Medical Marijuana Should be Legalized Essay - 1213 Words

Medical marijuana is a controversy in today’s society. Currently the community is divided on the issue. Questions are constantly being thrown around such as â€Å"How does it affect the body?† and â€Å"What good does it do for a person?† Researchers have tried to answer these questions with studies and they have shown how positive medical marijuana can be. If something can benefit an individual why not use it for the sick in an attempt to find a better drug for those who really need it? Medical use of marijuana should be legal all across the United States because of all the good it can do for a person’s overall health and the fact that everyone deserves all possible methods of treatment when they are ill. Medical marijuana has been proven time†¦show more content†¦Medical marijuana just might be the answer to this disease and those previously listed .When people are diagnosed with diseases such as these, just the relief of some of the pain can make all the difference to that individual. Right now the primary reasons for study are to allow the drug to be used in low doses for patients receiving chemo therapy to gain back an appetite and for some patients to be able to deal with the stress of being diagnosed with a life threatening disease or anticipating an upcoming operation. Because of all these powerful reasons that marijuana is good, California has recently given the okay for doctors in state to prescribe marijuana .The media however has stepped into the debate to put pressure on the doctors that take advantage of this law by prescribing marijuana, continuing the controversies, no matter what the most recent laws may say. Marijuana can be an excellent drug to take when in certain situations of pain and stress and it definitely should be a legal prescription when people really need it. The most optimal way to take marijuana as a prescription drug is the tablet called marinol. Marinol is a broken down form of marijuana, administered just as any other drug you might buy .The research for this drug is funded through the Drug Enforcement Administration, more commonly referred to as the DEA. The amounts of THC, or the term to describe all cannabinoids in marijuana that creates the affects of the drug, has made theShow MoreRelatedShould Medical Marijuana Be Legalized?1915 Words   |  8 PagesAll States Should Have Legalized Medical Marijuana Dispensaries Hot of the press for the State of Hawaii†¦ on July 15, 2015 Governor Ige signed HB 321 which became Act 241 establishing a system for licensing Medical Marijuana dispensaries throughout the state. He is quoted as saying, â€Å"I support the establishment of dispensaries to ensure that qualified patients can legally and safely access medical marijuana† (1). Hawaii legalized the use of medical marijuana in 2000 through Act 228, fifteen yearsRead MoreShould Medical Marijuana Be Legalized?1515 Words   |  7 PagesShould Medical Marijuana Be Legalized In The United States? Marijuana is a controversy that has been argued over for years now and it has many people questioning its benefits and defaults. Whether or not marijuana is a drug this is a subject that is very misunderstood by most people who argue over it today. Marijuana has been outlawed in the United States for almost a hundred years now, Hemp first was encouraged to be sold during the 1600’s to 1890’s by the government of the United States in orderRead MoreShould Medical Marijuana Be Legalized?1551 Words   |  7 PagesLegalization of Medical Marijuana Marijuana is not like other helpful drugs that have amazing medical benefits. It is not made available to thousands of patients that could gain quality of live from it. Many Americans are forced to use second rate drugs to help them deal with conditions such as nausea, glaucoma, chronic pain, and multiple sclerosis. Why does the â€Å"world’s best health care system† use drugs that are not as effective as marijuana, but have more side effects? The United StatesRead MoreShould Medical Marijuana Be Legalized?1129 Words   |  5 PagesMarijuana goes by many names such as cannabis, weed, and molly just to name a few. It is often seen as a stress reliever, and an escape from reality type of drug. Some use it for recreational purposes, or medical purposes. Marijuana comes in many forms such as an oil, a pill, or hemp which was used for a lot of economical purposes. I’m going to be focusing on the medical benefits of this drug, in order to give you good reasons as to why it should be legalized. This drug has been found to help patientsRead MoreShould Medical Marijuana Be Legalized?2024 Words   |  9 PagesMarlyn Brillantes Mr. Tariq Jawhar ENG 111 April 24, 2016 Should Medical Marijuana be Legalized? Marijuana is a controversial drug because it can be both beneficial as well as harmful to the user. The marijuana plant can be utilized as an effective medicine to diagnose a number of issues. According to Business Insider, marijuana can treat glaucoma, improve lung health, control seizures of epileptic patients, decrease the symptoms of Dravet’s Syndrome, prevent cancer from spreading, and can contributeRead MoreWhy Medical Marijuana Should Be Legalized1245 Words   |  5 PagesWhy Medical Marijuana should be legalized all over all the United States. In today’s society, debates regarding legalizing Medical Marijuana occur frequently. The discussions arise in almost every state. Both sides bring solid arguments; however, opponents of the approval are facing the fact, which is very hard to ignore. Medical Marijuana has proven to cure people with life-threatening diseases much more effectively than official treatments; to have second-to-none side effects; and to be aRead MoreShould Marijuana Be Legalized For Medical Purposes?1735 Words   |  7 Pagessurveys, about 25 million Americans have smoked marijuana in the past year. More than 14 million do it regularly. (NORML: Working to Reform Marijuana Laws, 2015) Marijuana has been the topic of much discussion these past decades. The main factor of discussion is whether or not to legalize it and the outcome it would have on the states. Some states have already legalized but for medicinal purposes only. Much research has come out in this decade that marijuana just isnâ€⠄¢t for your average drug junkie butRead MoreMedical Marijuana Should be Legalized Essay1973 Words   |  8 Pages Marijuana has been in the news lately since two states, Colorado and Washington, have voted to legalize recreational marijuana. Currently they are the only two states to legalize recreational marijuana. Twenty states and the District of Columbia have legalized medical marijuana. Iowa, at this time, has decided not to legalize medical marijuana in spite of many Iowa citizens advocating for the legalization of the drug. Iowa is taking a cautious approach to medical marijuana. Medical marijuanaRead MoreMarijuana Should Be Legalized for Medical Purposes2770 Words   |  11 Pageswere told that she might benefit from marijuana. After much difficulty they were finally able to get it for her in oil form. After taking the medical marijuana for just one day, the seizures basically stopped. Now she only experiences one to two seizures a month! She was on the brink of dying and now she is living a relatively healthy normal life. Medical marijuana literally saved this little girl’ s life. (Gupta). Marijuana should be legalized for medical purposes because it is saving lives andRead MoreShould Marijuana Be Legalized Medical Marijuana?1465 Words   |  6 Pagesand some for the bad. In this paper we be discussing whether to continue the federal prosecution of medical marijuana patients and their providers under the accordance with the federal controlled substance Act. There are so many opinions that people have on this issues. Some people may disagree with congress for passing this law and they may feel that it’s giving people the right to smoke marijuana freely and then you have some people that agree with this law being pass. Because they may feel that

Air Travel Prices Have Gone Up Security For The Cost Of...

Since the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on America, airport security has undergone significant changes nationwide. For all air travelers this is an intense issue. Post-September 11, airline travel security has invoked the increase use of technology and better training of security personnel to improve travel security. Some of these suggestions, such as better training for airport screeners, checking all bags for bombs, developing stronger and safer cockpit doors, and putting air marshals on flights, do not bring up privacy issues and are typical security measures. Others, however, are invading the personal privacy of air travelers. There is only one technology commercially available today that can disclose all types of contraband†¦show more content†¦Scanning a person is completed in three easy steps. First the x-ray generator moves vertically up and down while producing a narrow beam of x-rays. Second, the x-ray beam is directed towards the individual being scanned. W hen the x-ray reaches organic material it is reflected back towards the detectors. Third, the detector data is then sent to a digital computer which processes and displays the image on a monitor. This process takes no longer than eight to ten seconds, much faster than having to re-enter a metal detector two or three times. Two major sellers manufacture Backscatter machines for security purposes. American Science and Engineering (ASE) offers Z Backscatter products including its Body Search device for scanning humans. Rapiscan Systems, a division of OSI Systems, offers the Rapiscan Secure 1000, the x-ray machine that Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is using to search air passengers. Security officials claim it is a far more effective way of countering potential terrorists because it detects the outline of any solid object- such as plastic explosives or ceramic knives- which conventional metal detectors would miss. (Gadher) Other contraband items that Backscatter machines can detect are all ferrous and non-ferrous metals, non-metallic weapons, explosives (dynamite, plastique, semtex and black powder), copper wire as small as twenty two gauge and solid, powder andShow MoreRelatedDelta Airlines : The Largest Operating Airline1458 Words   |  6 Pagesalliance. It was founded as a crop dusting service company in 1924 in Macon, Georgia. Since its early years Delta airlines has gone through all the regulation changes from early years of commercial aviation to recent years, and has been highly influenced by the government laws. The first major piece of legislation created by Congress related to aviation industry was The Air Mail Act of 1925, also known as Kelly Act. This act gave an opportunity for airlines to profit from operating mail services,Read MoreDelta Airlines : Effect Of Regulation1748 Words   |  7 PagesThis airline was mainly used to dust crops and get rid of unwanted insects. A decade later Collet E. Woolman bought the company and renamed it to Delta Air Services. The company performed their first passenger flight on June 17, 1929, and it began to grow rapidly due to acquiring of smaller airlines and the addition of routes (History of Delta Air Lines, 2017). This paper explores how different regulations affected Delta Airlines throughout its existence, and how the recent regulations might affectRead MoreAir Transportation Security Act : A Common Target For Terrorism And Crime1607 Words   |  7 PagesSince the beginning of air travel, airlines have been a common target for terrorism and cri me. In 1974, the Air Transportation Security Act was passed mandating the screening of passengers and any carry-on property at U.S. airports to ensure the safety of all passengers. After the terroristic attack against the twin towers, in 2001, there was an increase in the amount of precaution for greater security throughout the United States. As result, the Transportation Security Administration was put inRead MoreSwot Analysis Of Southwest Airline ( Swa ) Points1819 Words   |  8 PagesAirTran acquisition, and the application of innovating technology and facilities. However, its threats are intense competitions; increasing fuel prices; stringent government regulations could increase operating costs; high-speed rail could hurt short/medium length air travel. BODY STRENGTHS Comparative services have been providing for decades that have brought Southwest closer to its customers. According to the Southwest case study (Strategic Management Text and Case, p.627), SWA offers strong fleetRead MoreSurveillance Of U.s. Citizens2879 Words   |  12 PagesRemember that â€Å"Collect call from†, the government you received yesterday? Wake up people. Surveillance of U.S. Citizens is real. The NSA is videotaping, tapping the phone lines and watching us watching them. That feeling an individual undergoes is not just paranoia. It is the third sense presently telling U.S.A to wake up because someone is always watching. According to the NSA website NSA stands for National Security Agency, â€Å"home to America s codemakers and codebreakers.† NSA is an intelligenceRead MoreBusiness Process And Overall Strategy2869 Words   |  12 Pagesgoals and objectives 4.5. Security and Ethical Challenges 4.5.1. Information systems security, ethical, legal, and privacy challenges 4.5.1.1. Team up with Check Point Software Technologies 4.5.1.2. File restrictions 4.5.1.3. Background checks 4.5.2. Proactive plans 4.5.2.1. Anticipate and prevent hacking 4.6. Impacts of Information Systems on the Organization, Department, or Business Process 4.6.1. Organization impacts 5. Conclusion 6. List of References Airline travel is the one of the most popularRead Moreâ€Å"Starbucks and Others: the Future of Public Wi-Fi†5373 Words   |  22 Pagesairports etc to attract crowd and to increase their business. It talks about transition from Wi-Fi – for money to Wi-Fi as a lure. The various strategies implemented by these businesses to give away free public Wi-Fi. Various issues like pricing, security issues etc are discussed in detail in the analysis below. The case also talks about newer trends like mobile broadband which may be a threat to Wi-Fi networks. Starbucks is facing competition from McDonalds and Seattle’s Bauhaus books and coffeeRead MoreUnited Airlines23407 Words   |  94 Pagesdomestic and international passenger services.[i] United experienced extensive growth in revenues and international services during the 1990’s by joining Star Alliance, which brought United together with numerous international airlines including Air Canada, Lufthansa, SAS and Thai Airways. This allowed the alliance members to overcome their individual inadequacies by achieving an unparalleled global partnership. [ii] Early on, United became an industry leader by working with its employeesRead MoreTechnology And The Cell Phone3727 Words   |  15 Pagesbelt: technology you could take with you on the go. Today, we carry the modern version of a Star Trek communicator (the cell phone)-a device that is increasingly indispensable. Alongside the cell phone are a host of other handheld gadgets that would have been science fiction a few short years ago: child locators, universal remote controls (now capable of turning the AC down on hot summer days, opening the miniblinds, and controlling our increasingly-complex home entertainment systems, just to nameRead MoreContinental Airlines13067 Words   |  53 Pagesand fought fraud only after the damage was done, Continental today is one of the best managed airlines in the world. Its strategic and tactical decision-making analytics are on the cutting edge of the airline industry. This case study would not have been possible without the great work of a team from Continental Airlines and the academic community in collaboration with Teradata. So many Continental staff gave generously of their time to speak about their experiences and successes, in particular

