Effects of mass shootings in America Essay

â€Å"A gunman wearing a gas mask and black SWAT gear hurled a gas canister inside a crowded movie theater during a midnight showing of the new Batman movie Friday and then opened fire, killing 12 people and wounding nearly 60 others in an attack so bizarre that some moviegoers at first thought they were watching Hollywood special effects.† (Spartanburg Herald – Journal Jul 20 2012) In today’s America it is unfortunately not out of the ordinary to see headlines like this. It is all too common to see that a place of mass gathering, such as a school, movie theatre, or even a military installation, has fallen victim to a mass shooting. There have been many mass shootings that have affected multiple places throughout our country. Some of the most notable include: Columbine High School, Aurora Colorado Movie Theatre, Virginia Tech, Ft. Hood, Sandy Hook Elementary School, and the Washington Navy Yard. Through them all there have been many positive effects of an otherwi se negative event. Along with the positive effects though, there are of course many negative effects of the mass shootings in America. Mass shootings are unfortunately becoming a more and more common in America today. The April 1999 shooting at Columbine High School seems to have brought mass shootings into the limelight. This was mostly because of the tragic outcome. Columbine students Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold killed 12 fellow students and 1 teacher, then shot themselves, in their rampage through the school. The mass shootings of today have evolved and multiplied in numbers. The Virginia Tech campus fell victim of a mass shooting April of 2007 when a student opened fire killing 32 fellow students. In July of 2012 James Holmes entered a Colorado movie theatre and opened fire killing 12 moviegoers. Sandy Hook Elementary school was targeted in December of 2012 when Adam Lanza entered the school and killed 20 children and 6 adults. Most people think military bases are some of the safest, most secure, places in the country. However, these too have fallen victim to mass shootings. Major Nadal Hassan killed 13 fellow soldiers before he was stopped by base police in November of 2009. Most recently, September of 2013 a government contractor killed 12 people inside the Washington Navy Yard. No place is sacred. Through all of the tragedy that that mass shootings have caused in America there have been some positive effects that have come to light. One of the positive effects is the increased awareness of mental illness and it’s relation to mass shootings. Criminal justice psychiatrist Fred Osher, who heads the behavioral health division of the Council of State Governments’ Justice Center spoke about the relation at the 2013 National Council Conference. Osher stated â€Å"Mental illness may be a consistent but modest risk factor in the likelihood of violence.† He went on to say that there is no â€Å"casual† link between mental illness and violence but some mental illnesses â€Å"increase the statistical risk of violence.† Osher told the council that some mental illnesses may result in psychosis causing the mental illness patient to hear voices commanding them to harm. (Behavioral Healthcare 33.3 2013) With the increased number of mass shootings more researc h has gone into the connection between mental illness and mass shootings. Along with the research into mental illness, the unfortunate uprising of mass shootings in America has led to first responders, such as police, SWAT, EMS, and Firefighters, to better their response tactics over time. The first  responders at the Columbine High School shooting set up a cordon around the school and then waited for the SWAT team to arrive. This ultimately may have led to the large number of casualties. Police officers of today have been trained to respond to mass shootings, more commonly referred to as â€Å"active shooter† incidents, a lot differently than they did at Columbine. They are also better equipped. Police of today respond to an â€Å"active shooter† incident by waiting for at least one partner and then enter into the affected area and have the ultimate goal of stopping the shooter and minimizing the loss of innocent lives. This has been linked to a decline in casualties in mass shooting incidents. Along with the positive effects of mass shootings in America there are undoubtedly multiple negative effects of mass shootings. Undeniably the saddest negative effect of mass shootings in America has been the countless lives that have been cut short. In just the shootings listed above there were 109 casualties. These are only some of the most notable mass shootings in America. There have been countless more leading to many more casualties. Along with the massive amount of casualties that have resulted from mass shootings in America there is always the risk of â€Å"copy cats† that want to copy what was done. The mass media coverage of mass shootings have made the shooters into almost celebrities. Some people are looking for a way to make a name for themselves and see this as a legitimate way to make themselves known. Another negative effect of the mass shootings in America has been the fact that it has become almost impossible for law-abiding citizens to purchase firearms in America. The process in a lot of states can take months at a time. Even after a wait time you may still be restricted from purcha sing and owning a firearm. Many Americans see this as an infringement on their constitutional â€Å"right to bear arms.† Unfortunately, in today’s America mass shootings are an all too common event. It seems as if no place in America is sacred. Everywhere from schools to movie theatres to military bases have been targeted. Although many people may not think of the mass shootings in a positive light there have been some positive effects of the mass shootings in America. Along with those positive effects there have undeniably been negative effects. We will probably never  see the end of mass shootings in America. Works Cited P, SOLOMON B., and Thomas Peipert. â€Å"Police: 12 Dead in Colorado Theater Shooting.† Spartanburg Herald – Journal Jul 20 2012. ProQuest. Web. 29 Sep. 2014. Grantham, Dennis. â€Å"Mass shootings, criminal violence: can’t be predicted, but can be mitigated: additional screening of at-risk individuals, followed by treatment, may stop future violence.† Behavioral Healthcare 33.3 (2013): 46+. Criminal Justice Collection. Web. 1 Oct. 2014.

Best Skin Care Products for Women in Their 50’s

AGODI CHIOMA Page 15, Allure Vanguard October 7th Edition, compiled by Davina Ayodele http://issuu. com/vanguardngr/docs/07102012 allure/1 TITLE: Best skin care products for women in their 50’s The purpose of this report is to identify how the writer uses the marketing mix and the 4p’s to attract their specific target market. Whether you are young or old, skin care is an important part of caring for your body. It’s no wonder that skin care companies spend much time coming up with formulations designed to reach diverse markets. There are specific products for various age groups, skin types, life styles and budgets.To effectively market a skin care line, marketers must cover some key areas. Our primarily focus on this analysis would be on skin care products for women in their 50’s. The writer of the article has been able to identify and understand the market needs of women in their 50’s, thus providing products that offer anti-aging treatment. Knowing your market is necessary as you market your skin care products, thoroughly research those customer’s to help you identify the type of ingredients you need to include in your products to help improve aged skin.With knowledge of the market, you can discover where your target customers are, their budgets, ingredients that are important to them and where they get their information’s about anti – aging products. Taking a deeper look at the article using the different concepts of marketing, the writer has been able to understand and identify customer issues; â€Å"our skin loses elasticity and the constant pull of gravity weight against us, and this affects the decline in estrogen levels†.The writer further went on to explain that â€Å"we could opt for a face lift with a nip and tuck or maybe a BOTOX injection; these treatments are costly and needs maintenance several times a year†. Satisfying a customer’s need should be relatively affordable an d reachable to the masses. In other to balance the benefits of the best skin care products with the cost of the face lift, the writer came up with options of affordable anti – aging cream such as life cell, murad resurgence, oil of olay, simone france anti – aging formula, trivectin SD. These creams are more economical and give women the benefit to age gracefully. Marketing is simply about balancing benefits and costs. The face lift would satisfy small markets at a rare basis, but the aging cream would have larger markets for it because it’s easily affordable and reachable. It can be seen that differences do exist between a face life and an aging cream, this can be seen in the marketing variables which are the basis of segmentation such as income and geographic values.In a competitive market, the anti – aging cream has been able to identify the target market segments in other to be at the cutting edge. Differences between the two products are evident with respect to product, place, price and promotion. Face lift relies heavily on price, anti – aging cream relies on the success to satisfy customer’s needs, thereby performing same function as face lift in a different concept at a lower cost.

Cyber security Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Cyber security - Coursework Example More than one person should have passwords that permit accessibility of files. This can save time wastage when one person who has the password is sick, on vacation or is dead. Individuals with the passwords should be known so that any breach or leakage should be traced to the one responsible. In as much as several governments are trying to come up with e-government systems that have user friendly and basic graphical interface, they should put up measures that ensure that information security is maintained. They should not only focus on minimizing the costs of data storage. They should lay emphasis on data privacy and confidentiality. 2. Cyber-crime is a transnational issue that makes extradition exceedingly difficult. Using the Wikileak’s case, discuss whether or not the breach of the U.S. classified network warrants the extradition and trial of Wikileaks founder Julian Assange in the United States. Data security is an essential issue when it comes to security information of any nation. Strict international laws against data leakage are inevitable for the benefit of every country. Trials of individuals who breach another country’s security network should be left for the aggrieved country. Data breach and leakage should be considered a crime, whether it is done from an office or at home. The United States government is unable to try Mr. Assange, a Swedish and founder of Wikileaks, for breaching the confidentiality of the United States security and official data. The United States cannot try him since there is no international rule that considers his actions a crime. Additionally, national rules and laws of a single state cannot be applied to citizens of other countries. It is extremely essential that cyber security be considered a vital issue in a meeting of the United Nations. In the meeting, it is anticipated that the organization should declare cyber breaching and

Health Policy Analysis Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Health Policy Analysis - Assignment Example The options I would propose, which would be suitable for your campaign, are as such: This move leads toward covering a large number of people, as a universal coverage is far from practical given the level of private medical care. The current system of care adheres to giving care to anyone with emergency conditions. However, in reality only those with health care plans are taken care of, while those without any are taken care of at later stages (Teisberg). This could be backed up using government funding, although other options could be used such as a national insurance, which is used in the United Kingdom. Wider coverage for all would lead to more people being taken care off. Employers would not have to worry about covering their employees, since the government would now be able to cover their employee’s health plans. Would be expensive to maintain at this point, considering that unemployment is a major issue within the current economy. Even considering a national insurance scheme would mean that employees would have to pay national insurance, and this would not be welcomed by those who are earning. This would include opening clinics and having them subsidized to encourage them to survive in the long run. The process would need a bit of funding at the start to cover initial costs, after which these clinics would pay back after a certain period of time. If after a certain period, say two years, a clinic is still unable to pay its debts, then the amount would be waivered. The affluent families could assist in furthering this option. This option would also lead small clinics to, in some way, compete against the larger medical organizations, leading to a more capitalized economy. This would, in effect, eventually force prices for health care to drive downwards, and therefore also have a favorable impact upon the insurance coverage mentioned in the earlier option. This could prove extremely useful for women in labor. The initial

