Euthanasia: Morally Right or Ethically Wrong

Euthanasia has gained a bad reputation within the public eye due to negative media encircling assisted suicide; euthanasia has a purpose and a goal, it should be seen as humanely releasing the soul of a human being from an emptiness created occasionally by our merciless society. This paper will delineate whether Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide are morally right or ethically wrong. Euthanasia is often confused with and linked to assisted suicide, definitions of the two are vital. Two viewpoints are located within the body of this paper.The first viewpoint will support euthanasia or the â€Å"right to ii,† the second viewpoint will support anti-euthanasia or the â€Å"right to live†. Each perspective shall attempt to clarify the legal, moral and ethical ramifications of euthanasia and assisted suicide as well as include a personal example of each to detail the ending results.The term euthanasia has many definitions. The Pro-Life Alliance defines euthanasia as ‘Any a ction or omission intended to end the life of a patient on the grounds that his or her life is not worth living. The Voluntary Euthanasia Society refers to the word's Greek origins – ‘e' and ‘thanks'-, which together mean ‘a good death. An updated and loosely modern definition is ‘A good death brought on by a doctor providing methods or an injection to bring a peaceful end to the ultimate process of passing on. There are three different sub-classifications of euthanasia passive euthanasia, physician-assisted suicide and active euthanasia although not all groups would acknowledge them as valid terms (BBC News, 1999).There are two main types of patients that euthanasia may aid specifically, (1 ) patients that are in a persistent vegetative state, that are awake but are not aware of one's self or of their surroundings. Such patients eave no higher brain activity and are maintained by artificial life support: respirators, heart-lung machine, and intra-veno us nutrition.These types of methods do nothing more than prolong the inevitable and sustain a person in a never-ending life that will never go anywhere beyond these machines. 2) Patients in which are bound by a terminal illness that causes them a lot of pain, psychological suffering and loss of their dignity. This patient may or may not be on life-support depending on the severity of their illness. However, there are many different types of Euthanasia that can be examined when it moms to helping someone rid him or herself of a life of unnecessary pain. Here are the different types and their definitions among society: Euthanasia generally refers to an easy or painless death, in other words merciful.Voluntary Euthanasia includes a request by the dying patient or that person's legal representative, proving their approval to continue. Passive or Negative Euthanasia involves not doing something to prevent the patience requested death, which is, allowing someone to die. Assisted suicide, a distant cousin of euthanasia, is when a person wishes to commit suicide but feels unable to execute the act alone because of a physical disability or lack of knowledge on what would be the most effective means in doing so.An individual, who assists in an assisted suicide and helps the suicide victim in accomplishing their goal, may or may not be an accessory or be held responsible for the death, depending on local laws. Without a doubt, today's dying methods has become fearsome. Physicians are now in possession of the technologies and the skills needed to avert natural death almost indefinitely. More often then not, the terminally ill suffer unnecessary pain and are kept alive without any ell hope or expectations of surviving, as families stand watch waiting for the inevitable while still holding hope at the same time.U. S. District Judge Barbara Rottenest wrote is no more profoundly personal decision, nor one which is closer to the heart of personal liberty, than the choice which a terminally ill person makes to end his or her own suffering Shilling, '94). The pro-euthanasia or â€Å"right to die† movement has received extensive support with the passage of laws in 40 states by 1990; this has allowed competent patience the legal privilege of making a â€Å"living will. These living wills give doctors the authority to withhold life-support, should the patient request it if the individual becomes terminally ill.Having choices, including having the legal right for help to die is a pinnacle of hope within itself. This allows people to take control Of their lives and accomplish things on their terms; this is a very important part of being human and of living. The issue of euthanasia is, by its very nature, a very difficult and private choice. Therefore, euthanasia should remain exactly that, a choice and a private one at that. It is a choice that should not be legislated or restricted by opposing forces or opinions.Euthanasia is a matter that should stay between the patient, the family, the doctor and God. Life is a precious gift received from the Creator with gratefulness and appreciation; individuals should cherish, preserve, and enhance life in every way possible. However, when the possibility for a meaningful, joyful, desirable life has been thoroughly depleted and every effort has been made to avoid the inevitable, then the United States should make it legal for the merciful to show mercy to the dying ho request help and understanding to end their torment.My father on my husband's side, who had cancer, received euthanasia 6 years ago. He had chemotherapy radiation; the side effects that he endured were loss of appetite, becoming lethargic, fatigue, loss of color in skin, fever, chills, weight loss, night sweats and extreme pain. They told him that it was not going into remission and that it had spread throughout his body. According to the doctors, my father in law had maybe a year at most and even then, he would have to be hosp italized due to the pain and having chemotherapy done.After achieving this information, my father opted for euthanasia instead of having to endure a year of pain and suffering with his family watching him deteriorate. So he said his goodbyes, took care of necessary business and arranged things financially for his family before the process was performed. He then had his wife and children in with him during the procedure as he received a huge dose of painkillers and then a drug, that I am not familiar with, that led him to his death painlessly.Having the opportunity to have this type of say and control over his death, think, made the process a little mother and easier to endure. He got to accomplish what many do not get the chance to accomplish, he was able to set his finances straight, make sure his loved ones were taken care of and say his goodbyes to the ones he loved. To me this was a huge relief in knowing that he was allowed to have this type of help and closure before he left t his world.I also believe that this method not only helped my father in-law but it also helped his immediate and non immediate family except the inevitable and have time to process it, so as to handle the grieving process. To some, Euthanasia is nothing less than cold- blooded killing; others would consider it premeditated murder and consider those assisting in it an accessory to murder. In addition, they believe Euthanasia steals away the one thing that gives us a reason for existence, a life in which we choose to live. It also depreciates life, much like the enormous issue of abortion.People against Euthanasia, deem it as morally and ethically wrong and think the government should outlaw it in these United States. It is true that modern medicine has evolved excessively throughout the enervation, so much so that abolitionists' believe that euthanasia in itself resets these medical advances back by years. Our Surgical Physicians alone are known as Administrators of Death; this is a s ide effect of the outcome of euthanasia. Some believe that euthanasia is unacceptable within our society because of a multitude of reasons.Many who are against euthanasia being legalized are apprehensive because they dread that if it is then there will be many who die for needless reasons and they believe that there will be a rampage of â€Å"mercy killings† going on as an excuse for murder. Others believe that it is and always will be an immoral thing to take one's life from them when we were not the ones to give it to them. Also many medical physicians also oppose euthanasia because they say that in assisting one in suicide is violating our dignity and ‘litotes one's will to survive.When it comes to doctors, there is also The Hippocratic Oath in which they need to take into consideration. The Oath of Hippocrates is believed to have originated in approximately the fifth century B. C. And, even then, it incorporated a specific ledge against physician-assisted suicide wh en it said, â€Å"l will give no deadly medicine to anyone, even if asked. † It is recommended that a person suffering from an incurable or terminal illness is not completely in command of their mental capabilities and thereby incapable of such an extraordinary decision.In addition, a degraded mental capacity within a patient rules out any realistic thinking concerning survivors. Euthanasia is a very contentious topic. People dispute whether a person who is terminally ill, or handicap, should have the right or not to ask their doctor, or relatives to die by euthanasia. People say that dying by euthanasia is to die with self-respect, instead of living an artificial life by prolonging death on respirators and other life support machines. My personal outlook on this matter is one of minority.I believe that if a person is diagnosed terminally ill, and finds that there is nothing anyone can do for them, then why they should have to suffer and endure days, weeks, months or maybe ev en years in pain and agony is beyond me. Not only do they suffer but their family suffers alongside them also. They watch as their condition gets worse and continues to deteriorate, ND then they have to live with the vision of a person lying there helpless, not able to feed themselves, get out of bed, or talk to them for the rest of their lives.When instead they could have lived remembering their loved one as they were before they were diagnosed as terminally ill and began to die slowly. Recently, my grandmother, who was suffering from Alchemist's disease (AD), died in my Aunts guest bedroom where she had been staying and taken care of by my aunt and uncle for the last four years of her life. My grandmother lived in England, where she was born, raised and died, she did tot have the option of euthanasia nor did my aunt or uncle who struggled with her through the end.My aunt and uncle went through the pain emotionally before it ever affects my grandmother physically. They took care of a shell for four years that use to house their mother; we lost my grandmother in 2007 spiritually however her physical body was still active and with us but empty. My grandmother could not remember any of her children or her grandchildren, nor could she remember family and friends in general. She would fight my aunt and uncle all the time thinking that they had detained her because she had no idea who they were or where she was.She had caused harm to herself as well as family members that tried to help her or care for her. She eventually forgot how to do simple things that are second nature to us all, such as showering, brushing her teeth, combing her hair and dressing herself. She continued to deteriorate more and more over the years, to the point where she had forgotten how to do vital things such as walk, eat, drink, go to the bathroom and even communicate. She was not physically in pain until the point of forgetting the vital actions, then she began o dehydrate and starve, her body began to shut down due to this.She was then attached to a feeding tube and life support, as by that point she had also just stop breathing occasionally and needed help in doing so. She stayed on life support for 6 months, until the decision was made to take her off and then she lasted for a week as her body withered away due to lack of water and food. We were reassured that she died with no pain but the look on her face showed differently and I could only imagine what she might have gone through and what We could have possibly spared her had We had the option f euthanasia.With every example given of euthanasia, there are some people who agree, and some who are dead set against it. There are comprehensible and logical reasons why some people are against euthanasia. Most people want their loved ones with them until their day has actually come for them to die. It might give people an understanding that it is all right to kill oneself. While the patient is lying in bed, some clinic , or scientist, might find a cure for the very disease that said patient is dying from and be able to cure them.For medical reasons they may be able to find out more about a retain disease to be able to further the search for the cure while someone has it. As many times, as you consider the idea of euthanasia you will find just as many pros as cons. Maybe we have to Start thinking like the people in the hospital beds, who are unable to walk, talk, feed themselves, think for themselves, or even breathe for themselves. On the other hand, even from the perspective of the family members who have to watch their own flesh and blood suffer and dwindle into nothing right before their eyes?

