Abstract This paper provides an analysis of the U.S. social security system. The author examines the history of social security 'screation, workings of the particular plans- disability and old age and survivor insurance, and how Americans' tax dollars are selected and sent. This analysis also looks at the growing uneasiness regarding depletion of funds.
From the Paper "America has been through many trying times throughout its young history. One of the most difficult times was the Great Depression. During this period many banks failed, the stock market crashed, and Americans everywhere were losing faith in the government. The government came up with different options on how they could guarantee the nation's elderly of a decent income. In 1935, the government introduced their solution, Social Security. Since its inception, the Social Security program has been one of the most successful domestic government programs, providing economic protection for Americans of all ages."
Abstract In this essay the author goes head to head with Karl Marx's view of alienation. The contradictions which Marx makes on alienation of labor are pointed out and used to figure out what conception of the human essence Marx uses to rest his theory on. The author points out flaws in Marx's essay and offers alternative solutions.
From the Paper "Karl Marks who lived between 1818 and 1883 wrote the Estrange Labor manuscript in 1844. Being only 26 years of age he challenges the works of the great philosopher Hegel. In his manuscript he considered himself to be a young Hegelian philosopher. Marx explains his beliefs on what he believes to be the key elements of estranged labor, mainly alienation from nature, alienation from product of labor, alienation from the activity of labor, and alienation from species. Hegel believed that trough the use of labor to create objects we could satisfy our bodily needs. He believed that our reason allowed for criticism to improve upon the objects, which allowed the mind to evolve toward pure reason and ultimately freedom. Hegel also noted that freedom was the essence of freedom. Marx does not completely agree with Hegel because he felt his theory was too abstract and ignored important concepts of social organization for production. Marx believes that philosophy in the past had mystified the real contradictions of human existence."
Abstract This paper examines the terrorist attack of September 11th against the US and how the war taken against terrorism differs from previous engagements.
From the Paper "Since the September 11 terrorist bombing of the Pentagon and World Trade Center buildings, many people have given their support for a "war" on terrorism. Though it has brought our country and its people together, opinions differ when an offensive assault is mentioned. Some people believe it is possible to conclude this war through peace talks. Others may believe differently, and think war is exactly what this country needs."
Abstract This paper presents a critically evaluates "Who Rules America? Power and Politics in the Year 2000" by G. William Domhoff. The author
gives an overview, and proceeds to analyze several aspects of the book such as theory, argument and concept.
From the paper:
"The American Dream consists of many things including the obtaining of money and wealth. Most of us want it, few of actually get there and some of use even thinks it's a bad place to be. William Domhoff is one such person. He wrote a book titled Who Rules America? Power and Politics in the Year 2000 and in that book he presents his theory of the way our economy and standard of living currently work. "
Abstract This paper explores the three branches of government that create a system of checks and balances and separation of power. It outlines how laws are passed and how they are defeated. It also shows how this system of government came to be.
From the paper:
"The separation of the functions of the three branches of government, viz. the executive, the legislative and the judiciary, is one of the basic principles of American democracy and government. The purpose of having three separate independent branches is ostensibly to keep checks and balances between them so that they do not exceed their powers and keep a watch over one another's functioning."
Abstract This paper promotes the idea of a free immigration policy in the United States. It discusses the contributions that immigrants, of all nationalities, have made to the the growth of the United States economically and socially:
From the paper:
"The recent level of immigration that the United States of America has been experiencing is clearly beneficial to the economy. Today, and throughout the history of the nation, immigrants play key roles in society, and without them, regions of the country with the largest immigrant growth rates would suffer, as would the country as a whole. The immigrants to the United States at this time are not simply the poor and uneducated of the third world; they come from all social and economic classes."
Explores constitutional issues in racial profiling and discrimination in the wake of 9/11. Examples of profiling are derived from general minority experiences and specifically Arab/Muslim discrimination after 9/11.
2,200 words (approx. 8.8 pages), 4 sources, 2001, $ 68.95
Abstract This paper presents a detailed examination of racial profiling. The writer addresses four scenarios and argues for or against their legal and moral foundation based on the 14th amendment of the United States Constitution. In addition to the writer's belief regarding each scenario, we are given key elements of the opposition's argument and the writer's rebuttal to that opposition.
From the paper:
"Following the attacks on America September 11, 2001, there were cries for revenge throughout the nation. Anyone who looked Muslim was endangered as Americans took their anger to the streets. Following the attack there were several instances in which pilots refused to fly planes until Muslim looking passengers were removed and angry residents threatened those who looked like one of "them". The initial rage died down and in its place we were given many new security measures that we have been told are for the good of national security. The measures boil down to legalized racial profiling in some cases. Racial profiling is not a new event. It has been around for many years. Racial profiling goes against everything the constitution of this nation stands for; yet in light of the attacks in New York, Americans are less vocal about it then they have been in the past. Now, instead of denouncing all profiling as unconstitutional and wrong, we find ourselves looking at individual profile scenarios and holding them against the constitution to see if we can slide them through. We have entered a new world since the attacks. It is a world in which we are trying to walk a much thinner line between protecting the safety of those who live here and protecting the constitution."
