Metaphysics Essays (2406 words) - Ontology, Natural Philosophy

Metaphysics METAPHYSICS Whereas sciences deal with particular kinds of beings, metaphysics is concerned with beings as such. According to Aristotle, there is no such thing as mere being; to be is always to be a substance or object, a quantity, a quality, or a member of some other basic category. I. Substance and Accidents Substance is the primary mode of being according to Aristotle. The world is not one of atoms or particles, even though they have a place in the world. The basic notion of Aristotles logic reflects a distinction in the way reality is structured and reflects the basic way that we view reality. Substance is whatever is a natural kind of thing and exists in its own right. Examples are rocks, trees, animals and the like. For instance, a dog is basically the same whether it is black or brown. A dog would be substance because it exists in its own right; it does not exist in something else, the way a color does. Accidents are the modifications that substance undergoes, but that does not change the kind of thing that each substance is. Accidents only exist when they are the accidents of some substance. For Aristotle, there are ten categories into which things naturally fall. They are substance and a total of nine accidents: quantity, quality, relation, action, passion, time, place, disposition (the arrangement of parts) and rainment (whether a thing is dressed or armed, etc) All of these distinctions are basically logical, but in a sense they reflect the structure of reality. One never finds any substance that we experience without some accidents, or an accident that is not the accident of a substance. II. Matter and Form Aristotle utilized the concept of matter and form in an entirely new way, stating that everything that becomes consists of a foundation, a substratum (that which forms the foundation), and form. Aristotles theory was firmly rooted in his broader metaphysics, according to which all things are a combination of mattera sometimes shadowy, indefinite substance with the potential to become most anythingand form which transforms matter into actual particular things. Aristotle felt that part of the procedure of becoming required two things, the matter as a substratum and the form. The form functions, shapes and defines the thing. Both matter and the form, according to Aristotle, were transcendent and imperishable entities. Matter and form were never separated from one from the other. Matter cannot exist without form, and form cannot exist without matter. The most important and the most valuable is form. This applies equally to the creations of man and to the creations of nature. III. The Four Causes Aristotles doctrine of the four causes is easily misunderstood. To charge Aristotle with having only a dim understanding of causality, however is to accuse him of missing a target he wasnt even aiming at. It is natural for us to think of Aristotles causes in terms of our notion of cause-and-effect, however this is misleading in several ways. We must keep this in mind whenever we use the word cause in connection with his doctrine. Aristotle drew from the attempts of all his predecessors, and learned from their mistakes. There are different ways of answering the question of why things are as they are. These ways of answering correspond to four basic kinds of causes to which Aristotle taught: ? The material cause is the basic stuff out of which the thing is made. The material cause of a house, for example, would include all building materials used in its construction. An explanation of the house could not exist unless they were present in its composition. ? The formal cause is the pattern or essence in conformity with which these materials are assembled. Thus, the formal cause of our exemplary house would be the sort of thing that is represented on a blueprint of its design. This, too, is part of the explanation of the house. ? The efficient cause is the agent or force immediately responsible for bringing this matter and that form together in the production of the thing. Thus, the efficient cause of the house would include any laborers who used these materials to build the house in accordance with the blueprint. ?

Jeffersons Presidency essays

Jefferson's Presidency essays Behind the Scenes: Jeffersons Presidency The Jeffersonian Republicans are typically considered to be stringent constructionists. The Federalists usually were considered to favor the broad constructionism. This is often just a stereotype, especially when the presidencies of our great, but misleading, Presidents Jefferson and Madison. The Jeffersonian Republicans, to only a small extent, represented what the party truly stood for, and the Federalists also to a small margin swayed from their partys ideas. The Republicans often stood for the idea of a weaker central government, not giving too much power to one man. This principle was sometimes overlooked by Jefferson. ...mine tells me that the civil powers alone have been given to the President of the U.S. (DOC A). Another policy that the Republicans deeply believed in, but Jefferson did not follow in his presidency, was strict constructionism. ...laws and institutions must go hand in hand with the progress of the human mind...institutions must advance also and keep pace with the times. (DOC G). Jefferson also was quite afraid of the Government and the constitution, which led to Jeffersons Rebellion (1800). The Federalists were known for their desire for an all powerful central government, but sometimes the party members did not believe in this type of government. ...he will at any time be able to prove quite as clearly that congress has power to create a dictator. (DOC D). Even at the Hartford Convention many Republican-resembling resolutions were accepted. Congress shall not have power, without concurrence of two-thirds of both houses. (DOC E). Madison also states, in his proposal for war, that the constitution was better due to its inflexibility. Also during the Hartford there were no propositions for a change in the Constitution which is not a good representative of Federalist ideals. ...