Managing people in the work environment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Managing people in the work environment - Essay Example Organisational researches reflect that employees would be most open to learning during the initial stages of their job. Since induction would produce valuable impacts on the work area, managers must design a well structured induction program. This paper will analyse various contributions that induction makes to tourism, events, or consumer-focused organisations in UK. Benefits of induction to tourism Tourism as a fast growing industry has become the major source of revenue for many developing countries. There are two trends emerging in tourism recently; people visiting hill stations, seashores and historical places of domestic land; and people travel abroad to enjoy the beauty of foreign destinations. The tourism policy focuses on the supply of adequate facilities to accommodate and entertain the visitors. It is obvious that an individual would not get a good touring experience unless he/she is provided with the service of an efficient tourist guide. In other words, employees working in the tourism sector must be skilled and efficient in order to give a memorable touring experience to clients. By considering the emerging scope of tourism sector, more and more employees are recruited presently. At this juncture, a well designed induction program would promote effective communication between the manager and employees since the very beginning. It is important for employees in the tourism sector to be aware of the mental perceptions of the customers as they are to deal with people from different regions and cultures. According to Kusluvan (2003, p. 79), a good induction programme may largely increase the scope of tourism sector which in turn would serve the economic interests of the nation as a whole. Similarly, the induction may also help the industry to meet the increasing employee requirements. To illustrate, since induction programme assists employees to quickly assimilate with the organisation, they become able to bear organisational responsibilities within a shorter period of time. As a result, organisations’ employee training and development processes become comparatively cost effective. Benefits of induction to consumer-focused organisations in UK It has been identified that the concept of induction offers far reaching benefits to consumer-focused organisations in UK. A consumer focused organisation provides exceptional services to its customers and it is often recognized as an entity that incorporates customer-focused behaviors into its daily operations. ‘First Direct’ is an example of customer-focused organisation in UK, which provides flexible services to its customers. Any organisation can turn into a customer-focused organisation by restructuring its policies and practices. Since the organisations in UK have access to a large group of potential consumers, they can make considerable changes in profitability by applying effective strategies that may improve overall organisational performance. As everyone knows, the quality of worksite environment plays a vital role in determining the efficacy of organisational performance. In order to improve the quality of the workplace atmosphere, it is necessary to meet the employees’ worksite interests effectively. A well planned induction program would not only meet this objective but also add to organisational value. It is important to make a new employee feel at home as the first step in the process of integrating him/her into the workplace. Obviously, a new staff would

Cost and Management Accounting Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Cost and Management Accounting - Essay Example In 2006, Britvic sold 1.4 billion liters of soft drinks in hundreds of different flavours, shapes and sizes and delivers to over 4,000 customers and approximately 200,000 points of distribution. This explains the wide customer network of Britivic revealing the company's excellence in production and service capabilities. Britvic has the instilled pride to produce more soft drinks brands in its portfolio than any other UK manufacturer. This provides an insight on the effective branding strategies and promotions followed by Britivic and the effective business planning of the company's management. The company has approximately 2,700 employees based either at our main offices in Chelmsford and Sol hull or at one of seven factories and network of depots around the country. This portrays the human resource capability and strong local presence in the soft drinks market. The corporate culture of Britivic provides an amicable atmosphere for all the workers who feel great working for the company.Britivic promotes excellence and initiative and encourage the employees to be passionate about our brands and their roles. Accounting policies of Britivic Source : Balance sheet data of Britvic (2007) Investments The Company recognizes its investments in subsidiaries at cost less any provisions made for impairment. Interest bearing loans and borrowings Borrowings are stated at proceeds received less any unamortized issue costs. Issue costs of loans The finance cost recognized in the profit and loss account in respect of capital instruments is allocated to periods over the terms of the instrument using the effective interest method. Borrowing costs ]After initial recognition, interest-bearing loans and borrowings are subsequently measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method. All borrowing costs are recognized as finance costs in the profit and loss account in the period in which they are incurred. Foreign currencies The foreign currency transactions are recorded at the date of transaction referring the ruling rate at that instance. Foreign currency denomination of assets and liabilities will be translated on the basis of exchange rate as depicted in the balance sheet and balance sheet date will be used. All the noticeable differences are updated in the profit and loss account of balance sheet. Issued share capital Ordinary shares are classified as

Labor Relations Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Labor Relations - Case Study Example In the second instance, the teacher reportedly lied in response to certain queries while being investigated. Lying is reported in response to queries over the copying and distribution of sheets as well as in response to queries over his relationship to a member of the African American community in school. The findings of the school board concluded that Daniel W. Burrell had lied under oath and this mandated that he be removed from service immediately. The Board’s position on the matter of distributing racially oriented jokes is also highly clear and the Board holds that Mr. Burrell had violated his responsibilities and associated expectations by the distribution. Moreover, Mr. Burrell was furnished with due process of law before dismissal in line with concerned laws over teacher’s rights. Therefore, there is little doubt that the proceedings of this case were carried out by the book in letter and spirit. A look at the relevant laws affirms such view points. Under law, a teacher may be dismissed from service for immoral conduct, incompetence, neglect of duty, substantial non compliance with school laws and fraud or misrepresentation amongst other things. Being a teacher, Mr. Burrell is supposed to serve as a beacon and as a role model to the community in general and to his students in particular. However, the distribution of racially discriminatory material is unjustifiable even if humour is speculated. Furthermore, under his freedom to teach Mr. Burrell could expose students to new streams of thought by using racial or otherwise socially compromising material but the racially centred jokes do not constitute such an intention. Therefore, the distribution of racially centred jokes through personal initiative has nothing to do with Mr. Burrell’s professional responsibilities. Instead, such behaviour deserves discouragement at an official level. Mr. Burrell had the

The War on Drugs is a Failure. So What Can Be Done About it Research Paper

The War on Drugs is a Failure. So What Can Be Done About it - Research Paper Example In addition, 60% of the total violence in the United States is related to drug prohibition which means that the prohibition of drugs only induces violence (Maginnis) The violence that resulted in the prohibition of drug is not new. It is usually the case when something is banned. The same was the case when alcohol was still prohibited. It was only lifted during the Great Depression when the government adopted a pragmatist approach to the problem due to the escalating violence associated with its prohibition and instead opted to make money out of it to help lift the country out of the depression by taxing it. As a result, violence associated with alcohol became almost non-existent. The same is also the case in gambling. Violence becomes the norm when it becomes illegal and so is with prostitution when it is outlawed. Violence becomes a natural consequence of a prohibitive policy because it creates black markets where the law cannot supervise but would become otherwise if the industry is legalized. The problem of violence in prohibiting drugs is compounded by the fact that a prohibitive policy corrupts institutions. Since a prohibitive policy threatens the industry of illegal drugs, it is inevitable that bribery, extortion, threat and other undesirable practices will sprout for the industry to survive. It is worsen by the fact that the enforcement of banning drugs comes with a price that drains public purse. â€Å"Federal, state and local governments spend roughly $44 billion per year to enforce drug prohibition. These same governments forego roughly $33 billion per year in tax revenue they could collect from legalized drugs, assuming these were taxed at rates similar to those on alcohol and tobacco† (Miron). ... The prohibitive policy against drugs does not only forgo the government income from taxing it but instead make it spend to enforce a policy that is futile. The strange thing about rabidly banning drugs with draconian measure is that countries which prohibits it such as United States has the highest rates of cocaine and marijuana abuse compared to countries which has a liberal drug laws such as E.U. and Portugal which has the lowest. In a study conducted by Cato Institute early April this year, it reported that policies that prohibit the use of drug is usually â€Å"based on speculation and fear mongering rather than empirical evidence on the effects of more lenient drug policies† (Szalavitz). The fear that legalizing illicit drugs will only exacerbate the drug problem did not actually happen. It showed that the legalization of drugs in Portugal has neutralized its ill effects which used to be its problem that is now pervasive in countries that ban illicit drugs. Consider the r esults of the Portugal’s policy of decriminalizing drugs. What was feared that the country will become a nation of drug addicts did not actually happen but in fact, helped solved the drug problem. Just when it was anticipated that drug use will rise, Portugal in fact â€Å"had the lowest rate of lifetime marijuana use in people over 15 in the E.U†. The use of the former illegal drugs among seventh through ninth graders also fell from 14.1% to 10.6% and the drug use in older teens also declined. Lifetime heroin use among 16-to-18-year-olds also fell from 2.5% to 1.8%. This development had a positive side effect on the curbing new HIV infection because it fell 17% because needles do not need to be shared anymore with legalizing the drugs (Szalavitz). Also,