Tags: racism, profiling, 9/11, constitution, Blacks, Arab, Muslim
Abstract This paper discusses the struggling relationship between India and Pakistan, primarily over the region of Kashmir. It details the history of the problem including the nuclear aspect, briefly discusses other possible solutions, and formulates a unique multi-faceted solution.
From the Paper "Ever since 1947, India and Pakistan have waged fierce war over a variety of issues. When India completed nuclear testing in May of 1998, and Pakistan shortly after, the issue was given unique attention. "Because it's spread alongside India, Pakistan has a lack of strategic depth. The danger is that this means that any war would rapidly lead to the possibility of nuclear escalation. As a result, the task of avoiding conventional warfare between the neighbors assumes increased importance (Swarts 10)." Strain between the two States is the effect of a diverse range of problems, including economic conditions, leadership clashes, and primarily religious diversity and territorial contention. The territorial dissension is based principally over the region of Kashmir, which both India and Pakistan claim full possession of. There are allegations that as many as one half of a million Indian troops and as many as a fourth of a million Pakistani troops are stationed in Kashmir. What can be done to prevent a nuclear conflict between India and Pakistan? This is a question that has absorbed more unbroken attention than almost any other news subject."
Tags: conflict, india, kashmir, pakistan, war, nuclear, energy, history, tribal, ethnic, border
This paper analyzes the impact of 'globalization' on labor conditions in third world countries in reference to the work of the World Bank, the International Labor Organization and 'anti-sweatshop' campaigners.
Abstract This paper examines how global economic forces enable sections of third world society to be more easily exploited. It investigates how the first world does not play on a level playing field by using the Multi-Fibre Agreement. The views of protesters, the World Bank, and others are reviewed. The paper ends by touching upon future developments, such as the impact of China becoming a full member of the World Trade Organization.
From the Paper "During the past three decades, remarkable internationalisation of the world economy has taken place. This process has become known as globalisation. Globalisation can be defined as "The increasing integration of national economies into expanding international markets" (Todaro: 1997). Neo-liberal authors and institutions, such as the IMF, state that globalisation is driven by four main factors; free market ideology; technological breakthroughs in communication; the shifting of economic activity to the developing world; and the opening up of previously closed borders. These factors of globalisation have inevitably led to changes in conditions of labour in third world employment. Here we will look at what the changes have been. We will then examine the views taken on these conditions by 'anti-sweatshop' campaigners, and the response of the International Labour Organisation and the World Bank."
Abstract This research report focuses on various aspects of the U.S. government's imposition of steel tariffs. It discusses the benefits and costs of tariffs in general, and includes a history of government's support of the U.S. steel industry, details of the steel tariff 2002, why it was imposed, and its repercussions, both negative and positive. The paper also describes the research report which focuses on various aspects of the U.S. government's imposition of steel tariffs. It discusses the benefits and costs of tariffs in general, and includes a history of government support of the US steel industry, details of the steel tariff 2002, why it was imposed, and its repercussions, both negative and positive. The paper also describes the reaction of different countries including the European Union and the Asian countries to the imposition of the tariff, how they would be affected by the tariff, and what counter measures they have taken or can take in retaliation. It explores the long and short-term economic and political impacts of the measure, both at the internationally and domestic levels. The paper includes the ramifications of such protective tariffs on international trade and on the campaign for globalization and free market economy led by the United States and views of the World Trade Organization (WTO) on the US move and also discusses the reaction of different countries including the European Union and the Asian countries to the imposition of the tariff, how they would be affected by the tariff, and what counter measures they have taken or can take in retaliation. It explores the long and short-term economic and political impacts of the measure, both at the international and domestic levels. The paper also includes the ramifications of such protective tariffs.
From the Paper "The Bush administration announced the imposition of sweeping tariffs of up to 30% on steel imports to the United States for a period of 3 years in March 2002 purportedly to save the ailing steel industry from collapsing. Predictably, the action has invited particularly harsh criticism from the US trade partners that have been directly affected by the tax, i.e., the European Union, Japan, and China. Domestically too, the proponents of a free market economy have been no less critical of the measure, although the US steel industry, in general, has welcomed the move."
An argument in support of the United States refraining from attacking Iraq, because it would cause tremendous human suffering and serious harm to American interests throughout the world.
Abstract The paper argues for the United States to act in concert with other nations in containing the Iraqi dictator. It provides a history of the United Nations endorsed 1990 Gulf War. The author describes how the U.S. interest in Iraq is its oil and weapons of mass destruction. The author of the paper expresses fear that a unilateral U.S. war on Iraq would cause terrorism and anti-American sentiment worldwide.
