Marijuana as a Gift from Mother Earth Essay - 1017 Words

Marijuana as a Gift from Mother Earth When and where will the senseless persecutions of America’s Marijuana users end? These Marijuana smokers are typically middle class males, between the ages of 17 and 39, and one in three have no prior felony charges on their records. (HRW World Report) However, each year, hundreds of thousands of them are arrested and thrown into jail, alongside murderers, rapists, and child molesters. The â€Å"Marihuana Tax Act† was passed in August 1937, and took effect on October 1, an incident which would forever change the country. The main reason behind the ban placed upon Marijuana was the same as most other drug prohibitions – the oppression of minorities. Case in point, the first anti-drug law on record†¦show more content†¦Although white drug users outnumber blacks by 5 to 1, and blacks only make up 13 percent of the U.S. population, over 62 percent of prisoners incarcerated for drug related charges are black. (ABC) This alarming statistic shows the blatant racism of the â€Å"War on Drugs†, which is more a war on blacks than drugs. Between the years of 1970 and 1998, over 11.5 million people were incarcerated for acts ranging from simple possession of Marijuana, to sale and manufacture of Marijuana – a category that encompasses all charges related to growing, distribution, and cultivation. 87 percent of all arrests were for possession, while 13 percent of arrests were for sale/manufacture. (NORML) Our prisons are so overcrowded that approximately 24 states are under Federal orders to set some prisoners free. There are over 1.5 million people in Federal, State, and local correctional facilities at the time of this paper’s writing. Yet, the War on Drugs continues, and if its â€Å"ultimate goal† is reached – the incarceration of every drug user, dealer, and grower, there will be approximately 30 million more people in our prisons. This is more people than the combined populations of California, Arizona, and New Mexico. To incarcerate every drug user in the country, we would have to spend over 15 trillion dollars, a figure that would not only bankrupt the country and destroy the working force, but would also leave no money to run the prisonsShow MoreRelatedA New Experience And Deeper Healing1409 Words   |  6 Pagesused in sacrament for over two millennia. It is known widely for its healing abilities of the mind body and soul. If you are going to abuse t his like other psychoactive substances, then an ayahuasca retreat is not for you. The ceremonies can be far from beautiful, and may surface past traumas as well as cause physical effects that subside once the effects wear off. A physical healing happens in the form of purging, this is believed to be bad energy or spirits leaving the body. Those who have livedRead MoreLife Is A Hard Journey1564 Words   |  7 Pagesas the chacruna or guambisa. Ayahuasca is known widely for its healing abilities of the mind, body, and soul. Those that plan to abuse this drug like other psychoactive substances, should not attend an ayahuasca retreat. The ceremonies can be far from beautiful, and may surface past traumas. As well, they may cause physical effects that subside once the intended effects wear off. A physical healing happens in the form of purging. This is believed to be bad energy or spirits leaving the body. ThoseRead MoreThe Accomplishments Of The Whitney Houston1565 Words   |  7 Pagesâ€Å"As I lay me down, heaven hear me now. I’m lost without a cause, after giving it my all. Winter storms have come, and darkened my sun. After all that I’ve been through, who on earth can I turn to? I look to you,† quoted from the song â€Å"I Look to You† by Whitney Houston. Whitney Houston came out with this song after she got out of rehab, making it seem like it was her recovery song or letting her world of fans know she was back. Everyone always has a â€Å"rough patch† in life whether they wantRead MoreMarijuana Position Paper - Pro Legalization3633 Words   |  15 PagesResearch Based Position Paper Marijuana Laws in a Rapidly Changing American Society The turbulent history of Marijuana prohibition in America is one filled with racial motives and propaganda, but surprisingly was not an issue before 80 years ago. In fact, when Ronald Reagan was a child, marijuana was still legal in his state (Guither). Many people assume that marijuana was made illegal through some kind of scientific or medical process which classified it as a dangerous drug, and thoughRead MoreEthics Essay - Modern Philosophy3086 Words   |  13 Pagesbackground, gender, race, and age can all factor into why that person thinks the way that they do. For centuries, our government has quarreled on public policy due to the fact everyone has different moral standards. Problems like gay marriage, the use of marijuana, and abortion have been thrown back and forth for the past decade or so. Laws have been made, but a lot of them now are being modified or debated all over again, because nobody can seem to agree. Even separate political parties exist because of beli efsRead MoreEssay on A Better Earth4696 Words   |  19 Pagesdo, they would just take steps to make the patient