Abstract This paper explains that over 500 detainees from countries such as Afghanistan, Iraq and Pakistan have been brought to the U.S. military base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba by the U.S. government under the assumption that they are dangerous terrorists and a threat to the United States. The author points out that (1) they were brought to Cuba because it is not U.S. soil thus the military can deny them the rights guaranteed under the United States Constitution, such as due process, independent counsel and a speedy trial, and (2) they do not even have rights under the Geneva Convention since the U.S. has not declared them prisoners of war, instead labeling them "enemy combatants". The paper contends that the fallout from this situation at Guantanamo Bay has been that the world now sees the U.S. as a hypocrite following constitutional rights only when it is in the country's best interests.
Table of Contents
Constitutional Amendments of the United States of America
Introduction
Justice for All
Convenience of the "Enemy Combatants" Label
What's Going on at Guantanamo Bay?
The Abused as Abusers
International Quagmire
Crusade for National Security
The End is Near?
From the Paper "There are even conflicting reports from the same agency. The Red Cross released a report in 2002 stating that there was no torture going on at Guantanamo and then later did an about-face and condemned the treatment of those same prisoners (Cole). Some prisoners who were released talked about physical and mental torture, being isolated for months at a time, being led around with a dog collar, being attacked by dogs, having to wear women's clothing and of being subjected to the desecration of the Quran in front of them (having pages ripped out and flushed down the toilet). Many of these "tortures" have been confirmed by the US government, namely the FBI (Ardiente), with a shrug and grin, as if they are a practice so common (or relatively innocuous compared to what else they might do) that they are confused as to why anyone would be upset by them."
Tags: constitution, denial, enemy-combatants, hypocrite, muslim
Abstract ""A clone is one or more identical organisms descending asexually from a single common ancestor" (Encarta 99). It is a copy or close reproduction of a DNA sequence or gene produced by genetic engineering. Genetic engineering is the alteration of an organism's genetic code, to remove characteristics of a creature that are not wanted and to replace them with desirable ones. Members of a clone are identical in their inherited characteristics except for differences caused by attitude. They have the identical genetic makeup of the parent organism. "
Abstract This essay attempts to elucidate the impacts of immigration focusing on Australian society. First, the impact of immigration from an economic point of view is explained. This is followed by a scrutiny of the social impact of immigration and a review of the environmental impact.
Abstract This paper is written in favor of the Christian view on abortion. It includes examples from the Bible. The overall argument is that it isn't up to us to decide whether a child dies or lives. We are to obey God and let Him be the giver and taker of life.
From the Paper "In 1984, the highest year for abortion, the US reported 36.4 abortions for every 100 live births. With this and many more outrageous facts, one is forced to ponder the issue of abortion. This subject has taken a hold of America and has squeezed every last opinion out of it. There are those whose beliefs stand on the word of God, which says that all life is precious to Him. On the other hand, pro choice says that each person is entitled to their personal freedom, which grants them the option to abort the fetus if they want. Overall, it is not our freedom to decide when someone is going to die, even if we are deciding for a human who has yet to see the world; it is up to God."
Abstract An argumentative essay about the banning of capital punishment in all countries. The history, social problems, cost, and moral responsibility of the death sentence are discussed and used to show that all societies would benefit without this punishment, otherwise seen as law assisted murder. This essay argues that capital punishment lacks proper and moral justification and should not exist because it is morally unjust. Many points are supported by statistics and a common overview of certain communities and their actions.
From the Paper "The death penalty, the poor man's justice, is a negative aspect of a society, promotes murder for murder, and encourages lawful infliction of death. Capital punishment is the lawful execution of a criminal by the state, yet is quite problematic. Many people debate on the issues of morality, with some suggesting that this is not punishment but cold revenge. The law is here to protect us as individuals, and those who commit crimes also have the right to be protected. Lacking proper and moral justification, capital punishment should be banned because it is not a deterrent, it is classified as cruel and unusual punishment, and it is morally unjust."
Abstract This paper examines the problems that censorship places on America and takes a strong stance against the practice. It examines social injustices and problems that exist in American society and looks at the ethical issues that arise when considering censorship.