Is Bollywood Shining in Asia

Is Bollywood Shining in Asia? Introduction As Smith, a columnist for Articlemyriad, mentioned, â€Å"Far from being mere entertainment, though, the Bollywood movies represent a powerful means of self- and community expression which Indians are using to define themselves in front of the rest of the world,† (Smith) Exploring the Bollywood movie and its emergency in Asia is an effective way to see whether India has some common culture elements with other Asian countries and whether they are integrating under the impulsion of culture.Dudrah (2006) mentioned in his book Bollywood: Sociology Goes to the Movies, â€Å"Bollywood, the moniker for popular Hindi cinema from Mumbai, India, has become an important catchword in the vocabulary of global South Asian popular culture. † (Dudrah, 2006) It demonstrates that Indian culture dominates in South Asia. However, with the success Three Idiots achieved in Asia, some people began to consider the situation of Bollywood in Asia. Bolly wood is a real buzz word at the moment,† said Vinay Virmani, writer and actor of Breakaway, in an interview, â€Å"I think that's because Bollywood has been able to translate beyond the whole south Asian community. † (Mahmood & Mitra, 2011)This opinion is true but maybe too simple as he just considered about the popularity. The opinion I want to argue in this paper is that although Bollywood movies become popular in Asia, the commercial profit they gained is still limited.Maybe Three Idiots, the most successful Bollywood movie in recent years, is the best representative of Bollywood movies which are facing such an embarrassing situation. â€Å"Have you seen the Three Idiots second time? † It may be the first reaction when Hong Kong people talked about this famous Indian movie. It is amazing that a Bollywood movie gained such huge success in Hong Kong. In fact, Three Idiots has run for 13 weeks since it was released in Hong Kong in September, 2011. It broke the sp ell that â€Å"Normally, a Bollywood Film in China and Hong Kong would run in select multiplexes for 1 to 2 weeks. (3 Idiots Rocks in China & Hong Kong, 2011)Although it gained high praise in Hong Kong and other Asia countries, the box-office contributed by Asian countries was still limited. According to the statistics from Box Office Mojo, 60. 8% box-office of Three Idiots came from India (3 IDIOTS box office, 2011) and it was released in only six other Asia countries (or areas), which are Hong Kong, Malaysia, South Korea, Singapore, Indonesia and Taiwan. (3 Idiots) Why Bollywood becomes popular in Asia ) Thanks to Slumdog Millionaire Slumdog Millionaire tells a story happened in Indian slums. It is made by Hollywood but full of Bollywood characters, which made many audiences mistake it for a Bollywood movie. As it won the top prize at the Academy Awards and eight Oscars in total including best director and best picture, (The Oscars 2009, 2009) it appealed to more audiences, espec ially Asians, who regard the Academy Prize as the highest honor of a movie. It took $2,280,068 in its first week in China and $930,097 in Hong Kong. SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE-box office, 2009) With the influence of Slumdog Millionaire, people would like to see Bollywood movies with huge interest and curiousness. Bollywood movie become a hit to Asian audiences. 2) A mirror of the issues faced by Asia It is obvious to see the changes in Bollywood movies when comparing those new successful movies with the old ones. The traditional stories about revenge or the love between a rich woman and a penniless man have already been out of date. New Bollywood movies focus more on the modern issues faced by many other Asian countries as well.The issues always mentioned are never leaving ethnic and religious conflicts, gap between the rich and poor and education. For instance, the Three Idiots mentioned before exposed the education problems existing in many Asian countries. The film is about three studen ts who do not fit the traditional and inflexible education method in Indian Institutes of Technology and are considered as idiots by professors. â€Å"However, the movie clearly shows who the three real idiots are – the educational system, the teachers and the parents†, Sudhakar RAM said. Ram, 2010) The performance-oriented system, faculty-led pedagogy and arbitrary parents criticized in this movie exist not only in India, but also other Asian states. In South Korea, academic achievements are regarded as the decisive factor for social success. Only the students getting into prestigious universities can guarantee their social success, while students with other abilities are unrecognized. (Suicide Figures Point to Failure of Education System, 2011) The same phenomena existed in Mainland China. In order to enter a famous university, students pursue higher exam marks rather than knowledge. Teaching methodology basically consists of force-feeding copious amounts of required information directly out of textbooks (often teachers will simply read directly from the text) and students are discouraged from asking questions, particularly if those questions challenge ideology or anything regarded as factual. † (Middle Kingdom Life) As this movies shows the familiar and real problems to Asian audience, people are able to understand the movie better and easily accept it, just as Zoher Abdoolcarim said, â€Å"They laughed when they were meant to and didn't when they weren't. (Abdoolcarim, 2011) In addition, Asia, as a growing power, is eager to get the approval from the world. India, with fast development in economy, has more aspiration and shows it by movies. There is a popular Bollywood movie among Asian audience called My Name Is Khan. It tells a story about how a Muslim man called Khan, in order to get forgiveness from his wife, overcame many difficulties to tell American President that his name had no relationship with terrorists. Although it seems l ike a love movie, what it shows indeed is the â€Å"questions of religious and national identity†. My Name is Khan – Movie Review, 2010) Asian states, like the Muslim, undergo untold hardships to develop, hoping to get the approval from the world. The emotion and sprit—national identifying—expressed in Bollywood movies reflect the psychology of Asia and fit the taste of Asians. 3) The attracting modern music Dance and songs are the symbols of Bollywood movies. â€Å"A Bollywood movie is incomplete without songs and dance in it. † (Role of dance Choreographer in Bollywood movie songs, 2011) However, young people in Asia seem not interested in the traditional dance and songs in Bollywood movies.Therefore, the Bollywood music changed among with the transformation in movies. It mixed the traditional songs with western elements to produce a new style that appeals international audience, of course, including Asians, rather than the pure classical Indian music that appeals to Indians only. Campus songs which never appeared now become popular in Bollywood movies. ‘Aal Izz Well' in Three Idiots has oodles of youth feeling, which brings audience back to their college days. 4) With the help of InternetAlthough playing full-length movie on internet is illegal in some countries, there are no strict restrictions in some Asia countries, like China, which provides audience a chance to watch Bollywood movies through internet. Three Idiots, for example, will be released in December, 2011 in Mainland China. However, the discussion of this movie in Internet lasted for a long time and it even got 8. 9 marks by 19,096 people marking in the Mtime, a websites regarded as Chinese IMDB. Three Idiots) This phenomenon benefits from the Chinese video-sharing websites, such as Tudou and Youku. In fact, this movie was played up to 1,824,335 times only in Tudou (Three Idiots). The same is Devads, which is marked 8. 4 in Mtime (Devdas) and played 279,4 69 times in Tudou. (Devdas) The force of internet cannot be overlooked in popularizing Bollywood movies. Why Bollywood movies have a little profit? As the statistics from Box Office Mojo show, most Bollywood movies are released in four other Asia areas mainly —Malaysia, South Korea, Taiwan and Hong Kong.Although Bollywood movies have satisfied box-offices in these areas, the profit they gained in other Asian areas was still low compared to domestic market. The reason may be that Bollywood movies don’t squeeze into the two main markets in Asia—China and Japan because of the strict movie importing restrictions. China has strict import restrictions that limit the number of foreign blockbusters to 20 per year. â€Å"Film imports are still controlled by the state-owned China Film Group. † (Lee, 2011) And in Japan, the situation is even worse. â€Å"But selecting films for release in Japan is not easy. , said Aki Sugihara, general manager at licensing and acqu isition department of Nikkatsu Corp, â€Å"The rights for ‘3 Idiots' had been sold to every Asian country except Japan. † (IANS, 2011) The closing of the two main Asian movie markets makes the profit Bollywood movies gain limit in Asia. Tendency 1) The wall will come down With the globalization, the trade wall is decreasing, including the movie import policies. Taiwan is a case in point, who revised the Motion Picture law–dropping its film import restrictions—–to meet WTO demand in 2001.Many Bollywood movies, which are not released in Mainland China and Hong Kong, can be found on Taiwan screens, like Om Shanti Om and Taare Zameen Par. Taiwan is just a start as its policy influences other countries. The success of Three Idiots in Taiwan spirited South Korea to release it, according to a Korean industry office. (Bhat, 2011) The prospect in Mainland China is also bright. Thanks to the efforts of India's Ministry of External Affairs, India got a quota o f four out of the 20 imported movies per year. Baru, 2010)What’s more, as the deadline given by the World Trade Organization when China end its movie import restrictions is 19 March 2011, China is expected to raise the import quota to 30 films this year and a little more each year subsequently. (Jaffe, 2011) It is inspiring news for not only Bollywood but also the world, which can also be regarded as a symbol that the free and open movie market is a tendency in such a global world. 2) The cooperation can be realized Bollywood is exporting its movies to more countries by cooperating with foreign companies to produce movies.My Name is Khan, a Bollywood movie produced and marketed by Fox Star Studios, gained $38,326,589 in oversea market. (My Name Is Khan) It pointed out a new way for Bollywood to gain profit in Asia, which is cooperating with Asian companies. In fact, the Chinese government's official film production company has cooperated with Bollywood to make a movie called Gold Struck. â€Å"Since the film is being supported by China-based production companies, it will not be considered a foreign import and will fall outside the censorship restrictions that have impeded Bollywood's entry into the China market,† Cindy Shyu, CEO of Lighthouse Productions said. Krishnan, 2010) Also Aki Sugihara from Japan mentioned, â€Å"If our co-production expands, there will be a chance of getting into co-production with Indian films. † (IANS, 2011) By cooperation, Bollywood may knock at the door of China and Japan, and enter into these two huge Asian markets step by step. Conclusion Bollywood, which used to be regarded as â€Å"a factory of dances and songs†, is no longer what it was. In a global world, Bollywood is also expanding its influence power to Asia, even to the world. Going by the success of Slumdog Millionaire, Bollywood began to export its movies with a new image.It changes the style of dance and songs and pays more attention to the contents of movies, which expose the same issues Asians face and inspire emotional resonance. In addition, the internet popularizing also promotes the spread of Bollywood movies. However, Bollywood has fame but little profit in Asia because of the strict restrictions, especially in China and Japan. In another word, Bollywood’s emergence has already beyond South Asia but the true commercial success is still limited to domestic market.Although it seems that Bollywood has loss in Asia in terms of commerce from current movie market state, we cannot deny that Bollywood movies have potential to win because of the falling-down restrictions and the tiny cooperation with Asian movie companies. Bollywood is not shining in Asia now, but the time for it to shine is not far away. Reference SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE-box office. (2009, 12 20). Retrieved 12 1, 2011, from Box Office Mojo: http://boxofficemojo. com/movies/? page=intl&id=slumdogmillionaire. htm The Oscars 2009. (2009, 2 23). Retrieve d 12 1, 2011, from BBC: http://news. bc. co. uk/2/hi/entertainment/oscars/7904567. stm My Name is Khan – Movie Review. (2010, 2 11). Retrieved 12 1, 2011, from BollywoodWorld. com: http://www. bollywoodworld. com/movie-reviews/my-name-is-khan-movie-review-18299. html 3 IDIOTS box office. (2011, 11). Retrieved 12 1, 2011, from Box Office Mojo: http://boxofficemojo. com/movies/? page=intl&id=3idiots. htm 3 Idiots Rocks in China & Hong Kong. (2011). Retrieved from MovieMantra. com: http://moviemantra. com/telugu/2011/3-idiots-rocking-china-hong-kong/ Role of dance Choreographer in Bollywood movie songs. 2011, 5 13). Retrieved 12 2, 2011, from Enrichyou: http://www. enrichyou. info/role-of-dance-choreographer-in-bollywood-movie-songs/ Suicide Figures Point to Failure of Education System. (2011, 8 13). Retrieved 12 1, 2011, from The Chosunilbo: http://english. chosun. com/site/data/html_dir/2011/08/13/2011081300334. html 3 Idiots. (n. d. ). Retrieved 12 1, 2011, from IMDB: http:// www. imdb. com/title/tt1187043/releaseinfo Abdoolcarim, Z. (2011, 11 10). The ChIndian Century. Retrieved 12 1, 2011, from TIMESpecials:

