Wednesday, December 25, 2019
Burmese Days - 1142 Words
Racism in Burmese Britain owned many colonies throughout the 1800ââ¬â¢s including Burma. While the British were able to manufacturing raw materials from Burma until the early 1900ââ¬â¢s, British Imperialism would forever influence the Burmese Natives. In George Orwell book ââ¬Å"Burmese Days,â⬠racism is one example of this British Imperialism influence. British Imperialism allowed the use of racism to influence the European Club members and British military. Some British authority used racism to diminish the natives, which Ellis, a timber merchant, demonstrated. Then, superiority ranking and separation started amongst the natives themselves, which U Po Kyin and Ma Hai Mary sought to achieve. Then Ellis and the European Club members pressured Floryâ⬠¦show more contentâ⬠¦Dr. Veraswami describes U Po Kyin in the same way as the nativeââ¬â¢s describe the British merchants, ââ¬Å"You do not realism the influence of that man in the district. No one dare speak again st him.â⬠(149) This fear that Dr. Veraswami has is because he is a victim of British imperialism involving racism by both Ellis and U Po Kyin. This influence of demining other people just because of their heritage was one bad quality of British imperialism at influence U Po Kyin. Another British imperialism influence displayed racism, as a tool for both superior ranking and separation started amongst them. Ma Hia Mary sought to be nothing more than a British manââ¬â¢s mistress or wife. It was this racism against other Burmese women that portrayed Ma Hia Mary as also was influenced by British imperialism. Realizing that John Flory, her only chance to attain her goals or becoming a British mans wife, was losing interest in her because of Elizabeth. With the help of U Po Kyin, Ma Hia Mary sought out to destroy Floryââ¬â¢s new relationship and become what she desperately wanted to be, a British women. It was this desire that forced Ma Hia Mary to make a scene causing Elizabe th to end her relationship with Flory. British imperialism influenced Ma Hia Mary to be ââ¬Å"â⬠¦ashamed before the other women.â⬠(53) if she did not have a British man. For Ma Hai Mary being without aShow MoreRelatedBurmese Days Essay801 Words à |à 4 PagesIt seems there isnt much on the net about Burmese Days that one can look over when getting ready to write an essay. I have provided one I wrote that is about 2 1/2 pages long and outlines some basic themes as well as analyzes the main character. Tell me what you guys think: Burmese Days by George Orwell is not a book that commonly comes to mind when one thinks Orwell but nevertheless it holds a distinguished place in his career as a writer. The novel revolves around the lives of a handfulRead MoreBurmese Days: an Example of Imperialism Essay772 Words à |à 4 PagesBurmese Days: An Example of Imperialism Nineteenth century industrialization brought new riches and power to Western Europe, driving the expansion of opportunities and the building of empires in undeveloped territories. Although the developed countries brought many modern technologies to under-developed nations, they also brought fierce racism and European arrogance. Burmese Days by George Orwell was written in 1834 as a satirical view of English imperial life in Burma. Orwell provides a realisticRead MoreGeorge Orwell s Burmese Days Essay1445 Words à |à 6 Pagesââ¬Å"In India you are not judged for what you do, but for what you are.â⬠With this one sentence author George Orwell depicts colonialism and racism in the novel perfectly. Burmese Days by George Orwell tells the tale of white Englishmen, and women, ruling over the native Indian population during the early 20th century. This was during an era of colonialization in which native Indians had next to no rights and all laws were made by the British i n power. This created tension on both sides and racismRead MoreEssay on Book Report on George Orwells Burmese Days5594 Words à |à 23 PagesBook Report on George Orwells Burmese Days The book ââ¬Å"Burmese Daysâ⬠was written by George Orwell and published first in 1934. Orwell took the inspiration for this first novel of his from the experiences he gained during his service as an imperial police officer in Burma in the late 1920s. There he was confronted with extreme forms of imperialism, causing racism and also chauvinism. These are also the main topics of the novel and although they are wrapped up in the story of a single manââ¬â¢s fateRead MoreBurmese Days by George Orwell1125 Words à |à 5 Pagesconnections to Burma go a long way back, all the way back to the first Anglo-Burmese war which was fought in the mid-1820s. It was then and there that Burma was subjected to the colonial rule of the British, and the lives of its people were forever changed. The rich became poorer, the middle class became poorer and the poor, needless to say became the poorest. The British intruded and forced themselves into the Burmese peopleââ¬â¢s lives with clear inten t, they wanted to give the people of Burma somethingRead MoreEssay about Burmese Days Review893 Words à |à 4 PagesI. Orwell, George. Burmese Days, Harcourt Inc, 1934. 287 pp. Patrick Morgan The World Since 1850 Greenstein Burmese Days Book Review September 27, 2010 II. George Orwell, born Eric Blair was born in Motihari, Bengal, a then British territory of India in 1903. He was very scholarly from a young age and earned scholarships to preparatory schools and both Wellington and Eton colleges. After furthering his education at Eton he joined the Indian Imperial Police Force in Burma. AfterRead MoreA Passage to India and Burmese Days Essays1880 Words à |à 8 PagesThroughout the novel A Passage to India, by E.M. Forster, and Burmese Days, by George Orwell, the authors use race, culture, economics, and liberal humanism to discuss various colonial issues. These issues include controversies, power structures, injustices, and the idea of syncretism between the colonizers and the colonized. A Passage to India focuses largely on using culture and liberal humanism to explore issues of colonialism while Burmese Days mainly uses race and economics to explore these topicsRead MoreRacial Boundaries in Burmese Days by George Orwell1471 Words à |à 6 Pagesboundary that had the Burmese dealing with white European supremacy since day one. It is evident throughout George Orwellââ¬â¢s novel, Burmese Days, that the main theme is the superiority of the white Europeans over the non-white Burmese. The white Europeans are extremely racist, sexist, and self centered. The social class system in this novel seems to be a two-tier system. The top tier being the white European elite, while the bottom tier seems to be the rest. The non-white Burmese people constituted theRead MoreBurmese Pythons in the Everglades1599 Words à |à 7 PagesUnited States, a group of tourists set out for a day of exploration in the Everglades. They hoped to see some of the diverse and unique species that the Everglades are famous for, and maybe snap a few cool pictures to show their friends. They could never have anticipated what they would actually discover. A short way into their trek, the party was drawn to a noisy struggle nearby. They followed their ears to a duel between an alligator and a huge Burmese Python. The alligator clamped his jaws aroundRead MoreThe First Day Of The United States1536 Words à |à 7 PagesThe first day in the United States is one of the best day and most thrilling days in my life. My father and my older sister move to Malaysia to get a job and support our family due to financial difficulty and lack of job opportunity in Burma. After a few years, my father and my sister were able to enter as immigrant and they were sent to the United States as immigrants through United Nation. After being apart with my father and my sister for more than a decade, my parents decide to move completely
Monday, December 16, 2019
Police Brutality Has Changed Over The Years - 1291 Words
Police Brutality Police brutality has a long history in which citizens and police have been victims and in recent years it has became a major issue. Many people claim that the citizens are the ones to blame and others claim that the police officers are the ones who should take the blame. The history of police brutality goes way back, even into the 1800ââ¬â¢s. Back then it was said to be aimed at the poor labor workers. Workers would go on strike, such as the Great Railroad strike of 1877, the Pullman Strike of 1894, or the Lawrence Textile strike of 1912. Police would brutally beat the strikers to get them to stop. As a part of their revolt, labor workers that were participating in the strike would beat the police officers(ââ¬Å"Lawâ⬠). Many statistics show the way police brutality has changed over the years. Police claim that brutality has risen 35% since September 11th 2001. Statistics show the in 1982, out of twelve thousand randomly selected citizens 13% had been victims of police brutality. Approximately 422 people that were sixteen years old or older claimed to have had contact with police in which force or threat was used on either side in 1999. In the years 2002 and 2003, 90% of the citizens shot by police were either African American or of Hispanic background(ââ¬Å"Lawâ⬠). The number of police officers killed by brutality from citizens jumped up 13% from 2010 to 2011(Bond).Show MoreRelatedThe Invisible Man By Ellison862 Words à |à 4 PagesIn response to police brutality, The Invisible Man was written by Ellison demonstrated that through his life racism was entirely present. Ellison, in fact, was faced with police brutality throughout the novel. Ellison wrote a scene in which his narrator dealt wit h police brutality after giving a speech at an eviction. The police threatened to shoot him and beat all of them. Ellison wrote that his character had known it was due to the racism during the time period. Even so, the rest of the novel involvedRead MorePolice brutality1678 Words à |à 7 Pages Police Brutality, Have Times Really Changed The history of Police Brutality for minorities; especially people of color has left America wondering have times changed. Police brutality has deemed the opportunity for socioeconomic advancement or access to good and services for many Black/African Americans dating back as far as 1955. The system of Police brutality has affected many realms of society for minoritiesââ¬â¢ employment and family life. After some scholarly research, police brutality isRead MorePolice Brutality And Its Effect On Citizens1378 Words à |à 6 PagesPolice brutality has always been an issue in American society; however recently police brutality as become a more prominent issue in the media as well as among concerned citizens. The current display of brutality towards citizens has changed the views of the current generationââ¬â¢s outlook towards the policeââ¬â¢s misuse of authority. Citizens claim to feel less protected by the police department, I had a friend tell me that one of her best friends is terrified by the police and the authority they holdRead MoreAnalysis Of The Article Racism And Brutality By Cassandra Chaney1226 Words à |à 5 PagesIn the article, Racism and Brutality in America, author Cassandra Chaney presented the case of Rodney King, a forty-seven year old African-American taxi driver, who was brutally attacked four LAPD police officers. According to her novel, the aim of her study was ââ¬Å"to examine how the public generally perceive police and how race and racism shape this discourse.