From the Paper "Marxist-Leninist systems, such as Stalin's Soviet Union and Mao's China, and fascist systems, such as Mussolini's Italy, are theoretical opposites; hence their respective designations as "left-wing" and "right-wing." Yet Marxist-Leninist and fascist regimes share many of the same features, such as militarization, charismatic leadership, and the consolidation of power in one person. This paper will identify the common characteristics of Marxist-Leninism and fascism, and explain why the systems display such similarities.
In general, Marxism-Leninism and fascism are diametrically opposed. Marxist-Leninist thought calls for a revolution from below, in which the masses rise up to overthrow the capitalists and create a dictatorship of the proletariat. Wealth is redistributed so that everybody shares equally and classes are..."
From the Paper "This paper compares and contrasts two ruminations on the American experience. The first, Louis Hartz's The Liberal Tradition in America, looks at the uniqueness of American history through the concept of the nation's liberal tradition, while the second, Eric Foner's The Story of American Freedom, examines the changing meanings of freedom throughout history. Both try to consider the uniqueness of the American experience through the prism of the word they have chosen as most useful to an examination of history. Both words are variations on the same approach, an attempt to consider American history by looking at one key concept that has shaped that history and been influenced by it.
Louis Hartz first published The Liberal Tradition in America in 1955, during the heart of the Cold War. His exploration of..."
An examination of the terrible experiences of the refugees from Vietnam War, some of whom made it to the U.S. where they encountered discrimination. Includes politics, resettlement, asylum, refugee policy and language.
2,475 words (approx. 9.9 pages), 11 sources, 2000, $ 87.95
Abstract Since the fall of Saigon in 1975, Vietnamese refugees have flocked to the U.S. in four waves in order to escape from the political persecution of the Communist government. The first wave of refugees consisted of successful and wealthy Vietnamese who were evacuated from Saigon by the Americans.
From the Paper "Since the fall of Saigon in 1975, Vietnamese refugees have flocked to the U.S. in four waves in order to escape from the political persecution of the Communist government. The first wave of refugees consisted of successful and wealthy Vietnamese who were evacuated from Saigon by the Americans. In an efficient evacuation campaign, 120,000 Vietnamese were carried to four domestic military bases by ship and plane (Weiss 32). In the late seventies, the second wave, comprising ethnic Chinese and fishermen escaped to the U.S. in boats (Weiss 33). After the then-Secretary of State George Schultz's proposal in 1984, Amerasian children who were outcasts in the Vietnamese society were allowed to enter the U.S (?Forgotten Children,? 32). Former political prisoners who were released from the notorious re-education camps constituted the fourth wave of..."
Abstract Charles E. Lindblom's The Policy Making Process (Prentice-Hall, 1980) is a seminal work in the policy planning canon, one in which a deceptively spare volume (126 pages) speaks to a wide range of heuristic issues that are germane to the field.
From the Paper "A Review of Charles E. Lindblom's
The Policy-Making Process
1. Introduction
Charles E. Lindblom's The Policy Making Process (Prentice-Hall, 1980) is a seminal work in the policy planning canon, one in which a deceptively spare volume (126 pages) speaks to a wide range of heuristic issues that are germane to the field.
That the writing is also spare speaks to the practical wisdom accumulated by this Yale University Sterling Professor Emeritus of Economics and Political Science who in 1997 was awarded the "Dwight Waldo Award for outstanding contributions to the literature and leadership of public administration through an extended career" (APAR Awards, 1998, II).
Lindblom's book is "Issue oriented" in that it attempts to provide a..."
From the Paper "The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution states that "Congress shall make no law. . .abridging the freedom of speech." That prohibition, however, has never been absolute. Some restrictions on speech are necessary, according to the U.S. Supreme Court. For example, a person who yelled "Fire!" in a crowded theater could be prosecuted, and the federal government is permitted to regulate commercial speech to protect consumers from false and misleading advertising. Some scholars have proposed that the class of unprotected speech be expanded to include hate speech. This paper will analyze whether such restrictions are necessary or even possible.
Hate speech, or racist speech, is often cited as undeserving of First Amendment protection. Proponents argue that hate speech is not speech at all, but really a "verbal assault." If the point..."
An examination of the evolution of the European Community's policies and laws covering health and care, social services and human rights. Includes politics, economics, examples, insurance, long-term care and more.
5,625 words (approx. 22.5 pages), 59 sources, 2000, $ 135.95
From the Paper "Care For the Elderly and the Rights of the Disabled
in the European Community
This research paper discusses the current status in the European Community (EC) of provision for the care of the elderly and the disabled and the rights of persons who fall into such categories. Most of the nations of Western Europe provide extensive protection for the elderly and, to a lesser extent, the disabled, but a combination of fiscal, economic and demographic pressures render them unable to maintain, let alone expand, those benefits just as the aging of their populations is rendering a significant number of the elderly and the disabled more vulnerable. As a result, since the early 1980s a major political battle has been developing over the size and terms of future entitlement programs for these groups and various alternatives..."