Dred Scott v. Sanford,The Lecompton Constitution, Freeport Doctrine Essay

Dred Scott v. Sanford,The Lecompton Constitution, Freeport Doctrine and Fugitive Slave Law of 1850 - Essay Example Upon returning to Missouri, a slave state, he sued for his freedom and the court ruled 7-2 that he did not have citizen status and therefore could not sue. The trial was a legal battle between antislavery forces that argued that once a slave had traveled to a free territory the slave was free. According to Huston (2003), the opposition argued, " being a slave, had no right to petition the court like a citizen— slaves, obviously, were not citizens and had no citizenship rights " (p.217). The trial was seen as an effort by the South to extend their control of slavery into the North. The original case was decided by a technicality but later ordered retried. After a series of trials, the US Supreme Court found that Dred Scott was not entitled to citizenship. This case, more than any other, precipitated the movement toward civil war. It was a test to see how far the South could extend the boundaries of slavery. This would be the beginning of the ever-widening gap between the North and the South. Some abolitionists saw the movement toward war as a positive move towards resolving the issue. Frederick Douglass, though disappointed by the decision, also expressed his hopes that the South would finally be confronted. With the war in sight, it was hoped that victory would eventually bring justice. The Lecompton Constitution The Lecompton Constitution was the Kansas State Constitution presented to Congress to initiate their admission to the Union. One of the issues that surrounded the constitution was whether Kansas would be a free state or a slave state. Proslavery advocates controlled the Lecompton Constitutional Convention of Sept. 1857, while opponents of slavery were given little choice as to the content of the document. The fight over the pro-slavery Lecompton Constitution would result in tensions that would hasten the nation's move towards the Civil War Though most of the Kansas voters were in favor of an antislavery constitution, the majority at the convention were proslavery and would not allow the issue to be put to a fair vote. The antislavery constitution merely outlawed the importation of new slaves, but did not outlaw the existing slavery. When the document was put to a vote, the anti-slavery forces boycotted the proceedings. However, the anti-slavery legislature voted two weeks later and the constitution was voted down. The controversy was presented to Congress who could grant statehood in accordance with the Lecompton Constitution or vote it down. President James Buchanan supported the constitution as written. The House and the Congress compromised in an effort to minimize the crises. However, the damage had already been done. Stampp (1992) contends that, "As a result, 1857 was probably the year when the North and South reached the political point of no return" (p. viii). The split between Republicans and Democrats had reached beyond the their ability to compromise. Freeport Doctrine The Freeport Doctrine was put forward by Stephen Douglas during the Douglas-Lincoln debates of 1858 in Freeport Illinois. The Doctrine specified that local law authorities could enforce federal law as they saw fit. This was an attempt to bridge the gap between slavery and antislavery forces. It was contrary to the earlier Dred Scot decision, which stated slavery could not legally be excluded from the territories. The doctrine, though not new, gained attention during the public debate. Lincoln had fared poorly in the previous debates and took the offensive in Freeport. He asked if a territory "in any lawful way . . . exclude slavery from its limits prior to the formation of a State Constitution" (Carwardine, 2006, p.80). Douglas responded, "Mr. Lincoln has heard me answer a hundred times from every stump in Illinois, that in my opinion the people of a Territory can,

Individual Strategic Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Individual Strategic Management - Essay Example The last part of the paper looks at one solid strategic management recommendation for the company. â€Å"Apple designs Macs, the best personal computers in the world, along with OS X, iLife, iWork and professional software. Apple leads the digital music revolution with its iPods and iTunes online store and it also offers iPhones and iPads† (Blodget, 2013). Its mission statement is: â€Å"We want to leave the world better than we found it.† The company is comprised of a variety of stakeholders and these are individuals or groups of people who have a stake in the operations of the company. The employees, suppliers, distributers as well as management of the company are the stakeholders who directly control its operations. The shareholders and consumers are also major stakeholders of the company since these contribute towards the revenue it generates from its operations. Ordinary people in the environment in which the company operates are also stakeholders since they are affected by its operations. The government and other regulatory bodies are also stakeholders for this organization. The external environment of the company can be analysed through the use of Porter’s five forces model which comprises of the following factors: barriers to entry by competitors, threat of substitute, bargaining powers of buyers, bargaining powers of suppliers and rivalry among the existing players (http://www.12manage.com/methods_porter_five_forces.html). The mobile communication technology industry is capital intensive hence it may not be that easy for other new entrants to penetrate the market. This means that barriers to entry are high which cushions Apple in its operations. This mainly depends on the buyers’ ability to influence the price. Apple products have premium prices which mean that the customers have little influence to change them. The products offered by Apple are specifically meant for the rich and affluent people. The bargaining powers of suppliers

Confucius “The Analects” Essay Example for Free

Confucius â€Å"The Analects† Essay From ancient time, the question of good and decent society has been the major concern in philosophical thought. Philosophers and political figure, clergy and common people have tried to answer the question â€Å"What makes of a good society?† Confucius creates its own values and moral rules changing understanding about a self and the decent society. His philosophy can be describes as a critical thoughtfulness which has a great influence on his world interpretation and views on decent society.   Confucius states that individuals should be free from committing immoral acts. â€Å"The man of virtue makes the difficulty to be overcome his first business, and success only a subsequent consideration;-this may be called perfect virtue (Confucius, n.d.). Decent society can be constructed by doing what is right, and only when a person can reach the state of true utility he lives in a good society. All actions of people are aimed toward the positive, and purpose is in nature. Confucius is against formal laws which limit freedom and welfare stating that only moral principles play a crucial role in social order. On the other hand, Confucius believes this to be a sort of self-deception, demeaning freedom and turning lives into something which is determined. â€Å"Extravagance leads to insubordination, and parsimony to meanness. It is better to be mean than to be insubordinate (Confucius, n.d.). Every personal can be a leader if he keeps strong moral principles and values. Confucius underlines that if a person follows moral rules there is no need to guide this person. Living opposed to such wisdom has caused stress and unnecessary war which led to social and moral decay. To do so one must make choices in the full recognition in order to become consciously free and take responsibility for actions. An inauthentic life on the other hand is that which pretends and tries to reject the idea that humans are free. This approach is a very attractive one to take because freedom can be agonizing and people often make excuses to detach themselves from the choices they make. If the state guides and controls its citizens it deprives them freedom and free will which lead to stress. If people cannot control their needs and desires they can be compared with animal driven by instinct of self-preservation and fear. This leads to unnecessary wars and conflicts such as the thirty years war (1618-1648), Nazism, Napoleonic wars, etc. If rulers do not follow moral principles, it leads to wars. Confucius states that a society should live nobly and in peace for at least a hundred years before people can count on the continuity of a society that remains noble and peaceful. This argument can be explained by the fact that a hundred years is a period of time when three generations of people will change each other living no space for old virtues and traditions. If a truly royal ruler were to arise, it would stir require a generation, and then virtue would prevail (Confucius, n.d.). Their values, religious and ethical, reflect on their relationship to a higher order of existence, whether one perceives it as an eternal force, the universe, a defined spiritual entity, or a concept that answers to a basic human need for a sense of order behind the turbulent appearance of everyday life.   Notions of the noble society are based in the instinctual/intuitional self that has been covered over and ignored by modern thought (Jensen, 1997). Any part of the world will resemble an utopian society because the society cannot be classless. Every society is based on the opposition between poor and rich classes, labor and capital, rulers and subordinates. Economic equality is impossible, because the core of the society is the division of labor and resources which determine social class and economic conditions of its citizens. Increased freedom causes frustration among members of the society because it limits their behavior and their attempts to satisfy their personal goals. Also, a society cannot exist without rulers and military, because it has to protect its citizens from foreign intervention. References Confucius The Analects. n.d. Available at: http://www.wam.umd.edu/~stwright/rel/conf/Analects.html Jensen, L.M. Manufacturing Confucianism: Chinese Traditions Universal Civilization. Duke University Press, 1997.