â⬠Unfortunately, the public was left clueless. Rodney Kingââ¬â¢s case was left unfinished as the media never released any studies of implicationsRead MorePolice Brutality And The Great Railroad Strike Of 19121596 Words à |à 7 Pageshave certainly changed because police departments have increased the size of their force and tactics have switched and have become less about protect and serve, and more of a militaristic approach. Police officers have abused their p ower for too long because they have access to so many different types of weapons and thereââ¬â¢s been so many cases involving police brutality that it needs to come to an end and they need to be held accountable for what theyââ¬â¢ve done. Police brutality has had a long historyRead MoreBlack Lives Matter Is An International Activist Movement1693 Words à |à 7 Pagesextrajudicial killings of Blacks by policemen and vigilantes. It all started year 2013, after a white/hispanic male, ââ¬Å" George Zimmermanââ¬Å" was found not guilty of the fatal murder of african american teenager Trayvon Martin. The movement grew even stronger after the brutal death of two unarmed African American victims Michael Brown (Ferguson), and Eric Garner (New York City) which captured social media s attention causing a media riot all over social web. Its unique empowerment impacted the world by bringingRead MoreThe Acts: Police Brutality Essay1690 Words à |à 7 PagesRacism and police brutality goes hand in hand, and causes a major concern in todays society, in the United States. On March 3, 1991 in California, Rodney King an African American, was pulled over after a high-speed chase, and after stopping was beaten by four white police of ficers (Worsnop 635). Tracy Brock also an African American was arrested in Manhattan in November of 1986. An officer smashed his head through a plate glass window, when Brock refused to go into the officerââ¬â¢s lunchroom (Police BrutalityRead MoreHip Hop : A Cultural And Artistic Phenomenon868 Words à |à 4 PagesOver the past years, According to Aldridge Derrick Hip Hop has developed as a cultural and artistic phenomenon affecting youth culture around the world. For many youth, Hip Hop reflects the social, economic, political and cultural realities and conditions of their lives, speaking to them in a language and manner they understand. Defining the Hip Hop trend is not an easy task, trends are in essence very complex mechanisms that mirror changes in the economic and political landscapes. The Hip-Hop newRead MorePolice Brutality And The Police1281 Words à |à 6 Pages Police brutality is a very controversial topic in America. Some people think that the police are protectin g their community and are doing whatever it takes to keep them safe. On the other hand, a lot of Americans feel that the police are choosy, prejudice, and overall just unfair. Personally, I think it depends on the situation at hand. I have read up on some cases that I felt that the police took advantage of their powers. I have also read a couple of situations where I felt that their actionsRead MoreRion Amalcar Scotts The Etiquette Of Police Brutality1389 Words à |à 6 Pagesonly use force in response to the situation they are in. Day to day Police men and women have to make difficult choices. The decisions they make often lead to controversy. Two sides are then created. On one side, there are people that believe police are bullies that do as they wish; the other side believes officers act as they see fit and do the best they can to keep the public out of harms way. ââ¬Å"The Etiquette of Police Brutalityâ⬠by Rion Amalcar Scott represents the first view and David G. Bolgian oââ¬â¢s
Sunday, December 8, 2019
Oedipus Rex Plot Essay Example For Students
Oedipus Rex Plot Essay Plot of Oedipus RexOedipus Rex is a tragedy in classical style plot. The plot starts with the exposition of the dramatic conflict. Then follows with the rising action. The climax then brings a turning point at the high point of action. The falling action then occurs and the tragedy end with the catastrophe. Oedipus asks the suppliants what their problem is. They explain to Oedipus that the god of plague and pyre is attacking Thebes. They ask for his help because he is the king who saved Thebes from the Sphinx and restored the city. Oedipus says that he has sent Kreon, his wifes brother to find out what he can from Apollo. Kreon brings news that Thebes suffers because late king Laioss murder has not been avenged. Oedipus decides to seek this murderer, not only for the purpose of cleansing but also the fear that murder might also be a threat to his own life. This is the exposition of the dramatic conflict of finding out the mystery of king Laios murder. We will write a custom essay on Oedipus Rex Plot specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now The rising action is this search. It starts with Oedipus promising that the person responsible for Laios death will be driven out of Thebes. Oedipus sends for Teiresias, the blind seer who serves Apollo. Teiresias does not want to tell Oedipus about the murder, but tells Oedipus to leave things as they are. Oedipus accuses Teiresias of being the murderer and that is why he wont reveal the truth. Teiresias then tells that Oedipus is the one that killed Laios. Oedipus is shocked and angered by such an accusation. He accuses Teiresias that he is lying. Oedipus then figures that Kreon wants to be made king. He accuses Kreon of bribing Teiresias with favors once he is king. Teiresias rebuts this with that fact that he is Apollos and accuses Oedipus of being blind to the truth. Teiresias tells Oedipus that he is both father and brother of his children and husband and son to his wife. He tells Oedipus to think on his words. This is the begging of the truth and insight being given to Oedipus . He chorus questions the second sight when they have seen Oedipus defeat the Sphinx. Kreon hears about Oedipuss accusations and is offended by being called disloyal. Oedipus and Kreon confront each other with their offenses. Kreon defends himself to Oedipus, but Oedipus is not entirely convinced. Oedipus decides to think on it and they call a truce for Iokaste, wife of Oedipus and sister of Kreon. Oedipus, continuing with the rising action, then questions Iokaste, the widow of Laios, what she knows. She tells him that Laios death was foretold. That he would be killed by his own child. To prevent this, Laios took their three-day-old son, pierced his ankles and left him for dead in the mountains. Iokaste also gives Oedipus the kings description and tells that she heard that highwaymen killed the king at the place where three roads meet. Oedipus tells that someone questioned his heritage and his parents rebuked it. But he remained suspicious so he questioned the gods. The gods said that he would kill his father and sleep with his mother. He fled his homeland to prevent this fate. While traveling, he had come upon a place where three roads meet, when he came encountered a group of men traveling in the same fashion as the king. They forced him off the road and Oedipus retaliated and killed them all. He believes that he is responsible for Laioss death. Iokaste questions this saying that the stories are conflicting, that more than one man attacked the king. To confirm or deny this, Oedipus sends for the only witness, a shepherd. Iokaste prays to Apollo for deliverance from the Defilement and Oedipuss distraction and confusion. A messenger comes with news from Oedipus hometown. He tells Oedipus that Polybos, Oedipuss father, has died from died of natural causes. Oedipus expresses his relief that his father did not die by his hand. Iokaste and Oedipus still fears the fate proclaimed for him and his mother. The messenger reveals that Polybos was not Oedipus true father. The messenger gave Oedipus to King Polybos and his wife because they were childless. A shepherd found the baby with his ankles pinned and tended him. The shepherd then gave the baby to the messenger. Oedipus inquires about the shepherd. The shepherd is the witness that has already been sent for. Iokaste figuring the truth begs Oedipus not to talk to the shepherd. She says he is better not knowing his origins. This continues the rising action. .u37ec8de82a08e7d76b19797f9aac6be8 , .u37ec8de82a08e7d76b19797f9aac6be8 .postImageUrl , .u37ec8de82a08e7d76b19797f9aac6be8 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u37ec8de82a08e7d76b19797f9aac6be8 , .u37ec8de82a08e7d76b19797f9aac6be8:hover , .u37ec8de82a08e7d76b19797f9aac6be8:visited , .u37ec8de82a08e7d76b19797f9aac6be8:active { border:0!important; } .u37ec8de82a08e7d76b19797f9aac6be8 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u37ec8de82a08e7d76b19797f9aac6be8 { 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; } .u37ec8de82a08e7d76b19797f9aac6be8:active , .u37ec8de82a08e7d76b19797f9aac6be8:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u37ec8de82a08e7d76b19797f9aac6be8 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u37ec8de82a08e7d76b19797f9aac6be8 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u37ec8de82a08e7d76b19797f9aac6be8 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u37ec8de82a08e7d76b19797f9aac6be8 .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; } .u37ec8de82a08e7d76b19797f9aac6be8:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u37ec8de82a08e7d76b19797f9aac6be8 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u37ec8de82a08e7d76b19797f9aac6be8 .u37ec8de82a08e7d76b19797f9aac6be8-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u37ec8de82a08e7d76b19797f9aac6be8:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Rough Draft K.V. Short Stories EssayOedipus wanting to know his origin continues on. He inquires to the shepherd regarding the baby. The messenger tells that that the baby is Oedipus. The shepherd learning this, does not want to tell about the baby. Oedipus questions him until he reveals that the child, Oedipus, was the child of King Laios and Iokaste. Oedipus realizes that all the prophecies had come true. Oedipus did marry his mother and killed his father. His fate had been fulfilled. This is the climax and the turning point of the action. The falling action begins with Oedipus searching out Iokaste. He finds that she has hung herself not being able to handle the truth. Oedipus then takes her golden broaches and blinds himself with them. Oedipus blinds himself so that he can not see the horror everywhere. This does not blind him to his misery, for he had shamed his father, his mother and his children. He prays for death or exile. It is Kreon who decides that Oedipus should be exiled. This way he would be away form that the place, he brought such disgrace. He leaves his children, who are always to be alone. The end catastrophe leaves this once proud, noble and honorable king, blind, shamed and cast out of his home to a fateworse then death, alone.
