America & Globalization Essay Example for Free

America Globalization Essay Abstract The purpose of this paper is to explore the idea that American corporations are working with international companies to help boost the economy. The paper focuses on the use of globalization as a primary tool towards accomplishing that goal. The paper also provides the reader with views from both supporters of globalization and opponents as well. The articles used for this paper give very interesting facts as well as views on both sides of the socio-economic table. In U.S Liberal Politics author Deborah White’s article â€Å"Pros and Cons of Free Trade† she discuses globalization in relation to free trade agreements and provides both pros and cons as well as a generalized definition of free trade. Meanwhile, Gary Hufbauer provides a more supporting article on Globalization supplied with studies and debates. As for Chris Isidore’s article, it focuses generally on the recessions from past to present and what trends are different and remain the same when it deals with the progression of the economy. Lastly, Wikipedia’s definition of †Globalization† lays out in detail the history, timeline, business applications, and etc. about the economic reference. In like manner, this paper examines the overall analysis of globalization and how it relates to boosting the economy. America Globalization One of the biggest topics today in America’s current events is the U.S. economy and the need for an economical boost. The U.S. declared the latest recession the biggest since the Great Depression. According to Chris Isidore (2010, p.1), â€Å"The Great Recession started in December 2007 and ended June 2009†. However, this information does nothing for the many Americans out of work, over-debt in their mortgage, and uncertain about their financial future. Nevertheless, seemingly, the American corporations have worked hard to try to find ways to help fellow Americans and boost the economy back to its median. One of the ways big corporations think will help is the use of Globalization. According to Wikipedia (2012, p.1) by definition, â€Å"Globalization refers to the increasingly global relationships of culture, people, and economic activity. It is generally used to refer to economic globalization: the global distribution of the production of goods and services, through reduction of barriers to international trade such as tariffs, export fees, and import quotas†. Comparatively, the United Nations Economic and Social Commission have also written that globalization is a widely-used term that can be defined in a number of different ways. When used in an economic context, it refers to the reduction and removal of barriers between national borders in order to facilitate the flow of goods, capital, and services and labor† In contrast, there are just as many people opposed to this idea as those whom support it. Deborah White writes (p.1), â€Å"One angry complaint is that more than three million U.S. jobs with middle-class wages have been outsourced to foreign countries since 1994.† It seems that the biggest obstacle is convincing the middle class that globalization is in fact, a good idea for the economy. Those same opponents believe that free trade has caused more U.S. jobs losses than gains, especially for higher-wage jobs. They also feel that many free trade agreements are bad deals for the U.S. Nevertheless, American corporations in conjunction with government officials are both working with other international companies to help boost our economy. To begin with, American corporations like the idea of boosting the economy through the use of globalization. Henceforth, with treaties like NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement) and organizations like NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) America has been at the forefront of the campaign for the removal of barriers between national borders in order to facilitate the flow of goods, capital, services and labor. Moreover, as White writes (2012, p.2), â€Å"The purpose of free trade agreements is to allow faster and more business between the two countries/areas, which should benefit both.† Statistics show that globalization does help boost the economy. Gary Clyde Hufbauer writes in his article, â€Å"The Peterson Institute calculates that the US economy is approximately $1 trillion richer each year owing to past globalization—the payoff both from technological innovation and from policy liberalization—and could gain another $500 billion annually from futur e liberalization†. These are the numbers that motivate American Corporations. In addition, globalization helps increase sales and profits for U.S. businesses, which ultimately boost the economy. What the middle class does not understand is that globalizations tactics such free trade help create more jobs within the middle class sector for the long term. White also adds (2012, p.2), â€Å"Removal of costly and delaying trade barriers, such as tariffs, quotas and conditions, inherently leads to easier and swifter trade of consumer goods. The result is an increased volume of U.S. sales.