Conflict between Freedom and Determinism

Conflict between Freedom and Determinism Freedom, Determinism Responsibility Instructions Demonstrate an understanding of the underlying conflict between freedom and determinism and the various options for resolving that conflict. Demonstrate my own thinking about the problem, must show that I have made a determined effort to grapple with the problem. Essay is written for a cold audience; theyre smart, but they have no prior knowledge of what Im talking about. Try to organize your essay so that each part of it builds up a defence of your position. Introduction The idea that human beings exercise free will seems commonsensical; that is, we understand that when we act, we were capable of acting otherwise than we did. It may come as a surprise to hear that this is actually a hotly contested claim, and it has been subjected to philosophical scrutiny for thousands of years. The position that I will be defending is called hard determinism, a view that up until several months ago, I was blissfully unaware even existed. Hard determinism is the view that humans exist within the causal loop of the universe, that our actions are inextricably bound to the laws of nature. It proposes that human behaviour is caused by an individuals personality, desires and values, but that their personality, desires and values are caused by external antecedent factors over which the individual has no control. These factors can range anywhere from genetic predisposition to their upbringing to the cultural norms of the society they happened to be born in. In short, hard determinism rejects the notion of human agency. The objective of my paper is two-fold: 1) To make the argument that the thesis of determinism does not undermine our every day conceptualization of the will, but simply proposes an explanation for the cause of what we call moral behaviour. 2) To make the argument that the thesis of free will and moral responsibility does not cohere with the thesis of determinism; or in other words, to attack the compatibilist/soft-determinist view. Different interpretations of determinisms truth exist. So I guess here I would outline specifically what the different views of determinism are, just like that dudes paper LOL. I would identify mine and elaborate on the arguments. This definition admits a â€Å"will† or a desire-that-produces-action, but it admits no â€Å"free will† or free desire. Libertarians subscribe to the notion that human actions are uncaused and undetermined. They operate on the premise that humans are capable of originating acts, initiating a sequence of events, self-governing and thus we are independent of natural causal chains. Clearly formulate and explain the position you hold. In order to defend your position of hard determinism, I need to undermine their defence of freedom. Libertarians attack determinism by making a case for the exceptions theyre pointing to. Their only point of attack to make a case of their counter example; I need to prove their counter-example is not true. You can point to the sorts of suppositions that libertarians are making about human beings. Question the plausibility of those suppositions; the idea that were autonomous, the idea that we exist somehow outside of the causal loop. I also argue against the claim of human uniqueness held by Libertarian philosophers, so look at Chisholm and look at Lewis, who kind of touches on that. Libertarians argue that humans are capable of originating acts, initiating a sequence of events, self-governing and thus we are independent of natural causal chains. Libertarians maintain that freedom and moral responsibility are logically incompatible with determinism. They believe that for humans to be free, there must be some instances, fundamentally, human action, which are not the effects of causal antecedents. But if this were true, then the human will must be subject to a special kind of explanation. Libertarians seem to support partial determinism, which suggests a break in the ongoing process of cause and effect. For instance, history is not characterized by a linear progression, whereby one cause produces certain effects and so on ad infinitum. Instead, life can be described as a vast tree with an infinite number of branches, which divide into numerous possible directions. Yet, for human action to transcend causal determinism one of two possibilities must be fulfilled: i) events themselves must be uncaused and therefore random, or ii) particular events must be causi sui (the cause of itself). Refuting the compatibilist/soft-determinist poses more of a challenge, as they share common ground with a hard determinist. Outline the main points and objectives of my paper and establish which of the 3 classical positions I hold. In this case, it is hard determinism. As such, I seek to prove that the thesis of free will does not and cannot cohere with the thesis of determinism. I also argue that the thesis of determinism does not undermine our every day conceptualization of the â€Å"will,† it simply â€Å"proposes the source of what causes us to fall back on moral behaviour.† Then why do we act morally? Because it is evolutionarily useful for us to do so. Ruse says that true morality developed over time evolutionarily. Talk about monkeys nigga lol. Well see how that works out. For both of the following paragraphs, draw specific arguments from the readings, explain those arguments in my own words, critically assess the arguments and make clear why you accept or reject those arguments. Its harder to defend yourself against soft determinism. Give the main argument or arguments in its defence. State as clearly and forcefully as you can the main objections which would be raised by those holding the other positions. So here I can explain libertarianism and soft determinism. Rebut those objections. Libertarians argue that humans are capable of originating acts, initiating a sequence of events, self-governing and thus we are independent of natural causal chains. Libertarians maintain that freedom and moral responsibility are logically incompatible with determinism. They believe that for humans to be free, there must be some instances, fundamentally, human action, which are not the effects of causal antecedents. But if this were true, then the human will must be subject to a special kind of explanation. Libertarians seem to support partial determinism, which suggests a break in the ongoing process of cause and effect. For instance, history is not characterized by a linear progression, whereby one cause produces certain effects and so on ad infinitum. Instead, life can be described as a vast tree with an infinite number of branches, which divide into numerous possible directions. Yet, for human action to transcend causal determinism one of two possibilities must be fulfilled: i) events themselves must be uncaused and therefore random, or ii) particular events must be causi sui (the cause of itself). Human independence in the strong sense for our lives to be meaningful and important. How do you hold people morally responsible in a deterministic world? Focus on the deliberative process; theres no compulsion or constraint, then were freely deliberating and thus can be held morally responsible. Libertarians often worry about â€Å"objective worth.† Look at Kane in Fischer. Its true that all of our behaviour is causally determined. Look at Widerker and how he talks about how youd act if there was an announcement that the universe is deterministic. Would you feel like your life is meaningless? A third argument for incompatibilism was formulated by Carl Ginet in the 1960s and has received much attention in the modern literature. The simplified argument runs along these lines: if determinism is true, then we have no control over the events of the past that determined our present state and no control over the laws of nature. Since we can have no control over these matters, we also can have no control over the consequences of them. Since our present choices and acts, under determinism, are the necessary consequences of the past and the laws of nature, then we have no control over them and, hence, no free will. Opposition to determinism promotes that without belief in uncaused free will, humans will not have reason to behave ethically. Determinism, however, does not negate emotions and reason of a person, but simply proposes the source of what causes us to fall back on moral behavior. Anyone susceptible to immoral actions from the idea of determinism was susceptible before and does not hold strong moral judgment prior to the idea. Determinism implies the moral differences between two people are caused by hereditary predispositions and environmental effects and events. Simply because the cause of a persons morality (depending on the branch of determinism) is not entirely themselves, this does not mean determinists are against punishment of people who commit crimes: independent of moral judgement, punishment can still serve to modify a persons behaviour. Another point of view is that if determinism is true, and free will is not, then morality and ethics are meaningless concepts. Morality and ethics require that a choice can be made in order for these concepts to have any meaning. But if a person has no choice, in the case of a deterministic world with no free will, then it does not make sense to say whether individuals can make more (or less) ethical or moral choices, because there are no options available to them except the one they must deterministically follow. I will use the words determinism and causality interchangeably to mean approximately the same thing, with determinism referring to the more general state of the world and causality referring to more specific causal relationships. On the other hand, Sam has argued that morality can be studied scientifically. This would require operationally defining morality (Harris suggests a definition akin to a behaviors probability of maximizing human wellbeing but the definition itself is not the focus of his argument). Harris goes on to suggest that, given that human brains have certain properties, we could go on to identify objectively superior moral frameworks; that is, multiple optimized ethical systems may emerge that satisfy our definition of moral.

