Essay on affirmative action, including an outline, history, con and rebuttal, past court cases, recent events including the University of Michigan case, and work cited page.
Abstract This essay covers most topics surrounding affirmative action, including background, first affirmative action case and more recent events. The writer claims that affirmative action, while created to help bring blacks and whites together, only further spreads the races apart and should be abolished.
Table of Contents
History
Civil War
Reconstruction
Jim Crow Laws
Presidential Orders
Past Court Cases
Con and Rebuttal
Con Quotes and Opinions
Jessie Jackson on Affirmative Action
Lyndon B. Johnson on Affirmative Action
Rebuttal
How Affirmative Action Hurts the Civil Rights Act
Ill Effects of Affirmative Action
Recent Events
Piscataway Board of Education vs. Taxman
Proposition 209
California Ballot
Suit against Proposition 209
Arguments for Proposition 209
Arguments against Proposition 209
University of Michigan and Bush Brief
From the Paper "According to the Webster's Dictionary, affirmative action is an active effort to improve the employment or educational opportunities of members of minority groups and women. "Born of the civil rights movement three decades ago, affirmative action calls for minorities and women to be given special consideration in employment, education, and contracting decisions" (Froomkin 1). It has been a controversial topic in the United States since it began to plague the country in the early 1940?s. Affirmative action as it is now seen, is giving unequal or special employment, or educational rights to minorities. "Affirmative action programs were originally created to correct racial and cultural discrimination, dating from the days of slavery and public segregation. But the initiative has proven controversial, and enforcement has often applied in a random and confusing way" (Mears 1). While created to help bring blacks and whites together, affirmative action only further spreads the races apart and should be abolished."
Tags: 209, african, americans, civil, proposition, racism, rights
Abstract This essay first delivers a general overview of ES cell research. It then looks at ethical dilemmas from both sides with the aid of four ethical theories - Act Utilitarianism, Ethic of Care, Kantian Ethics and Moral Rights Theory. In addition, it addresses the personhood of an embryo. Finally, the conclusion unites the main themes in stating that ES cell research is ethical.
From the Paper "The topic of embryonic stem (ES) cell research emerged in 1998, when James Thompson and his colleagues first derived the cells from pre-implantation human blastocysts [1]. Since then, ES cells have quickly become one of the decade's greatest philosophical dilemmas. Although this research has the potential to cure such illnesses as Parkinson's disease, diabetes, paralysis, and muscular dystrophe (among many other disorders) [3]; researchers? largest boundary is providing a concrete ethical basis for its continued study."
Abstract This paper studies the two opposing views on abortion -- explaining the position of those who support a woman's right to choose and those who oppose it. The first part of the paper explores whether or not aborting an unborn child is in fact murder. The writer then continues with the argument that a child born to parents who do not want it will anyway have a poorer quality of life. The writer definitely leans towards the pro-choice camp and expresses these views quite clearly, while still offering some analysis on the other side.
From the Paper "I agree with the pro-choice group's argument that a child in the womb is not a fully developed person and therefore his rights are not as important as that of the mother and similarly it is her life and health, which must be kept in mind, when decision regarding pregnancy is being made. The pro-choice section however needs to understand that it is important to avoid extremes. Even though I firmly agree with them, I want to make it clear that termination of pregnancy in the last few months is criminal unless the mother is critically ill."
Abstract This paper studies the topic of abortion. The paper begins with some basic statistics on abortions throughout the world and defines an abortion as the termination of pregnancy at any time before birth and which results in, or is accompanied by, the death of the fetus. The paper then offers an explanation of the different methods of aborting a fetus, which include vacuum aspiration, dilatation and curettage. The paper explores the reasons why some women seek to abort their pregnancies and looks at the issue within American society.
Contents:
Introduction
Abortion
Methods of Abortion
Why Women Seek Abortion
Legalization of Abortion in the USA
The Social and Ethical Issues of Abortion
From the Paper "Abortion has been practiced since ancient times as a crude method of birth control. Many religions banned or condemned it, but it was not considered illegal until the 19th century. At that time, especially in 1803 in England, abortion was banned after the fetal movement, or quickening, could be felt by the mother. It was, hence, likewise banned in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, as well as in many states in the United States."
Abstract This paper looks at how global warming is an issue that is often discussed as if it is a certainty, with considerable concern created about what will happen to the planet if continued global warming is not prevented. It considers whether global warming is a real problem by describing the nature of it including the role the greenhouse effect plays. It is followed by a consideration of some of the arguments made against global warming. By describing the nature of global warming, the role of the greenhouse effect and the arguments against it,the author makes an informed decision about whether or not global warming is an issue of concern.
