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Ending Homelessness, 2008.
This paper looks at the issue of homelessness in a social science analysis.
1,107 words (approx. 4.4 pages), 4 sources, APA, $ 38.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that the issue of homelessness is one that has been of pre-eminent concern in Canada, and indeed in much of the industrialized world in recent years. This paper attempts a positive or social science analysis of this issue, exploring not only the nature of the problem but also the state of critical debate among both social scientists and policy makers on the best avenues to address this matter. The writer argues that in order to address this problem one must detach homelessness from its historic connotations with anti-social disorder traditionally addressed through police authorities, and recognize the issue as a convergence of economic and social determinants.
From the Paper
"This fact has led many social scientists studying the problem of homelessness to argue that it is not so much a criminal problem, i.e., associated with drugs or anti-social activities, as primarily a matter of housing economics. While it must be acknowledged that a variety of factors contribute to homelessness - from changing patterns of employment and cyclical economic trends to the deinstitutionalization of the mentally ill - the scholarly consensus seem to be that the most important structural cause of homelessness is the lack of affordable housing in urban areas. The current situation represents the culmination of a process that has been ongoing in North America for decades.."
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Homosexuals in the Military, 2008.
This paper discusses homosexuals in the military and looks at the United States Constitution as it relates to this issue.
803 words (approx. 3.2 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 28.95
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Abstract
In this article the writer eplains that "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" (DADT) is a military policy where gay, lesbian and bisexual members are required to keep their sexual orientation private and not engage in any sexual activities or conduct that would purport a homosexual lifestyle. This paper analyzes how this policy has failed to integrate homosexuals in the armed forces and has instead exacerbated the issues surrounding the gay ban in the US armed forces. The writer maintains that the DADT, irrespective of whether it had good intentions, has failed. The writer concludes that there is a need for changes in the United States Constitution if gays, lesbians, bisexuals, or transgender are to be integrated in the armed forces, since Congress has the power to deny individuals these rights.
Outline:
Introduction
A Brief History: Don't Ask, Don't Tell, Don't Pursue, Don't Harass
The Failure of the DADT Policy
From the Paper
"The United States is considered one of the most economically advanced countries in the free world; however, they are lagging when it comes to changing policies that stand to benefit the overall economy. As stated by Belkin, increasing amounts of countries are allowing gays and lesbians to serve in the armed forces. Belkin shows that Australia, Canada, Israel, and Britain reversed its gay ban and have transitioned into countries that now have service members that are integrated into the armed forces, irrespective of sexual orientation. Unlike popular anti-gay individuals speculated there was no mass upheavals or unstable periods, when the gay ban was reversed, in fact many homosexuals still preferred not to share the fact that they were gay. With the DADT policy in place, it is unlikely that the United States will ever come close to the removal of gay bans in the armed forces as these countries have."
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Plato, Aristotle and the Ideal State, 2008.
This paper looks at the views of Plato and Aristotle regarding government and the ideal state.
2,500 words (approx. 10.0 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 75.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer discusses that two of the greatest philosophers that emerged from Greece in the fourth century B.C.E., Plato and Aristotle, gave civilization some of its greatest philosophical discourses. The writer notes that both tried to envision the ideal state. The writer then points out that neither Plato nor Aristotle believed strongly in individual freedom. The writer concludes that both Plato and Aristotle have had a profound influence on philosophy since their own time. Further, the writer maintains that remarkably, these two men are remembered as figures in Athens, which is considered the source of modern democracy, but neither of them believed strongly in individual freedom.
From the Paper
"Much of what Aristotle wrote in Politics was a response to Plato's Republic. Particularly, he felt that Socrates/Plato had not presented a sound argument when contending that possessions, women, and children should all be held in common. To begin, this practice was intended to unify the state, but it would not do so. That which is owned by all is effectively owned by none and neglected by all. Economically, it would lead to under-work and over-consumption as everyone would feel a right to take from the common produce, but would resent having to contribute to it. This communism would destroy temperance and liberality in the citizens, but would only encourage covetousness and jealousy."