A Place at the Table Movie Review Free Essays

I’m glad that I was able to go watch the screening last week because the movie truly emphasized on the alarming situation in our country. I usually don’t like watching films that are relative to what happening to our nation but this movie really showed an impact to me. It’s a national disgrace than nearly 50 million of our American neighbors live in homes that can’t afford enough food. We will write a custom essay sample on A Place at the Table Movie Review or any similar topic only for you Order Now This compelling film explains why we have this problem, and, most importantly, what we can do to end it. I think everyone in America should see this film because it emphasizes how big the problem is. The movie powerfully displayed the real lives of actual people whom were struggling against hunger. And every single one of these individuals defied a common stereotypes of hungry people. I believe that many Americans believe that we can end U.S. hunger one person at a time, one donated perishable good at a time. They are all acting as a good Samaritan but they are wrong, as this film proves. When Ronald Reagan entered office in 1981, there were only a few hundred emergency feeding programs in America, most of which were traditional soup kitchens serving mostly the people who had been historically the most hungry, the single men with substance abuse or mental illness problems. Yet, as a direct result of the economic policies and social service cuts set in motion by Reagan, the number of emergency feeding programs in America skyrocketed, and continued to do so even after he left office. There are now more than 40,000 such programs in America, and roughly two-thirds of them are food pantries, where parents and their children, the elderly, and working people obtain free groceries. Meanwhile, hunger has soared. The truth is that these agencies simply don’t have anything close to the resources needed to meet the demand. This vital film proves that the only way to truly end U.S. hunger is by advocating for fundamental change that include living wage jobs and a robust government safety net. How to cite A Place at the Table Movie Review, Papers

Two Views on Pornography free essay sample

A presentation of the work of two essayists with opposing views on pornography. Susan Brownmiller and Susan Jacoby are two essayists with opposing views on pornography. Each argue the case of pornography in relation to the First Amendment that guarantees freedom of speech. This paper presents and describes each case in turn followed by an analysis of the effectiveness and persuasiveness of each argument. Brownmiller also describes pornography as promoting rape against women, promoting violence against women and promoting the image of the female as a sexual object existing only for the pleasure of men. Brownmiller argues that pornography does not portray sexual activities as being associated with love, but instead only associated with the sexual act as an act to satisfy a mans needs. The end result is that women are seen as being sexual creatures to serve men, instead of the act of sex being seen as an act of love between two individuals. We will write a custom essay sample on Two Views on Pornography or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page

Television Downfall Essay Example For Students

Television Downfall Essay Televisions Effect on American SocietyWhat role does television play in society? For decades we have seen many parts of our world rapidly going through changes in technology. Todays society has been transformed by means of communication and the available information through mass media. Most Americans rely on television for news, sports, and entertainment. Television is just one of the many examples of how technology has changed our lives. Since the invention of the television in the early 1900s, it has played a very important role in our lives. Having a television set in the home has become very essential in todays society. We depend on it to entertain us with its sitcoms and to inform us about current world issues. The problem is that sometimes what we hear or see on television is not always accurate or correct. Sometimes news stories give us the wrong information and we believe that it is true because it is being said on television. We will write a custom essay on Television Downfall specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now They may give you a story, but they may leave out some details to prove their point or to make the story more interesting. Americans are among the most ill-informed people in the world. Television, in other words, is not the great information machine. It is the great disinformation machine. TV tends to mislead us with its stories and in many ways we allow ourselves to be fall behind in the world as we tend to want to watch the entertainment shows and not the news broadcasts. Thus, we are not informed about what is going on in our world. We complain that there arent enough intelligent people in the world and yet we are being misinformed by what is supposed to be our main source of information. Another way television misleads its viewers is by the way that they present candidates for an election of politicians. They spend all their time and money trying to put together a commercial that only puts down the other candidate. How are voters supposed to know whom to vote for if all they are presented with is negative ideas about each candidate? Television also tries to persuade us to vote for a certain proposition. Voters are also lured into voting for or against a proposition by listening to the music being played in the background of the commercial. An example of this type of situation may be the campaign on proposition 5 dealing with the Indian Casinos. They play sad, and convincing, music in the background of their commercial so the viewers can soften their hearts and vote yes on their proposition. Television is powerful enough to make our shopping easier. Actually, it is making us lazier. TV stations such as the Home Shopping Network make shopping as easy as dialing some numbers on a touch tone phone. People are also convinced to buy a certain product because a celebrity is presenting it. For example: if supermodel Cindy Crawford presents make-up, ladies will buy it and wear it because they believe that it will make them look like her. As a television viewer myself, I believe that television has us all trapped in a world where we believe everything that is being said. As technology keeps advancing there will be less tasks for us to do. Television is one of the many advances in technology that has made our lives easier, or should I say it has made us lazier? Whether that is good or bad, I dont know, but what I do know is that technology is robbing us of our ability to think for ourselves. Words/ Pages : 614 / 24

Ground Combat Vehicle Example

Ground Combat Vehicle Example Ground Combat Vehicle – Article Example Ground Combat Vehicle The ground combat vehicle is the focal point of the army’s next generation fighting vehicle. The emphasis in the immediate term is on the improvement and the policy of the army’s next cohort infantry fighting vehicle. The vehicle team is a dissimilar and highly qualifies combination of engineering proficient and brilliant achievement working together to advance and distribute the vehicles which blocs force fortification, full variety operations, capacity and affordability to form a world typical for infantry fighting vehicles.The ground combat vehicle is expected to reduce risks and uphold a reasonably priced program (Kelly, 2006). The pronouncement made by the defense department spreads the present technology development stage of the platform by six months to let the industry to have more time to refine the vehicle design; In April 2009, the secretary of the defense forces Robert Gates announced he anticipated to significantly restructure the army ’s future combat systems. The project was a multibillion dollar program which had been underway since 2000 and was at the heart of the army’s transformation efforts (Lardner, 2010). The achievement and progress platform contained eighteen managed and unmanned systems tight together by a widespread information link and communication.Among other thing, the secretary recommended canceling all the manned ground vehicles component of the future combat systems, was planned to field eight distinct tracked combat vehicles variants built on a common chassis which would eventually replace the combat vehicles. As part of this reformation, the army was absorbed to progress a ground vehicle which would be applicable across the whole range of army actions and would incorporate combat lessons well-read in Afghanistan and Iraq.The ground combat vehicle modernization focused on swiftly developing a new technologically adaptable approach. The approach, termed the increment developmental approach, features a segmental design intended to accommodate the growth of vehicles in weight, size, cooling requirements and new versions of the ground combat vehicle with little or no modification. Since the milestone was approved, the Armed forces have enthusiastically refined the vehicles requirements to provide the industry with a maximum assortment of suppleness in developing vehicle strategies while pressuring cost and technical risks.In order to avoid criticism of the events outdoing relevancy and decades long acquisition programs, the army stipulated the first ground combat vehicles would be delivered seven years were initiated (Kelly, 2006). While the decision was relatively well received, in order to receive the ambitious timeline, modifications to the traditional process were acquired. On the other hand, the army defends its use of cost plus contracts during the technology phase as it permitted for more innovation and risk taking.The army earlier approach called for op position amongst vendors during this phase of the ground combat vehicle program. Quoting projected fiscal pressures, the department verdict to review the development guarantees an affordable program which meets the army serious needs for an original infantry combat vehicle.ReferenceLardner, H. (2010). The Armys quest for a new ground combat vehicle. Carlisle Barracks, PA: U.S. Army War College. Kelly, T. (2006). The U.S. combat and tactical wheeled vehicle fleets: Issues and suggestions for Congress. Santa Monica, CA: RAND.

