Abstract This paper discusses how the use of solar power could free us from hazardous gases emitted by fossil fuel combustion. It looks at how photovoltaic technology takes the energy of the sun and directly converts it into electricity and how PV's are found in navigational buoys, calculators, yard lights, watches, electric fencing, streetlights, and irrigation pumps. The paper contends that because energy from the sun is free and readily available unlike fossil fuels, we can set up an affordable system that will provide free electricity for our basic needs at an initial cost comparable to alternative forms of energy.
From the Paper "A solar-thermal system collects the sun's energy and uses it to heat liquids. The heated liquid can be used to generate steam, which can then be used to turn turbines for electrical power. The steam can also be used for heat. In California, approximately 350 megawatts of power are produced by solar-thermal plants in the Mojave Desert. A well designed solar-thermal system in a home can reduce the cost of energy by as much as 85 percent and pay for itself in approximtely five years. Solar-thermal power releases no pollution and creates no waste, however in order for this system to operate, a lot of sunlight is required. "
Abstract This paper looks at the issue of campaign finance. The common argument is that people who can?t afford to pledge money to a political campaign are being left out of the political process, thus restricting their voice on issues.As most of the "big money" in political campaigns is coming from the increasingly elite, the paper questions how much power this group gains above other groups in society. The issues surrounding this are discussed.
From the Paper "Another problem with the status quo that people are trying to change is the fact that people from districts other than the candidate's are contributing to a candidate's campaign. Theoretically, someone can only contribute to a political campaign to help a candidate for his or her cause. One must ask why someone would want to fund a political candidate if he/she is not even in his or her voting district. Somewhat of a paradox exists in this gray area. Congress at one point banned campaign contributions from outside the country because the argument was that ?"they cannot vote in our elections so why should we allow them to finance our elections"?? (PIRG) This argument extends to special interest groups who allegedly, "buy" votes of senators and representatives by funding a campaign that they cannot vote in."
Abstract This is a study of the elements of President Kennedy's assassination and the conspiracy theories that correlate. The author examines the evidence available on Kennedy's assassination and lists possible conclusions.
From the Paper "One of the most controversial topics in America for the 20th century was the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in Dallas, Texas. The 35th American President was pronounced dead due to a gunshot wound at approximately 1pm Dallas time on November 22, 1963. As shocked as the nation was at the sudden loss of their beloved President, rumors on the uncertainty of his death were even more appalling. A country already under the scare of the Cold War was faced with doubts on the reliability of their government. After the assassination, officials arrested Lee Harvey Oswald and charge him as the sole gunman responsible for the shot to the back of President John F. Kennedy's head, as well as the shot that wounded Governor Connally of Texas, who was a passenger in front of the President. In the days following the event, many would doubt all the facts listed in the previous sentence."
Abstract This paper looks at the effect that Baby Boomer's will have on nursing homes and the future of long-term care. The author investigates the current inefficiencies and inadequacies of medical care services and the problems of adaptation that it may face in the future.
From the Paper "Long-term care has been on the government's back-burner since its institutionalization. The Medicare and Medicaid systems have only proven to be inadequate coverage while at the same time costs of services have been increasing. The long-term care system is also very inefficient and cannot effectively coordinate services (Evashwick 2001). The biggest problem with long-term care is the public's unwillingness to take an active role and change the system. There will be major changes take place when the next generation enters the long-term care system. Kobner (2001) had stated it correctly when saying that tomorrow's elderly population is going to be our "new" seniors. Hopefully all of these problems will be reversed when the "new" seniors become 65 years-old. These "new" seniors are also known as the baby boomers. The baby boomers are charging with a tremendous force toward the long-term care system. Healthcare and the aging population are changing dramatically in the United States and long-term care is going to be required to keep up (Mollica 1998)."
Abstract This paper discusses the expected changes to the population and various solutions and opinions proposed by current economists, writers and politicians to prevent a threatened funding disaster of the current social security system.