† Globalization also helps to develop and strengthen the economy of the poorest countries as well. Some of the biggest benefits of poor countries through tactics like free trade are creating more industrialized nations and increasing the purchase of their natural resources and/or labor services. Condescendingly, there are just as many opponents to globalization and free trade as there are supporters. Many of those that oppose consists of middle class Americans and the congressman they elect. The biggest problem is a fear of the unknown. Middle class Americans don’t want to wait for the â€Å"long-term†. They want to continue to have the same security of employment as they’ve always had, which is understandable. Nevertheless, they also feel free trade agreements cause a loss in higher paying jobs. This is the basis or platform for the argument of the â€Å"War on the Middle Class†. The argument of free trade and globalization, although provides a soaring boost in corporate profits, individual wages stagnate. This leaves no room for the middle-class to advance. As White explains (2012, p.2), While corporate profits soar, individual wages stagnate, held at least partly in check by the brave new fact of offshoring that millions of Americans jobs can be performed at a fraction of the cost in developing nations near and far. All things considered, the determination of whether globalization is good for the economy will continue to be a debatable issue amongst those of different socio-economic groups. Nevertheless, there is no doubt that globalization has its pros and cons. The ultimate goal and mindset of American Corporations behind implementing globalization is to work with international companies in an effort to boost the economy. Famous investor Warren Buffet once said, â€Å"Someone’s sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago.’ Whether that shade tree is globalization, who knows? The ultimate goal is creating jobs and getting the economy back on course. References Deborah White. (2012) US Liberal Politics Pros and Cons of Free Trade Agreement. Retrieved from http://usliberals.about.com/od/theeconomyjobs/i/FreeTradeAgmts.htm Chris Isidore. (September 2010) Economy Recession officially ended in June 2009. Retrieved from http://money.cnn.com/2010/09/20/news/economy/recession_over/index.htm Gary Hufbauer. (May 2008) Answering the Critics: Why Large American Gains from Globalization Are Plausible. Retrieved from http://www.iie.com/publications/papers/paper.cfm?ResearchID=929 Wikipedia. (March 2012) Globalization Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Globalization

Comparison of Flow Patterns of Rivers

Comparison of Flow Patterns of Rivers Introduction Comparing the flow patterns of rivers in different regions can be most revealing to the contemporary geographer. As Veissman and Lewis have emphasised, all waterways are influenced by the six components of the hydrological cycle.[1] These are: precipitation levels, infiltration, evaporation, transpiration, surface run-off and ground water flow. Such factors, along with topography, often vary considerably within relatively small geographical boundaries. For the purposes of this investigation the flow duration curves (FDCs) of the rivers Owenmore, Funshion, Rye Water and Fane, which are located in the Republic of Ireland, shall be subjected to inspection and comparison. The Flow Duration Curve As Singh has noted ‘the flow duration curve (FDC) is one of the simplest but most informative tools in hydrology’ and ‘shows the percentage of time during which specified flows were equalled or exceeded during the period of record.’[2] In essence, the FDC is a model which can be utilised by hydroelectric companies and other agencies in order to determine the energy capacity of a river, normally on an annual basis. The vertical, or Y, axis represents the flow rate (Q) measured in cubic metres per second (mà ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ³/s) and the horizontal, or X, axis represents the percentage of time over a specific period in which flow exceeds the value on the Y axis. Thus, the area below the curve shows the potential energy capacity of the river. The shape of the FDC is influenced by the six components of the hydrological cycle and also the topography and shape of the river’s catchment area. As Ward and Robinson have highlighted, a steeply sloping FDC is typical of ‘highly variable flows with a large quick flow component.’[3] Such a trend is associated with waterways in the Mediterranean region due to extremes in precipitation levels, high surface run-off and a low storage capacity of the soil. On the contrary, a gently sloping curve indicates a ‘large delayed flow component.’[4] This is typical of many rivers in temperate climates which continue to receive through-flow during periods of low precipitation from water stored in the surrounding soil and bedrock. The lower end of the FDC is indicative of ‘perennial storage in the basin.’[5] Thus, if the FDC ‘flattens out,’ the catchment area has a considerable degree of water stored which will flow into the river during d ry periods. A Comparison of Rivers The Flow Duration Curves of both the rivers Owenmore and Funshion are similar in shape and exhibit a much steeper trend in comparison to the FDCs of rivers Rye Water and Fane. However, the curve of the Funshion flattens out more than that of the Owenmore. Flow rate never decreases below 1.8mà ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ³/s on the Funshion whereas on the Owenmore it can be as low as 0.8mà ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ³/s. This shows that the Funshion benefits from a greater level of through flow and storage capacity within its drainage basin. Indeed, this is understandable when one considers that the total area of the Funshion’s catchment exceeds that of the Owenmore by 64 Km . Specific run-off is also 0.9 mà ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ³/s higher in the area of the Owenmore which accounts for the river having a higher maximum flow rate of 20.90 mà ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ³/s. In only 5% of the time, 17.3% of the total annual flow rate passes through its water channel. Mean flow rate of the River Funshion is 8.14 mà ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ³/s, the highest of all the rivers. Flow rate exceeded for 95% of the year (Q95) is 0.495 and emphasises that the Funshion has the greatest minimum river flow of all the waterways. The rivers Rye Water and Fane have a flow range which is less than that of the Owenmore and Funshion. Maximum flow rate is 11.8 mà ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ³/s on the Rye Water and 8.0 mà ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ³/s on the Fane. This is due in part to the lower drainage area of both basins. The Fane’s is only 234 km and the Rye Water’s is the smallest of the four at 215 km . The flow rate exceeded for 95% of the year (Q95) of the Fane is 0.085 mà ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ³/s to the Rye Water’s 0.046 mà ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ³/s. The Fane’s catchment exhibit’s a greater degree of storage capacity than that of the Rye Water as flow rate never drops below 0.20 mà ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ³/s. However, the Rye Water’s flow rate drops considerably and levels off at only 0.10 mà ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ³ /s for 15% of the year, contributing to the lowest mean flow rate of all the waterways at just 2.16 mà ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ³/s. The specific run-off rate of the Rye Water is 0.4 mà ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ³/s higher than that of the Fane. Of all the rivers, the Funshion exhibits the highest base flow rate whilst the Rye Water’s is the lowest. The Owenmore has the widest range of flow rate from 20.90 mà ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ³ /s to only 0.80 mà ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ³/s. The Fane has the gentlest FDC and ranges from 8.00 mà ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ³/s at high flow to 0.20 mà ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ³/s at low flow. Geographical Locations and Factors of Influence The River Owenmore is located in the north of the Republic of Ireland and flows from north central Mayo to Sligo Bay. Precipitation levels are high in this oceanic coastal area and average 1163 mm per year. As Mitchell and Ryan have noted, this zone is also dominated by poorly drained peat and gley soils.[6] Thus, during periods of heavy rainfall, a large amount of surface run-off flows directly to the river channel. High upland plateaus, which dominate the region to heights of up to 2113 feet, contribute to this phenomena. This explains why the flow rate of the River Owenmore can reach 20.90 mà ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ³/s during periods of high rainfall. The course of the river traverses terrain utilised for grazing and dairying purposes. Such an expanse of grassland further exacerbates surface run-off during the winter months. The River Funshion is a tributary to the Blackwater River in south west Ireland. This region is also overlooked by uplands which can rise to heights of 2000 feet at the source of the Blackwater. The steepness of the surrounding topography is a potent factor in generating a top flow rate of 20.20 mà ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ³/s. Heavily forested slopes also ensure that a higher degree of subsurface water is retained within the basin than in the sparsely wooded catchment area of the River Owenmore in the north. The Funshion thus receives a higher level of through-flow at times of low precipitation due to this vegetation factor and flow rate never drops below 1.80 mà ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ³/s. Rainfall averages 1190mm per year in this catchment area, which is the most of all the four drainage basins. The rivers Rye Water and Fane experience lower levels of precipitation due to their location further east. The Fane is situated in the drumlin belt close to the town of Monaghan in South Armagh and the Rye Water is a tributary of the Liffey River which traverses the city of Dublin. The terrain influencing both drainage basins is not as dynamic as that of the west and altitudes rarely reach 655 feet. The highest flow rate of the Rye Water is just 11.80mà ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ³/s which is testimony to the lower eastern topography. However, urbanisation around the river channel has contributed to increased surface run-off; the river passes through the settlements of Kilcock and Leixlip before entering the Liffey. Orme has noted that the drumlin soils of catchments such as the River Fane are often poorly drained and prone to water logging.[7] This factor explains why the lower end of the river’s FDC does not drop as abruptly as that of the Rye Water. Clearly the Fane has a higher degree of surface storage in its catchment area. Bibliography HAUGHTON, J. P. GILMOUR, D. A. Geography of Ireland, The Department of Foreign Affairs, 1979 MITCHELL, F. RYAN, M. Reading the Irish Landscape, Town House Dublin, 1997 ORME, A. R. Ireland, Longman, 1970 SINGH, V. P. Environmental Hydrology, Kluwer Academic Publishers, 1995 VEISSMAN, W. LEWIS, G. L. Introduction to Hydrology, Pearson Education Inc, Fifth Edition, 2003 WARD, R. C. ROBINSON, M. Principles of Hydrology, McGraw-Hill, 2000 WHITTOW, J. B. Geology and Scenery in Ireland, Penguin Books, 1974 Footnotes [1] W Viessman, G L Lewis, Introduction to Hydrology, Pearson, 2003) 2 [2] V P Singh, Environmental Hydrology, Kluwer Academic Publishers, 1995) 113 [3] R C Ward, M Robinson, Principles of Hydrology, McGraw-Hill Publishing Company, 2000) 258 [4] R C Ward, M Robinson) 258 [5] R C Ward, M Robinson) 258 [6] F Mitchell, F Ryan, Reading the Irish Landscape, Town house Dublin, 1997) 308 [7] A R Orme, Ireland, Longman, 1970) 61