Providing Safety Measures within Schools Essay

School violence is not just a recent tragedy. In fact, the earliest known United States (U. S. ) school shooting called â€Å"Pontiac’s Rebellion School Massacre† took place on July 26, 1764 in Pennsylvania (Wikipedia). These ill-fated events are products of many different factors such as bullying, revenge, and even mental issues. Unfortunately, school violence has become a more prevalent occurrence in society today. However, because of the unknown and rather unexpected motives of the perpetrators, an end to school violence cannot, in all actuality, happen. Certainly, there are procedures available to prevent occurring violence. Through the use of increased screening and safety measures, school violence can be greatly diminished, improve the quality of the nation’s education, and restore faith in administrators. School violence has plagued many areas of not only the U. S. , but also other parts of the world. However, a number of the worst attacks have occurred right here in the U. S. , Columbine High School, for example. April 20, 1999 marked the date of fifteen deaths at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado. Two teenage shooters took the lives of fourteen students and one teacher (Listverse). This school tragedy led to an increased emphasis on security at schools across the U. S. (SFGate). The April 16, 2007 shooting at Virginia Tech claimed the lives of thirty-three victims and was named the deadliest shooting by a single gunman in U. S. history. Bath School in Michigan fell victim to forty-five deaths and was given the title of the deadliest mass school murder in U. S. history (Listverse). In recent history, Connecticut unfortunately experienced a shooting of its own at Sandy Hook Elementary where twenty-eight young children and adults were victim to a deranged gunman on December 14, 2012 (The Inquisitr). But certainly, we cannot forget the February 27, 2012 shooting at Chardon High School that rocked Ohio (SFGate). More and more schools around the nation are stepping up school safety measures to ensure the security of students. Undoubtedly, the most commonly selected safety measure is limited or controlled access to the school in such ways as to lock and monitor school doors. Metal detectors, security cameras, and limited social networking access are more commonly being used to monitor and restrict student and visitor behaviors (U. S. Department of Education). Monitoring and supervising common areas such as the cafeteria, gym, hallways, and parking lot is a significant safety measure usually practiced by schools (NASPonline). School resource officers, guards, and unarmed law enforcement officers may not always need to be present, but should always be available. Staff members should monitor all guests by greeting each and every person who comes to the door. Counselors and psychologists should always be available to students so that they know they have someone to trust and be able to anonymously report suspicious activity (Gumbrecht; NASPonline). Crisis plans and preparedness training should be accessible for all staff members along with threat assessment procedures. The promotion of obedience of school rules and a safe school environment should be present at all times for the safety of the students (NASPonline). Schools should conduct regular drills such as intruder, weather, and fire for student awareness (Gumbrecht). A responsible and safe school always includes school-community partnerships and school safety incident data to keep the public informed about new procedures (NASPonline). There are a number of structural prevention suggestions available. The most frequently used structural methods are locked doors and security systems. However, more advanced structural preventions exist: single, prominent entryways for guests and students to enter; reduced landscaping to eliminate hiding spots; shifted restrooms away from entryways; moved major mechanical and electrical systems; keyless entry systems for staff and faculty; and elaborate announcement systems for drills and instructions (Gumbrecht). Panic buttons are available for $5,000 and operate on single police dispatch lines that send all available units to the school in case of an emergency. The buttons can be located in each individual classroom or in different regions of the schools. These structural suggestions come at a price but are well worth the investments (Scott). Because of the seemingly reoccurring school violence trend, many school districts have contemplated active shooter training and arming teachers. Even though this might seem like a good idea, there may very well be negative consequences. Instead, most school administrators opt for the more common school entry policies and emergency manuals for all staff. Newer safety ideas are being introduced into school districts such as Mohawk, Ellwood, and Shenango in Pennsylvania. These districts installed computerized systems that scan the driver’s licenses of all visitors to identify anyone convicted of crimes against children (New Castle News). Administrators have many accessible guidelines for communicating with students, their parents, and the public. Conversations with students should be developmentally appropriate and include guidelines for violence. Administrators should keep in mind the cultures, traditions, religion, and family values of students and keep the focus on normal routines and activities. Parents should be made aware of all violence conversations with students. The children must know that schools are safe places and there is a difference between reporting and tattling, they must be observant and report what they see. Students must also realize that every so often, people commit wrong acts, but violence is never a solution. Open communication between parents and their children is key; the students should know to stay away from weapons. Also, the school staff must stress the understanding of possibility versus probability; students should always know that they are safe in school. These guidelines are important for administrators to convey to their student body and public (NASPonline). Without a doubt, school violence has made national headlines. In December, the NRA announced the National School Shield Program. They have issued â€Å"a report on how they believe schools can prevent further gun violence† (Gumbrecht). The NRA will present policy proposals and resources to law enforcement, lawmakers, school officials, and the public. Because there is declining support for strict gun regulations, law enforcement officials will prepare armed guards that state and local officials will alter (Sperry and Wallace). A higher percent of high schools and middle schools require drug testing for athletes and extracurricular activities; badges and picture identifications for students and teachers; random dog sniffs and contraband sweeps; and security cameras for monitoring the school building and surrounding premises. 84 percent of high schools, 73 percent of middle schools, and 51 percent of elementary schools use security cameras for surveillance. A higher percent of high schools and middle schools have electronic emergency notification systems and structured, anonymous threat reporting systems. A lower percent of high schools control access to buildings during school hours, prohibit cell phone usage and text messaging, and require uniforms (U. S. Department of Education). Unfortunately, school violence is on the rise. Children should not have to be afraid to go to school in fear of experiencing a fateful attack. By no means can there ever be assumptions made that attacks cannot happen just anywhere; no area is completely immune to violence. The public cannot be naive. As much as the thought of an attack is hard to comprehend, the possibility must always be in the back of the mind. There are countless ways to be prepared; school administrators just need to take action. Through the use of increased screening and safety measures, school violence can be greatly diminished, improve the quality of the nation’s education, and restore faith in administrators

STRATEGIC LEGAL AND SOCIAL ISSUES Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

