Abstract This research takes a look at the U.S. Social Security system, and asks the question whether privatization would provide a better approach to retirement for Americans than the current structure. It then examines social security system in Chile by way of contrast and analyzes the two for their effectiveness.
From the Paper "The so-called "baby boomers," one of the largest generational groupings in American history, are nearing the age when they will be able to collect Social Security benefits. When that happens, the ratio between those individuals contributing to Social Security and those receiving it will decline significantly. As a result, many have expressed concern about how Social Security can be funded over the long-term, and several different proposals have been made by politicians and economists alike."
Abstract This research explores the twin problems of deforestation and agricultural growth in the Brazilian rain forest. The research sets forth the ecological context in which these issues have arisen, as well as ways in which the problems have affected the biosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere of the region. It then discusses the range of past and projected responses to the problem with a view toward forecasting possible lines of development and resolution.
From the Paper "Such issues have been at work in Brazil for decades. As early as the 1950s and 1960s, partly in cooperation with UNESCO, Brazil's government undertook economic-development projects in Brazil, in Amazonia (Amazon, 1967) and in another major rain forest system called the Atlantic Forest. Such aggressive industrial development occurred in the latter region over the years that the great mass of the Atlantic Forest has all but disappeared. Only remainder patches of unspoiled lush vegetation survive in the current period, from the million-kilometer area of former times (Dean, 1997)."
Tags: Amazonia, UN, environment, Roraima, tapper, World, Bank
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 summarizes the book and gives an opinion of the content. It discusses why Las Casas' account of how the Spanish treated the natives is a darkly disturbing book that will remain in the reader's mind for a long time to come. It explains why this book sheds a dark light on the Spanish colonial practices.
From the Paper "The Introduction of "Account" chronicles Las Casas' life, and introduces just how he came to champion the natives of the Indies. Las Casas opens his history with a compelling statement, compelling the reader to continue reading. "Everything that has happened since the marvellous discovery of the Americas ? from the short-lived initial attempts of the Spanish to settle there, right down to the present day ? has been so extraordinary that the whole story remains quite incredible to anyone who has not experienced it at first hand" (Las Casas 3). Right away, the reader must turn the pages to find out more about this extraordinary story, and discover just why Las Casas became such an advocate for the natives. As he recounts the history of the area, the reader becomes aware of the horrors committed by the Spaniards, and begins to understand just what led this man to fight so heroically for the natives."
Abstract The paper traces Escobar's life from humble peasant beginnings to powerful cocaine drug dealer and kingpin. The paper discusses the sound financial decisions Escobar made as well as the way he invested in legitimate projects using the funds he gained illegally. The paper explores the influence Escobar had and the way he worked, ultimately unsuccessfully, to establish a no-extradition clause into the Colombian constitution.
From the Paper "Escobar believed his entire life that he was something special. He wanted to get to the top quickly and as a child decided he was not going to take the slow and steady path that law abiding citizens took. He began a life of crime, without regard to who he hurt and killed along the way(Fontaine, 2001). His eventual success in the community did not negate the means he used to gain that success however and when he tried to use his gained political popularity to change the constitution in a manner that would erase his past the public turned on him. He went to prison, escaped and died(Fontaine, 2001). Had Escobar not existed, the business aspects of the drug world would not be as organized as it is. He was able to develop solid financial and business practices in an illegal world. He left a mark in which is name will always be associated with the notorious drug lords of the world. Pablo Esobar wanted the good life, but he didn?t care who he hurt to get it."
Abstract This paper examines how the North American Free Trade Agreement was put together in 1993 and provides agreed upon resolutions for its members when it comes to free trade boundaries and rules. It shows how NAFTA had a positive impact on Mexico's free trade industry because it strengthened an already strong relationship between the United States and Mexico. It looks at how NAFTA has allowed Mexico to increase in stature among world nations and how it has assisted in strengthening local Mexican economies, as well by providing more jobs as increased product and service continues. It also examines how it has boosted Mexico's trade business with Canada as well.
From the Paper "Because Mexico and the United States have the largest mutual trade relationship in the world the economic success of those in NAFTA becomes very important. Research and history points to a continued strengthening of the relationship shared because of NAFTA not only between Mexico and the US but Mexico and Canada as well. It is obviously helpful for the US and Mexico to trade through NAFTA because of their close boundaries but the Canadian-Mexico trade business is stronger than it has ever been according to the numbers and the NAFTA created the stage for that to happen. The trade with Canada and Mexico has increased more than eight billion over the last eight years."
