Abstract This paper will focus on a series of issues. Initially, the question of illegal immigration and undocumented aliens will be considered. Subsequently, broader reforms to American immigration policy will be considered. Essentially, it will be argued that illegal immigration and the employment of undocumented aliens is a problem that needs to be addressed while the assertion that immigration in general is problematic will be dismissed. America has historically been a nation of immigrants and it can continue to be so. However, illegal entry must be controlled.
Abstract This paper presents the argument often used to oppose gun control: that gun control laws violate the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The paper also cites statistics from the Australian Bureau of Statistics suggesting that crime has increased since Australia instituted gun control laws.
From the Paper "This, however, is a gross misrepresentation of the Bill of Rights. The Bill of Rights are "rights" which the government in unable to infringe upon. These rights were specifically declared to protect the citizens from the government's tyranny, not to allow it to place restrictions upon us. Civil Rights set us free, not restrict us. The second amendment was specifically created so the citizens could be able to defend themselves in the event a tyrant leader came to power."
Abstract The term "euthanasia" has come a long way from its original meaning of "a good death" and evolved into a new meaning for modern times of "mercy death". Even while the actual term itself has evolved in meaning, the human race has further qualified with distinctive types of euthanasia, voluntary and involuntary. Although types of voluntary and non-voluntary euthanasia can be very different, this paper shows that they may all be judged based on a set of moral responsibilities that accompany every individual's right to control his own life. In the context of these guidelines, this paper argues that all voluntary and non-voluntary euthanasia, as well as physician-assisted suicide, may be morally permissible, or even obligatory, in accordance with these responsibilities.
From the Paper "My argument for the moral permissibility of voluntary euthanasia draws primarily from the belief in an individual's right to control the ultimate conditions of his life, including his death. This right, of course, is not unconditional. As with all rights, this one is accompanied by responsibilities. In other words, a sentient, competent individual has the right to ultimate control of his own life under the condition that the actions exercised by this right are in harmony with the best interests both of the individual and of the people directly influenced by the individual. In a situation where the best interests of the individual and of the people directly influenced by the individual are in conflict, the responsibility is of the individual to choose an action appealing to the greatest utility for all parties involved."
Abstract This paper stresses that successes in cloning mammals have added urgency to ethical questions concerning the possible human cloning. The author explains that the utilitarian philosophy states that worth or value is derived or determined solely by utility; therefore, cloning is acceptable and will bring great things in the future.The paper relates that, from a deontological point of view, moral decisions should never be made on the basis of likely outcomes of actions; therefore, the deontologist feels that the worth of outcomes is completely irrelevant because of the question of moral obligation.
From the Paper "With that being said, a person who is a follower of the deontological thinking may feel that the scientists have over stepped their boundaries. "Are these arguments simply irrational, emotional responses to the moral issue" A deontologist would say no: These arguments, for the deontologist, are quite legitimate and reasonable justifications of the normative claim that it would be immoral to continue to use the anatomy. What is relevant is the nature of the action itself. Certain types of action--such as the involuntary use of a person's remains--are wrong regardless of their outcomes, according to the deontologist. The aim of deontological theory is to define the basic normative principles that provide sound justification for this ethical position.? (Kellenberger, J ) God is the creator and it is man's duty to worship ? not create."
Abstract This paper explains that 81 percent of parents and guardians polled favor sex education programs that teach all aspects of sex and sexuality, which include how to use birth control and how to protect against STDs, instead of the widespread abstinence-only and dangers of sex program. The author stresses that, even with most schools teaching abstinence-only programs, the approach isn?t working very well; teenagers are not abstaining from sex. The paper concludes that teaching teens about the dangers of STDs and the consequences and responsibility that surrounds sexual relationships may actually be reinforcing abstinence as the safest way.
From the Paper ?In 1996, a companion bill was put onto the Welfare Reform Act. This bill budgeted $440 million over the span of five years to support abstinence-only sex education. In order for school districts to receive funding, they are required to tell the kids that "sexual activity outside the context of marriage is likely to have harmful psychological and physical effects" and that ?a mutually faithful monogamous relationship in the context of marriage is the expected standard of human sexual activity.? The kids are not to be told about condoms, birth control, or any other protection methods except to highlight their failure rates. Right now, every state except California accepts this funding. In recent news, the Bush administration is attempting to put forth an initiative to increase the funding for this abstinence-only policy."