Sunday, December 1, 2019
Healthcare as individual responsibility vs. healthcare as a communal responsibility Essay Example
Healthcare as individual responsibility vs. healthcare as a communal responsibility Paper Healthcare, in hindsight, is a responsibility of every person. Each person is accountable for taking care of himself. However, there are instances when health is a concern for the community in which an individual is part. There are cases when the health of the individual is greatly affected by the health of the collective majority as well, in the question of responsibility, whose is the greaterââ¬âthat of the individual or that of the community? There are several factors to considering in taking this question. First is the scope of responsibility that the individual has, where observing coast-to-coast limits is necessary. Another consideration is the responsibility of other stakeholders or members of the community. Thirdly, it should be noted how the individual or the community responsibility perspective is disadvantageous. Lastly, a decision should be made on whose responsibility healthcare really is. We will write a custom essay sample on Healthcare as individual responsibility vs. healthcare as a communal responsibility specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Healthcare as individual responsibility vs. healthcare as a communal responsibility specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Healthcare as individual responsibility vs. healthcare as a communal responsibility specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Individuals have the right to choose a healthcare plan that fits him. By doing so he hopes to minimize his costs while maximizing the benefits of the plan he has chosen. Because individuals differ in their tastes and perspectives, their choice of healthcare plan for themselves will likewise differ. This complicates the healthcare plot because in a communal setting the plans will be easier to implement to the mass, equal for all, and tailored to the musts as decided by medical experts. Yet individual healthcare responsibilities often fail because people have differing priorities and some may not have healthcare on their listsââ¬âeither they cannot afford it or they do not or can not pay attention for some reason. Likewise, communal healthcare responsibilities also cannot be relied upon, given the bad system and management that is given to it in general. Given these dilemmas, new studies have been made and revealed that no one of these pillars can be fully responsible for healthcare. The appealing concept of shared healthcare responsibility takes this cue. The individual healthcare responsibility When one comes to think of it, the best healthcare plan is the one designed to the unique needs of an individual. Besides, his own is the only one who is in the position to gauge his healthcare needs according to his lifestyle and capabilities. Thus, an individual should take the call of his healthcare. While clinicians have the thorough knowledge on their craft, they should carefully consider and as much as possible pattern their treatments to those which the patient believes he needs. (Encouraging patients to assume more responsibility for their health, 2001) The current communal healthcare system, many say, is not working. The expense of health care is gargantuan; the system inefficient as shown in the unnecessary wastages on administration, marketing, and billing; there is no equality because many people cannot afford insurance (Callahan, 2005; Oxford Analytica, 2007). Furthermore, fraud invades communal healthcare systems. This is evident in many cases where people are cheated on their benefits. Lastly, there are still unnecessary deaths which leads to the question of quality of the communal healthcare system. (Callahan, 2005) D (2007) also asserts that because of the incompetence of the government to provide for proper medical care for the people, it is the prerogative of the people to take individual actions. Communal healthcare responsibility Yet Callahan (2005) points out that individual healthcare responsibility is a detriment. By assuming their own health care, the people who should be able to provide more comprehensive health care plans that are pro-patient are relieved of what was really their innate responsibility. Another thing, with the drop on employee coverage and insurance subscriptions, communal healthcare duty may well be the better option. (Oxford Analytica, 2007) There are many players to the communal health care theme. Apart from the standard individual-clinician-health plan provider trio, the employer and the government are also responsible. (Oxford Analytica, 2007) This being, the people should take advantage of this right, a duty that they ascribe to the government and the other stakeholders of health care. According to Whatââ¬â¢s Wrong with Shifting Healthcare Responsibility to Individuals (2007), putting health care responsibilities to individuals put families and persons at risk. People who take their health plans as an independent may become forced to pay for cheap and inadequate policies, or pay the high costs of one that is at par better in terms of quality. Interestingly, another negative effect is that the blame for healthcare flaws become directed to individuals and their choices rather than the stakeholders whoa re supposed to cook up better heath care reforms. Lastly, because individual health care reforms will compulsorily require individuals to buy health plans, the healthcare industry will go into a frenzy for selling and buying plans which can deteriorate the quality and leave out those who cannot afford the pricey ones. Points of view One aspect of the subject deals in the primacy of individual healthcare plan. Undoubtedly, giving individuals the ability to manipulate their healthcare services gives them the flexibility they need to maintain it. The other side of the coin focuses on the fact that healthcare is a responsibility of a group or different groups. Thus, it is a communal obligation. It claims that individual responsibility may fail. The number one cause would be the failure to comply by patients. Studies have shown that of patients given the responsibility to medicate themselves or pick a plan for themselves, only 50% can comply to the judgments of the clinician. (Encouraging patients to assume more responsibility for their health, 2001) But this is no two-sided affair. Many proponents are now promoting shared responsibility for health care. (Oxford Analytica, 2007) Only by a homogenous relationship and execution of communal role-players in the healthcare system can healthcare be called optimum. The role-players include the individual, the health care providers, and the plan providers. Their take on complementing roles allow each to take a responsibility and play it in concurrence with the responsibilities and outcomes of the others. For instance, practitioners should encourage their patients to take on their individual responsibilities and not be gullible with the face-value plans that are given to them. Yet this should be done procedurally, and it will be a serious hand-in-hand work in the part of the patient and the clinician/practitioner. (Encouraging patients to assume more responsibility for their health, 2001) Healthcare is an important aspect of the lives of individuals as well as the lives of groups that in one way or another affects or is affected by healthcare reforms. Looking at the backgrounds, analyses, and the points of view given by many sources, choosing between the individual and the community is futile. The real answer to the problem is in creating a plan where all role-players of the healthcare will take part and make it better. References Callahan, J. Americansââ¬â¢ raw deal on healthcare. 2005. Retrieved October 25, 2007, from http://www.boston.com/news/globe/editorial_opinion/letters/articles/2005/10/27/americans_raw_deal_on_healthcare/ D, Stephanie. 2007. US healthcare or lack thereof. Retrieved October 25, 2007, from http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/282245/us_healthcare_or_lack_thereof.html Encouraging patients to assume more responsibility for their health. 2001. Retrieved October 25, 2007, from http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/406453_print Oxford Analytica. 2007. Healthcare reform gains traction with shared responsibility theme. Retrieved October 25, 2007, from http://thehill.com/op-eds/healthcare-reform-gains-traction-with-shared-responsibility-theme-2007-10-10.html Whatââ¬â¢s wrong with shifting healthcare responsibility to individuals. 2007. Retrieved October 25, 2007, from http://itsourhealthcare.org/blog1/learn_more/shifting_responsibility.html
Tuesday, November 26, 2019
land of the free-1984 essay essays
land of the free-1984 essay essays Our country, one of the most liberal around the globe, prides itself on the rights that each individual is granted upon birth. As citizens of the United States we often overlook the rare personal freedom that we are granted upon birth. As we turn the calendar onto another century we continue to grow in individuality, personal privacy, and the balance between self and government; or do we? As the calendar turns, so do the pages in scientific notebooks. Each and everyday a new discovery takes place, and just as Orwell predicted in his infamous novel 1984, the result is that our personal freedom has not only been threatened, but it may soon become non -existent. The plot of 1984 is focused upon an average man, Winston, in a robotic like society. The citizens of this place, Oceania, a country made up of many present countries, are under constant surveillance by the party, their so-called government. The party must approve each and every thing they say and do, and if one chooses to disobey or rebel, like Winton, he will literally be erased off of the face of the earth. Behind Winstons back the voice from the telescreen was still babbling away about pig iron and the over fulfillment of the Ninth Three-Year Plan. The telescreen received and transmitted simultaneously. Any sound that Winston made, above the level of a very low whisper, would be picked up by it; moreover, so long as he recommended, he could be seen as well as heard. There was of course no way of knowing whether you were being watched at any given moment. How often, or on what system, the Thought Police plugged in on any individual wire was guesswork. It was even conceivable that they watched everybody at the same time. But at any rate they could plug in your wire whenever they wanted to (page 6). Here Winston is describing the telescreen, a monitor used by the party for the purpose of watching the citizens. In todays society the telescreen described ...
Friday, November 22, 2019
Harvestmen, Otherwise Known as Daddy-Long-Legs
Harvestmen, Otherwise Known as Daddy-Long-Legs Harvestmen (Opiliones) are a group of arachnids known for their long, delicate legs and their oval body. The group includes more than 6,300 species. Harvestmen are also referred to as daddy-long-legs, but this term is ambiguous because it is also used to refer to several other groups of arthropods that are not closely related to harvestmen, including cellar spiders (Pholcidae) and adult crane flies (Tipulidae). The Life of a Harvestmen Although harvestmen resemble spiders in many respects, harvestmen and spiders differ from each other in a number of significant ways. Instead of having two easily visible body sections as spiders do, harvestman have a fused body that looks more like a single oval structure than two separate segments. Additionally, harvestmen lack silk glands (they cannot create webs), fangs, and venom; all characteristics of spiders. The feeding structure of harvestmen also differs from other arachnids. Harvestmen can eat food in chunks and take it into their mouth (other arachnids must regurgitate digestive juices and dissolve their prey before consuming the resulting liquified food). Most harvestmen are nocturnal species, although several species are active during the day. Their coloration is subdued, most are brown, grey or black in color and blend well with their surroundings. Species active during the day are sometimes more brightly colored, with patterns of yellow, red, and black. Many harvestmen species are known to gather in groups of many dozen individuals. Although scientists are not yet sure why harvestmen gather in this way, there are several possible explanations. They may gather to seek shelter together, in a kind of group huddle. This can help control temperature and humidity and provide them a more stable place to rest. Another explanation is that when present in a large group, the harvestmen secrete defensive chemicals that provide the entire group with protection (if alone, the individual secretions of the harvestmen may not provide as much defense). Finally, when disturbed, the mass of harvestmen bob and move in a way that might be intimidating or confusing to predators. When threatened by predators, harvestmen play dead. If pursued, harvestmen will detach their legs to escape. The detached legs continue to move after they have been separated from the body of the harvestman and serve to distract predators. This twitching is due to the fact that pacemakers are located at the end of the first long segment of their legs. The pacemaker sends a pulse of signals along the nerves of the leg that causes the muscles to repeatedly expand and contract even after the leg is detached from the harvestmans body. Another defensive adaptation harvestmen have is that they produce an unappealing smell from two pores located near their eyes. Although the substance presents no threat to humans, it is distasteful enough and foul-smelling enough to help deter predators such as birds, small mammals, and other arachnids. Most harvestmen reproduce sexually via direct fertilization, although some species reproduce asexually (via parthenogenesis). Their body size ranges from a few millimeters to a few centimeters in diameter. The legs of most species are several times the length of their body, although some species have shorter legs. Harvestmen have a global range and are found on every continent except Antarctica. Harvestmen inhabit a variety of terrestrial habitats including forests, grasslands, mountains, wetlands, and caves, as well as human habitats. Most species of harvestmen are omnivorous or scavengers. They feed on insects, fungi, plants, and dead organisms. Species that hunt do so using an ambush behavior to startle their prey before capturing it. Harvestmen are capable of chewing their food. Classification Harvestmen are classified within the following taxonomic hierarchy: Animals Invertebrates Arthropods Arachnids Harvestmen
