Abstract This paper discusses the pros and cons of euthanasia or assisted-suicide. The author discusses the case of Dr. Jack Kevorkian and looks at the impacts of his death.
From the Paper "Euthanasia is the act of putting someone to death for his or her own benefit. This is why it is also called "mercy killing." The general idea is that a doctor would decide that a patient is suffering enough in their current condition that death is the most desirable option. Needless to say, this practice is not widely accepted. Nor is it legal in a majority of countries. There are essentially three viewpoints one can have; you are either for it or against it, or you agree with a modified version of it."
Abstract This paper takes a look at the history of the debate for and against the death penalty. Included is a discussion on whether or not the death penalty is it too harsh.
From the Paper "Should there be a death penalty? Is the death penalty to harsh of a punishment? Some may disagree; some may say that the death penalty is not harsh enough. Most don't even take the time to think about it. As of right now thirty-eight states have the death penalty. Almost seven hundred fifty people have been executed since the re-institution of the death penalty. The death penalty can range in age; you could be as young as eighteen years old or as old as ninety to be sentenced with it. There are many different ways of execution. Some are gas chambers, hangings, electrocutions, and the most popular one being lethal injection."
Abstract This paper gives a brief description of what stem cells are and how they may be used in scientific research. Recent studies show that stem cells may hold the key to discovering a cure for many mysterious diseases, including Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. But the moral issues remain intact, despite the obvious positive consequences. The core of the stem cell debate is a battle over abortion, as stem cells come from embryos. This paper discusses both sides of the debate and looks at government intervention.
From the Paper "For pro-life advocates, the moral costs of the research far outweigh any potential benefits. For scientists, the possibilities of research are awe-inspiring and bewildering. No one denies the moral dilemma of the stem cell debate. But to turn back now, researchers say, would be like turning our backs on a bright, sustaining light because we are terrified of the shadows it creates. "
From the Paper "This paper will discuss the immigration of Mexicans to the United States. The first part of the paper will describe the history of this immigration. This will cover the period from the Mexican-American War to the present. The second part of the paper will examine the problems the immigrants faced in assimilating into American culture. This will look at the problem of discrimination and the participation of Mexican-Americans in the political process.
A History of Mexican Immigration
There is little evidence of Mexican immigration to the United States on a massive scale prior to the Twentieth Century. On the contrary, Americans migrated to Mexican lands throughout the Nineteenth Century. The Spanish had created settlements throughout..."
Abstract This paper explains how gun control is one of the most controversial topics in America, and this discussion is even spreading to other parts of the world. This paper summarizes one part of this international debate; specifically, it deals with the arguments against gun control. The paper presents three main arguments: The right to bear arms as guaranteed by the Constitution; There is little empirical evidence that gun control is an effective deterrent against crime; There is much empirical evidence that suggests that owning a gun can be a valid and efficient method of self-defense.
From the Paper "The primary basis for many of the arguments against gun control is found in the Second Amendment to the Constitution of the United States which states that "A well-regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed" (Encarta, 1999). However, the courts have never struck down a gun control law because of this provision. The federal government and all U.S. states have some gun control laws. These laws are based on several strategies: forbidding people who are considered to be unreliable from obtaining any firearms; prohibiting anyone other than the police, the military, and persons with special needs from acquiring high-risk guns (those that are particularly likely to be misused); and requiring waiting periods before purchasing a gun or gun license."
Abstract This paper presents both sides of the hurricane Katrina debate. It then provides a plethora of evidence to suggest that the federal government (rather than state and local government) is responsible for the delays in rescue and relief following hurricane Katrina. It cites the mistakes of Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff, FEMA and FEMA director Michael Brown and the President of the United States.
From the Paper "There is evidence to suggest that the federal government understood the serious threat hurricane Katrina posed on the low-lying Gulf region, and that they did make some effort to convey this danger and urge people out of harm's way. On Saturday August, 27th, President Bush declared a state of emergency in Louisiana and encouraged people to evacuate the New Orleans area before the storm made landfall. Prior to the storm, flood and storm surge predictions were made by the National Hurricane Center in Miami. At least 200 buses were sent to aid in evacuations before the event. The federal government did express concerns over the levee system's ability to weather the storm and operate under such difficult conditions."
Abstract This paper is on immigration in America. The author looks at the effects of immigration on America such as the mix of race, religion and nationality and examines the possible effects of closing immigration.
From the Paper "Without immigration the United States would not exist today. Our country was founded by immigrants, shaped by immigrants, and has been made the greatest country in the world thanks in large part to immigrants. How can we even consider closing the doors of immigration? The United States is a beautiful mosaic of races, religions, and nationalities. Immigrants have made our country unique from all others. In no other place on earth can you speak with any accent, be any color, or have any belief and know that you have the same opportunities and rights as everyone else. America has been described as a melting pot of cultures and ideas and for this we should be thankful. Immigrants have contributed so much to our country. The United States must keep its immigration doors open, and to all people."
Abstract This essay defines the moral issue of euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide and engages in a spirited discussion of why euthanasia is a huge mistake for our society, focusing on the threat to women, minorities, and the disabled in America that physician-assisted suicide presents.
From the Paper "They include an incompatibility with the moral and professional commitment of physicians, a weakening of society's desire to provide optimal care for the terminally ill, increased societal pressure on sick patients to request assisted suicide, and most importantly, possible abuses and extensions of euthanasia which may lead down the "slippery slope" to Nazism and selective genocide."
Abstract This paper argues that voluntary euthanasia preserves dignity. Examined in this paper are such ideas as the right to die, the ethical parameters of euthanasia, the quality of life perspective and a place for euthanasia within varied perspectives. The author argues that one of the greatest ways to preserve another person's dignity is through an act of mercy. Voluntary euthanasia is an act of mercy, which therefore, preserves dignity with the bestowment of final compassion.
From the Paper "A step in awareness is the enactment of careful laws that permit forms of voluntary euthanasia. In the United States, the state of Oregon's Death With Dignity Act, allowing "limited physician-assisted suicide," is an example of a start for public understanding. In ideal cases of merciful euthanasia, a person makes a painstaking, well thought-out decision. Voluntary euthanasia is rarely carried out at the first knowledge of impending death, especially if medical help is available to treat the terminal disease. Voluntary euthanasia is an act of mercy, and therefore, preserves dignity with the bestowment of final compassion. "
Abstract This paper discusses the history, background and the complicated ethics regarding human cloning. The author looks at the science of cloning, pros and cons of cloning and argues that cloning is beneficial in the long run.
From the Paper "There is no other topic in health care with more potential for controversy than human cloning. I decided to write my paper on human cloning for this very reason, it will be an even more controversial issue than abortion in the future for my generation. Indeed, cloning is a topic for the future but this future is much closer than many people would like to believe. Many have deep religious and ethical reasons for wanting a total ban on human cloning. However, there are also many people, including some scientists, who believe that the possible benefits of human cloning outweigh the risks by a huge margin. Cloning has become an issue within the past 4 years due to the realization that it is possible to clone a human being."