as comfortable as possible until the end came. However, this is not a human patient. It is our home - the earth. The store scenario well depicts what is happening to our planet, dirty air, global warning, polluted waters, and toxic wastes are just a few of the maldies of our very ill earth. Like the doctors mentioned above, the experts are in a quandary as to what to do. The media regularly call attention to the earths poor health with such headlinesRead MorePastoral Integration Narrative Reports and Reflection Papers7519 Words   |  31 PagesThought it’s evident that the place was guarded, I felt that the security was somehow loose. Well, maybe because my sense when I saw those who were inside the jail cells, the tatted ones who looked like they had no sleep. The thing that is different from what I imagined though is the aura, it was lighter when I saw some of the detainees who looked happy to see us, especially when we got inside the mess hall and they started singing. It made me realize that maybe, just maybe they wer e changing despiteRead MoreLogical Reasoning189930 Words   |  760 PagesNot Treating It Fairly ..................................................................... 174 Not Accepting the Burden of Proof ............................................................................................. 175 Diverting Attention from the Issue ............................................................................................. 176 Re-defining the Issue ....................................................................................................................Read MoreThe Ballad of the Sad Cafe46714 Words   |  187 Pagesthe two-room houses where the workers live, a few peach trees, a church with two colored windows, and a miserable main street only a hundred yards long. On Saturdays the tenants from the near-by farms come in for a day of talk and trade. Otherwise the town is lonesome, sad, and like a place that is far off and estranged from all other places in the world. The nearest train stop is Society City, and the Greyhound and White Bus Lines use the Forks Falls Road which is three miles away. The winters hereRead MoreRastafarian79520 Words   |  319 PagesRastafari This page intentionally left blank Rastafari From Outcasts to Culture Bearers Ennis Barrington Edmonds 2003 198 Madison Avenue, New York, New York 10016 Oxford University Press is a department of the University of Oxford It furthers the Universitys objective of excellence in research, scholarship, and education by publishing worldwide in Oxford New York Auckland Bangkok Buenos Aires Cape Town Chennai Dar es Salaam Delhi Hong Kong Istanbul Karachi Kolkata Kuala

Human Immunodeficiency Virus ( Hiv ) Weakens The Immune...

Benchmark Assignment: Epidemiology Paper Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) weakens the immune system and makes people vulnerable to infections and some types of cancer (HIV/AIDS, 2016). HIV various vague symptoms that are flu like. These symptoms are vague and can last from a few days to several weeks. HIV is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) from one person to another via the mucus membranes (About HIV/AIDS, 2016). HIV can lead to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) if undiagnosed or untreated. There is no cure for HIV or AIDS. Depending on the individual, HIV can take from two to fifteen years to develop into AIDS. Thirty-five million people have lost their lives to HIV, making this a global health issue (HIV/AIDS, 2016). In the United States, approximately 1.2 million people were living with HIV at the end of 2012. Approximately 13% were unaware that they were infected. HIV has decreased 19% in the US between 2005 to 2014 (About HIV/AIDS, 2016). There are many factors th at contribute to HIV, including, the epidemiologic triangle, community nurses assisting in the reduction of HIV, national and world organizations that address HIV with the goal of reducing the spread of HIV. Epidemiologic Triangle There are three things to consider the with transmission of disease, known as the epidemiologic triangle, vulnerable person or host, the setting, and the infectious agent. In considering the host or individual, it is important to include demographics, the person’sShow MoreRelatedHIV and Aids are something that have been a major problem in a large part of the world for many1400 Words   |  6 PagesHIV and Aids are something that have been a major problem in a large part of the world for many years. These viruses have destroyed many families and have taken many people’s lives. There are many different ways for a person to receive the virus. As of today, there is still no cure for these horrible diseases. Until scientists and doctors are able to find a medicine that can cure them, many people will continue to be affected by these diseases. This research paper will break down each virusRead MoreAcquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome ( Aids )1289 Words   |  6 PagesIr refutably, the immune system is ones’ shield against pathogens, ones’ knight in shining armor that confronts intruders. Over time the immune system can deteriorate, and that comes with age and