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Karl Marx's Estrangement Theories, 2008.
An analysis of Karl Marx's theory of estrangement and its application to the modern global economy.
1,545 words (approx. 6.2 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 50.95
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Abstract
This paper explores Karl Marx's theory of estrangement within the context of the contemporary industrial and economic setting. It devotes a considerable amount of time to explicating Marx's conceptions of estrangement and alienation. The paper subsequently looks at how his concept of estrangement can be applied to the modern global economy.
From the Paper
"To begin with, Marx insists that the worker in the capitalist order is the most wretched of beings insofar as his or her power is in inverse proportion to his (or her) creative production. In other words, as Marx argues vehemently, the worker creates and someone else gains the wealth accumulated by the creation of that item. To elaborate a little further, the fruits of labor's efforts (the goods produced by steadfast toil) metamorphose into something that is literally independent of the producer; the laborers lose control over the means of production and the more products he or she produces, the less ability he or she has to consume those goods and the more he or she falls under the dominion of capital (Marx, 30-31)."
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Perceptual Biases, 2008.
This paper discusses and compares the issue of bias in the cases of 'Affirmative Action at the University of Selkirk' and 'Portrait of a Canadian Advisor'.
2,380 words (approx. 9.5 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 72.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that the perceptual biases in the cases of 'Affirmative Action at the University of Selkirk' and 'Portrait of a Canadian Advisor' are different in that the contexts are radically distinct. Further, the writer points out that they are similar in that the perceptual biases in both cases are based heavily upon stereotypes. The writer concludes that in this analysis, one can see how and why the Selkirk and Canadian advisors' cases differ significantly. The writer notes the implications of this for programs to address biases in both contexts.
From the Paper
"A similar perceptual bias based upon stereotypes can be seen in the case of the Canadian advisors. The difference between the biases in this case and the Selkirk case is largely one of context, with the biases being racially/culturally-based with respect to the Canadian advisors while they are gender-based in the case of Affirmative Action at Selkirk."
"This being said, the interesting thing about the Canadian advisor case is how it is similar to the Selkirk case in being not an obvious or overt stereotyping but a more complex and subtle form of bias. The Canadian advisor case consists of two distinct models of the Canadian advisor: one based upon surveys of the advisors themselves and the other based upon field surveys of advisors from their spouses and colleagues. A key difference between these two models illustrates the perceptual biases that these advisors show towards the host countries in which they work."
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Existence of an External World, 2008.
A critical analysis of the arguments of Rene Descartes and John Locke with regards to the existence of an external world.
1,520 words (approx. 6.1 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 50.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the arguments of Rene Descartes and John Locke with regards to whether or not we can have knowledge of the existence of an external world. The paper shows that there are fundamental problems with both of their arguments and as such, the paper suggests that we are not yet in a position to demonstrate unequivocally that we can have knowledge of the existence of an external world.
From the Paper
"I thus conclude that neither Descartes nor Locke offer me sufficient proof that I can have knowledge of an external world. Descartes' argument fails on the basis that his argument for the existence of God is circular, and thus we have no particular reason to trust our own reasons. And Locke's argument fails because Descartes' arguments effectively destroy the foundation of Locke's argument. But as I have now have shown that I have no sound reason to trust the evidence of my reason, nor any sound reason to trust the evidence of my senses, it follows that there is nothing left on which I may base any confidence that we can have knowledge of the existence of an external world."
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Fair Elections?, 2008.
A look at the procedures for voter registration and appropriate conduct on election day in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
3,309 words (approx. 13.2 pages), 13 sources, MLA, $ 94.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses how a democracy should weigh each vote equally, make the electoral process accessible to everyone, ensure that the legislative assembly accurately represents the will of the people, have cost-effective elections with no electoral fraud and allow people to feel secure when they cast their ballot. The paper then examines Canada, Mexico and the United States and considers to what extent each country has elections that provide a safe, ethical, well-administered and equitable electoral system. The paper looks at the remedies which can be applied in each nation to improve the current situation for future generations. The paper shows how Mexico in particular must do a better job of entrenching the rule of law as a staple of its political culture.