The Electronic Appliance Maker And Marketer (Samsung) Essay

The Electronic Appliance Maker And Marketer (Samsung) - Essay Example No company is a unique entity independent of its external environment. These factors influence how a business operates and compiling a pest analysis generates valuable information to analyze a company’s business environment as a whole (Johnson, 2008). Political Despite the political situation being conducive in the majority of the countries where it operates, Samsung faces serious, political threats in its countries of operation. The political climate in South Korea has recently become a perturbing for Samsung, and the company faces similar political instability in North Korea (Michell, 2010). The situation is not as grave  as that in some of the countries where it operates. In African and South East Asian countries, Samsung is experiencing a discrete limitation due to the harsh business environment. The company enjoys favorable political conditions in countries like china and India, allowing it to build a better focus and concentrate on the markets. South Korea's relations with China have improved recently, creating a favorable business environment for Samsung. Taxes in China are also low, and the Chinese tariffs are on a declining trend (Michell, 2010). Economic Since entering the China market, Samsung posted its first profit in 1911 and 23 of its local manufacturing companies achieved a cumulative surplus in 2000. The company started to formulate a new business strategy for undertaking its business in china at the group level after the September 11 2001 terrorist attacks in the United States (Luo, 2001). The attacks highlighted how the company’s reliance on the US market left it vulnerable. Samsung reconstructed its global strategies around china in order to overcome the... This paper approves that Samsung is an established comprehensive manufacturer of electronic components and parts, therefore playing a significant role in the electronic industry. Its competitive strategy, vision and mission have focused on differentiation and cost leadership. Samsung statements have included continuous development leadership and competitive production costs with high quality being one of its major strategic items. The company has been investing on strengthening its cost competitiveness and restructuring its production mix. It is constantly improving its innovation, quality, and customer service to stay competitive. Strong innovation is a key priority for product differentiation and Samsungs manufacturing system focuses on flexibility, quality, and retaining balance to attain the core of problems faster. This strategy is critical in the company’s effort to attain international recognition as being a leader in the industry. The company also stresses on securing the latest level of technology and quality assurance at the highest standard possible in attempts to continue improving reliability. This report makes a conclusion that the company has developed a strong structural integration which includes production, procurement, marketing, and research and development. Through this everyone in the company shares information and logistics on a real-time basis to support organizational downsizing, management renovation and engineering concurrently. Samsung has insisted on sticking to its purchasing policy in obtaining superior quality.

A History of Hesbulla Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

A History of Hesbulla - Essay Example The paper "A History of Hesbulla" has four parts. Part one is about the origins of Hesbulla. Part two outlines and explains the ideologies that led to the creation, development, and the current state of Hesbulla. Part three reports on its major developments since foundation to the present. Part four is an assessment of how to situate the organization and its plans in current international and domestic affairs. Trouble in the Middle East has been going on for centuries as Arabs and Jews fought over land that both claimed to be theirs. During the time of the Roman Empire some two thousand years ago, the countries that are now known as Israel, Palestine, Syria, Jordan and Lebanon have been a battleground among conquering and conquered peoples and nations. These conflicts reached a major flashpoint after the Second World War when the State of Israel was created in 1948 (Owen, 1992). Recounting this brief historical background is important to realize that the Middle East conflict is not r ooted in Islamic ideology, but something that is perhaps deeper and that goes farther back in time. However, Islam was a strong factor that provided a cultural and religious bond for differing Middle Eastern Arabic tribes to unite against a common enemy, the Jews, although Islam was not a guarantee of peace in itself as it too was racked by different streams of thought: Shi’a, Sunni, Salafi, Kurds, etc. For centuries and even before Israel was created in 1948, these Arabic tribes fought each other as vehemently as they now fight against Israel (Tarrow, 1994; Owen, 1992). Lebanon, which shares a southern border with the northern tip of Israel, received Palestinian refugees who were driven out by the newly created Israeli state in 1948. When these refugees, who were understandable in thinking that their lands were "stolen" from them by the newly erected Jewish state, attempted to regain those lands by committing acts of aggression and violence as a Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO), the Israeli armed forces retaliated by attacking the PLO and expelling them from Jordan. The PLO settled in the southern part of Lebanon, where their guerillas were trained and from where they continued to mount attacks against Israel (Norton, 2007; Qassem, 2005; Shapira, 1988). In 1982, Israel began to attack PLO strongholds in southern Lebanon, where it remained until 1985. It was during this three-year period that Hesbulla was born as a resistance movement against Israeli occupation.

U.S. Homeland Security in the Context of Global Security Essay

U.S. Homeland Security in the Context of Global Security - Essay Example 15). As such, the perception regarding the security of the nation changed drastically, in the aftermath of the Islamic terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001 upon the US. Several thousand Arabs in the US literally disappeared after these attacks. Thereafter it became evident that people could be detained indefinitely. In a related development, people taking flights had to divest themselves of parts of their attire, during security related checking (Bellavita, 2008). During this process, babies and infirm people had also been subjected to such scrutiny. In addition, it has now become commonplace for border agents to persecute economic refugees. Information regarding customers is freely provided by companies to the governmental agencies. Moreover, the secret surveillance lists are replete with mistakes that will not or cannot be rectified. In addition, parents can be separated from their children, on the grounds of not possessing the necessary documents. At the same time, there has been an inexorable increase in the acceptance of racial profiling. The telephone calls, electronic mail, Internet activity and other communications of the people are routinely and clandestinely intercepted, by the governmental agencies (Bellavita, 2008). In order to have in place a globalized system of smart borders, airline passenger screening, and the tracking of financial data, it is necessary to implement harmonizing policies that integrate technologies and share information at the international level (Gates, 2012, p. 298). Moreover, the governmental rationality regarding homeland security has to be normalized at the global level. This is the impact that enhanced US Homeland Security has upon the global community. Consequently, it can be surmised that the enhanced homeland security of the US affects the global

Consequences Of Cell Phone Use While Driving English Language Essay

Consequences Of Cell Phone Use While Driving English Language Essay Cell phone use while driving should be illegal everywhere because 1) it causes major distraction, 2) it can cause harm to the driver and others near the driver, and 3) it shows negative influence on young people. In more ways than one, using a cell phone while driving has been proven to be a dangerous thing for people to do. The cases of fatal automobile accidents, related to cell phone use while driving, have risen dramatically over the past few years. The majority of these accidents are younger people, usually 25 years of age and younger. A new study confirms that the reaction time of cell phone users slows dramatically, increasing the risk of accidents and tying up traffic in general, and when young adults use cell phones while driving, theyre as bad as sleepy septuagenarians (Britt). David Strayer, a psychology professor at the University of Utah says if you put a 20-year-old behind the wheel with a cell phone, their reaction times are the same as a 70-year-old driver who is not using a cell phone. Its like instantly aging a large number of drivers (Britt). The use of a cell phone while driving causes more negative incidents than positive incidents. It causes road rage from other drivers, traffic jams, minor accidents and even fatal accidents: According to the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, the journals publisher, cell phone distraction causes 2,600 deaths and 330,000 injuries in the United States every year. . . . Drivers talking on cell phones were 18 percent slower to react to brake lights, the new study found. In a minor bright note, they also kept a 12 percent greater following distance. But they also took 17 percent longer to regain the speed they lost when they braked. That frustrates everyone. . . . Once drivers on cell phones hit the brakes, it takes them longer to get back into the normal flow of traffic. The net result is they are impeding the overall flow of traffic. (Britt) Now, after looking into more research, it seems that cell phone use while driving is more dangerous than most people make it out to be; teenagers seem to be the worst at this. The cell phone has many applications on them now days and some are more distracting than others. For example, a young girl is driving down the road at 55 miles per hour and her cell phone rings. She reaches across the car to grab it, takes a quick look at the screen to see who it is, looks back up and sees she is about to rear end another vehicle. Even though her reaction time is slowed from normal, she slams the breaks on just in time to avoid a major collision. Only minor damage is done to both vehicles and luckily no one is hurt. This young girl only took a quick look off the road, but still put herself and others in danger. Now, another young girl is driving down a road, in a school zone, doing only 15 miles per hour and her cell phone goes off as well, only hers is a text message from her boyfriend. She lo oks down at the screen, eyes off the road, same as girl number one, only her eyes are off the road for a longer period of time. She takes time to read the text, only to briefly look at the road, and looks back at the screen to send a text message back. With one hand on the wheel, one hand on the cell phone, texting, and her eyes on the cell phone, she hits a young child and her mother walking across the street. This accident just so happens to be a fatal one. Next, let us talk about hands free cell phones. People may and probably will argue these are not dangerous or distracting at all, but in fact, they are just as distracting. Whether a person is texting or just talking, their concentration is broken. People think that if they are just talking and listening, with eyes still on the road, not taking them off, that they are just as alert as a driver not talking on a cell phone. According to Strayer and his colleagues, those people are wrong. This is what Strayer and his colleagues found: In 2001, they found that even hands-free cell phone use distracted drivers. In 2003, they revealed a reason: Drivers look but do not see, because they are distracted by the conversation. The scientists also found previously that chatty motorists are less adept than drunken drivers with blood alcohol levels exceeding 0.08. (Britt) A man named Arthur Kramer, who led an Illinois study, stated these words: With younger adults, everything got worse, . . . . Both young adults and older adults tended to show deficits in performance. They made more errors in detecting important changes and they took longer to react to the changes' (Britt). It was documented by Robert Roy Britt, the publisher of this article, that the impaired reactions involved seconds, not just fractions of a second, so stopping distances increased by car-lengths. A study, done by Strayer, showed the following results: The latest study used high-tech simulators. It included people aged 18 to 25 and another group aged 65 to 74. Elderly drivers were slower to react when talking on the phone, too. The simulations uncovered a twofold increase in the number of rear-end collisions by drivers using cell phones. Older drivers seem to be more cautious overall, however. Older drivers were slightly less likely to get into accidents than younger drivers, Strayer said. They tend to have a greater following distance. Their reactions are impaired, but they are driving so cautiously they were less likely to smash into somebody. But in real life, he added, older drivers are significantly more likely to be rear-ended because of their slow speed. (Britt) Not only is it a problem with the younger people using cell phones while driving, but older people as well. Even though, the older people had better reaction time, it is still dangerous, regardless. No matter how cautious a person is, a distraction is a distraction. It takes away from the important things that need to be focused on and still poses threats and dangers to all those involved. Okay, let us focus on texting while driving. As said before, texting while driving takes a lot more concentration than just simply talking. Not only does it take a persons mental concentration away, but physical concentration as well, also known as the eye site. It takes more time to text someone than it does to simply answer a call. People are killed in fatal accidents due to the use of cell phones while driving and the rise in numbers is just ridiculous. In Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, a young girls mother was killed, while driving, but she was not the person using the cell phone, the other driver was. A story, done on this accident, by Doug Warner from News 9, seems to have touched some peoples hearts: Jennifer Smiths mother was killed at a northwest Oklahoma City intersection less than a year ago. You never know how irreplaceable your mother is and how much of you your mother is. The day your mother passes away, youll never be the same, Smith said. Linda Doyle would have turned 62 this past Sunday. But on September 3, 2008, she was hit and killed on Northwest Expressway by a driver who was distracted by his cell phone. Every day I want to yell at people and tell them to put the phone down, Smith said. Now Lindas smiling face is on billboards across the country including one along Interstate 40 near downtown, which towers above drivers who continue to risk Death by Cell Phone. Awareness is always the best approach up front to see if you can get people to change habits, but some youre not going to get to, said David Koeneke with the National Safety Council. Koeneke said the billboards arent the perfect solution but are certainly a step in educating the public to the dangers of mixing cell phones and driving. Smith, who often returns to her native Oklahoma City, hopes to help warn Oklahoma drivers and make a difference in the state by sharing the facts, like how texting and driving is considered worse than drunk driving. I dont want to be on the road with 100 million drunk drivers, Smith said. Kansas, Louisiana, Nebraska, Colorado, New Mexico and Texas have all passed some level of cell phone restrictions. Missouri and Oklahoma have not. Smith said she isnt sure what Oklahoma is waiting on. In Oklahoma, I know all the bills have been thrown out or squashed, and Im just hoping when they see the neighboring states are doing this, that theyll jump on board, Smith said. It seems like you have to hear the horror stories before changes will be made, Im afraid. Horror stories like Linda Doyles death by a cell phone. My mother is gone and Im only 35, Smith said. Chris Hill, who caused the crash, never served a day in jail, but he said he now lives with a heavy burden for the rest of his life. Right then, I was screaming, witnesses coming up holding me up because I couldnt handle it. I knew what had happened. I knew right then I had killed her, Hill said. After reading a story like this, one would think it would convince more people to take more caution with using cell phones while driving. Sadly, it does not really do anything. People will show sympathy and say things referring to how awful it is that something like that happened, but just as soon as it is all said and done, the majority of them are already back on the road . . . using their cell phones while they are driving. In addition to the previous statements, what other things are said about cell phone use while driving. For instance, the cell phone use, or as some call it, multi-tasking, has been referred to as aggressive driving. Dr. Leon James says this about it: There is a tendency to think that multi-tasking while driving is the cause of driver inattention or distraction. This belief leads to demands for new laws that restrict or ban the use of in-car communication devices such as phones and computers. But the correct argument is that multi-tasking can lead to driver distraction when drivers havent properly trained themselves to use the new car gadgets. This is true for older devices like the familiar radio and CD as well as the new, like GPS, phones, and e-mail. So its true that multi-tasking becomes the occasion for drivers to make more mistakes, when they fail to train themselves properly. This increased training is a joint responsibility of the individual driver and the government. Multi-tasking behind the wheel is a matter of degree and all drivers are responsible for determining when they need additional self-training activities. When drivers overstep this line, they become socially and legally responsible. Drivers who allow themselves to be distracted by their multi-tasking activities are increasing the risk factor for themselves and imposing that dangerous limit on otherspassengers, other drivers, pedestrians. This increased risk to which others are subjected is thus similar to other driver behavior that are considered aggressive and illegal: going through red lights, failing to yield, exceeding safe speed limits, reckless weaving, drinking and driving, driving sleepy or drowsy, road rage, etc. Even though Dr. Leon James believes this: But the correct argument is that multi-tasking can lead to driver distraction when drivers havent properly trained themselves to use the new car gadgets, the so-called multi-tasking should still become illegal. No matter how well-trained a person thinks they are at multi-tasking while driving, their concentration is still broken and taken away from the road. As soon as a person takes their eyes off the road to answer a call or respond to a text, they are automatically putting their lives and everyone elses lives around them, in danger. How many people are going to have to be seriously injured or even killed before people start to realize how dangerous cell phone use while driving actually is? People run red lights, break speed limits and go all over the road when intoxicated. The same things happen when people use cell phones behind the wheel, so what exactly is the difference? The majority of automobile accidents, mainly during the daytime, are caused by the distraction of the cell phone. Jennifer Claerr published an article in May of 2007 about the dangers and effects of cell phone use behind the wheel. Jennifer found this: A recent study has shown that while dialing was found to be the most common cause of crashes (one has to take his eyes off the road to dial) the simple act of talking on a cell phone, even on a headset, was a proven distraction and caused accidents. Cell phone users are four times more likely than non-cell phone users to be involved in an accident. In these studies, the conversation itself was as distracting as dialing or calling up messages. People who talk on a cell phone while driving develop an extremely narrow focus, and become unaware of many of the things happening around them on the road. (Claerr) After taking a look at just this excerpt, it should make people think. There have been many people that have been either cut off, been hit, or have been close to being hit by a driver using a cell phone. Claerr expresses another opinion of her own that most people should most definitely agree with: A lot of advocates of cell phone use while driving cite that some studies have shown the total number of accidents and fatalities from cell phone use is small. However, they miss the point. Cell phone use while driving is a totally unnecessary activity, and if even only one fatality is caused by it, the practice is unacceptable. As a result of people using cell phones while driving, kids, parents, and people of all ages are being hurt and even killed. How do people expect to drive safely when their attention is focused on other things besides the road and other drivers around them? As a result, many people are hurt badly and even killed, on a daily basis because of the distractions caused by cell phones use while driving. How many fatalities are going to happen before people realize how dangerous their habits can be? How many children are going to have to lose their parents, or for that matter, how many parents are going to have to lose their children before this danger can be stopped? No one will ever know the answer. All that can be done, as of now, is to try the best ways that can be done.

