Abstract One of the greatest social debates over the past several decades has centered on the government providing welfare or government assistance to those who cannot fully take care of themselves. With the number of those who are poor ever growing, those who have no means of gainful employment, no way to provide themselves or their families with things needed for survival, such as shelter, clothing, or sustenance. While the hard numbers of welfare can be discussed and analyzed all day this issue mostly comes down to being one of ethics. Using the ethical theories of the classic philosophers, arguments can be made that are both for and against government-based welfare programs. This paper argues that by applying Aristotle's ethics, we can determine that welfare is not an ethical way to combat poverty, as it does not nurture the poor to develop ethical behaviors.
Abstract Managed care in the United States consists of Health Management Organizations (HMOs), Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs), and Medicaid and Medicare. These organizations arose as the growing population of the United States began to demand forms of health insurance that would not only provide services to workers but also their families. This paper discusses managed care health organizations in the US, looking at the reasons these organizations came into being, their origins and their original purpose.
Abstract This paper provides a discussion of the California energy crisis and the regulatory response by Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). Through reviewing the facts of the case and detailing FERC's response, it is shown that energy providers engaged in price manipulation and the regulatory response was slow and ineffective. The writer notes that it took several FERC attempts to get it right.
Abstract This paper addresses ethics and morality in public administration. The paper discusses the need for integrating ethics and morality into public administration and provides a definition of ethics and mortality.
From the Paper "As Public Administration has evolved as an academic discipline and as a career profession, it has needed to develop operating procedures, codes of conduct, and other organizing principles common to such fields. Among these, one of the most important needs has been the development of ethics and morality codes. These are important, because public servants are often in charge of critical social functions and have access to public funds. Additionally, they represent different publics, and often must decide how to divide limited resources among competing interests. Without a proper guide for action, the public administration individual and organization could easily fall prey to drift (in the best case) or corruption (in the worst case). This paper will define ethics and morality as applied to public administration, in order to outline guiding principles which drive public administration."
Abstract This paper notes that the importance of Abraham Lincoln in American history cannot be overstated, and the mythology that has developed around this figure attests to the esteem in which he is held and the sense that he was one of the greatest American presidents.
From the Paper "As a rule, Presidents achieve their position based on the historical events over which they presided. George Washington holds a special place as the first president, while Jefferson is remembered for writing the Declaration of Independence, among other actions. Woodrow Wilson presided over World War I, and Franklin D. Roosevelt over World War II. Abraham Lincoln presided over the most divisive period in American history and managed to bring the country back together while also working to make the promise of equality more a reality than it had ever been before. Abraham Lincoln was born in 1809 in Kentucky, and the family later moved to Indiana."
Abstract This paper examines how current juvenile curfew programs have shown success but not enough to be accepted as statistically significant on a national level. It looks at how studies have shown that there is a correlation regarding the implementation of juvenile curfew measures although current studies have not been able to establish their relationship with juvenile crime and victimization directly. It argues that though the success of curfews has limited statistical support, it should not be dismissed either as an option and how, if implemented correctly, they can contribute well not only to the prevention of crime but also in the development of values among minors.
Outline
Introduction
Hirschi's Social Control Theory
Implementation of Curfews
Issues Raised
Conclusion
From the Paper "According to Lundman, the enforcement of curfews is in line with the deterrence theory that states that "certain, swift, and severe punishments" will cause juveniles to rationally weigh consequences and commit fewer criminal acts (1993, p.150). The objective is to protect children from being exposed or to engage in crime and delinquencies. Juveniles are viewed as being both susceptible and vulnerable to these offenses and may lack the maturity and experience to successfully deal with the situations (Hemmens & Bennett, 1999). The objective of curfews is not to restrict minors but rather to regulate their activities so that their lifestyles follow the model of behavior for their age (Ruefle & Reynolds, 1995)."
Abstract The paper explains that Article III of the Constitution of the United States laid the foundation of the American judicial system. The paper discusses how the creation of a federal judiciary that was not subject directly to the various states was itself a revolutionary concept. The paper relates that many felt that Article III went too far in giving all extra-state matters to the federal courts and so Amendment XI was added that did not require all suits against and involving states, or those brought by foreign nationals or ambassadors, to be heard by the federal court. The paper illustrates how this debate over the degree of permissible judicial authority still continues today.