Characteristics of a Good College Student Essay -- essays research pap

My name is Joshua I am a 20-year-old college sophomore at Georgia Perimeter College. I eat very well, which I have found is in complete contrast with my college peers. According to the National Health Awareness, has an overall average 30% for US colleges and Universities college students tend to skip one meal a day. Most college students don't even know what a healthy diet is, and a large percentage of students who are aware of proper nutrition choose to ignore it. One must have a good diet, learn to plan a good diet by sticking to a consistent routine, and stay away from fast food diet. At Georgia Perimeter College students are unaware of what exactly a good diet is, bad eating habits are unavoidable. The first step to a good diet is eating regular, well-balanced meals. So I found out that the Food Pyramid Guide is the simplest way of balancing my meals. It separates foods into groups and graphs the amount of each group needed in an average person's diet. Students who desire to improve their bad eating habits should study the Food Pyramid Guide. Along with the Food Pyramid Guide, proper consumption of water, vitamins, and minerals is a very important part of a good diet. The Food and Drug Administration recommend 8 glasses of water a day equal to about 1 pound a day. I, along with most of my peers, have a problem consuming this massive amount of tasteless water. Tea and juice can help fill this quota. One of the major problems I have found at my college students diets, as far as beverage consumption, is coke and greasy food. College students are attracted to coke be cause it is easily accessible, cheap, and tasty. Coke may be convenient, but it is not part of a good diet. It is full of sodium, sugar, and caffeine. Dehydration i... ...students have is with fat-free snacks. All low-fat foods have something to replace the fat. That replacement is usually made by sugar, which is high in calories. So, snacking on Snack Well's Devil Chocolate Brownies rather than Chips Ahoy Chocolate Chip Cookies is not watching the diet. Or maybe Mac Donald or Pizza either one is increasing your chance of staying unfit and unhealthy. One tip that I have found that works well for my college life is that I only keep healthy snacks in my locker. Granola bars, baked chips, and fat-free popcorn are a few examples. My favorite module is if I do not have it, I cannot consume it. A second tip- before I eat I think about it. I also ask myself am I really hungry. I often avoid impulse snacking by simply asking myself these two questions. These are just a few easy steps that college students can use to avoid bad eating habits.

e-mail and electronic mail :: essays research papers

The Hacker It was a lonely Saturday night. The wind was howling through the branches of the old oak tree outside my window. The branches swayed back and forth, creating faint tapping and screeching sounds on the glass. And so, I sat†¦ It was a night like any other; my music playing in the background and the room was illuminated only by the changing shades of green from my lava lamp. I waited. Suddenly, a came from the system unit of my computer, signalling that it was ready. I sat in my big leather chair, leant forward, and logged on. Immediately, the computer went through a series of programmes, checking the system was operating correctly, and so on. The status bar reached 100% and the computer was now ready for action. I sat with the bright glare in my eyes. The once room, once light by a perpetually changing shade of green, was now light up with a brilliant sky blue. â€Å"Good evening, Dave. Would you like me to log on to the Internet?† It was a synthesised voice coming from the computer. It was a voice interface I had made by piecing together things my girl friend had said. I had it on the computer to remind me of her, and to give me hope that one day I would see her again. â€Å"Hmm†¦yeah, log me on.† I said. My voice was grotty and weak. Although I had a voice interface, I rarely spoke, even though I used my computer 24/7, I’d normally use the keyboard and mouse. Still, having a voice interface was pretty nifty, but I couldn’t help but think that one day, it may not recognise my voice†¦.it was getting worse by the day. The modem clicked. â€Å"Log on complete. Have a nice day.† It said. I almost broke down. I hadn’t heard this voice for some time†¦.it brought back memories. I had forgotten what she sounded like†¦She? My god! I’d started to think that this machine was my girl friend. ‘The late nights must be getting to me.’ I thought â€Å"Thanks.† I said. I could hardly stand it†¦it felt like there was a rock in my throat; you know the one I mean? When you’re upset and you feel like your going cry? Well, anyway, I cracked my knuckles, for no reason what so ever, knowing full well it could give me premature arthritis.