Anasazi Indians Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Anasazi Indians - Essay Example Anasazi Indians practiced artwork, which was different from other tribes, hence giving them a uniqueness. For instance, they practiced pottery used for cooking or storage. The potteries were smooth and unpainted (Linda 18-19). Similarly, Anasazi Indians decorated pottery with black paints on a white background between 500 to 1300 CE (Maestri 5). They decorated their pottery using fine hatching and contrasted them using a mineral-based paint. Tall cylinders also characterize the community for ceremonial purposes. The narrow-necked jar was used for storing or drinking liquids (Linda 18-19). Additionally, this community also created pictographs and petroglyphs such as â€Å"sun dagger† that allowed sunlight to pass (Brian 35). The sitting of the dagger on the Petroglyph varied throughout the year to symbolize different positions of the sun and different seasons of the year (Brian 35). For instance, dagger-shaped light form pierces through the heart of the spiral during summer; this is an indication that it serves different purposes, and the community identified themselves with the different positions. Sun daggers also marked winter and equinoxes hence were important for the community in marking the events or the four seasons (Maestri 9). Architecture is also another aspect that defines the cultures of Anasazi since they were uniquely designed within the community spaces (Brian 35). The ancient community settlements were based on apartments-like structures made of stones and other local materials (Brian 35). The ancient towns were multi-storied building and served multipurpose as they also surrounded the open plaza; people occupied them (Brian 35). Similarly, they served the purpose of hosting cultural and civil events important for this community (Brian 35). The Anasazi Indians architectural structures marked by villages and towns acted as defense symbols because of their locations (Bureau of Land Management 6). For example, some were placed in strategic

Deficit spending Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Deficit spending - Research Paper Example Government spending spurs economic growth in the country. When we focus on the long run, this is basically a positive macroeconomic effect. Government borrowing from other countries is used to finance government projects. This leads to increase in national infrastructure and stocks. This promotes the growth of the country in the long-run period. Currently, the federal government is investing heavily in education and health sectors. They can be the best gainers with the expected increased government borrowing. All these benefits associated with deficit spending can be easily estimated through analysis on cost benefit (McConnell, 1996). Most of the Keynesian economists attribute deficit as an appropriate tool for managing the aggregate demand levels in the country. This is because increased borrowing from other countries is an economic stimulus to demand in the country. This helps to stabilize the aggregate demand. However, these economists argue that the federal government should use and implement fiscal policies to contain. Besides this, managed levels of demand helps to sustain economic growth and reduce the general level of unemployment in the country. Deficit spending is financed through public borrowing. This leads to increase in public debt which is later financed through the revenues collected by the federal government later in future. This is a burden to the public because it implicates negatively to their lives. In most cases, taxes are raised on basic commodities for the federal government to raise revenue to cater for this. Increase in government borrowing leads to increase in public debt in the economy. From an economist point of view, a larger public debt results into high interest levels. Hence, the citizens of that particular country will be required to pay higher taxes in order to finance this debt in long term. Public debt is mostly financed through taxes

ECT Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

ECT - Essay Example PLC’s can be utilized as relays and timers which can be utilized in homes to control outputs based on the inputs. For example: they can be used timers for switching of lights based on the customized information they have been provided for the environment in which a household is located. The most commonly used programming language that is utilized for PLC programming is Ladder Logic. This language was not initially used as a form of programming language, but later it evolved for this purpose. This language provides a representation of a particular program and these representations are based on relay logic. The three main components include the processor, power supplier and a section of input as well as output. The processor is referred to as the brain of the PLC which performs various functions such as controlling the process. The power supplier is utilized in transforming input power into voltage that is needed for the internal circuits. The section of input and output is necessary for protection of the CPU against any form of electric

