Abstract This paper discusses the origins of Social Security, how it has evolved, and where it all seems to lead into the future. It explains how Social Security developed during the Great Depression and has lasted throughout the years, giving some measure of economic security to America's retired since the 1930s. Social Security has faced some hurdles, and many believe it will not last through the "Baby Boomer" escalation in retirement by 2030. It argues, however, that Social Security has endured through depression and recession and seems poised to last long into America's future.
From the Paper "Social Security, the payment of retirement benefits to those no longer working at their primary career, is not a new idea. Thomas Paine wrote about economic security for the elderly in the 18th century, but it took American leadership until the 20th century to actually do something about retirees and their lack of income. In fact, many other countries enacted social insurance long before the United States created a program. "Germany, in fact, had put extensive social insurance systems in place in 1883, under Bismarck. In the Western Hemisphere, Uruguay was an early pioneer. Foreign examples did not, however, seem to impress Americans" (Skidmore 23). Before the 20th century, most Americans were farmers, and their economic security in their old age depended on their family (SSA)."
Discusses the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, which was designed as a response to the wave of corporate fraud cases that riddled the corporate landscape in America in 2002.
Abstract This paper looks at the Sarbanes-Oxley Act that was enacted in order to rectify the constant corporate scandals, fraud, and failures sweeping across the United States. The paper discusses the purpose of the Act, outlines its contents, explains exceptions to the Act that apply to foreign companies, and includes a timetable chart for its implementation. Issues such as independence and corporate responsibility, independence within the accounting profession, accountability and disclosure, and how the Act affects banking organizations that are non-public are also discussed in this paper.
From the Paper "The Sarbanes-Oxley Act is aimed at private companies by definition, as Section 108 on Accounting Standards implies. However, despite this seemingly straightforward definition, non-public banking companies are finding themselves under the jurisdiction of the Act based on their former standing with regard to SEC and FDIC regulations."
Abstract This paper explores Marx's and Weber's writings on estranged labor to determine if the labor theories both men used to analyze capitalism and the plight of workers in the 19th century can also be applied to 21st century capitalism. The first part of this paper discusses Marx's theory of estranged labor, as written in "The Economic and Philosophic Manuscripts of 1844". In the next part, the paper then examines Max Weber's dissatisfaction with the Marx's reliance on economic theory to explain the corrupting forces of capitalism. The next section then applies Marx's and Weber's theories to modern capitalism. Weber's writings on rationalization and the bureaucracy are then used to analyze various examples of ?corporate greed.? In the conclusion, this paper argues that the examples discussed show how advanced capitalism continues to foster the growth of alienated labor, rationalization, and the bureaucracy.
From the Paper "In the 19th century, leading social theorists such as Karl Marx and Max Weber believed that because its many inherent contradictions, the capitalist system would inevitably fall into a decline. More than a century later, however, the capitalist system is far from dead. Rather, it appears to be further entrenched, encircling the world in the stranglehold of globalization."
Abstract The paper describes aspects of the 2001 Patriot Act, including extensive surveillance powers to investigate the reading habits and Web surfing of citizens.
From the Paper "THE PATRIOT ACT AND CIVIL LIBERTIES
Barely six weeks after September 11, 2001, The Congress and the President may have done more damage to our civil liberties and freedom than the terrorists who crashed the planes into the Pentagon and World Trade to..."
Abstract This paper proposes that the best assessment of the war on terror must apply the appropriate and relevant concepts in international relations theory and that such an application will encourage a consensus and commitment to the basic ideology underlying the war on terrorism. Further, the paper suggests that there is a strong case to establish that the war on terrorism has seen the United States practicing hegemonic stability theory, and then goes on to expound on this theory and explain why this approach is in the interests of the U.S. and democracy worldwide.
From the Paper "America's ideology and consequently, foreign affairs policy changed dramatically in the aftermath of the security dilemma created by September 11th. Ever since Vietnam, the American public's reluctance to engage in military intervention overseas has been an influential factor in foreign policy decisions. September 11th changed that view and opinion polls showed more than 90% approval for the placement of ground troops in Afghanistan, while 87% showed understanding that this unconventionally defined war will be a long one (Pobst)."
Abstract This paper talks about Joseph Nye's book, "The Paradox of American Power", and Nye's impressive credentials, which give great credibility to the book. The paper summarizes the chapters in the book, explains their major points, and discusses the book's dominant theme of "soft power".
