Emersons Self-Reliance Essays - Lecturers, Transcendentalism

Emerson's Self-Reliance Essays - Lecturers, Transcendentalism Emerson's Self-Reliance Ralph Emerson wrote many journals and essays dealing with the subject of transcendentalism. One of his most famous works is the essay Self-Reliance. In Self-Reliance, Emerson hit on the idea that the individual should be completely reliant on God, and that every person has been put into their certain life and position by God and that the person needs to trust themselves. He said that God has put the power to handle things, think, and act into each individual and that the individual needs to trust what God has put inside them to do things with their lives. The idea is almost that of predestination, except for the fact that we have the choice of which road to take. Predestination is the idea that a higher power, or God, has planned everything that will happen to a person in their life. Emersons idea is that God has put the choice to us, but he has given us all of our unique gifts for the paths we can choose to take. In Self-Reliance, Emerson wrote, Trust thyself: every heart vibrates t o that iron string. Accept the place the divine providence has found for you, the society of your contempararies, the connection of events (Runes 362). Emerson also gave the idea of trusting ourselves through God. He said that you have to trust in God to tell you what to do and what to think. He said that if you do this that God will provide answers (363). Another quote from his popular essay, Self-Reliance, supports this. And we are now men, and must accept in the highest mind the same transcendent destiny; and not minors and invalids in a protected corner, not cowards fleeing before a revolution, but guides, redeemers and benefactors, obeying the Almighty effort and advancing on Chaos and the Dark (363). Emerson also had the idea that we need to be ourselves, especially in the things that we say. Again from the popular essay, Self-Reliance, he spoke about how we need to say what we think one day, and then speak what is on your mind the next day, even if you completely contradict what you said in the first day. Then he said that people will definitely not understand you if this happens (365). That goes along with the whole idea above about how transcendentalism was widely misunderstood because even the great minds that thought it up dont fully understand everything about the philosophy. Emerson concludes this thought to say that, To be great is to be misunderstood (365). Emerson is obviously the father of transcendentalism, and his great ideas were conveyed in his brilliant essays, journals, and poems. He helped pass the philosophy on to other philosophers and writers. One of these writers is Thoreau. Thoreau studied under Emerson and also wrote many pieces dealing with the subject of transcendentalism. One of his most popular pieces of writing about transcendentalism is Walden.

How Athenian Democracy Came to Be in 7 Stages

How Athenian Democracy Came to Be in 7 Stages The Athenian institution of democracy emerged in several  stages. This occurred in response to political, social, and economic conditions. As was true elsewhere in the Greek world, the individual city-state (polis) of Athens had once been ruled by kings,  but that had given way to an oligarchic government by archons elected from the aristocratic (Eupatrid) families. With this overview, learn more about the gradual development of Athenian democracy. This breakdown  follows sociologist Eli Sagans model of seven stages, but others argue that there are as many as 12 stages of Athenian democracy. Solon (c. 600 - 561) Debt bondage and loss of holdings to creditors led to political unrest. The rich non-aristocrats wanted power. Solon was elected archon in 594 to reform the laws. Solon lived in the Archaic Age of Greece, which preceded the Classical period. Tyranny of the Pisistratids (561-510)(Peisistratus and sons) Benevolent despots took control after the compromise of Solon failed. Moderate Democracy (510 - c. 462)Cleisthenes The factional struggle between Isagoras and Cleisthenes following the end of the tyranny. Cleisthenes allied himself with the people by promising them citizenship. Cleisthenes reformed social organization and put an end to the aristocratic rule. Radical Democracy (c. 462-431)Pericles Pericles mentor, Ephialtes, put an end to the Areopagus as a political force. In 443 Pericles was elected general and re-elected every year until his death in 429. He introduced pay for public service (jury duty). Democracy meant freedom at home and domination abroad. Pericles lived during the Classical period. Oligarchy (431-403) War with Sparta led to the total defeat of Athens. In 411 and 404 two oligarchic counter-revolutions tried to destroy democracy. Radical Democracy (403-322)​ This stage marked a stable time with Athenian orators Lysias, Demosthenes, and  Aeschines debating what was best for the polis. Macedonian and Roman Domination (322-102) Democratic ideals continued despite domination by outside powers. An Alternative Opinion While Eli Sagan believes Athenian democracy can be divided into seven chapters, classicist and political scientist Josiah Ober has a different view. He sees 12 stages in the development of Athenian democracy, including the initial Eupatrid oligarchy and the final fall of democracy to the imperial powers. For more details about how Ober came to this conclusion, review his argument in detail in  Democracy and Knowledge. Below are Obers divisions about the development of Athenian democracy. Note where they overlap with Sagan and where they differ.   Eupatrid Oligarchy (700-595)Solon and tyranny (594-509)Foundation of democracy (508-491)Persian Wars (490-479)Delian League and postwar re-building (478-462)High (Athenian) empire and struggle for Greek hegemony (461-430)Peloponnesian War I (429-416)Peloponnesian War II (415-404)After the Peloponnesian War (403-379)Naval confederation, social war, the financial crisis (378-355)Athens confronts Macedonia, economic prosperity (354-322)Macedonian/Roman domination (321-146) Source:Eli Sagans

