Abstract This paper examines how terrorism is seen all across the world and affects all races and all social classes and how there is no escaping from it. It shows that while some countries have been able to eradicate terrorism with what seems like very little effort, others are left grieving and living in fear of the next terrorist attack. It looks at how history has shown us a wide variety of terrorist attacks across the world, both internal and international with examples form Northern Ireland and terrorist incidents in Europe. It evaluates The "War on Terrorism" that is being fought by the U.S. and the treaties than have gone into effect to prevent terrorism and punish those who have committed terrorist acts. Among others, there are treaties regarding biological weapons, chemical weapons, genocide and human rights, nuclear materials, torture, warfare and general terrorism.
From the Paper "Europe's terrorism can be divided into three main categories; leftist, right wing, and ethnic-based. A number of leftist terrorist groups were formed in the late 1960's and early 1970?s. These groups included; Germany's Red Army Faction (RAF), France's Action Directe, and Italy's Red Brigades, among others. During the 1970's the RAF engaged in a series of bombings, robberies and murders leaving several RAF leaders jailed and other members using terrorist activities to try to free them. An airliner hijacked by the RAF in October 1977 caused many committed members to abandon the group. This incident caused right-wing terrorism to flourish as the leftist groups dwindled away. ?Although more extreme forms of the sentiments that have led to right wing gains have sometimes been expressed in terrorist activity, large-scale, organized right-wing terrorism comparable to the leftist terrorism of the 1980's did not emerge in Europe during the 1990?s."
Tags: 9/11, bin, bush, laden, september, threats, usa
Abstract The paper gives some of the root causes of climate change. The writer discusses the effects of global warming in terms of the following categories-- changes in sea levels, ice cover, forest cover and regional climates. The writer includes some secondary impacts of each of these events with each topic. Finally, the paper outlines some of the more well known examples of international efforts to get together and address this issue.
From the Paper "Global temperatures are determined by the atmospheric greenhouse effect. Briefly, the cycle works as follows. Heat emitted from the sun enters the earth's atmosphere through the ozone layer. This ozone layer filters out some of the harmful radiation from the sun's ultraviolet rays while still letting in some of its life giving heat and energy. Then the ozone layer continues to participate in the system by keeping some of that heat trapped close to the earth's surface, allowing biodiversity and agriculture to thrive. The sun continually provides rays of heat and energy, and the ozone molecules comprising the stratospheric ozone layer are in a constant state of breaking down and rebuilding. These events have been working together to regulate our climate since the origin of the planet. It is a major part of what makes earth so unique."
Abstract The writer examines the causes underlying Colombian immigration to New York City. The paper the explores the experience of Colombians upon arrival in this foreign land. The writer looks at the various obstacles that immigrants faced in New York. Finally, the paper illuminates the contribution of Colombian immigrants to the multi-faceted character of New York City.
From the Paper "The primary period of Colombian immigration to New York City can be deduced from official statistics. According to the U.S. Census, the peak period of South American immigration to the U.S. occurred from 1971 to 1980 (Kraly, 1987, p. 43). In this new wave of immigrants, Colombians constituted half of the immigrants coming from South America. Within that period, 25,800 Colombian immigrants immigrated to the region of New York City and New Jersey (Kraly, 1987, pp. 57-9)."
Abstract This paper discusses how aside from the random violence such as the incidents in Littleton, Colorado and West Paducah, Kentucky, most school administrators are more concerned about day-to-day problems such as fights among students and vandalism. It looks at how in order to assist schools in maintaining safety while providing an atmosphere conducive to learning, the federal government has enacted several laws and programs designed to guide school districts in drafting effective security policies. Some of these laws are explored including Gun-Free Schools Act (GFSA) which and the Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act.
From the Paper "Specifically, President Clinton's announced that his administration would seek to create incentives to encourage school districts -- in consultation with parents, teachers, students, law enforcement officials, mental heath providers and other members of the community -- to use relevant drug and violence data to develop comprehensive plans for several areas (NSSSS, 2000). First, school districts should develop plans to adopt and enforce clear and fair discipline polices such as zero tolerance polices for guns and drugs, school uniforms, closed campus policies, and parent notification and involvement in student behavioral problems (NSSSS, 2000). Second, schools should develop a system for securing schools and pathways through the use of metal detectors, if necessary, or formal agreements with law enforcement to patrol school areas (NSSSS, 2000)."
