Abstract This paper explains the reasons why the U.S.A. Patriot Act is so controversial. The paper points out that the Act increases surveillance and investigative powers without instigating a system of checks and balances to safeguard civil liberties. Also discussed is the controversy surrounding the haste with which the Act was passed. Furthermore, this paper explains the implications that the lack of protection for civil liberties and the hasty response to 9/11 have for American citizens.
From the Paper "The September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States had severe and immediate consequences. One of the most far-reaching of these is probably the ease with which terrorists were able to plan and carry out the attacks. This brought the government's attention certain shortcomings in the security measures in place at the time. The USA PATRIOT Act is one of the controversial results of the government's panicky response to the 9/11 attacks. It might be seen as an unobjective and emotional response to a time of crisis. Indeed, the increasing negative responses to the Act appears to substantiate the notion that the Act was passed in haste, without the opportunity for sufficient debate and in-depth thought."
Abstract Since the possibility of human cloning was first introduced by the successful cloning of sheep in 1997, there have been arguments both for and against the entire idea. This paper explains that, while both sides of the debate have valid points, from the benefits to humanity to the fear of Nazi-like genetic elimination of "undesirables", the arguments fail to produce clear and concise reasons for either point of view. This paper presents both sides of the cloning debate and attempts to show that, although there are definite moral and ethical issues that need to be addressed, the process of cloning has the potential to be beneficial to all humanity.
From the Paper "In 1997, Scottish scientists at Roslin Institute successfully cloned the sheep "Dolly", and began the debate over the ethical and moral principles surrounding the technology of cloning (Human Genome Project, "Cloning Fact Sheet"). The basic definition of cloning, recognized by most scientists, is the duplication of biological material. In the case of "Dolly", the scientists used the nuclei of various types of sheep cells, and implanted them into an unfertilized egg. The eggs were then planted into a live sheep, and successfully delivered through natural birth. The result was an exact genetic copy of the sheep that produced the original nuclei (Beardsley, 1)."
This paper argues that the scales of justice need to be tipped in favor of capital punishment in order for civilized societies to be able to uphold the values of justice, human life, and the rights of the innocent.
Abstract This paper explains that capital punishment serves to protect innocent human life through acting as a deterrent to crime as evidenced by the decline in the number of murders as the number of executions increased between 1990 and 2000 in Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Arkansas. The author points out that, although many opponents of the death penalty argue that the death penalty is too expensive and that it costs more than simply giving convicts life; currently, the added expense of executing people is not the result of the justice system, but an effect of unnecessary delays in the federal courts. The paper concludes that capital punishment is necessary because, as long as there is crime and violence, citizens need to be assured that they can go about their daily lives free of worry and fear.
From the Paper "Paroled prisoners are not the only problem for there have been several cases of dangerous prisoners escaping from even high security prisons: "Michael Rodriguez, sentenced to life for murder joined six lesser criminals in overpowering prison employees in Connolly, Texas". Police say the "Malevolent Seven" robbed an Oshman's sporting goods store?then shot... police officer Aubrey Hawkins 11 times and drove over his corpse.? The preceding example is just one incident among many. In another case, even a 5,000 volt electric fence did not succeed in keeping in three murderers, all lifers, from escaping a high-security prison in St. Clair Springs, Ala. ?Along with three fellow inmates, they lifted the fence with a broom handle and slithered to freedom.? This example and the earlier cited cases of Arthur Shawcross and Michael Rodriguez should surely suffice in illustrating the danger of merely relying on imprisonment as a method of protecting society from known criminals. More important, it once again raises the question of whether society should concern itself more with the rights of innocent citizens or the rights, if arguably any, of criminals. Surely, society's first concern should be with the prevention of injustice by ensuring the safety and security of its citizens. In fact, this is the fundamental duty of government."
Abstract This paper discusses positive aspects of physician-assisted suicide, as well as negative views on the topic. The researcher supports both sides with various peer-reviewed journal articles. In the conclusion, the opinion of the researcher is discussed in a favor of legalizing physician-assisted suicide with restraint.
From the Paper "In 1997 the United States Supreme Court made a ruling that indicated that there was no constitutional right for an individual to have physician-assisted suicide (Snyder & Sulmasy, 2001). The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, however, did make a ruling that individuals have the right to choose when and how they wish to die (Snyder & Sulmasy, 2001). Because of this, competent and terminally ill individuals who wished for a lethal dose of prescription medication found that they had a right to this because it was unconstitutional to ban them for choosing this particular type of life-ending measure."
Abstract This paper takes a look at the arguments opposed to and in favor of nuclear proliferation, noting the politics and philosophies behind both sides. After summarizing the arguments, the paper then concludes that, ironically, the very factors and sentiments that encourage nuclear proliferation are the same as those that discourage its proliferation.