From the Paper "America was founded on freedom, it is a country that originated to protect the fundamental human rights of all people"or at least that's what the constitution and Declaration of Independence say. Contradictions to this so-called freedom have appeared throughout history. We enslaved an entire race, marched Native Americans down the Trail of Tears and sent Japanese Americans into internment camps for no good reason. Today, there is another issue that some say is putting our freedom in jeopardy. Book and periodicals censorship has occurred in our country for years, and during all of those years protests and calls for the protection of our freedom of speech have rung have been heard from some authors, students, teachers, the American Library Association, booksellers, and literature fans everywhere who believe that "the freedom to read is essential to our democracy" (Hull, 118). On the other hand some parents, family oriented groups such as Focus on the Family, the American Family Association, and Family Friendly Libraries, and Christian groups and ministers are asking the government to regulate the books that make their home on our public and school library shelves in order to protect children from being exposed to difficult issues like sexuality and racism before they are mature enough to handle it.?
Abstract This paper explores the pros and cons of capital punishment, and argues in favor of a system using the death penalty as a mode of punishment for criminals.
The Current System
Flaws in the System
An Alternative
From the Paper "Throughout recorded human history, the concept of just retribution, as well as the death penalty has been present in the bulk of social and religious groups. The death sentence was in use in Ancient Greece, what is widely considered the cradle of civilization, as well as ancient Rome, Egypt, and all through antiquity, right up to the present day. "
Abstract An analysis of the main issues of the death penalty. The author looks at the history of the death penalty, issues of race, the costs of the death penalty, various concerns of the death penalty and its stance today.
From the Paper "An important part of any society is crime and punishment. Societies must deal with small crimes such as stealing and much larger ones such as rape, murder and treason. The death penalty is meant to be a punishment for some of the worse crimes that people can commit. The death penalty has its roots in the ancient times, and even the Bible accepts it as a proper punishment for certain crimes. Yet in today's world, a mere mention of the term death penalty excites screaming from extremists on both sides of the argument. Conservatives cry out for capital punishment to be utilized more often, while Liberals and organizations such as the ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union) are constantly protesting for more rights for prisoners and a complete abolition of the death penalty. There are many issues which both sides of this argument need to consider when evaluating the death penalty. These issues include effectiveness as a deterrent, racism, cost, risk of executing the innocent, and defense of the guilty. After evaluating these issues, it can be determined that the death penalty is a necessary evil, and with the growing use of DNA research, will be an important tool of the judicial system in punishing the guilty."
Abstract This paper examines the controversial topic of abortion. The author discusses how the U.S. Supreme Court case Roe v. Wade sparked a great deal of debate over the issue, and the formation of many interest groups including religious pro-life groups such as Priests for Life. The paper also looks at the societal reasons behind abortion.
From the Paper "The debate over abortion was started way before Roe V. Wade, but has never seen intensity like it has in today's society. With the increase of interest groups the social movement of abortion moves on still today. There may be no neutral answer or compromise to the abortion debate, but with the help of well-run and well-intentioned interest groups society can come to a peaceful understanding of abortion."
Abstract This paper presents an in depth examination of the death penalty and the racial influences on the matter. The author argues that the death penalty is administered in a racially disproportionate manner and provides proof of this accusation. Included is a brief overview of other debates around the topic such as moral grounding and fairness.
From the Paper "It is hard to understand how anyone could not view the death penalty as morally problematic, although clearly many Americans do not view the practice as morally objectionable or there would not be so many advocates of the practice. One of the most problematic of all aspects of the death penalty as it is imposed in the United States is that is administered in a racially disproportionate manner. "
Abstract This paper examines the thesis that the government is playing a wild card in its attempt to censor the Internet. It discusses several laws and examines how public libraries who do not censor the Internet can suffer funding losses.