Abstract This paper looks at the issue of abortion as it may have been discussed by the philosophers Plato and Aristotle in "The Republic" and "Nicomachean Ethics", respectively. While obviously neither philosopher discussed the issue directly, the writer believes the ideas and beliefs of both of them show a definite relation to abortion. Mostly, the paper focuses on the morality aspects raised in these two works, and then relates it all back to abortion. The paper concludes that despite some differences between the two, both Plato and Aristotle would likely be against abortion, based both on the goodness of the individual and the community.
From the Paper "It appears that such an idea would lead to the conclusion that everything is permissible because everything leads to the good, but that is obviously not what Aristotle means. In fact, Aristotle differentiates between acts which the actor believes to be good and those that are in fact good. The woman who seeks an abortion might believe she is seeking the best for herself and the unborn fetus. However, even if that were true, Aristotle, like Plato, is designing a moral philosophy which considers not what is good for the individual alone but what is good for the community."
Abstract This paper argues that the U.S. Department of Defense and other branches of the federal government capitalized on the fear of another terrorist attack, by erecting a series of security measures since September 11. The most notable of these is the USA PATRIOT Act (HR-3162), passed in October of 2001 which stands for ?Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism.? The paper explains that the USA PATRIOT Act permits wiretapping without judicial orders, deportation of legal residents of the United States based on suspicion, secret searches of citizens? offices and homes and measures. The paper argues that many of the permissible acts included in the USA PATRIOT Act are discriminatory and that there is nothing "patriotic" about violating Fourth Amendment rights or stripping ordinary citizens from their basic civil liberties. The paper shows that these bills and laws offer a lot of power to the FBI, the police and to other governmental bodies. millions of Americans are still willingly surrendering their personal rights and freedoms in favor of a false sense of security. Finally, the paper argues that the aura of paranoia that currently pervades the United States fuels the fascist-like measures supported by Attorney General Ashcroft, measures which have far-reaching implications for American citizens.
From the Paper "The problem with this approach is that the civil rights of American citizens, legal residents, and visitors is violated. Most Americans would be willing to undergo enhanced security checks at airports. In fact, Gore Vidal, in his article ?The New War on Freedom,? cites a CNN/Times poll conducted a few days after the terrorist attacks of September 11 which showed that 74% of people believe ?it would be necessary for Americans to give up some of their personal freedoms,? (Vidal). However, in the wake of the terrorist attacks, the federal government was able to sneak the USA PATRIOT act by Congress and the American people. Without protest, Americans are giving up their power to law enforcement agencies, under the assumption that some loss of freedom is necessary."
Tags: death, penalty, Muslim, Department, of, Justice, INS
Abstract This paper discusses Judith Thomson's article "A Defence of Abortion" where she states her opinion that some abortions are permissible and that fetuses are not human beings at the moment of conception. It then compares it to Don Marquis "Why Abortion is Immoral" in which he claims the opposite - that abortions are always impermissible and that fetuses are human beings from the moment of conception because they have a future. The author then shows, in the bulk of the paper, why he agrees with Thomson's argument.
From the Paper "This leads me to believe that if a woman has an unwanted pregnancy, she has a right to end it before the fetus is viable, because the fetus's life is dependent on the life of the biological mother. For example, if the mother were to incur a fatal injury before the fetus is viable the fetus would die, but if the baby is viable the baby could survive whether the mother lives or not. This is the first point in my opinion - that the fetus's future is able to be controlled by someone other than the biological mother. Before this point the mother has a right to do what she wants, because it is a part of her body and if the baby is unwanted, she is not doing anything morally wrong, because she is not hurting any person but herself. After the point where the baby is viable, it is morally wrong to have an abortion because that is a form of murder."