From the Paper "The Paradox of American power is an interesting account of America's rise to the status of super power where Joseph Nye explains why America's lone ranger approach can no longer work in today's world. The author has extremely impressive credentials, which lends more credibility to his research and his work as a political analyst is greatly appreciated. Joseph Nye Jr. is ?currently the dean at Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government, he was, during the Clinton Administration, chairman of the National Intelligence Council and an Assistant Defense Secretary. He also has a reputation as a prognosticator. In 1989, he wrote a contrarian but prescient book called Bound to Lead, which explained why the then-ailing U.S. would ultimately succeed against Japan, which looked like an invincible industrial giant. This time, though, Nye's crystal ball portends ill for the U.S.? (Crock, 2002) "
Abstract In addition to the longer average lifespan of the typical American citizen, baby boomers are also just reaching the age of retirement. These two factors have collided, and Social Security suddenly finds itself under the gun to find solutions for the future of the program. This paper examines one proposed solution, that of privatizing the system. The writer explores various political suggestions and debates regarding the topic, as well as some of the opposition's views.
From the Paper "While it has been mentioned before, one of the key vocalists for the idea of Social Security privatization has been Bill Clinton. While he was in office he proposed a plan that would take the reins of social security out of the hands of the government and place them with a private entity. He had several ideas that would go along with the privatization of the agency including(Clinton, 1998):
? privatizing part of the system:
? letting workers invest part of their Social Security taxes in the stock market(Clinton, 1998)"
Abstract America responded to the 9/11 attacks by strengthening powers of government and, in the process, eroding personal freedoms. This paper argues that it is time to understand that the war on terror isn't a short-term war, and if we are to live governed by the Constitution, which our founding fathers put into place to ensure freedom for everyone, it's time to roll back some of the more recent legislation and work towards more sustainable methods of preventing terrorism. The paper refers, in particular, to the USA Patriot Act and the laissez-faire policy of the Department of Homeland Security. The paper argues that if we continue to give up our personal freedom, we have, in fact, let the terrorists win.
From the Paper "Section 215 of the USA PATRIOT Act also gives the FBI virtually unlimited power to search bookstore and library records and see what people are reading. Before PATRIOT, the government needed probable cause and a warrant from a neutral judge in order to obtain such records; now they can see what a person is reading without that person even knowing about it. The Fourth Amendment's guarantee of ?[t]he right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable search an seizures? (The Bill of Rights) doesn?t prevent this new power granted to our government agencies. Lawrence Lessig, Professor of Law at Stanford University, argues that under the Cohen Theorem, reading anonymously is "so intimately connected with speech and freedom of thought that the First Amendment should be understood to guarantee such a right" (154)."
Abstract This paper begins with an explanation of the Social Darwinism theory advocated by Herbert Spencer and derived from Charles Darwin's theory of evolution. The paper defines Social Darwinism as a social theory that promotes a society that allows natural selection of the fittest and suggests setting up a social system that extends no benefits to the weak or the ill. The paper points out what is wrong with this theory, examines why Spencer believed it would lead to the attainment of human perfection, and addresses the question of whether Spencer's views were scientific or the result of a social ideology.
From the Paper "Herbert Spencer intended to use Social Darwinism in order to propagate human perfection. An interference with the natural process of selection will alter the course of a perfect society. It is important to identify what interference is. In a society that tends to achieve perfection, any efforts made by any entity to better the state or prolong the existence of the imperfect will be considered as interference. Hence, the poor are one of the weak entities in a society when viewed under the lens of Social Darwinism. The government is the entity that may support/aid the poor to prolong and propagate its survival in the society. Herbert Spencer suggested that the government support or interference by providing aid to the poor will alter the course of a perfect human society by allowing the poverty to propagate. Spencer viewed this intervention as threat to a perfect society, hence opposed all government aid to the poor. In fact, Spence supported the laissez-faire system political and economic system in order to remove all support from the state to the weak and incompetent."
Abstract Walter Lippmann, an influential journalist of the first half of the 21st century, wrote extensively on democracy and the nature of ?the public.? This paper discusses one of his most influential works, "Public Opinion", published in 1922, which details his lack of confidence in any democracy based on the trust and direct influence of the public.
From the Paper "In short, Lippmann asserts than the average individual (and the collective public made up of those individuals), is wholly unqualified to make decisions about (or to exert pressure on their leaders concerning), public policy. This, he believes, is because public opinion is largely (if not entirely), based on internal stereotypes, and internalized external propaganda, factors that sway the very foundations on which any opinion is based."
Discusses how the United States can protect itself from enemies within its own borders without harming the ideals of freedom on which the country's Constitution is based.
Abstract The tragedy of 9/11 is the most recent case in point of how a nation can take its freedom and liberty for granted, which ultimately allows others to tear down that which has taken over 200 years to build, protect, and defend. This paper shows that the Patriot Act of 2001 undoubtedly faces numerous legal challenges in the upcoming months and years. While the issue of protecting the nation cannot be forgotten in the aftermath of 9/11, neither can the lessons learned from the Alien and Sedition Acts, nor the tragic mistake of interning thousands of Japanese-Americans under no more than suspicion and bigotry. The paper explains that the challenge of defending a nation from outside aggressors is simple when compared to the problem of defending the nation from those who would attack it from within.