Marine Aquaculture Development and Distribution Assignment

Marine Aquaculture Development and Distribution - Assignment Example Salmon and shrimp are accredited for the growth of global mariculture (Stickney, 1999). In recent years, many developing countries have made significant accomplishments in mariculture production. However, there are increased concerns regarding the increased culture of salmon, shrimp and other carnivorous mariculture species that affect the wild fish stocks. They are fed on processed wild capture fishes, which may have a negative impact on food security even though they are economically viable. The economic gains for the cultured carnivorous species are short-lived compared to sustainable capture fishes that are significant for food security. Many countries have developed policies to enhance eco-friendly mariculture. China, Russia, South Africa and Honduras in Latin America are among the nations that have put in place policies to support mariculture projects. USAID and other environmental stakeholders have contributed to the establishment of sustainable environmental friendly mariculture in various countries. This has been accomplished through capacity building in some selected third world countries such as Indonesia, Republic of Tanzania and Honduras among others. These projects are aimed at improving the food security of the poor coastal communities as well as acting as a source of income for improved standards of living (Stanley, 2003). In Asia where aquaculture is a significant source of food and income, mariculture contributes 37% of the overall finish and shellfish production, totaling 10.8 million tons (Stickney, 1999). In recent years, China’s mariculture production has been on the rise, with close to 60% of the global production coming from the country in 2005. India and Japan are also major producers of mariculture products, as well as Bangladesh. Japan’s production has been facilitated by the improvements in techniques for seed production as well as the practice of cage culture.

Violating Norms and Food Wastage Personal Statement

Violating Norms and Food Wastage - Personal Statement Example The manager of a cafeteria, kind of knows me since I am her regular visitor. I went to the restaurant with my friend, who too did not have any clues of my purpose that day. We chatted for about 40 minutes, and then thought to grab something. I ordered a plate of pasta. Had no more than three spoons from the content available to me in my dish. More, I did not ask for a separate plate that I could serve myself some in that different plate. I very much started from that bowl only. Just to make a humor out of a whole thing. Then, we finished and I asked for the bill. It was $60 that we were supposed to pay. $20 for a sandwich that my friend had ordered, and $40 for my pasta. I paid $40, for a complete bill. The boy came to me and said it wasn't $40 but $60 that we were supposed to pay. The boys were in the process of collecting the leftovers on our table. I stopped them to keep the evidence that it indeed was half a plate pasta that I consumed, and the other half I was sending back to them. Poor boy said, "Sir, irrespective of what you eat, you are charged for a complete dish." "And you know that, don't you" "Why would I pay for a full plate when I ate only half of it. There still is some food, which I am sending back. You are not going to throw it off, are you This food is supposed to be consumed by somebody else, isn't it" I said. And by the time, it was a scene created in a restaurant. My friend was not able to believe what was happening. Neither were the boys around. The manager smelt the noise and came to the floor too. I threw a big laughter. A very big laughter. And then took a serious position. With everybody's attention towards me, I started, "a management can be judged with its wastage percentage, lesser the wastage percentage efficient is the management: it is applicable for cafeteria, restaurant, family, organization as well as state. There are many types of wastage among which food wastage is on the top as it has great impact on the family expenditure as well as national economy. By saving food wastage we can save billions of dollars in developed countries, which may help us to make hunger free world." I continued, "In the USA alone, 30% of prepared, baked, canned and fresh food is pitched into landfills daily. The estimated loss to the U.S. economy is over $48 billion a year. British government statistics show that, per person, their citizens throw out 378 pounds (171 kg) of food a year. The Australians pitch 145 kilos per person annually." "Elsewhere in the food processing chain, problems that cause food poisoning cost hundreds of millions in recalls and food waste happen more often than we realize. Listeria bacteria in one company's processed meats caused several deaths and made hundreds ill, due to incomplete cleaning of meat slicers. The loss of the public's trust in their products reduced that company's annual income even further." "Food wastage may occurs in many ways: the frozen food stored in the freezer last year that is now rock-hard and stripped of nutrients; the 50 kilos of potatoes the restaurant

