Abstract This paper argues whether Americans of African decent are entitled to compensation for the American South's slavery past. It debates whether the American government owes people whose ancestors were slaves reparations in the form of money, land or capitol goods. It examines how many African-Americans and white liberals feel that black Americans are owed something and how a movement in this country has been stirring for a while agitating for forced reparations by the U.S. government. It puts forward the argument that reparations for slavery should not occur and demonstrates why reparations are wrong and how reparations would ultimately cause deeper divisions in our society then already exist.
From the Paper "No evidence has yet been produced by respected and/or qualified economists that prove that living individuals have been adversely affected by a slave system that was ended over 150 years ago. (Engerman, Inikori ) (Horowitz). Cleverly, reparations advocates do not always make the claim that today's descendents of slavery have been directly harmed by slavery. Indeed, Adjoa Aiyetoro, a legal consultant to the National Coalition of Blacks for Reparations in America, said, "We're not raising claims that you should pay us because you did something to us 150 years ago. We are saying that we are injured today by the vestiges of slavery, which took away income and property that was rightfully ours." (Levin, Itzkoff 1997) This begs the question then of why were blacks doing better in terms of positive gains in employment, education, and social structure 15 to 20 years after slavery then they seem to be doing today?"
Tags: society, blacks, government, money, capitol, goods, land
Abstract This paper examines public art, specifically architecture as public art. It defines public art and outlines why architecture is public art. It also presents a case study of the Capitol Building and Capitol Mall in Sacramento, CA as public art.
A discussion of the methods of execution, the search for humane methods, why the innocent are occasionally executed, and whether the death penalty works.
1,695 words (approx. 6.8 pages), 3 sources, 2000, $ 54.95
Abstract This paper takes an in-depth look at the origins and ancient methods of execution, from Hamurabi's Code, to biblical laws, to early England, and today. The author discusses the different methods-both cruel and humane. The paper also examines whether the death penalty is efficient, whether it is a biased sentence, and how many innocent people are sent to their deaths.
From the Paper "For centuries the question of whether it is right to take another man's life under the law has plagued the world. To this day corporal punishment is one of the most debated issues of the human race. Corporal punishment has been around since biblical times, so we are not the first to use it. As a humanitarian nation we do though search for different and more humane methods of execution. One of our main problems is that our court systems do make mistakes and the innocent are occasionally found guilty. Another issue of debate is whether the death penalty is a bias or even at times prejudice sentence. A more solid reasoning for either banning or supporting the death penalty is whether it is economically efficient. With all the crime in our nation many are skeptical that the death penalty actually works in any way shape or form. With all this at mind it is obvious why the corporal punishment issue has been debated for so long."
Abstract The following paper examines Japanese actions during World War II, focusing specifically on the Nanking Massacre, an attempt to dominate China quickly by demoralizing and destroying the population of China's capitol. The writer discusses the economic and political goals of this action and he also examines how not all of Japanese society has been comfortable with acknowledging this part of their history.
From the Paper "After World War II, Japan's economic needs still required raw materials only available from other countries, and they continued to look to China as the source. This economic reality was complicated by the post World War II politics regarding China, which was now split into two countries: the Republic of China, now in exile on the island of Taiwan, and the Communist People's Republic of China on the mainland. While Japan needed good relations with The People's Republic of China because of the need to trade with them, the post World War II sentiment among most of the dominant powers was that the Communist government was not legitimate, should not be recognized, and should not be encouraged in any way."
Abstract "Taiwan is an island that houses the Republic of China, a nation that considers itself different from the People's Republic of China, 100 miles across the Formosa Strait. It claims the right to rule all China from its capitol city of Taipei.
From the Paper "Taiwan is an island that houses the Republic of China, a nation that considers itself different from the People's Republic of China, 100 miles across the Formosa Strait. It claims the right to rule all China from its capitol city of Taipei. The majority of Taiwanese are ethnic (Han) Chinese who began to emigrate to Taiwan in the 15th century. A small number (about 265,000) are Kiaoshan aborigines. Taiwan remained in Japanese hands until 1945, when Chiang Kai-Shek and the Nationalists were ousted from mainland CHINA by the Communists. They shifted the seat of their government to Taiwan."