Thursday, November 21, 2019
Project management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words
Project management - Essay Example The paper tells that project management has been defined as a discipline (science and art) that entails planning, managing, organizing and securing the components or resources of a project so as to ensure its success. A project is usually a well defined endeavor with a beginning and end that are well defined and time constrained so as to meet desired objectives and goals by adding value or bringing change. A project is not like normal business operations which are permanent and repetitive. A project is usually temporary and is created once to achieve a specific purpose. Project management is necessary because a lot of resources are put into these projects. In any project, performance, cost and time should be managed so as to ensure a project is controlled and executed well to achieve its goals and objectives. The key elements of project management that will be outlined in this report include managing human resources through directing and coordinating the administration of people invo lved in the project. Another key element of project management that will be outlined in this project is managing quality through the fulfillment of the quality standards set up for performance of the project. The final element of project management that will be discussed in this essay is the Managing the scope of the project in controlling the project through aims, goals and objectives of its sponsors. The Scottish Parliament Building (Edinburgh) project was specifically started to provide a parliamentary building complex that would house members of parliament, civil servants and other staff.... be discussed in this essay is the Managing the scope of the project in controlling the project through aims, goals and objectives of its sponsors (Joseph 2003, p. 60). The Scottish Parliament Building (Edinburgh) project was specifically started to provide a parliamentary building complex that would house members of parliament, civil servants and other staff (Taylor 2002, p. 4). The project was a very crucial one because it was a political project that could easily be affected by the politics of the country. The project was launched in 1999 and construction of the building began in June 1999 (Taylor 2002, p. 21). The project was successfully completed in 2004 and the building was officially opened on October 9th 2004 by Queen Elizabeth (Taylor 2002, p. 11). The project of constructing the Scottish Parliament Building was one of the most successful known projects. The success of the project can be attributed to a number of factors, mostly revolving around its management (Taylor 2002, p. 25). The first factor that led to the success of the project was the effective managing of human resources through directing and coordinating the administration of people involved in the project. The history of the project dates back to when the Scottish electorate held a referendum on September 11th 1997 that allowed Scottish Parliament to legislate on some of the common domestic affairs (Taylor 2002, p. 11). This led to the decision to construct a purpose built facility in Edinburg that would house the Scottish Parliament. Enric Miralles design was chosen out of the twelve proposed ones and the work was given to a company called EMBT/RMJM that was specifically set up to manage this project (Harrison & Dennis 2004, p. 28). One of the key factors that led to the success of the project
Tuesday, November 19, 2019
Homework25 Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words
Homework25 - Coursework Example The German aggression threatened every nation in Europe such as France, but the British vowed not to let German undermine its sovereignty (Roark 6). In its annexation, German invaded Poland and America feared that if British were left alone to fight against German, it might suffer so much because it did not have enough resources to go to war. Therefore, the U.S reversed its neutrality policy and allowed its allies to buy supplies and ammunition to fight off German aggression. The war had dire consequences for women and family. The husband left their families to the battle ground thus making their families vulnerable of the challenges in the society, to struggle for food, shelter and education. Moreover, it is the American citizen who bore the greatest burden because resources that were diverted to the war were meant to help in the development of the domestic economy. In addition, the attack by Japan on Pearl Harbour made mothers lost their husbands and sons who were the bread winner of their
Sunday, November 17, 2019
Technology in Classrooms Essay Example for Free
Technology in Classrooms Essay Technology improves everyday, and it is becoming more common in the newer generations. There are many studies, Iââ¬â¢ve read many articles about how important technology became in the classrooms and how important its role became as well. Its role became an improvement for students and in classrooms. In the classrooms, technology has become a leadership for both teachers and students. They have also improved. Students are able to visualize their studies better. Not only are they can take it home and visualize their work for their studies. They have access to their work even from home to view their work. Technology is also a benefit for teachers because now teachers are able to breakdown their teaching time to educate their students more. Teachers donââ¬â¢t have much time to teach their students in a year, so many of them itââ¬â¢s a great advantage to be able to teach through a power point or as Touro uses a blackboard system. They are able to teach more, and while having more time to teach, they can review more. Students who miss school, it wont be such an issue or trouble for them because they have a great access right at home or even on their smartphones. This is one of many ways technology can be a benefit for students and classrooms. Another advantage of technology in classrooms is that it benefits students who enter college are advanced in the technology skills. I, being a student in high school took computer classes, which helped me in the college world. I was able to even educate teachers in the field. Students including I, feel empowered when we enter the college world. We feel like us, students can educate the teachers and teach them something that they donââ¬â¢t know. Studies are shown that many students are both with digital native. We see even in the newer generations that children, teenagers are very advanced in using phones, computers, theâ⬠iWorldâ⬠as some people call it. Being advanced in technology for students is a benefit towards their work as well, in research and writing papers. It can also help their work field since many fields haveà the use of technology in it. Many studies disagree with technology playing a huge role in classrooms. Technology can be difficult in the classroom environments. It can be very distracting to the students and they cannot do well in their studies and work. It can be distracting to students because they can take advantage of technology being used by bringing in their laptops, and pretending to be doing school work while doing their own twits and Facebook updates, or use of cellphones in class which takes them away from listening and being educated. Even though, these disagreements are litigable, does not mean technology is not beneficial for students. Technology are the new notebooks and pens of the classrooms, a new test taking way, it takes you into many careers. Some say, that teachers respect can be fallen by the use of technology, even though this is a great point there is still a brighter side. Students are able to visualize their studies and work more than just an audio voice of the teacher. Also, the students and their improvements in the classroom.
Thursday, November 14, 2019
Hamlet 9 :: essays research papers
There have been many great thinkers in literature. Characters who examine themselves, others, and the world in a thoughtful and insightful way. One of these introspective and self-aware literary creations is Hamlet in Shakespeare’s play Hamlet. The play is one filled with and based on ideas and contemplation as opposed to the steady stream of action that fills many of his other plays. Not that there’s any lack of action in the play. On the contrary, it includes violent deaths, a vicious duel, and a vengeful ghost. There’s no lack of physical action after the thought processes are completed, either. The central character of Hamlet, however, is one who considers before he acts, and whose actions (and their consequences) are therefore not random acts of fate, but deliberately chosen resolutions. Hamlet proves himself to be a tragic figure as well as a sacrificial hero through his private thoughts and his determinations. Ã Ã Ã Ã Ã These major internal “events'; begin with Hamlet’s reaction to meeting and speaking with his father’s ghost. This meeting was the catalyst for a lot of silent contemplation and turmoil for the young prince. The movement of ideas here is rapid– the Ghost gives a clear, incriminating account of Claudius’s involvement in his death, and Hamlet immediately vows to avenge him. His reaction was passionate, and suitably so. After all, no character of integrity and honor could have refused the task given to him by the Ghost. In making the deliberate decision to avenge his father, Hamlet alerts the reader that he is the central character in the play. It also lets us know that he is a truly decent and loyal son as his quest for revenge consumes him. As he says in act one, scene five: I’ll wipe away all trivial, fond records, All saws of books, all forms, all pressures past, That youth and observation copied there, And thy commandment all alone shall live Within the book and volume of my brain, Unmixed with baser matter. Yes, by heaven! Here, Hamlet reveals through his decision a powerful will and overwhelming resolution as he declares that he will completely reject all other pastimes and priorities in order to fulfill his choice and oath. This steadfastness, though it later wavers, leads directly to all of Hamlet’s future actions, from his assumed madness to his rejection of Ophelia to his return from England. The scene shows us Hamlet’s motive for his future actions, and starts of his trend of silent brooding.
Tuesday, November 12, 2019
Ethical and Legal Systems of Health Care Organizations Essay
Aetna Incorporated, a health care plan company, is one of the American leading companies in diversified benefits of a range of traditional and consumer directed health care insurance services. It includes vast service offerings in health care insurance from mental and behavioral health to long-term care benefits and other health-related care and concerns . (Aetna, 2007a; Wikipedia, 2007) Moreover, it is the nationââ¬â¢s pioneer in full-service health insurer that proffers a consumer-oriented health plan. Aetna provides its members with the opportunity to reach out on suitable tools and comprehensible information for them to perform based decisions regarding health and financial interest (Aetna, 2007a). For over 150 years, Aetna has been committed to supporting people in attaining health and financial security. The company establishes information and necessary resources to work for its members and clients for them to execute ââ¬Å"better-informed decisions about their health care. Currently, Aetna membership numbers up to 15. 7 million (M) medical members, around 13. 7 M dental members and around 10. 