Examining the strategic location of South Face Mine

Examining the strategic location of South Face Mine The strategic location of the South Face Mine, owned by Mountain Mining Canada Ltd (MMCL), catches the attention of Can-Do to make an offer for purchasing the mine. If our company successfully acquires it, the combination of better surface logistics and optimal location of new drift mines could provide an annual cost saving of up to $1.5 million for 20 years. However, MMCL has closed the mine and currently been spending on closure and reclamation of it; undoubtedly MMCL would like to transfer those costs to us. The purpose of this memorandum is to determine the walk-away point, which is the highest amount Can-Do would agree to offer in the negotiation with MMCL, with the use of data from the management budget provided by MMCL, the discounted cash flow model and sensitivity tests on various assumptions. Given the data in the MMCL management budget with removal of costs which are not transferred to Can-Do or can be internalized  [1]  , and assuming a 6% interest rate for discounting, the 15% contingency allowance used in MMCL implies an inflation rate of 2.55%. Having studied various assumptions, the sensitivity tests indicate the variance of short-term duration is the most important risk underlying as a 1-year extension of short-term costs reduces the value of acquisition by $6.6 million from $15.5 million to $8.9 million (58% of original value). A 2-year extension further reduces the value by 6.4 million to $2.5 million (16% of original value).  [2]   The recommended walk-away point would be $14 million, a value lower than the net values of acquisition calculated in most sensitivity tests excluding those with respect to short-term duration and estimated cost saving. It also means that an efficient cost control should be performed to avoid an extension of short-term cost and a failure to realize the estimated cost saving. It is also worth noting that there are large discrepancies of cost items between the 2006 and 2005 budgets. A detailed review on financial data is suggested so as to find out any hidden problems or risks. Introduction The purchase of the South Face Mine, currently owned by Mountain Mining Canada Limited (MMCL), can provide Can-Do a very large reduction in operating cost of North Fork Mine, located adjacent to South Face Mine, by an estimated amount up to $1.5 million annually for the next 20 years, attributed to the optimal location of new drift mines and the improved logistics. However, it is expected that MMCL would require us to bear the closure and reclamation costs. Therefore, the net value of the acquisition is the value of cost saving net of the value of those additional costs. By considering the data provided and computing the net value of acquisition, it comes up with the walk-away point, which is critical and crucial to our negotiation with MMCL. The remaining parts of this memorandum explain the determination of the walk-away point. In particular, the purpose of this study is to: Review the financial data provided Do sensitivity tests for assumptions with respect to the closure and reclamation costs Set a reasonable walk-away point Identify other possible risks for the determination of the walk-away point There are different types of costs, including short-term costs which will be incurred within five years and long-term costs which will be incurred during the whole reclamation period. There are also salvage values of equipments remaining on site (i.e. Inventory Disposition), and they will accrue to Can-Do. Moreover, MMCL has included a 15% contingency allowance in its calculation. From the table above, it is clearly observed that large discrepancies exist for most cost items between 2006 and 2005 budget, and this indicates a deficiency of the contingency allowance in 2005 to cover the adverse development of costs estimated from 2005 to 2006. It concerns us about the accuracy and reliability of the predictions. It is suggested a detailed review of financial data as well as other information related to the situation of the mine be conducted in order to discover any potential problems which may put our company at risk. Data Adjustment The data provided is subject to adjustments so as to calculate a more reasonable walk-away point. They include: Removing costs not to be transferred from MMCL to Can-Do (e.g. severance costs) Removing costs which could be realized from internalizing them in Can-Do (e.g. inspection costs) Analysis: Methods Assumptions Contingency Allowance Inflation Rate MMCL has included a 15% contingency allowance in its budget while has not considered the time value of cost items. Assuming the allowance is totally for the inflation, the implied inflation rate that is equivalent to the 15% contingency allowance is found to be 2.55% (using the Excel function à ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒâ€¦Ã¢â‚¬Å"goal seekà ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ã‚ ), after the data adjustment aforementioned. Sensitivity Tests, Risks Walk-away Point To investigate the risks underlying, sensitivity tests have been performed to examine the uncertainties associated with the assumptions of cash flow projections (all with 0% contingency allowance). Table 3: Sensitivity Tests The table consists of the net value of the acquisition under different combinations of short-term duration, long-term duration, inflation rate and discount rate (Scenario Base and #1-10). From the table, it shows that under most scenarios the value of acquisition is around $14-15 million. Therefore, it would be appropriate and conservative to set $14 million as the walk-away point. In addition, an extra sensitivity test on estimated cost saving are conducted (Scenario #11-12). When compared to Scenario #4, it demonstrates that a 10% decrease in cost saving causes the value of acquisition below $14 million. It implies a strong control is needed to monitor that the realized cost saving is close to the estimated one. As shown in the tables, the short-term duration should be the key risk factor as an increase in it leads to a tremendous decrease in value (by comparing Scenario Base to Scenario #1-2 or Scenario #4 to Scenario #5-6). Can-Do should therefore pay much attention to the extension of short-term cost projections. Conclusions and Recommendations Based upon the modified cost budget and assuming a 6% discount rate, a 15% contingency allowance implies an inflation rate of 2.55%. Also, after a study of various assumptions by sensitivity tests, a walk-away point of $14 million will be sufficient for the acquisition of South Face Mine. However, a few issues have to be highlighted: The large variances between the 2006 and 2005 budget raise concerns of the validity and reliability of the estimated values in the budget. The implied inflation rate of 2.55% is less than the lower bound of inflation rate projected by our economists. The net value of acquisition is very responsive to the duration of short-term costs according to the results of sensitivity tests. The determination of walk-away point is based on the assumption that $1.5 million can be saved annually over 20 years. A slight decrease in it can be enough to cause an overall loss for the acquisition provided that the final purchase price of South Face Mine is close to the walk-away point. For some costs including water treatment operation/maintenance costs and salaries of accountant/environmental person, they may be internalized to a certain extent; yet they are not removed for the determination of walk-away point due to their specialty. This also provides a relatively conservative walk-away point implicitly. It is recommended that a detailed investigation should be carried out to verify the estimated costs in the budget as well as to locate any other problems. It is also proposed that an efficient cost control should be established in order to keep the cost be aligned with the prediction if Can-Do successfully purchases the South Face Mine from MMCL

Violations of the True Woman in The Coquette Essay -- The Coquette Ess

Violations of the True Woman in The Coquette  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚        Ã‚   In her article, "The Cult of True Womanhood: 1820-1860," Barbara Welter discusses the nineteenth-century ideal of the perfect woman. She asserts that "the attributes of True Womanhood . . . could be divided into four cardinal virtues-piety, purity, submissiveness and domesticity." Furthermore, she adds that "if anyone, male or female, dared to tamper with the complex virtues which made up True Womanhood, he was damned immediately as an enemy of God, of civilization and of the Republic" (Welter 152). In Hannah W. Foster's The Coquette, the characters Major Sanford and Eliza Wharton violate True Womanhood condemning them both to wretched fates. Major Sanford continually violates the True Womanhood with his systematic seduction of women. Due to his assaults against female purity, Major Sanford is rejected by society for being devoid of virtue. Well aware of this reputation, Mrs. Richman warns Eliza that he is a "professed libertine" and is not to be admitted into "virtuous society" (Foster 20). Upon her acquaintance with him, her friend Lucy Freeman declares, "I look upon the vicious habits, and abandoned character of Major Sanford, to have more pernicious effects on society, than the perpetrations of the robber and the assassin" (Foster 63). Major Sanford's licentious past dooms him to a future of lechery; there is no possibility for him to evade his reputation. Eliza's assaults against True Womanhood are violations of the virtues submissiveness and purity. When Eliza refuses to ignore the gallantry of Major Sanford in favor of the proposals of Reverend Boyer despite the warnings of her friends and mother, she disregards submissiveness in favor of her own fanc... ...ind of happiness" (Foster 166). In the end, both are severely punished for their debasement of the True Woman. One might question if Eliza really had any choice in her situation. Early in the novel she declares, "What a pity . . . that the graces and virtues are not oftner united!" (Foster 22). While Sanford possessed all the suavity she desired and Reverend Boyer all the integrity, she could find no companion who possessed both. This lack of options seems to be what truly destroys Eliza. It may have been within Eliza's power to be a True Woman, but due to the societal constraints imposed upon her, it does not seem at all possible for her to have been a happy woman.    Works Cited Foster, Hannah W. The Coquette. New York: Oxford UP, 1986. Welter, Barbara. "The Cult of True Womanhood: 1820-1860." American Quarterly. Vol. 18 (1966). 151-74.   