Abstract There are two views, as with any conflict or issue, on the reasons and reactions of the major players in the Cuban Missile Crisis that took place at the end of October 1962. The crisis pitted two world powers, the United States and the Soviet Union, against each other in what many describe as the closest the world has come to World War III and a nuclear holocaust. This paper examines the background of the crisis from the Cuban/Soviet point of view in depth. Towards the end of the paper, the United States' perspective of the crisis is discussed.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Background
Upheaval in Cuba - the Bay of Pigs
The Cuban Missile Crisis
The Beginning of Hostilities
The United States Perspective
From the Paper "The account from the Cuban point-of-view paints Kennedy as a man obsessed with removing Castro from Cuba. In Robert Kennedy's memoir, he portrays his brother as someone eager to get the missiles out in a peaceful fashion. Kennedy was in favor of the blockade, despite the advice that this was a weak response and that military action was in order. Among those dissenting was Senator J. William Fullbright of Arkansas. Schlesinger points out that the Soviets were no match for the United States, a point made continually from the Cuban point-of-view; however the take of the this fact is spun differently on the American side. If Kennedy had been completely set on ridding Cuba of Castro, he could have used the Soviet deployment to invade and overthrow Castro's regime. Instead the two Kennedy brothers led the fight against invasion in favor of a peaceful solution."
Tags: Fidel, Castro, General, Batista, Eisenhower, Khrushchev
Abstract This paper discusses how eco-tourism in Brazil has been underdeveloped and how it could serve as an even greater source of income on both a local level and national level for the Brazilian economy. It explores and identifies many factors such as various economic, political and social factors that influence the ability of Brazil to expand their ecotourism market.
Outline
Findings
Primary Research
Secondary Research
Conclusion
Works Cited
Appendix I
Appendix II
From the Paper "One of the major concerns in promoting ecotourism is the effect that the influx of human beings will have on the region (Riverdeep, 2000). Phillip Fearnside (1986) stresses the fact that we have many example to draw from in the past and that we must consider our choices carefully. In 2001, a conference was held to address ecotourism issues in Brazil. This conference addressed planning and product development, monitoring and regulation in regards to sustainability, marketing and promotion, and the costs and benefits of ecotourism (SDMEA, 2001). In May of 2002 many countries joined to discuss these same issues on a global basis (World Ecotourism Summit, 2002)."
Abstract For many years, the border between the United States and Mexico has been the scene of tens of thousands of illegal crossings. Some of those have resulted in the injury or deaths of both Mexicans and U.S. citizens and still strain relations between Mexico and the United States. We will look at this situation and see what has happened and what will likely happen in the future.
Abstract This paper examines and analyzes Cuban emigre writer Zoe Valdez's highly acclaimed and somewhat controversial first novel, "Yocandra in the Paradise of Nada", in terms of the deconstruction of the ideal of a revolutionary paradise in Fidel Castro's socialist Cuba.
Abstract This paper analyzes the impact of NAFTA on the Mexican environment. Initially, the theoretical issues surrounding free trade and the environment are outlined. The Mexican case is analyzed in terms of national trends and in the specific context of the Maquiladoras.
Abstract This paper explores two perceptions of the early exploration of Mexico by the texts of two noted explorers, Hernan Cortes and Bernal Diaz del Castillo. In particular, two works are noted as being representative of the texts of that era, being Cortes' "Letters from Mexico" and del Castillo's "The True History of the Conquering of New Spain". This paper focuses primarily on these two sources, although other sources are used.
Abstract This paper will argue, through an examination of the role of human sacrifice in the religious practices of the Aztec civilization, that human sacrifice should be interpreted primarily as a cultural activity that is firmly integrated into the signification and value system of the community as a whole.
Abstract This paper evaluates both the positive and negative effects of affirmative action policies today, with a particular focus on racial minorities, such as African-Americans and Latinos, in higher education. The paper defines affirmative action, traces the policies? history, examines their goals, and looks at the various legal challenges that have been mounted against these policies. Finally, the paper includes a critical examination of the arguments both for and against the continued use of affirmative action policies and concludes by taking the position that affirmative action policies are ineffective and actually harm the parties they are intended to benefit.
From the Paper "Jackson further argues that many affluent white students have access to SAT preparation scores and have the time and resources to participate in extracurricular activities and honor courses. This places many minority students from lower-income families who need to work after school and do not have resources for SAT preparation tests at a distinct disadvantage (Jackson 290). For proponents like Jackson, affirmative action is a way to address these discrepancies and ensure that disadvantaged youth receive an equal opportunity towards higher education."