Beyond the Burning Time :: Essays Papers

Beyond the Burning Time Mary’s Struggle Maturation is the emergence of personal and behavioral characteristics through growth process. In the novel Beyond the Burning Time, by Kathryn Lasky, Mary Chase goes through these growth processes. In the end Mary goes through many changes and becomes a very mature person. Mary will change in the concept that she will become more aggressive and motivated in making her own decisions. She also becomes more vigorous as well as courageous in a sense that she takes the initiative to save her mother when everyone loses faith. Plus she becomes bolder in addition to more demanding due to having to sneak around and do things she never would have thought of before. She is no longer the quiet little girl that she was. When her mother is taken Mary makes it her obligation to save Mrs. Chase. Mary’s aggression and motivation is what drives her to get her mother. When her mother was arrested she was alone. Mary loved her mother so much that she had to free her. When Mary couldn’t find her mother she became angry because Caleb seemed to give up hope. â€Å"Well, we must find out,† Mary said firmly. â€Å"Somehow, we must find out† (240). This motivation that she has helps her and Caleb to find their mother. Mary was also the one who came up with the plan to save Virginia Chase. If she would have PAGE 2 given so would everyone else. It was because of Mary that no one gave up or lost hope in their cause. During the course of the novel Mary becomes more vigorous and courageous. She is the one who takes the initiative to save her mother when Caleb loses hope. As the novel progresses she becomes more and more courageous. To sneak around and attack who used to be your best friends and defile the law takes a lot of courage. One of the greatest examples is that she will do anything to save her mother. This is shown when Mary and Caleb kill a lamb to scare Constable Dewart, â€Å"A hooded figure jumped out from behind the boulder, but instead of a human face, the head of a sheep stared at constable Dewart† (257).

Black on Black Violence Essay

Black on black violence has been on the rise in the recent years. 1 in 146 black males are at risk of violent death, whereas the ratio for white men is 1 in 189. What do we mean by â€Å"Black on Black crime? † It may be described as anytime a Black person inflicts violent harm on another Black person. The effects of this violence in the Black community are tremendous. Violence is very much part of what it means to be Black in America. Another issue in America is putting the wrong people on death row. Most of the time it is just to a guilty verdict so the prosecutor’s family can move on. This is exactly what happened in the case of Walter McMillian who was accused and found guilty of murdering a Ronda Morrison by gunshot. In this passage I will explain some of the black on black violence seen in America, talk about some of the excerpts from Les Payne and Glenn Loury’s argument, and explain McMillians trial plus the racial inequality he experienced. Jesse Jackson once said in order to have a safer living environment you â€Å"must get the guns off the streets†. It was said that in LA County that African-Americans have a 1/29 chance of being murdered while whites are only a 1/186 chance. So why are blacks at such a greater risk than whites? One explanation can be the black on black violence that is occurring in our society today. Of the violence that blacks do use it has been reported that 94% of it is used on other black peoples. Early on in life is where the kids look up to their peers and want to do what they do and act how they act. And this sole factor is the reason the violence in communities is on the rise. The role models in these young black kids’ lives are often drug dealers or gang members and this can be attractive to the youth. They see all the material items these dealers and gang members have and they want it too. But what these children do not understand is the means that these older role models obtain these goods. A woman named Mary Ross is a member of LA County and she said you have to fight in order to make it in these poorer neighborhoods. She said that she applied for a job and so did a white woman. Mary claims that the white girl got the job just because of the color of her skin and not the skills she would bring to the job. So she feels the only way to live her life is by stealing and robbing from others. When she does fight Mary says she will not stop until she sees a lot of blood. Currents TV also interviewed her husband Anthony Carter. He says that there is anger on the streets that leads to this violence and that there is a lack of opportunity and blatant discrimination on the community’s part. The vast majority of the people living in poor neighborhoods are law abiding citizens but because of where they live they are sucked into the violence. Frankie Lee Randolph, a 24 year old, was one of these law abiding citizens who was caught in the cross fire of a violent black community. He was in the service, had a good job and a good family but one day he was just stabbed to death for no apparent reason. These families who do obey the law want police protection but not the police brutality they see often. Being poor and having low self-esteem could lead to a lot of the violence and anger in those communities. It seems the higher up you are in society the more informed decisions you make. The people in poorer black communities feel as if their lives are being attacked so they need weapons for protection. They are surrounded by violence so you need to be prepared for the unexpected. The people of these neighborhoods feel as if they need to take action before the action comes at them. Then and only then do they feel like they are in control. Experiencing violence increases the likelihood that a person will use violence against someone else later. So violence in the community is like a snowball rolling down a hill in an avalanche, getting larger as it goes along, sweeping up more and more in its path. Violence is a self-perpetuating problem. Next, the Currents TV switched into an interview with Glenn Loury and Les Payne. Loury brought up the issue of blacks choosing their own destinies while Payne brought up the issue of a psychic genocide. Loury said that blacks can educate themselves and make their own lives better; it was their personal responsibility. He says we need to give them the means but also lead them down the right path. There is more weight on protecting the majority of the law abiding citizens and more effort to help the violent minority. Loury then goes on to say that behavior and home life lead to this violence and people make their own choices, whether they be good or bad ones. He basically sums up his arguments by stating the black communities need to advance their own interests and to get their act together and take care of yourself and who you take care of. Les Payne began his argument by explaining to us that black are made to feel inferior to the white race; what he calls a psychic genocide. How are these kids going to get educated? That is an American problem. It is a public problem for this country. There isn’t any shortcut to it. There’s no easy answer to it. Payne states that black life is becoming cheapened and there is a very fine line from those who are successful and those who are not. He then says that drugs are destroying the community when they are being brought in. Drugs lead to violence, mistrust within the community, and a lack of supervision on the streets. It’s got to deal with the laws, the institutions that influence our people. We have to talk about it as an American community. Finally, I will touch upon the case involving Walter McMillian. It was alleged that McMillian went into a cleaners and robbed and murdered the clerk there, 18 year old Ronda Morrison. McMillian says he was at home doing a fish fry that day. The arrest came after seven months where police had no leads at all until Ralph Myers, a white man with a long criminal record, came forward. He was arrested for the murder of another young woman in Alabama. Meyers was interrogated about Ronda Morrison’s murder and eventually stated that Walter McMillian, a 46-year-old black man from Monroe County, had killed Ronda. Two other witnessed corroborated parts of Myerss story. Meyers described the way the body was positioned and supposedly gave strong details about the scene of the crime. But investigators said that his testimony was wrong and that the body was never moved because there was a distinct dust on the floor that was undisturbed. There were no finger prints, ballistics, and no physical evidence whatsoever. Meyers stated that he drove McMillian’s truck to the store and then began hearing popping sounds from inside. Meyers then went inside and saw McMillian over the body with money in his hands. The state needed a corroborator for Meyers’ statement to hold up by law. Bill Hooks was this man. He said he drove by and saw McMillian get in passenger side at cleaners with Meyers as driver. Hooks knew it was his truck because his truck had been lowered. McMillian said it could not have been his because he got his truck lowered six months after the murder took place. Plus McMillian and a friend both said that it could not have been his because his truck had no transmission in it, so it was not even able to start. Defense lawyers said that Hooks got assistance from the cops for the incriminating statement. This assistance included getting released from jail, having his charges dropped, and $5,000. Near the end of the trial prosecutors brought up the issue of McMillian â€Å"running around† with a white woman. McMillian was sentenced to death row for six years before being released after the truth came to light. There were many issues of racism and inequality during the investigation and trial. First of which was the false statement given by the three witnesses. Prosecutors told him his testimony would give him a reduced sentence. DA Chapman indicted Meyer’s based on perjury where he gave a false statement while being in oath. Witnesses who had testified against McMillian admitted that they had committed perjury. Next there was the fact that there was no evidence that would incriminate McMillian at all. No physical evidence, no fingerprints, and no ballistic reports. It was as if the court just wanted to find someone to place the blame. All they had was the testimony of three individuals. More often than not this would not be enough for a trial, but because of the implications, murder of white woman and alleged killing of a black man, it was enough for Alabama courts to try. McMillian later said that he was convicted because he was with a white woman and because his son also married a white woman. In addition, it became clear that the prosecution had hidden exculpatory evidence, including the existence of a witness who had seen the victim alive after the time at which the prosecution contended the crime had occurred. The defense asked that the trial be moved from Monroe County because of all the publicity surrounding the case. The judge agreed to move the trial from Monroe County to Baldwin County, which had a substantially smaller percentage of black people in its population. There was also the fact that the jury in the trial recommended a life sentence for McMillian but the judge overruled this recommendation and sentenced him to death. McMillan said he never doubted his innocence would come to light, but when asked whether he has faith in the justice system, he responded: â€Å"No. Not at all. â€Å"