Food Security Essay

As the effort to alleviate poverty and increase food security takes on new dimensions on the backdrop of increasing challenges, asset-based community development has become a key strategy. There has been a shift of focus to individual, communal and institutional asset and the capacity or potential they have in building the capacity of achieving locally defined development (Social Design, 2010). The asset-based community development strategy is based on the principle that including as many people as is possible in a development project increases the probability of the project remaining sustainable even after the experts implementing it leave it under the management of the community. The asset-based community development strategy begins by first acknowledging that the existent poverty and insufficiency in a community cannot be solved by the human, physical and intellectual assets at the disposal of the community (Social Design, 2010). It involves the mobilization of members of the community so that these assets, coupled with external investment, can be effectively utilized to improve the community’s capacity of meeting the developmental challenges that face it. In addition, there needs to be creation of awareness about alternative means of acquiring additional assets and resources. Secondly, asset-based community development should be viewed as complementary to developmental work already in progress within the community; and must be based on the traditions rooted within the community with regard to organization, community development and developmental planning (Social Design, 2010). It should be noted that not a single entity (government, the business community, civil society and the community itself) can bring meaningful development on its own, so the essence of asset-based community is to forge a working partnership between all the stakeholders to bring about improvement in sufficiency, democracy and respect to human rights (Social Design, 2010). The process must therefore be based on transparency and accountability, justice and participation. Having established this operational framework, attention is shifted on ways of mobilizing the community and the assets it has towards a clearly defined vision. The first step is mapping all the assets within the community and its local institutions (Social Design, 2010). Full mobilization in this context is only achieved after the community can address its agenda and challenges with an awareness of the resources that it has to counter the developmental challenges it faces. Second, elaborate plans should be put in place to build strong relationships within the community so that these resources can be aggregated and given a common focus towards progress. Strength and self-reliance are attributes bolstered when all members of the community are linked and actively involved in finding solutions to the challenges that face them (Social Design, 2010). The community realizes that it has a great potential than it had realized and there is a rejuvenation of hope, motivation and renewal. After relationships have been established, the assets owned within the community are mobilized towards economic development and for the purpose of sharing information. This includes the assets relegated due to lack of information on how to harness them or lack of the applicable technology. The community is then convened as a unit to participate in the development of a vision and the plan to achieve it. As said earlier, the assets and resources within poor communities are not sufficient. Asset-based development strategies need therefore to leverage outside resources to support them; and after all these steps have been taken, the community is on its way to self-sufficiency (Social Design, 2010). Sustainable livelihoods frameworks (SLF) Sustainable Livelihoods frameworks provide a basis for poverty analysis so that policies, programs and projects designed to reduce poverty can be specifically tailored to meet developmental challenges facing a community (Ludy & Slater, 2008). Through SLFs, a coherent approach to the analysis of economic challenges can be performed, leading to the identification of suitable intervention and the timetable for these interventions. SLF implementation are founded on analyzing livelihoods, risks and vulnerabilities of individuals, households and the community so that key drivers of poverty and their remedies can be established (Ludy & Slater, 2008). Sustainable livelihoods frameworks are centered on people and their capacity to mobilize the natural, human, social and financial assets at their disposal in response to opportunities and risks so that the quality of life can be improved. An emphasis is laid on strengths rather than weaknesses, and the strategy is to make targeted people have the awareness that they have the assets and the potential to utilize them in pursuit of livelihood goals (Ludy & Slater, 2008). SLF implementation is multidimensional and aims at first identifying the constrictions standing in the way of individuals and households and analyzing the same to yield the opportunities that may arise therein; developing specific but diverse strategies to empower the people to pursue paths towards securing their livelihoods. SLFs focus on each target’s individual strategy for socio-economic development and therefore favor full participation and multidisciplinary approach at different levels (Ludy & Slater, 2008). They thus are flexible to organizations planning specific interventions to poverty and allow focus to be on the elements within a society most likely to face developmental challenges. Entrepreneurial ideology in rural project Entrepreneurship has been identified as a very strategic intervention for accelerating development in rural areas. It creates employment, prevents rural unrest and leads to the creation of wealth at the local level reducing dependency especially for women and other marginalized people (FAO, 1997). There is acceptance that entrepreneurship in rural areas by itself cannot achieve development; so the emphasis of this ideology is the creation of an environment that makes entrepreneurship in rural areas a viable venture. The premise of the rural entrepreneurship ideology is that diversification from subsistence agriculture holds the key to economic development (FAO, 1997). Attention is therefore paid to alternatives like the promotion of tourism and other trades like carpentry, training, retailing and sports. The genesis of rural entrepreneurship is the creation of a supporting environment through policies that establish macro-economic stability, property rights and an international outlook (FAO, 1997). The necessary inputs to the entrepreneurship process like capital, infrastructure and management training can therefore be dispatched to the rural areas as a base for establishing a vibrant economy, consequently increasing sufficiency and reducing dependency. ? References Food and Agricultural Organization, FAO. (1997). â€Å"Rural development through entrepreneurship† Retrieved on 20/5/2010 from http://www. fao. org/docrep/W6882E/w6882e02. htm#P359_61606 Ludy, E. & Slater, R. (2008). Using the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework to understand and tackle poverty. Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation. Social Design. â€Å"Asset-Based Community Development† Retrieved on 19/05/2010 from http://www. socialdesign. org/assets/development. html

