wouldn’t have wanted to linger in a room alone with a white woman.† Contrasting with â€Å"But here and now there was only friendliness between them.† Conveys Dark cats prejudice towards whites. Meanwhile, high modality present in â€Å"never felt† shows that Dark cat may be turning a new leaf with the whites. This example demonstrates that moral dilemmas can make one rethink their bias. As discussed each character has conflicting predetermined values and beliefs that directly affect their decision. I have come to a conclusion that although mentally testing, the way in which I would handle a difficult situation would be to try to be aware and disregard irrational prejudices. Through my study of moral dilemmas, in particular in the texts Montana 1948, The Returning and Million Dollar Baby I have come to question values such as family, justice and the balance between what is right or wrong. I would act immediately to resolve the dilemma and overcome any prejudice that conflicts with my decision.

Mustafa Kemal Ataturk: The First President of Turkey

Mustafa Kemal Ataturk (indeterminate, 1881–10 November 1938) was a Turkish army officer, revolutionary statesman, and founder of the Republic of Turkey as well as its first President. Ataturk became known as an extremely capable military officer by being the only undefeated Ottoman commander during World War I. [1] Following the defeat of the Ottoman Empire, he led the Turkish national movement in the Turkish War of Independence. Having established a provisional government in Ankara, he defeated the forces sent by the Allies. His successful military campaigns led to the liberation of the country and to the establishment of Turkey. During his presidency, Ataturk embarked upon a program of political, economic, and cultural reforms. An admirer of the Age of Enlightenment, he sought to transform the former Ottoman Empire into a modern, democratic, and secular nation-state. The principles of Ataturk's reforms, upon which modern Turkey was established, are referred to as Kemalism. Early life Main article: Mustafa Kemal Ataturk's personal life Born as Mustafa, his second name Kemal (meaning Perfection or Maturity) was given to him by his mathematics teacher in recognition of his academic excellence. [2] He was born to a turkish family living in Thessaloniki. Mustafa’s mother was Zubeyde Hanim (1857-1923), a devout Muslim and â€Å"as fair as any Slav from beyond the Bulgarian frontier† with â€Å"fine white† skin and â€Å"eyes of a deep but clear light blue†. [3] In his early years, his mother encouraged Mustafa to attend a religious school, something he did reluctantly and only briefly. Later, he attended Semsi Efendi school (a private school with a more secular curriculum) at the direction of his father. His parents wanted him to have education in a trade, but without consulting them, Ataturk took an entrance exam for a military junior high school in Thessaloniki (in Turkish, Selanik, which was an Ottoman city at that time) in 1893. In 1896, he enrolled into a military high school in the Ottoman city of Manast? r (modern Bitola, Macedonia). In 1899, he enrolled at the War College in Istanbul and graduated in 1902. He later graduated from the War Academy on 11 January 1905.

Working with violence and harm Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Working with violence and harm - Essay Example aves, brain washed and thereafter used to perpetuate acts of terrorism or used in drug trafficking among other social ills in the society while their masters draw all the financial benefits. Ironically, human trafficking is rife in the developed countries. Human beings are the most valued of all living things, they have dignity and value for their lives. Human trafficking devalues human dignity by making people look like other products in shops and stores all over the country. The trade is therefore inhumane since it makes some people look subordinate to others a fact that results in open conflicts of interests. Humans sell their labor willingly through the acquisition of formally recognized employments. Additionally, humans have the freedom of choice, which is the most important of all human freedoms, rights and privileges. This makes people live happy and satisfying lives, human trafficking on the contrary breaks all the societal harmony by taking turning humans into modern day slaves to be used by others as though products for financial gains. This is arguably the worst effect of human trafficking; it denies people their conscience and freedom by putting them under the ownership of others with equal features and abilities (HART, 20 09). Most of the victims of human trafficking are often from poor families most probably in the developing countries in Africa, Asia and the Latin America. This makes it easier for the perpetrators of such atrocious acts to convince their victims with fake promises of better jobs and better lifestyles in the Europe or in the United States of America (UNITED NATIONS HUMAN SETTLEMENTS PROGRAMME, 2007). Once in these countries, the victims are compelled into the illegal and life threatening activities. Some of the victims die in the process owing to the amount of risks involved in the activities that such people engage in. drug traffickers have often used corpses in transporting large consignments of drugs into foreign countries. This