Esay Douglas Essay

Esay Douglas Essay Esay Douglas Essay Zakaria Habi Mr. Cormier CLN4U1-02 October 11, 2012 Abortion: The Right to Life Abortion is the termination of a fetus (a developing human being in the womb) or an embryo prior to its due date.  ¹ In Canadian law, abortion was decriminalized in 1988 and is acknowledged by Canada’s Supreme Court and the government as a medical procedure covered under the Canada Health Act (CHA, 1984). All women regardless of age, economic status, or a place of residency, are to have access to the procedure.  ² The topic of abortion is a controversial issue that generates many opinions among the people of who are pro-life, pro-choice or just undecided on abortion. Reasons as to why abortion is such a heated topic has a lot to do with what is the definition of a human being. Is it when the sperm and egg start to fertilize and become an embryo? Or maybe it is after the first trimester of pregnancy ends (first three months of a pregnancy) when many parts of the fetus’ organs such as the heart and brain are already developed and workin g? People who advocate pro-choice come from a variety of backgrounds such as students, teachers, lawyers, health-care workers and lawyers. They are also from different ethnic, socioeconomic backgrounds and religions. Individuals who advocate pro-choice do not necessarily agree with abortion, but instead agree that women have the right to decide between the choice of carrying on with their pregnancy or having an abortion. They rather make the decision than having a politician or a law tell them what they can and cannot do. As the Republican Pro-Choice Coalition defines its as, â€Å" The pro-choice position is neither for or against abortions, instead, simply advocates that government should not interfere in such decisions that are best left to individuals.†Ã‚ ³ Many pro-choice religious groups find no condemnations of abortion in the bible, many believe that it is up to the individual and his/her conscious to determine whether abortion is or is not sinful or immoral.4 Many people feel that they do not want to take responsibility and care for another human being when they alone do not feel they know what they yet want to do. Especially in the cases of abortion many are teenage females who are still in high school and do not wish to be overburdened with adding the responsibility of another human being. Individuals who are pro-choice also believe in having the child and then giving it up for adoption, which is a popular choice for many pregnant females who are past the first trimester of their pregnancy. After the first trimester abortion becomes harder and involves more risk. Being pro-choice about abortion, in my opinion, is the better choice as abortion has to do with the individual as it affects the person psychologically, physically and the access barriers they might encounter in having an abortion, if it is illegal. Many studies have been performed to examine if having an abortion can and would lead to psychological effects and possible li nks to mental illness, anxiety or depression. The results that came back mainly showed that having an abortion does not lead to having psychological problems. In a study done a very small percentage, 3% to be exact, have long term feelings of guilt and some of those individuals feel that the abortion was a mistake.5 Many women feel relieved after the abortion was done although looking back they admit that it was regrettable, but the right decision at that time.6 A study done by the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges found that unwanted pregnancies doubles the risk of having mental issues, however that the rate does not change whether the woman chooses to have an abortion or to keep the baby.7 Also abortions should be legal because many times unwanted pregnancies are due to rape and incest. If the woman keeps the baby, it will be a constant reminder of the harsh act of rape or incest. This will lead to emotional instability as the mother will have a hard time to

Why Our Campuses Are Safer Without Concealed Handguns Essays

Why Our Campuses Are Safer Without Concealed Handguns Essays Why Our Campuses Are Safer Without Concealed Handguns Paper Why Our Campuses Are Safer Without Concealed Handguns Paper Rhetorical Analysis on article Why Our Campuses Are Safer Without Concealed Handguns BY wa00750 Rhetorical Analysis Paper In the essay we read, entitled Why Our Campuses Are Safer Without Concealed Handguns, we see the author use five main points, as well as using appeals to Ethos Logos and Pathos to help reinforce his view on the topic. The five main reasons that the author feels that college campuses are safer without concealed handguns are introduced to us in the opening of the article, listed as bullet points. The author then goes on to break the article into these separate sections to allow him to go more in epithet and explain his position. In this way, he appeals to the readers sense of Ethos throughout the entire article by convincing us that he knows what he is taking about. However, the author does not stop here. The author uses an appeal to Ethos a couple more times throughout the article, one of the most obvious is in the section where he makes the point that concealed carry permit holders are not always law-abiding citizens. The author continues in this section to write about how easy it is for certain people to obtain firearms and concealed carry licenses, even though they should not be allowed to legally. The author blames this problem on a series of systems that are in place, that are nowhere near enough, putting the blame being on communication, or lack-there-of, between states and the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICE). The author then uses examples of how state governments often simply do not submit pertinent records to databases such as NICE. This can result in convicted felons and mentally ill persons having the ability to purchase a firearm or receive a concealed carry permit, which we have seen can lead to very bad results. In the same way that the author uses Ethos throughout the article, he also appeals tryingly to the readers sense of Logos, or logic. The main reason for this is because he must back up his strong opinions with logic and statistics to support what he is writing. This is shown easily in the opening, when the author provides statistics on homicide rates for college campuses versus the rest of the nation, and shows them to be drastically different. This same technique is used later in the article to emphasize the fact that many college students use mind altering substances such as drugs and alcohol; and that adding firearms, concealed or not, would add a new variable to Seibel suicides and intra-student violence. In addition to all of these statistics, the author also uses reason to make the point that college classrooms are places where you should be able to speak freely and without fear of possible retaliation. The author feels that if students do not know who may or may not have a concealed weapon on them, they may be less likely to speak their mind and learn all that they can. Last but not least, the author also makes an abundant use of appeals to the readers Pathos, appealing to the reader in a way that reaches them in a personal raw the reader in, as well as to open them up to the information that the rest of the article provides and leave the reader thinking about it. He begins the article by mentioning some of the more infamous college campus shootings, such as those that occurred at Virginia Tech and Northern Illinois University, and then proceeds to make his case against concealed firearms on college campuses. This viewpoint is prominently displayed in the third section of the article, in which the author writes about how students who go on these shooting rampages set out knowing they will ii, and plan only on taking as many people with them as possible. The author goes on to say that students and faculty that may be carrying a concealed weapon would not deter these individuals, but may actually become a target, in hopes that they will return fire, possibly killing more innocent people. In addition to this theory, the author writes that with more people running around with guns, police would have a much more difficult time figuring out who was the actual threat, and eliminating it. In this article, the author is against having students be allowed to carry concealed firearms. I do not think that this is a good position to take in this situation. I feel that responsible gun owners, who have passed proper safety courses, and who meet all of the requirements needed to obtain both firearm and license, should be able to carry their firearm where they feel it is warranted. The author states that concealed handguns would distract from a healthy learning environment. However, I do not think that this would be the case. I think that despite the presence of a gun on campus or in class, things would go about as usual. I do not feel as though people would be threatened into not speaking their mind, and I finitely do not think that the possession of a firearm or any possible weapon automatically makes an individual more violent. I have known many people who carry knives with them any time it is appropriate, and they do not strike fear into everyone in the room. They dont stab people Just because they are in a position where they have what could be a weapon. No, they have learned over time how to carefully handle a knife, and I feel perfectly comfortable being around them. I feel that the same is true with firearms, concealed or not. Although I do not agree with many of he statements the author makes, I do feel that he makes a good point that in order to obtain a concealed carry permit, you should be screened more thoroughly, and you should have to have some sort of nationally regulated test in which you must qualify with the weapon you wish to carry. I feel that there should be a coordinated effort to make sure that the NICE database is updated regularly. In relation to the section of the article where the author says that school shooters would not be deterred by concealed carry holders, I do not think that this matters. If someone sets their mind o coming to a college campus and shooting anyone in sight, then they are going to do it, whether or not I am able to protect myself. Possibly, instead of simply not allowing it, schools could implement a program where all firearms on campus, for concealed carry or not, would have to be registered thorough thee school. This would allow the school to know which student has which guns. Throughout the year security would be able to collaborate with the student and teacher gun owners including having them qualify with their firearms on a regular basis, and incorporating them onto any plans to counteract violence on campus. I think if colleges were able to or end a confrontation that could have more fatal consequences. With proper training from security or police personnel, I think students and teachers would be able to help keep campuses safer, while being able to observe their right to bear arms. I do not know for sure that college campuses would be safer if students and teachers were allowed to carry concealed handguns, but I know that proper measures could be taken to make the gun owners more responsible, as well as to make campus a safer place.