Abstract This paper examines the issue of gun control and whether or not federal legislation will help curb the availability of guns that have lead to an explosion of violence across the country. The author argues that the lack effective legislation that oversees the distribution and monitoring of guns has lead to an explosion in the crime rates over the past two decades. The author presents some of the arguments on both sides of the issue with the help of crime rate statistics and political testimony given on Capitol Hill from the period after September 11. The paper also examines Second Amendment rights regarding the right to bear arms and analyzes some of the different arguments that have been presented that can be transferred to the issue of gun control. The paper also presents some discussion of the NRA, including a short history, its policy goals and record of increased involvement in the shaping of any and all policy regarding guns in the United States. The author sharpens their argument against gun control through a discussion of the fact that terrorist handbooks often note how easy it is to acquire weapons in the United States.
From the Paper "It would use a Canadian technology called IBIS (Integrated Ballistics Identification System), currently used by 233 local law?enforcement sites around the United States, to produce a 360"degree photographic image of the bullet or shell casing. The software then would translate the picture into a digital signature, which could then be compared with other crime"scene evidence. If a national database were created, bullets or casings recovered from a crime scene could then be traced to the point of purchase, which would give detectives new leads. The databases that exist are quite small because only two states?"Maryland and New York"?require handgun manufacturers to fire the weapons and record the signature. When critics point out that the current database has solved no crimes and so such a system should not be implemented any more widely, they are obfuscating the issue just as they do when they say gun control in one or two states has not stopped crime. What is needed is a national solution so such arguments would be sown up for the falsehoods they are (Alter 41)."
Abstract The success of the American Revolution meant that the former colonists had to take on the difficult job of building a new kind of nation, with a new style of government, based on ideas about freedoms and rights that had never been tried before. The young country wanted to draw on what was best from its European heritage, but also to distinguish itself from Britain's culture which had been the principal cultural model. The paper shows that in the first century, the United States formally and informally used painting, architecture, and sculpture to carry important messages about the nature of American society and to develop styles that were distinctively American. Examples of two works from each of these branches of the arts demonstrate the variety of ways in which the country's art presented American ideals, promoted American self-confidence and developed an American character.
The works discussed are: Gilbert Stuart's painting "Vaughan Portrait" (1795); Thomas Jefferson's architectural design of the Virginia State Capitol Building (1785-99); the statue "Justice" (1824) by sculptor William Rush; Hiram Powers' bust of General Andrew Jackson (1835); Robert Mills' Treasury Building (1836-42) and Albert Bierstadt's painting "The Oregon Trail" (1869).
From the Paper "Almost as soon as the Revolution ended painters and engravers began to meet an overwhelming demand for portraits of George Washington and other leaders. In addition to being a major symbol of independence, Washington was also painted as the embodiment of "American virtue, restraint, courage, and strength--in short, of American republicanism" (Baigell 27). Gilbert Stuart, an American who trained in England, produced some of the finest and most popular versions in such paintings as George Washington or the Vaughan Portrait (1795). Stuart showed a rather "patrician and remote" Washington, partly because he trained in the aristocratic portrait tradition in England (Baigell 36). But, as Baigell notes, Stuart was a Federalist who did not approve of the growing popularity of Thomas Jefferson and his more democratic ideals. The Vaughan Portrait also reflects, therefore, "the mood of the Federalist hierarchy, fearful of runaway populism . . . and anxious to fix a national image in the minds of Americans to counter endemic localism" (Baigell 36-37)."
Abstract This paper discusses the life and career of American architect, Benjamin H. Latrobe. Latrobe's education and early work experience in Europe is examined, as well as his architectural style. The paper also discusses the great American public landmarks designed and built by Latrobe. A summary of his contributions to America concludes the paper.
From the Paper "Benjamin H. Latrobe was born in 1764 in Fulneck, England. He was raised in England. As a young man Latrobe was taught at the Morvian school in Fulneck. This was where Latrobe received a base for his further education. After Morvian, he transferred to Nieski school in Germany. There he received an impressive education. Which was composed of a broad curriculum. He was taught in all the liberal arts and also classical and modern languages."
Tags: bank, of, philadelphia, water, works, capitol, jefferson
This paper discusses that the Civil War Centennial observance, during the height of the civil rights struggle of the 1960s, further galvanized the conflict between the "black and white" racial groups, especially in the South.