From the Paper "Social Security is a popular program; it has consistently pumped out millions of monthly checks for 44 million beneficiaries, has reduced poverty among seniors by two thirds over the last 40 years and has allowed people with disabilities to make ends meet (Consumer Reports, 2000). Social Security is a genuine contributor to the sturdiness of the economic system. It's a promise to pay, secured by Treasury securities, which in turn are secured by taxpayers. The government has to use the money currently pledged for whatever the citizens decide Social Security benefits should be (Quinn and Ehrenfeld, 2000). "
A look at the reasons behind the September 11 terrorist attacks and how U.S. foreign policy in the 1980s created a terrorist breeding ground in the Middle East.
1,095 words (approx. 4.4 pages), 4 sources, 2001, $ 38.95
Abstract The paper is a discussion of reasons for the terrorist attacks of September 11. It discusses foreign policy in the 1980s including CIA actions that have led to today's hostile situation. The paper also introduces the two sources of conflict in the world today: globalization and fundamentalism.
From the Paper ?The fault of intelligence agencies is not that they did not stop terrorism, but that they actively created a situation in the Middle East which bred terrorism. In the mid 1980s, as the Cold War came to a head, the CIA funded and supplied arms to militant fundamentalist Muslim groups, in an effort to create unity against the USSR . In the parlance of "intelligence" organizations, the "blowback" from this activity is the current state of terrorism in the Middle East . ?
Abstract The following paper looks at several research studies and other discussions that outline both sides of the issue of community policing. The writer then makes a recommendation based on the research studied.
From the paper:
?Beginning in the mid 1990's the government began approving community-policing grants across the nation. The funs were used to allow precincts to hire additional officers and implement community policing programs of various basic operations. The government asked cities that wanted to participate to submit grant proposals and to detail how the money would be used(Community, 1997). On the basis of many factors including the grant report, the city size and the crime rate in the area the government then handed out funds to begin programs. The grants were for a certain amount of time and then the cities that participated would be expected to continue to fund the community officers with their own budgets.?
Tags: implement, program, grants, federal, government, operation, residents, officers, community
Abstract This paper argues that the American school system would be of better quality if it were privatized. The author discusses why the education in private schools is superior to public schooling, looks at the war on drugs, sex education, censorship, and dress codes.
From the Paper "The reason censorship is such a huge issue in a public school system is that a school must strive to please everybody in the community. It must grapple with abiding by the rights of free speech, freedom of religion, and the right to privacy, while at the same time trying to appease the demands of a variety of parents, all with differing opinions on how their children (and everybody else's) should be educated. The problem is exponentially enlarged in a large school with students numbering in the thousands. With large public schools becoming more common as the population grows, the debating has intensified. Common sense dictates that it is impossible to satisfy everyone in the community. Disgruntled parents do have the option of sending their children to private schools or home-schooling them, but the short supply of private institutions and private tutors puts alternative education at a high price, which many parents are unwilling or unable to pay."
Abstract The following paper critically analyzes different political sectors of the American society with regards to the way in which they perceive the economically disadvantaged. In addition, the way in which this perception influences the party's model of financial assistance for the welfare is also discussed.
From the Paper "The first major attempt for federally funded monetary assistance for the poor in the United States began during the years of Franklin Delano Roosevelt's presidency. During his speech accepting the Democratic Party nomination for President in 1932, FDR introduced the "New Deal", a domestic reform program that he planned to administer if elected. Much of the New Deal consisted of reforms to assist our country's poor. It is generally considered to have consisted of two phases."
Tags: welfare, disadvantaged, monetary, assistance, underprivelaged, presidency, reform, program
Abstract This paper explains the methodology promised and employed in order to mollify the tragedy and indignity of the depression, known as the New Deal, Roosevelt's grand plan, to drag a struggling nation out of financial ruin and into what would become the world of modern politics.