Corporate Social Responsibility of Oil and Gas industry in Nigeria

Corporate Social Responsibility of Oil and Gas industry in Nigeria The main objective of this literature review is to attempt answering the research questions posed in our proposal because it is the focus of this research. In doing that, we shall review definitions, recapitulate and employs insights to the studies of previous prominent researchers on the topic particularly as it concerns MNOC in Nigeria. The work shall mainly consult books, journals and articles amongst others. With the general growth of CSR in many multinational companies, it is hardly surprising that CSR attracted considerable attention in recent years. In an attempt to digest CSR, studies have focused on the meaning, drivers and scope of CSR. While some researchers say it should not exist, others said it should be philanthropic, some said it is to enhance business, and others even think it regulatory compliance. Much of the earlier work emphasized two prominent definitions: philanthropy or business enhancement. Ojala (1994) said it has three major facets: complying with the law; setting and abiding by moral and ethical standards; and philanthropic giving. The first popular/acceptable definition of CSR is by Bowen (1953, p.6) He defined CSR as the obligations of businessmen to pursue those policies, to make those decisions, or to follow those lines of action which are desirable in terms of the objectives and values of our society. Since then, many definitions followed ranging from Carroll (1979), McWilliams and Siegel (2001), Whetten et al (2002), Maignan and Ferrell (2004) and Sriramesh et al. (2009) EUs Green paper on CSR defined it as a concept whereby companies integrate social and environmental concerns in their business operations and in their interaction with their stakeholders on a voluntary basis. The World Business Council for Sustainable Development defines CSR as the continuing commitment by business to behave ethically and contribute to economic development while improving the quality of life of its workers. . .as well as the local community and society at large. These definitions are important to this work as they see CSR as voluntary. To CSR advocates it is giving back to the land/people from whom it has taken so much, else poverty, unemployment, lop-sided development would continue to haunt Companies. Shankar Venkateswaran (2000) said that Islands of prosperity cannot survive in a sea of poverty the sea will ultimately engulf the islands. On the contrary, critics believe that CSR are used to distract public from asking questions posed by MNC operations. To them, CSR is not committed to sustainable development as claimed because activities of MNCs are contrary CSR. Example is Shells CSR led to pioneering in triple bottom line reporting, still there was a scandal of its misreporting of oil reserves in 2004. REVIEW OF THE RESEARCH QUESTIONS People view CSR differently, some advocate while others criticize. Peter Drucker (2004) is of the view that CSR should not exist at all. He said corporate social responsibility is a dangerous distortion from business principles. If you find an executive who wants to take on social responsibility, fire him. Fast. Others said that the organizations pay taxes to ensure that society and the environment are not adversely affected by business activities. This leads us to the first research question. What could be the main drivers of Corporate Social Responsibility by multinational companies? Is it to promote corporate image and benefit business or do they have positive responsibilities that add value to the communities they do business in? Motivations to engage in CSR are varies. Some are response to market forces, globalization, consumer and civil society pressures, etc. Some see it as a higher incentive to protect brands and investments (NEEDS). CSR drivers will be reviewed in three categories: economic, institutional and social drivers Economic Drivers There has been a lot of literature supporting that CSR is to enhance business. This proposition was clearly supported by Milton Friedman (1970). To him, a corporations purpose is to maximize returns to its shareholders and not to society as a whole. He said When I hear businessmen speak eloquently about the social responsibilities of business in a free-enterprise system, I am reminded of the wonderful line about the Frenchman who discovered at the age of 70 that he had been speaking prose all his life. The businessmen believe that they are defending free enterprise when they declaim that business is not concerned merely with profit but also with promoting desirable social ends; that business has a social conscience and takes seriously its responsibilities for providing employment, eliminating discrimination, avoiding pollution and whatever else may be the catchwords of the contemporary crop of reformers. In the same vein, McKibben Bill (2006) suggests that corporations which exist solely to maximize profits are unable to advance the interests of society as a whole. Also, Lord Justices Pill, May and Keane (1997) in proving that McDonalds business contradicts its social responsibility principles ruled that eating enough McDonalds food may make ones diet high in fat therefore increase the risk heart disease in McDonaldHYPERLINK http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McDonalds_Restaurants_v_Morris__SteelHYPERLINK http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McDonalds_Restaurants_v_Morris__Steels Restaurants v Steel HYPERLINK http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McDonalds_Restaurants_v_Morris__SteelHYPERLINK http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McDonalds_Restaurants_v_Morris__Steel Morris. For Johnson (1971p.54 cited in Vrabic, 2010) Social responsibility states that business carry out social programs to add profits to their organizations. He perceives CSR as long-run profit maximization not just activity to demonstrate ethical s tandards. Orlitzky, Schmidt, and Rynes (2004) in their study found a correlation between social/environmental performance and financial performance. Kurucz (2008, p.86), in his study identified four general types of business cases to support that CSR enhances business: cost and risk reduction, profit maximization and competitive advantage, reputation and legitimacy, and synergistic value creation. Cost and risk Reduction: Firm engage in CSR to reduce costs and risks to the firm, since stakeholders demands can present a potential threat to corporate financial goals (Kurucz, 2008, p. 88). Competitive Advantage: CSR can be used to gain competitive advantage over industry rivals (Kurucz, 2008, p. 89). It is also used as a lobbying strategy for tighter regulations that leads to higher market values especially in oil companies with heavy polluting activities. (Porter 1991, cited in Vrabic, 2010) Reputation and Legitimacy: CSR is made for strategic reasons and are designed to extend legitimacy and enhance corporate reputation, to maintain its legitimacy, repair or defend its lost or threatened legitimacy (Kurucz, 2008, p. 91). Miles and Covin (2000 cited in Vrabic, 2010) opined that environmental stewardship creates reputational advantage that enhances marketing and financial performance. To Brown and Dacin (1997), negative social reputation can have detrimental effect on product evaluations and positive social reputation can enhance product evaluations. This could be seen from the boycott of Shell gas station by European consumers due to Shells attempt to dispose Brent Spar oil platform in the Atlantic Ocean and the consequent 50% decline sales (Neuger, 1995 cited in Vrabic, 2010). Synergistic Value Creation Approaches advocating synergistic value creation are focused seeking opportunities to reveal, relate, and synthesize the interests of diverse set of stakeholders. Some studies, however, have taken a different approach. Lerner and Fryxell, (1988 cited in Vrabic, 2010)) argue that firms incur unnecessary costs that does not add value and reduce profitability by increasing social performance. Institutional Much as there may be economic drivers of CSR, to serve long term national interests, Governments have a strong interest in promoting CSR initiatives mostly through regulation to complement their environmental and social programs (Mazurkiewicz, 2004a). Prominent CSR researchers consider regulation as a natural adjunct to improving the social performance of business, contingent only on the correct design of market incentives (Porter and van der Linde 2000, p. 156, cited in Vrabic, 2010). In Europe, many countries have introduced legislation to mandate environmental reporting for corporations (Haigh and Jones, 2006). Also, Inter-governmental organizations like EU, UN and OECD promote CSR through various policies that encourage companies to voluntarily engage in more sustainable and socially responsible conduct of business. In the oil sector, (Frynas, 2009, p.50 52) argue that decisions are becoming politicized especially with joint venture agreements. With joint venture, Government owns shares, oil, grants licenses, provides regulatory framework, and defines respective rights and responsibilities of investors. Social Factors Moon and Vogel, (2008, cited in Vrabic, 2010) argue that in the global market, MNCs often appeared to be as powerful as states, yet unaccountable as Governments and international institutions most times create regulatory vacuum to control their actions. This vacuum the NGOs normally fill by questioning MNCs actions (Held and McGrew, 2002, cited in Vrabic, 2010). NGOs demand that companies follow the conventions and agreements signed within UN, respect basic environmental regulations adopted by western governments or regional organizations (Bandell, 2004). The second question is Why are there proliferations of youth militancy and movement, protests, invasion of oil facilities and abduction of oil workers, intense dispute and conflicts against the MNOCs in the Niger Delta despite the CSR? The problems between the oil companies and host communities are best described by Watts, (2004:198) as the story of development and counter development working with and against one another in complex and contradictory ways. The crises and hostility according to Eweje (2007) arise sometimes because indigenes feel they dont get enough social and economic infrastructures/assistance from the MNOCs. The CSR seem to escalate the crisis. This is because either by omission or commission, CSR activities and processes impact negatively on local communities, often outweighing the positive benefits CSR brings (Watts, 2004). Christian Aid (2004) says that despite Shells claims about honesty, integrity and respect for people, the oil company has failed to bring about change in the delta. It also confirmed that some of the acclaimed schools, hospitals and other social amenities have been abandoned or did not meet the needs of the communities they were meant to support. It found evidence that Shells clean-up of oil spills and repair of pipelines in Nigeria is scandalously inadequate and would never be tolerated in Europe and North America. This failure of CSR added to the bad feeling between the local community and Shell (Andrew Pendleton Christian aid report). Sometimes oil companies carry propaganda by way of CSR. Example is the CSR that followed Ogoni crisis to redeem Shells image especially with several publications and propogandas.58 Oil companies sometimes connive with the state to be violent, using private security and state agents who are often overactive in their tasks of protecting oil installations and workers. This leads to harassment, intimidation and suppression of environmental development and rights activities. Sometimes crises arise because of oil spills. Nembe indigene 3 (cited in Tuodolo 2007) said Oil activities cause serious environmental problem. Oil spills; discharge of drilling and production waste; and gas flaringà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦. The negative impact of these on the peoples health and livelihood is enormous: All of us in this community are fishermen à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ there is always spillage à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ have destroyed our marine life and our occupationà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦. To show Shells negligence and non-sustainability, it spilled 14,000 tons of oil into the Niger Delta in 2009 while that of 2008 is between 2,200-8,000 and a daily flaring of about 604 million per day (SPDC, 2009). On their part, Shell CEO Peter Voser(2010, reported in Guardian newspapers) said that Nigeria, especially the Niger Delta, remains a very challenging place in which to operate. Security issues and sabotage are constant threats to our people, assets and the environment. Even when the crises arise, oil companies respond when and how they like. They sometimes pay compensation and initiate community projects, but do not enhance their social responsibility credentials (Omotala 2010). He said One, the oil companies à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ are known for paying compensations that are far lower than international minimum standards. They are also reputed for the avoidance of payments of compensation on frivolous grounds such as attributing oil spills to sabotage for which they may not be culpable. In some instances, they only pay compensation after protracted court cases that are usually very costly to the host community. Sometimes the development does not worth it even when they are implemented. Idemudia (2009) said CSR developments must protect, preserve and conserve the environments upon which the livelihood of rural inhabitants depends to be meaningful and sustainable. MNOCs are being accused of living by their words. Example, a community leader asserts that most of these developments are only reflected on their books, not on the ground and even then it is not based on the priorities set by the communities but what suits their public relation image of the company ( Eweje, 2007). All this culminated together causes the rising violence, militancy, protests, invasion of oil facilities, pipeline vandalization and abduction of oil workers in the region which sometimes swings both the oil companies and Government to actions. Eweje (2007) concludes that no matter how laudable the CSR initiatives are if the host communities do not feel that the projects will create a sustainable economic, social and environmental development the conflict and unrest in the Niger Delta will continue. There have been questions of whether CSR differ in developing and developed countries. Amaeshi et al. (2006) in their work asked if there is a Nigerian brand of CSR or is it an imitation of western CSR practices. NEEDS XV argue that socio-culturally framed and that the socio-cultural characteristics of Nigeria are unique and as such, the practice of CSR would mainly be shaped by the socio-economic conditions in which these firms operate. To NEEDS, CSR in Nigeria would be aimed towards poverty alleviation, health care provision, infrastructure development, education, etc, not necessarily reflection of popular western standard like consumer protection, fair trade, green marketing, climate change, social responsible investments, etc. Oil spills are more in Nigeria and even where there is, prompt actions are not taken (Christian Aid 2004). Considering this point, Frynas, (2005) said that where government fails to effectively make and enforce environmental regulation, MNOC only voluntarily care to avoid oil spills and may be label it CSR. CSR today looks more of regulatory compliance in developed countries with more effective government. In Nigeria, Shell admitted that its approach to CSR causes community disorder (SPDC, 2005:28), yet Shell has not changed the practices despites its claims to CSR. While the more popular opinion like (Frynas, Christian Aid) is that there is double standard, sometimes MNOCs act the same way in both developing and developed countries. This can be justified by signing of collaborative agreements with Colombian with the Colombian Defence Ministry to provide $2.2 million on top of the mandatory war tax in 1995 by BP (Muttitt and Marriott, 2002). BP was accused of forming its own army and hiring security people with histories of human rights abuses and even murder (Beder, 2002, cited in Vrabic, 2010). Investigations revealed that BPs security firm, trained the Colombian police in counterinsurgency and intelligence techniques used against local communities, and also provided weapons to the 16th Battalion of the Colombian army, which then conducted a massacre (Gillard, 1999 cited in Vrabic, 2010). There was fierce stakeholder pressure on BP and BP evaluated its social and environmental strategies (Frynas, 2009, p. 22-23). Some years after, a senior BP manager admitted: Weve learned from our mistakesà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦. In Colombia we were accused of getting too close to the army and police in order to protect our operations. We listened, approached the Human Rights Watch for advice, and then organized new security arrangements (Rice, 2002, p. 135). Could it be safe to say CSR in developing countries are not at its best and if so is overlap, ineffective coordination and communication, absence of regulatory framework, partnership with Government/local communities major problems hindering the effective implementation of CSR projects? In Nigeria, Rauscher (1992, cited in Frynas 1998) says that Governments sought to attract foreign investors by permitting ecological dumping, for the sake of economic development. Ite (2004) also argued that the government has continued to renegade on its commitment that it becomes almost impossible for the CSR investments by the oil firms to contribute positively to their host communities. Oil companies blame oil pollution on political instability like sabotage because there is no comprehensive legislation on compensation payments to communities in Nigeria (Frynas 1998). But Walter and Ugelow (1979) in their work said that Nigerias environmental policy is been tolerant to corporate polluters for a long time compare to international standard. Frynas argues that there is a direct relationship between state welfare provision and the need for CSR initiatives. To him, greater social and environmental responsibilities should be taken in countries where the government does not have effective mechanisms of regulation and provision of public goods. He cited Nigeria as his example. Patricia Werhane (2007) on her own part cited corruption as a serious problem hindering CSR implementation in developing countries. She said A big challenge facing multinational corporations is how they should respond to local corruption. Both Shell Oil and Exxon/Mobile sought to carry out drilling operations at sites plagued by corrupt local and national governmentsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦. (Patricia Werhane 2007) This is also Watts view when he said What passes as development is usually contracts and bribes-so-called cash payments-with influential traditional elites, orchestrated through ineffective or corrupt community liason officers (Watts, 2004). CSR ineffective coordination manifests in commercialized conflicts between individuals and groups who always fight over the benefits; community funds for development are mismanaged, misappropriated, and embezzled or shared by community leaders or clique (Watts, 2004). Social disorders like arms possession, increasing illiteracy, criminality, lawlessness and the disintegration of tradition and culture now became order of the day. CSR should be considered more as a corporate moral responsibility, and limit the reach of CSR by focusing more on direct impacts of the organization (Patricia Werhane 2007). It is suggested that for CSR to worth its onion, there should be better governmental and international regulation and enforcement, rather than voluntary measures. This is EU approach. For example, Denmark on 16 December 2008, adopted a bill making it mandatory for the 1100 largest Danish companies, investors and state-owned companies to include information on CSR in their annual financial reports. In Nigeria, FEC approved CSR policy on 21st May 2008. Also, Akwa Ibom state enacted oil and gas law stipulating social responsibility of oil companies. To Christian Aid (2004:2) the only way to instill honesty and integrity into business practice is to strip CSR of its voluntarism and enact laws that spell out minimum social and environmental standards that companies must meet. Jettison corporate social responsibility: make it corporate social accountability, because for too long CSR has served as merely a branch of PR and in some cases as the only spurts of development activity by large companies. CONCLUSION This work had defined CSR and explored the fundamental drivers of CSR. The observation is that today CSR is a consequence of various factors together interactions of various social groups and NGOs, state institutions and self promoting economic motives. Three main drivers were seen as the main promoters of CSR, and one could conclude that CSR is more of business strategy than social. In the Niger Delta the continued crises could be attributed to the fact that MNOSs do their things in their own way without actually touching indigenes lives. They employ any means to protect their business interest As regards the standard, MNOC adopt different standard for different stroke that is why this work is of the view that there should be laws guiding CSR not just MNOCs doing what they think is suitable to them. This work also found out that there are structural factors, systemic failures, absence of enabling environment hinder positive impact of CSR. Although the popular view from this review is that MNOCs engage in CSR to enhance business therefore there should be CSR regulations, it cannot be ruled out that regulations especially stringent ones and host communities problems will discourage the MNOC who may decide to move their investment to a more friendly business environment. This clearly gives room for more research.