Body Art Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Body Art - Essay Example Skulls, bones and other body parts engraved as a tattoo on human body is the distinctive and weird trend; that depicts neither beauty nor ugliness but depicts the kind of evil which is intrinsically a part of human nature. Tattoos are also made to replace ornaments, like a delicate and beautiful flower sequence on the neckline can replace a necklace or the same between should blade off the back depict the veracity of female beauty. These tattoos depict beauty and art on an artistic human body (naturally human body is a marvel) and at the same time a hidden message for the on lookers that the female has ornamented her body with vivid colors to signify her style and also signifies her choice and liberty. However, in the professional arena, they are never appreciated nor encouraged. They are a symbol of rebellion, distinctiveness and undisciplined individuals. These individuals can be troublesome and cannot take significant responsibilities. These are all the assumed notions of professi onal recruiters, but if these tattoos are kept under clothes they aren’t much of an issue to the world. The criteria of any society are if something is made irrational, forbidden and unlikable than the norms of such society will always decline its importance and discourage those individuals who chose them. However, if they are a part of a culture than such trends become most popular and highly applicable. Like body piercing and tattoos in African tribes are highly appreciated or polygamy in some societies is also encouraged.

Watson's Theory of Caring Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Watson's Theory of Caring - Term Paper Example It goes without saying that the profession and discipline of nursing is primarily about human care. So, if nursing is essentially about caring than it is imperative that the nurses ought to make a conscious effort to inculcate the element of care in all the major aspects of their profession, be it the nursing education, the administrative or clinical aspects of nursing or the future research related to nursing (McGraw, 2002, p. 98). It is imperative for healthcare systems to retain human caring as the core of their existence. To further the aspect of human caring, Watson propounded the theory of human care. Watson realized that the expansion of health facilities around the world has manifolded augmented the work load of nurses. In that context the nurses are required to deal with healthcare situations that are more complex and variegated. So nurses are required to retain caring as the essential aspect of their practice and Jean Watson’s theory of caring is peculiarly associate d with this aspect of nursing. Jean Watson’s theory of caring connects the nursing profession to the very roots of its profession and actually lays down the framework for defining an ideal nurse (McGraw, 2002, p. 97). Dr. Jean Watson is a renowned American scholar in nursing. Dr. Watson got her undergraduate degree in nursing and psychology from University of Colorado. She further earned a Masters in psychiatric-mental health and a Ph.D. in educational psychology and counseling. Watson accrued several national and international awards and honors and propounded the Theory of Caring. Watson’s Theory of caring is based on some salient assumptions (Watson, 1979). It is only in an interpersonal perspective that nursing care can be extended, administered and managed. Caring has to do with some essential carative factors that satisfy some basic human needs. Effective caring not only allows for a salubrious recuperation but also promotes individual and family health. Caring is not only about accepting the people as they are in a present context, but also accepting what they could become in a futuristic context. Good caring allows the individuals a full scope for the development of their innate potential, and also allows and helps people make the choices that are in their best interest, at a particular point of time. The caring aspect of nursing complements the overall process of curing. Above all, the discipline and concept of caring should constitute the core of nursing profession. Based on these assumptions, Dr. Watson extended and recognized ten carative factors that go a long way in retaining and propagating the humanistic aspects of nursing. These ten carative factors given by Watson constitute the essential core of Watson’s Theory of Caring. The ten carative factors given by Watson are: Humanistic System of Values: Caring should be centered on a value system that is affiliated to the essential universal, humanistic values (Watson, 1999). Suc h humanistic values include within their scope the notions of empathy, kindness, self love and the love for humanity. Sustaining Faith and Hope: The development of the profession of nursing and healthcare is full of examples highlighting the importance of faith and hope. This factor lays emphasis on recognizing and appreciating the deep seated beliefs and values of an individual in the overall process of caring and curing (Watson, 1999). Sensitivity towards others: The essential aspect of being a human is the ability to feel. The best possible way towards accruing sensitivity towards oneself and others is to recognize one’s deep seated feelings. Feelings play a central role in the endeavor of being compassionate and

Influence of Age on Alcohol Addiction Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Influence of Age on Alcohol Addiction - Essay Example Everything that happens to their individual life as they grew up is influenced by their age. Richard grew with little understanding of the world around him. â€Å"I grew silent and reserved as the nature of the world in which I lived became plain and undeniable; the bleakness of the future affected my will to study.   Granny had already thrown out hints that it was time for me to be on my own† (Wright 181). However, as he aged, consciousness started to grow deep within him, allowing him to create remarkable realization of the reality of life and the one that he is trying to follow. â€Å"I was in my fifteenth year; in terms of schooling I was far behind the average youth of the nation, but I did not know that.   In me was shaping a yearning for a kind of consciousness, a mode of being that the way of life about me had said could not be, must not be, and upon which the penalty of death had been placed.   Somewhere in the dead of the southern night my life had switched on to the wrong track and, without my knowing it, the locomotive of my heart was rushing down a dangerously steep slope, heading for a collision, heedless of the warning red lights that blinked all about me, the sirens and the bells and the screams that filled the air† (Wright 187). The above points only show that Richard’s understanding of the world around him comes with age. His realization of the things around him is a depiction of his actual response to his world which is clearly associated with his age as we could clearly see the level of his maturity in here. Thus, we have created the point that our specific response to what is happening around may have potential impact on our actual thoughts or actions, but this clearly comes with age just as the kind of thought like this of Richard when he was already at the right age. â€Å"I dreamed of going north and writing books, novels.   The North symbolized to me all that I had not felt and seen; it had no relation whate ver to what actually existed.   Yet, by imagining a place where everything was possible, I kept hope alive in me† (186). Similarly, Caroline Knapp would have never realized what an alcoholic is when she had never become one as she aged. According to her, â€Å"Craziness, dark secrets, alcoholic furies, that's how you become an alcoholic, right? It's encoded in your DNA, embedded in your history, the product of some wild familial aberration. There was always an undercurrent of moral failing in the stories I heard about alcoholics: they were unstable, unwell, irresponsible, and if they were parents, they tore through the lives of their children like tornadoes, drinking and divorcing, screaming and raging" (Knapp 28-29). The reason why Caroline actually defines this is because she had so much experience from her growing years with alcohol and she could actually associate the actual feeling involved in such a habit. Those things that influence her to gulp an alcoholic beverage, which could be more than what is substantially required, are integral components of her past growing years. In fact, there is an indication that she pre-learned everything from her father, but later was full blown when she already stood at the right age. "My father had a probing manner, an analytic intensity tempered by a vague detachment, and whenever I sensed him turns his attention to me, the feeling on my part was

Frank Lloyd Wright Essay Example for Free

Frank Lloyd Wright Essay Frank Lloyd Wright was an architect, interior designer, writer, and educator. He designed more than 1,000 projects and over 500 of them were completed. He promoted organic architecture in his time which is quite popular now. (Baruffii, 2008) He also designed officer, churches, schools, sky scrapers, and museums. He authored more than twenty books and many articles. He was a popular lecturer in both Europe and the United States (Toronto Star, 1987). This paper will discuss Frank Lloyd Wright’s history and compare it to the reasons why he is still popular today and will remain popular in the future. Frank Lloyd Wright was born in Richland Center Wisconsin into a farming family who struggled to make a living. His parents separated when he was 14. Frank then became responsible for his mother and sister as he never saw his father again. There is no record of him graduating from high school but he was accepted as a special student at University of Wisconsin in 1886. He married in 1889 and built his own home at that time. Frank Wright then went to work for another architect but lost his job when that architect found that he was designing for some on his own. He then established a business of his own out of his home. He renovated and added on to the house several times. He moved his office downtown and then moved it several other times (Huxtadey, 2009). Frank Lloyd Wright left his wife with six children to spend time in Europe while writing his first book, with the wife of a friend. He then came home and built Taliesin on 200 acres inherited by his mother. His then wife and her two children were murdered in this home. The home became his winter home and is now the Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture. This home is located in Scottsdale Arizona and could not be more â€Å"green† than if it had been built as part of that movement today. Wright then met and moved into to Taliesin again with a divorcee though he was still married to his first wife. He, at the same time began to the design of the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo. He lived in Tokyo during the construction of the building. Keeping his innovative style, he designed the Imperial Hotel using both Japanese and Western architecture. He wanted to show that Japan was becoming a modern nation and that they had ties to the West. The Imperial Hotel was demolished in 1968 but some of the entrance was retained in a museum. It is studied to this day for design tones for today and tomorrows buildings. During the depression, like everyone else work was difficult to find. Wright began lecturing and writing at this time and had finally received a divorce from his first wife and married a second. He finished several books by now and was contributing to architecture magazine. Shortly thereafter, he opened his school at Talesman. The tuition was $1,100 and he shortly had a waiting list. In 1934 Wright designed and built Fallingwater which has become one of the most famous pieces of architecture in the world. The house was built for Edgar Kaufmann in Bear Run Pennsylvania. It was built on a waterfall. During this time Wright was also beginning to design his modest housing. The first was his Usonian house in Madison Wisconsin. He believed that everyone should have an architect and not a cookie cutter house. (wright. htm) Wrights Fallingwater house is one of those designs that speak to our thesis. It is a design of his day, a design of today and is believed to be a design for tomorrow. There are things about mans human nature that we tend to forget. We are a part of nature. When Wright designed this home he liked the powerful sound of the waterfall and the strength and beauty of the forest around it. There were dramatic rock ledges and beautiful colors in the granite all around. He wanted the design to flow as part of nature and it did and does and will. It takes ones imagination to a place many of want to go but find difficulty in getting to. Many thousands of people view this home every year and are in awe of its beauty and design (Steffenson, 2009). Wright then returned to Arizona where he got involved in many projects in the Phoenix and Scottsdale area. He designed the Opera House at the University of Arizona which was originally designed to be built in the Mid-East but was built here instead. He had a short period in his history when he suddenly likes what can only be called retro-sci-fi modernism. At that time, he designed what was to be the Southwest Christian Seminary. Many say the design was straight out of Flash Gordon. The design was never built. Benjamin Adelmans House was designed and built in Scottsdale in 1951. The Norman Lykes house was the final house in the area as it was designed just before Wright died in 1959. It was a 2,800 sq. ft. home that was circular in design and was actually built in 1967. He had much influence in architecture in the area as he was this areas most famous snow bird. He came here every winter and consistently had another idea for the desert. That was one of the beautiful things about Wright is that he could see beauty everywhere and was able to use the landscape as part of the design. Is that not what we are looking for today and probably tomorrow? Last but not least there is the Guggenheim Museum. It turns 50 this year (Lubow, 2009). Wright had yearning to elevate human society through its architecture. He felt that how we lived was how we learned. The beauty of where we lived should be mainted and nature should be a part of all design. The Guggenheim Museum is a part of the dream and the vision that Wright had throughout his life. This would be the last building he designed. It opened in New York City October 21, 1959 (Lubow, 2009). Frank Lloyd Wright died 6 months before it opened. He had many problems in making it happen. There were budget issues, building code issues, and even issues with the artists that would eventually display in the building. He spent essentially 16 years of his life designing and overseeing this building. There are some of those issues that the artists were concerned about. It is difficult to hang paintings in the museum because of the slanting of walls among other things. However, it is one of the most beautiful buildings in the world and it is said that it is prophetic in its way of meeting the needs of today and the world of art (Lubow, 2009). Wright seemed to see today’s world and how we would envision art when he designed the building. This writer would wonder if the next 100 years they will feel the same. One of the many things that Wright believed shows in his design of the spaces at the Guggenheim. He felt that though we all crave being alone sometimes, we are only truly well developed humans when we are all socially developed. The Guggenheim is built to accommodate that. It is huge and seems bigger than life but as one ambles through, it feels as if one is alone with the art and at the same time a part of those around them. Only the design can make one feel this way. Again, is this not a design for the future? There are so many beautiful spaces built by Frank Lloyd Wright. We can only begin to know what he was truly thinking. In his biography he talks about his beliefs about human nature and the spaces they live in. His Prairie houses were built for the average homeowner and yet they are like no house that any of us can own though many of us would like to. The Prairie houses were low horizontal designs with open interior spaces. You see their influence in homes all over the United States. In conclusion, it is obvious that the influence of Frank Lloyd Wright has not gone away. His original designs are some of the most beautiful designs in the world and he is appreciated as the most famous architect of his time. He continues to be popular today as we try to move toward designs that are more natural and more part of the nature around us. In all of the designs that have been developed to take in the affects of the landscape around them we find Wright elements. These are the things that support the fact that Frank Lloyd Wright was a visionary of his time, our time and the future. Resources Baruffi, K. , (2008). 10 great places to behold Frank Lloyd Wright’s vision. USA Today. Available at http://www. ebscohost. com http://architect. architecture. sk/frank-lloyd-wright-architect/frank-lloyd-wright-architect. php Huxtadey, A. , (2009). The hand and eye of genius. Wall Street Journal. 25(24) pg. 7. Lubow, A. , (2009). The triumph of Frank Lloyd Wright. Smithsonian; 40 (3) pg 52-61. Prairie Styles, Frank Lloyd Wright (1997). http://www. prairiestyles. com/wright. htm Steffensen, I. , (2009). Frank Lloyd Wright and the gift of genius. The Journal of American Culture, 32:3. pg. 257-268. Toronto Star. (1987). Frank Lloyd Wright: his influence lives on in home furnishings; AP news features. Pg 6.

