Abstract This paper examines several false stereotypes that the American public maintains concerning the homeless population across the country. Unemployment, physical and emotional abuse, disasters or accidents are discussed as causes of homelessness. Also examined are several governmental organizations appointed to deal with the homeless population. While the statistics continue to mount against homeless people, the reasons that Americans seem to pretend not to notice how grave the situation actually is, are detailed.
From the Paper "Many Americans today have several preconceived notions about who homeless people are and why they are homeless. People find that dismissing the homeless as degenerates and bums is easier than realizing that they could possibly be at risk of becoming homeless themselves. America is also in denial about the plague of homelessness that has settled on our nation. Because of attitudes like these, the continually growing problem of homelessness in our country is, for the most part, ignored or believed to be irreparable. The people of America should eliminate the many stereotypes that exist about the homeless population in the country and understand that the problem of homelessness can be helped despite its presumable hopelessness."
Abstract In 1848 an abolitionist convention was held in Seneca Falls. This paper analyzes the strengths and weaknesses of the Seneca Falls convention's final product: The Declaration of Sentiments - a document which contains a comprehensive listing of gender based injustices all of which the women in the convention vowed to abolish. The author of the paper draws a comparison between the Declaration of Sentiments and the American Declaration of Independence and touches on how the document related to African-Americans.
From the Paper "Every great social movement has a beginning. Very often, it is a great challenge to determine these exact origins. The women's rights or feminist movement is not different in this respect. It is not surprising that many ongoing discussions continue about this exact topic. The "Declaration of Sentiments" is probably not the very first piece of feminist writing, but it did signify that feminists would ac-cept nothing but a major change in the way that society treated women. The same was true for the Decla-ration of Independence. It was not the first pro-independence work created, but it did finalize the Continental Congress? decision to leave English rule. The Seneca Falls Convention is a significant event in the history of the abolitionist movement thus it is worthwhile to consider it closely."
Abstract The paper reviews the debate between the anti-abortion movement - "National Right to Life Committee" and the pro-abortion group - "National Abortion and Reproductive Rights Action League".
From the Paper "Every year for the past 28 years, Washington D.C. has been invaded twice yearly by two opposing forces; the Pro-Choice advocates and the Pro-Life lobby. Since the 1973 Roe vs. Wade Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion in the United States, these two opposite sides have actively campaigned to either reverse this decision or have it upheld and strengthened, respectively. Two of these interest groups have gone so far as to establish Capitol Hill offices to promote their agendas- The National Abortion and Reproductive Rights League and the National Right to Life Committee."
Abstract This paper examines the current trend of people listening more frequently to conservative or "right wing" talk shows. It focuses on the shows of three hosts - John Carlson, Michael Savage and Rush Limbaugh and discusses how they have successfully adapted their conservative radio programs to compete with new forms of media.
From the Paper "Imagine a view from the early 1920?s; a family huddled together in front of their brand new radio. The children are excitedly waiting for the familiar sounds of ?The Lone Ranger.? Mom and Dad sit back, enjoying not only the family time together, but their moments of quiet relaxation. Eighty years ago this was the image most Americans conjure in their minds when they pictured the early day of radio. Today, radio has changed dramatically. The word radio no longer can describe the genera's housed under it. We have music radio, with pop, rock, country and jazz. Separate from musical radio is talk radio, which encompassed home and garden tips, health information, and, often, conservative opinion talk radio programs."
Tags: communication, limbaugh, mass, media, michael, radio, rush, savage
Abstract This is a paper that analyzes and evaluates the disagreement between Martin Luther King Jr. and Lewis Van Dusen Jr. over the ethics of civil disobedience. The writer details each argument, asks how each argument can be doubted, discusses why the disputants disagree and concludes the paper by discussing which of the two arguments is stronger.
From the Paper "However, if one considers the implication of the argument of both the revolutionists, it could be seen that King bases most of his arguments on his observation in society. His knowledge of the law as well as his years among the poor, contribute a great deal to his opinion. In formulating his argument, King did not consider how civil disobedience would affect the "other half". The question is whether it is justified for the other half of the society to raise the issue of civil disobedience in the same manner that he is presenting for the African American society. He may have astutely presented the fact that civil ethics dictates everyone should have equal rights but did he consider what would happen if everyone were to have legal say in the matter of governing a nation?"
Abstract A paper that shows that in a world of expanding business and human mobility there is an increasing prevalence of corporations extending internationally, resulting in many political and social implications. The author finds that although conventionally, one would join a lobby firm in order to influence government policy through bureaucratic channels; in light of growing corporate globalization, one can argue that these conventional channels are no longer able to reflect the demands and interests of the general population. He finds that although lobby firms possess substantial resources in lobbying government, it is in the flexible structure of informal grassroots organizations that people will be able to influence policy in a globalized world. This paper demonstrates the effectiveness of transnational networks in influencing policy by highlighting the insufficiencies of lobby firms, outlining the characteristics of social movements that make them effective, and illustrating the application of these tactics in specific campaigns. Ultimately, it is in these informal movements that the demands of the general public will be heard. The paper focuses on Canada's experience.