STRATEGIC LEGAL AND SOCIAL ISSUES - Assignment Example As a company that conducts the majority of its business within the medical industry, sensitive issues like the maintaining the confidentiality of patient/client information is a large issue that constantly presents significant risk to the progress of the company. The recent privacy breach the company experienced only heightens the need for immediate action concerning enhancing security protocols to minimize future risks of this nature (Martin, 2011). The large breach in confidentiality protocols resulted in the names of individuals seeking paternity and drug testing (Martin, 2011) has put the company at substantial risk for subsequent litigation against the company for exposing personal medical information. Allegations that Medvet was made aware that the names, addresses, and product orders of individuals that have ordered tests from Medvet has been available on Google since as early as April (Martin, 2011) can lead to an extremely damaging class-action lawsuit against the company sh ould any of the affected persons suffer any damages as a result of such a breach. Affecting approximately 800 of Medvet’s customers (Tmaliyil, 2011), this breach has the potential to cause significant damage to the company’s image and cause significant financial loss should any or all of the affected parties suffer adverse effects due to this incidence and seek monetary damages. The $11 billion lawsuit Pennzoil won against Texaco, which resulted in Texaco filing for bankruptcy, (Simkins & Ramirez, 2008) has made it clear to many companies the dangers to making themselves vulnerable to such types of litigation. Risk management includes ensuring the security of any and all client and personnel information, which avoids this information becoming accessible to any unauthorized persons, in or outside the company. Maintaining this standard would require steps such as heightening the encryption programs that protect such information within the company’s database and en suring access to this information is protected against network attacks by hackers and neglectful actions by employees. Protection of the vital information entrusted to the company by its employees and clientele will prevent the eventuality of negative actions being rendered against the company due to damages suffered by individuals whose information was made vulnerable as a result of this breach of security. Affecting routines that protect customers from having their private information made public exemplifies good corporate governance, which is an integral aspect of maintaining a successful company. This is a vital aspect of good risk management because it protects the company’s assets, which is the ultimate purpose of risk management procedures. Risk management procedures, adeptly implemented, would incorporate procedures that would avoid negligent actions like the lack of thought that allowed Google to publish the private details of customer invoices by encrypting the data in an inaccessible database. Taking steps to protect the resources of the company, which is the customers and their information, will also protect the reputation and integrity of the company and prevent the advent of undue risks such as the one currently facing the company. Risk management procedures seek to avoid the occurrence of negligent actions by anticipating them and taking whatever measures necessary to avoid them altogether. These preventative measures protect

Pay Equity Solutions Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Pay Equity Solutions - Essay Example In 1967 the wage gap between men and women was 58.4% which increased to 72.5% by the end of 1997 (Drolet, 2001). The wage gap is even wider when it comes to nationality, looks, skills and learning ability, color, religion, caste, social and marital status of women. Pay equity revolves around the concept of equal payments to equivalent job tasks irrespective of the worker’s gender. Women have a right to be paid equally as men on the basis of the skills and knowledge. It in one of the basic women rights which is protected by the constitution. Equality Provision is mentioned in the 15th section of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedom (Harewood, 2004). Additionally the Canadian Human Rights Act strictly forbids the discrimination in wages on the basis of gender. The law is applicable to all the employees working under the public or private businesses sector. Some Canadian provinces such as Manitoba and Ontario have their specific laws regarding pay equity which is applied wi thin the provincial jurisdiction to all the private and public sector employees. However, despite of all the laws, rules and regulations pay equity is a major problem for Canadian women since it is hardly accessible and very few women are able to avail its advantages (Harewood, 2004). Employees of some of the most reputable organizations such as Bell Canada, Canada Post, Telus and Air Canada have been striving hard to gain pay equity since years yet they haven’t met success (Cote, 2006). This calls for an immediate action in order to extend protection to the female employees and also to restore their fundamental human rights. In this regard we have some successful applications of pay equity legislation such as the one applied in Ontario... Once the law is established for the enforcement of pay equity then it is the obligation of employers to abide by its rules and regulations in order to maintain its essence and also to protect themselves from possible penalties which might fall on them due to law violation. There should be a pay equity commission which would be responsible for the perfect implementation of laws. The commission would also extend educational awareness and techniques of skill development to the employees so as to ensure pay equity in addition to increasing their productivity level. Employees would also be able to register their complaints against pay discrimination and they would be allowed to formulate their specific pay equity strategies. Here the government would have to play its role by extending sufficient funds to the commission so that it can perform its tasks effectively and efficiently. Women maintain a significant proportion of today’s work force which requires them to be more efficient so as to meet the modern age needs and demands. When women face issues related to pay equity then they fail to contribute in the best way towards the organizational goals and objectives. In this paper, some of the most significant solutions to resolve the issue of pay equity are explained including job evaluation, job category, employee evaluation, etc with the help of analyzing Ontario example and other successfully implemented pay equity laws. It is very important to implement effective legislative laws in Canada so as to get rid of the wage gap.

Outsourcing implications and impacts Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Outsourcing implications and impacts - Essay Example With the passage of time, when the size of companies increases as compared to their resources then â€Å"outsourcing† becomes a final choice In this scenario, they outsource their business operations to some outside firm and put attention on their core business activities. However, throughout the outsourcing procedure, it is essential for the company to clearly explain its particular organisational requirements, select the exact suppliers, administer the change process efficiently, manage the outsourcing relationship with suppliers effectively, and simultaneously build up a continuing affiliation with the supplier (Cooke et al., 2005). This report discusses a detailed overview of the concept â€Å"outsourcing†. This basic aim of this research is to explore the implications of outsourcing and the longer-term impact of outsourcing for the strategic and operational roles of the logistics and supplies functions. Outsourcing: An overview After 1990 there emerged a fashion in business reformation towards a ‘focus on core processes’ and outsourcing of other activities in different corporate operations. In this scenario, corporations looking for to pay attention on their core business have a propensity for outsourcing non-core processes to other firms that are experts in these domains. Outsourcing is defined as the agreement with a different corporation or individual to perform a specific job. Approximately every business subcontracts in several ways. Usually, the task being subcontracted is recognized noncore to the corporate. For example, an insurance company might outsource its janitorial as well as background processes to businesses that focus on those kinds of work as they are not associated to insurance or else premeditated to the company. In this regard, the outside firms those are offering the subcontracting services are called 3rd party supplier, or as they are further normally acknowledged as service suppliers. At present, outsourci ng includes a lot of varieties. Additionally, the corporations so far engage service supplier to effectively manage different business functions, for instance remuneration administration. On the other hand, some businesses outsource the entire operations. In this scenario, the majority ordinary types of outsourcing include information technology outsourcing (ITO) and business process outsourcing (BPO). In simple words, outsourcing is a practice of contracting computer related operations, telecommunication networks, call center services or application development to external vendors (Sourcingmag, 2011; Flecker, 2009; Yakhlef, 2009; Laudon & Laudon, 1999, p.381). Implications In ever-increasing competitive business world, corporations put attention on core processes and subcontract non-core processes to other firms. At present, majority of businesses is accepting business process outsourcing (BPO), which refers to outsourcing of non-core business activities in addition to supporting i nformation technology. Moreover, at present for the companies can outsource virtually anything they could care for. There are lots of outsourcing examples such as graphic design work, marketing company products and services, by means of a mixture of virtual assistant services (Adam, 2009), (Maelah et al., 2010; Banerjee & Williams, 2009). A lot of organisations have outsourced their business processes to outside firms for instance, last year Hewitt Associates bought Exult and recently more than 420 USD were paid by the Electronic Data Systems in scenario of human resources outsourcing division of Towers Perrin. There is another example in which the services of Mellon Financial Corp.'s human resources consulting

Desensitization Of Audiences By Reality Television Essay - 1

Desensitization Of Audiences By Reality Television - Essay Example The traditional reality shows are separated into two distinct types, those that involve a goal, competition or prize to be earned, like Americas Next Top Model, Hell’s Kitchen, or Survivor and the second form that simply and solely follow people through their daily lives for no other purpose than from the spectacle of watching their â€Å"real† lives unfold as entertainment; this includes shows like Jersey Shore and any and all shows beginning with the words â€Å"†¦The Housewives of†¦Ã¢â‚¬  or Kardashian. We watch them laugh, cry, embarrass themselves, scream, yell, and very often fight each other, not just for our entertainment, but, also, for our desire and opportunity to judge these people’s lives. While it would be unfair to blame television and other forms of visual entertainment, for the actions and behaviors of viewers; individuals simply have to be more accountable for their actions they should not be able to â€Å"pass the buck† so ea sily. However, I do think that our entertainment today has desensitized us in many ways throughout the years. Therefore, George F. Will was quite right in his assessment that the violence visited upon others, darker and darker perspectives and the public degradation of others is no longer as shocking and unpleasantly received as it once was (200!). There was time, long before the age of reality television, when television shows were held to very strict ethical and moral standards, that today we would say borders on censorship, were levied on shows aired. For example, there was a time when all married couples in television shows were only ever seen sleeping in separate twin beds, people could not wear anything that exposed a naked navel, audiences never heard a swear word, and gratuitous violence was never shown and seldom discussed outside of metaphors and undertones.