5 pharmacy members (Aetna, 2007a). In terms of health care networks, it holds on more than 783,000 health care professionals, 458,000 major care doctors and specialists, 4,681 hospitals and a network called AexcelSM, of specialist physicians. Aetna is also the provider of benefits through national employers of small, mid-sized and large multi-state scales in all 50 states, as well as individuals and Medicare recipients in certain markets. Aetna: Code of Conduct The companyââ¬â¢s Code of Conduct contains a unique and consistent set of values and standards of integrity and business practices. It mediates in guiding the company in complying with the laws, regulations and ethical standards that controls Aetnaââ¬â¢s business functions (Aetna, 2006). According to the preface message of Aetnaââ¬â¢s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and President Dr. Ronald A. Williams, every companyââ¬â¢s employee, officer, and director is expected to follow the Code of Conduct because: a) it is the expectations of the customers from the company; b) they have a vow to live b their values, and; c) they would be functioning with the utmost principles of fair and ethical business guidelines given that they follow the contained guidelines in all their business aspects. However, the Code cannot cover all situations and Dr. Williams encourages the assistance or guidance of The Aetna Way and their Ethical Decision-Making Framework (to be discussed later in this paper) to conduct sound decisions and take the right actions in performing Aetna business practices. Ethical System The Code of Conduct contains ten (10) specific areas of topics in which the company discusses some policies on specific matters. The first one or Statement 1 deals with Conflicts of Interest that in general regards with the companyââ¬â¢s requirement that its employees, officers and directors to keep away form real or obvious conflicts of interest to protect Aetnaââ¬â¢s reputation. There should be avoidance in ownership interests or participation in excluded activities that would create a conflict of interest or interference in performing of a job. This requires reporting to the manager and compliance officer for review and sanction of affiliations on hand or ownership concerns that involves him or her or a family member or even a close friend residing in a home such as any positions with any ââ¬Å"business, nonprofit organization or government entity that is an Aetna competitor, customer, provider or supplierâ⬠or for other cause or motives that may induce conflict of interest, and; getting hold of a considerable amount of partnership in possession of interest in any business or even partnership. However, the determination of conflicts of interest might sometimes be blurry and hence, guidance of a compliance officer might come necessary. There are also guidelines in the affiliations and interest of the Director and are not far-related to what have been discussed previously, and the review by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee must also re regarded relevant. There are also guidelines and rules in accepting or giving gifts; travel, entertainment and honorarium; discounts and preferential treatment; and loans and guarantees of obligations. Statement 2 deals with record-keeping and use of the companyââ¬â¢s property and resources which should be entirely legal and proper. This is so since Aetna and any other companies for that matter, is mandatory to submit relevant documents, reports and public communication to the Securities and Exchange Commission and other regulators that also includes disclosure in a manner that is whole, impartial, accurate, timely and comprehensible. All of the companyââ¬â¢s resources and property such s e-mail, internet and other computing and communications systems should only be used for the companyââ¬â¢s purpose. Bribes and other illegal payments are also strongly discouraged by the company. Statement 3 embarks on fraud, dishonesty and criminal conduct since these apparently affect Aetnaââ¬â¢s reputation and continued success. Hence, all business functions must be performed with honesty and with compliance with applicable laws, regulations and ethics rules. Statement 4 is with regards with protecting member and other confidential information of members, employees and the company itself from any inappropriate access, use or disclosure. This is also in integration and compliance with federal and state privacy and security laws that is applicable to the company. Private company information refers to member information, the companyââ¬â¢s professional interests, and other relevant information about its clients, subordinates and even suppliers that might be used against the company or for the benefit of its competitor. This is applicable in the course of being under Aetna or after the affiliation with the company. Statement 5 deals with the companyââ¬â¢s business and trade practices which should be complied with honesty and integrity since Aetna has its own laws and regulations that apply to the companyââ¬â¢s business which are under federal law. The companyââ¬â¢s Record and Management Policy is also strongly encouraged to be followed. Statement 6 encourages the companyââ¬â¢s subordinates to support Aetna to be a responsible and trustworthy government contractor since the company treasures winning and keeping government contracts. This can be achieved by following federal, state and local laws that regards with government contracting and procurement. Employment laws must be also strictly complied with. The Code is also concerned with proper employment practices and welfare as well as the appropriateness of its workplace (Statement 7). The company complies with policies and programs that ensure the inclusiveness and safety or the workplace for its employees and business partners, promote fairness and respect for all, and promote a working environment where diversity and inclusion are appreciated. Federal laws that discourage discrimination, harassment, special personal relationships, violence and vices are strongly administered by the company. Such laws that are complied with in the company are the Equal Employment Opportunity and the Affirmative Action, which takes away the basing of business decisions on individualââ¬â¢s characters (such as sex, race, color, nationality, age and others; and the companyââ¬â¢s very own Alcohol and Drug Policy that prohibits distribution, possession, use, purchase or sell of alcoholic beverages and illegal or prescription substances and drugs. Statement 8 deals with Aetnaââ¬â¢s securities transactions which prohibits trade securities if an individual has no material nonpublic information about particular securities. Under this code, all are expected to comply to all insider trading and securities federal laws and the companyââ¬â¢s own relevant regulations. Also included dealing and transacting with securities matters and management and secrecy of private information. The company and a subordinate could face civil and criminal consequence for insider trading since insider trading is unethical and unlawful. The statement also discusses on ââ¬Å"material informationâ⬠relevant in decision-making that concerns any transactions on the companyââ¬â¢s securities. Statement 9 deals with the companyââ¬â¢s interaction whether private or public to any external institution such as media organizations and even with the federal government. Anyone in close relation to the company and even its subordinates should not speak in behalf of Aetna only there was consent or authorization from the Board of Directors to take such action. Personal views should also be kept separate from the companyââ¬â¢s view. He funds of the company should not be also utilized to engage on a lobbyist or to make a political donation except authorized by the Government relations. These are for the protection of Aetnaââ¬â¢s reputation and an individual as well, under compliance of laws. Finally, Statement 10 deals with Aetnaââ¬â¢s intellectual property. Apparently valuable, such property must be protected from improper use or disclosure whether owned by the company or licensed from others. Intellectual properties of the company must be controlled the legal and proper way. Usage of such property must be under approval of an internal legal counsel and in accordance with the Aetna Intellectual Property Guide. Policies on Aetnaââ¬â¢s intellectual properties are also extended to the websites, videos, music and publications. Aetnaââ¬â¢s ethical system as contained in its own Code of Conduct presents a vast range of policies that protects the reputation, integrity, security and welfare of both the company itself and its subordinates and members. As discussed above there are specific policies or code of ethics from recordkeeping, employeeââ¬â¢s equal opportunity and to intellectual property rights. According to the company, all policies are established in compliance with federal laws. The companyââ¬â¢s policies regarding conflicts of interest and confidentiality have general basis as concluded by the study in a position paper from the Society for Health and Human Values and Society for Bioethics Consultation Task Force on Standards for Bioethics Consultation (Aulisio, 2000). One of their conclusions is that, abuse of power and conflicts of interest must be avoided in health care companies. This is so since ethics consultants have the authority and power to influence clinical care and such power can be exploited. Since conflicts of interest can be partial to consultantsââ¬â¢ recommendations, important personal or professional linkages with one or more parties should be disclosed and be get rid of. In addition, the personal concerns of the consultants may be affected by giving advice that could act against the companyââ¬â¢s financial or public relations concerns. Policies that concern on recordkeeping and use of the companyââ¬â¢s property and resources, and insider trading are all in accordance to federal laws specifically in the Securites Exchange Act of 1933 and 1934 (USSEC, 2007). The two basic objectives of the former it that to mandate investors or companies receive financial and other relevant information regarding securities being offered for public sale and forbid ââ¬Å"deceit, misrepresentations, and other fraudâ⬠in the sale of securities. The latter states that insider trading is illegal when an individual trades a security while in ownership of nonpublic material information in disobedience of an obligation to withhold the said information or renouncement from trading. On the other hand, policies regarding the companyââ¬â¢s employment practices are also observed in compliance with federal employment laws. Federal Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Laws prohibit job discrimination which covers almost all private employers, state and local governments, educational institutions and even the federal government (USEEOC, 2005). The said law is enforced by the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and also complies with the American College of Healthcare Executives or ACHE (ACHE, 2003). Overall, Aetna covers the essential and core ethic issues in accordance to federal laws.
Saturday, November 9, 2019
Public vs Private Schooling
As American support for the public education system dwindles, many parents find the only place for their children to receive a quality education is in a private school. The areas that are most important to a private school are also the ones that seem to be lacking in public schools. These include safety, order, teaching the basics and challenging young minds. Across the nation, public education systems continue to fail students, therefore many have chosen, like myself, to attend private Catholic high schools to receive an education that will better prepare them for college. Overcrowded public high schools have been dealt with the problems of insufficient funding, large class sizes, students who simply refuse to learn and are disruptive. Due to an increase in violent acts committed, many public high schools have instituted low level security measures to ensure the safety of students. The types of security found in these schools include closed campuses, controlled access to the school building and grounds, random drug and metal detector, banning certain types of clothing, and either full or part time security guards have been assigned. How can students be expected to learn and teachers educate in an environment like this Through personal experience I have found out that it is almost impossible to focus on learning in an atmosphere that is forced to emphasize personal safety rather than education. My first eight years of education were spent at area public schools in and around Chicago, IL. During this time I witnessed approximately 100 fights, 3 teachers being assaulted by students and numerous drug and weapons arrests. Many of these acts were merely boyish fights and left no lasting impression. One incident that has scarred me for life was when a student came to school with a five-inch knife and proceeded to stab an administrator in front of approximately seventy students, myself included. I simply stood there not knowing what to do, too shocked to blink, too terrified to move. The victim recovered fully and the perpetrator, who at the time was fifteen, is now in jail. Is this the atmosphere that children should be placed in to receive the fundamental elements of education that will prepare them for high school and eventually college There is enough concern about the quality of education in public schools that many private schools have been bombarded with applications in recent years. This is the case with my alma mater, Saint Marys High School. Run by the Archdiocese of Chicago, it is a small, coeducational, Catholic school located in downtown Chicago, IL. With a graduating class of less than 150, Saint Marys fosters a college curriculum with small controlled classes and an emphasis on personal, intellectual and religious growth all in a morally sound environment unlike anything found in public schools. The problems facing many public schools are non-existent at most private schools. They have no need to institute security measures because discipline is not a problem. Students know that the school board can expel anyone that hinders learning in the classroom. Disruptive and violent actions are taken seriously and are not tolerated under any circumstance. At Saint Marys there are various types of honors courses designed for students that have specific interest in a particular subject. There is also a program set up for students to receive not only tutoring but instruction from Midshipmen attending the United States Naval Academy, located only a few blocks from the high school. This type of program not found in any public or private school is one that places Saint Marys on a far superior level. For those who choose not to take any honors courses there is a challenging curriculum that places students in small classes therefore making learning a very personal experience between teacher and student. I found the most intriguing part of attending Saint Marys was the emphasis they placed on religion. From the classroom to the athletic field students know that they are representing not only there family but Saint Marys High School and the whole Archdiocese of Chicago. The mandatory religion classes taught were not focused on right and wrong but how to improve your own personal view of life. They challenged us to Walk in the shadow of God and learn from His teachings. Students at Saint Marys are committed to serving the community and those in need, not to enhance a resume but because they truly want to. Private schools across the nation have fewer disciplinary problems than public schools because they can be selective in whom they choose to accept into there institute. Those who apply truly want to learn and are willing to spend thousands of dollars a year to ensure that they receive the best education possible. With that money they dont expect to have to fear for their safety, or fear that they will not learn anything in class because one person is disruptive. Altogether receiving a private Catholic education not only prepared me for college but also ensured that I will be a more mature and well-rounded individual throughout my life.