declining health. Other times the immune system fights against itself causing autoimmune diseases that may or may not do irreparable harm. And sometimes, immune deficiency can be acquired. This is the case of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). AIDS is a disease where the immune system depreciates itsRead MoreIn 2015, An Estimate Of 36.7 Million People Was Living1009 Words   |  5 PagesIn 2015, an estimate of 36.7 million people was living with HIV and 1.1 million people died of AIDS-related illnesses (_). AIDS is a severe disease that causes the human’s immune system to become weak. Once the human body’s immune system is damaged, the body is more susceptible for infections. The most terrifying part about this entire ordeal is that scientist have yet to find a permanent cure for HIV/AIDS. As time progresses, scientists have been able to understand the illness even more and createdRead MoreHiv, Or Human Immunodeficiency Virus998 Words   |  4 PagesQuestion 1 HIV, or Human Immunodeficiency Virus, attacks the human immune system and greatly weakens the body’s ability to fight foreign invaders and infection. HIV first demanded notice in the early 1980s in the United States in homosexual men displaying illnesses like Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia and Kaposi’s sarcoma. The disease was soon observed in IV drug users, hemophiliacs, and blood transfusion recipients, but became publicized as a â€Å"gay disease,† nicknamed by the media as GRID, or Gay-RelatedRead MoreAIDS/HIV Its Effects on Popular Culture Essay1194 Words   |  5 Pagesinnocent health care worker. Some people may sadly consider their lives extinguished upon contraction of the in-curable virus, others will not let the infection rule their lives. However, the infection is no long-er considered a death sentence in contrast to what many may believe. Many people are igno-rant of the virus and continue to believe what was shared many years ago. What is HIV/ AIDS, and what is its history? What is its effects on the body? How can it be, not cured, but treated? Who is atRead MoreHuman Immunodeficiency Virus ( Hiv )1349 Words   |  6 Pages Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a retro virus that causes AIDs by infecting the T Helper cells of the body’s immune system. The AIDS virus is the final stages of the HIV virus. HIV is a lentivirus genus, which is a subgroup of the retrovirus that causes the AIDS virus. Even with proper treatment, an infected person has a life expectancy of less than ten years.As the virus weakens the human immune systems, this effectleaves the patient compromised and at risk to opportunistic infectionsRead MoreTreatment of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Essay1113 Words   |  5 Pagesâ€Å"Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a blood-borne virus typically transmitted via sexual intercourse, shared intravenous drug paraphernalia, and mother-to-child transmission (MTCT), which can occur durin g the birth processor during breastfeeding.† There is no cure for HIV or AIDS but over time different types of medications have been developed that slows down the advancement of the disease. AIDS is a lethal disease that is caused by HIV. HIV destroys the immune system and causes the body to notRead MoreEpidemiology Paper on Hiv800 Words   |  4 PagesPromotion May 16, 2014 HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. It can lead to immunodeficiency syndrome or AIDS. It is caused by the HIV entering the uninfected body and stats to destroy CD4+cells which are there to help the body fight infection and disease (Webmd.com, 2014). Once you have HIV, you have it for life. More than 1.1 million people in United States alone are living with HIV and 1 out of 6 font even know it. About 50,000 people are infected with HIV each year (Cdc.gov, 2014).Read MoreAids ( Acquired Immune )1202 Words   |  5 PagesAIDS (Acquired immune deficiency syndrome) is a disease caused by a virus called HIV  (Human immunodeficiency virus). This changes the body’s immune system, exposing individuals to infections and diseases. HIV / AIDS is the most threatening pandemic in the whole world. It is one of the infectious diseases that has claimed lives of many individuals all over. This has been propagated by its means of transmission from one individual to the other. For thi s reason, many organizations have come up to lookRead MoreWhat Is Human Immunodeficiency Virus? Essay1560 Words   |  7 PagesWhat is HIV? Human immunodeficiency virus is known to be called HIV, and it is the virus that causes AIDS. HIV weakens a person s strength and ability to fight infections. White blood cells are an important part of the immune system. â€Å"HIV infects and destroys certain white blood cells called CD4+ cells. HIV attacks the body’s immune system, specifically the CD4 cells (T cells), which helps the immune system fight off infections† (Nordqvist). It is commonly contracted through many things but most

Nature Versus Nurture free essay sample