Competing Against Low Cost Steel Imports

Competing Against Low Cost Steel Imports Nucor is the second largest steel producer in North America on total production capacity in the end of 2006, with 18 plants. With the year 2006 Nucor was the most profitable steel producer by having the capacity to produce 25 million tons of steel with revenues of $14.8 billion and net profits of $ 1.8 billion. In the late 1960s Nucor established the steel mini-mill industry and since that time, mini-mills have become broadly exist in the large incorporated steel companies out of most niche markets. Nucor in the late 1980s made a brave entry into the flat-rolled steel market, afield of big steel. Nucor follow low-cost leadership strategy, product development by using innovation and technologies, quality systems, strong relationship between employees and productivity, corporate culture and using focus diffrenation, in order to reduce and achieve low costs per ton produced. The market share of Nucor increased by 17% in both years 2005 and 2006. According to the four generic competitive strategies Nucor follow low-coast provider strategy as their strategic direction. They are determined to attain lower overall costs then rivals and tempting to a wide range of consumers. Nucor followed growth strategies which are new acquisitions, new plants construction, continued plant upgrades and cost reduction efforts, and joint ventures. Nucor internally has established a raw materials strategy to control directly and indirectly through global growth with joint ventures, the production of 6 to 7million tons of iron of high quality metals for consumption of its steel mills. Such acquisition is imperative to meet buyer demand for manufactured steel goods. Nucor has a wide array of products and each product must go through a different operations cycle. This is an implication to the efficiency of each unit. Nucor externally has the ability to deliver shipments anywhere in USA. This is a profitable competitive advantage that ensures quick and on-time delivery of products. Nucor ad opts successful marketing and sales strategies. In line with its goals of becoming a global player, it continues to build long-term relationships with contract customers who purchase value added products, 92% of the production of Nucors steel mills was sold to outside customers in 2005-2006. It shows how Nucor is maintaining long- term contracts, and maintaining profitable value-added products. Nucor is known for developing and commercializing new efficient product technologies for the steel manufacturing business. The same enables it to reduce its operating costs and compete effectively in the market. Considering Nucor infrastructure, centralization at the company in the early 2000s has supported the current success and supported the various units. Solid training and employee relation building contributes to the continuous growth. As for services and quality, Nucor focuses on fast delivery and increased customer integrated technologies. Quality control is considered important to ma intain the durability and exact specifications of the manufactured product. Considering political factors, variations amongst countries laws provides favorable and unfavorable circumstances for a large company to do business in that country. Nucor deals with tax policy in USA paying federal, state, and local taxes, affecting its bottom line. Nucor has to understand the taxes of other countries planned for contracts implementation. As for economic factors, exchange rate fluctuations and interest rate changes are considered by Nucor as bases for decisions on expansion, and competition. Markets are attractive for steel companys entrance when the currency is week, and interest rates low. No greater advancement has had more impact on the steel industry than the recent technological improvements. While many industries are outsourcing much of their manufacturing, Nucor has been able to undertake the opposite approach and expand in the domestic market. Technology increases efficiency of fac tories, decreases inventory, and enhances product quality. The efficient mini-mill is an example of this. Strategic Issue Given the internal and external factors, that steel situations in the world had been improved by 2005-2006. The prices were higher in the U.S by 50% in 2000 as well as Nucors Sales. However foreign steel companies, dumping in home domestic market and U.S market below market prices that leads to over capacity and more supply than demand. Inside US and Outside US market. The Demand increased by 6% should Nucor continue focusing on the U.S steel market or begin to expand into another foreign markets? Or should they have to deal with budding volume of low priced foreign imports in the US market and how to compete with foreign steel producers? Do they need to expand the capacity of the company steel-making and start building new plants, new acquisitions, and new joint ventures? External Environment External factors include those influences cut side the industry in the macroeconomic that should be considered in shaping the companys strategies in long-term direction are legislative factors, economic, socioeconomic, and technological factors. Political and Legislative Businesses are heavily regulated, from state to federal to international. These regulations challenge the ease of achieving profit margins. A business must deal with the local laws and regulations of another business when attempting to compete in a foreign territory. For Nucor Corporation, the growing international competition requires addressing and dealing with various types of laws, mainly taxation. Nucor deals heavily with the tax policy and regulations in the United States paying federal, state, and local taxes. Each imposes heavy effects on their bottom line. Taxes however do not always negatively impact a business. Many international steel companies were selling their products at below market cost to undercut domestic competition. Taxes imposed protect the domestic industry. The same is important when competition is high. Nucor is a large company that is subject to international trade agreements. It is financially essential for a company to understand the costs associated to all regulations and tariffs on import and export processes, especially that competition ad globalization are required to maintain profits in the future. Economic factors As Nucors strategy has always been to become a market leader, much of its growth comes from international markets, especially developing ones. Thus, it is always exposed to exchange rate fluctuations. Markets become attractive when their currency is weak. This was the situation of the steel industry during the economic downturn in 2001. When markets become attractive due to weak currency, the demand for steel would increase and consequently the supply to meet the increasing demand. To finance the large expenditures, loans are very common. As interest rates decrease, corporate loans increase to create an expansionary economy. The same will create positive effects on corporate spending of major steel buyers, and consequently suppliers. Hence, steel demand and supply would increase. Socioeconomic factor Steel industry operates on a business to business model. The same allows for greater efficiency and protects from the risk impact of negative social factors. These factors include consumer behavior, fashions, geographic location, consumer thoughts, ectA company like Nucor must understand the sub-cultures of each market segment where it exists, and concentrate on the most profitable. Nucor considers expansion through acquisition. This carries along the risk of mixing two distinct cultures. Nucor must be able to preserve and embrace new knowledge employees, skilled labor, and other valuable assets. Moreover, the existing individual cultures can be a source of risk, so assuring adequate safety environment should be a priority. Nucor differentiates itself by high wages, incentive based pay, and a flat organization. Each of these has a positive impact on the existing Nucor organizational structure. The existing challenge and risk would be to create equilibrium between preserving a positive culture, and an increased profit strategy of which lower wages is somehow a must. Nucor Corporation recognizes its role in protecting the environment. It gives attention to the environment of the communities in which it operates and recognizes its importance to the employees. Protecting the environment is critical to its operations and long-term success. To illustrate, Environmental compliance is a priority for Nucor management equal with all other business functions. Technological factors While many competitors within the steel industry are outsourcing many of their manufacturing due to increased technology, Nucor is able to take the opposite approach and expand in domestic market. Technology increases efficiency, decreases inventory, and improves the product quality. Nucor, for example was able through the new technology used to efficiently use the small factory production mini mill to increase its capacity utilization. The mini-mill simplifies the process when compared to the more tradition integrated mill. It cuts many corners in the production cycle and also uses larger percentage of scrap metal. This in return reduced the amount of pollution from making steel significantly by eliminating the several elements of the old blast furnace process. Technology also provides greater enhancement for engineering and sales. The products have detailed computerized models with test statistics, and efficiency attributes. The sales department is able to directly deal with customers through the internet. Transactions are seamless and process quickly. Technology has enhanced the steel industry processes but it has its draw backs that need to be considered. For example, computer failure, database errors, and any simple user error can affect the business. Having specialists and IT managers will have its positive impact on controlling these risks. Industry Analysis There have been two major factors influencing the steel industry- consolidation of global companies, and revolutionary technological changes among competitors affecting prices, production, and consumer satisfaction. National boundaries have melted to encompass an ever increasing world market. Since, the beginning of the 21st century, the industry has been hovering around 75% capacity utilization, a level too low for many companies, thus, forcing them to globally consolidate. Examples of these consolidations are the three European companies who merged to form the worlds largest steel producer and the two Japanese companies who did the same to form the second-largest steel producer. Driving Forces The defining characteristics of the industry are increasing globalization of the industry, and technological changes. As for globalization, it is a driving force as it will have an effect on the overall industry growth. When considered, globalization will pave the way for consolidation between companies allowing them to be strong players in the industry where their success or failure will have an impact on the overall industry growth. Technological changes can have great impact on the industry. When more improved technologies are used, production and prices will be affecting the industry growth. The global steel market grew by 8.2% in 2007 to reach a value of $529.7 billion. In 2012, the global steel market is forecast to have a value of $759.1 billion, an increase of 43.3% from 2007. Key Success Factors The Key success factors (or KSFs) are competitive factors most affecting every industry members ability to prosper. KSFs include; Necessary resources, competencies, and capabilities (organizational style) Competitive capabilities Expertise in a particular technology Scale economies or experience curve benefits Strong network of wholesale distributors, and suppliers Nucor was established in 1966 and continues to grow strongly according to a number of key success factors and strategic organizational strengths. The companys organizational style is remarkable and features a number of factors that contribute to Nucors success. First, the company employs a decentralized business style. In 1966, Iverson assumed the role of president to be decentralized manner has been used and been very successful. A decentralized business style distributes the administrative responsibilities or powers among several authorities rather than a large number (Decentralization). This style has permitted Nucor to empower their managers and employees. By Improving the level of empowerment allows each division manger control over day-to-day decisions and transactions that will increase profitability. Nucors decentralized business style also helps the Co. to be lean. Lean manufacturing incorporates the production of goods using less waste, less human effort, manufacturing, too ls, inventory, and less time. Equivalent to their lean business style, Nucor is continually seeking for improvement. Stable aim to decrease production cost is always a priority and ultimately helps to lower costs of steel to buyers. Moreover, a focus on dealing with employees helps in reducing employee turnover and increase productivity. Safety is an important consideration for Nucor and is consistently monitored and improved. Employee surveys are conducted every 3 years which helps to give an insight on employee attitudes