From the Paper
"At this juncture, it is appropriate to offer a brief contextual overview of the three countries' political systems inasmuch as, to the extent they are all rather similar and democratic, there is no reason why they cannot each develop an equitable and fair system for Election Day proceedings; in other words, Mexico is more like Canada than some people might suppose. Most notably, beyond also having a federal bicameral structure like Canada (and the United States) Mexico has shown a willingness to become more accommodating to a diversity of views in its representative assemblies (Schedler, 20-30). Unfortunately, the historic terrain of Mexican politics has been rough when it comes to meaningful reform and to the long-term sustainability of that reform (Schedler, 10; for a litany of "false starts" vis-a-vis reforming the Mexican democratic process, please see "Popular Choice and Electoral Politics," 125-126) and, lacking a tradition of fair voting representation (and a tradition of opposing ballot box fraud and coercion) its future as a democracy is uncertain."
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Healthcare in Canada, 2008.
This paper discusses why healthcare has become an important issue for Canadians.
785 words (approx. 3.1 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 27.95
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Abstract
In this article the writer notes that the issue of health care in Canada is an important one for debate because the country operates a health care system that is unique, particularly in comparison with systems of other developed countries. The writer points out that Canada's one-tier system based on publicly funded health care is in stark odds to the two-tier system (of both public and private health care) common to other advantaged countries, such as the United States and Australia. The writer maintains that this in itself has caused contention amongst Canadian proponents for system change even though a number of other issues also play a role in debating the validity and importance of Canada's healthcare system.
From the Paper
"Canada is unusual in that its health care system is wholly publicly funded, whilst the health care services are actually provided by private bodies. Healthcare is a hot issue in Canada, however; although the system appears to be a public one from the outside it is not in reality always so. In Canada, the health care system is paid for primarily by the government; however, at the other end of the spectrum, the government contributes so little to prescription drugs costs, and dental care, which is notoriously expensive.
"It is prudent for governments, researchers, critics and citizens to compare public national systems to those of other countries, not only as a basis for comparison but also in order to establish benefits of altering the existing system, if any positive changes are identified."
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Decriminalization of Marijuana, 2008.
This paper argues for the decriminalization of marijuana in the United States.
1,017 words (approx. 4.1 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 35.95
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Abstract
The paper maintains that marijuana laws are costly and ineffective and its decriminalization will allow for a more judicious allocation of funds. The paper argues that decriminalization will undermine the black market and will not precipitate the increased consumption of the narcotic by young people. The paper concludes that the positives of decriminalization certainly outweigh the negatives.
From the Paper
"To begin with, the marijuana laws in America are costly to enforce and inefficacious. For instance, a July 2005 report revealed that federal spending devoted to enforcing criminal sanctions against marijuana use runs to around $4 billion each year - and yet fails to make any perceptible impact upon the country's perception of, or use of, marijuana. What makes the matter more problematic is the fact that the federal government spends more on enforcing marijuana prohibition than it does on policy formulation or on treatment programs (Hemp Information, para.1). Suffice it to say, any laws which are costly and which have little impact upon a perceived problem should be dramatically altered in their scope and application - or struck down entirely."
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Culture and Immigration in Canada, 2008.
This paper discusses the different views of Himani Bannerji and Neil Bissoondath relating to the Canadian approach to immigration.