Homosexual is defined as: â€Å"of, relating to, or characterized by a tendency to direct sexual desire toward another of the same sex† (Webster’s Dictionary, 4th ed. , 2003) The nature approach is based on a chance that humans are born with a specific gene that determines if they will be homosexual. In other words, some people are born gay. (Johnson, 2003) The nurture approach tells that people are influenced by their surroundings. In this approach, A nurtured gay person is one that is made gay. (Johnson, 2003) Originally the American Psychological Association (APA) had deemed homosexuality a mental disease. The debate now- a-days revolve around if sexuality is based on nature, a person’s environment, or based on nurture, a person’s upbringing. Alfred Kinsey pioneered one of the earliest experiments in the 1930s. Kinsey’s research resulted in little besides putting the word homosexual into the common language. Karen Hooker completed the first psychological test in 1957. We will write a custom essay sample on Nature Versus Nurture or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page The research was put together to investigate the relationship between homosexuality, psychological development, and illness. The subjects were given three tests, the Rorschach, TAT, and MAPS. She determined that there was no link between social determinism of sexuality. As an outcome of Hooker’s research, the APA released a statement in 1975 saying that homosexuality was not a mental disorder. According to a recent brochure from the APA, they have â€Å"called on psychologists to take the lead in removing the stigma of mental illness that has long been associated with lesbian, gay, and bisexual orientations. † (American Psychological Association 2008 ) D. F. Swaab organized the next major research experiment on post-mortem brains. â€Å"Swaab found in his post-mortem examination of homosexual males’ brains that a portion of the hypothalamus of the brain was structurally different than a heterosexual brain. The hypothalamus is the portion of the human brain directly related to sexual drive and function. (Johnson, 2003). The part of the brain called the hypothalamus includes a portion called the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). The SCN was two times larger in heterosexual males than their homosexual counterpart. About the same time, scientist Laura Allen had a similar outcome with her research. Both Swaab’s and Allen’s conclusion became a platform for the biological argument on homosexuality. Simon LeVay conducted an experiment based on the hypothalamus in 1991. LeVay also based his results on a post-mortem examination of the brain; however his tests were conducted on people that died of AIDS related illnesses. His research concluded that the difference in anatomy was not a result of nature or nurture, but a result of prenatal cerebral development and structural differentiation. Social behaviorists are not sold on the idea that homosexuality is a result of biological influences; most social theorists take childhood components as the largest leading factor to homosexuality. Most psychoanalytic theories emphasize the aspect of parental and family structure, not society. Behaviorists concluded that some gender and sexual differences result from the roles by family and friends during childhood. There was no evidence that supported that homosexual children were brought up differently than a heterosexual child. Social theorist David Halperin believed in Planophysical theory. This concept thought that homosexuals were mutants. His theory is discredited by a large number in the psychological community. His theory only provided results, not a cause. He failed to show any scientific results. At the same time, another social theorist Jean Foucault believed that homosexuality was a mental disorder, and then had evolved into a species resulting in the term homosexual. There are three differences in the two theories. Foucault concluded that the depth of desire was nothing more than superficial preferences. Halperin said that homosexuality is more of a psychological disorder than sexual preference. Foucault did not segregate people into different classes. Halperin divided people into heterosexuals, gay men, and lesbians. The last difference was that Halperin saw homosexuals all as equals. Foucault believed that homosexuality was always based on unfair differences in age, race, education, and social status. Dean Hamer conducted a study examining genetics called the linkage study. He and a group of scientists discovered characteristics that passed from generation to generation in a family. According to this study, the group of doctors believed homosexuality was inherited. In July 1993, the prestigious research journal Science published a study by Dean Hamer which claims that there might be a gene for homosexuality. Research seemed to be on the verge of proving that homosexuality is innate, genetic, and therefore unchangeable a normal variant of human nature. Is there a Gay Gene? , n. d. , para. 4) Scientists are still conducting research to determine what causes homosexuality. The latest research develops around a theory that all developing fetuses begin as females. Other studies evolve around health issues of the mother during pregnancy and food borne ailments. There may never be a answer to what causes homosexuality.