Thursday, November 7, 2019
European Government in the 19th century essays
European Government in the 19th century essays During the twentieth century, Europe went through many changes in politics and trends. On June 28, 1914, Serbian revolutionaries assassinated Archduke Francis Ferdinand, the heir to the Austrian and Hungarian thrones, and his wife, Sophie. With Germany behind Austria-Hungary, Austria attacked Serbia on July 28th. The following day, Russia ordered full mobilization and in effect declared full all out war. Germanys plan was to knock out France by going through neutral Belgium and then taking out Russia. On August 2, 1914, Germanys plan to pass through neutral Belgium failed when Belgium refused to let German forces through. Germany intern attacked Belgium. On August 3rd,Great Britain joined forces with France, which started the First World War. A major social impact in Europe occurred during World War I. With almost all able-bodied men fighting in the trenches, this caused a great demand for workers. Jobs were available for everyone. This also brought about change for labor unions. The roll of women changed for the better during this time. Women basically took over the labor forces in Russia. In Great Britain, women were driving streetcars and buses. Women became more prominent in society. Showing up as mail carriers, bank tellers, and even police officers. In 1917, Russia went through two revolutions that cause Russia to with draw from the war. In March of 1917, the Duma declared a provisional government. A month later, Lenin returns from exile to denounce the provisional government. All social classes were in favor of this drastic move. It would create better wages for workers and more food. In 1920, Lenins Red army retook Belorussia and the Ukraine. In the spring of 1918, Germany launched its last attack on France. With the United States backing Britain and France, the triple entente finally crushed German forces. In January of 1919, in Versailles, The Treaty of Versailles was signed...
Tuesday, November 5, 2019
Using the Passive Voice in Spanish
Using the Passive Voice in Spanish The passive voice is an approach to structuring sentence that is used in both Spanish and English, although English speakers are more likely to use it. A sentence in which the subject of the main verb is also acted on by the verb is in the passive voice. We can also say that the verb is in the passive voice. A common use of the passive voice is to indicate what happened to the subject of the sentence without saying who or what carried out the action (although the actor can be indicated in a prepositional phrase). How the Passive Voice Is Used One reason the passive voice is much more common in English is because Spanish often uses reflexive verbs where English uses the passive voice. Writing experts usually advise against using the passive voice unnecessarily, because the active voice comes across as more lively and does a better job of conveying action. In English, the passive voice is formed by using a form of the verb to be followed by the past participle. It is the same in Spanish, where a form of ser is followed by the past participle. The past participle in such cases is modified if necessary to agree in number and gender with the subject of the sentence. The passive voice is known in Spanish as la voz pasiva. Sample Sentences Showing the Passive Voice Spanish Sentences Las computadoras fueron vendidas. Note that the subject of the sentence (computadoras) is also the object acted on. Note also that the usual way of stating this would be using a reflexive construction, se vendieron las computadoras, literally, the computers sold themselves.El coche ser manejado por mi padre. Note that the person performing the action isnt the subject of the sentence, but is the object of a prepositional phrase. This sentence is less likely to be said in Spanish than its equivalent in English would be. More common in Spanish would be the active voice: Mi padre manejar el coche. Corresponding Examples in English The computers were sold. Note that in neither language does the sentence indicate who sold the computers.The car will be driven by my father. Note that the car is the subject of the sentence; the sentence would be complete without the prepositional phrase, by my father, which indicates who is performing the action of the verb.
Sunday, November 3, 2019
Process and Change Management Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words
Process and Change Management - Assignment Example The company has continued to benchmark with a few global players in the industry to and has promised to improve the qualities in the oil products produced by the company. The perceived quality of the products produced by the company has continued to improve. The company utilizes the best chain of distribution in sending products to the retail stores. The company has four big distributors around the country that ensures the products produced are available to the retailers. Such products include petrol, lubricant, engine oil and many others (Sim, 2012). The company has maintained warehouses at its distribution centres with an intention of ensuring emergency and constant supply of the products. The company has strong base of technological support and human resource. Some of the challenges that the company is currently facing include decreasing amount of crude oil in the market, high cost of inventory, and pressure from the international community on the need to shift to green production and high delivery time which result to higher cost of production. The company has stressed on the need to utilize their services and remain within the organization so as the bond between the company and the organization is maintained (Mathews, 2011). The company has maintained an effective system of transportation from the point of manufacturer to distribution centres as well as the to the retail outlets. The company has of late focused o hiring vehicles with an intention of reducing the cost of vehicles. In chain of supply the company is currently utilizing allocating gaming policy to help distribute goods. The suppliers will place the products on allocation in cases where the supply declines. The supplier may be forced to cut short of the quantity supplied with an intention of ensuring that all nodes of downstream at least get something. Some customers have sometimes ordered more to compensate
Thursday, October 31, 2019
Mckee v. Laurion Case Study Analysis Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words
Mckee v. Laurion Analysis - Case Study Example The first statement he allegedly made was that he said when he did not find the patient in ICU, he took time to find out whether he had been transferred on died. Secondly, he allegedly affirmed that 44% of patients with haemorrhagic stroke die within 30 days. Thirdly, he allegedly dismissed patient saying he does not matter if the gown was on the back.Ã Ã Ã Ã Ã Ã Cases of defamation are often determined by courts based on plaintiff ability to prove that the said or written words amounted to significant falsity and quoted out of malice. The case as ruled by Minnesota State court had dismissed the suit saying the claims by Laurion showed substantial degree of truth. Ã Ã Ã Ã Ã Ã Ã Ã Ã Ã Ã The law application was most controversial in the case. The appellate court found that the lower court erred by ruling in favor of Laurion. According to the law, there was no genuine issue of material on falsity of the statements and as such the website post was found to have had ill motives because they lack material evidence.Ã Ã Ã Ã Ã Ã Ã Ã Ã Ã Ã The appellate court on reversing lower court decision identified that the post made by Laurion carried defamation sentiment because he did not prove that the statement by the doctor carried malice or falsehood. The determination of the case is based on ability to show that the post act of malice or had unethical connotation.
Tuesday, October 29, 2019
Law Questions Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words
Law Questions - Essay Example The International Terrorism Act of 1990 2. The Patriots Act 3. The UN Convention on International Terrorism 3 There are various definitions attached to terrorism. The United Nations, the Arab Convention and the European Convention all give divergent definitions to the term ââ¬Ëterrorismââ¬â¢. The UNââ¬â¢s definition to terrorism is more descriptive of the acts that may be cited as terrorism acts. It adopts a broad description of acts that may be interpreted to be acts of terrorism by its members. This includes unlawful actions, including against civilians, carried out with an intention of causing serious bodily harm or the taking of hostages to induce a state of terror to the public. It therefore offers a broad definition to the term that allows other criminal acts against the state or citizens, which have not yet been classified as terrorist acts, to be categorized as terrorist acts. The Arab Convention on the other hand adopts a more liberal definition to terrorism. It def ines terrorism to encompass not only acts, but also threat of criminal action against the state or citizens of a given country. The convention also recognizes that terrorist threats may also be directed to the environment in an attempt to jeopardize national resources. The European convention adopts an imprecise definition to terrorism. ... 4 The yunis case amplifies Americaââ¬â¢s renewed efforts to curb international terrorism by employing the new antiterrorism laws. The case demonstrated the acceptance of recent international law principles of extraterritorial jurisdiction that give room for the prosecution of terrorists in US soil. It encompasses the international law principle that terrorism is an act condemned internationally and as such, terrorist suspects can be prosecuted in any national jurisdiction of the world. The Noriega case illustrated the application of domestic criminal laws universally to prosecute criminal activities committed outside the United States. The court relied on the international law principle of extended territorial jurisdiction to prosecute crimes committed outside the US national borders, whose effects had far-reaching consequences on American soil. The Yousef case illustrated the use of extraterritorial jurisdiction to prosecute the accused with charges of terrorism and conspiracy to commit criminal and terrorist acts within the territory of the United States. All the aforementioned cases are regarded as progressive cases as they form a future model for prosecuting terrorists within the US territory. They further show the expanded use of both the domestic law and international law to combat efficiently the threat of terrorism in America. 5 The Moussaoui case is important because it illustrates the success of the criminal justice system in trying and convicting suspected terrorists. It also shows that the best way to follow in promoting national security is reaffirmation of the values of the justice system. Moussaui wanted to review his confession to which the prosecution was opposed to such
Sunday, October 27, 2019
The Reproductive Health Bill
The Reproductive Health Bill Public opinion is the aggregate of individual dispositions and beliefs with regards to important issues. Public opinion holds great importance in democracies because a democracy, by its very definition, connotes a form of government that is responsive to the people. Democracy is most often defined as a set of procedures and institutions intended to make the holders of political power directly responsible to the electorates. The quality of democratic government is measured by the responsiveness of public policymakers to the preferences of the mass public. For that reason, public opinion will always play an important role in policy-making process in the Philippines, a democratic country. Views and opinions of the general public should be taken into consideration in formulating, passing and implementing a policy. Hence, stakeholders and interests groups roles are very vital in affecting policy outcomes since stakeholders and interest groups are the means through which public opinion is brought in the Halls of the Congress. In view of this, the government is faced with the need to balance the conflicting views of different stakeholders, interest and pressure groups in the decision-making process. This is clearly exemplified in the controversial Reproductive Health bill. This paper studies the different stakeholders involved in the Reproductive Health Bill and the degree in which they affect policy outcome based on the resources and resource mobilization capacities they have. The first part of this paper includes definition and the presentation of health and population situation in the Philippines. The second part focuses with the provisions, debates and proponent of RH bill. The third part provides an analysis of the different stakeholders and resources and resource mobilization capacity that they have. Lastly, the examination of how these stakeholders and interest groups can actually affect policy outcome and the degree on which they affect it. The controversy of RH bill led to many implications. Reproductive health is now a byword that enthralled the public attention. Therefore, there is a need to define the term based on a standard definition. Reproductive health addresses the reproductive processes, functions and system at all stages of life. Reproductive health implies that people are able to have a responsible, satisfying and safe sex life and that they have the capability to reproduce and the freedom to decide if, when and how often to do so (World Health Organization). Although this appears to be the only definition of the term in any international document, the definition implicitly implies that reproductive health includes the right of men and women to be informed of and to have access to safe, effective, affordable and acceptable methods of fertility regulation of their choice, and the right of access to appropriate health care services that will enable women to go safely through pregnancy and childbirth and provide couples with the best chance of