From the Paper "The judiciary would represent one of the essential checks on the abuse of the new national power. A strong federal judicial branch would complement equally powerful legislative and executive branches. Similarly, in Federalist # 10, James Madison also argued for the importance of an all-embracing and powerful national government as an antidote to faction - "The influence of factious leaders may kindle a flame within their particular States but will be unable to spread a general conflagration through the other States." (Hamilton, Federalist # 9; Quinn, 1997, p. 77) A national system of courts would help smooth out the differences between the nation's various component parts."
Abstract This paper contends that in reality, the war on drugs has turned into a war on the very people it was designed to protect; the poor, racial minorities and drug addicts. In order to understand how a goal as laudable as ending drug addiction has ended up penalizing the very people it was meant to assist, this paper looks at the history of the war on drugs and the science behind its theory. The paper also attempts to evaluate whether the claim that drugs present a substantial risk to the health of Americans is true or false.
From the Paper "According to the government, this increase in drug use heralds a health epidemic in American society. However, reports about the harmful health effects of illegal drugs are largely exaggerated. To be certain, drug use is associated with harmful health effects. For hard-core drug users, such as those who abuse substances like cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamines, drug abuse does have the ability to destroy their lives. However, these health problems are related to drug addiction problems and are eclipsed by the negative health effects experienced by Americans who consume cigarettes and alcohol. Another health epidemic that has been linked to drug abuse is the rapid spread of AIDS through drug users sharing needles. "
Tags: race, addicts, alcohol, cigarettes, needles, aids
Abstract In this article, the writer claims that out of the 85 articles that comprise The Federalist, arguably No. 10 and No. 51, by James Madison, are of particular importance. The writer notes that certainly Federalist No. 10 and No. 51 address the issues of the danger of factions and the importance of separation of powers, but they go beyond these concepts. The writer points out that both articles give the reader insight to Madison's views on human nature, society and the proper structure of government. The writer concludes with Madison's opinion that the society that naturally subdivides into classes faces the ever-present conflict between the will of the majority versus the need to protect the rights of the minority.
From the Paper "It is in the discussion of factions that Madison reveals some of his views regarding the nature of man, human society and the proper structure of government.
Man, according to Madison, is a creature that is driven to unification by a variety of catalysts. These catalysts center on a common passion or interest. It is in man's nature to band together with those who are like-minded. Although sometimes this banding together results in a positive force within society, at times, it results in what Madison terms a 'faction' whose interests are in direct contradiction to the rights of the members of society. Madison notes that either these factions can be have their effects controlled, or government can remove its causes and ability for formation."
Abstract This paper discusses the issues pertaining to the minimum wage debate. The paper reports that the minimum wage is set by Congress and therefore minimum wage is codified in federal law. Moreover, minimum wage was established as law in 1938 under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The FLSA is presided over by the United States Department of Labor and minimum wage can only be changed by Congressional vote.
From the Paper "Many states have opted for the establishment of what are sometimes called "living wages." The living wage is generally higher than the nationally established minimum wage and more accurately reflects the cost of living within the state. State minimum wages are occasionally linked to economic indicators; for example, Florida, Oregon, and Washington State each regulate minimum wage according to inflation rates (Economic Policy Institute). The method of changing a state's minimum wage differs depending on the lawmaking procedure in place in that state. State minimum wage policies may reflect the needs of specific industries within that state. For example, a state with an agriculture-based economy might present different wage policies for farm workers. Specific professions, including tip-earning professions, may also be exempt from minimum wage standards."
Abstract This essay discusses the relationship between religion and the state in the USA. The paper focuses on the use of the social teachings of the Catholic Church. According to the paper, much of what is said in these teachings could apply to the social ethics of other mainline Christian churches as well as members of the Jewish faith.
From the Paper "John Paul suggested that one of the greatest challenges in the world today is the need to overcome the pervasive individualistic mentality that fortifies many of the problems facing the world and the human community by replacing it with the "concrete commitment to solidarity and charity." The concepts of solidarity and charity seem to be particularly beneficial to fostering cooperation and equality in the American workplace where inequality among equally talented persons can be the rule rather than the exception. The pope sought a balance between the excesses of individualism and those of collectivist regimes. (139-42) His suggestion for a better, more just society can be defined this way: the best, most authentic development of the individual person is within the context of the individual exercising creativity, intelligence, and knowledge so that others, as well as the self, benefit."