Robert Frosts Desert Places Essay -- Poem Poet Poems Desert Places Fr

Robert Frost's Desert Places One of the most monumental poetic works of T.S Eliot is ‘The Waste Land’. The poem emerges as a gigantic metaphor for melancholy, loneliness, solitude- the unavoidable companions of human existence. Similar kinds of feelings are evoked by Robert Frost in ‘Desert Places’. The very title is suggestive of a mood of emptiness. Throughout our life we cross various deserts to find our destiny. The beauty of the poem lies in the conjunction – the meeting point desert outside in the nature with the desert inside. This becomes the focal point of the poem. The dreary opening is indicated by the falling snow and the advancing night. The poet observes the scenario as the snow blankets the earth and the darkness descends on the whole scene. Two factors which play an important role in the dawning of the mood are snow and night. The falling snow soon covers the irregular jagged surface of the earth and this visual scene is gradually overwhelming the senses and sensitivity as the mind is going in a state of numbness. In such a state of numbness one becomes concerned and confined with ones own self. The poet is trying to find refuge in the lap of nature but the cold whiffs of night seals out his approach. The falling snow has further aggravated the chances of his meeting with nature. ‘I’ shows the approach towards nature slowing down and caving in one’s own self. The poet traces his steps back to his memories for some warmth in this snowy landscape....

Operations Of Congress :: essays research papers

The operations of congress have been influenced by a number of factors. These including a committee system, political parties, public opinion and the media, and interest groups and lobbying. Each section takes a part in congress. By getting them in involved with each part or even running them. A committee is one or more people appointed or elected to consider or, report on, or take action on a particular matter. Because of the advantages of a division of labor, legislative committees of various kinds have assumed much of the work of legislatures in many nations. Standing committees are appointed in both houses of the U.S. Congress at the beginning of every session to deal with bills in the different specific classes. Important congressional committees include those on ways and means; appropriations; interstate commerce; and military, naval, and foreign affairs. As in the U.S. government, these committees are quite powerful because of their ability to delay legislation. A party political is an organization which aim is to gain control of the government usually through the election of its candidates to public office. Political parties take many forms, but their main functions are similar: to supply personnel for government positions; to organize these personnel around the formation; and to serve in a mediating role between individuals and their government. Political parties are as old as organized political systems. Political parties have been organized for various reasons: to support a particular political figure, to advance a particular policy or a general ideological stand, to aid politically certain groups or sections of society, or merely to combine for short-term political advantage. The public opinion and the media have activities and policies used to create public interest in a person, idea, product, institution, or business establishment. By its nature, public relations, is devoted to serving particular interests by presenting them to the public in the most favorable light. Thus, the goal of the public relations consultant is to create, through the organization of news and advertising. An advantageous image for his/her client, be it a business corporation, cultural institution, or private or public individual; towards this end the making of favorable public opinion many researchers show techniques and communications media are used. Although many of the same methods are employed, public relations differs from propaganda, which is generally government supported, international in scope, and political in nature. The earliest form of public relations and still the most widely practiced is publicity. Lobbying is the practice and profession of influencing governmental decisions, carried out by agents who present the concerns of special interests to legislators and administrators. Operations Of Congress :: essays research papers The operations of congress have been influenced by a number of factors. These including a committee system, political parties, public opinion and the media, and interest groups and lobbying. Each section takes a part in congress. By getting them in involved with each part or even running them. A committee is one or more people appointed or elected to consider or, report on, or take action on a particular matter. Because of the advantages of a division of labor, legislative committees of various kinds have assumed much of the work of legislatures in many nations. Standing committees are appointed in both houses of the U.S. Congress at the beginning of every session to deal with bills in the different specific classes. Important congressional committees include those on ways and means; appropriations; interstate commerce; and military, naval, and foreign affairs. As in the U.S. government, these committees are quite powerful because of their ability to delay legislation. A party political is an organization which aim is to gain control of the government usually through the election of its candidates to public office. Political parties take many forms, but their main functions are similar: to supply personnel for government positions; to organize these personnel around the formation; and to serve in a mediating role between individuals and their government. Political parties are as old as organized political systems. Political parties have been organized for various reasons: to support a particular political figure, to advance a particular policy or a general ideological stand, to aid politically certain groups or sections of society, or merely to combine for short-term political advantage. The public opinion and the media have activities and policies used to create public interest in a person, idea, product, institution, or business establishment. By its nature, public relations, is devoted to serving particular interests by presenting them to the public in the most favorable light. Thus, the goal of the public relations consultant is to create, through the organization of news and advertising. An advantageous image for his/her client, be it a business corporation, cultural institution, or private or public individual; towards this end the making of favorable public opinion many researchers show techniques and communications media are used. Although many of the same methods are employed, public relations differs from propaganda, which is generally government supported, international in scope, and political in nature. The earliest form of public relations and still the most widely practiced is publicity. Lobbying is the practice and profession of influencing governmental decisions, carried out by agents who present the concerns of special interests to legislators and administrators.

Elementary School and Middle School Essay

Transitioning from elementary school to middle school is something we all have or had to do! Most kids cringe at the thought of making this huge step in life. For many students this transition can be a time of mixed emotions. Having been through this experience, I will compare and contrast the two, hoping that this will give you a clear picture of elementary and middle school. Elementary and middle school have distinguishable characteristics. In elementary schools, you basically have your homeroom teacher and one other teacher. The movement of students is very limited and you are mostly escorted by a teacher. Teachers are more understanding and are not as demanding because of the student’s age. Fun days are set aside as an award for students that have done what is expected of them. Most of the children are placed in classroom with the same students each year. Elementary school is very important in our young student’s lives; this is where it all starts. However, middle school students are expected to execute their daily tasks without assistance. Teachers are there to direct the students in right direction; everything else is left up to the student. Middle school students have several different classes, in each class it is usually a different teacher. Students have lockers to store their books and other supplies. In middle school students are required to be more independent and serious about school. Elementary school set the pace for all other levels of schooling. Students enter elementary school learning all the basic aspects of school system and the learning process. At this stage in life most students are eager to learn and get excited to learn new things. Elementary is the main point of delivery, it introduces social skills, behavioral adjustments, and basic academic learning. Middle school prepares students for higher education. Ultimately, middle school bridges the gap between elementary and high school. It is definitely a different experience than elementary, but it prepares students for their future and encourages them to be more independent. Elementary schools and middle schools also have common qualities. They are both open Monday through Friday on the same days. Each day students eat lunch at a designated time. All students are expected to sit in desks in an appropriate manner. Teachers require students to be respectful and display good behavior at all times. Homework is given on a daily basis and class discussions are routine also. School is essentially school with minor differences. Each school level has its own pro’s and con’s, they are also very similar. They each have their own benefiting factors and they are used to their advantage. School systems up this way because it is initially what works in our culture. Elementary and middle schools are stepping stones that that help us get from one place to another in our academic life. Each level is an important standpoint for academic excellence and they should be taken seriously so that you can be an effective student/learner.