Abstract This discussion ascertains whether or not women who become pregnant as a result of rape should have abortions. It also discusses whether pregnant women should have abortions if there is a strong chance of serious birth defect in the baby.
From the Paper "According to the Elliot Institute women should and do choose not to have abortions when they have been raped. However, there are a percentage of women who choose to terminate pregnancies that have occurred as a result of rape. In these cases most women and advocates argue that they opted to terminate their pregnancies because carrying the child to term is too painful. Some rape victims also fear that they may reject the children after they are born which will cause the child to have deep emotional scars. In any case it seems that rape victims should have the choice of how to handle the unexpected pregnancy."
Abstract This paper provides anecdotal and statistical evidence to counter the argument that foreign workers that move into metropolitan areas in the U.S. are supplanting native-born workers and are "stealing?" wages the native-born workers might otherwise enjoy. The paper also discusses some of the negative stereotypes regarding immigrant workers that persist and cites several studies that claim that the immigrant workers actually have a positive effect on the U.S. economy.
From the Paper "Some figures regarding the effect of immigration on cities are relatively easy to obtain; they were developed by the United States Census Bureau, most recently in the year 2000. Other figures are much more difficult, although anecdotal evidence abounds. In Race and Ethnicity in the United States, author Richard T. Schaefer shows that although immigration benefits the United States in many ways, there are still negative stereotypes. These stereotypes account for unequal, and often disturbing treatment, despite the contributions."
Abstract This paper argues that the death penalty should be abolished. The paper asserts that the death penalty is spurious, often based on socioeconomic or other factors irrelevant to the severity of the crime itself, and employed in a racist fashion.
From the Paper "The death penalty is an arbitrary institution that is employed for a series of reasons that are unrelated to the crimes committed by actual persons (assuming, of course, that those sentenced to the death penalty are even guilty of the crimes that they have committed). Indeed, the death penalty is employed differently depending upon the race, gender, and wealth of accused person. These criteria are unacceptable for use in determining outcomes that will result in imminent death for accused persons. The death penalty, since it is influenced by these factors is used arbitrarily and must be stopped."
Abstract This paper looks at the origins of affirmative action, considers the pivotal role that the Warren Court ruling on Brown vs. Board of Education played in affirmative action policies, and highlights their purpose. The paper, while recognizing the need for affirmative action and expressing an overall positive opinion of the concept, also details some of the negative consequences of affirmative action programs, mistakes made in their implementation, and suggests a need to revitalize present affirmative action programs.
From the Paper "Affirmative action statutes have in recent years been struck down in a number of parts of the country. Despite this fact, affirmative action remains important in this nation and the premise behind it ? that all Americans should be given an equal opportunity to succeed, especially in some arenas such as school and the workplace ? remains even more important, especially in the area of education. Much of the social, political and economic progress that African-Americans have been able to make in the second half of the 20th century came about as the result of legal and social challenges to the second-class education that they had been receiving. Without a continuing, firm commitment to providing equal education opportunities to all children, the continuing differences that exist among different groups of Americans as defined by race (including everything from average salary to expected lifespan) will never disappear."
Abstract The paper describes aspects of the 2001 Patriot Act, including extensive surveillance powers to investigate the reading habits and Web surfing of citizens.
From the Paper "THE PATRIOT ACT AND CIVIL LIBERTIES
Barely six weeks after September 11, 2001, The Congress and the President may have done more damage to our civil liberties and freedom than the terrorists who crashed the planes into the Pentagon and World Trade to..."
Abstract This paper proposes that the best assessment of the war on terror must apply the appropriate and relevant concepts in international relations theory and that such an application will encourage a consensus and commitment to the basic ideology underlying the war on terrorism. Further, the paper suggests that there is a strong case to establish that the war on terrorism has seen the United States practicing hegemonic stability theory, and then goes on to expound on this theory and explain why this approach is in the interests of the U.S. and democracy worldwide.