Abstract This paper looks at examples taken from "USA Today" and the "Washington Post" which related to the recent Gulf War and the reasons for President Bush "had to" launch the war against Iraq. The paper argues that the media is an incredibly powerful force which has the ability to manipulate the minds and hearts of the American people.
From the Paper "Noam Chomsky writes that, ?propaganda is to a democracy what violence is to a dictatorship.? Indeed, nowhere is this more clear than in recent debates over the impending war with Iraq. On one side of the fence, the conservative Right argues that war is essential and that Iraq is in league with Al Qaeda. They argue that Saddam Hussein is developing weapons of mass destruction which he would like to unleash on the free world. On the other side of the fence, the liberal Left argues that such a preemptive war is ?unjust,? and that there is no definitive proof that Hussein was ever in league with Osama Bin Laden or that he has developed weapons of mass destruction. They worry that a unilateral strike on Iraq sets a disturbing precedent, that it presents the United States as unreasonable and willing to employ force to protect any interest it so desires."
Tags: gulf, hussein, saddam, usa, today, washington, post
Abstract This paper introduces and analyzes the topic of euthanasia. Specifically, it discusses the morality of euthanasia and its outlook for the future in the United States. Euthanasia is a hotly debated topic, and one that still must be addressed by the people and the courts of the United States, for the good of all concerned.
Outline
Introduction and Thesis
Definition of Euthanasia
Passive Euthanasia
Removing Life Support
Active Euthanasia
Moral Issues
Moral and Religious Beliefs
Die With Dignity
Personal Experience
Ethical Issues
Death With Dignity Act in Oregon
Conclusion
Similarity to Netherlands Laws
From the Paper "The moral issues surrounding euthanasia are great, and show no signs of disappearing due to legislation or law anytime soon. There are too many vocal opponents to euthanasia, who believe it is morally wrong to end a life before it is ended naturally, no matter what the reasoning behind the euthanasia. In other words, it is morally wrong to end the suffering of another human being. The Catholic Church, as well as many other pro-life and religious groups condones this moral outlook. Usually, when euthanasia has been tested in the courts, it is because of these moral and religious beliefs. The proponents of euthanasia feel everyone has a right to die, just as they have a right to live, and everyone has the right to die with their dignity intact."
Abstract This paper discusses racial profiling, which by most definitions is the targeting of a person for no other reason than his or her apparent race. It examines how those who are advocates of profiling believe it will increase the security of residents because it will allow the questioning of those who fit the profile of terrorists, drug dealers etc. It looks at how those who are against racial profiling argue that it not only will not stop terrorism, drug dealing etc, but it is against the very constitution that America was built on.
Outline
Introduction
What is it?
What is the Expert Response?
What do the Profiled Think?
History
Perceptions
Advocates of Profiling Point to the Stats
Conclusion
From the Paper "If one asks the general public when racial profiling became an issue many would point to the events of 9-11 when the New York World trade Towers came down with terrorist attacks. This event captured the world's attention and caused millions to rethink their position on the topic of racial profiling but that is not where the topic originated. There have been many years of argument regarding racial profiling and it has stemmed from accusations, trials, deaths and other events that happened well before the events of 9-11 ever did. Racial profiling has been an issue for law enforcement agencies around the world and in America it has come to a head with several widely publicized suits over it. Racial profiling has a long history in America as well as other nations. America, which is known globally as the most tolerant, diversity embracing nation in the world has spent years exploring and investigating racial profiling, it's uses and its occurrences."
Abstract This paper discusses the history of the Fourth Amendment, the amendment itself and whether the rights covered are threatened today. Considering the current political climate in the United States since the 9-11 terrorist attacks, this paper discusses whether searches and seizures are unconstitutional when the nation's security is at risk.