The Effects of Social Networks on Firm Performance Research Paper

The Effects of Social Networks on Firm Performance - Research Paper Example The paper tells that in the field of product development the inter organization networks can be very effective for the joint discussion about the product. Many new and small firms have lack of resources for the development, mainly due to inexperience and a lack of goodwill. Thus as a way of competing and grabbing a foothold in such a scenario involves bootstrapping, which involves activities for securing funds and resources. By using social networks such companies can gather finances, by building up strong ties in the initial stages and later on weak ties as they grow big. CEO’s of different firms have been known to have taken advice from outside through social networking. In this way they seek to get an outside opinion and an altogether different perspective regarding certain strategic issues. These enhance the performance of the firms. Another important aspect which is emerging slowly is the concept of a local social capital where an individual who values more of his local c ontacts, even though he has global contacts. This is relevant mainly in case of local entrepreneurs. Thus according to scientists, people with more and better social capital will be able to realize their goals. Ranging from contracts to building goodwill and securing finances, social capital is the priority in all types of endeavors around the globe. Social ties have been found to regulate exchanges through an informal and interpersonal way and they help to push back the limitations of a weak infrastructure, especially in the case of a financial crisis. (Sheng et al, 2011, p. 1). The study is to provide several facts and discussions in relation to social networks and social capital and their effect on firm performance based on the following

How Service Providers Ensure Consumer Retention Essay

How Service Providers Ensure Consumer Retention - Essay Example This is because it is only through customer retention that these service providers can gain a competitive advantage over other firms in the same industry. Nevertheless, the question is, how does these service providers ensure this? The purpose of this paper is to explore the strategies employed by service providers to ensure customer retention. One key element of customer retention is ensuring that customers are provided with quality goods and services (Buttle 12). It is noted that many service providers tend to strive towards the provision of quality good and services as a way of keeping their customers loyal to the company. This is because no single customer would be willing to come back to get the products or services of a company that they had previous been dissatisfied. Buttle notes that many customers would only be willing to remain loyal to those companies that provide quality products and services to their customers (14). This is one of the reasons as to why companies such as Walmart, Target and Kroger among others have large customer retention base. These retail shops attribute its customer loyalty to the fact that it provides better quality products and services, which has kept their customers coming again and again. Research shows that customer retention is not only based on provision of better quality products and services, but also on creating awareness on the existence of the products and services (Hennig-Thurau and Hansen 102). Many service providers are aware of this fact, and as a result engage on extensive advertising campaign to inform their customers of the existence of their products and services, as is the case with Walmart one of the largest grocery retail shop in the US. Walmart, for instance, does this through mailing list, local advertising, video marketing, email list and facebook among others. Customer retention is also very much dependent on customer service (Lamb 44). As a result, to ensure that customers remain loyal to the compan y, service providers always ensure that customers are provided with optimal customer service. This involves extending a helping hand to the customers all the time irrespective of the place and time. Technological advancement have made this easier to service provider as they can now do this through social media networks to keep in close contact with their customers as is the case with Target retail. This ensures that customer’s queries and problems are handled in time making them feel valued, thus building loyalty. In addition, many service providers ensure that those employed at the customer care desks are professional with etiquette, hospitable and able to handle their customers well. This is because these are the people who mainly come into close contact with customers first. They, therefore, their first impression with the customers can impact greatly on whether the customer will remain loyal or not. Take for example a situation where a customer makes an important call to the company and it is not picked by the customer care employee in time. Such behaviors makes customer feel less valued by the company and as such will seek the services of competitors who can handle them well. Making a customer feel special and valued is another factor that contributes immensely to customer loyalty. Many at time, customers prefer being valued and treated in a special way for them to remain loyal.

Communications Essay Example for Free

Communications Essay 1. What is an implication, in general, and what are specific implications of the presence of the U.S. flag, Constitution, and Bill Of Rights in all the classrooms at the University of Arizona? a. A general definition of an implication is an assumption that can be inferred from a given scenario that is not obviously specified. The US flag, Constitution, and Bill of Rights are all important symbols of freedom in the United States. The Bill of Rights contains the first ten amendments to the Constitution that preserve the liberties and freedoms prevalent in the United States. The Constitution sets forth the structure of the government we created after rebelling against the British monarchy. The US flag contains a representation of the original 13 colonies that rebelled against the British monarchy as the stripes and the current 50 states as the stars, this representation holds a strong symbol of Americanism. A specific implication of having the U.S. flag, Constitution and Bill of Rights in all University of Arizona classrooms is to help remind students of the freedoms that are available to them in the United States. These symbols of personal freedom promote one’s ability to be an outspoken individual, go against the grain in everything they do, and maintain an individual spirit. 2. Problems in business, government, and relationships are frequently blamed on a lack of communication or a failure to communicate properly. Use the Tubbs communication model on page 9 of your Human Communication textbook to diagnose a communication problem and suggest a recommendation for fixing the problem. a. Tubbs’ communication model involves two communicators and contains three main components of communication: the messages, interference, and the channel. Communication problems can exist across all three components of Tubbs’ communication model. Messages can be intentional and unintentional, when we send an unintentional message we give a message that we didn’t intend to and will usually not find out about the error until we receive feedback from the receiver. Communication problems in channels can occur when sending a message through the wrong channel, each channel serves a primary purpose and sending the wrong message through a channel can lead to a breakdown in communication. Interference is what causes a sent message to become misunderstood or missed completely, usually due to a distortion in the message or the receiver becoming distracted. A fairly common problem that has become more prominent in communication since the rise in popularity of electronic messaging is the inability to relate sarcasm, irony, or other emotions effectively. Usually when someone says something sarcastic it can be taken as a serious statement and the receiver can view the sender as ignorant or senseless. To fix this the person either has to relate the message through a more emotionally efficient channel, such as a telephone call, or include a signifier that allows the person to realize the text should be taken as sarcasm, such as including the tag /sarcasm afterwards. 3. What subject matter is at the heart of the field of communication? To answer this question, imagine that a friend or family member asked you what ‘communication’ as an academic subject was about. How would you respond to that person so that they had a clear understanding? a. Communication has changed a great deal over the last 2400 years but has always maintained a primary center to its study while adding more and more elements. In ancient Greece, Socrates and Plato used communication (then called Rhetoric) as a means to discover the truth and draw it out of their students. Aristotle took Plato’s view and expanded onto it that truth is not always absolute and humans must therefore ascertain the â€Å"probable† truth. These early understandings still hold relevant today and create a framework for the contemporary study of human communication. At the heart of communication is the need for understanding, the need for people to be able to help others understand what they’re saying and understand what others are saying. With this need for understanding Plato stated that rhetoric would be used to promote falsehood over truth while Aristotle saw that either falsehood or truth could be promoted and it is the duty of the citizen to use rhetoric to defend the truth. Communication covers the central topic of providing information to other people through multiple channels in an efficient and effective manner. As communication progresses it will continue to hold its central subject matter while adding more and more relevant areas of interpretation. 4. How was the ancient Greek city-state of Athens involved in the history of communication? What connections exist between communication in ancient Athens and communication in the world today? a. Athens was home to the three scholars who created the two primary views to what we currently know as communication. Socrates, Aristotle and Plato provided a strong foundation for the study of communication while coming from two different views of rhetoric. Socrates and Plato were credited to creating the view of â€Å"Divine Truth† which sought to use reasoning and dialogue to â€Å"draw out† knowledge and understanding. Where as, Aristotle viewed that truth is all around in the environment and must be taken in through the senses. Much of what Socrates, Aristotle and Plato put into communication (rhetoric) is still valid today; Aristotle stated communication is â€Å"purposive† and can be evaluated on whether they accomplish their purpose. Socrates demonstrated a strong relationship between communication that would result in the discovery and appreciation of truth and beauty; this gave a precedent to the value of ethics in communication. Each view puts value into a different way of viewing the truth that surrounds us every day; one sees that there is truth in everything and it’s up to the individual to find that truth while the other views that truth is dependent on the person and can change depending on a persons view. These two views from ancient Athens will continue to lead the study of communication and help shape the continued understanding of the field.