Abstract This paper explains that the Civil War carries a strong symbolic significance. Among Southern whites, many tend to identify culturally with the "Southern identity" and the defeat of the Confederacy; among black citizens the Civil War brings an even stronger emotional and ideological reaction because they consider the war to be the pivotal struggle to end slavery in the United States. The author relates that, perhaps, the event, which most strongly symbolizes the reaction of "culturally Southern" whites, was that surrounding the "raising of the Confederate flag" over the Capitol building in South Carolina. The paper questions whether the "celebration" of the Civil War was a good idea, given the concept of "celebrating" a war as necessarily divisive as a civil war, and given its affect on the social, racial, and political climate of the 1960s.
From the Paper "That the South chose to "unfurl" the confederate flag, as the symbol of the meaning of the Civil War as it applied to their ?identity,? and to bar black delegates from participating in the Centennial. The Northern states chose to reenact battles (Kansas, Wisconsin, and Missouri) among others, embark on "educational programs" and stage parades, giving some credence to the widely held notion that the Centennial was ?more a Northern than a Southern celebration.? Further, in addition to the divisive racial controversies that emerged in the Centennial, many believed that the Centennial ?demonstrated the increasing commercialization and trivialization of the memory of the war.? "
Abstract This paper examines President Lincoln's suspension of the writ of habeas corpus throughout the Civil War. Habeas corpus is the right not to be held or imprisoned without being charged and given a trial. It looks at how Lincoln suspended the right in varying degrees throughout the war and used as a way to protect the Union from insurgents within. It explores how some have charged Lincoln with dictatorship and circumventing the Constitution for doing this. The paper takes on the argument that Lincoln was acting justly and in the best interest of his country. The paper explains each act of suspension, outlines what caused the suspension of the writ of habeas corpus, the Act that suspended the writ and what the stipulations were, and also what the outcome was. In addition, it examines the some arrests under the suspension, popular opinion, and the opinion of a Supreme Court judge. The thesis is that President Lincoln suspended the writ of habeas corpus for the good of the nation and to protect it from those who wished to do the government harm, and in doing so, held this nation together in its most trying time.
Outline
Lincoln Acts to Protect the Capitol Getting a Hold on Suspending Habeas Corpus
The Policy Questioned
Lincoln Answers for His Actions
Expanding the Suspension
Congress Supports the President
Lincoln Defends His Policy
Habeas Corpus Suspended Nationwide
The Last Suspension Proclamation
From the Paper "As the American Civil War began to come to a rolling boil President Lincoln was faced not only with rebels in the South but insurgents within the Union as well. There was no question how to deal with the rebels in the South who took up arms against the government. But those in the North who attacked their government in other ways were another, more difficult issue. One effective way to deal with these insurgents was to detain them for their own safety and for the safety of the nation. But many times this proved difficult because the insurgents could not be formally charged and without being formally charge the writ of habeas corpus allows them not to be detained."
Tags: merryman, rights, taney, congress, north, south
Abstract This paper begins by taking a brief look at the positions of both critics and supporters of the global economy. The paper then summarizes and reviews Dani Rodrik's book and points out that Rodrik's book looks past the controversy and, instead, focuses on what factors have allowed the global economy to take hold in nations, which have diverse governments and widely varying amounts of investment capitol. Finally, the paper also discusses the three individual factors that Rodrik claims are responsible for sustained economic growth among developing countries.
From the Paper "According to the New Dictionary of Global Literacy (2002) a global economy is the international spread of capitalism, and capitalism based economic system, especially in recent decades, across national boundaries and with minimal restrictions by governments. For many reasons the global economy has become hotly controversial, and there are as many critics as supporters of this recent wave of economic evolution. Critics allege that the mechanism by which global economy operates, which are the free markets and free trade, take jobs away from well-paid workers in the wealthy nations while creating sweatshops in the poor ones. Supporters of a global economy insist that the free movement by nations toward capital stimulates investment in poor nations and creates jobs in them. While this may be a temporary shift of investment from established countries to developing nations, the result is a global sharing of wealth which inevitably lifts all peoples, like an oncoming tide lifts all the ships in the harbor."
Tags: transportation communication currency conversion, imf wto investment expansion
Abstract One of the most important jobs in the world is that of the President of the United States. This paper explores what the job entails. It also looks at whether the Founding Fathers expected too much from one person and determines whether the country has evolved to the point that some of these duties should be formally allocated to the vice president.