Why Obama Won the 08 Presidential Election

Why Obama Won the 08 Presidential Election Barack Obama decisively won the presidential election, for many solid reasons and due to many factors, including weaknesses of his Republican opponent, Sen. John McCain. This article enumerates and explains the five top reasons why Obama won win the 2008 race to become the 44th President of the United States. Reasons Why Barack Obama Won the 2008 U.S. Presidential Election Reason #1 - Empathy and Genuine Help for Middle-Class Americans Barack Obama gets what it means for a family to worry financially, to work hard simply to make it, and to do without essentials. Obama was born to a teenage mother, abandoned by his father at age two, and raised largely in a small apartment by his middle-class grandparents. At one point, Obama, his mother, and younger sister relied on food stamps to put meals on the family table. Michelle Obama, close counselor and best friend to her husband, and her brother were similarly raised in modest circumstances in a one-bedroom apartment on the south side of Chicago. Both Barack and Michelle Obama speak frequently about what it means for middle-class Americans to be at a disadvantage financially and otherwise. Because they get it, both Obamas refer with heartfelt eloquence to middle-class fears, including to: the climbing unemployment ratethe staggering home foreclosure rate gripping the nationcrashing 401(k) and pension plans, leaving retirements in limbo48 million Americans without healthcare insurancehigh percentages of public schools failing our childrenthe continuing struggle of middle-class families to balance work and parenting demands In vivid contrast, John and particularly Cindy McCain exude an aura of financial insularity and well-heeled elegance. Both were born wealthy, and have been quite wealthy for their entire lives. When cornered by Pastor Rick Warren several months ago, John McCain defined rich as I think if youre just talking about income, how about 5 million. Middle-class anger is palpable about economic fairness in these unusually tough financial times, and subsequent to what many viewed as President Bushs $700 billion bailout of rich Wall Streeters. Obama offered actual, understandable policy solutions to help middle-class Americans, including: a detailed 12-point program to repair the economy for middle-class families, including a $1,000 tax cut, creation of 5 million new jobs, protection of family homes from foreclosure, and reform of unfair bankruptcy laws.a Small Business Emergency Rescue Plan which includes emergency lending for small and family-owned businesses, special tax incentives, and tax cuts, and expansion of Small Business Administration support and services.a specific plan to reform Wall Street practices, including new regulation of the financial markets, to blunt the greedy influence of special interests, crackdown on manipulation of financial markets, and more. John McCains tin ear on middle-class financial woes were evident in his prescription for the economy: more tax-cuts for major corporations, and continuation of the Bush tax cuts for U.S. millionaires. And this McCain stance is consistent with his stated desires to slash Medicare and privatize Social Security. The American public is fed-up with failed Bush/McCain economics, which claim that prosperity will eventually trickle down to everyone else. Obama won the presidential race largely because voters correctly perceive that he, and not John McCain, care about and will address middle-class economic struggles and inequities. Reason #2 - Steady Leadership and Calm Temperament As of October 21, 2008, Barack Obama earned more than 120 newspaper endorsements, versus 33 for John McCain. Without exception, every Obama endorsement referred to his presidential-like personal and leadership qualities. And all echo the same basics about Obamas calm, steady, thoughtful nature, versus McCains impetuousness and unpredictability. Explained  The Salt Lake Tribune, which has rarely endorsed a Democrat for president: Under the most intense scrutiny and attacks from both parties, Obama has shown the temperament, judgment, intellect and political acumen that are essential in a president that would lead the United States out of the crises created by President Bush, a complicit Congress and our own apathy. Summed  The Los Angeles Times: We need a leader who demonstrates thoughtful calm and grace under pressure, one not prone to volatile gesture or capricious pronouncement... as the presidential race draws to its conclusion, it is Obamas character and temperament that come to the fore. It is his steadiness. His maturity. And from  The Chicago Tribune, founded in 1847, which has never before endorsed a Democrat for the presidency: We have tremendous confidence in his intellectual rigor, his moral compass and his ability to make sound, thoughtful, careful decisions. He is ready... Obama is deeply grounded in the best aspirations of this country, and we need to return to those aspirations.... He has risen with his honor, grace and civility intact. He has the intelligence to understand the grave economic and national security risks that face us, to listen to good advice and make careful decisions. In contrast, during the past two months of the 08 presidential campaign, John McCain acted (and overreacted) inconsistently, unpredictably, and without forethought. Two examples of McCains unsteady leadership were his erratic behavior during the financial markets meltdown, and in his poorly-vetted pick of Sarah Palin as his running mate. John McCain served as the perfect foil to highlight Obamas solidly grounded leadership skills. Obamas even-keel temperament made him seem well-suited to be President for these troubled, turbulent times. And the mere image of ultra-volatile, careless John McCain in the White House was enough to scare the majority of the electorate into supporting Obama. Reason #3 - Fair, Cost-Effective Health Care Insurance Americans were finally fed-up enough with the unfairness of health care delivery in this country, to be ready to make the issue a priority in selecting a president. The U.S. is the only wealthy, industrialized nation that does not have a universal health care system. As a result, in 2008, more than 48 million U.S. men, women, and children have no healthcare insurance. Despite being ranked #1 in health care spending by the World Health Organization (WHO), the U.S. was ranked  72nd among 191 nations  in 2000 in overall level of health of its citizens. And the state of U.S. healthcare deteriorated further under the Bush administration. Barack Obamas health care plan and policies will fairly ensure that every American will have access to good quality medical care services. John McCains health care plan was a stunningly radical scheme that will: still exclude millions of the uninsured,raise income taxes for most American families and,in the opinion of most experts, causes millions of employers to drop health care policies for their employees. And unbelievably, McCain wanted to deregulate the healthcare insurance industry, much as Republicans disastrously deregulated U.S. financial markets under President George Bush. Obamas Health Care Plan Briefly, Obama will make available a new plan to all Americans, including the self-employed and small businesses, to buy affordable health coverage that is similar to the plan available to members of Congress. The new plan will include: Guaranteed eligibilityNo one will be turned away from any insurance plan because of illness or pre-existing conditionsComprehensive benefitsAffordable premiums, co-pays, and deductiblesEasy enrollmentPortability and choice Employers that do not offer or make a significant contribution to the cost of quality health coverage for their employees will be required to contribute a percentage of payroll toward the costs of this plan. Most small businesses will be exempt from this mandate. The Obama plan requires only that all children have health care coverage. McCains Health Care Plan John McCains health care plan was designed to control health care costs and to deregulate, and thus enrich, the healthcare industry, and is not necessarily designed to offer health care coverage to the uninsured. For consumers, the McCain plan: required that insurance policies from employers be included in employees taxable income, along with salary and bonuses, thereby causing employees income taxes to increase;then provided a $5,000 tax credit to partially offset increased income taxes;deleted the employee health care insurance income tax deduction for all employers. Innumerable experts predicted that these massive McCain changes would: cause the taxable income of the average family of four to rise by about $7,000;cause employers to drop health care insurance for employees;would cause an increase, not decrease, in Americans without health