Topic American History

Topic: American History- Winthrop, Hutchinson Political Morality In We Essay topic: American History- Winthrop, HutchinsonPolitical MoralityIn Websters dictionary, morality is defined as principlesof right and wrong in conduct; ethics. The principles ofmorality have countless times evolved over the ages. In earliertimes, death was an easy penalty for many crimes. These crimestoday are considered minor and are penalized with a slap on thehand. Is this considered wrong? Who is the correct authority toconsult on what is right or wrong? In todays society, two majorfactors concern how the way members of society act and behave.The first is our national government. Members of our government in positions of authority decideeverything in our lives in the form of laws which determine ourbehavior. One of the most important documents written by ourgovernment is the Declaration of Independence. The monarchy wastaking away power from the colonists and putting more demands on.In return, the colonists declared their freedom from theirtyrant. We will write a custom essay on Topic: American History- Winthrop, Hutchinson Political Morality In We specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now In this document, it states, All men are created equal;that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienablerights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit ofhappiness. The great men who wrote this down had a strong senseof morals. They believed that men were given rights by God thatno one could take away. This is essential to the issue ofmorality because it determines the rights- that are agreed uponall- are wrong. This brings us to religion. Religion is a major contributorto how we think and act because it mirrors our beliefs in what wehold as right or wrong. An example of this is the native tribesof africa and South America where a number of tribes practicecannibalism. While this is considered a sin in most christianreligions, the tribes have evolved into cannibalism as a way tosurvive in life and have no objections to their eating habits. The problem arises when the line between government and religionis crossed. While religion does not have to power to punish onephysically, but rather soulfully of one has sinned. Thegovernment has the power to sentence punishment, yet should haveno power concerning God.Many different religions have evolved all over the world andin the process, have people have been prosecuted in their faith. The first settlers in the new world came here to avoidprosecution from the powerful church/government of that time.Specifically, the Church of England headed by the king. Puritanleaders led their followers to a place where they could expresstheir religion with no fear of other faiths. One such leader wasJohn Winthrop. John Winthrop was a powerful Puritan governor in the colonyof Massachusetts Bay. He believed that this was a calling fromGod for him to lead the new religious experiment-a covenant withGod to built a model for mankind. We shall be a city upon thehill. declared Winthrop. As governor Winthrop held considerablepower. He distrusted the commoners and thought democracy was themeanest and worst forms of government. Anyone who broughttrouble or had indifferent thought were severely punished tosave their soul. As one of his extensions of his powers hebanished Roger Williams, a popular Salem minister with radicalideas and an unrestrained tongue, and Mistress Anne Hutchinson, Astrong willed women who challenged the authority of the clergy bystating the truly saved need not bother to obey the laws of Godor man. Several problems arise throughout this banishment. I am for a democratic society in which one can express his or herthoughts without the fear of prosecution. They did not have theluxury of this. The need for the expressment of ideas isessential for a growing environment. If no growth is made, thenexpansion of the community is halted to a standstill. The limitof new ideas must have a point, though. In recent news, theUnabomber has issued a ultimanium with his manuscript. In thepast, such a request would have been rediculous. .u494fc1792dc4b18edf5ba24677b031b2 , .u494fc1792dc4b18edf5ba24677b031b2 .postImageUrl , .u494fc1792dc4b18edf5ba24677b031b2 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u494fc1792dc4b18edf5ba24677b031b2 , .u494fc1792dc4b18edf5ba24677b031b2:hover , .u494fc1792dc4b18edf5ba24677b031b2:visited , .u494fc1792dc4b18edf5ba24677b031b2:active { border:0!important; } .u494fc1792dc4b18edf5ba24677b031b2 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u494fc1792dc4b18edf5ba24677b031b2 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u494fc1792dc4b18edf5ba24677b031b2:active , .u494fc1792dc4b18edf5ba24677b031b2:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u494fc1792dc4b18edf5ba24677b031b2 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u494fc1792dc4b18edf5ba24677b031b2 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u494fc1792dc4b18edf5ba24677b031b2 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u494fc1792dc4b18edf5ba24677b031b2 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u494fc1792dc4b18edf5ba24677b031b2:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u494fc1792dc4b18edf5ba24677b031b2 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u494fc1792dc4b18edf5ba24677b031b2 .u494fc1792dc4b18edf5ba24677b031b2-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u494fc1792dc4b18edf5ba24677b031b2:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Meaning Of Life Essay In hismanuscript he expresses his view on the evils of technology.While a citizen is entitled to free speech and press, threateningmurder is not such an option. There must be limits set. Incolonial times these limitations were set by John Winthrop. Totalobedience was required and disobedience was not tolerated;therefore, Williams and Hutchinson were banished. I understandthe reasoning behind his motives, but his limits were set toolow. There was no room for free speech and thinking.Morals today have been declining and declining. Asindependant thoughts have now been tolerated, so have thoughtsagainst basic humane rights. More today than any other periodmurders and rapists are being convicted and released from jail.Attendance at churches pail considerably from the height of itspopularity. The people have better things to do and church isjust not the thing to do these days. The government is a mess ofbureaucracy and misuse of power. In two words-Bob Packwood. Thenational deficit is at trillions and shows no signs ofimprovement. Money is spent in needless ways with lobbyistsbribing officials for personal causes that have no implicationswith the common people. The cause of representing the commonpeople is practically non-existent. These are just some of theexamples of how the morals in todays society have declined inthe cause of personal rights.