Abstract This paper explains that, since end the draft in 1973 after the Vietnam War, the U.S. has relied upon an all-volunteer military force. The author points out that, with the all-volunteer force now engaged in on-going wars in several countries, the military is spread thin and recruiting and retention of new troops is difficult; therefore the country will eventually have to re-instate the draft. The paper reviews the attitude of politicians toward the return of the draft system, methods of extending military service that are de facto conscription and the lowering of requirements by military branches of service in an attempt to meet their requisite numbers. The paper includes long quotations.
From the Paper "In an effort to bolster numbers, the Army has taken measures such as raising the maximum age limit for enlistment from 34 to 41 years old. The Army has relaxed other rules allowing maximum body fat to be higher, tattoos to be exposed in uniform, more recruits can enter with serious criminal records, and they can also have waivers for more medical conditions. The relaxed requirements are now becoming common among all branches, as a means to attract the people that they need to fill the spots that are required for America's thin-running military."
Abstract This paper explains that power brings about social and economic change, leadership needs to be effective to bring about such change and strategy uses the two to implement the changes that are needed. The author points that the relevance of power was recognized by such great community leaders as Dr. Martin Luther King and Saul Alinsky, who would mobilize communities to tackle local issues and problems. The paper stresses that many times people in public and community service are leery of government involvement in their projects or programs; however, such involvement can be extremely beneficial because the government can assist with funds or implementation of programs that may promote community and neighborhood development.
From the Paper "Effective leadership is the key to accomplishing stated goals when effectively addressing public and community issues. Utilizing existing leadership from local community associations is an efficient and useful method of accomplishing change within the community. Such leaders must be assessed as to their leadership characteristics and strengths within the community. Leaders should be questioned as to what group they are associated with and what the leadership role is within this organization; how they have impacted the community as a whole, beyond their membership in the group;..."
This paper argues in favor of a proposal for illegal immigration reform, which would require immigrating individuals to serve in the United States Armed Forces for a predetermined time of enlistment.
Abstract This paper explains that requiring illegal immigrants to serve in the U.S. army would solve two current major issues in the U.S.: illegal immigration and the rapidly declining military recruiting numbers. The author points out that, only taking into account the half million illegal immigrants that cross the border every year, the size of the army could be increased by more than one third by requiring all eligible immigrants to serve. The paper states that the first obstacle to this proposal is not money but a common language, which could be overcome by re-allocating the funds used for huge signing bonuses to teaching immigrants English. The paper concludes that this immigration reform proposal would change totally the dynamics of how the United States maintains its standing army while continuing to keep good relations with Mexico and other neighboring countries.
From the Paper "As previously stated, one proposal to combat the massively declining recruiting numbers in the U.S. Armed Forces is with immigrant service members. A vast majority of people do not know that the first U.S. soldier killed in Iraq was a Guatemalan who first entered the United States illegally. He had been able to change his immigration status and showed his gratitude to his adopted country by joining the military and, in the end, giving his life. The U.S. Armed Forces are losing thousands of soldiers, marines, airmen, and sailors every year."
Abstract This paper explains that Medicaid is the number one payment foundation for most community-based mental health services and the only health plan that finances a complete array of the rehabilitative services needed by people with psychiatric disabilities. The author stresses that low income children and adults have nowhere else to turn for mental health care and must depend tremendously on Medicaid. The paper relates that recent suggestions to change the Medicaid system for treating mental illnesses include plans to reduce the range of services that the states must provide and to reduce the number of recipients by replacing the current entitlement program with one or more block grants to the states. The author points out that Medicaid should go through some changes; however, these changes should be based on a serious review of their impact on caring for the mentally ill population.
From the Paper "While states currently deal with major budget losses and concerns about the cost of Medicaid, there are ways to give states financial relief without reducing benefits to Medicaid recipients or extremely cutting the resources on which public mental health and other state agencies now depend. Policies that should be considered include improving coverage under Medicare community mental health services, including prescription medications, outpatient counseling, and case management, so that the federal government picks up costs for the elderly and increasing federal support for state and local mental health programs through increases to the federal community mental health block grant."
Tags: states, block grant, uninsured flexibility match