Politics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 4

Politics - Essay Example Swayed by the European lines of thought, these parties managed to grow in numbers since they appealed mostly to the oppressed people as well as the distressed workers in the country. They successfully managed to field candidates throughout the nation in numerous elected positions for the next several years. However, towards the beginning of the 1920’s, these socialist movements faced severe resistance and condemnation from the government and eventually broke off the movement. The parties ceased to attract numbers to support its cause in the beginning of the early 20th century, though the Socialist Labor Party remained alive until the end of the 20th century. Socialism refers to a system whereby the ownership and control of majority of assets in a given country is granted to the central government. The United States, unlike other countries such as Japan and Germany, has not employed this system of running the economy. Though the system has worked very well in the above mentioned countries, the United States continues to thrive well without its enforcement. Politically, socialist parties in the United States began fairing very poorly in the run up to the general elections. For instance, in the year 2008, socialist candidates and their parties received less than two of the three socialist candidates (Caramani pg. 201). This is way below what other socialist candidates in other nations receive. In Germany for example, socialist parties gathered close to 50% of the total votes cast in each successive election since the 1970’s. There are several theories, however, that explain this phenomena in United States politics or governance. The United States has never had a feudal system. Other nations have had hierarchical systems which was lead from the top by a supreme deity while at the bottom of the system lay the commoner. Such systems were discriminatory in nature since it gave too much power to the person at the top at the expense of the common man at the bottom.

Impact on the LGBTQ Community Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4000 words

Impact on the LGBTQ Community - Research Paper Example This proposition includes the provision Section 7.5 of the Declaration of Rights to the California Constitution. It basically mandates that only marriages between a man and a woman can be valid in California. This provision has been met with mixed reactions among advocates of gay marriage, and from those who basically disagree with the provisions of this law. This paper presents a testament to the prevalence of prejudice of programs and laws directed at eliminating prejudice or improving minority experience. This study shall consider Proposition 8 and analyze its efficacy using empirical and theoretical evidence. This program is ineffective because it increases the risk of prejudice against the LGBTQ community, and its provisions are basically discriminatory against this community’s right to marry. More details on this discussion are specified below. Body Literature Review Different studies have been carried out on Proposition 8 and its prejudicial impact on the LGBTQ communit y. ...  They were also ambivalent about the impact of the proposition on their relationships with friends, family, their co-workers, and their partners (Maisel and Fingerhut, 2011). The campaign was able to establish opportunities for both support, as well as stigmatization. In effect, the results manifest the impact of campaigns on the outcomes, and on targeted individuals. Fingerhut, et.al., (2010) discussed that political debates and policies which pertain to same-sex marriage have psychological and social impacts on same-sex couples, as well as to their families and friends. Their study sought to advance literature on these impacts. The study revealed an international, interdisciplinary and methodologically diverse collection of research which discusses the social and psychological effects on marriage amendment policies; on civil marriage compared with other statuses for same-sex marriage in other countries; and on how anti-gay marriage initiatives impact on heterosexual allie s and intergroup relations (Fingerhut and Riggle, 2010). In general, this study was able to establish that different approaches and different groups set forth findings which basically support the notion that denying civil marriage has significant public health implications as well as policy implications.