From the Paper "Ultimately, in a world increasingly dominated by multinational corporations, the future of public interests lies in the methods of grassroots organizations. Lobby firms have become ineffective in representing interests of the public, as they are now puppets of the big business interests who hire them. Likewise, governments have ceased to become the focus of policy change, as they too, have subordinated themselves to the interests of multinational corporations. Thus, it is in the flexible and adaptive structures of grassroots lobbying that Canadian voices and interests will be heard in the global arena. The reality that the strength of corporations in this arena is indubitable; yet, it is in the mobilization of collective action from grassroots organizations that will keep these corporations in check and ensure global social justice."
Tags: gatt, greenpeace, mai, movements, multinational, shell, social, wto
Abstract Firstly, the paper looks at the idea of "unipolarism" -the development of one super-power in the world. Secondly, it explores the consequences when a powerful country takes on territorial commitments it cannot maintain. And thirdly, it touches on the concept of "bizonalism" - the theory that the world can be divided into 2 zones: one of power, peace and prosperity; and one of of dysfunction and turmoil.
From the Paper "The world since the cold war has had its share of times of peace and times of war. Many major conflicts and wars have taken place. The cold war ended in 1989, during the Bush administration. During this time of rivalry between the United States and Russia, the politics in the world was leading in a downward spiral. With two super powers at each other's throughts the world was in a time of war and turmoil. Today the politics in the world has changed greatly. There is a clear cut organization of politics and a certain hierarchy in the world. The terrors of the cold war days have given us three major views of politics, which are recognized throughout the world. The three major ideas of today are those of unipolarism, an idea that if a great power exceeds its reach in the world it will lead to its demise and an idea of bizonalizm."
Abstract The following paper looks at the result of spending billions on security measures in the U.S.A. to combat terrorism. It discusses the ways in which the expenses of security measures affect the GDP and it assesses whether U.S. anti-terrorism policies impact significantly on the nation's economy.
From the Paper "Bush may be faced with a puzzle. He may be tempted to imitate Reagan's "military Keynesianism", by trying to make use of "state funds" to get America out of recession. He has declared that ?$75 billion? would be diverted towards the economy of the nation. But "military Keynesianism" might just provoke huge inflation that could lead to a crash later on. This might result in job losses and a decrease in trade and the working class will have to bear the consequences, as usual. (2) Though the American people may not be expected to be "bold" enough, the American government is prepared to spend its finds on the fight against terrorism as well as the economic fight they have been pushed into."
Tags: policymakers, stimulated, monetary, funding, federal
Abstract The paper analyzes Aristotle's "Theory of the State". The paper is divided into several areas to summarize Aristotle's views on an Ideal State. The paper discusses the sociopolitical features of the Ideal State; features of a State, including the State as the essence of human society; two forms of the Ideal State, and Aristotle's thought development with respect to this issue; two regime theories in relation to the two forms of the Ideal State and political theory as a realization of human essence.
From the Paper "For Aristotle, types of government are distinguished by the nature of its ruling element?which class of people are in control--and whether they rule for the benefit of the whole or in their own class interest. He thus offers a handy six-fold typology of states: Tyranny is rule by one person in his or her own interest; kingship is rule by one person for the good of the whole
" Oligarchy is rule by the few in their own importance; aristocracy is rule by the few for the good of the whole. Democracy is rule by the many in their own interest; polity is rule by the many for the good of the whole. "
Abstract This paper argues that women must hold more political positions in their nations? governments. The paper describes that women are fifty percent of the population and therefore should have their fifty percent of their vote represented by women. It demonstrates that women representatives from industrialized countries demonstrated greater concern over issues, such as birth control and childcare, equal pay for casual work, affirmative action and sexual harassment measures, and those in developing countries, focused more on access to childhood immunization, clean and constant water supply, delivery of primary health care services and affordable food sources. The paper illustrates those ground breaking women who have held high political office.
From the Paper "The Second Global Congress of Women in Politics conducted a study on the presence of women in national parliaments throughout the world and discovered that, in the last 25 years, the participation of women in parliaments from 1975 to 1998 grew only slightly from 11% to 12.7% (Kyodo 1998). Women in Nordic countries have the highest rate of participation at a combined average of 36.7% in the two houses of Congress. Arab women have the lowest level of participation at only 3.3%. Asian figures rose from 3% to over 12% in the last 25 years, but there is nothing exciting about this, since Asia holds more than the total world population, half of which is female. (Kyodo)"
Abstract This paper examines the present restrictions that forbids gays from enlisting in the U.S. army. It compares this stance with the prohibition of women in combat units, which has subsequently been lifted. The writer shows how many now consider women to be an asset in the military. The author explains how the homosexual community hopes that this trend of acceptance will be extended to them as well.