From the Paper "Ever since the first atom bomb was dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the world has been polarized into two different groups: one that supports nuclear proliferation, and another that vehemently campaigns against the piling up of nuclear material in the world. Both groups have their own arguments to justify their stand. While those who oppose nuclear weapons argue that nuclear proliferation endangers the very existence of the world and international peace, the supporters of nuclear weapons argue that nuclear weapons are required as a deterrent force. The American policy of minimum deterrence echoes this sentiment. However, considering the fact that the world reached dangerously close to an all out nuclear war way back in the eighties during the cold war years, points to the fact that the policy of minimum deterrence can, in the hands of hot-headed heads of states, become a very dangerous tool for political manipulation."
Tags: fear, all-out, war, us, ussr, peak, tensions, cold, war, deterrent, policy, strategy, national, security
Abstract This paper explains that the moral legitimacy of marriage between same-sex partners hinges on marriage being perceived as a religious foundation or as a social, economic coupling. The author points out that, in countries that exclusively have monogamous marriages, some opponents argue that allowing same-sex marriage will promote the legalization of polyamorous marriage or other types of marriage they find objectionable. The paper relates that proponents of equal marriage rights for same-sex couples state that over 1,000 federal rights and benefits are denied same-sex couples by excluding them from legal marriage, which goes against the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which provides for equal protection under the law.
From the Paper "Same-sex marriage is marriage between partners of the same gender. This type of marriage is currently legal in only a few countries around the world. In the United States, the degree of legality of same-sex marriage varies between different states. In the U.S., the debate over whether or not to make same sex marriages legally binding remains one of the most controversial political debates of this century."
Abstract This paper examines the U.S. Patriot Act, which was passed in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The paper discusses exactly what the implications are in the implementation of this act should another terrorist event such as 9/11 occur. The paper contends that, while the onset of the act was to protect America from terrorist attacks, among other safeguards, the aftermath of the enactment has presented a myriad of controversies. These controversies are outlined in the paper.
From the Paper "Restrictive laws have been passed at crucial times in the history of the United States before the passing of the USA Patriot Act. Although the laws within this Act are intrusive upon the privacy of United States Citizens, there are those who do not mind the restrictiveness of the Act in exchange for safety. This is understandable to a certain extent however one must keep in mind that the Constitutional rights vested in each individual in the United States has been tread upon to a great extent by the USA Patriot Act."
Abstract This paper discusses the complex moral and ethical issues surrounding the topic of stem cell research and examines arguments that both favor and oppose the research. The paper also points out that there is little likelihood that the debate over stem cell research will be resolved soon; perhaps the debate will eventually move toward the question of how the research will be conducted, as opposed to if it should be conducted, since stem cell research seems to be continuing, in spite of all of the controversy it generates.
From the Paper "Today one of the most hotly debated issues is unquestionably stem cell research. Specifically, it involves harvesting and using a specific type of cell known as a "stem cell" and using it to attempt to develop or reproduce virtually any cell in the body. Of course this has tremendous potential for therapeutic benefit-some speculate from curing cancer, paralysis, Parkinson's disease, and a host of other maladies yet to be imagined. In lay terms, stem cells can serve as kind of "repair system for the body," which can divide infinitely-replenishing other cells. What is so powerful about the stem cell, however, is its ability to become another kind of specialized cell, say a brain, blood, bone marrow or muscle cell (NIH, 2004)."
Abstract This paper discusses immigration problems and their psychological causes through a review of the book, "The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down," written by the editor of the "American Scholar", Anne Fadiman. The paper contends that problems encountered by immigrants have their roots in psychological resistance to change, explaining that this resistance often leads to internal and external conflicts and cross-cultural miscommunication.
From the Paper "'The Spirit Catches you and you fall down' is an extraordinary piece of writing in which various issues have been woven together in the style of investigative journalism by the editor of the 'American Scholar', Anne Fadiman. The story revolves around issues of cross-cultural medical practices and miscommunication that often leads to tragic circumstances. This book may not be very unique as far as story is concerned but the way clash of cultural values has been highlighted is not something that we get to see very often in investigative accounts of tragic events. The author has carefully illustrated the story of a family torn between immigration problems, communication barriers and epilepsy."
Abstract This paper not only evaluates and critiques the article, "The Stem Cell Challenge" by Nadia Rosenthal and Robert Lanza about stem cell research, but also evaluates whether the article's format was research-correct, data-supportive, and topically appropriate and sustainable. The author points out that, once the research goal is identified, the investigator must abandon all forms of bias and look at the research situation as a controlled, rational process of reflective inquiry. The paper relates that this article presents the reader with an excellent opportunity to understand clearly the benefits of stem cell research with respect to diseases that currently lack a cure, namely, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, diabetes, spinal cord injuries, and cancer.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Investigative Research Requirements
Article Overview Evaluation and Problem Statement
Research Data Reporting
Study Limitations
From the Paper "In the article, Rosenthal and Lanza go on to explain to the reader that in the stem cell process, stem cells are generally extracted from surplus frozen embryos that are left over from in-vitro fertilization procedures. Once extracted the cells can be grown in a laboratory and subjected to medical application. In addition to the frozen embryo procedure, stem cells also can be extracted from adult tissue without any harm being inflicted upon the patient."