1,072 words (approx. 4.3 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 37.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer looks at the approaches taken by Himani Bannerji and Neil Bissoondath when discussing the Canadian model vis-a-vis immigration. In comparing and contrasting the two, the writer notes that it becomes evident that Bannerji, while she may very well have solid grounds for her vehement stance with regards to Canada and its treatment of new immigrants, is also guilty of being very selective in terms of how she defines the Canadian society of which she is a part. On the other hand, the writer points out that Bissoondath offers a rebuke that, because of its moderate tone and use of example strikes a chord with the reader; more than that, he explains how Canadian approaches to culture institutionalize incompetence and make race a criterion in matters where it should have no place. The writer maintains that in the end, Neil Bissoondath's belief that Canadian multiculturalism encourages omission and self-deception is a stirring critique that resonates.
From the Paper
"At this point, a number of things must be said. First of all, being designated a "visible minority" in Canada does not necessarily have the pejorative connotation Bannerji applies to it. For one thing, "visible minorities" are viewed favorably for affirmative action programs in both the workplace and in post-secondary institutions; secondly, given the aggressive, interventionist nature of Canadian multicultural policies (something Neil Bissoondath will discuss later), it is difficult to countenance the idea that being designated a minority in Canada makes one automatically marginalized - or subject to special "control" by the state. After all, Canada has some of the strongest anti-discrimination and workplace harassment laws in the world; therefore, if anything, being designated a "visible minority" grants someone protection from abuse and (if the wording of federal hiring policies is to be taken seriously) a "leg up" in the scramble for society's spoils."
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Public Choice Theory, 2008.
This paper discusses the issue of public choice theory and urban governance.
1,056 words (approx. 4.2 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 37.95
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Abstract
In this article the writer explores public choice theory and the argument that public choice theory provides a thoughtful assessment of what needs to be done if urban governments are to become efficacious and expeditious providers of services to their citizens. The paper briefly outlines the general argument presented by advocates of local government and then provides some of the compelling arguments raised by those who feel public choice theory does not offer a stalwart solution to the problems of local governance. In the end, the writer maintains that while it sounds superficially appealing, public choice theory does not have a lot of empirical data to support many of its key claims.
From the Paper
"Additionally, public choice theorists argue that municipal governments, because they are monopoly providers, are inefficient insofar as they have little incentive to lower their prices or be innovative. Public choice theorists thus argue that there needs to be a separation between the demand articulation role of government (the collective process whereby it is ascertained how and how much of something will be set aside for public use) and the supplier role of government. Simply put, when governments have to buy services for something, they tend to be exacting in determining the value given for the monies received. All in all, the public choice theorist cleaves to the view that local governance needs to be run as a business - and that government often falls short in its obligations to the general public because it does not separate the provider role and the production role involved in the delivery of a good or service, thereby creating costly inefficiency and waste."
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Health Care Delivery, 2008.
This paper discusses health care in the United States and Canada.
844 words (approx. 3.4 pages), 3 sources, APA, $ 30.95
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Abstract
In this article the writer notes that a comparison of health care in the United States and Canada demonstrates one significant fact above all others: Canada has a national health care system, while the United States does not. The writer points out that it is interesting to note that many within Canada believe that the delivery of health care services in the United States is considered superior, while there are those within the United States that believe that Canada's health care system should be the model of national health care that the United States should adopt. In general, however, the writer maintains that it is evident that both nations spend a significant amount on health care each year and that both nations still are plagued with health care concerns that have not been resolved despite their advanced knowledge about health care delivery.
From the Paper
"In relation to infant mortality, it is evident that the primary concern for both nations is poverty. In the United States, as well as in Canada, poverty is widespread and impacts the health of mothers and children through lack of nourishment, lack of housing and lack of ability to receive health care. Although Canada has a national health care system, it may be unavailable to some residents of the nation that live in remote locations and do not have access to transportation. In the United States, however, access to health care for the poor most often occurs by impoverished citizens visiting emergency rooms and taking advantage of the law that states that all people must be served in these facilities, regardless of their ability to pay. The problem is, however, is that most Americans in this situation do not enter an emergency room until the health issue has become severe. In addition, follow up care and prescription medications are generally not sought, creating ongoing health issues for much of the poor population."