Strategy Development In The Global Automotive Industry Essay

Strategy Development In The Global Automotive Industry - Essay Example Modern technology has made it easier to manage and expand businesses, without even moving out of your office. As the world is getting smaller, markets are getting bigger! Every industry is witnessing mergers, acquisitions, a foray into new and emerging markets and a boost in sales and profits. The customer has never had it so good! Competition on a global basis has resulted in reduced costs, better quality, improved responsiveness and excellent customer service for any product. The automobile industry is a classic example to demonstrate this phenomenon. Let us take the examples of two automobile companies: Daimler Chrysler and Honda and examine how globalization has affected the operations of these two companies. In 1998, US-based Chrysler Corp. merged with German automaker Daimler-Benz (1926-1998) of Stuttgart, Germany in a deal that was expected to reshape the auto industry. The deal created a new entity, DaimlerChrysler, which was the highest revenue earner in Germany. The best of technology, safety and comfort in automobiles came together to create the world's best known car company. With the merger, it was thought that Chrysler would have a better access to the European market, while Mercedes parent Daimler-Benz would gain a bigger foothold in the American market. This also gave a chance to both companies to reduce costs. Against globalization According to the article "The DaimlerChrysler Merger" submitted at Tuck School of Business, Dartmouth, http://mba.tuck.dartmouth.edu/pdf/2002-1-0071.pdf , accessed 5th May,2008, "In 2001, three years after a "merger of equals" with Daimler-Benz, the outlook is much bleaker. The financial data is sobering: Chrysler Group is on track to hemorrhage $3 billion this year, its U.S. market share has sunk to 14%, earnings have slid by 20%, and the once independent company has been fully subordinated to Stuttgart4. Its key revenue generators - the minivan, the Jeep SUV, and the supercharged pickup truck - have all come under heavy competition from Toyota, Honda, General Motors and Ford. Chrysler continues to make few passenger cars of note, save the Neon and limited-release Viper and Prowler." Competition from Toyota According to Premium Brand Analysis http://www.pwc.com/extweb/industry.nsf/docid/ccd6ae64aad8ea31802570d90035614e/$file/wylie_stbildagen07.pdf,accessed on 5th May,2008, "In the EU, European Premium brands have attained - and maintained - a position of dominance in the Premium market space. European Premium leads the way, in the USA, but others maybe catching up fast. In the USA, European Premium brands have also grown, but have also faced competition from Asian brands. US Premium segment is also targeted by Japanese Premium brands (Lexus, Infinti and Acura), which collectively held 3.8% of the market in 2005" Competition from Asian bigwigs like Toyota is definitely eating into Daimler Chrysler's profit margins across the globe. People today have a choice between a pricier, classy Mercedes and an equally efficient, dependable, but much more economical Toyota! Company : Honda For Globalization Through globalization, even small and mid-sized

SABMiller Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

SABMiller - Essay Example While the company itself is in those who consume its products do not know many instances, its brands are quite popular among the consumers. In many of the African nations, in which it has businesses, the brands under SABMiller are often the most popular. SABMiller is a company that has throughout its history, displayed a high capacity for being able to manage and develop its brands to a high quality level that many of its rivals have rarely been able to match. This skilful management of its brands in different countries has enabled the company to become highly successful, as those who work for it receive a high level of training to ensure that the quality of its products is retained. The wide range of products that this company produces means that it has to hire and maintain a large workforce in order to be able to function effectively. Unlike other companies, SABMiller has since its founding, been extremely careful with the management of its staff, not only because of the need to ma ke profit continuously, but also to further the good reputation that the company has always had. Because of the skill that SABMiller has been able to display in the production of its products in diverse countries, it has been able to achieve success on the international scene where other companies take years to achieve the same. One would claim that SABMiller’s success is based not only on the quality of the company’s products, but also on the strategies that it has been able to implement to make its operations successful. This company was founded as South African Breweries towards the end of the 19th century in South Africa, and for many years afterwards, the functions of this company were restricted to Southern Africa. This is because of the fact that this company had established an overriding position in the southern African market. However, in 1990 this company decided to venture into the European market, and in 1999, it managed to get listed in the London Stock Ex change, with the intention of raising enough capital to make acquisitions. It is in 2002 that the company was able to acquire Miller Brewing Company in North America, and with this acquisition, the company chose to change its name to SABMiller (Hobday, 2002). A series of hostile takeovers in Latin America and Europe saw the swift growth of the company, and this eventually brought it to its status as the second largest brewer in the world (Bruss 2002, p.10). The company’s innovation has ensured that it has remained at the top of the world’s brewing industry and an example that can be given of this innovation, is the recent introduction of Impala Cervejas, the first cassava beer that has been produced for commercial purposes in Africa (Appropriate Technology 2012, p.23). This company has about 70000 employees all over the world and its operations have, according to its 2012 records, it managed to bring in revenue of just over 21 billion dollars (Buck 2012, p.49). In Afri ca, the activities of SABMiller are conducted in 15 countries, all of which are in the Sub-Saharan region. This company has been dominant in the region for many years and because of this, its brands are well known by the people. The large customer base of SABMiller’s products has ensured that the company has been successful in the region and has creates a loyal market for its products (Peaple, 2012). A further 21 countries in Africa are enclosed all the way through a strategic alliance with the Castel group which has ensured that SABMiller has become the largest brewer in Africa, by market share, a feat that has not been achieved by any other brewing company on the continent. In addition to the brewing activities of SABMiller in Africa, it is under license from Coca-Cola to bottle soft drinks on behalf of the latter