From the Paper "The question of whether gays should be allowed in the military involves complex arguments not just on the issue of fairness to gays and others in a democratic society but also on the role of the military and any special concerns that have to be considered when creating policy for the military. The issue has been much discussed in recent years and is similar in tone to the argument formerly raised for admitting women into the military, though there are significant differences as well. Some of the primary reasons given for keeping women out of the service have also been advanced in a modified form for keeping gays out of the military, so the experience the military has had with women is instructive."
Tags: military, homosexual, discrimination, equality, combat, navy
Abstract A discussion of the important events of The Cold War and issues that still impact American foreign and domestic policy today. The author looks at how although The Cold War may be over officially, the repercussions are still felt throughout the world and many policies have not changed. The author shows how problems still occur for countries such as North and South Korea, Taiwan and Cuba. It may be decades before the aftermath of the Cold War is no longer felt regarding U.S. foreign policies.
From the Paper "The end of World War II saw the rise of two dominating nations, the communist Soviet Union with one of the most powerful armies in the world, and the United States, great power of the western nations and the world's economic leader. After the fall of Nazi Germany, both nations vied for what was considered the grand prize of Central Europe, Berlin. This was the beginning of tensions as the Soviets? desire for nuclear knowledge and world domination did not mix well with the United States? democratic society (Cold War pg). In 1949, tensions between the two countries climbed when the Soviets detonated their first atomic bomb. Both super powers now had atomic weapons and both despised one another. This was the beginning of the Cold War, called thus because the confrontation was not actual full combat, fearing nuclear annihilation."
Abstract This paper gives an insight into Marx's ideas as expressed in the "Communist Manifesto". It argues that although Marx's idea of equality among people sounded desirable; in theory it was abused by the likes of Lenin and Stalin. The communist idea works against a person's natural desire to succeed. History has shown that most communist countries have failed to prosper economically. When the people have no personal investment in their labor, then their productivity steadily declines which eventually leads to complete degeneration of the economy.
From the Paper "In "The Communist Manifesto", Karl Marx addresses members of the bourgeoisie and proletariat classes. The latter he rallies to action while to the first he prophesies their inevitable fall from power. he begins by establishing the fact that society has always been arranged into varying systems of social order. Because of a rise in industry, a wealthy class he refers to as the bourgeoisie have come to dominate society. Since its ascent to power, it has completely destroyed the former social classes, who then lose their identity and become mere drones serving an unsympathetic system."
Tags: communism, russia, bourgeoisie, liberty, religion, stalin, lenin, hitler
Abstract The following paper discusses the practical and symbolic significance of Social Security. The writer argues that the main reason social security is facing long-term insolvency is because the population is aging. This paper examines studies that claim that by 2030 there will be exclusively two active workers for every one retiree. The writer discusses the fundamental demographic shift that will occur when fewer and fewer workers will be contributing payroll taxes to support more and more retired individuals.
From the Paper "To finance the current level of benefits, payroll taxes for the Old Age Survivors and Disability Insurance portion of the FICA tax would have to be increased from the current 12.4 percent to 18 percent. The long-term shortage in the OASDI trust fund is about 2 percent of payroll, which is approximately a $32 billion annual deficit in today's dollars. The Social Security trust funds have been building up surpluses in anticipation of baby boomers' retirement needs. These surpluses, however, help mask the true size of the federal deficit. In fact, the trust funds are projected to pay out $18.6 trillion in benefits over the next 75 years but collect only $9.8 trillion in income from taxes, leaving an unfunded liability of $8.8 trillion. Beginning in the year 2012, the trust funds will begin to experience negative cash flows. By 2029, OASDI will be insolvent; able to pay only 77 percent of promised benefits. "
Abstract A discussion of the pros and cons of surveillance in the United States, looking at whether more surveillance for protection against terrorism outweighs intrusion of one's privacy. The terrorist attacks on 9/11 saw an increase in surveillance and new laws passed concerning wire-tapping. The three characteristics of surveillance technology used to describe its various aspects, amplification, re-utilization, and sublimation are examined. The author investigates whether surveillance is ethical and if it could really have prevented past or prevent future terrorist attacks.
From the Paper "When Orson Wells wrote his famous novel about government surveillance taken to the extreme, the world he described seemed very unrealistic. However, at the turn of the new millenium, the world that he describes is not so different and it seems as if we are just one step away from the "thought police" knocking on the door. For some this gives them an extra-added element of security, but others see it as a serious infringement on their freedom.
Today, we are watched in a variety of ways. Every where you look, you see video cameras recording our every move. Wiretaps are frequent and devices that transmit over the air such as cell phones are easy targets for those trying to hone in on our private affairs. The government monitors our email and web surfing activities, our bank accounts, credit card accounts and almost anything else you can think of."