The Tragedies Of Shakespeare :: essays research papers

The Tragedies Of Shakespeare "Your noble son is mad — ‘Mad' call I it, for to define true madness, What is't but to be nothing else but mad?" (Wells and Taylor, 665) In Act two, scene two of William Shakespeare's play Hamlet, Polonius uses these words to inform Hamlet's parents of their son's insanity. He then continues on, telling Gertrude and Claudius that the cause of this madness is lovesickness over his own daughter Ophelia (665). From the privileged perspective of the audience, we know that Polonius is mistaken and that Hamlet is far from insane, but rather, "playing mad" for a purpose of his own. Madness in Shakespearean plays, and in tragedies in particular, is rarely what it seems on the surface. Instead, both madness and the characters experiencing it are layered with meaning; like an onion, layer after layer can be peeled off, eventually allowing a glimpse at the core concealed within. Shakespeare's treatment of the character Hamlet is typically multi- faceted and complex—Hamlet appears insane, ostensibly over Ophelia, however, his madness is feigned—a cover for internal conflicts, rooted not in thwarted affection, but rather in desire to avenge his father's murder. Hamlet even goes so far as to say his apparent madness is an act when he says "I am but mad north-north-west; when the wind is southerly, I know a hawk from a handsaw"(667). Shakespeare often used madness, either feigned or actual, as a teaching tool or vehicle to advance his plot. Sometimes this madness was feigned, as evidenced by Hamlet and Edgar (the legitimate son of Gloucester in The Tragedy of King Lear), but other times it was genuine insanity. Ophelia and Lady MacBeth are obvious examples of Shakespearean characters that have slipped into madness—Ophelia due to the loss of all those dear to her, and Lady MacBeth from guilt over the part she played in King Duncan's murder. In Hamlet, Ophelia's madness ultimately leads to her demise, and this, in turn, plays a part in Hamlet's willingness to engage in what will be his final battle. In this sense, it helps advance the play towards its climax. While Lady MacBeth's madness also leads to death, its focus is more on teaching than propelling the story to conclusion. While Lady MacBeth is initially seen as a cold, conscienceless, calculating woman, intent on advancing her husband politically (by any means necessary), her character changes as the play progresses. Early on in the play, she is full of ambition; indeed, upon reading MacBeth's letter, she complains about his nature and inaction: Yet do I fear thy nature, It is too full o' th' milk of human kindness

A Study in Sociology Essay

Suicide always fascinated academic researches for a long time however it is has been an area of study limited to the field of psychology. Sociology is a relatively new field of social sciences. It started looking into suicide, not just as a personal act, but as a social action which is not entirely divorced from social forces. This paper discusses pertinent studies on the phenomenon of suicide and seeks to present literatures concerning this act. Moreover, differing ideas and interpretations on suicide are presented to carefully elaborate different perspectives on the subject matter. A Study in Sociology Arguably the first person to connect suicide to the study of sociology is sociologist Emile Durkheim. He presented that although suicide is a personal choice of the individual, the act is not separated from the context of a society. He looked into pre-existing records and analyzed suicide trends in different societies. Based on these suicide trends, there are four classifications of suicide: 1) Egoistic; 2) Altruistic; 3) Anomic and; 4) Fatalistic. Social cohesion plays a vital role in Durkheim’s theories on suicide. Egoistic suicide occurs when a person has a relatively low degree of integration into a society. On the other hand, a high degree of integration into a society can also result in suicides that are meant for a higher cause within a society. He also argued that changes in social order and the individual’s perception towards social change would explain anomic suicides. The phenomenon of fatalism takes place in extreme social contexts, where a person would decide on killing himself rather than suffering dire social conditions (Durkheim, 1951). Self and Society From an object of study limited to psychology, suicide became a subject of sociology. Durkheim’s research proved that the traditional perspective that view the subject matter as a psychological behavior and entirely individualistic in nature is a constricted framework when looking into suicide. This implies that social structures, social forces as well as social conflicts and changes are intervening factors in a suicide phenomenon. C. Wright Mills (2000) supported that one cannot separate behaviors and actions of an individual from the larger social context. He wrote that â€Å"the personal troubles of the milieu are connected to the public issues of social structure. † The individual committing suicide must therefore be located in his social as well as historical contexts. Current