Abstract This paper provides a summary of the term "therapeutic cloning," which is the use of cloning in terms of rehabilitation and organ transplants. It then compares this technique to the controversial reproductive cloning, which is the cloning of an entire human being. The paper also looks at the ethical problems of reproductive cloning.
Paper Outline
Information Summary
Techniques Used in Therapeutic Cloning
Techniques Used in Reproductive Cloning
Regulation of Procedures
Opinion
Congressional Testimony
Recommended Regulations
Bibliography
From the Paper "Proponents of human reproductive cloning, on the other hand, argue that infertile couples deserve the chance to have children in another way, and that the critics who are urging caution and predicting societal shifts because of human reproductive cloning are basically expressing the same arguments that were put forth decades ago against IVF, to
no substantial avail in the present because, as mentioned, this technique has been proven safe and is endorsed by Supreme Court decisions."
Abstract This paper argues that the death penalty is a barbaric practice that all too often results in the execution of the innocent. The paper uses arguments based on the U.S. Constitution, recent legal rulings, and examples of other countries to make its point that capital punishment should be banished.
From the Paper "Haag, as others believe that due to the finality of the death penalty, it is more feared than imprisonment, and thus deters some prospective murderers who would not be deterred by the thought of imprisonment (Haag pp). Therefore, if the death penalty practice deters even a few murders and spares the life of even one victim, then it is justified and a value to society (Haag pp).
According to Haag, punishment, regardless of motivation, "is not intended to revenge, offset or compensate for the victim's suffering, or to be measured by it, but is to vindicate the law and the social order undermined by the crime" (Haag pp). This, says Haag, is why a kidnapper's imprisonment is not limited to the period for which he imprisoned his victim, nor is a burglar's confinement meant to offset the suffering and harm he caused his victim nor offset the advantage he gained."
Abstract This paper provides an overview and discussion of Sayyed Qutb, Islamic leader. A review of the controversy that surrounds him helps to show that there is, in reality, a very strong relationship between Qutb and extremist terrorist groups who claim to follow the Quranic teachings and laws.
From the Paper "Considering that many who wrote on Sayyed Qutb and his religious and political philosophy, such as Sheikh Muhammad Nasir ad-Din al-Albaanee, Ted Thornton, Nazih N.M. Ayubi, and Ibrahim M. Abu-Rabi, all scholars of Islamic studies and history, have emphasized that the life of Sayyed Qutb and his circumstances played a major role in shaping his ideas, it is necessary to briefly identify Qutb himself. Although as Professor of Government at South Carolina University, Shahrough Akhavi writes, not much is known about the life of Sayyed Qutb, what is known is a useful source of understanding the influences upon his philosophy and political ideas (386-387)."
Tags: bin, laden, al, quaida, terror, islamic, groups
Abstract This paper explains that the famous actor, Christopher Reeve, who was paralyzed from a fall from a horse and became one of the biggest supporters of embryonic stem cell research, alleged that the United States was about five years behind our medical abilities because of the politics surrounding stem cell research. The author stresses that the battle over embryonic stem cell research continues and will continue unless we can put aside ideology and, instead, put first the interests of those individuals and their families who are suffering. The paper urges that the responsibility of citizens in a free country is to take a stand on issues like approving embryonic stem cell research.
From the Paper "Now that we have a basic awareness of what they are and how they can help, I would like to introduce all of you to the current debate and controversy over embryonic stem cell research. One of the concerns among those in opposition to the research is the way in which these cells are to be obtained. Many people are against it because they oppose abortion, and believe that this type of research would start an industry to provide a source of embryos."
Abstract This paper discusses how the Internet has made child pornography easily accessible to pedophiles. The paper explains how this easy access has created an escalation in crimes against children. It assesses what is being done by the law to remedy the problem and explores what role the parents can play in protecting their children from online predators. The paper examines what the warning signs are that a child is being manipulated by someone older in an inappropriate manner online.
From the Paper "The Internet is no doubt a great resource for education, communication, research, business, and entertainment that has grown at a breakneck pace ever since the debut of the first commercial web browser in 1994. According to one study conducted in December 2004, about 60% of Americans are now connected to the Internet with the average user spending close to 3 hours per day online. (Nie, et al, 2004) The children too have widespread access to the Internet at school and at home. Unfortunately, easy accessibility to the Internet has its downside. It makes the children vulnerable to exploitation by predatory pedophiles lurking in what the US Attorney General, John Ashcroft described as "the dark corners of cyberspace." (Quoted by Magid, 2002) Before the mass advent of the Internet, most child predators stalked their victims in public places such as schoolyards, playgrounds, and shopping malls."