From the Paper "During the constitutional convention in 1787, the "office of vice president was created. The Constitution, in Article II, section 1, provided: 'In Case of the Removal of the President from Office, or of his Death, Resignation, or Inability to discharge the Powers and Duties of the said Office, the Same shall devolve on the Vice President ...' (http://ap.grolier.com/article?assetid=0403250-00&templatename=/article/article.html)." It was unclear if this meant the vice president would then become the President of the United States or just become an acting president until he or another candidate was elected to the office. When Vice President Tyler assumed the duties after the death of President Harrison, he asserted that since he had taken the presidential oath, he was in fact the President of the United States."
Abstract This paper examines the American constitution's first amendment about the separation of religion and state and discusses this sensitive issue. The writer, however, takes the opinion that the statue of the ten commandments near the state buildings is not unconstitutional. Legal proceeding regarding this issue are discussed in the paper to strengthen the writer's opinion.
From the Paper "In conclusion, with religion being a part of this nation's history and the State Capitol grounds being a national landmark, I think that this monument of the Ten Commandments is in no way unconstitutional. As the First Amendment, Lemon test, Alleghany v. ACLU, Stone v. Graham, and Books v. Elkhart have shown, the proceedings surrounding the placement of this monument and the monument itself are not unconstitutional. Thus for these reasons, I believe that the monument of the Ten Commandments located on the grounds of the Texas State Capitol does not violate the First Amendment and is not in violation of the separation of church and state."
This paper discusses the changing world of American women's fashions as an aspect of the various women's reform movements from the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Abstract This paper explains that dress was an outward indication of ones wealth and social standing; however, changes within society were often directly reflected in attire. The author points out that the layers of uncomfortable and restrictive clothing were both a symbolic and a physical tool which kept women from being active participants in man's world. The paper relates that the invention of the sewing machine allowed the general public access to fashion as they could make their own clothing and contributed to the "Ready to Wear" industry, which forever changed the face of clothing in America and established New York City as the country's fashion capitol. 2 Illustrations.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Women's Lives
Reform
The Victorian Era
After the Civil War and the Corset
Magazines and Fashion
Women's New Roles
The Work Force and Fashion
Sewing Machine
Immigrants
Textile Mills
New Thinking
Consumer Influence of Cosmetics as Fashion
After the War
Conclusion
From the Paper "The Victorian Era was a period in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries that was largely recognized as a period of rigid and unyielding conservatism. Even though it was celebrated as a time that maintained a high standard of morality, beauty, and social grace, the overall Victorian society actually tended to be rather oppressive -- especially regarding women and their position within the society. This was a time when people owned few clothes. A typical country woman might own only three or four dresses with one being dedicated to church and social events. Men also were conservative during this period. A husband would usually only own two or three shirts with one or two of summer and winter trousers. Shoes were even very scarce compared with items of clothing and were only common for men that worked outdoors. Women and children would definitely be the last to receive shoes. Thus fashion can be thought of as very limited at this juncture."
This paper is an essay which applies the words of Martin Luther King, Jr. and of Henry David Thoreau in "Civil Disobedience" to modern day justice and the problem of the illegal immigrants.
Abstract This paper explains that Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. mobilized an entire race to stand up for their rights while making another race reflect upon all of their cruelties and injustices against their fellow human beings and Henry David Thoreau's "Civil Disobedience" determined which of these men's method was more effective in seeking equality for all or most of mankind. The author points out that the United States is faced with another injustice from which there will be no way for one group to gain justice without compromising another group: The problem of the illegal immigrants who sneak into this country every day. The paper concludes that, when seeking justice for fellow Americans who might be denied basic rights to accommodate the rights of others, it is the responsibility of all concerned citizens to speak up by following the path of Reverend King and march to every state's capitol building and fight for these rights.
From the Paper "There are many people who empathize with the plight of these people who are simply coming here in search of better opportunities. Certainly, King's demonstration of courage lives on in this new group that is now clamoring for the human rights of another oppressed group. There is no denying that ours is a land of opportunity with so much to offer, but these same human rights activists might use the same energy they are employing here to mobilize a mass of concerned citizens in the countries that illegal immigrants are fleeing from. Justice must surely be at least a concept in most of the free world today."