King Leopold II | Analysis

King Leopold II | Analysis King Leopold II has the dishonorable reputation as one of the most brutal and cruel colonial rulers of the 19th century for what he has done in Congo. Even after his merciless reign was completely turned over to Belgium, tons of books, articles, photos, and essays were released to reveal all of King Leopold IIs atrocities to the people around the world. Some scholars have tried to justify his actions arguing that King Leopold made a great contribution to modernizing and civilizing Congo. However, one cannot ignore the unchangeable fact that King Leopold II has, in fact, committed unforgivable crimes against the natives of Congo for his own wealth from ivory and rubber collected through forced labor. Therefore, despite what some people argue in helpless attempts to justify King Leopold IIs actions in Congo, what he did during his 22-year reign in Congo are too inhumane and unjustifiable for people to honor him as a sage king. Leopold II was the king of Belgium from 1865 to 1909 and was the founder of Congo Free State (Present-day The Democratic Republic of Congo). By the time Leopold II succeeded his father as king, he had travelled around the world much and had become a supporter of the expansion of Belgium into other territories. He managed to formulate an agreement with Henry Stanley, an ambitious journalist who is famous for exploring Africa, to bring Congo under European control through unfair trade and slavery. This is how Congo Free State of King Leopold II was founded and it existed from 1885 to 1907. Disappointed and outraged by what King Leopold II was doing in Congo Free State, many journalists and writers began to write about the crimes he was committing. Among these works, Mark Twain, encouraged by the Congo Reform Association, wrote a gripping literary work expressing his thoughts about King Leopold II called King Leopolds Soliloquy. It is a satiric soliloquy, or dramatic monologue published by Congo Reform Association rather than a commercial publisher, which means that Twain was writing for a cause, not personal gains. The main influence on making Twain write this particular work was Edmund D. Morel of the English Congo Reform Association who wanted Twains help in gathering support for an American branch of Congo Reform Association. This work specifically focuses on several issues regarding King Leopold II, and among these are brutality, absolute materialism, morality and media. As for brutality, 2 million to 15 million people of Congo supposedly died during the reign of King Leopold II. The exact number is nearly impossible to discover as no concrete records of Congo Free State could be found today. King Leopolds 19,000-man army used their developed weapons such as rifles, cannons, and machine guns to slowly take control of Congo from the natives who were only equipped with spears or antiquated muskets. The theme of brutality is very closely related to materialism. At first, King Leopold IIs main interest was ivory. However, in the early 1890s, with the invention of bicycles and their wide-spread usage, the demand for rubber suddenly skyrocketed and started what people call The rubber boom. Luckily for King Leopold II, nearly half of Congo Free State was covered with rubber trees that would have taken over 50 y ears to fully grow elsewhere. With an increasing demand for rubber from Congo, King Leopold II quickly came up with a cruelly effective idea to collect rubber. It was quite simple; executive officers under King Leopold II would go into a local town and take the women there as hostages. To free their wives, men had to go out into the woods and collect a certain amount of rubber. If they did not fulfill their required amount of rubber, they received cruel punishment from these officers; they were often whipped with chicotte, a lash made from hippo hide, or their hands were cut off for not meeting the demands. Also the soldiers were ordered to bring back a hand for every bullet fired. As it was not actually possible, these soldiers instead cut off the hands of the living resulting in mutilation and a decrease in the population. As for morality and press, a fairly large amount of the soliloquy is used to criticize the media (newspapers and photographs), for revealing what King Leopolds done in Congo Free State. Before the invention of Kodak, cameras, all the atrocities and chaos King Leopold II was creating in Congo Free State could not be fully known. Many articles and essays were written but there was no visual evidence for the public to prove it. Also, King Leopold II went out of his way to ensure that none of his deeds became known to the public, or as Morel puts it, Not one in a thousand of the dark deeds performed under such a regime can ever, in the nature of things, become publicly known. In King Leopolds soliloquy, King Leopold blames the results from his cruel actions on reporters and the camera, rather than himself. This also means that Leopold cares much more about how people conceive him as a king instead of the morality or justness of his actions. This can be witnessed when he says Ten thousand pulpits and ten thousand presses are saying the good word for me all the time and placidly and convincingly denying the mutilations. Then that trivial little Kodak, that a child can carry in its pocket, gets up, uttering never a word, and knocks them dumb. He also calls the camera The only witness I have encountered in my long experience that I couldnt bribe. King Leopolds Soliloquy is quite significant in its form. Twain takes the character of King Leopold himself, embattled by those who wish him to change. By presenting his ideas through a soliloquy, which is a monologue rather than a literary work with a plot or characters, he creates special tension in the readers mind. From the readers perspective, hearing such ravings and evil deeds from King Leopold IIs own mouth would have made a strong impact on their mind; it brings the reader into a greater sense of anger and disgust at the callousness of deeds and thought from the king. As effective as it may be, however, readers of this work must be aware that this is not a transcript of King Leopold II but a soliloquy written by a different person based on his imagination. Therefore, certain parts of it must have been somewhat exaggerated and may not even be true. Although most of what was happening in Congo Free State was well known by the time King Leopolds Soliloquy was written thanks to the development of technology, especially Kodak, it would have been quite difficult to be aware of all of King Leopold IIs intentions for his actions. Nevertheless, Mark Twain, with his effective usage of language and satire, was able to create quite a sensation across America. According to Justin Kaplan, it was the most effective and most widely circulated piece of American propaganda in the cause of Congo reform. Twain once said in an interview of Boston Herald on Nov 6. 1905, The condition of things in the Congo is atrocious, as shown by the photographs of children whose hands have been cut off. Leopold thinks this can go on because the Congo is a distant out-of-the-way country. But once we can get England and America to investigate, and take this matter up, something will be done. We Americans are especially interested, because it was our recognition of the flag there that led to recognition by other powers. By writing such work, considering the social and political impact of Ma rk Twain, he was trying to encourage its readers to actively participate in speaking against King Leopolds regime. By touching on pathos of the readers, Twain was clearly arousing them to active protest with his very effective writing style which may sound satiric and scornful to the readers. Advocates of King Leopold IIs reign in Congo Free State, however, argue that this is all just an accusation of the King and he made a great contribution to modernizing and civilizing Congo. In An Answer to Mark Twain by Donald Kerr, a pamphlet written in response to King Leopolds Soliloquy, Kerr states that lies and slanders are accumulated and, as stated by Mark Twain the only true thing in his soliloquy they slander and still slander. Like such, lots of controversies exist among scholars and historians regarding King Leopold IIs Congo Free State. Advocates first criticize Mark Twain for stating that King Leopold taxes his stolen nation but provides nothing in return but hunger, terror, grief, shame, captivity, mutilation and massacre More than half of the pamphlet, An Answer to Mark Twain, is dedicated to showing photographs of what King Leopold II gave them in return. It contains more than 30 photographs of schools, bridges, hospitals, villages, railways, motor-cars, and all oth er things that were built during King Leopold IIs regime. As the anger and disgust towards King Leopold II spread across the world after witnessing photographs thanks to the development of Kodak, Kerr must have thought it would be effective to show pictures supporting King Leopold IIs achievements during his reign. Advocates of King Leopold II also insist that there is no factual evidence connecting the mutilations and murders of the natives to the army of King Leopold. Kerr also questions the validity of the photographs of the mutilated natives asserting that such is the value of the photographs produced, and as it is not proved by specific dates and places that these acts of cruelty can be directly or indirectly imputed to Belgians having resided in the Congo they must be considered as slanderous. These advocates of King Leopold II endlessly try to justify the chaos he created in Congo Free State, but nothing will ever change the fact that the natives of Congo suffered greatly from the reign of King Leopold II both emotionally and physically. What people can read from King Leopolds Soliloquy by Mark Twain, and all the other evidence that people can see such as photographs, articles, essays, and historical records point to the fact that King Leopold II was willing to apply any and all possible measures to gain wealth and did not care one bit about the natives. Despite the contributions the king made to Congo, like modernizing and civilizing Congo during his reign, people of our generation remember him as a brutal and greedy colonial ruler rather than a sage king. Therefore, even though what these advocates say of King Leopold II may be true, what he did to the natives of Congo and how he gained his wealth are too inhumane and cruel to be justified.

The Benefits Of Breastfeeding

The Benefits Of Breastfeeding Human milk is uniquely engineered for human infants, and is the biologically or natural way to feed infants. Breastfeeding, in comparison to feeding breast milk substitutes such as infant formula, has numerous health benefits. It not only has benefits on children and mothers but the society and economy as well. Introduction One of the most useful and natural steps a mother can take for her children is to breastfeed them. Science has proven remarkable health benefits of breast milk that are passed from mothers to their children. The benefits, from the building of antibodies to protect a newborn at birth to the special nutrients to prevent numerous infancy infections, are countless. No other sole step taken by a mother can so drastically impact the present and future wellbeing of her newborn. Breast milk not only benefits the newborn baby, it also benefits the mother, the society and the environment. In this paper the benefits of breastfeeding for both infants as well as mothers will be stated. Also, I will talk about its benefits to the environment and society. Finally, I will discuss what the United Arab Emirates does in terms of breastfeeding. The benefits of breastfeeding for Infants Nutritional benefits Breast milk is a unique nutritional source that cannot adequately be replaced by any other food. It is ultimately the best source of nutrition for a new baby. Many components in breast milk help protect infants against infection and disease. It contains the perfect combination of proteins, fats, vitamins, and carbohydrates. The proteins in breast milk are more easily digested than in formula or cows milk. The calcium and iron in breast milk are also more easily absorbed. Also, in it are Leukocytes which are living cells that are only found in breast milk. They help fight infection. It is the antibodies, living cells, enzymes, and hormones that make breast milk the perfect choice (Brown, 2008). Immunological benefits Most preemies are at risk for infections that can sometimes be very serious, so immune system benefits are some of the most important benefits of breastfeeding a premature baby can have. Human milk has the ability to protect them against infections and serious diseases. It is protects the infants against serious Infections like Diarrhea and Haemophilus Influenza. Children who are on breast feed experience a lower rate of severe diarrheal disease than children that are given formula milk. In a study conducted on a controlled group of infants (age bracket of less than 6 months), it was observed that newborns on breast feed were noticeably protected against haemophilus influenza, type B disease (Cochi, 1986). Evidence suggests that breast milk can carry particular or non-particular immunities to the newborns respiratory tract which is extremely important in the early days after birth when their immune system is not fully developed. Mothers milk protects the newborn babies against respiratory problems like, breathlessness, wheezing and other infections related to the respiratory tract in the initial four months of their life. Children who are given formula milk experience increased risk for, respiratory problems, severe otitis media along with extended duration of middle ear infections due to immature immune system. Breast milk as well plays a vital role in protecting the infants from the infection of Herpes Simplex virus II. It was also confirmed that breastfeeding babies were less likely to die from SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), the reason being the prevention of respiratory and gastrointestinal infections due to strong immunity developed in them because of breast milk (Allen Hec tor, 2005). To sum up, all these findings of different studies strongly indicate that mothers milk develops and enhances the immune system of the newborn babies especially in the very initial years of their life. Cognitive benefits In addition to the nutritional and immunological benefits of breast milk, breastfeeding may help preemies get ahead intellectually. Breast milk is associated with increases in child cognitive ability and educational achievements. Cognitive development of social and psychomotor skills gains increases with the consumption and duration of breastfeeding. According to Horwood and Fergusson such effects are relatively long lived extending not only throughout childhood but also into young adulthood (1998). Children who consume human milk in early days of their life have a significant higher level of IQ at the age bracket of seven and eight than those kids who did not get their mothers milk (Erterm, 2001). In fact, studies suggest that nutrients present in breast milk may have a significant effect on neurologic development in premature and term infants. Breastfeeding is associated with a 3.16-point higher score for cognitive development compared with formula feeding after adjustment for sign ificant covariates (Anderson et al, 1999)*. Health Benefits to Moms Who Breastfeed The babies are not the only ones who benefit from breastfeeding. Moms also benefit from breastfeeding their premature babies. Breastfeeding not only reduces the risk of breast cancer but also plays a role in preventing endometrial, ovarian and cervical cancers. It reduces the risk of anemia and Protects against health issue related to bones like osteoporosis and hip fractures later in life (Heacock, 1992). It also greatly helps the body of the pregnant women to return to its earlier shape faster, helps in losing the extra weight during pregnancy and also plays a very important role in the contraction of the uterus after delivery to control postpartum bleeding. The fat stores of the body are consumed to produce human milk which can easily burn from five hundred to fifteen hundred calories every day. Breastfeeding the babies also delay the return of fertility and thus provide a natural gap between subsequent pregnancies. It also develops a special bonding and emotional relationship bet ween the mother and the baby (Brown, 2008 Dimes Foundation, 2010). Benefits to the environment and the Society Breastfeeding also has economic advantages; its cheaper than buying formula and helps avoid medical bills later because it helps equip the baby to fight off disease and infection. According to the Unicef financial benefits is associated with breastfeeding. Higher breastfeeding initiation and duration rates would significantly improve the health of a nation. Breastfeeding babies and their mothers are at lower risk of certain illnesses. There are therefore potential cost savings for the wider health care system (2006). In fact, it reduces both direct costs such as clinical or hospital fees and indirect costs such as formula costs (Weimer, 2001). Thus, breastfeeding is also linked to the environment. Breastfeeding the young ones decreases the use of raw material, energy and other resources required in the manufacturing, packing, distributing, promoting and disposing of waste materials of formula milk which ultimately reduces global pollution (Lance, 2007). Breastfeeding in United Arab Emirates Conclusion It is concluded that not a single brand of formula milk can replace the properties and nutrients of breast milk, regardless of the addition of vitamins, supplements and minerals; it is and will essentially stay a chemical formulation. Human milk has nutritional, immunological, and developmental benefits for the child, as well as physiological and emotional benefits for the mother. It also holds several benefits for the environment and society. The United Arab Emirates