Emmett Till

Makayla Richards Mrs. Bonham Literature 101 5 March 2013 Emmett Till Research Paper Three Major Points: Lynching, Mississippi Trial, 1955 Thesis Statement: The murder of Emmitt Till was a murder that changed America The Emmett Till Case, 1955 Chilling Circumstances The story surrounding the death of Emmett Till provides chilling insight into the racism that dominated the South in the 1950s. Emmett was a fourteen-year-old Chicago native visiting his relatives in Mississippi.While out with his cousins and friends on the night of August 24, 1955 he allegedly whistled at a white woman in the grocery store owned by her husband. Stories vary as to what Till actually said or did. According to the woman Till grabbed her and made rude remarks. Some witnesses claimed that he only whistled at her. Still others assured that he made no problems at all, that he whistled continuously to control a speech defect. A Brutal Murder Roy Bryant considered his wife's life ruined by the incident. Several ni ghts after the episode, Bryant, his half brother J. W.Milam, and possibly others kidnapped Emmett from his relatives' house in the middle of the night. The two men beat him severely and, apparently saw that he had a picture of a white woman in his wallet, they shot Emmett and threw him in a nearby river. Several days later the body was found, and Bryant and Milam were charged with murder. A Surprise Verdict Mississippi politicians and newspapers condemned the murderers and promised justice. However, Mississippians became more defensive as the weeks passed. The Press attacked them with harsh judgment of racial violence in the South.The highly publicized trial of the two men was charged with racial tension. African-American politicians and reporters from the North were treated horribly and were segregated in the courtroom. The prosecution was poorly prepared, and the substance of the defense was the shocking claim that Till was not actually dead. The Killers Tell the Truth The truth o f what happened that night became public knowledge several months after the trial. William Bradford Huie, an Alabama journalist in Mississippi to report on the aftermath of the case, offered Bryant and Milam money to tell their story.Since the two could no longer be prosecuted for a crime of which they had already been accused of, they gladly told for a fee of how they had beaten and killed young Emmett Till. Huie reported what the killers told him in the January 24, 1956 issue of  Look magazine. Now publicly exposed as murderers, Bryant and Milam were shunned by the community, and both moved elsewhere within a year. Emmett Till in death became a saint for the civil rights movement, a symbol of the racial hatred African-Americans who had yet to overcome the situation.Citations: MLA Citation â€Å"Emmett Till†. Anti Essays. 23 Mar. 2013 APA Citation Emmett Till. Anti Essays. Retrieved March 23, 2013, from the World Wide Web: Source Citation:  Ã¢â‚¬Å"The Emmitt Till Case, 1 955. †Ã‚  Discovering U. S. History. Gale Research, 1997. Reproduced in Discovering Collection. Farmington Hills, Mich. : Gale Group. October, 2001. Stephen J. Whitfield,  A Death in the Delta: The Story of Emmett Till  (New York: Free Press, 1988). Source Database:  Discovering U. S. History

Sharp

Anna S BA 3103 Critical Analysis Paper Sharp Sharp’s third quarter results showed very disappointing performance. The company reported a ? 249. 1 billion ($3. 12 billion) loss. Moreover, it is forecasting a ? 450 billion, or $5. 6 billion, loss for the fiscal year through 2013. Apparently, the company is burning through more cash than it is generating and having difficulty in securing short-term financing. Also, the company is considering selling some holding in other companies and office building in Tokyo.Furthermore, it’s thinking to sell television assembly plants in Mexico and China, which would reduce its payroll by 3,000 jobs, added to the 5,000 positions assigned for layoff earlier this year. The company has decided to cut the current Sharp’s payroll by 14%. In addition, Sharp's shares are down 75% this year. This paper will conduct a situation analysis of internal and external environment of Sharp’s weak performance. It will also summarize the prim ary causes of company’s weak performance. Internal Analysis Financial ProblemsCurrently the company faces two problems: it is under pressure to reduce interest-bearing debt, which increased to ? 1. 25 trillion since June 2011 and, also, needs to repay ? 200 billion of convertible bonds that mature in September 2013 (Daisuke Wakabayashi). At the end of June 2012, the company’s cash, accounts receivable, inventory and other assets couldn't cover its short-term liabilities. The company is struggling to raise cash. Sharp's net loss for the first half included ? 84. 4 billion in restructuring costs, including a ? 30. billion impairment of assets in its solar batteries unit, a ? 53. 4 billion write-down on inventory, and a ? 61. 0 billion write-down on deferred tax assets. Also, at the end of September, the Sharp's shareholder equity ratio fell to below 10 percent, which is half the rate generally considered a healthy minimum. Sharp remains highly dependent on short-term bor rowings. Weak internal cash flow has forced the company to pay off unsecured promissory note mostly with bank borrowings (Reuters). In addition, the company is currently considering alliance with other companies. You can read also Thin Film Solar CellExternal Analysis Product Demand The Sharp’s main products, LCD TV and flat panels, were accounted for 60% of total revenue in 2012, however, the demand substantially weakened, especially in comparison to Korean rivals. For the first time in the company history, shipments of LCD TVs fell year-over-year, declining just over 3% to 43 million units. The decline had  a  considerable  impact on the market, with total TV shipments falling almost 8% year-over-year in the first quarter of 2012, the drastic decline since the second quarter of 2009.When the market slowed down, Sharp has been left with excess capacity at its domestic plants. Sales of LCD TVs nearly halved in the October-December quarter. The manufacturer of electronics products and their components also reported quarterly sales of solar cells fell by a third from a year ago, slowing demand and increased competition from Chinese makers (James Topham). Global Economy Sharp has st ruggled with a slow economy, losing the power it once got from transition to global digital broadcasting and from subsidies for purchases of energy-efficient goods.Demand for LCD televisions in developed economies has been saturated; however, growth in developing markets is slowing. Also, the strong yen has made Sharp’s products more expensive overseas. Therefore, it is difficult for the company to compete in the global market. Product prices were also affected by Japan's relatively high labor cost, electricity, imported fuels and raw materials. In addition, euro debt crisis became another reason for the slow growth in the world economy (James Topham). Competition Sharp faces increased competition from very large electronic companies such as Apple, Samsung and LG.Samsung  Electronics  Co. , Ltd and LG Electronics, Inc. have generated better profits and strengthened market positions in the TV and panel businesses during 2012, supported by an improved product mix. Samsungâ €™s flat panel TV revenue share remains the largest in the industry, almost 26% (Dan Graziano). Samsung is also the top brand in the key segments of LCD TV, 40†+, LED-backlit LCD, and 3D TV. Also, the company benefits from favorable exchange rates and aggressive investments. Samsung’s current capitalization is $163 billion and Apple’s $634 billion.As opposed Sony, Panasonic and Sharp combined are now  worth only $54 billion at current market values  (Michael Fitzpatrick). Summary Based on internal and external analysis of Sharp’s recent activities, the primary causes of company’s poor performance are: 1) the company is struggling to raise internal cash flow and, therefore, cannot cover its short-term liabilities; 2) the demand for LCD and flat panel TVs has substantially weakened due to global economy slow down; 3) Sharp is facing a fierce competition from Samsung, LG and Apple, which currently holding the largest market shares in electronic manufacturing industry.Bibliography 1) WAKABAYASHI, DAISUKE. Sharp Says Its Future Is at Risk. 1 Nov. 2012. 7 Dec. 2012 ;http://online. wsj. com/article/sb10001424052970204712904578091761289023722. html;. 2) Reuters. TEXT-S;P summary: Sharp Corp.. 30 Nov, 2012. 8 Dec, 2012 ;http://www. reuters. com/article/2012/11/30/iduswlb148420121130;. 3) Topham, James. Sharp Corporation Blames Falling LCD TV Prices, Increase In Yen For Forecast $3. 8 Billion Loss. Feb. 2012. 8 Dec. 2012 ;http://www. huffingtonpost. com/2012/02/01/sharp-corporation-lcd-prices_n_1246028. html;. 4) Graziano, Dan. GLOBAL LCD TV SHIPMENTS FALL FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER. 21 Jan. 2012. 8 Dec. 2012 ;http://bgr. com/2012/06/21/global-tv-sales-lcd-shipments-down/;. 5) Fitzpatrick, Michael. Fear and loathing in Japan. 18 Sep. 2012. 8 Dec. 2012 ;http://tech. fortune. cnn. com/2012/09/18/fear-and-loathing-in-japan/;.