care coverage. McCains plan was intended to push millions of Americans into the market to buy their own individual health care policies, which will be offered by a newly deregulated healthcare insurance industry. Newsweek reported, The Tax Policy Center estimates that 20 million workers will leave the employer-based system, not always voluntarily. Midsize and smaller companies are likely to drop their plans... CNN/Money added, McCain sorely lacks a plan for people in their 50s without corporate benefits, and Americans with pre-existing conditions, who would be brutally stripped of coverage if insurance crosses state lines. Observed blogger Jim MacDonald, The result... won’t be healthy competition that will lower costs for everyone. It’ll be higher costs and fewer options for the poor, the old, and the sick. That is, the people who need health care. Young, healthy, rich people won’t be affected... Obamas Plan: The Only Viable Choice In summary, Obamas plan, in which long-time health care advocate Hillary Clinton will be deeply involved, will fairly and inexpensively ensure that all Americans have access to quality health care services, but without the government providing those services. McCains so-called health care plan was intended to free the business community from providing for its employees, to enrich the healthcare insurance industry, and increase income taxes for all Americans. But not to provide health care services for the uninsured. For anyone who valued their health care insurance, Barack Obama was the only viable choice for president. Reason #4 - Withdrawal of Combat Troops from Iraq Barack Obama bested Hillary Clinton by a small margin for the 08 Democratic presidential nomination due mainly to their differing positions on the Iraq War, especially at the wars inception in 2002. Sen. Hillary Clinton  voted YES in 2002  to give the Bush administration authorization to attack and invade Iraq. Sen. Clinton rightfully believes that Congress was misled by Bush, and after a while, she admitted her regret for her vote. But Clintons 2002 support for the unpopular war was brutal fact. In contrast, Barack Obama famously  spoke out in late 2002 against the Iraq War  before Congress voted, declaring: I dont oppose all wars. What I am opposed to is a dumb war. What I am opposed to is a rash war. What I am opposed to is the cynical attempt... to shove their own ideological agendas down our throats, irrespective of the costs in lives lost and in hardships borne. What I am opposed to is the attempt by political hacks like Karl Rove to distract us from a rise in the uninsured, a rise in the poverty rate, a drop in the median income, to distract us from corporate scandals and a stock market that has just gone through the worst month since the Great Depression. Obama on the Iraq War Obamas stance on the Iraq War  is unambiguous: he plans to immediately begin to remove our troops from Iraq. He will remove one to two combat brigades each month, and have all of our combat brigades out of Iraq within 16 months. Under an Obama administration, the U.S. will not build or maintain any permanent bases in Iraq. He, of course, plans to temporarily maintain some non-combat troops in Iraq to protect our embassy and diplomats, and to complete the training of Iraq troops and police forces, as necessary. Also, Obama plans to launch the most aggressive diplomatic effort in recent American history to reach a new compact on the stability of Iraq and the Middle East. This effort will include all of Iraq’s neighbors, including Iran and Syria. McCain on the Iraq War McCain, a third generation Naval officer, voted in 2002 to give President Bush full authority to attack and invade Iraq. And hes continually served as supporter and cheerleader for the U.S. War in Iraq, albeit with occasional objections to strategies. At the 08 Republican Convention and on the campaign trail, McCain and running mate Gov. Palin frequently proclaimed a goal of victory in Iraq and scoff at withdrawal timetables as foolish and premature. McCains website proclaimed ... it is strategically and morally essential for the U.S. to support the Government of Iraq to become capable of governing itself and safeguarding its people. He strongly disagrees with those who advocate withdrawing American troops before that has occurred. McCain took this stance: despite the  $12 billion monthly pricetag  to U.S. taxpayers;despite the fact that the Iraqi government has a substantial budgetary surplus;despite mounting deaths and permanent maimings of U.S. soldiers;despite exhaustion of U.S armed forces;despite the crippling effect the Iraq War has on U.S. armed forces abilities to address other conflicts and emergencies. General Colin Powell, former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and former Secretary of State, disagreed with McCain, as did General Wesley Clark, former Supreme Allied Commander Europe of NATO, and as do dozens of other retired generals, admirals and other top brass. Heres the really odd part: the Bush administration also disagreed with John McCain. Per various international  sources on October 20, 2008, the U.S. is finalizing negotiations on a security agreement with Iraq: The agreement also contains a timetable for the withdrawal of the U.S. military from Iraqi cities and towns by June 30, 2009 and from Iraqi territory by Dec. 31, 2011. Even General David Petraeus, often referred to with great reverence by McCain,  recently told the British press  that he would never use the word victory to describe U.S. involvement in Iraq and  commented: This is not the sort of struggle where you take a hill, plant the flag and go home to a victory parade... its not war with a simple slogan. The hard truth is that John McCain, Vietnam War POW, was obsessed with the Iraq War. And he couldnt seem to shake his angry, unhealthy obsession despite either reality or exorbitant cost. U.S. Voters Want Out of Iraq Per  CNN/Opinion Research Corp. polling  from October 17 to 19, 2008, 66% of all Americans disapprove of the Iraq war. Barack Obama was on the correct side of this issue, per the entire voting public, especially per the centrist, swing voters who decide most election outcomes. Barack Obama won the 2008 presidential election in part because he consistently exhibited wise judgment on the Iraq War, and because he insists on the obviously correct course of action. Reason #5 - Joe Biden as Running Mate Sen. Barack Obama won the presidency in part because of his wise selection of highly experienced, well-liked Sen. Joe Biden of Delaware as his vice-presidential running mate. The first job of the vice president is to assume the presidency should the president become incapacitated. No one doubts that Joe Biden is fully prepared to become President of the United States, should that terrible occasion arise. The second job of the vice president is to be of constant counsel to the president. In his 36 years in the U.S. Senate, Biden is one of the  most respected American leaders on foreign policy, the U.S. judiciary, crime, civil liberties, and many other vital areas. With his gregarious, warm personality, Biden is suited to offer direct, smart counsel to the 44th president, as he has done for many other U.S. presidents. As an added bonus, the working chemistry and mutual respect between Obama and Biden is excellent. For Americans concerned about Barack Obamas level of experience, Joe Bidens presence on the ticket added a large dose of gravitas. Had he selected one of the able, but far less experienced candidates on this short list (Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius and Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine, to name two top contenders), Barack Obama may have been less likely to reassure a majority of voters that the Democratic ticket was experienced enough to tackle todays tough issues. Joe Biden vs. Sarah Palin Joe Bidens deep grasp of the issues, appreciation of U.S. history and laws, and steady, experienced leadership were in jarring contrast to that of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, the Republican vice-presidential candidate. Republican nominee, 72-year-old John McCain, has wrestled with three episodes of melanoma, the most aggressive form of skin cancer, and gets an in-depth skin cancer check every few months. Mr. McCains serious health challenges greatly increased the risk that he could become incapacitated and/or pass away in office, which would require his vice president to become President of the United States. It was widely recognized, even by a plethora of conservative pundits, that Sarah Palin was wholly unprepared to assume the presidency. In contrast, Joe Biden was widely regarded as well prepared to assume the presidency. Due to these five important political factors, Barack Obama won the November 4, 2008 election to become the 44th President of the United States.