Maya Angelou Essay Example for Free

Maya Angelou Essay During this class period you need to complete the following essay. Please type it and use proper formatting. The stories are all posted on your Edline page under assignments. You do NOT need the internet for ANY OTHER REASON. When you have completed the essay you need to do the FRED book assignment below. Comparing Texts Author Study: Maya Angelou Writing a Response to Literature: Biographical Approach Maya Angelou has remarked, â€Å"I’m always inspired by men and women who rise†¦That ability to rise is nobleness of the human spirit. † Write an essay in which you analyze Angelou’s beliefs about the human spirit, as reflected in the four works you just read. Before you begin, consider what Angelou has to say about her work: â€Å"I speak to the black experience, but I am always talking about the human condition—about what we can endure, dream, fail at, and still survive.† Writing Your Essay As you plan, draft, and revise your essay, keep the following tips in mind: †¢In the introduction, or the beginning of your essay, include a specific thesis statement that presents the key point you will prove in your essay. †¢Support your ideas with evidence from the four selections. Be sure to analyze how Angelou’s tone and use of stylistic devices contribute to the expression of her themes or main ideas. †¢Make sure that every paragraph has unity and coherence. All the sentences in the paragraph should relate to one main idea and help develop that idea. †¢End your essay with a conclusion in which you summarize your main points. Include a new, but related, closing insight or reflection. Create a one-page document that shows you have understood the book with the 2 parts below: †¢Part 1: First, think of the symbols in the book. Then, find pictures using â€Å"Google images† or â€Å"Clip Art† and paste them into the document. Then give a 1-2 sentence reason for the symbol. †¢Part 2: Write a book review. Make sure you convince me you have read it thoroughly! It should be no more than 1-2 paragraphs. (If you do not finish in class, send to me via email before the end of the day! [emailprotected])

The Malignant American in Surfacing Essay -- Atwood Surfacing Essays

The Malignant American in Surfacing   Ã‚  Ã‚   Before traveling through Europe last summer, friends advised me to avoid being identified as an American.   Throughout Europe, the term American connotes arrogance and insensitivity to local culture.   In line with the foregoing stereotype, the unnamed narrator's use of the term American in Margaret Atwood's Surfacing is used to describe individuals of any nationality who are unempathetic and thus destructive.   The narrator, however, uses the word in the context of her guilt over her abortion and consequent emotional numbness.   The narrator's vituperative definition of American as an individual who is unempathetic and destructive is largely attributable to the narrator's projection of her own feelings of emotional dysfunction and guilt.    Consider an individual who is incapable of empathy.   Such a person has the potential to be enormously destructive to their surroundings.   Without the ability to identify with others, it becomes a matter of indifference whether others experience pain or joy.   The narrator rapidly begins to define an American as just such a psychopath.   As the narrator is fishing in a canoe, two Americans and a local guide pull up in their power boat proudly flying the Stars and Stripes fore and aft, rocking the canoe.   During the conversation in which one of the Americans is "friendly as a shark", the other American throws his cigar in the water and threatens to take his business elsewhere (66).   Of the Americans, the narrator comments, "if they don't get anything in fifteen minutes they'll blast off and scream around the lake in their souped-up boat, deafening the fish.   They're the kind that catch more than they can eat and they'd do it with dynamite if they c... ...st people I spoke to were cognisant of how dangerous it is to blindly apply stereotypes and labels.   In Margaret Atwood's Surfacing, the narrator freely applies the label American to those who are incapable of empathy and destructive.   Her use of the label, however, is to a large extent an expression of the emotional numbness and guilt she feels as a consequence of her abortion.   At the end of the novel, there is hope that the narrator may succeed in reuniting her head and body by reconciling with the events and emotions haunting her past.   Perhaps as the narrator heals herself, her conception of the term American will undergo its own healing process, allowing the word to shed the qualities of insensitivity and destructiveness which were in fact always the narrator's own. Works Cited Atwood, Margaret.   Surfacing.   Toronto: McClelland & Stewart Inc., 1972. The Malignant American in Surfacing Essay -- Atwood Surfacing Essays The Malignant American in Surfacing   Ã‚  Ã‚   Before traveling through Europe last summer, friends advised me to avoid being identified as an American.   Throughout Europe, the term American connotes arrogance and insensitivity to local culture.   In line with the foregoing stereotype, the unnamed narrator's use of the term American in Margaret Atwood's Surfacing is used to describe individuals of any nationality who are unempathetic and thus destructive.   The narrator, however, uses the word in the context of her guilt over her abortion and consequent emotional numbness.   The narrator's vituperative definition of American as an individual who is unempathetic and destructive is largely attributable to the narrator's projection of her own feelings of emotional dysfunction and guilt.    Consider an individual who is incapable of empathy.   Such a person has the potential to be enormously destructive to their surroundings.   Without the ability to identify with others, it becomes a matter of indifference whether others experience pain or joy.   The narrator rapidly begins to define an American as just such a psychopath.   As the narrator is fishing in a canoe, two Americans and a local guide pull up in their power boat proudly flying the Stars and Stripes fore and aft, rocking the canoe.   During the conversation in which one of the Americans is "friendly as a shark", the other American throws his cigar in the water and threatens to take his business elsewhere (66).   Of the Americans, the narrator comments, "if they don't get anything in fifteen minutes they'll blast off and scream around the lake in their souped-up boat, deafening the fish.   They're the kind that catch more than they can eat and they'd do it with dynamite if they c... ...st people I spoke to were cognisant of how dangerous it is to blindly apply stereotypes and labels.   In Margaret Atwood's Surfacing, the narrator freely applies the label American to those who are incapable of empathy and destructive.   Her use of the label, however, is to a large extent an expression of the emotional numbness and guilt she feels as a consequence of her abortion.   At the end of the novel, there is hope that the narrator may succeed in reuniting her head and body by reconciling with the events and emotions haunting her past.   Perhaps as the narrator heals herself, her conception of the term American will undergo its own healing process, allowing the word to shed the qualities of insensitivity and destructiveness which were in fact always the narrator's own. Works Cited Atwood, Margaret.   Surfacing.   Toronto: McClelland & Stewart Inc., 1972.