From the Paper "Americans hold very dear the Bill of Rights. Among the ten amendments that make up the Bill of Rights is the Fourth, one many refer to as the most ambiguous of the all the amendments. Search and seizure law is drawn from the Fourth and over the years the Supreme Court has come to view that its main purpose is the protection of a citizen's property and privacy. However, according to the conclusion of the Court, the Fourth Amendment does not ?protect all property interests or apply to all situations where people might wish to protect their privacy.? Perhaps, never has this amendment felt more threatened than today. The attacks on the World Trade Center on September 11th, spurred the White House Administration to create the office of Homeland Security and pass the Homeland Security Act, an act many feel treads on citizens? rights protected by the Bill of Rights, in particular Fourth Amendment. "
Abstract This paper looks at classical theorists such as Karl Marx and Max Weber, as well as modern theorists such as Ralph Dahrendorf, Lewis Coser, Randall Collins and Immanuel Wallerstein. The different views they have of conflict theory are then be applied to the war in Iraq. Once an understanding of conflict theory is established based on how these particular theorists choose to view it, a comparison and contrast of the beliefs that they hold is discussed as well.
From the Paper "Classical theorists include Karl Marx and Max Weber. Karl Marx is basically the father of conflict theory, and many of the conflict and other social theories around today came from his beliefs and opinions. Marx believed in a materialist view of history, and saw the most important part of a social life as being the work that individuals were doing. This was especially true of work that resulted in the basic necessities such as shelter, clothing, and food. The value of society therefore resulted from human labor, and everything that men and women were doing to create society and shape it actually created the conditions for their very own existence (McClelland, 2000)."
Abstract Polish immigrants have always been an integral part of the melting pot of America. This paper discusses the settlement of Poles in the Chicago area, showing that their numbers grew to such huge amounts that the areas in which they settled became known as the 'Polish Triangle'. The paper looks at the Polish immigrants' link to Roman Catholicism, the parishes which developed because of this link and the internal fighting between parishes. The paper also discusses how the immigrants identified with Poland during WWI and WWII and how the culture of this ethnic group has been affected by twentieth century developments in America.
From the Paper "One such conflict revolved around the Polish National Alliance. This particular group believed that the Polish Catholic Parish system was not using its money effectively. They wished to see more money sent towards liberation efforts in the homeland. Their primary goal in America was to prepare Poles on American Soil to ?return to the homeland to be useful citizens.? The group utilized the editorial pages of the Polish newspapers to attack the clergy and to blame them for numerous forms of fiscal mismanagement. The face of the clergy targeted was personified by Reverend Vincent Barzynski, pastor of St. Stanislaus Kostka. In order to defend the community-parish movement, Barzynski created the Polish Roman Catholic Union (PRCU). This new "union" was focused on parish development on American soil. They believed that the best way to help Poland was by helping her immigrants."
Abstract This paper takes the position that Affirmative Action policies have caused more harm than good. It argues that Affirmative Action violates the United States Constitution, favors the middle and upper class, allows unqualified entry to universities and jobs, promotes racism, and fosters further discrimination.
From the Paper "If preferences were truly meant to remedy disadvantage, they would be given on the basis of disadvantage, not on the basis of factors such as race and ethnicity. Instead, the benefactors of affirmative action are middle and upper class individuals that don"t need the help. The most under-represented group of Americans at the nation's top colleges and colleges isn"t blacks or Hispanics, but students from low-income families. Only three percent of the freshmen at the 146 most selective colleges and universities come from families in the bottom quarter of America ranked by income. In contrast, twelve percent are black or Hispanic."
Abstract This paper explores the controversial subject of minors being executed for crimes. It explores several cases when minors were sentenced to death for cruel murders committed. The paper argues that although sentencing a minor to death is not a solution to crime, certain circumstances require this type of justice to be meted out.
From the Paper "The Supreme Court case of Stanford v. Kentucky set the federal minimum age of minors executed. The case actually involved two offenders. First, Kevin Stanford was charged with killing Barbel Poore, who was 20 years of age. Stanford repeatedly raped and sodomized Poore during and after a robbery at a gas station where she worked. He then shot her in the face, then in the back of the head. Does this sound like an act of a child? Another case studied involved Heath Wilkins. He was 16 and a half when he robbed a store and murdered 26-year-old Nancy Allen. After stabbing her 8 times, he left her to die. These do not seem like the acts that a na?ve child would make. These acts were well planned and their consequences were known."