From the Paper "It is noted that human activity is not the only way to create greenhouse gases. Methane is naturally produced by cows and other animals and carbon dioxide is naturally produced by plants. However, human activity is thought to be the reason that greenhouse gases have increased significantly enough to effect global temperatures. The environmental protection agency (EPA) notes that ?since the beginning of the industrial revolution, atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide have increased nearly 30%, methane concentrations have more than doubled, and nitrous oxide concentrations have risen by about 15%? (EPA). Pollution, deforestation and increased agriculture are also thought to be part of the problem (EPA). This means that while natural processes do change the concentration of greenhouse gases, human activity in the last century is thought to have changed greenhouse gases so significantly that global warming results."
Tags: greenhouse, effect, methane, gases, temperature
Abstract This paper examines the current situation in which homosexual couples wishing to adopt a child are discriminated against. The writer argues against this practice, stating that one's sexual morality should not take away from one's ability to be a good parent; and that this should be the major criteria for deciding who is fit to adopt.
From the Paper "A home. Two loving parents or at least one loving parent. Two or even one heart filled with unconditional love for a child. Surely this is something that every child should expect to come home to? Of course, not every child born in America today enjoys this luxury. But it is an ideal that every adoption and social service agency should aspire to create. Thus, homosexual parents and homosexual individuals should be allowed to adopt children. Currently, some states, such as Florida, bar gay adoption. Recently, a family overseen by two gay men was broken up by Florida's department of social services, because the law would not allow the couple to formally adopt the. ("Riveted to Rosie" Gay Parent Magazine, March Online Edition) Other states, such as California, do not prohibit gay adoption outright. However, although "a gay or lesbian couple is not legally barred from adopting a child" simply because of sexual orientation and ?it is still more difficult, as a practical matter, for gay and lesbian couples to adopt than for married couples.? (Guerlin & Glima, Chapter 1) Both legal and informal discrimination must cease. An individual's sexuality is not of paramount importance in his or her ability to provide a stable home life. Furthermore, an individual's fitness as a parent should be the primary criteria considered in the adoption process, not his or her morality outside of parental fitness. Lastly, good homes are too scarce for some children in today's adoption market, particularly for older, ailing, or less physically desirable children, to eliminate potential parents because of their sexuality."
Abstract This paper offers some details on the new Homeland Security agency, which was created from 22 domestic agencies, previously serving various functions as units on their own. The paper explains that this new department's primary function is protection - the United States is to be safeguarded against attacks of the kind occurring in September 2001. The paper describes the various functions of the DHS, with reference to the problems and issues it has faced so far.
From the Paper "This assumption of responsibility by the public is echoed by the President in his letter to the nation. Included in his establishment of the DHS is also his commission to the Department to create the "National Strategy for Homeland Security" (White House 2002). The emphasis rests on national, and thus on sharing responsibility for national safety among federal officials as well as the public. The strategy aims to establish specific goals to be reached by all sectors of society, as well as all citizens. According to the letter, every American should share the responsibility of protection for the United States? policies of freedom and equality."
Abstract This paper looks at the various issues relating to euthanasia and physician assisted suicide. It discusses what brings people to want to end their own life in this way and the methods used. The paper touches on the laws which govern the issue of euthanasia and how fear of the law cause some doctors to allow their patients to die in pain.
From the Paper "On the positive side, some patients who are currently unmedicated or severely undermedicated may have their pain relieved, to a degree. The law would allow doctors to prescribe narcotics for the relief pain, even if the drugs have the side effects or shortening a patient's life. Passage of the law would legalize a very common method of pain control. Some physicians currently leave their patients in agony of fear of prosecution. They could theoretically be charged with murder in some states if they shorten their patient's life by even a small amount. If the bill passes and becomes a law, doctors would be able to prescribe some level of medication, and reduce the patient's agony, without endangering the doctor's safety."
Abstract This paper addresses the concern most often vocalized about euthanasia, namely, whether it is a form of murder or mercy. The author of the paper puts forth arguments that euthanasia should be legalized and applies the ethical theories of consequentialism and non-consequentialism to help assess and evaluate whether or not euthanasia should be legalized and, ultimately, to support the author's point of view. The paper also provides suggestions for legal protections and policies that should be put in place if euthanasia is legalized.