From the Paper "America's ideology and consequently, foreign affairs policy changed dramatically in the aftermath of the security dilemma created by September 11th. Ever since Vietnam, the American public's reluctance to engage in military intervention overseas has been an influential factor in foreign policy decisions. September 11th changed that view and opinion polls showed more than 90% approval for the placement of ground troops in Afghanistan, while 87% showed understanding that this unconventionally defined war will be a long one (Pobst)."
Abstract This paper examines how human cloning has always been the source of serious debate, raising ethical issues that must not be overlooked. It argues how research and experiments push us toward the reality of cloning and how, in order to face this reality, we should hesitate and consider the effects cloning will have on society. It looks at how human cloning should be considered an unethical practice because, at this point, we cannot be sure of the repercussions and how it is not an exact science. It also puts forward the stance that it degrades humanity and how efforts are being made across the globe to create the first cloned human being without considering the grave consequences.
From the Paper "Perhaps the most important point of this debate is Dolly the sheep. Last year, Dolly died a premature death. According to New Scientist Magazine, Dolly suffered from ?arthritis - a condition that occurs most often in the elderly,? which suggests that Dolly "was aging prematurely" (New Scientist). Although it is still unclear whether cloning or genetics caused the arthritis, many believe it was the cloning. The New Scientist explains the specifics of Dolly's case. In Dolly, certain cells called telomeres were shorter than they should have been when compared to telomeres of other sheep her age. Trivial as it seems, it is important because she was cloned from a sheep that was six years old. In other words, Dolly might have been older than she looked."
Abstract Should physicians be allowed to assist in patient suicide? This paper discusses this issue and explains it in detail. The writer discusses its pros and cons and argues against making such assistance legal. The writer concludes that the negative consequences of the act far outweigh its purported benefits.
From the Paper "Euthanasia is, quite literally, a "life and death" issue. It is no surprise, therefore, that it evokes heated debate among doctors, lawyers, philosophers, academicians as well as the general public all over the world. Although, recent developments in modern medicine have given it a new dimension, euthanasia is by no means an exclusively modern-day concern. Even the ancient Greeks had pondered over the issue centuries ago, albeit without reaching a definite conclusion about its merits or otherwise. In more recent times, euthanasia has been the subject of discussion in various forums including the Supreme Court of the United States with similar inconclusive results."
Explores the controversy within the medical profession and the general public regarding the political ramifications of euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide.
Abstract This paper looks at the controversial topic of a patient's right to die and some of the moral and legal arguments that have been made regarding the topic. Examples of court cases and quotes from legal and medical professionals are cited to help illustrate the complexity and controversy of the right to die concept.
From the Paper "One of the largest concerns of modern society is the amount of control that is ethically possible within a social system that prides itself on democratic ideals of individuality. The rights and privileges of the individual are meant to be balanced with the judicial system's attempts at providing parameters of safety within the community. The political ramifications of euthanasia and physician assisted suicide (PAS) are very controversial, both within the medical community and the general public. The issue encompasses the patient's rights, the debate over pain and suffering and the religious prohibitions that bind many people."
Abstract This paper examines how euthanasia is a delicate "life and death" issue that evokes passionate arguments both for and against its legalization. It looks at how proponents of euthanasia look at the issue as a compassionate act and want euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide to be legalized and how a number of seemingly valid arguments have been advanced in support of making euthanasia legal. It shows how a closer scrutiny of the medical, religious, and ethical arguments, however, reveals that, on balance, the disadvantages of making euthanasia legal far outweigh the supposed benefits of such a move.
From the Paper "From a religious perspective, most major religions such as Christianity, Islam, and Judaism believe that God gives life and therefore only God should take it away. Most religious people and faith groups consider suicide, euthanasia and assisted suicide and euthanasia "as a rejection of God's sovereignty" and are some of the most committed groups that oppose the legalization of euthanasia. According to the Christian belief, life is a gift from God, and that ?each individual [is] its steward.? Thus, only God can start a life, and only God should be allowed to end it. This belief further stipulates that God does not send us any experience that we cannot handle and He supports people in suffering; therefore to actively seek to end to one's life amounts to lack of trust in God's promise and such an act is considered as a cardinal sin."