Genome Patterns of Common DNA Variations in Three Human Populations

The article â€Å"Whole-Genome Patterns of Common DNA Variations in Three Human Populations† provides detailed and examination of core individual differences in DNA sequences. The authors pay attention to genetic basis of human variability stressing that it is variability that identify differences in DNA sequences. The article touches the following issues: a dense SNP map; common SNPs in three populations; natural selection between populations; structure of common populations; LD and functional elements, etc.Further, the interesting moment is analyzing the impact of genetic variations on human health. They conducted their examination in more than 70 ancestries in Asian, American and African countries. The researchers revealed that linkage disequilibrium is the main reason of genetic variations. It means that functional genomic elements are correlated with particular regions of linkage imbalance. Then the authors proceed to identifying the role of common genome variations and t heir impact of human traits, ancestries and populations.71 unrelated individual were chosen for investigation: 23 African Americans, 24 Europeans and 24 Asians. The metrics were scored: call rate, observed genotype clusters, and consistency with Hardy Weinberg equilibrium. Actually, these tests are considered very effective because they ensure quality control. During investigation, researchers revealed more than 112 million individual genotypes, whereas the missing data accounts only 5%. Most of SNPs are found to be high-quality genotypes with polymorphic structure.Further, 94% of African Americans’ SNPs have two alleles, whereas only 84% of Europeans and Americans’ SNPs have two alleles. After reading the paper, two questions appear on the agenda: 1. What methods are the most effecting in analyzing phenotypic differences and DNA variations? 2. What are particular effects of genome variations on human psyche? References Hinds D. , Stuve L. , Nilsen G. B. , Halperi, E. , Eskin E. , Ballinger D. , Frazer K. , & Cox, D. (2005, February 18). Whole-Genome Patterns of Common DNA Variations in Three Human Populations. Science, 307, 1072-1079.