Gender Differences and Roles essays

Gender Differences and Roles essays How Gender Differences and Roles are Changing Today As the years have gone on we have seen many changes in the differences and roles of the genders in our society. The Spartans of ancient Greece for example had the woman as stay at home moms to parent future warriors, but they had to participate in many athletic activities because they thought a strong mother would give birth to a strong child. However, the men were the fighters and were kept very close to each other to the point of homosexual relationships forming. Even today though we tend to still classify the genders under certain roles no matter what science has to say. I read an article About Gender: Differences by J. Bland. The author starts out by stating that try as much as we like men and women are different. He is quick to point out though that everyone is different, so why bother worrying? The difference is so strong apparently that it is one of the most important things we look for in a person. After the introduction he starts going into various theories about gender roles and differences. He disproves a few things along the way like: There are studies about relative abilities of perception, vision sound and touch. Certainly, if you watched a carpenter run his fingers along a planed surface and being able to tell how "true" it was, you would find it difficult to believe that boys lack tactile sensitivity. He goes on to say that men are seen as stronger of the two genders, but the fact is that overall women are stronger. They can fight off viruses better, can sustain trauma better; have better endurance, and live longer. This is why they make not only good protectors for a child while its in the womb, but also after its born. Men on the other hand dont as good protectors for the young do to their more aggressive nature and may put a child in harm. This is thinking on a nature level though. The biggest difference the aut...