“Naked Villainy”: Richard as a Satanic Hero Essays -- Literary Analy

In many religions and cultures, a demonic entity embodies the spirit of evil, ruler of hell, enemy of God, and tempter of humankind. This arch rebel figure often emerges in literature, and one of the most well-known is Satan, a defiant epitome of evil from John Milton’s epic poem Paradise Lost. There must be good in the presence of evil, thus there must be a hero with whom the villain clashes with, a bold character whom the audience roots for. In Shakespeare’s tragic play Richard III, Richard plays the role of both the hero and the villain by using his heroic traits to underscore his satanic persona. He is a satanic hero because he uses his political eloquence to rebel, his isolation causes him to oppose all moral constraints, and he wears a mask of charisma to hide his selfish lust for power. In other words, Richard, like Satan, is elevated by heroic traits like alluring eloquence but is so deeply self-absorbed and bent on revenge that he precipitates his own dest ined downfall. Richard is skilfully eloquent; however he chooses to convey this heroic trait satanically by using it to emphasize his rebellious nature against love, politics, and religion. Love is built upon reciprocated affection between two individuals, but Richard rebels by using it as a political tool, to the extent that he suggests incest at various points throughout the play. During the wooing scene, he wins the heart of Lady Anne by saying, â€Å"Your beauty was the cause of that effect: / Your beauty, that did haunt me in my sleep †¦Ã¢â‚¬  (1 .2, 126-127), accusing Anne’s beauty as inducement for murder. This quote implies that he plays upon the emotions of others, winning women over and bringing out their vulnerability by â€Å"his insinuating discourse† (Wilhelm, 20)... ...conscience finally surfaces. Richard’s seclusion is a result of his ambition and isolation, and he is so absorbed in his schemes of personal gain that he does not realize how he is lending himself to catastrophe. Richard, like Satan, is heroically amiable and well-spoken, but his greediness and insubordinate lust for power lend him to his predestined downfall. When Richard says, â€Å"I am determined to prove a villain†, he implies a tragic conception that he controls his predestined fate, and the providentialism eventually endorses this meaning. He uses his political eloquence to rebel, he is isolated and therefore his mental and physical energy is unhampered by his moral deformity, and he masks his satanic traits with charisma. Though the ending is tragic for Richard, it is a new beginning for England, and in a way, Richard purges England of its collective guilt.

THE IMMORAL PROPOSAL FOR THE CHANGE OF DRUG LAWS Essay -- Drugs

In the United States the use of illegal drugs is prohibited. If one uses or possesses any type of an illegal substance it is considered a criminal offense. One must know that 15 million Americans use drugs each month (Husak 7). There are various points of view that disagree and agree with this law. An advanced society must realize that the idea of any attempt to allow illegal drugs to be legalized, in any way in society, cannot be morally permissible; a sound minded person cannot allow more addiction in a drug infested country. For our purpose an advanced society is a large number of persons that are morally knowledgeable of human wellbeing. A drug, for our purpose, is described as any substance other than food which by its chemical nature affects the structure or function of the living organism. The idea of changing illegal substance laws started with drug legalization, which stretches back to the early decades of the 20th century, but the contemporary debate emerged in1988. Kurt L. Schmoke called for the debate on drug control and strategies. Schmokes’s argument was that for generations the United States has been pursuing policies of prosecution and repression that resulted in little more than overcrowded courts and prisons, increased profits for drug traffickers, and higher rates of addiction. There are two main view points on the changing of drug laws. One is the Prohibition view point which is against drug legalization. Prohibitionist believe that laws that are set in place are enough and that the legalization of drugs would further disrupt family structure and imply drug use to American youth that would lower perceptions of harms and risks, as well as failing to eliminate drug addiction.( Inciardi 20). The parallel v... ...n illegal substance must consider after addiction free choice is no longer free. The first few times an individual uses an addictive substance, but that choice disappears as addiction becomes an experienced reality (Inciardi 39). Work cited Heath, Samuel . "The Relationship between Parental Alcohol, Drug Abuse and Child Maltreatment ."childabuse,com (2011): n. pag. Web. 15 Apr 2011. Husak, Douglas . The Legalization of Drugs . Cambridge, New York: Cambridge Press, 2005. 198. Print. Inciardi , James A. The Drug Legalization debate . 2nd . Thousand Oaks, California : Sage Publications Inc., 1999. 1-117. Print. University of California - San Francisco. "Prescription Drug Addiction Is Under Investigation." ScienceDaily, 19 Apr. 2007. Web. 15 Apr. 2011. Wills, Suzanne. "Marijuana policy questions ." Drug Policy Forum of Texas (2004): n. pag. Web. 15 Apr 2011.

Human Population Growth as an Environmental Problem

The essay to be assessed in this paper discusses the relationship between the human population growth to environmental problems. The essay argues that human population growth leads to the increase of environmental problems due to the human population’s inability to recognize the importance of the environment. It argues that ‘individual behavior’ is the ‘main cause’ of environmental problems.In order to prove the claim that human population growth and the continuous practice of actions that lead to environmental problems is the main cause of environmental problems; the author of the essay provides examples in which environmental problems are enabled by human actions. For instance, the author points out that human population growth leads to the increased use of air polluting chemicals that further lead to the increase in air pollution.Another instance specified by the author is how environmental degradation [in the form of the degradation of grasslands] is a result of human beings’ desire for profit. The author ends his paper by claiming that in order for environmental problems to be solved, it is necessary that human beings become more aware of how their actions affect the environment.Given the main argument as well as the main points presented in the said essay, it is important to note that although the author is correct in arguing that there is a relationship between human practices as well as human population growth to the environmental problems; the author was unable to specify how population growth affects environmental problems.In order to solve this, the author may have argued that increase in human population leads to the increase in the demand for food, space, water, energy, and other resources (Diamond 494). Such an increase will lead to environmental problems given the scarcity of the current food, space, water, energy etc. resources combined with the current wasteful practices of human beings.Work CitedDiamond, Jared. Collapse: How Societies Choose to Fail or Succeed. New York: Penguin, 2006.