Argumentative Essay on Immigration

Illegal Immigration Amnesty There are many problems that the United States faces and the one that is causing several debates is illegal immigration. Thousands and thousands of illegal immigrants have come from many different places. All of them have different desires. One might want a safe future for their family, one is probably looking for a fresh start, or even a place to spread their knowledge. The big question is should illegal immigrants be granted amnesty? After the resources and argument, it is believed that Amnesty should be given to illegal aliens. What is amnesty?Amnesty is a pardon for someone who was convicted in a crime. Amnesty is tangled with the term â€Å"Illegal Aliens†. Illegal aliens according to the law are people who are undocumented and not originally from the country they are currently residing in. There are different points of view on this issue. Nathan Thornburgh, Times Magazine Reporter states, â€Å"Whether you fine illegal aliens or stick them in English classes or make them say a hundred Hail Marys, at the end of the day, illegals would be allowed to stay and become citizens†¦ That's amnesty. And that's a good thing for America.Amnesty won't depress wages – globalization has already done that. Amnesty will not undermine the rule of law. It sounds counterintuitive, but with immigration, forgiving a crime may be the best way to restore law and order. Amnesty won't necessarily add to the social- services burden. Amnesty would offer millions†¦ a fighting chance at self- sufficiency and social mobility. † Everyone deserves a chance to show what they are capable of. Granting amnesty will also reduce the abuse these immigrants face. Many don’t complain about labor exploitation and substandard working conditions in the fear of being deported.Arnold Schwarzenegger, 38th. Governor of California has his own views on this Amnesty situation. â€Å"I am writing to urge Congress to act this year to pass com prehensive immigration reform. We must find a permanent solution to our broken i mmigration system, and I believe that this is our chance to restore America’s status as both a country of immigrants and a nation of laws†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Arnold Schwarzenegger also believes that instead of fighting this crisis of amnesty, it should be resolved in a way where everyone agrees to amnesty. A huge part of the economy depends on the illegal immigrants such as agriculture.Natives have a mindset that they are too good to be working at such lowly ranked jobs so such labor depends on these immigrants. Without the support of the increased population of the illegal immigrants, the economy would be in a condition that’s worse than it already is. Granting amnesty will also reduce crime because these immigrants will not fear about reporting crimes to authorities, therefore helping to reduce the crime rate to an extent. With legalization of these aliens it will strengthen and revitalize the nation and it will increase the nation’s security.Granting amnesty will help the nation focus on more important resources such as militia. These resources that are focused on capturing illegal immigrants who enter the country for work could be redirected towards homeland security or funds for war. Not all agree that the â€Å"illegal aliens† should be able to get a chance to prove themselves. According to Heritage Foundation â€Å"Do not grant amnesty to illegal aliens. Regardless of the penalties imposed, any program that grants individuals who are unlawfully present the legal permission to remain here rewards illegal behavior and is unfair to those who obey the law†¦Ã¢â‚¬ Heritage Foundation believes that it is unfair to grant illegal immigrants the same rights that legal citizens have. They believe this because the illegal immigrants did not follow the laws when they entered the country and the legal immigrants did. There are many cons to the legalization of illegal immigrants. Illegal immigrants shouldn’t be granted amnesty because it can increase further illegal immigration at the nations border. This can also encourage trafficking and smuggling of illegal aliens who will pay high prices to enter a country who’s granting amnesty.This also means that the crime will increase and by not granting amnesty it can be avoided. It is also very costly for to tax payers to grant illegal aliens amnesty especially regarding education, healthcare, welfare and social services. Education isn’t at its peak because cuts are always made and increasing kids in the public education system will obviously make it more costly than it has to be. Health care has also been a big issue tax payers definitely don’t want to pay for costs they can avoid. The job market will take a toll with the increasing population of documented aliens.The unemployment rate will increase which means that millions of more people will be looking for work without positive results. By providing amnesty, it shows that the people who are following the rules have the same status as the illegal aliens who should be penalized for their wrong doings. The Heritage Foundation has come to the conclusion that â€Å"†¦Those who enter the United States illegally should not be rewarded with permanent legal status or other such benefits, and they should be penalized in any road to citizenship.Those who enter and remain in the country illegally are violating the law, and condoning or encouraging such violations increases the likelihood of further illegal conduct. † Which means, the person who comes to the country legally should be let go however the one who comes illegally must be harshly reprimanded and shouldn’t be allowed to have the same luxuries as a person who follows the rules. . Believe it or not, but amnesty is bound to benefit America. Amnesty works politically and socially. It helps with the economy and it provides a sa fe journey for future generations whether they’re illegal or not.There are many people mostly students who are intelligent who want to seek a better future. Amnesty will help provide a future for these young people. They will be able to go to college, have a professional care. Even community organizer, Julio Flores says â€Å"There's a great human potential in this town that doesn't see the light of day because of the legal status. † All in all, even though there are any pros and cons towards the decision if amnesty should be granted or not, we are still stuck on the same question â€Å"should illegal aliens be granted amnesty? There are many different points of view on this situation. Amnesty, to a great extent is a resolute by the certain circumstances in which the country find themselves in. Citations Page 1. MLA  (7th ed. ): ProCon. org. â€Å"Is amnesty a good solution to illegal immigration? †Ã‚  Immigration. ProCon. org. ProCon. org, 22 May 2009. Web. 27 Oct. 2012. 2. Thornburgh/Beardstown, Nathan, and Ill. â€Å"Immigration: The Case for Amnesty. â€Å"TIME  [Beardstown] n. d. : 1+. Web. 3. â€Å"Immigration Amnesty. †Ã‚  US. N. p. , n. d. Web. 27 Oct. 2012. .