having a healthy infant (International Conference on Population and Development, 1994). Of the eight Millennium Development Goals, achieving universal access to reproductive health by 2015 is one of the two targets of Goal 5, Improving Maternal Health. Due to this, a comprehensive study of the reproductive health in the Philippines is greatly needed and in turn, to develop and actually implement a policy that will give Filipinos equal chances to the right to reproductive health and develop programs that will seek to address problems related to reproductive health in the country. Over the past 30 years, developing countries population have rise up almost twice the rate of those in the developed and advanced countries. As an effect, a number of people have caught up with high infant mortality, low life expectancy, disease, malnutrition and illiteracy. Rapid population growth causes difficulties in managing economic and social changes, including the balancing of the fruits of economic development efforts (Leverage International, 2011). Governments of the Third World countries and as well as of those developed nations recognized that the measurement of economic development is not based only on economic indicators such as income distribution but also by the quality of life of its people (Leverage International, 2011). Philippines, as a developing country, experiences rapid population growth. According to the 2007 Census by the National Statistics Office (NSO), the Philippine population was 88.57 million and the estimated population as of 2010 is 94.3 million and this made the country as the 12th most populous country in the world. This high population results to high infant mortality rate which is 19.94% in 2010. In addition to this, the lifetime risk of maternal death in the Philippines is 1 in every 140, according to United Nations International Children Emergency Funds State of the Worlds Children 2009 report. Each day, about 11 Filipino mothers or 4,500 each year die because of hypertensive disorders, severe hemorrhage or other labor- or abortion-related problems. The country is also part of a group of 68 countries where 97% of worldwide maternal, neonatal and child health deaths occur. Moreover, the county is witnessing the fastest spread of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in its history. Five new HIV cases are recorded everyday according to the National Epidemiology Center of the Department of Health. High infant mortality rate, high maternal mortality rate and a number of HIV cases are not the only problems that the Philippines is experiencing in relation to reproductive health. Because of the lack of a concrete reproductive health and family planning policy and program in the country, unwanted pregnancy incidences become high. Due to this, Filipino women are forced to undergo induced abortion as one of the methods that they use to meet their reproductive goals. Although abortion is illegal in the Philippines, and despite the potential harmful consequences of an unsafe abortion for womens health and life, many women resort to abortion to meet their family-size goals or to space births (The Guttmacher Institute, 2003). The Incidence of Induced Abortion in the Philippines: Current Level and Recent Trends (2005), a study conducted by Fatima Juarez, Josefina Cabigon, Susheela Singh, and Rubina Hussain for the Guttmacher Institute revealed the following: Six in 10 Filipino women say they have experienced an unintended pregnancy at some point in their lives. About 1.43 million pregnancies each yearnearly half of all pregnancies in the Philippinesare unintended. Some 54% of women who have ended an unintended pregnancy by abortion were not using any family planning method when they conceived. Of those who were practicing contraception, three-fourths were using a traditional method. The average Filipino woman wants 2.5 children. In order to achieve that goal, she must spend more than 19 years using effective contraceptive methods. However, nearly half of all married women of reproductive age have an unmet need for effective contraceptionthat is, they are sexually active, are able to have children, do not want a child soon or ever, but are not using any form of contraception or are using traditional methods, which have high failure rates. Aside from induced abortion that can lead to deaths, other problem due to the lack of reproductive health policy is the risk of acquiring cervical cancer. The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a sexually-transmitted, wart-forming virus that has been implicated in causing cancer of the cervix. This is the most common cancer in women secondary to breast cancer (Department of Health, 2008). Due to these findings and other statistics such as high infant and mortality rates, these imply that there is an immense need for a policy to ensure the right to reproductive health in the Philippines. Although reproductive health has long been considered a basic universal human right, this right remains elusive and illusory for millions of Filipinos, especially the poor. The first comprehensive version of reproductive health bill, House Bill 8110 or The Integrated Population and Development Act of 1999 was filed in the 11th Congress. Twelve years after, the country still does not have a reproductive health policy and the issue of the current reproductive health bills remains a heated and controversial issue as the first RH bill. Today, the struggle of RH advocates still continues for the passage of a comprehensive reproductive health bill. House Bill 4244 or The Responsible Parenthood, Reproductive Health and Population and Development Act of 2011 is the most recent version of a reproductive health bill that was filed in the 15th Congress. H.B. 4244 is popularly known as the consolidated RH bill in substitution to the other reproductive health bills that are pending in the Congress. The other reproductive health bills are as follows: House Bill 96 (Rep. Edcel Lagman) An Act Providing for a National Policy on Reproductive Health, Responsible Parenthood and Population Development and for Other Purposes House Bill 101 (Rep. Janette Garin) An Act Providing for a National Policy on Reproductive Health and Population Development and for Other Purposes House Bill 513 (Reps. Kaka Bag-ao and Warden Bello of Akbayan Partylist) An Act Providing for a National Policy on Reproductive Health and Population and Development and for Other Purposes House Bill 1160 (Rep. Rodolfo Biazon) An Act Providing for a National Policy on Reproductive Health and for Other Purposes House Bill 1520 (Rep. Judy Syjuco) An Act to Protect the Right of the People to Information on Reproductive Health Care House Bill 3368 (Rep. Luzviminda Ilagan and Emmi de Jesus of Gabriela Womens Party) An Act Providing for a National Policy on Reproductive Health for Women and Development and for Other Purposes H.B 4244s objectives are as follows: To uphold and promote respect for life, informed choice, birth spacing and responsible parenthood in conformity with internationally recognized human rights standards. To guarantee universal access to medically-safe, legal and quality reproductive health care services and relevant information even as it prioritizes the needs of women and children. To realize these goals, the consolidated RH Bill has the following key provisions: Mandates the Department of Health (DOH) and Local Health Units in cities and municipalities shall serve as the lead agencies for the implementation of this act. Mandates the Population Commission, to be an attached agency of the Department of Health, shall serve as a coordinating body in the implementation of this Act. Provides for the creation of an enabling environment for women and couples to make an informed choice regarding the family planning method that is best suited to their needs and personal convictions. The LGUs and the DOH shall ensure that a Minimum Initial Service Package (MISP) for reproductive health, including maternal and neonatal health care kits and services will be given proper attention in crisis situations such as disasters and humanitarian crises. Provides for a maternal death review in LGUs, national and local government hospitals and other public health units to decrease the incidence of maternal deaths. Products and supplies for modern family planning methods shall be part of the National Drug Formulary and the same shall be included in the regular purchase of essential medicines and supplies of all national and local hospitals and other government health units. Ensures the availability of hospital-based family planning methods such as tubal ligation, vasectomy and intrauterine device insertion in all national and local government hospitals, except in specialty hospitals. Provides for a Mobile Health Care Service in every Congressional District to deliver health care goods and services. Provides Mandatory Age-appropriate Reproductive Health Education starting from Grade 5 to Fourth Year High School to develop the youth into responsible adults. The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) shall ensure that employees respect the reproductive health rights of workers. Mandates private and nongovernment reproductive health care service providers to provide at least forty-eight (48) hours annually of reproductive health services free of charge to indigent and low income patients, especially to pregnant adolescents. Mandates cities and municipalities to provide sexual and reproductive health programs for persons with disabilities (PWDs). Mandates the inclusion of the topics on responsible parenthood, family planning, breastfeeding and infant nutrition as essential part of the information given by local Family Planning office to all applicants for marriage license. Mandates no less than 10% increase in the honoraria of community-based volunteer workers, such as the barangay health workers, upon successful completion of training on the delivery of reproductive health care services. Creation of Congressional Oversight Committee (COC) which shall be composed of five (5) members each from the Senate and from the House of Representatives which shall monitor and ensure the effective implementation of this Act, determine the inherent weakness and loopholes in the law, recommend the necessary remedial legislation or administrative measures and perform such other duties and functions as may be necessary to attain the objectives of this Act. Penalizes the violator of this Act from one month to six months imprisonment or a fine ranging from ten thousand to fifty thousand pesos or both such fine and imprisonment at the discretion of the Court. H.B 4244 covers all other six pending RH bills in the Congress but despite the clear purpose of the bill, the enactment of RH bill is long overdue. On the other hand, RH bill advocates see the passage of the consolidated RH bill in the 15th Congress since it was already approved by the House Committee on Population and Family Relations last February 1 and it was also approved by the Committee on Appropriations with a vote of 20-3. Last March 8 which is incidentally the International Womens Day, RH bill reached the plenary. Biliran Representative Rogelio Espina, chairman of the Committee on Population and Family Relations, delivered his sponsorship speech on Committee Report 664. Three of the six sponsors of the bill also delivered speeches urging for its passage Minority Leader and Albay Representative Edcel Lagman, Gabriela partylist Representative Luz Ilagan and Akbayan partylist Representative Arlene Kaka Bag-ao. Meanwhile, President Benigno Aquino III ordered Health Secreaty Enrique Ona to draft the Responsible Parenthood Bill that would perhaps serve as a middle ground between RH advocates and the Church. Moreover, the President did also not include RH bill as part of his list of policy priorities after the Church issued a pastoral letter entitled Choosing Life, Rejecting RH Bill. Though Rep. Lagman believes that the Malacaà ±ang-sponsored version of the RH bill would not be able take the place of a more comprehensive RH bill since it is limited to the issue of family planning and responsible parenthood. Moreover, Health Secretary Ona is a known advocate of reproductive health and family planning. His public pronouncements have confirmed that he, like his predecessor Sec. Espie Cabral, is unwavering in his belief that RH is a basic human right. Because of this, Cong. Lagman believes that the crafting of the Responsible Parenthood bill would and should not delay the passage of the consolida ted RH bill. Cong. Edcel Lagman of the First District of Albay is the principal author of the consolidated RH bill. According to him, the incidences of infant and maternal mortality in his own district are within the range of the national average. As a solution, they have set up lying-in clinics and birthing centers in the upland and island barangays of the first district of Albay so as to ensure that mothers in far flung barangays can be given emergency and basic obstetric care. However, the problem of maternal and infant mortality and morbidity goes beyond the First District of Albay. The preventable deaths of mothers and children happen on a national scale so the need to formulate a national policy on reproductive health is imperative. Although he is a Catholic he believes that like many other Catholics in the country, they can be good Catholics and still support a measure like RH bill that puts a premium on quality of life and the protection and fulfilment of the basic human rights to reproductive health and sustainable human development. He also noted that the word catholic when used as an adjective means all-embracing, forward-looking and liberal. The antonym of catholic is conservative, narrow-minded and intolerant. That is why it is very ironic that the Catholic Church particularly the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) strongly opposes RH bill. Rep. Lagman is also the newly-elect chair of one of the ruling party in the country, the Lakas Kampi Catholic Muslim Democrats (CMD). However, because of the nature of the party system in the Philippines, this position in his