Crime in Literature

When crime features in literature, there are often many ways it is dealt with. In â€Å"Thank You Ma’am† by Langston Hughes, Mrs. Jones was almost robbed by a boy named Roger. Instead of calling the cops Mrs. Jones took the boy home to her house, washed, fed and gave him money to buy the sneakers that he had wanted to steal the money for. In contrast, in Roald Dahl’s â€Å"Lambs to the Slaughter†, Mary kills her husband, Patrick Maloney, after he told her he is going to leave her. After killing her husband, she tricks the police that she found him dead when she came home and also tricked them into eating the leg of lamb that she killed him with.While the lesson that is taught in each literature work are far different from each other, both show that crime is treated differently in many cases. However, were as Hughes illustrates the lesson that is being taught about theft, dhal demonstrates the unexpected turn in a common crime. In both works of literature w orks, â€Å"Thank You Ma’am† and â€Å"Lambs to the Slaughter†, crime is a common theme. Though in both literature works crime is conveyed differently. In â€Å"Thank You Ma’am† Mrs. Jones is almost robbed by a young boy Roger. But instead of calling the cops, Mrs.Jones catches him and takes him home where she taught him that stealing may not be the solution to his problems. In contrast, in â€Å"Lambs to the Slaughter†, Mary Maloney kills her husband, Patrick Maloney. But instead of getting caught, she finds a way to cover her tracks. Though both themes were crime, it’s shown in different ways. In â€Å"Thank You Ma’am† the theme can portrayed as crime is solved by forgiveness. Mrs. Jones shows roger forgiveness which made the reader believe that roger will change his ways. In â€Å"Lambs to the Slaughter† the theme shows that crime can be solved by lying.Mary will not go to jail because she covered her tracks an d the cops can’t trace her to her husband’s murder. Another example of how the theme is different by the ending of each story. In the end of â€Å"Thank You Ma’am† roger leaves Mrs. Jones house changed, speechless of what just happened to him. However, in â€Å"Lambs to the Slaughter† Mary giggles at the end of the story. This can show that both works of literature were conveyed differently throughout each story. Therefore, this shows how he crime is common in both works of literature through to theme is different. These two examples show how the themes are different.In both works of literature, â€Å"Tank You Ma’am† and â€Å"Lambs to the Slaughter†, characterization is a common influence on how each story plays out. However in each works of literature characters influence in different ways. In â€Å"Thank You Ma’am† Mrs. Jones helps roger realize what his wrong doing was. Therefore, Mrs. Jones influences roger t o realize what he has been doing wrong. In contrast, in â€Å"Lambs to the Slaughter† Mary tricks to police into eating the lamb, the weapon in Patrick murder case. This shows that Mary influence the police to believe that she did not kill her husband.In â€Å"Thank You Ma’am† Mrs. Jones could be characterized as kind. It was kindness that Mrs. Jones showed Roger for him to realize his wrong doings. And yet, in â€Å"Lambs to the Slaughter† Mary can be characterized as manipulative. In addition, the characterization could change the seriousness of a crime. In â€Å"Thank You Ma’am† Roger is characterized as a minor. He was just a young boy who had potential of changing his ways. In â€Å"Lambs to the Slaughter† marry could be characterized, in this case, as a consequential adult. Mary was dealing with a serious crime that she had committed.This shows that even though both works of literature consist of crime, the authors illustrates a different kind of crime in each by using the characterization of each character. Roger was a kid with a chance of change, who as just committed a robbery, but in Mary’s case she as an adult that had committed a murder. Through characterization, these stories consist of a common trait, but are conveyed differently. These two examples show how the two text are different. In conclusion, throughout both works of literature, there were common traits that consist in the story that is told by convey themselves differently.In both â€Å"Thank You Ma’am† and â€Å"Lambs to the Slaughter† consist of crime, but in each work they convey itself differently than the others. † In â€Å"Thank You Ma’am† crime was resolved by forgiveness. In â€Å"Lambs to the Slaughter† crime was solved by lying. Both works also consist of characterization that play out the story, but is used differently in each one. In â€Å"Thank You Ma’am† Mrs . Jones characterization help roger for the better. In â€Å"Lambs to the Slaughter† Mary’s characterization helped her for the bad. There were common trait but all was conveyed differently to create a different reaction of each literature works.

Native American Culture Essay

Estrangement is the state of being withdrawn or isolated from the objective world, as through indifference or disaffection. Ill-advisedly, the protagonist from â€Å"The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven† is forever bound in this state of mind. His internal conflicts enthrall between fighting for his Native American ethnicity, and, finding his purpose to this world. This link between the two becomes a challenge due to his pessimistic, and protective attitude for his race. The narrator’s volatile actions imply his frustration towards the discrimination against his native Spokane reservation heritage. The protagonists’ Native American upbringing intertwined with White culture challenges his Red and White thinking. The protagonists’ family style upbringing has distilled values that are outlived in his Native American identity. Unfortunately, the protagonist is quite protective of his Native American descent. In fact, his view of people is quite pessimistic towards the Native American race. This rigidness to his ethnicity is foretold in two parts. As humans, we are first born with an identity that is kept close to us, such as Native American, African American, or Grecian. Although we are born with uniqueness; the values we instill to our race are brought about through parent’s effort in raising their children. For Sherman Alexie, he’d developed a cynical character who bares strong connections to his Native American race. The protagonist’s existence and demeanor is uncanny because he’d been destined for a life of prosperity through public schooling and a college education. Found here, â€Å"But I was special, a former college student, a smart kid. I was one of those Indians who was supposed to make it. I was a new kind of warrior. † This quote reveals his sense of insecurity concerning his life thus far and how he has not lived up to his expectations. â€Å"The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven† exposes a few scenes where the main character is fighting for ethical freedom outside of Spokane. The protagonist’s discriminative experiences begin at a convenience store in Seattle where he feels like a predator lurking amongst his preys. As stated, â€Å"He looked me over so he could describe me to the police later. † The protagonist was familiar with this wicked look; as he’d lost a close relationship to its devilish hands once before. His loss began like this, â€Å"When one person starts to look at another like a criminal, then the love is over. † As Native American, these adverse impressions occur randomly as seen through the Police incident. In this scene, the protagonist had been pulled over in a wealthy neighborhood by the police officer, â€Å"You’re making people nervous. You don’t fit the profile of the neighborhood. † This was a friendly way of saying; you are not wanted in this area, please leave. These occurrences are upsetting to the narrator as they have affected his view of Whites. As the protagonist becomes disgusted with life, he packs his belongings and heads home to Spokane in Washington State. While home, he realizes that connecting to his family and finding peace is not easy. His weak-minded thinking is foreseen here,† They’d been expecting me back the day I left for Seattle. There’s an old Indian poet who said that Indians can reside in the city, but they can never live there. † In fact, while living in Seattle, his dreams became nightmares of a vivid war scene between the Red’s and Whites. The Indians became slaughtered by the Whites and at one point, â€Å"Three mounted soldiers played polo with a dead Indian woman’s head. † This graphic image stays with him as he found accounts of this madness occurred in the old west and in parts of the world today. The protagonist’s dreams and Native American ethnicity have instilled protective beliefs to his ethnicity and real life demeanor towards others. Although he’s strong-willed concerning his background, insecurity remains present. One instance occurs where he starts a job in Spokane at the local high school exchange program. He answers phone calls and asks himself, â€Å"Sometimes I wonder if the people on the other end of the line know that I’m Indian and if their voices would change if they did know. † His insecurity exponentially evolves to every facet in his life and only exacerbates his pessimistic attitude. The cynical behavior by the protagonist has incurred due to several discriminatory experiences. One being, the protagonist’s cup is full; which allows him to believe this Red vs. White rivalry will never change. Because of his ignorance, he leaves no trust to anyone and is forced to run when he encounters discrimination. One situation that symbolizes the protagonist’s doubtful thoughts is encountered at his hometown basketball court. He comes home to find the new BIA chief’s White kid named Jimmy Seyler who can play ball. â€Å"And he could play. He played Indian ball, fast and loose, better than all the Indians there. † That night, Jimmy whooped on every Indian who played Basketball. I recognize this as a change of tone and direction in the protagonist’s life. At this point in time, he realizes that he must submit to his Red vs. White rivalry in order to move forward in his life. Just as Jimmy will advance and become an NBA star, the gap between the two races, White and Indian will only become larger. Indian’s will control the small reservation plains out West while the White culture advances to become a powerhouse figure in the United States of America. Hereafter this epiphany, the protagonist’s life begins to move forward as he starts a new job and connects with his ex-girlfriend once again.

Internet law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Internet law - Essay Example Jurisdiction remains largely an issue with regards to internet transaction because of the intrinsic characteristics of the internet and those who uses it5. The European Union recognizing the borderless nature of internet commerce that may affect its member nations have created a body of law through the European Economic Area. Ratified and agreed on in May 1997 the European Union directive6 has provided a framework for trade in order for member states to enact similar laws that would complement the laws enacted by other European Union members that would address in part e-commerce or transactions consummated over the internet. The caveat however is that this body of laws remain enforced and effective within the European Economic Area only. For its part the United Kingdom has enacted the Consumer Protection (Distance Selling) Regulations 20007 in response to the European Union directive that covers mail order, telephone sales and other distance selling business strategy. The regulation mandates that the seller provide its potential customers with detailed information that would include the main characteristics of the goods; the price, including any taxes and delivery costs; payment arrangements; guarantees and where to address complaints about the goods. In retrospect the provisions of the law supplements the weakness of distance selling as against actual face to face commerce8. In actual face to face commerce, the buyer has the luxury of inspecting the product up close and personal. The buyer in these instances also has the benefit of taking possession of the item after he has paid all that is required to gain ownership of the item. In internet transaction or e-commerce the actual possession of the item being bought except for some items will take days if not months after the buyer has paid what is due the seller9. The following are the protected rights of e-consumers under the distance selling regulation for sellers and buyers that are both within the jurisdicti on of the European Economic Area. Unless otherwise agreed the sale and delivery of goods should be completed within thirty days. If in case the goods ordered are not available, e-consumers have the right to a refund provided that it is done within thirty days. E-consumers are also entitled to return goods within seven days from receipt and refund less the cost of carriage for items within limits10. It should be noted however that there are exceptions to this rule normally perishable goods, custom-made-goods and dated goods such as journals and publications are exempt for refund. Buyers also have the right to cancel payments for goods that have been ordered through fraud. The logic of this provision is to protect the interest of both seller and buyer in cases where losses are likely to occur because items are either unique that no other buyer will get it or items have become useless due to spoilage11. Due to the increased efficiency and convenience experienced in using the internet t o transact business more and more people gravitates towards this mode of commerce because of the ease and comfort it provides its users. The drawback however of internet transaction is the increased risk for fraud and the difficulty of recovering the money used in the transaction not to mention the prosecution of the culprits responsible12. Thus, the government fully supported an accreditation scheme for internet traders named â€Å"