The things they carried Research Paper Example

The things they carried Research Paper Example The things they carried Paper The things they carried Paper Essay Topic: The Things They Carried In the short story The Things They Carried, written by Tim OBrien, there is a lot of symbolism in each specific object that was mentioned. According to Dictionary. Com, a symbolism is the practice of representing things by symbols, or of Investing things with a symbolic meaning or character. A symbol Is something used for or regarded as representing something else; a material object representing something, often something immaterial; emblem, token, or sign. The things each soldier carried defined each individual soldier. The story was very detailed in the objects the soldiers carried which tied into the emotional things the soldiers carried. Most of the items each soldier had were very important for survival. The things they carried were largely determined by necessity. (Ernie 596) They had their water, medical gear, foods, and most importantly weapons. Each soldier was locked and loaded with a specific war Item. For example, Henry Dobbins, being the big guy, automatically made him the gunner, which led him to carry the 26 pounds of machinery called the M-60. The medic, Rat Killed, was in charge of carrying the deiced gear, including morphine, plasma, malaria tablets and surgical tape. The radio and telephone operator, Mitchell Sanders was in charge of carrying the PRE-25 Radio. This Is just some of the things that were specialized to an individual according to their size or skill. But the soldiers also carried things that werent so necessary, yet they would bring It along anyways for certain reasons. The lieutenant Jimmy Cross carried letters, two photos, and a pebble sent to him by a woman named Martha. His decision to carry these items represented how much Martha meant to Cross. These objects symbolize his love for Martha because throughout the story, he often fantasize about her instead of leading his soldiers. For example, In the story he fantasize about when he went to the movies with her, touched her knee, and was sadly rejected. Lieutenant Cross remembered touching that left knee. A dark theater, he remembered, and the movie was Bonnie and Clyde, and Martha wore a tweed skirt, and during the final scene, when he touched her knee, she turned and looked at him in a sad, sober way that made him pull his hand back, but he would always remember that feel of the tweed skirt and the knee uneaten it and the sound of the gunfire that killed Bonnie and Clyde, how embarrassing It was, how slow and oppressive. (OBrien 597) Martha however didnt seem to have this same love for Cross, because none of the letters she sent him acknowledged the fact that he was in war. Due to his lack of attention to his soldiers and multiple daydreams of Martha, this showed that he wasnt ready to be a leader, but was probably forced to his position because he was drafted. He didnt have the mindset to be a successful leader, he was still young, and in love. His constant daydreams showed how mesmerisms Cross Is over this woman, and how unfocused The big soldier, Henry Dobbins, carried extra rations of food. This was because he was a big guy, and had a fast metabolism, and much of his food would be processed quicker than the others. He would also carry a panty hose around his neck. This was a way of him to boast and show off that he had a girl at home and was sexually active on his breaks. A soldier named Ted Lavender was the guy who carried tranquilizer, 6-7 ounces of dope, and extra rounds of ammo. This symbolized that he was frightened by the reality of war. He would smoke the dope and take the tranquilizer to calm his nerves. He wasnt in the war by choice, most of the soldiers werent. He felt safer by carrying extra amounts of ammunition. All of the soldiers needed a sense of security, something to make them feel that everything was okay, even though they were in the Jungle. The radio and telephone operator (ROOT) named Mitchell Sanders carried condoms. This was an odd item to carry, however, came in handy when it would rain, to keep the guns from getting wet. He carried brass knuckles, which was very interesting because it showed how even in a time of war with plenty of ammo and weapons, he was thinking of last resort situations. In the case of war, there seems no need to wear brass knuckles when the soldiers carry bazookas, grenades, and machine guns. But his mentality to