Everything You Need to Know About Writing Great Reviews

Everything You Need to Know About Writing Great Reviews Does a career spent reviewing movies, music, books, TV shows, or restaurants seem like nirvana to you? Then you’re a born critic. But writing great reviews is an art, one that few have mastered. Here are some tips: Know Your Subject Too many beginning critics are eager to write but know little about their topic. If you want to write reviews that carry some authority, then you need to learn everything you can. Want to be the next Roger Ebert? Take college courses on the history of film, read as many books as you can and, of course, watch lots of movies. The same goes for any topic. Some believe that in order to be a truly good film critic you must have worked as a director, or that in order to review music you must have been a professional musician. That kind of experience wouldn’t hurt, but it’s more important to be a well-informed layman. Read Other Critics Just as an aspiring novelist reads the great writers, a good critic should read accomplished reviewers, whether it’s the aforementioned Ebert or Pauline Kael on film, Ruth Reichl on food, or Michiko Kakutani on books. Read their reviews, analyze what they do, and learn from them. Don’t Be Afraid to Have Strong Opinions Great critics all have strong opinions. But newbies who aren’t confident in their views often write wishy-washy reviews with sentences like â€Å"I sort of enjoyed this† or â€Å"that was okay, though not great.† They’re afraid to take a strong stand for fear of being challenged. But there’s nothing more boring than a hemming-and-hawing review. So decide what you think and state it in no uncertain terms. Avoid â€Å"I† and â€Å"In My Opinion† Too many critics pepper reviews with phrases like â€Å"I think† or â€Å"In my opinion.† Again, this is often done by novice critics afraid of writing declarative sentences. Such phrases are unnecessary; your reader understands that it’s your opinion you’re conveying. Give Background The critic’s analysis is the centerpiece of any review, but that’s not much use to readers if she doesn’t provide enough background information. So if you’re reviewing a movie, outline the plot but also discuss the director and his previous films, the actors, and perhaps even the screenwriter. Critiquing a restaurant? When did it open, who owns it and who’s the head chef? An art exhibit? Tell us a little about the artist, her influences, and previous works. Don’t Spoil the Ending There’s nothing readers hate more than a film critic who gives away the ending to the latest blockbuster. So yes, give plenty of background information, but dont give away the ending. Know Your Audience Whether you’re writing for a magazine aimed at intellectuals or a mass-market publication for average folks, keep your target audience in mind. So if you’re reviewing a film for a publication aimed at cineastes, you can wax rhapsodic about the Italian neo-realists or the French New Wave. If you’re writing for a wider audience, such references might not mean much. That’s not to say you can’t educate your readers in the course of a review. But remember – even the most knowledgeable critic won’t succeed if he bores his readers to tears.