From the Paper "In Antigone, Sophocles wrote, "There is nothing in the world so demoralizing as money." Today's society revolves around money. Without money, no person, organization, corporation, or entity can function. It is well known that in the hands of the government, when push comes to shove, money pushes, money shoves, and, more often than not, money prevails. In other words, if the government wants something done, money is the wild card. The issue of Internet censorship is no different. For years, the United States government has pushed to place censors on the Internet. After having censorship legislation stuck down by the Supreme Court, the government turned its attention to censorship of the Internet in public libraries and public schools. In recent months, the issue of censorship of the Internet in public libraries and public schools has reached a boiling point. When closely studied, it is obvious that the government has chosen to pursue censorship within libraries and public schools because all other censorship avenues have been blocked. Furthermore, it is also obvious that the government is playing their wild card in their attempt to censor, essentially backing libraries into a comer with legislation that denies public libraries and schools significant amounts of governmental funding if Internet censorship guidelines are not followed. Because the issue of Internet censorship centers on the First Amendment, it is important to understand exactly what the freedom of speech guarantees United States citizens. Since its inception, the First Amendment's guarantee of the freedom of speech has plagued all forms of."
Abstract A paper about the many flaws of the death penalty and various facts and statistics to back up that opinion. The author covers the subject of racism, geographical bias, mental retardation, economic bias, family vindication and other issues.
From the Paper "Every year the justice system of the United States through local, state, and federal branches hand down sentences to criminals for various crimes, yet the worst penalty our system has to offer is still capital punishment, referred to in layman's terms as the death penalty. This topic stirs up much debate today, and the fire is only fueled with stories of inmates set free with DNA evidence and controversies involving depression, insanity, and mental retardation making the line blurry on whether a person is competent enough to be held accountable for his/her crime."
Abstract The following paper examines arguments around the issue of the death penalty which involve cultural, economic, environmental, ethical, legal, moral, philosophical, political, practical, religious, social and sociological theories.
From the Paper "Traditional historical methods of execution included: (1) beheading or decapitation; (2) breaking on the wheel; (3) burning; (4) crucifixion; (5) drawing and quartering; (6) garroting; (7) hanging; (8) peine forte et dure; (8) shooting; and (9) stoning. Such forms of capital punishment are now regarded today as barbaric, cruel and unusual, ghastly, and unthinkable. In the United States, the death penalty is now carried out in one of five ways: (1) electrocution; (2) firing squad (rarely used, yet the law remains on the books in certain states); (3) gas chamber; (4) hanging; and (5) lethal injection. The two most commonly accepted and implemented forms of capital punishment are the gas chamber or lethal injection."
Abstract This paper discusses the more recent incidents of violence led to by loose gun control laws, such as school shootings. It discusses the problems with the current situation and deals with the holes in the laws which allow dangerous people to purchase guns. It suggests possible ways to fix the problem.
From the Paper "America is considered to be the greatest nation in the world. Despite such prosperity, America still faces many problems, one of the biggest being gun control. Despite many rules regulation gun sales, guns can be easily attained by anyone who wants. Unfortunately, the government can?t outlaw people from keeping guns in their homes because of the 2nd Amendment which gives citizens of the United States the right to bear arms. The government has been attempting to control gun violence, but to no avail."
Abstract This paper takes an in-depth look at airport security policies before and after the September 11th terrorist attacks in New York. The paper looks at the some of the policies adopted by the Clinton Administration, including the salary levels of the personnel who man the security stations at the airports. The author then examines the policies that the Bush Administration has implemented, or attempted to implement since the September 11 attacks. Some of the new government agencies, roles and policies are discussed in light of the new environment created by these terrorist attacks. In the aftermath of this tragedy and others including Oklahoma City and Columbine High School, the U.S. government was quick to introduce new policies that, had they been in place prior to these tragedies, may have helped prevent them from occurring. Despite this feeling, the new policies have been successful in helping to re-gain the public's confidence in airline travel in the United States.
From the Paper "While airport security policies have vastly improved since the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, there is still no guarantee that the nation will be eternally free from such violent attacks. In addition, there are rising concerns about whether the imposition of such rigid airport security policies violates individuals? privacy rights. Although emergencies such as the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks result in prompt action, emergencies have also always been a time when the niceties of law have been most vulnerable to the demands of national security or national hysteria. The most vivid example of this was during World War II, when Japanese Americans were rounded up like cattle and detained in internment camps. Likewise, after the Oklahoma City bombing, the Immigration and Naturalization Service was authorized to establish a new court to consider the deportation of suspected alien terrorists, in which cases would be heard without the usual obligation to inform the accused of the evidence against them."