Trends on Suicide Studies After Mills and Durkheim laid the foundations of suicide as a sociological subject, numerous studies concerning suicide have been conducted in both psychology and sociology. Currently, suicide studies are interconnected with other factors such as gender, poverty, small arms, mental disorders and even medicine. It is now linked to modernity (Baudelot and Establet, 2008), attitudes and experiences of oncology patients (Emanuel, Fairclough, Daniels & Clarridge, 1996), a demographic-specific trend such as adolescents (Brent, et. al. , 1988), cultural forces (West, 2005), economic conditions (Ruhm, 2000), as well as access to weapons (Brent, et. al. 1991). Suicide and Modernity Baudelot and Establet (2008) worked with Durkheim’s premises in their study of suicide. They stated that â€Å"The link between suicide, affluence and individualism is more complex—suicide rates do reflect broad social trends but they are also influenced by the structural position and lived experience of small social groups. The notion of social well-being is demonstrated to be a key factor in changes in suicide rates. † While sociology itself cannot accurately predict a suicide case, the collective gathering of these cases provides a fertile ground for sociological interpretations. Modernity is a historical as well as social era where social changes occur and these cases of suicide are descriptive of their milieu. Suicide, seen as such in the context of modernity, is a social fact. It describes the changes that occurred during the time of modernity. Societies that are rigid in its goals during the time of modernity are those that adamantly pursued modernization. It is in this context that suicide rates are known to be higher in the Communist Bloc, China and India (Baudelot and Establet, 2008). Economics and Suicide While both affluent and starving groups of individuals commit suicide, the role of economics cannot be downplayed in the study of suicide. On the macro-economic level, the period of modernity prominently features suicide trends in a time where economies were vibrant and booming. On the other hand, a stagnating economy, such as in a recession, also has an effect on suicide. Ruhm (2000) argues that â€Å"unemployment is negatively correlated to mortality and that unemployment is positively correlated to suicide. † In Japan, suicide is seen in a cultural context. Since individuals in the Japanese society are strongly connected to their social, political and cultural spheres, there is tendency for the push and pull of altruistic-egoistic suicide to occur. This is seen when the rule of law in Japanese society permeates the personal sphere such that debts and divorces are major factors affecting suicide (West, 2005). Suicide and Norms Sociology also attempted to explain suicide in a broader sense—by zooming out of the individual and focusing on social factors that affect the phenomenon. Psychology argues that those committing suicide are psychologically ill or that the individuals committing them are inept in their coping mechanisms. While suicide might seem irrational, there are rational premises that are least likely explored. Societies that are relatively more tolerant of suicide, as well as the individual’s cognitive ability to rationalize the act are also extraordinary factors contributing to suicide trends. Rendering rational suicide normative in a society creates the positive feedback mechanism necessary for a rational suicide to occur. This type of suicide is also surprisingly limited to a specific demographic, namely the educated and successful. Rationality of Suicide One of the fundamental question relating suicide and society lies in the rationality of the act. Is the act ‘rational’ based only on the perceptions and actions of the individual, thereby rendering the act an exclusive study within psychology? Or is this rationality of the act itself being defined not only in terms of the individual’s values but a rationality that is predetermined by the values and norms of a society? Although there are many reasons for suicide, there are factors that least likely determine suicidal trends, but are potent social forces (i. e. education, family, religion) that must be considered. Suicide occurs for a number of reasons such as depression, substance abuse, shame, avoiding pain, financial difficulties or other undesirable fates. † Defying the commonplace definition is the concept of rational suicide. Rational suicide is â€Å"ending one’s life out of a conviction that one has lived long enough, that the likely future holds more pain than joy† (Lerner, 2004). Surprisingly, rationality of a suicide act Keown (1995) showed that there is prime value placed on the moral intention behind the act of death itself. This applies not just in euthanasia but also in rational suicide. What are the intentions behind the suicide? Is the decision independent of life’s problems that can be solved? Is it free from outside pressure from a belief system, mores or culture itself? This is the litmus test of the rationality or irrationality of suicides. Sociological and psychological studies attempted to look into the duality of forces