From the Paper "Democracy in the United States is based on the indirect representation of the people by elected officials who are usually chosen by direct vote. Almost from the beginning of the United States' history, however, two parties have shared the great majority of the elected positions from the local level to the presidency. The two largest parties have changed, third parties have emerged occasionally, and smaller parties--that win few offices--have continued for decades. But the existing two-party system has become institutionalized and has added a persistent layer of mediation between the people and their government. There are both positive and negative sides to this system, but in recent decades citizens' faith in the two main parties has declined as the Republican and Democratic parties have had difficulty in reconciling the varying interests of the people who..."
Abstract This paper provides discussion and analysis of John Stuart Mill's ?On Liberty,? focusing on his conceptions of individuality and conformity and the effects of these two contrasting categories on society as a whole. Mill places great importance on a people's ability to exercise individual choice, arguing that our very humanity is defined by our ability to make our own decisions. One of the greatest champions of the power of the individual, Mill urges people to avoid conformity, or blind, unquestioning adherence to existing norms, even if those norms are archaic, and do not make logical sense within the context of contemporary society. Conformity, he argues, causes society to stagnate ? if societal constructions are never questioned or challenged, nothing will ever change and society will cease to progress. This paper examines Mill's theory as it applies to 19th century Britain and Western society in general (seen by Mill as in danger of succumbing to conformity), focusing on issues of censorship and the strict moral codes of the period.
From the Paper "He argues that what renders a person human is his/her ability to choose, and that by blindly adhering to custom a person rejects his/her humanity and individuality. In order to be an individual, one must understand previous customs but then interpret them and, if necessary, change them to fit one's personal views and lifestyle. He places great value on individuality; not only is it crucial to the proper development of the human being, but to the development of society, for without it society will become stagnant and immobile. That is, if people stick to customs without questioning whether those customs are applicable to their lives and times and adjusting them appropriately, their societies will cease to progress. He applies his theories to 19th century Western society, warning that modern censorship and strict regulations hinder the development of the individual, and consequently the society. No greater responsibility, importance, and glory can be placed on individuality than are placed by Mill."
Abstract The paper shows that Machiavelli's "The Prince", written in 1513, gives us an insight to Italian Renaissance politics and culture at the time. It shows how Machiavelli's work reflects a changing attitude, where a person had more choice in determining his station in life by his own actions. A peasant could now work through the ranks to become an elite, an act that had not previously been possible in the Dark Ages.
From the Paper "The Italian Renaissance shows that people are no longer willing to act like sheep and rulers no longer rule by keeping the common people ignorant. Machiavelli points out that even in times of peace, the prince should study the arts of war, "what enables you to acquire a state is to be master of the art" (Machiavelli, Marriott trans.). He suggests drilling at every opportunity. The Prince should familiarize himself with the cartography of their own land, as well as to learn as much about other countries as possible. We must remember that Machiavelli lived in the age of the great explorers, including the Dutch and Portuguese. This reflects the Renaissance attitude and a thirst for knowledge. Ignorance is abhorred in this society and ignorance by rulers is simply not tolerated."
Abstract This paper explains terrorism in all of its many forms, including violence, force, political terrorism, fear, threats, etc. The writer addresses some of the immediate actions that were or will be taken by the United States when the threat of terrorism occurs. The paper studies in particular the events of September 11 and how America plans to react to these attacks.
Table of Contents: What is Terrorism?, Current Danger of Terrorism, The Attacks on the United States, Conclusion
From the Paper "Because of the type of attacks and the ferocity, it was immediately felt that this was the result of Palestinian terrorist groups. The Palestinians oftentimes mount suicide missions although there had been none this large to date. Several other countries were eliminated as possible suspects for different reasons. Many experts feel that Libya has no desire to attempt such an attack (Gibbs 32) and "Iraq's Saddam Hussein has always favored loud, brutish force over quiet finesse" (Gibbs 32). The most likely force behind these well-organized and brutal attacks is Osama bin Laden, whose attacks on U.S. embassies in Kenya and Tanzania were similar."
Abstract Discusses Tocqueville's observations about public administration in the United States. Argues that Richard Stillman II incorrectly concludes that Tocqueville is condemning American administration. The paper asserts that Tocqueville understood that the weaknesses in American administration were "by design" in order to prevent tyranny and over-centralization.