having brass knuckles was so that he could have a sense of security. If he were to ever run out of ammo, and had to go one on one with an enemy, he would have an advantage. So basically, the brass knuckles symbolized safety. All the soldiers needed a sense of security. A soldier similar was Lee Struck. He carried a sling shot. This too gave him the feeling of protection. As silly as it may have seemed to have a sling shot when other people had guns, it worked for Struck. A soldier similar to Sanders and Struck thoughts was Kiowa. He too had a last resort weapon, a hatchet. He would have it to feel safe in case of an emergency, but the reality was that he probably never even used it. The point of carrying it wasnt for use, but simply for a sense of security. Kiowa said some things in the text after someone got shot, that showed a sense of how the soldiers minds were. Kiowa, who saw it happen, said it was like watching a rock fall, or a big sandbag or something? just boom, then down?not like the movies where the dead guy rolls around and does Nancy spins and goes ass over teakettle?not like that, Kiowa said, the poor bastard just flat-buck fell. Boom. Down. Nothing else. (OBrien 598) By this text, we can see that the soldiers were in a horrible reality. Not like things in movies, but real hard times in war. The medic Rat Killed carried his medical gear, and on top of that comic books and a liquor drink named Brandy. The fact that he carried comic books showed a couple of things. It showed that he was still a little kid. The draft caused many teenage boys who werent ready to grow up and be men to have no choice but to be an adult. The books also gave Killed a sense of hope. This was because comic books have super heroes, who never die. To him, he was a hero for the United States, which in a way meant he couldnt die. It made him feel safe. Also, the Brandy drink made him feel grown up. At the time, this was a drink only real men drank, older men. So by him having this, it proved that Killed was a man. One of the oddest items that were carried was by a soldier named Norman Booker. Along with a diary, he would carry a thumb. Now, the diary was pretty on during the war. However, the thumb had a sick representation. It was a thumb cut if from a dead enemys hand. A thumb symbolizes humanity, because thumbs are something unique that only humans have. By chopping off the thumb of another person, this action meant that there was no humanity at war, no rules, no morals, Just life and death. According to the text, the following happened when Mitchell cut off the thumb; You want my opinion, Mitchell Sanders said, theres a definite moral here. He put his hand on the dead boys wrist. He was quiet for a time, as if counting a pulse, then he patted the stomach, almost affectionately, and used Kiosks hunting hatchet to remove the thumb. Henry Dobbins asked what the moral was. Moral? You know. Moral. Sanders wrapped the thumb in toilet paper and handed it across to Norman Booker. There was no blood. Smiling, he kicked the boys head, watched the flies scatter, and said, Its like with that old TV show?paladin. Have gun, will travel. Henry Dobbins thought about it. Yeah, well, he finally said. I dont see no moral. There it is, man. Buck off. (OBrien 601) There were no morals. This thumb was a reminder to Booker that there were only two choices in war, to live, or to die. And this motivated him to stay alive and keep on humping through, which means to carry on. One of the most unique symbolisms in the story was towards the end, which was a Silver Bird.. To the soldiers, whenever injuries were to occur, there would be a silver plane that would come and rescue the soldier and take them to the hospital. This led to freedom, once the soldier was done at the hospital, they would go on home and be free. This was what all the soldiers wanted to do, Just go back home to their families. Many of the soldiers envisioned themselves on this Silver Bird, flying with no worries of being shot, no worries of suffering through the blazing sun, and no worries of not seeing their loved ones. In all, The Things They Carried is about soldiers who would carry symbolic objects, some were necessities, however there were a lot of things that werent so necessary, yet they would carry it along anyways. In this story, much was learned about each individual soldier simply by the possessions they would hold on to. The things the soldiers carried defined each individual soldier in a specific way.