Natural Or Man Made Disasters Environmental Sciences Essay

With everything else being equal, the high sum of C dioxide in the ambiance which has changed the climatic conditions can increase growing of some nutrient harvests like rice, wheat and soya bean. But the addition in temperature can act upon the clip and quality of turning season and a batch of injury is caused to the harvests as a consequence of inundations and checkerss. This means that hereafter of nutrient production in many states is at a significant hazard. It depends on how expeditiously different states combat this job caused by planetary heating. ( Ranger & A ; Clark, 2012 ) The proposal below includes a nexus between the effects of planetary heating with the debut of genetically modified nutrient merchandises and additives as a counter to the job. Genetically modifying nutrient can help in heightening output of harvest workss to do them resistant to rapidly altering climatic alterations. They will assist the husbandmans grow nutrient economically and sustainably. ( â€Å" gram nutrient, † 2007 But more of import is the fact that there are certain jeopardies which are associated with these modified nutrient merchandises. These jeopardies and hazards must be eliminated to guarantee safe nutrient supply to people. Besides the multitudes should be educated about the benefits of these nutrient merchandises that helps them to do better determinations about their nutrient ingestion and protects them from the harmful effects of planetary heating. Different advertisement techniques like cusps, booklets and telecasting advertizements can help in this respect.IntroductionWith the rise in the degree of C dioxide in the ambiance and the subsequent planetary heating has led to an addition in temperature by 0.8 degree Celsius and is estimated to lift by 1.4 to 5.8 grade Celsius between the 21st century. This quandary will go on unless the emanation of green house gasses is halted. Among these gases carbon dioxide contributes the most towards the heating, an estimation of 60 % in the foll owing century. ( Hartman, Nippert, Orozco & A ; Springer, 2010 ) This addition in the atmospheric temperature and alteration in the form of rainfall with utmost conditions conditions like inundations, storms and checkerss is taking to infertile land for illustration in Southern Europe. The high degree of H2O and addition in temperature can besides ensue in H2O logging, plagues and diseases. ( Quested, Cook, Gorris & A ; Cole, 2010 )Consequence OF GLOBAL WARMING ON FOOD PRODUCTIONIn stead of the harm clime brings to agriculture it becomes apparent that harvest and nutrient production has a close nexus to planetary heating. Hence I agree to the claim that planetary heating effects the production and handling of nutrient in the developed states and undeveloped states because of combustion of fossil fuels through industrialisation. The alterations in clime influence the growing of plagues and microbic growing of macro environment. Hence it leads to biotic diseases imputing to fungi, bac teriums and viruses. Other abiotic facets like air pollutants influenced the production and wellness of workss. These factors besides affect the safety of nutrient. ( Jaykus, Woolridge, Frank, Miraglia, Gollop & A ; Tirado ) Furthermore apart from these direct effects, the indirect effects of climate lead to revenue enhancement or levy systems in all countries of nutrient production. This would supercharge the monetary value and handiness of different types of nutrient and influence the process of production that involves addition sum of emanation of green house gases. This will finally take to less ingestion of meat due to its increased monetary value. ( Quested, Cook, Gorris & A ; Cole, 2010 ) The clime alteration besides affects the nutrient fabrication and trade. Upcoming dangers in primary production can impact the working of the safety guaranting procedures needed to expeditiously restrict those dangers and maintain safety of the finished merchandise. Furthermore, the rise in mean temperature can increase the hazard to hygiene linked with storing and transporting nutrient merchandises. ( Jaykus, Woolridge, Frank, Miraglia, Gollop & A ; Tirado )GENETICALLY MODIFIED FOODIn order to accomplish benefits from Earthaa‚ ¬a„?s nutriment such nutrient has to be produced that bears the alteration in climatic conditions. The solution lies in genetically modifying nutrient and usage of additives and conserves. Genetically modified nutrient or harvests are the 1s that are produced through modern techniques in microbiology and the scientific discipline of agribusiness. They are made to better some traits that make them modified to peculiar topographic points and countries. There advantages are that they are immune to plagues and diseases ; hold more foods and can defy climatic alterations caused by planetary heating. There is an addition in the growing of these nutrient merchandises in United States since 1996. They include companies that invest in bring forthing nutrient that are immune to checkerss and inundations. ( Lundee, 2010 ) However, really few people are cognizant of the benefits of genetically modified nutrient and the additives. A survey was conducted in Korea in which it was found that consumers had really small consciousness about the safety methods attached with nutrient additives and they thought of them as harmful. So they avoided purchasing procedures nutrient incorporating additives. Hence it was found that consciousness amongst the people sing the benefits of modified nutrient merchandises and additives was necessary to avoid misinterpretations about them that were created chiefly by traditional media.ADVERSTINGaa‚ ¬a„?S ROLESo different advertisement techniques can be used to inform people about the alterations in clime through planetary heating and the how the nutrient job can be solved through familial alteration and additives. The survey in Korea suggested that in cusps, booklets and postings h ave a immense impact in conveying cognition to the consumers about the benefits of the preservatives and familial technology in guaranting nutrient safety. This advertisement technique was used during a study in Korea in which after exposing the audience with the postings they most of them agreed to utilize the additives and modified nutrient merchandises. They came to cognize that authorities has plan regulation bounds like ADIs for additives and preservatives to maintain consumers safe. ( Shim, Seo, Lee, Moonc, Kim & A ; Hee Park, 2011 ) . Such awareness runs should non merely be on a little graduated table but other manners of communicating like telecasting and newspapers can besides play an of import function in this respect. Creatively and sagely designed advertizements can act upon and learn multitudes to do the correct picks for their nutrient ingestion.ETHICAL ISSUESWhen new engineering like the genetically modified harvests is introduced there are certain ethical issues tha t come across. The inquiries arise if the engineering will guarantee general public assistance through enhanced safety of nutrient or does it brings injury for consumers and environment. Besides, if the engineering provides any deductions for the consumeraa‚ ¬a„?s rights like to inform the consumer sing what he is eating. Furthermore, has the engineering introduced deductions for the scientists for their freedom in making research in a manner that secures their personal award? Finally inquiries related to rule of justness may originate in such a manner as who will be profiting from the latest engineering and how will they counterbalance for those who are non profiting. ( Nuffield Council on Bioethics )CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONSWhen there are climatic alterations, certain things must be done to manage them instantly. These include safety steps for nutrient, theorizing procuring nutrient points, supplying clean nutrient and H2O, acknowledging and responding to climat ic alterations and nutrient borne diseases and educating multitudes about the safety of nutrient through runs. All this requires assorted trained groups who perform their occupation good, know about their responsibilities and have effectual squad coordination abilities. Proper planning has to be done to provide to these state of affairss by authorities and other sectors. These programs should pass on nutrient security hazards as the consequence of climatic alterations along the nutrient concatenation. This needs intersectoral analysis of countrywide infrastructural and treating ability to react to sudden alterations. ( Jaykus, Woolridge, Frank, Miraglia, Gollop & A ; Tirado ) The long term there is a demand to present new engineerings like genetically modified nutrient merchandises and additives can guarantee that safe nutrient supply is maintained. There is a demand to organize procedure and label nutrient points to help the consumer in keeping his healthy diet and forestalling fleshiness and diseases. Besides, sustainability of nutrient concatenation has to be maintained. ( Lazaridesa ) Last, consciousness is highly indispensable to be created amongst the multitudes about the latest engineering that is to be used in guaranting nutrient safety. This can be done through focal point groups, publicities, in-store signage, vouchers, client trueness cards and Internet consciousness. Furthermore, legal stairss have to be taken by authoritiess of several states to guarantee that the genetically modified nutrient and additives are free from chemicals that are harmful to human wellness. Merely in this manner we can battle the effects of planetary heating on the production of nutrient.

Economic Indicators

Housing starts lowest in months Housing starts are the number of new residential construction projects that a re being done at a given time. When housing starts are particularly low it could mean bad news for the economy and also for both large and small businesses. If houses are not being built, pep people are not spending money on the initial construction. If there's not construction, there a re no jobs being created. If there are no homes being built then their are no homebuilders esp. ding money on the items to furnish their homes.Therefore small and large businesses are not a able to generate business. 2. ) Fed lowers discount rate and interest rates tumble When the Federal discount rate is low, interest rates tend to be lower as well. This could be a bad indicator for the economy because most times lowering interest rates is a technique used to try to stimulate the economy. The economy only needs stimulated when it is NT doing so well. Once the interest rates are lowered people are more likely to be able to borrow w which will be read for the economy and for large and small businesses.When money is boo rowed, it will then be spent, creating a boost in the overall economy. 3. ) Retail sales up 4 percent over last month Retail sales being up is a very positive indicator for the economy. It means that t people are spending money, which means people are making money. This is also good n sews for both small and large businesses because when sales are higher in small business, more product must be ordered from the larger businesses. 4. ) Business debt down from last year Business debt being lower can be both a good and bad indicator for the icon mom.It's bad because it could mean that businesses are less confident and worried about t aging on more debt. It's good in the sense that overall, businesses are making enough money to eke pep themselves out of debt. This is especially good for small businesses. Less debt can be bad of r larger businesses that are invol ved with debt collection, for obvious reasons. 5. ) Businesses are buying more electronic equipment Businesses buying more electronic equipment could be both a bad and a go indicator.It's bad because it is indicating that some businesses are replacing people with electric Ionics or machines which will decrease the need for human labor. When that need is lowered it will show a decrease in the job market and ultimately raise unemployment rates. The buy Wing and selling of electronic equipment is good because with the higher demand for any type of product comes more jobs for the larger businesses, the manufacturers. It could also be good for both larger and small businesses, not just the retailers but also the tech support and repair b sinuses. Economic Indicators Housing starts lowest in months Housing starts are the number of new residential construction projects that a re being done at a given time. When housing starts are particularly low it could mean bad news for the economy and also for both large and small businesses. If houses are not being built, pep people are not spending money on the initial construction. If there's not construction, there a re no jobs being created. If there are no homes being built then their are no homebuilders esp. ding money on the items to furnish their homes.Therefore small and large businesses are not a able to generate business. 2. ) Fed lowers discount rate and interest rates tumble When the Federal discount rate is low, interest rates tend to be lower as well. This could be a bad indicator for the economy because most times lowering interest rates is a technique used to try to stimulate the economy. The economy only needs stimulated when it is NT doing so well. Once the interest rates are lowered people are more likely to be able to borrow w which will be read for the economy and for large and small businesses.When money is boo rowed, it will then be spent, creating a boost in the overall economy. 3. ) Retail sales up 4 percent over last month Retail sales being up is a very positive indicator for the economy. It means that t people are spending money, which means people are making money. This is also good n sews for both small and large businesses because when sales are higher in small business, more product must be ordered from the larger businesses. 4. ) Business debt down from last year Business debt being lower can be both a good and bad indicator for the icon mom.It's bad because it could mean that businesses are less confident and worried about t aging on more debt. It's good in the sense that overall, businesses are making enough money to eke pep themselves out of debt. This is especially good for small businesses. Less debt can be bad of r larger businesses that are invol ved with debt collection, for obvious reasons. 5. ) Businesses are buying more electronic equipment Businesses buying more electronic equipment could be both a bad and a go indicator.It's bad because it is indicating that some businesses are replacing people with electric Ionics or machines which will decrease the need for human labor. When that need is lowered it will show a decrease in the job market and ultimately raise unemployment rates. The buy Wing and selling of electronic equipment is good because with the higher demand for any type of product comes more jobs for the larger businesses, the manufacturers. It could also be good for both larger and small businesses, not just the retailers but also the tech support and repair b sinuses.