working on suicides—individual and social. It is arguably psycho-social factors that are deterministic of the suicide trends across societies. Social institutions, many sociological studies posit, are playing a huge role in the nature and type of suicides in a given society. Stack and Kposowa (2008) concludes that: â€Å"National suicide rates are predictive of individual-level suicide acceptability. However, the main predictors of suicide acceptability included a measure from social learning theory, religiosity, and a neglected measure of control theory, life satisfaction. † While the act of committing suicide is a very individualistic act, there are factors to be considered that are social forces with repercussions and influences on individual action. The act of suicide presents how the personal milieu is linked to the larger issues within the social institutions. References: Baudelot C. and Establet R. (2008) Suicide: The Hidden Side of Modernity. John Wiley Publications. Brent, D. A. , Perper, J. A. , Goldstein, C. E. , Kolko, D. J. , Allan, M. J. , Allman, C. J. , and Zelenak, J. P. (1988) Risk factors for adolescent suicide. A comparison of adolescent suicide victims with suicidal inpatients. Archives of General Psychiatry. Vol. 45, No. 6, June 1988.

Rogerian Argument Drilling in ANWR

However, drilling in this land also brings the possibility of destroying the habitat of birds that migrate to this area yearly, caribou that use this haven as a calving ground, fish that fill the rivers and lakes, as well as grizzly bears, wolves, elk and hundreds of other species that depend on this habitat for food, shelter and safety. There is no debate that there are passionate debates, important facts and amazing possibilities that concern both sides of this argument. And even If it were possible to remove political agenda from the table, It would still be a very difficult debate to win for either side.My hopes are to come to a conclusion that would benefit both parties Involved. I strongly feel that any drilling In this area would be detrimental to the surrounding area, as well as bring possible harm to the countless animals, birds and fish that use this safe haven yearly for migration, calving and egg laying and feeding. The decision to either drill or not to drill may not hav e a direct impact on us now, but in the years to come, good or bad, we will all see the changes that this decision will have resulted in.There are many others, like you, that believe that drilling in INWARD is the perfect elution to our current economic situation. The possibilities of new Jobs and freedom from purchasing oil from unstable and hostile countries Is tempting and seems like a wonderful alternative to our current circumstances. Eve read reports that state that we could create up to 736,000 new Jobs. The assessment of these numbers was broken down Into Jobs such as manufacturing, milling, trade, services and construction.In addition the plethora of new employment opportunities there are reports that show that drilling in INWARD could produce up to 1,000,000 barrels of oil a day. These same reports claim that producing such a large amount of oil each day would replace the oil that we purchase from Saudi Arabia, which in turn would put about $50,000,000 back into the united States Economy. There are many believable reports that technology has far advanced itself in relation to the process of drilling oil and that the new equipment and processes for obtaining the oil from underground would be incredibly safe and urn-invasive to the surrounding area.In addition, I understand that the size of the area that is being considered for drilling Is about the size of the state of South Carolina and that the land Is barren, windswept and that this particular area Is desolate of any wildlife or vegetation. The Alaskan National seems like a good idea. In fact, I think it's quite tempting to dream of one day not to reduce the U. S. Federal deficit and at the same time boosting the local economy and putting American's back to work. I can see the benefits to drilling in this land if the results would be as extensive as they appear to be in these reports.Of course for every report that lists the benefits of drilling, there is another that refutes it. In doing my resear ch I actually switched positions from being pro-drilling to anti- drilling. I realized that although the process of drilling in recent years has become a much safer method for both the driller and the surrounding area, there were still too many possibilities of problems for the wildlife and vegetation that call the area home. Take for example the event that occurred in 1989.The Interior Department's stamp of approval for drilling in this oil rich land became a catalyst for a movement among the Senate drill. On March 24, 1989, Just days after the report from the Interior Department, the Exxon Valued spill occurred dumping 11 million gallons of crude oil over thousands of miles of California coastline. According to the National Wildlife Federation, a very reputable source, marine life still hasn't completely recovered from this monstrous oil spill. At the time of the spill it was discovered