Statistics from the War on Drugs Tell a Story

Statistics from the War on Drugs Tell a Story In 1971, President Richard Nixon first declared a national â€Å"war on drugs,† and greatly increased the size and authority of federal government drug control agencies. Since 1988, the U.S. war against illegal drugs has been coordinated by the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP). The director of the ONDCP plays the real-life role of Americas Drug Czar. Created by the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988, the ONDCP advises the President of the United States on drug-control issues, coordinates drug-control activities and related funding across the Federal government, and produces the annual National Drug Control Strategy, which outlines Administration efforts to reduce illicit drug use, manufacturing and trafficking, drug-related crime and violence, and drug-related health consequences. Under the coordination of the ONDCP, the following federal agencies play key enforcement and advisory roles in the War on Drugs: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services AdministrationFederal Bureau of InvestigationBureau of Justice AssistanceDrug Enforcement AgencyUnited States Customs and Border ProtectionNational Institute on Drug AbuseU.S. Coast Guard Are We Winning? Today, as drug abusers continue to flood America’s prisons and violent drug crimes devastate neighborhoods, many people criticize the effectiveness of War on Drugs. However, actual statistics suggest that without the War on Drugs, the problem may be even worse. For example, during fiscal year 2015, Customs and Border Protection alone reported seizing: 135,943 pounds of cocaine;2,015 pounds of heroin;6,135 pounds of methamphetamine; and4,330,475 (Yes, 4.3 million) pounds of marijuana. During fiscal year 2014, the Drug Enforcement Agency seized: 74,450 pounds of cocaine;2, 248 pounds of heroin;6,494 pounds of methamphetamine; and163,638 pounds of marijuana. (The discrepancy in marijuana seizures is attributable to the fact that Customs and Border Protection has the main responsibility for intercepting the drug as it flows into the U.S. from Mexico.) In addition, the ONDCP reported that during 1997, U.S. law enforcement agencies seized an estimated $512 million in illegal drug trade-related cash and property. So does the seizure of 2,360 tons of illegal drugs by two federal agencies in just two years indicate the success or utter futility of the War on Drugs? Despite the volume of drugs seized, the Federal Bureau of Investigation reported an estimated 1,841,200 state and local arrests for drug abuse violations in the United States during 2007. But whether the War on Drugs has been a smashing success or a dismal failure, it has been expensive. Funding the War In fiscal year 1985, the annual federal budget allocated $1.5 billion to fighting illegal drug use, trafficking and drug-related crime. By fiscal year 2000, that figure had increased to $17.7 billion, increasing by almost $3.3 billion per year. Jump to fiscal year 2016, when President Obama’s budget included $27.6 billion to support the National Drug Control Strategy, an increase of $1.2 billion (4.7%) above fiscal year 2015 funding. In February 2015, U.S. Drug Czar and director of the Obama administration’s ONDCP Michael Botticelli attempted to justify the expenditure in his confirmation address to the Senate. â€Å"Earlier this month, President Obama in his 2016 Budget requested historic levels of funding including $133 million in new funds to address the opioid misuse epidemic in the U.S. Using a public health framework as its foundation, our strategy also acknowledges the vital role that federal state and local law enforcement play in reducing the availability of drugs another risk factor for drug use,† said Botticelli. â€Å"It underscores the vital importance of primary prevention in stopping drug use before it ever begins by funding prevention efforts across the country.† Botticelli added that the expenditure was intended to remove the â€Å"systemic challenges† that had historically held back progress in the War on Drugs: Over-criminalization of illegal drug use;lack of integration with mainstream medical care;lack of insurance coverage for drug abuse treatment; andlegal barriers that make it difficult for people once involved with the criminal justice system to rebuild their lives. A recovering alcoholic himself, Botticelli urged the millions of Americans in substance abuse recovery to â€Å"come out† and demand to be treated like people with non-abuse related chronic diseases. â€Å"By putting faces and voices to the disease of addiction and the promise of recovery, we can lift the curtain of conventional wisdom that continues to keep too many of us hidden and without access to lifesaving treatment,† he said.

Cigarettes Smoking Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Cigarettes Smoking - Coursework Example Smoking cigarettes are harmful and often leads to addiction, which can ultimately lead to death and other health complications. Cigarettes have an addictive element in them known as nicotine and some other flavorful additives, which causes addiction. In the United States, cigarettes account for about 440, 000 deaths annually. There are many causes of smoking, which include, the body needs some nicotine especially in the case of addicts for physical reasons; secondly, for psychological reasons, which is one of the most important factor explaining why people smoke e.g. due to low self-esteem. Either other people get attracted into smoking out of peer pressure especially the youth, or some people develop the habit because they were passive smokers at some point and finally turned into active smokers. Smoking cigarettes cause a number of health problems to the smokers. Firstly, they increase the chances of one developing heart disease, stroke, and cancer. Smoking increases the chances of men suffering from lung cancer by 23 times, while in women it raises the chances by 13 times when compared to non-smokers. In addition, smoking is a slow way of dying because of the harmful effects cigarettes have on the body. Other notable damages smoking has on the body include the effect on the mouth, eyes, stomach and the pancreases and throat. It is estimated that on average smokers in America spend about $1000-$1500 annually in buying cigarettes. Smoking causes weight loss for children born by mothers who are active smokers.