Effective Political Campaigning in the United States Research Paper

Effective Political Campaigning in the United States - Research Paper Example In the contemporary politics; political campaigns in high profile societies normally involve candidates seeking positions such as head of government or state (Webb et al., 2002). The following essay will cover the keys essential to effective political campaigning, the role of campaign strategist and budget director in meeting the keys to effective political campaign. The essay will sum up by providing some of the lessons that can be learnt in conducting political campaigns and how they can be applied in improving local campaigns. Keys to effective political campaigning Any effective political campaign must put into force various elements to guarantee victory for the political position. These comprise of a political or campaign message, effective campaign financing and efficient organization of the entire political strategy (Richard & Mair, 2005). The campaign message comprises of the vision the candidate intends to share with the potential voters. This normally contains numerous poin ts of discussion in relation to policy matters. These points are frequently repeated with an aim of creating a lasting intuition among the voters. For instance, In Obama’s campaign the campaign message was â€Å"The Change we can believe in†. Besides, a successful campaign must have effective mobilization and management of campaign finance. Potential donors must be attracted by the political manifesto which will enhance effective political campaign. ... Campaign strategist may also be referred to as a campaign managers, consultants or pollsters (Xap Corporation, 2009). Campaign strategist advice candidates during campaigns and at times may continue working during the politician’s term in office. They judge what the electorate needs from leaders and assess how they may react to new policies. A campaign strategist plays a great role in ensuring that the campaign is adequately funded to ensure that the party meets all the voters’ needs (Phillips, Reynolds and Reynolds, 2010). They organize fund raising events to raise funds needed for the campaign. When organizing for funding raising, campaign strategist help identify the best sources of funds for the campaign and reach out to these groups. To convince different individuals contribute finances for the campaign; strategists design the most appealing approaches and especially when it comes to getting money from the private groups. In fund raising, campaign strategists may d irectly solicit funds, use of the internet or organize events (Xap Corporation, 2009). On the other hand, the budget director also plays a great role in ensuring that the funds available for campaign are effectively allocated to critical different areas that require funding. Moreover, they work hand in hand with the campaign strategist when organizing for fund raising for campaigns. Presence of a budget director in a campaign gives the financers of the campaign that their finances are effectively used in the campaigns. Budget directors also act as accountants during campaigns and are needed in regulation of use of campaign funds by the government and

Federal Drug Policy Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Federal Drug Policy Paper - Essay Example Early intervention with teens and parents is recommended, and programs and grants in economically disadvantaged communities are being increased. Drugs are big business and dealers look for big markets. Many young people are introduced to drugs by a friend, but the belief that "everyone" is using drugs is a fallacy. The President's drug control policy is focused on use by young people, while drug use is often related to behavior problems as well; however, the strategy does not address this (General Accounting 2003). In fact, communities are encouraged to apply for grants to set up their own programs. In other words, the government prefers to pass the buck. According to the 2004 strategy, the drug treatment system is being expanded over five years and an increase in funds is proposed. It is also suggested that drug courts could be established at the county level with incentives for drug users in order to reduce recidivism. Once more, however, as in plans to stop drug use, the community is called upon to develop a residential, therapeutic community-type treatment campus. (Fraser 2006). Law enforcement often targets smaller issues, while larger issues get out of hand (Fraser 2006). The U.S. Government announced that it would no longer seize small shipments of Canadian pharmaceuticals at the border. Months of aggressive seizures resulted in 40,000 confiscations nationwide. Because of cheaper drugs in Canada, seniors complained about the seizures. As a deterrent to major drug cartels this action had no effect at all and only made it difficult for seniors to survive in a failing U.S. economy. It is said that the FDA and U.S. Customs illegally confiscated medications to boost U.S. sales of pharmaceuticals (Fraser 2006). Disrupting the Market Increased initiatives are intended to curtail Priority Target Organizations in the international drug trade, with more flight hours for patrolling regions with radar coverage, and with the Department of State Andean Counterdrug Initiative supporting Columbia, Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Brazil, Venezuela, and Panama (President's National 2004). Unfortunately, an increase in budget in these areas might close down one area and cause another one is set up immediately (Friesendorf 2007). How Does Arrest of Drug Dealers Factor into the Policy The effort to curtail access to illegal drugs has been a government initiative for many years, but for every apparently successful effort, another drug trafficking organization arises, with bribery and money laundering as well as corrupt government practices creating a financial bonanza for those in the drug trade. Establishing increased enforcement is all very well if it is successful but too often it meets the barrier of corruption. The effort to limit agricultural sources has not been successful and interferes with a cultural way of life in which a country uses the plants it grows such as coca as medicine or in cultural rituals (Friesendorf 2007). Conclusion Government studies show that drug use initiation is highest among