that thousands of birds had died of hypothermia due to the coat of oil covering their feathers. Sea turtles were stranded in oily waters, including the endangered Kemps riddle sea turtles. Whales and fish were killed and the ones that survived had ingested the oil which is known to cause ulcers and even internal bleeding. Research shows that the effects of the oil can even affect the offspring of these marine animals. Dolphins were studied for years and had shown to be very ill. In addition the marine animals, the coral and reefs were also affected by the oil. Many of these amazing formations were shown to be dying or dead.The loss of these underwater habitats caused many surviving marine animals to be homeless which leaves them open to predators. Another oil spill like this could be catastrophic to these marine animals as well as our gashing industries as well as our tourism. It would be awful to create thousands of jobs in order to drill oil and then cost thousands of others their Jobs because of an oil spill. I understand that this is Just a possibility, but I feel it is de finitely some to be considered when discussing the safety of drilling in INWARD.No one can promise that this won't happen again. I do realize that there are new ways to prevent a spill and to clean up a spill once it has happened. For example we now know oaf bacteria that have been found to eat the oil which is very promising, however, cleaning up an oil pill in Alaska can provide its own special challenges with the freezing weather and ice. Another important fact to consider when deciding to support drilling in INWARD is whether or not the benefits of drilling in this reserve would out way the cost.I wondered if there would be enough oil produced to actually realize the hope of becoming free from our dependence on the unstable oil producing countries that we rely on so heavily for fuel. There are many reputable sources including an article on the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge US Fish and Wildlife Services website that claim hat we would not see any oil production for about 10 yea rs after drilling begins. There is no doubt that the land in this region of Alaska is filled with an abundance of oil. We've known about the existence of oil in this land for years.Exactly how much of an abundance, however, still remains to be seen. It is anyone's guess as to how much oil currently lies beneath the land. This is very contradictory to pro-drilling supporters of drilling in INWARD report that the oil companies are using a much safer method of drilling the oil at this time, there is not much information regarding the new technique that is being referred to. It is however hinted to be related to the underground oil pipes that have been built. It evens seems like the Alaskan residents are split on this issue. On one hand it would create Jobs and give a boost to the economy.On the other hand however there is the possibility of their main source of food, the fish and seals, may actually move father away in order to escape the pollutants and toxins in the air. Either way yo u look at the situation, there are pros and cons to drilling for oil in INWARD. The beautiful countryside is blossoming with hundreds upon hundreds of mammals such as the black grizzly, the caribou and he elk, migrating birds such as ducks, geese and quail and sea creatures galore versus the possibility of a robust economy, American Jobs and less dependency on other countries.They are both very important issues to consider and should not be taken lightly. This world is a precious gift that we leave for our children and it is our job to make sure that we protect the culture of Alaska, with respect to the innovations and possibilities of providing for our countries future as well. It may be time to turn our attention to a new source of energy. As technology advances, so does our awareness of the possibilities that await us. Maybe it is time to look ahead to advancements that could completely terminate our dependency on hostile, foreign countries for our fuel demands.I think that it wo uld be a great compromise to spend our time, resources and technology to develop a fuel source that we know we could depend on. The earth's oil sources will eventually run dry. There will come a point when we will have to look elsewhere to fuel our cars and to heat our homes. It's my opinion that we should begin looking for that next energy source now. There are many renewable resources such as wind, sun, water as well as one that is very citing. Celluloses ethanol is a source that has been used for a few years now.This is a renewable energy source that is derived from fermented corn. This particular type of energy can be used to fuel cars and eventually homes as well. There is still research to do and it would take a lot of changes to make this a reality such as remodeling our vehicles so that they would run off of this type of fuel. This is not something that could happen overnight, but it is something that could be accomplished within 10 years, which subsequently is the amount of time it would aka for the United States to even begin reaping the benefits of drilling in INWARD.