From the Paper "Most of the issues in the legalization of Physician Assisted Suicide (PAS), or better known as Euthanasia, rest under contentious questions of ethics and morality. The process of euthanasia, in which death of a terminally ill patient is hastened by some means to end sufferings from a terminal disease, presents a question between two situations wherein concerns of ethics and morality are debated as to where it properly lies ? When is it morally correct, to hasten the death of a dying patient from a terminal disease to end his sufferings, or to let him suffer from pain and let the course of his disease's nature take place? This question has been one of the moral issues concerning the legalization of euthanasia. In simple and legal terms, it is associated to the debatable question "Is euthanasia a form of murder"?"
Abstract This paper takes a look at the policy of the Patriot Act, which gives the United States law enforcement agencies the power to intercept and obstruct terrorism by making it possible to conduct surveillance, check on immigration, and many other matters, without consideration for the right to privacy.
Contents
Introduction
Contents of the Patriot Act
Sunset provisions in the Patriot Act
Desired results of the proposed course of action
External impact on government and society
Likely outcomes
Alternative ways to achieve social good
Conclusion
From the Paper "Terrorist attacks against the American way of life and interests are an ongoing conflict that has effected American citizens in many nations from Libya to Iran to Afghanistan and beyond but the attack on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001 took place within the US and challenged the US sovereignty causing the authorities finally to take action in the form of preventative measures [Poynder 2003]. These measures took the form of the Patriot Act passed by Congress giving the US authorities and law agencies the powers necessary to conduct surveillance, immigration checks, banking checks etc in order to locate and eliminate any suspected terrorist threat."
Tags: terror, afghanistan, iraq, war, bin, ladin, osama, world, trade, center, fbi, cia
Abstract This paper briefly discusses the controversial issue of euthanasia. It argues that a person should have the right to control what happens to his/her own body and, hence, decide if he/she wants to end unnecessary suffering.
From the Paper "Imagine your body slowly being broken down by an uncontrollable invader and there is a law preventing you from ending that suffering. This is the argument over euthanasia. Euthanasia is defined as ?the act or practice of killing out of mercy.? Euthanasia exists in four categories: active, passive, voluntary, and involuntary. Passive euthanasia is the act of removing all treatments and forms of life support intended to prolong life and allowing the patient to die of natural causes. Active euthanasia consists of an outside source actually causing the death of the patient, or killing with the use of drugs and other tools. When the patient is fully competent and capable of making this life or death decision on his or her own, this is considered voluntary euthanasia. If the decision is made for the patient due to him or her being considered incapable of this choice, it is labeled as involuntary euthanasia."
Abstract This paper begins by explaining what global warming is and describes what causes this phenomenon. It then discusses ways that global warming affects the environment and examines ways that these damaging trends can be minimized.
From the Paper "Economic development has long been documented to involve possible adverse environmental side effects at the state and the global level. This is exemplified by air pollution from factories, as well as automobiles. In the same way, it has commonly been documented that there might be a role for public policy involvement to correct such exterior negative impacts, which take place because the related damages are not incorporated in the costs and calculations of private firms and societies (Adams, 1999)."
Abstract On October 24, 2001, just six weeks after the September 11th attacks and under the guise of national security, a prosecutor's wish list, not limited to terrorists, was born. This paper argues that, while the Patriot Act contains many appropriate provisions, it is specifically oppressive in reference to some of its expansive powers, which infringe on citizens? civil liberties. It further argues that the United States, the original model of democracy around the world, should be able to protect and defend itself without sacrificing the constitutional rights granted to its citizens.
From the Paper "Furthermore, the aforementioned searches are not subject to the sunset clause attached to some of the Patriot Act's extended powers. What is particularly ominous about these searches is underlined by Tracey Maclin, a leading expert on the Fourth Amendment. Professor Maclin warns that these break-ins are not tied only to cases in which national security or threats from foreign agents appear to be the focus of investigations. It can apply to any criminal investigation (as cited in Hentoff, War 40). Therefore, with the sneak and peak warrants, the government can break into any citizens home, search and confiscate anything deemed necessary, and avoid notifying the person for an indefinite amount of time."
Abstract This paper takes a stand against the use of performance enhancing drugs in sports. The paper covers the legal and moral impact of drug use in sports and it also explains the mental and physical health side effects of taking such drugs.
From the Paper "If you turn on any sports show in today's world of media, you are bound to hear something about the illegal drug use in sports. There are many supporters for both sides of this argument. When it comes down to it, which is right? Is the world being too harsh on drug use in sports? Should more be done to help prevent the spreading drug problem in sports? Performance enhancing drugs in sports is not only legally and morally wrong, but it is also very unhealthy."
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