From the Paper "In 1991, the United States, with the endorsement of the United Nations Security Council, launched an offensive against Iraq shortly after the latter invaded Kuwait. The war's aims, according then president George Bush, were the expulsion of Iraqi forces from Kuwait, stabilization of the Gulf, and protection of Americans in Kuwait. (Ambrose & Brinkley) Two major reasons for the war not mentioned by Bush, it is widely acknowledged, were the protection of American oil interests in the region and the disarmament of Iraq's nuclear weapons program. After few days of bombings Iraq surrendered and withdrew its forces from Kuwait, thereby realizing the stated objectives of the war. As the war ended, and throughout the 1990?s, the UN, under American leadership, enforced various sanctions on Iraq with the hope of preventing Hussein's regime from obtaining biological and nuclear weapons. Nowadays, particularly after Hussein expelled international arms inspectors from Iraq in 1998, and even more so after the relative success of the war in Afghanistan, many Americans are convinced that the US, with or without international backing, should invade Iraq with the goal of removing Hussein and inserting a regime that will be favorable to American interests. While reasonable arguments are being made about the dangers emanating from the Iraqi regime, the unilateralist military overthrow of the Iraqi government is likely to have negative ramifications on both American and universal interests for many years to come."
Abstract Conflict theory in criminal justice is based on the assumption that society is grounded in inherent conflict that cannot be resolved. This paper discusses how conflict theorists argue that those who hold power and wealth in a capitalist economy force the less-powerful to abide by their established rules with the purpose of protecting their own property and physical safety. It explains that the theory relies on a Marxist interpretation of the function of a capitalist society. It also shows how the theory argues for a broader definition of crime to include offenses and actions intended to maintain the ruling structure. This paper addresses how the theory and models of punishment based on the theory require an understanding of criminal justice that takes into consideration the social and political causes of crime, particularly models of treatment based on a concept of restorative justice.
Table of Contents
History and Definition of Conflict Theory
Human Nature
Social Order
Causal Logic of Conflict Theory
Conflict Theory and Criminal Justice Policy
Conflict Theory and Criminal Justice Practice
Evaluation
Bibliography
From the Paper "Before the 1960s, most criminology research and theory was conducted under the rubric of structural-functionalism, which assumed the primacy of the social system and the inter-relationship of social institutions without much focus or consideration for the individuals or groups who made up the institutions. However, critics of these theories argued that by minimizing the social conflict and tension inherent within society, these theories supported a politically conservative agenda within sociology and criminology."
Abstract Since its inception, the Social Security system has provided benefits to augment the income of people upon their retirement. However, current projections point to a crisis in Social Security. Experts believe that by 2038, the Social Security trust fund will have been depleted. This paper presents an overview of the current social security crisis and evaluates the plans to address this problem. The first part of the paper provides a history of the Social Security system, from its inception in 1935 to its current status under the federal government. The next part then studies how the Social Security system is funded. In the final part, the paper studies the problems facing many retirees who stand to be adversely affected by the Social Security deficit. It looks at the pitfalls of privatization and other methods now being used to address the problem, such as proposed tax credits, simplifying the tax process and key changes in retirement policy.
From the Paper "A privatized pension allows employers to manage the plan's assets, while promising to credit the worker's pensions with a corresponding interest rate. However, employers have often changed this rate, reducing the value of their employees' pensions. For example, when companies like IBM, AT&T and Citibank switched from traditional pensions to cash balance plan, the pensions paid to longtime employees were significantly reduced. Because of the potential for abuse, conversions to cash-balance plans were banned in 1999. The Bush plan for privatization, however, would allow employers to return to such practices, under the guise of augmenting the Social Security trust fund (Leone)."
Abstract George Orwell's discourse on the political and social significance of the modern English writing is the primary theme shown in his essay, "Politics and the English Language," (1945). The paper shows that in this discourse, Orwell discusses the faults of modern English language regarding the gradual spread of vagueness and insincerity in the meaning of prose text. The paper shows Orwell's proposed solutions to this problem of vagueness in the English language, especially with regard to political writings. To convey Orwell's idea of poor English prose, this paper analyzes Abraham Lincoln's "The Gettysburg Address," delivered in 1863 as the President's reaction to the ongoing Civil War during that period.
From the Paper "For Orwell, thought must definitely determine language, and not the other way around. This means that there must first be clarity and sincerity of thought before effective writing will take place. This way, problems of vagueness will be avoided, an element of writing that results to insincerity. This means that the use of elaborate explanations to express a feeling or thought is an ineffective way of explaining and describing these thoughts, and Orwell suggests that long and elaborate sentences must be replaced with short, concise ones, where meaning will become clearer to the audience. While avoiding an imposition of definite rules in English writing and composition, Orwell enumerated and discussed the common mistakes and faults that prose writers commit in expressing their thoughts on important issues, especially those that are political and social in nature."
Abstract This paper examines how global markets provide Americans and other citizens of the world with more opportunities for people to tap into more and larger markets around the world. It looks at how we now have greater access to more capital flows, technology, cheaper imports, and larger export markets. It also notes how new risks come with these new opportunities and how, as we move into a global era, we must reevaluate our security strategies.
From the Paper "As a result of the globalization boom of the 1990s, we now live in a world in which markets, media, law, corporations, labor, scientific research and advocacy groups are international, multinational, and multicultural. This has resulted in an enormous increase in multiculturalism around the world. Thus, globalization has encouraged differences in our daily lives. For example, nearly every city in the world now provides its residents with a variety of food choices, including Spanish, French, Italian, Thai, Middle Eastern, Indian, Mexican, Chinese and more."