From the Paper "Often times, it seems that the best critic is an outside observer? one who can offer plain insight without prideful bias. This is demonstrated by the fact that the best-known commentary on American politics and administration was written not by an American, but by a 26-year-old Frenchman by the name of Alexis de Tocqueville. As an outsider, he had a much clearer perspective than those around him and was able to more accurately report on both the strengths and weaknesses of the American system."
The paper discusses many of President Lincoln's encounters with opposition during the Civil War, in order to under his actions in an attempt to preserve the Union and the nation.
Abstract The paper shows that Lincoln's actions during the Civil War towards agitators against the government may not have been completely justified. If one were to examine the arbitrary arrests, and temporary closure of antiwar press, it is seen how Lincoln was able to curb dissent that may have gotten out of hand. It discusses that if his actions were solely to protect the people's liberty as a whole, by punishing a few opponents, Lincoln was just assuring his victory. It shows how Lincoln was bombarded by "Peace Democrats" that were purposely pressuring him by, "resisting the laws of embarrassing in every way the action of the Government, of communicating information to the rebels in arms, and in many cases inflicting serious damage on the lives and property of the Unionists". The paper uses sources such as Kunhardt, Mark Neely Jr., John Nicolay and John Hay.
From the Paper "So when Lincoln suspended the writ of Habeas corpus in order to arrest those accused of treason, the "Peace Democrats" had more ammunition against the president. There was much controversy as to whether the president had the power to suspend habaes corpus, and it was argued that only Congress had that right. The writ of habeas corpus protects people from arbitrary arrest and detainment. The power to do so was both that of the legislative branch as well as the judicial branch. It was unclear whether the Philadelphia convention placed it in Article I, just to identify it or define it as a legislative function. Either way, Lincoln did so, and the suspension of the writ of Habeas corpus brought on thousands of arbitrary arrests. Many of those who were arrested were spies, foreigners and smugglers. The question is: Did Lincoln go too far and unlawfully exercise his executive powers to manipulate constitutional limits?"
Abstract This paper describes the media's influence on American foreign policy, focusing on the propaganda and influences, which rule the media. The paper illustrates how the media acts for the interests of the U.S. government and discusses the fact that the media is owned by corporations. The paper claims that the ensuing result is many serious and important events do not get reported and the concept of free press is an illusion.
Format: Chicago style
From the Paper "Those who witnessed the atrocities of September 11, 2001 all over the world, and especially the United States, are not likely to forget the horrendous images. Every news channel played nonstop footage of planes crashing and buildings collapsing, smoke and flames, people screaming and jumping from buildings, and of course the inevitability that so many would be dead. There is no doubt that this event was a huge disaster and a horrible moment that will leave a mark in history as one of the worst terrorism acts. However, there are numerous catastrophic events, as well as deaths of individuals, that do not produce much of a response in the American media."
This paper proposes some reforms in the operations and structure of the United States Congress and discusses the reasons why reforms are needed in this powerful institution.
Abstract The paper outlines the reasons why Congress has become an oversized, inefficient institution, full of self-serving politicians who are out of touch with the country's most pressing problems. It discusses the length of the terms of service, the size of the constituencies and the manner in which campaigns are funded. The paper proposes the development of a system which would effectively monitor the activities of Congressmen in order to minimize the abuse of power. It also proposes changes in fiscal behavior, committee setup and campaign funding in order to prevent specific interest groups from interfering in Congressional matters.
From the Paper "It is also extremely critical to bear in mind that the public anger and frustration will only increase with the passage of time if noting is done to change the way Congress conducts itself. Apart from various internal structural problems, the Congress should actively allow impartial bodies to investigate various allegations against it. This way it will be able to clear some of the blame that public has placed on its shoulders."
Abstract This paper examines two of the historically most consequential revolutions of modern times: The American Revolution and the French Revolution. The paper discusses how the revolutions are linked in terms of their chronological proximity to each other as well as by the fact that some of the same people were involved in both revolutions. Four particular aspects of each of the revolutions are presented and studied in comparison with the other revolution. These are: 1) The intellectual origins of these revolutions; 2) The range of socio-economic, and politico-religious factors that fed into the revolutionary attitudes of the peoples; 3) The institutional transformations that occurred as a result of each of these revolutions; 4) An assessment of the historical importance and historical consequences of each of the revolutions.
From the Paper "The intellectual origins of both of these revolutions are strikingly similar. The majority of intellectual antecedents were contemporary, or nearly contemporary, to the revolutions themselves but some were already hundreds of years old. When we read documents like the Declaration of Independence we find ourselves in awe of both the personal courage and the intellectual acumen of the men who wrote such words. But while they were certainly both brave and wise they did not in fact have to create the justifications for revolution that they depended upon out of whole cloth."
Tags: history, society, europe, enlightenment, colonies, quakers, locke, civil, war