US and Mexico Border Fence Pros and Cons

US and Mexico Border Fence Pros and Cons The southern border of the United States shared with Mexico spans almost 2,000 miles. Walls, fences, and virtual walls of sensors and cameras monitored by the U.S. Border Patrol are already built along one-third of the border (approximately 670 miles) to secure the border and cut down on illegal immigration. Americans are split on the border barrier issue. While most people are in favor of increasing the security of the borders, others are concerned that the negative impacts do not outweigh the benefits. The U.S. government views the Mexican border as an important part of its overall homeland security initiative. Cost of the Border Barrier The price tag currently sits at $7 billion for border fencing and related infrastructure like pedestrian and vehicle fencing with lifetime maintenance costs expected to exceed $50 billion. The Trump Administration and Mexican Border Enhancement As a major part of his platform during the 2016 presidential campaign, President Donald Trump called for the construction of a much larger, fortified wall along the entire 2,000-mile-long Mexico–United States border, claiming Mexico would pay for its construction, which he estimated at $8 to $12 billion. Other estimates brought the cost of the wall closer to $15 to $25 billion. On January 25, 2017, the Trump administration signed a Border Security and Immigration Enforcement Improvements Executive Order to commence the building of the border wall. In response, Mexican President Enrique Peà ±a Nieto said his country would not pay for the wall under any circumstances and canceled a scheduled meeting with Trump at the White House, seemingly straining relations between the two presidents. With the possibility of Mexico paying for any part of the wall  apparently off the table, the Trump administration used existing funds to begin construction of a small section of the new wall, along with improvements to existing sections of the wall in early March 2018. On March 23, 2018, President Trump signed an omnibus government spending bill dedicating $1.6 billion to the construction of the remainder of the wall. As he signed the bill, Trump referred to the $1.6 billion as â€Å"an initial down payment† on the estimated nearly $10 billion needed to fence the entire border. The funds  will pay for construction of about 25 miles (40 kilometers) of a new wall along levees in the Texas Rio Grande Valley, as well as repair and upgrades to existing walls and anti-vehicle devices.   The Great 2019 Border Wall Government Shutdown The issue of the border barrier, and especially the politics behind it, escalated dramatically in January 2019, when Congress refused to include $5.7 billion requested by President Trump for the construction of steel border fencing in a bill funding the operations of nine of the 15 federal executive branch agencies. On December 22, 2019, the resulting stalemate between the White House and the now Democrat-controlled House resulted in what, by January 12, had become the longest lasting government shutdown in U.S. history. On January 8, President Trump, calling the situation on the Mexican border a â€Å"humanitarian crisis,† threatened to declare a national emergency, allowing him to go around Congress by ordering the use of already allocated funds for construction of the border barrier. In a letter to Congress, the White House Office of Management and Budget estimate that the funds requested by President Trump would allow for the construction of about 234 miles of steel fencing to be added to what was by then the 580 miles of barrier already in place at a cost of around $24.4 million per mile, exclusive of ongoing maintenance. While the resulting 814 miles of barrier  fencing would leave approximately 1,140 miles of the 1,954-mile long border still free of barriers, the Department of Homeland Security had earlier stated that not all of the remaining border needed to be fenced. Border Patrol officials suggested that the inherent dangers of trying to cross rugged, desolate desert areas on foot made fencing unnecessary. On January 19, Democrats rejected another immigration reform and border security package offered by President Trump, refusing to negotiate until and unless he ended the government shutdown. On February 15, 2019, President Trump signed a compromise Homeland Security spending bill providing $1.375 billion for 55 miles of new border fencing. The same day, he made good on his threat to declare a national emergency to build the wall. Under the terms of the emergency proclamation, $3.5 billion was redirected from the Defense Department’s military construction budget to the construction of new border wall. In addition, he used executive orders to redirect another $3.1 billion from the Departments of Defense and Treasury’s drug interdiction programs to wall building. White House officials said the combined money would pay for at least 234 miles â€Å"of new physical barrier† along the border. While no further details were provided, President Trump stated in a Twitter post on March 8, 2019, that, â€Å"The Wall is being built and is well under construction.† History of the Border Barrier In 1924, Congress created the U.S. Border Patrol. Illegal immigration increased in the late 1970s, but it was in the 1990s when drug trafficking and illegal immigration had a major uptick and concerns about the nations security became an important issue. Border Control agents and the military succeeded in reducing the number of smugglers and illegal crossings for a period of time, but once the military left, activity again increased. After the September 11 terrorist attacks in the U.S., homeland security was again a priority. Many ideas were tossed around during the next few years on what could be done to permanently secure the border. And, in 2006, the Secure Fence Act was passed to build 700 miles of double-reinforced security fencing in areas along the border prone to drug trafficking and illegal immigration. President Bush also deployed 6,000 National Guardsmen to the Mexico border to assist with border control. Reasons for the Border Barrier Historically, policing borders has been integral to the preservation of nations around the globe for centuries. The construction of a barrier to safeguard American citizens from illegal activities is considered by some to be in the  best interest of the nation.  