Abstract This paper defines pork barrel spending, analyzes its origins and evolution in the national debate and suggests reasons why it is a constant topic when government spending is discussed. The paper also discusses how pork barrel spending is used by the party in charge and how the party out of power accuses their opponents of pursuing wasteful or partisan spending.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Major Concepts and Variables
Origins and Definitions of Pork Barrel Spending
Hypothesis
Research Methodology: Data Collection Steps and Procedures
Testing the Hypothesis
Literature Review
Research Findings Summary and Conclusion
From the Paper "Farm Bills are notorious for under-spending their allocation. That is because the price supports sections, which are a significant part of the bills, generally fall below that which is allocated. For this reason, the author chose to analyze actual amounts spent each year on agriculture (totaling for every 5 years) rather than the amounts of the Farm Bills in question. The one exception to this is the 2007 Farm Bill, which at $290 billion is more than twice the previous five-year period, and an increase from 6% to 13% of the Federal budget. While the Farm Bill actual expenses could be higher , the expected continuation of high farm commodity prices suggests that much of that portion of the bill will not be spent in the upcoming period. Since the Federal deficit in 2007 is historically low (1.0%, as compared to 2.6% over the past 50 years), that means that the Farm Bill's correlation as compared with previous 5-year periods is fairly low. Even a reduction to 8-10%, however, would show a low correlation with Federal deficits, as the pork barrel spending is increasing as the deficit is decreasing."
Abstract This paper examines how, Bernard Malamud?s, ?The Magic Barrel?; Bashevis Singer?s, "Gimpel the Fool"; and Irwin Shaw?s, "The Lament of Madame Rechevsky", demonstrate in a variety of ways the reoccurring theme of relationships and their influences.
From the Paper "Long after finding the picture of Stella, Leo undergoes many changes in which he tries to get rid of the feelings he has towards her, but ?fearing success,? he "concluded to convert her to goodness, himself to God" (2551). Although this story is interesting in that Stella is a prostitute, there is still the desire for love and the urge for a relationship. Leo is willing to go beyond all the norms of religion and society to ensure peace within himself, and although we do not know if Stella's reaction is the one Leo is expecting, we can see how love and relationships are major influences to this work."
An analysis of love and separateness found in "The Magic Barrel" by Bernard Melamud, "Maria Concepcion" by Katherine Ann Porter and "Feathers" by Raymond Carver.
1,893 words (approx. 7.6 pages), 0 sources, 2007, $ 60.95
Abstract This paper discusses the concept of love and separateness found in the short stories "The Magic Barrel" by Bernard Melamud, "Maria Concepcion" by Katherine Ann Porter and "Feathers" by Raymond Carver. The paper describes how each author portrays love within their story and discusses the complexities surrounding this particular human condition.
From the Paper "The authors know as well as any that the popular idea of romantic love embedded in western cultural consciousness does not exist. Despite this understood truth, the myth remains and its debunking continues to inspire great art. Carver, Malamud and Porter do not suggest universal truths; their vision is one of relayed experience. Carver in Feathers betrays himself through the intimately written details of dysfunctional marriage. This closeness is also suggested in Malamud's The Magic Barrel; his sly witticism as to Jewish customs and the bookish young man who rejects them suggests intimate recollection. Porter may not have grown up in a village, yet the perfectly rendered emotional states of love spurned in Maria Concepcion imply she writes what she knows. As mentioned, the writers do not expound answers to love's real meaning. What they have done masterfully is explore the complexities surrounding a human condition - the pursuit of love to express physical passion and to ease loneliness. Taping into a great universal influence, this flows though art and life like an undersea current."
Abstract A look at the controversy surrounding the drilling of oil in Alaska. The writer presents political opposition as well as environmental concerns. On the other side, economic factors are taken into account.
From the Paper "For some years, Congress as well as those interested in both the energy industry and the preservation of wild areas in the United States have argued whether drilling sites in Alaska should be expanded. One area of debate has been the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) in Alaska."