Zara's Secret for Fast Fashion Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Zara's Secret for Fast Fashion - Case Study Example   Zara’s competitors in the fashion and industry were amazed at how the company was rapidly expanding both locally and internationally. It is important to note that all these stores were opened under the company’s brand but when the ventured into the Asian market, the company’s managers had different views of the market in that they decided to exercise the concept of Franchising. For instance, in Malaysia, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, the company operates as a B2B Company. Zara did virtually no advertising unlike its international clothing competitors such as Gap, Benetton, and H&M. Instead, the company places only two ads to promote its yearly sales and announce the opening of the new store. This decision has led Zara to realize 0.3% average revenue instead of 4%. Zara store managers have no discretion about the look and the feeling of their stores (Wikipedia, n.d). Zara does not aim to produce classic clothes that are always in style instead of the company intend ed to have its clothes to have fairly short life spans both in stores and customers wardrobe. In the year 2003, Inditex operated 1,558 stores in more than 40 countries of which 550 were part of Zara chain stores. The company has 90,000 employees of which 80% are female while the rest are male. Currently, Inditex is the biggest and fastest growing retailer while Zara is the biggest leading retail innovator in the world and that has established its place in the fashion industry by offering not only apparel and accessories for women fashion but also for children and men. More so, Zara Company had provided and established a unique environment for shopping by altering the manner others companies such as Gap and H&M store appear. The company changes its layouts often to incorporate artwork. Zara has realized how to expand and make a profit due to its capability to face the apparel challenges in the market. This paper aims to discuss the businesses model and key elements of disruptive busi ness, identify distinctive competencies of disruptive companies and discuss the competitive advantages of disruptive companies. Disruptive business model Disruptive innovation is a creation that aids establish a new market and value network, and it usually goes on to disrupt the existing market and value network by replacing or displacing an earlier technology. Disruptive model is used by a company to improve a product in a manner that the market does not expect by designing for a different segment of consumers in the new market and afterward by lowering the prices in the current or existing market. Businesses that adapt and applies disruptive model usually have a competitive advantage over its competitors in the market (Wikipedia, n.d). For instance, companies such as Dell and Zara have this model in order to remain in front of their competitors. Dell has survived the bust and now looks better for it since, in one of the worst PC industry history, Dell has gained enough share to be come the leading PC seller in the world.  

Aboriginal Community Health and Well-Being Essay

Aboriginal Community Health and Well-Being - Essay Example Several regions of the world have aboriginals like Australia and Canada (Hazlehurst, 1995). Just like other communities, aboriginal has controlled health organizations whose duty is to ensure the delivery of holistic and culturally appropriate health care. Worth noting, aboriginal community health represents not only the physical well-being, but also cultural, social and emotional as well (Eckersley et. al. 2001). However, analysts believe that the trend of rearing aboriginals has changed drastically since today many of them are reared without their cultural believes. Through this provision, individuals achieve full potential ultimately contributing to the overall well-being of their community. Section A, Question 1. Poor health is a biological manifestation of inequality among the Aboriginal in Canada. In this community, health and medical beliefs are social and spiritual. Aboriginal community in Canada experience poor health outcomes, which reflects on their knowledge about biologi cal health. Diseases such as chronic disease, accidental disease, post neonatal mortality, and mental illness are common in Aboriginal reserves (Waldram, et.al., 2006). For example, health report in 1999 alludes that Aboriginal living in the reserves recorded the highest number of suicide. Further, aboriginals in the reserves have high percentage of diabetes and other attacks. The above health figures support the argument of Physician Paul Farmer. Inequality refers to non-uniform distribution of essential needs in the society. For instance, non-uniform health care policies influence the distribution and administration of healthcare in the society. Non-uniform social and legal policies influence social status of individuals in the community. Social factors contribute to health inequality in aboriginal community. Emotional, physical, spiritual, and mental dimensions of Aboriginal health among children and youths indicate that social determinants contribute to inequality in health. Soc ial determinants that influence health fall under the following categories distal (e.g. political, historical, economical and social context), proximal (e.g. social and physical environment, health behaviors), and intermediate (e.g. resources, community infrastructure, capacities and systems) (Waldram et.al. 2006). Social determinants affect health behaviours, health vulnerability and capacity, and health management. Due to the many imbalances of life and need for healing such problems, sweat lodge is used extensively to assist since it occurs in the mind, spirit, emotions, and the body as well. Further, social determinants would influence circumstances that contribute to alleviation of health problems. For example, aboriginals who lead a low-income life experience diseases and illnesses. Like other communities, they are entitled to medication. However, in the provision of the medication, the healers are not regulated by an institution or law, but rather unwritten ethical standards of practise and community support. This in turn reflects to the social status, which links inadequate opportunities to raise income to good health. Inadequate employment opportunity influence income of an individual, which further contributes to poverty level in the society. In essence, poverty is a factor that contributes to health condition of the community. Fighting poverty or developing ways of fighting poverty contributes to health improvement in the society (Hazlehurst, 1995). Researchers in health argue that social factors contribute to the health inequality of the Aboriginals. Socio political factors in Canada are major factors that contribute to health inequality among the Aboriginal communities (White, et. al. 2003). Historically,