party would not guarantee the passage of RH bill. According to him, his colleagues are free to support or oppose an issue as they see fit. Members of his party are not required to vote for or support RH bill. It is interesting to note that the former President and the incumbent representative of the second district of Pampanga, Rep. Gloria Arroyo, who is a member of the Lakas Kampi CMD is known to be a critic of RH bill. In line with this, the conflicting views on RH bill do not only occur inside Congress. Central to the issue of RH bill is the political dynamics of the numerous actors involved in affecting the passage of the said bill. The different stakeholders and interest groups play important roles in the deliberation of the policy. This put the challenge to the legislators to balance and to be able to reconcile the conflicting views of these stakeholders and interest groups. But how did citizens start to participate in the decision-making process? Due to influx of information, there came a higher level of consciousness among citizens. Peoples desire to participate in decision-making process amplified. People demand more of representation and participation in the government. In less complex times, elected representation was a sufficient means for most citizens to participate in government. Recently, for a number of reasons, including the diversity of citizens cultural heritage, needs, values, and interests, that has been changing and of course, the changes brought about by modernization, there is now a strong desire for citizens to be involved broadly in governance and directly in policy decisions. Governments, especially in developing countries, are very vulnerable and they are being assessed based on their economic and political performance. And one of the bases of a governments political performance is its capacity to provide venues for peoples participation and involvement. Hence, views and opinions of the general public should be taken into consideration in formulating, passing and implementing a policy. For this reason, one of the biggest challenges which government faces is the need to balance the conflicting views of different interest groups in a particular policy. This problem is very much observed in the issue of coming up with a reproductive health policy in the Philippines. Conflicting views and opinions from numerous actors and stakeholders in the reproductive health bill have always marred the passage of the said bill. Certain sectors and segments of the population will definitely be affected upon the implementation of the said policy and they also have different views regarding the passage of RH bill. However, the stakeholders who have the resources to influence or actually determine the success or failure of the reproductive health bill are the Roman Catholic Church, the women sector and pharmaceutical companies in the country. The table below shows an analysis of the four primary stakeholders in the RH bill. From the stakeholders listed above, the Catholic Church and organized women groups are the primary actors in the debate in adopting a reproductive health policy in the country because they are the most visible in terms of their campaign for or against the said policy. The Catholic Church is the main critic of the reproductive health bill because it argues that the policy is anti-life because it promotes the use of modern contraception measures. Also, it argues that RH bill does not really address poverty. In the researchers interview with Archbishop Oscar V. Cruz and Carmelo Cruz, Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) News Editor, they said that the Catholic Churchs judgment in the political performance of former President Ferdinand Marcos that significantly contribute for making EDSA People Power I happened in 1986 is the same as their opposition to the six pending reproductive health bills in the Congress. Their opposition to the immoral regime of Pres. Marcos is the same as their opposition to an immoral policy, the reproductive health bill. (This was also written in CBCPs Pastoral Letter entitled Choosing Life, Rejecting RH bill issued last January 30, 2011.) Moreover, they believe that it is not the poor Filipino people who will benefit from the implementation of the reproductive health bill but the foreign owners of transnational pharmaceutical companies who will supply modern contraceptives. They also believe that if a reproductive health bill will be enacted into law, it will paved the way for the introduction and passage of other policies such as policies on divorce, mercy killing and same sex marriage. The Catholic Church believes that the passage of a reproductive health bill will deteriorate the authentic human values and as well as the Filipino cultural values in accordance to the teachings of the Church. Archbishop Oscar V. Cruz said that although reproductive health bill can lessen infant and maternal mortality, he argued that the reason behind infant and maternal mortality and morbidity is poverty and inaccessible to basic health care services. According to him, health care services are inaccessible to poor families because of bad governance and corruption, services are not delivered to poor communities because public official corrupt the money that is intended for communities welfare. For these reasons, the solution to infant and maternal mortality in the country is not the reproductive health bill, the solution needs to focus to the root causes of the problem which is bad governance and poverty. However, the Catholic hierarchy said that is not against the elimination of violence against women, the treatment of breast cancer, maternal and child health and nutrition and other elements of RH. It is only against making modern family planning methods available to women and couples and the teaching of sexuality and RH education to the youth. The Church believes that RH bill would violate the teachings of the Church specifically the 1968 encyclical Humanae Vitae which is the basis of the Church teaching that contraceptives are intrinsically evil. The Church has been firm in its stand against RH bill. The Church is having dialogues to the current administration to turn down RH bills that are pending in Congress. Moreover, the Church through its archdioceses and dioceses consults representatives from each district for them to be convinced not to vote for RH bill. Also, the CBCP issues statements to inform the public why RH bill should not be enacted into law. And what is more important is the impact of the Catholic Church in shaping or influencing public opinion since majority of Filipinos are Catholics. Some officials are threatened that their stand regarding the issue on RH bill might affect their political careers. Because of the strong opposition of the Catholic Church to adopt a reproductive health policy in the country and the resources it has to affect the decisions of public officials, the passage of the bill becomes impossible despite the need for a reproductive health policy in the country. Last January 30, CBCP issued a pastoral letter against RH bill. As an effect, the President did not include RH bill from among the Legislative Executive Development Advisory Councils policy measures that probably would unduly delay again the passage of RH bill. If the Catholic Church strongly oppose RH bill, organized womens groups tell the other side of the story. Womens organizations such as Gabriela Womens Party and Likhaan Center for Womens Health Inc. stalwartly campaign for the passage of RH bill. These RH advocate groups believe that the rights of people to reproductive health do not depend on a few powerful men deciding the fate of women (Likhaan, 2011). In the explanatory note of House Bill 3368 introduced by Gabriela Womens Party, it states that Filipino women do not have to die at childbirth just because they are poor, they do not have to suffer from undiagnosed cervical, breast, vulvar, ovarian or similar cancers of the reproductive system just because they do not have access to adequately staffed and equipped public health facilities Women do not have to suffer from untreated uterine fibroid or such similar conditions just because diagnostic procedures are costly, women should not die at childbirth because their infants need th em for optimum care, love and affection if children are to grow up to realize their full potential as productive and responsible members of our society. Due to these reasons, access to reproductive health programs, resources and services for marginalized women needs to be guaranteed by the government. A national reproductive health policy is seen to offer health care services that will basically benefit women, especially the marginalized. Advancing reproductive health rights in a comprehensive, available, accessible, acceptable, and democratic manner is a long overdue mandate of the Philippine government to its female population given the social and economic realities in the country. Hence, the approval of legislators to pass RH bill is indispensable (Likhaan, 2011). According to Junice Demeterio-Melgar, the executive director of Likhaan and Secretary-General of Reproductive Health Advocacy Network (RHAN), family planning will save the lives of mothers because family planning changes the composition of child-bearing. This means that pregnancies in women who are considered at a higher risk of dying from pregnancy and childbirth-related causes will be dramatically reduced. These are women who are too young, too old, have had too many children or have had unremitting pregnancies. Medical experts have stated that pregnancy in women below 18 or above 35 is considered high risk. They have also emphasized that womens bodies need anywhere from two to three years to fully recover from the rigors of pregnancy and childbirth. Moreover, the World Health Organization concludes that if women have information and access to contraceptives and are taught to use them properly, the fall in maternal mortality is likely to be even greater than the fall in the pregnancy rate. With their struggle for the passage of RH bill, womens groups tied up with other RH advocates to pressure legislators to pass RH bill. Reproductive Health Advocacy Network (RHAN), which has forty-three (43) national organizations with no less than 10,000 members in grassroots communities nationwide, continues to have dialogues with the President and with their recent dialogue, RHAN reminded the President about his Social Contract, which included a commitment to responsible parenthood based on informed choice and support to poor families. RHAN, specifically Likhaan, is disappointed with the Presidents decision to resort to a Responsible Parenthood Bill instead of a more comprehensive RH bill. According to them, further dialogues of the President to CBCP will trap his administration into delay and inaction, or push it to drop the freedom of choice principle in the Presidents promise of responsible parenthood since the Church will always disagree to any RH bill because its opposition to RH is based on the core principle of human life, it is clear that immovable religious beliefs are the bedrock of the bishops opposition to RH as pointed out by the recent CBCPs pastoral letter. Further dialogues or consultations will never change the stance of the Catholic Church. Aside from dialogues, advocates continue to hold fora and debates on the issues of RH and human development from schools and universities to service clubs and community-based organizations. In addition, they hold mobilizations and rallies in front of Congress to pressure legislators to enact the said bill. Both stakeholders prove to be significant and effective in their campaign for or against RH bill. However, the Church as an established and one of the most powerful institutions in the country which affect public opinion has an advantage in affecting the outcome of the said policy. However, RH advocates do not only have the superiority of numbers but they also have the superiority of arguments. Although the Church has the capacity to influence or even shape public opinion, perhaps the case on the debate on RH bill is isolated. Recent survey results show that majority of Filipino and Filipino Catholics support RH bill. Although the RH critics say that people are only misinformed about the content of the measure, advocates say that the capacity of Filipinos to understand an issue like RH, responsible parenthood and population and development should not be underestimated. People support the RH bill because they realize how important it is to become a responsible parent. Filipinos also believe that is not only important for them to be able to plan and space their children, it is equally important that the State provide information on and access to all forms of family planning methods. The following data are results of SWS and Pulse Asia surveys: Social Weather Station (October 2008) 71% of Filipinos are in favor of the RH bill; 76% of Filipinos agree that there should be a law requiring government to teach family planning to the youth; and 68% believe that there should be a law requiring government to distribute legal contraceptives like condoms, pills and IUDs Pulse Asia (February 2010) 93% of Filipinos consider it important to have the ability to plan their families; 82% of Filipinos believe government should teach couples about all methods of family planning; Another 82% of Filipinos say that it is the governments duty to provide the people with knowledge, services, and materials on all methods of family planning; 75% of Filipinos consider it important that a candidate for election includes modern family planning in the program of action he will pursue; 64% of Filipinos will vote for candidates who publicly promote modern methods of family planning with only 6% saying that they will not vote for such candidates. The rest were undecided; and A considerable majority of Filipinos (63%) want the RH bill to be passed into law with only 8% expressing opposition to the measure. Even Catholics have spoken: They want the RH bill passed. 68% of Catholics believe that government
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