Tags: arctic, preservation, environment, barrel, wildlife, energy
This paper discusses the North American Free Trade Agreement - NAFTA: Compromise and conciliation in Clinton's victory in Congress on trade agreement vote, background, debate, role of Ross Perot, political significance and pork barrel concessions.
2,700 words (approx. 10.8 pages), 13 sources, 1994, $ 95.95
From the Paper "Negotiation is an act of compromise. The mere agreement to discuss an issue via the process of negotiation represents a willingness to consider non-aggressive solutions. In the realm of politics, negotiation and compromise are the meat-and-potatoes of daily life. So it has been for the debate over the North American Free Trade Agreement - NAFTA - during the past few months. NAFTA posed, for the Executive Branch and the Legislative Branch of the United States government, respectively, an important socio-economic issue in which the two parties found themselves lined up on opposite sides. Negotiation, in the public forum and in classic behind-the-scenes backroom maneuvering, was the key tool that allowed President Bill Clinton his NAFTA victory in the House of Representatives - by compromising on enough minor elements of the proposal to enable a ... "
This paper discusses that the supply and demand model for oil and the price elasticity is directly related to the severity and overall nature of the war.
Abstract This paper discusses the implication that a conflict in the Middle East could lead to restricted supplies, which would increase oil prices. The author states that, in the event of a war with Iraq, the International Energy Agency (IEA) would tap into their strategic reserves and would offset the drop in production likely to be caused by war. The author believes the worst-case scenario is that an involved war could result an aggressive position by the Arab Oil Embargo, which would cause prices to spike exponentially; however, all signals point to a more optimistic result.
From the Paper "The IEA's initiative is intended to counter the chance of a disruption in oil supplies. If Iraq and Northern Kuwait stopped producing oil, the projected decrease of 2.5 million barrels per day would certainly impact the world's oil supply. The only other time in history the IEA released reserves was in 1991, with the start of the air campaign for the Gulf War. In 1991, the IEA had announced the release of 2.5 million barrels per day of oil from its strategic reserves. This resulted in a price drop that ultimately fell to $10.56 per barrel."
Abstract This paper details the roles of lobbying, campaign contributions, political action committees and the role of personal influence in the political arena. Specifically, the paper looks at how corporations use these areas to influence government. A study of lobby and contribution expenditures of 1998 is done as well as brief historical perspectives on PACs and personal influence. It is concluded that if the present trends continue, corporate America will, in effect, own the U. S. government lock, stock and barrel.
Abstract This paper presents a financial analysis of publicly listed company, Sunoco (SUN). The paper presents details of its major competitors, industry analysis, and employees, as well as recent financial figures. The paper points out that, while the company has had success in recent years, its size is miniscule when compared with the major players in the industry.
From the Paper "The company netted $241 million in refining and $66 million from retail operations in the current nine-month period versus ? $79 million and $8 million in the first nine months of last year, accounting for the especially attractive P/E ratio. This was mainly due to higher retail gasoline margins of 52 million dollars. These margins averaged 10 cents per gallon during the first nine months of 2003, up 2.8 cents per gallon compared to same period last year. Distillate margins of five million contributed to a $7 million growth in sales. One of the company's leading retailers is the Speedway chain of retail gas stations, which operates many of Sunoco's retail stores."
This paper is an industry analysis of the United States oil and gas industry, excluding the industry-related exploration and production pre-refining activities.