From the Paper "Under the Patriot Act, the FBI needs only to certify to a FISA judge that the action is based on investigating terrorism. There remains no need for evidence of a crime, or probable cause, only that the search is designed to protect against terrorism. Under the Act, the judge has no authority to reject this application. While the Department of Justice (DOJ) calls this "seeking a court order," in application it is much closer to a rubber stamp. In the pragmatic application of the Act, the target of a search needn't be a terror suspect himself, so long as the government's purpose is "an authorized investigation ... to protect against international terrorism." (Lithwick and Turner, 2003)"
Is same-sex marriage a civil rights issue? This paper considers major arguments against same-sex marriage and contrasts them with arguments in favor of it.
Abstract This paper focuses on religion, the influence of religion on politics, the Federal Marriage Amendment, and marriage rights and privileges. The paper sheds a positive light on the topic of same-sex marriage. Resources are current, and the paper is argumentative.
From the Paper "Recent political events have shed sudden light on an issue that the American public has long been avoiding: Same-sex marriage. Should same-sex couples be allowed to marry? As human beings and American citizens, are same sex couples entitled to the same protections that law provides to heterosexual married couples? Unlike the usual pro/con debates, this particular issue has three sides. There's the "no" side that argues that the benefits of marriage are sanctimonious and that they should be provided only to opposite sex couples. The "yes" side would argue that marriage is a basic civil right and should be provided to all couples, regardless of sexual orientation. The third side meets the previous two extremes somewhere in the middle, stating that while the term "marriage" is sanctimonious and should be reserved only for opposite sex couples, the benefits of marriage should be available to all couples regardless of sexual orientation. Each side has its own theories in a debate that is anything but black and white."
Abstract The paper examines the controversy of the Patriot Act and answers many of the myths claiming that it infringes on people's civil liberties. The author discusses how this law has been a vital tool in helping to fight terrorism. It shows how, previously, governments agencies did not work together to share information and now, as a result, of the Patriot Act, agencies are exchanging information, which is key to preventing terrorist attacks. This paper, therefore, argues that, although certain sectors of the population may feel that the Patriot Act affects their civil rights, in general, the Act assists in protecting the country.
From the Paper "One of the most vocal critics of the Patriot Act is the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). Their biggest objection of the Act is to Section 215, which permits agents to seek business records by showing a judge that this information is required to help a terrorism investigation. Under Section 215 the FBI does not have to show probable cause of wrongdoing to obtain a warrant, as is required in other criminal cases. The ACLU contends that Section 215 is unconstitutional because it gives the FBI the ability to spy on and track everyday protest groups such as the National Rifle Association, Operation Rescue and Greenpeace, simply because they can be considered domestic terrorism groups."
Abstract This paper examines how the question of under what circumstances does one sovereign nation have the moral authority to initiate military aggression against another sovereign nation is a question that has been debated since the beginning of human civilization. In particular, it analyzes the use of military aggression against Iraq during the United States invasion of 2003 and whether it establishes a radical precedent in modern times that violates the previously recognized principles of moral justification for war and inaugurates the adoption of a "first-strike" policy by the United States in international relations.
From the Paper "In the new war against terror, it is a mistake to focus primarily on the means possessed by the enemy. The attack of September 11 shows the overwhelming devastation that can be wrought with incredibly little means, when there is sufficient planning and motivation. Terrorists do not need a crazed dictator to provide them with extraordinarily lethal chemical and biological weapons. These can easily be made with minimal laboratory equipment using readily-known methods. And the means to deploy them can be found by exploiting the technology of the free world. Plan of action as well as intent are therefore of great importance to consider when evaluating a threat."
Abstract This paper presents the three reasons given by George W. Bush to the American public for going to war with Iraq. The paper discusses these three reasons: That Saddam Hussein had ties to al-Qaeda, that Hussein was attempting to acquire nuclear weapons, and that Hussein had weapons of mass destruction. The paper dismisses these reasons as inapplicable. The claim that Iraq possessed weapons of mass destruction is examined in the paper. The paper also outlines Saddam Hussein's ties to al-Qaeda and the threat of nuclear weapons.
From the Paper "Of the three claims, the third one regarding WMD was instantly believable, because American news had been full of pictures of dead Kurds, citizens of Iraq, killed with Iraq's chemical weapons. Hussein had used WMD's in the past on his own citizens, and so it seemed likely that he could easily use them on people he regarded as enemies of his country. In addition, he used Scud missiles (short range, and easily moved) to attack Saudi Arabia and even Israel during the Gulf War (Richelson, p. 75), demonstrating his willingness to attack other nations. The second concern, that Iraq might already nuclear weapons, had less direct evidence people could recall easily, but was also quite scary. Since the end of the Cold War, a recurring fear was that a terrorist-driven country would use nuclear weapons to try to force its will on other countries."