From the Paper "The New Deal divided the nation into the fairly distinctive categories of pro and anti New Deal. New Deal policies set an as yet unseen precedent for partisan politics as the notions of liberalism and conservatism came into direct conflict. Roosevelt followed the immensely unpopular Herbert Hoover, whose policies in dealing with the depression were of the "stay the course-a thousand points of light" variety. The political philosophy that, through hands-off government activity and minimal intervention, even the most dire economic situation will correct itself, was a distinctly republican one that perpetuates in republican policy making today."
Abstract This paper outlines the history of the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) and its achievements throughout its seventy years. Safety regulations, issues of aviation concern, and milestones in union negotiations are discussed.
From the Paper " With the recent terrorist attacks in the United States, airline safety has been of top concern. Six months ago airport security was seldom discussed except perhaps in an article tucked in a newspaper or magazine. Now it's a top story on the evening news every night. It makes us wonder if anyone has been thinking of our safety until now.
The Airline Pilots Association has always been thinking of our safety. From metal detectors in airports to the "fasten seat belt" signs on airliners, the APLA was responsible. The ALPA is regarded as the leader in safety issues concerning all areas of aviation."
Abstract A discussion of the laws that protect prisoners in the U.S., and laws that limit the protection of those rights. The writer provides a brief overview of the general situation in correctional facilities, then analyzes violence by guards against men, women and children in facilities, and the preventive measures that are not taken by authorities to improve the situation. The writer discusses prisoner-on-prisoner rape, and the responsibility of prison authorities to take preventive measures. The paper then considers why governmental agencies care so little about prisoners? rights. It concludes with some recommendations on how the U.S. can better assure the humane and just treatment of all prisoners.
From the Paper "Societies imprison people for a number of different reasons: as punishment, for the safety of society, and for rehabilitation purposes. Whatever the reasons, a free and equal society must mete out this punishment fairly, justly, and humanely. A democratic society must be aware that prisoners are especially vulnerable to all sorts of abuses, as they are stripped almost completely of their rights, and are at the mercy of the state and its prison authorities."
Tags: abuse, child, gaurd, prisoner, prisoners, rape, rights
Abstract The role of the federal government in determining policies and practices in the nation's school is traced. The author contends that the federal agency's role is limited, and may involve little more than seeing that applications for funding are properly submitted, compliance or audit issues resolved and money disbursed in timely fashion.
From the Paper "Critics of federal involvement in public schools say that state and local authorities understand better what kind of standards and practices their school districts need. Some also believe that national standards or testing will inevitably lead to a national curriculum, the contents of which may be fiercely opposed by some local school boards. Finally, critics say that increased federal involvement adds another expensive bureaucratic layer to the educational system. In the United States education is supposed to be a responsibility of the sub-national governments. However, the federal government intervenes often to define curricula and standards, to grant research money, to regulate, to allocate scholarships, and so forth. This problem is, of course, not limited to the United States."
Abstract This paper explores the development of a public administration theory. It discusses the components that make up the theory of public administration and develops its own components to enhance the system. In addition this paper discusses other perspectives on what ingredients help to develop a good public administration theory.
From the Paper "Even in the earliest records of the most ancient and basic social systems, there is confirmation of decisions being made and executed concerning issues of governance within society. As the idea of public administration was developed and extended, the breadth and power of administrative systems grew. The growth of these basic social systems became increasingly more elaborate and the philosophies of political systems became linked with the theory of public administration intended to employ policy decisions of ruling governments."
Abstract This paper examines the human resource criteria for the proposed federal agency, The Homeland Security Department. It looks at the history and characteristics of the merit system, as well as considers the political environment and the history of the debate and the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. History of The Merit System
3. Characteristics of the Merit System
4. Merit System Reform Human Resources and the Homeland Security Department
5. Reactions to the Homeland Security Department
6. Bibliography
From the Paper "Debate is currently underway in response to a proposed bill calling for the creation of the Homeland Security Department. This department is designed to integrate the various federal agencies that contribute to national security. One cause of debate is the human resource implications of the new system. This system asks for a flexible approach to human resources, but as will be seen, this is not a new concept. Human resources in the public service has been an issue for decades, yet for the last century the public service has been based on a system known as the ?merit system.? "