Abstract This paper explains, using Porter Five Forces Model, that there is a limited threat of new entrants cutting into Shell, Mobil, Texaco, Gulf, and Exxon's market share because the industry is fairly oligopolistic, with only a few giant firms controlling the majority of the industry even on the global scale. The author points out that the world's oil-producing nations are very influential in the supply and demand factors associated with oil production and consumption through the Organization of Oil Producing Countries (OPEC). The paper stresses that, as globalization increases the world's demand for oil, it will be critical for the oil-producing nations to maintain a steady cost per barrel, while, at the same time, meeting the high production demands because there are few new technological advances or regulatory controls available to overshadow the basic economic formula of supply and demand. OPEC promises to control pricing for the industry. Tables.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Industry Overview
Five Forces Model
Major Competitors and Strategic Group Mapping
Future Trends
Opportunities and Threats
Conclusion
Appendix A: Oil Industry
From the Paper "The oil and gas industry are driven by the price of crude oil. The industry was shaped in the late 1990's when the price of oil lagged around $10 a barrel forcing many smaller independent companies into seeking bankruptcy protection and the larger oil companies like Shell, Mobil, Texaco, Gulf and Exxon to look for partners through acquisition or merger. This entailed reduced refining and exploration activities and less gas production. However, today, the industry must contend with a new global economy that has increased demand for energy to record levels, which has allowed a robust rebound in the oil and gas industry. ?Oil prices advanced closer to $50 a barrel Monday as domestic and foreign supply concerns persist amid strong global demand.? "
Abstract This paper presents an analysis of the political/legal, economic, socio-cultural, technological and ecological factors affecting the United Kingdom-based Upstream Oil and Gas Industry. The paper then uses the analysis to identify the top three most significant issues or trends in the recent past and medium term future facing the industry and provides justification for those choices. Next, the paper develops three scenarios for the industry that relate to an environment where conditions are optimistic for the future, pessimistic for the future and middle-of-the-road. Through the analysis and the scenarios drawn, the paper attempts to provide an in-depth understanding of the situational factors that affect and have the potential to affect this industry now and in the future.
From the Paper "The Upstream Oil and Gas Industry in the United Kingdom is a mature one, and after 40 years of offshore exploration, the country remains self sufficient in oil and gas. This is an important sector for the UK, supplying most of the country's energy needs, representing 17% of the country's industrial investment and manufacturing virtually all the country's transport fuel. A PESTE analysis of the factors affecting the industry shows that it operates under legal, fiscal and environmental regulations where prices are determined by international organizations like OPEC and OECD. The economic factors affecting the industry are oil demand, price, production, investment and employment. Awareness of sustainable development and renewable energy sources is the major social factor. Technology plays a crucial role in reducing the costs of exploration and production of oil and gas, in addition to making the process safer and more environmental friendly. There is considerable attention being paid to the affect of oil exploration operations on the environment, and this will also determine the future of the industry. The three scenarios that can emerge for the industry mainly depend upon the oil and gas reserves left in the North Sea, the viability of their exploration and the development of alternative renewable energy sources."
Abstract This paper examines the the reasons for many of the worlds battles including WWII and the current war in Iraq, which all revolved around, in one way or another, the need for oil. The writer of this paper attempts to convey the manner in which world governments control the price of oil. The writer details the differences among the countries in terms of the amount they produce and in terms of the quantities they export. In terms of production the countries include Saudi Arabia, the U.S., Russia, Iran and Mexico. In terms of exports the countries include Saudi Arabia, Russia, Norway, Iran and Mexico. The U.S. does not export oil, as it consumes all it produces. This paper discusses the many countries that depend on other countries for expanding their oil production and on the political implications involved. This paper examines Cuba's oil shortage and America's impact on this issue. This paper details the process for drilling and producing crude oil, which first appears on the surface of the earth as a thick liquid dark brown or greenish in color. This paper also delves into the theory of oil depletion, called the Hubbert Peak Theory. This theory assumes that if the oil reserves are not increased by some means, then the production of petroleum will reach a peak and then decline.
From the Paper "There is a similar fight that is now taking place between Japan and South Korea regarding a disputed island group. This is seen in an announcement by the Korea Corporation in the middle of March that it was now trying to invest $225 million to develop gas hydrate deposits worth $150 billion. This quantity of gas will meet the needs of South Korea for 30 years. This is not unique as Even Japanese companies are busy in Sakhalin, which is a Russian island and was half owned by Japan up to the end of World War II. The investment is worth $ 1 billion a year. According to Japanese news agencies, the oil companies and trading houses of Japan are about to invest $20 billion for the production of oil and gas."