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Prison Rape in the U.S., 2008.
This paper provides a perspective of rape in correctional institutions in the United States.
1,552 words (approx. 6.2 pages), 4 sources, APA, $ 50.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer examines the extent of rapes within the U.S. prison system, with some especial attention being given to the phenomenon of gang rapes. The writer notes that understanding the extent of the problem as well as the major associated risks is an important first step in formulating some procedures by which the number of rapes within corrections institutions can be significantly reduced. The writer points out that it is important to first note that eliminating the rape of prisoners will not come easily. In fact, it is unlikely that the problem will ever be completely eradicated. Nonetheless, the writer maintains that outlining a path that corrections institutions can take in the short-term and the long-term is crucial if any headway is going to be made against the problem.
From the Paper
"Attitudes regarding prison rape in the United States, unfortunately, are not conducive to reducing the incidence of prison rape. The public view the rape of men in prisons as a joke. Gags about dropping the soap in a prison shower are common and only reinforce the assumption that the rape of prisoners, at least men, is acceptable. Many have the attitude that prisoners somehow deserve what they get--after all, they did commit a crime and aren't in prison because they are fully innocent. Additionally, a culture of machismo in the United States contributes to the attitude that men who are raped aren't really men because they weren't able to fend off their attacker. Unfortunately for prisoners, these assumptions and attitudes only increase the possibility that they will have to face sexual assault without any social or institutional recourse. The fact is that victims of prison rape are rarely able to defend themselves, especially in cases of gang rape, when attackers are more numerous and are only too willing to resort to physical violence-even murder-to get what they want."
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Subsidies for Tenants or Landlords?, 2008.
This paper explores the effects of subsidizing tenants directly as opposed to subsidizing landlords to build more affordable rental housing.
778 words (approx. 3.1 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 27.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses how subsidizing landlords in British Columbia could lead to the development of housing which is still unaffordable for the city's poor. The paper relates that a property owner could use the subsidy to his or her own advantage and even if the owner builds a housing complex, it will only be useful to a handful of people. The paper maintains that for those in need to actually receive the benefits, the rental subsidies must go to the needy individuals themselves.
From the Paper
"In the case of either subsidizing tenants directly compared to subsidizing landlords in order to build more affordable rental housing units, one must inevitably side with subsidizing the tenants. This is primarily because subsidizing private landlords in BC is unwise owing to the province's particular rental situation. British Columbia is characterized by a "lack of affordable housing" (TRAC, "Tenants Group Warns..") and "private market rental housing (which) is only being built for the highest earning renters in the province" (ibid). The affect, therefore, is that subsidizing landlords in BC could very possibly lead to the development of housing which is still unaffordable for the city's poor. In order to ensure it is those in need of affordable rental housing who receive the benefit of subsidies, the subsidies must go to the individuals in need - not the governing owner who may use the subsidy to his or her own advantage."
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The International Monetary Fund, 2008.
An argument calling for the abolishment of the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
2,610 words (approx. 10.4 pages), 9 sources, MLA, $ 78.95
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Abstract
The paper examines the history and policies of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and contends that it has failed in promoting the conditions for economic growth in developing countries. The paper shows how flawed IMF policies have not promoted economic growth in Third World nations but instead have made economic growth virtually impossible. The paper asserts that organizations like the IMF should be abolished, for they are perpetuating the fundamental economic injustice inherent in a global economy where the powerful industrialized nations prosper by exploiting undeveloped ones.
From the Paper
"Numerous Congressional hearings have confirmed this assessment, for Congress has harshly criticized the International Monetary Fund, and added fuel to the firestorm of controversy that has surrounded the IMF since its mishandling of the Asian financial crisis. Public disputes over the leadership of the institution are intensifying, and massive demonstrations such as occurred in Seattle are demonstrating that the IMF is under siege as it has never been before in all of its fifty-six-year history."
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