The pros of a border barrier include overall homeland security, the cost of lost tax revenue and strain on government resources and the past successes of border enforcement. Rising Cost of Illegal Immigration Illegal immigration  is estimated to cost the United States millions of dollars, and according to Trump, $113 billion a year in lost income tax revenue. Illegal immigration is considered a strain on government spending by overburdening social welfare, health, and education programs. Border Enforcement Past Success The use of physical barriers and high-tech surveillance equipment increases the probability of apprehension and have shown some success. Arizona has been the epicenter of crossings by illegal immigrants for several years. In one year, authorities apprehended 8,600 people trying to enter the U.S. illegally in the Barry M. Goldwater Air Force Range used for air-to-ground bombing practice by Air Force pilots. The number of people caught crossing San Diegos border illegally has also dropped dramatically. In the early 1990s, about 600,000 people attempted to cross the border illegally. After the construction of a fence and increased  border patrols,  that number dropped to 39,000 in 2015. Reasons Against the Border Barrier The question of the effectiveness of a physical barrier that has workarounds is a significant concern to those opposed to a border barrier. The barrier has been criticized for being easy to get around. Some methods include digging under it, sometimes using complex tunnel systems, climbing the fence and using wire cutters to remove barbed-wire or locating and digging holes in vulnerable sections of the border. Many people have also traveled by boat through the Gulf of Mexico, the Pacific Coast or fly in and overstay their visas. There are other concerns such as the message it sends to our neighbors and the rest of the world and the human toll of crossing the border. In addition, a border wall affects wildlife on both sides, fragmenting the habitat and disrupting essential animal migration patterns.   Message to the World A segment of the American population feels that the United States should send a message of freedom and hope to those seeking a better way of life instead of sending a keep out message at our border. It is suggested that the answer does not lie in barriers; it entails  comprehensive immigration reform, which means these immigration issues need fixing, instead of building fences, which are as effective as putting a bandage on a gaping wound. In addition, a border barrier divides the land of three indigenous nations. Human Toll on Crossing the Border Barriers wont stop people from wanting a better life. And in some cases, theyre willing to pay the highest price for the opportunity. People smugglers, called coyotes, charge astronomical fees for passage. When smuggling costs rise, it becomes less cost-effective for individuals to travel back and forth for seasonal work, so they remain in the U.S. Now the whole family must make the trip to keep everyone together. Children, infants and the elderly attempt to cross. The conditions are extreme and some people will go for days without food or water. According to the Human Rights National Commission of Mexico and the American Civil Liberties Union, almost 5,000 people have died attempting to crossing the border between 1994 and 2007. Environmental Impact Most environmentalists oppose the border barrier. Physical barriers hinder migrating wildlife, and plans show the fence will fragment wildlife refuges and private sanctuaries. Conservation groups are appalled that the Department of Homeland Security is bypassing dozens of environmental and land-management laws in order to build the border fence. More than 30 laws are being waived, including the Endangered Species Act and the National Environmental Policy Act. Updated by Robert Longley

Decision Making using Critical Thinking Techniques Part 2 Essay

Decision Making using Critical Thinking Techniques Part 2 - Essay Example Department of Energy, 2001). The decision-making technique that will be used in this proposal will be the plus, minus and interesting technique (PMI). In using the PMI technique, it would be useful to make a three column table with the headings plus, minus and interesting (Mind Tools Ltd., n.d.). Under the plus column, one has to write all the positive aspects of the alternative. On the minus column, all the negative effects will be listed down. In the interesting column, the implications and possible outcomes, areas of uncertainty and areas which one thinks as either good or bad will be included. There are several alternatives that one can choose from with regards to increasing the presence of the company. To address the expectation of government on the company with regards to giving support to the social needs of the people of Kava, one alternative is to design a health program for the coffee farmers and their families. To illustrate the PMI technique, a PMI Table is presented below. Another alternative that one would like to propose and which will be evaluated using the PMI technique is to put up a store where there are plenty of foreigners residing or working because they are known to be coffee drinkers, such as the French and Americans. The PMI Table for this alternative is shown below. After using the PMI technique and applying it in all the alternatives open to the company, one can decide on the best decision to be made, which will result in the achievement of their goal of increasing their presence in Kava. In this case, one does not have to choose only one alternative; it could be a combination of alternatives whose benefits more than outweigh the negative effects of the options available. One can see that the steps utilized in making the PMI tables are very useful indeed in coming up with the strategies that the company can implement to increase their presence in Kava. Identifying the pros,