Abstract This paper is a legal issue analysis of a newspaper or magazine article that discusses a legal aspect of a specific diversity issue - workplace harassment. This article offers a summary of the diversity issue, analysis of the legal issues and a presentation of thoughts and beliefs regarding this issue. The presentation is contextualized in terms of the challenges of managing that diversity issue within the workplace.
From the Paper "Restaurant Business revealed that the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission is suing Cracker Barreland its parent for the alleged sexual and racial harassment of ten employees in three Illinois units of the restaurant chain. The E.E.O.C. alleges that the female workers had been subjected to sexual assaults, sexual propositions, obscene jokes and the circulation of pornography. The suit also alleges that some of the African-Americans among the ten employees represented by the E.E.O.C. were subjected to racial discrimination and harassment."
Abstract This paper presents an analysis of three articles which relate to the American economical situation after Hurricaneeeee Katrina. The articles examined are: "Economy Adds 169,000 Jobs but the Impact of the Hurricane not yet Felt" by Edmund Andrews, "White House to Release 30M Barrels of Oil" by Josef Herbert and "Katrina Could Cost 100 Billion" in CNN Money.
From the Paper "In other words, the swift impact of the tragedy is not reflected in these otherwise salutary figures, which normally would have given a great psychological boost to investors and ordinary Americans. However, it should be noted that the type of jobs that were created--short-term or long-term, for example, were not reflected in these initial employment figures, a fact not stressed in the article, but still important to take into consideration when evaluating employment data."
Abstract The paper examines Exxon's yearly revenues and growth. The paper explains that the 2005 revenue figures have shown an increase since the last year's results during the same period, due to an increase in the price of a crude oil barrel and the repositioning of the company. The paper evaluates the 2006 budget as one that will profit from the operational areas where the company is already relying on a huge success (crude oil, recognized brands), while planning to develop and sustain secondary areas of activity where it can become highly successful in time (smaller brands, the chemical industry, gasoline refining). The writer concludes that in his/her opinion, this kind of strategy will provide a balanced approach to long-term development.
From the Paper "The 2005 revenue figures have shown a remarkable increase since last year results during the same period. On one hand, these were generated by an increase in the price of crude oil barrel, which has attained levels of over $60 in the last couple of months. On the other hand, the management team has thought out a certain repositioning of the company, which meant that some of the other sectors where the company is operating, such as the chemical industry or the gasoline refining market, although less profitable than the crude oil extracting operations, have begun to show small financial profits."
Abstract The paper relates that one of the biggest impacts on Arabs was the June 1967 defeat by Israel that presented Arab society, cultural politics and critical thought with many changes. The paper discusses the traditional Arab society where the family is the main point around which the society and social life revolves. The paper examines the prospects of Arabs attacking America's oil installations which could push up the price per barrel of oil. The paper discusses how Islamic forces talk about pluralism and moderation, but their base is still on their ideology and claims of the superiority of Islamic ideology over the rest of the world. The paper shows how the Arabic world's social customs and treatment of women are behind other parts of the world.
Outline:
Introduction
Analysis
Conclusion
From the Paper "The land of the Arabs stretches for a length of some 5,000 miles and that is nearly double the distance between New York and San Francisco. In geographic terms, this is from the Atlantic coast of northern Africa in the west to the Arabian Sea in the east, and from the Mediterranean Sea in the north to Central Africa in the south. The total area is of 5.25 million square miles, whereas, United States comprises 3.6 million square miles. The total population of all the Arab nations was approximately 253 million as of 1994 and the largest proportion of them were youths and this can be seen from the position that almost half of the population was under fifteen years of age. If the present annual rate of increase persists, the population would have grown to around 280 million by the year 2000."