and concerns. Management then compares the surveys across plants and divisions to control potential problems areas and increase employee satisfaction. Finally, Nucor focuses on creating strong relationships with outside parties. This enables it to establish long-term sustainability with these parties. Furthermore, structure and supply cost will often be decreased which allows for lower costs for buyers. Strong relationships established ensure long-term sustainability and lowered prices for Nucor. The booming business structure of Nucor along with the management styles implanted has allowed the Co. to become a leader in the industry. The Company has established a reputable brand and has created brand awareness both domestically and internationally. It currently has a significant market share of the U.S. market and is budding as a global leader in tough industry. Moreover, their increase in size has helped them increase production capacity. Last but not least, Nucor has a strong technological focus and is works at all times to boost manufacturing and production pace. Innovation also is always considered and helps the company remain a leader. Being the largest steel manufacturer, Nucor remains a profitable company in one of the most cyclical industries in the economy. Nucor enjoys this success for several reasons, employee relations, quality, productivity, and aggressive focus on innovation and technical excellence. Nucors strategy low cost providing, they know they are selling a commodity for which the competitive edge in the industry is lowering prices through innovation and productivity. Firms in other Industries Offering Substitute ProductsPorters five forces analysis Suppliers of Raw Materials, Parts, Components, or Other Resource Inputs Rivalry among competing Sellers Competitive pressures created by the jockeying of rival sellers for better market position and competitive advantage Buyers Potential New Entrants They five competitive forces affecting industries attractiveness are: Competitive rivalry: (High Threat) The global competition in the steel industry faces Nucor and the vast array of competitors that fill the industry. Intense competition among competitors in the domestic market of Nucor causes a cyclical effect within the industry. Each competitor strives to win bids of contracts, causing a stiff price war in the market. As price is the main factor for differentiation among competitors and it is the bases of the industry, the company with the lowest fixed costs will survive the longer, and be the most profitable. Nucors use of both base pay and incentive pay ensure output is relative to pay and, therefore, decreases its fixed costs. The business model differentiation is also primary means of competition. Nucor has a decentralized structure with control being at the factory level. This advantage allows for focused decision making, and efficient use of profits. Extremely high exit barriers are a major risk to competitive competition. During times of economic downturn or overproduction, inefficiencies are weeded out. The United States boasts one of the strongest protections for businesses with its bankruptcy laws to ensure they can make it through these tough times. Counter this though, the U.S. also has some of the toughest laws against closing inefficient plants. Extremely high exit barriers are a major risk to competitive competition. Competition from Substitutes: (Low to moderate Threat) This threat is considered low as there are few substitutes for the use of steel. From auto manufacturing, to structural supports, to fasteners, there are relatively few products available with the strength, durability, and cost efficiencies of steel. The largest alternative to steel would be use of another material. Plastics are on the top of the list, but have not found the same durability as steel. Wood may have aesthetic appeal but cannot combat with steels robustness. Alternatives increase market presence at times of economic downturn and times of increase in steel material cost. To hedge this threat many manufacturers maintain inventories of steel reserves. Large companies also trade steel futures to ensure stability of price and guaranteed supply for a future specified time. The goal is to maintain low costs and market share during times of economic fluctuation. Bargaining Power of Buyers: (High Threat) The buyers impose the greatest; they are the bases for price competition by influencing the demand. The ultimate goal of the buyer is to get the best quality product at the lowest price. The ultimate goal of the seller (Nucor) is to get most attainable profit for the least cost. Because the market is filled with numerous suppliers and taking into account the two different goals of suppliers and buyers, the steel industry is commonly a buyers market. Bargaining power of Suppliers: (High to moderate Threat) The supply of raw materials, steel shreds, iron ore, or recycled steel can have a great effect on the cost strategy. Most of the steel used for manufacturing in US is imported. Due to the difficulty in suppliers ability to constantly meet the demands of the companies such as Nucor, joint ventures between suppliers and manufacturers are established. The same ensures low costs for manufacturers. Acquisition of the supplier might also be undertaken by the manufacturer. Also, the power of unions labor and unionized labor, could affect the labor costs for steel produces in placing weak competitive force and on cost disadvantage vis-à  -vis firms with nonunion labor. The Threat of Entry: (Moderately Strong Threat) The main determinate for an entry into an industry is the costs associated. Barriers to entry have increased due to merging and globalization growing of many competitors. Economies of scale and capital requirements are the greatest barriers I the steel industry. Larger quantity orders of raw materials are usually discounted. Higher production volumes directly discount the associated costs. During times of strong growth, such as the 1960s-1980, economies of scale are very good. During stagnation or recession, these approaches often cause diseconomies due to under utilization of capacity. Product differentiation is also a major barrier to entry. Steel is not sold on its overall difference, but more commonly on price. Many manufacturers utilize the same technologies and process. Price wars are seen in minimization of fixed costs as stated earlier. Directly with this, there are few switching costs from one manufacturer to another. Little brand loyalty is recognized in an industry that does not appeal to consumer loyalty or brand image. Entrants must find a way to compete based on lower costs. Access to raw materials is additionally a barrier. Many times raw materials must be bought in large quantities (economies of scale). The cost disadvantages associated with small material purchases can be huge and directly increase overall manufacturing costs; this make competition challenging in a market where margins are already slim. Government policy is not a major threat to entry on the domestic level, but at the international level the barriers are enormous. Well established relationships by large steel manufactures with governments allow for easy creation of contracts in a foreign territory. The creation of these contacts takes time, executive work hours, and vast amounts of money. As most steel manufacturers must be globally competitive to maintain profits, government policy is threatening entry barrier. At first glance it may seem the mature steel industry would not be very attractive. This may be true to a new entry on a small scale, but with the advance of globalization the steel industry is again becoming very attractive. Industry Profile and Attractiveness The Industry position and competitive structure future for a low-cost steel producer such as Nucor is attractive due to the good shape of their financial situation to gain sales and market share however the industry market environment maybe un attractive to some rivals but for some other rivals it may indicate some opportunities. The demand for steel globally has been rising strongly in recent years, and this is likely to continue. The industry has become attractive for new entrants from the international market since these companies are not burdened by union contracts and since governments may provide special incentives in order to help them establish a customer base in steel, which can help in forming an important part of a nations economic infrastructure. Although the U.S is already dumped with outsider steel products, it is still considered to be a reliable and potential market for other global companies. As summary of the Nucor case gives many insights into the company and the industry. In general, the steel industry is a very strong industry to compete in successfully. The question here is the steel industry an attractive one? The answer would yes, if the entering company is already in the industry and well set up and highly regarded. Moreover, its very important that the company is in a position to acquire other companies and/or form joint ventures. Nucor currently has done an amazing job moving itself up from near bankruptcy to an industry leader. Major numbers of challenges have been met and overcome throughout the companys life. However, this does not mean that there will not be more major challenges for Nucor. Nucor is nowadays is facing growing competition from both domestic and international rivalries. Its critical that Nucor continues to grow and increase global market share. Current management must continue to specialize in Nucors core product and capitalize on a proven suc cessful organizational structure. Can Nucor continue to succeed as a global steel company into the future? This is the main concern. Nucor is capable of continuing its entrepreneurial spirit as it grows larger because its marketing and management techniques. Since Nucor has been an innovative and risk-taking company, their profits will continue to expand. Nucor has embodied techniques that have been profitable to the company. An example of these techniques is the fact that Nucor managers would set standards for quality and output for groups of 25 to 30 employees and reward them with weekly bonuses. By emphasizing quality and efficiency in employees and then rewarding them for it, Nucor only increases its own profits. Company Situation Nucor Situation Introduction Nucor deals with key specific issues in the steel industry including the fast growth of steel producers in the world reflecting as an increased capacity in steel production creating prices war, and the competition in an industry where technology usage has been a way for saving costs. Despite their specialization into steel, Nucor Corp. has become a benchmark for both the U.S. steel industry and U.S. industry in general. Nucor is one of the fastest growing and most efficient steel producers in the world. Despite the declining demand for steel, Nucors growth has been phenomenal, from pouring its first batch of steel in the 1960s to support in-house operations; the company has become one of the top five producers of steel in the U.S. Nucor has repeatedly achieved technological feats other steel producers thought impossible. Their hourly pay is among the lowest in the industry, yet they have the highest productivity per worker of any steel producer in the U.S. But can it continue to do so? Financial Analysis According to Nucor Corporation Financial Ratios data for 2005 2006 provided in Table 2 Profitability  [1]  : Profitability ratios are used to assess a businesss ability to generate earnings as compared to its expenses and other relevant costs incurred during a specific period of time. For most of these ratios, having a higher value relative to a competitors ratio or the same ratio from a previous period is indicative that the company is doing well. Gross profit margin FYE  [2]  12/06 increased by 14% reflecting an increase in sales for 2006. Liquidity ratios remained almost the same reflecting the continuous ability of the company to meet its obligations and invest further in the new technologies adoption strategy. Activity  [3]  : Are ratios that measure a firms ability to convert different accounts within their balance sheets into cash or sales Inventory turnover and total asset turnover were positive and closely in-line with past results. Nucor maintains the ability to draw class investors with its relatively strong financial performance, though down a bit from previous years. The increase in activity ratios is affected by the increase in sales FYE 12/06. Leverage  [4]  : Ratios used to calculate the financial leverage of a company to get an idea of the companys methods of financing or to measure its ability to meet financial obligations. There are several different ratios, but the main factors looked at include debt, equity, assets and interest expenses. Leverage ratios decreased by 1% FYE12/06 as compared to year 2005. The same reflects the ability of the company to meet its obligations and the reduction in reliance on leverage to meet its strategic plans. As globalization and acquisition is the focus, the leverage ratios are important. Debt has remained relatively low as compared to assets and equity, 23% and 44%respectively. Liquidity  [5]  : Are ratios used to determine a companys ability to pay off its short-terms debts obligations. Generally, the higher the value of the ratio, the larger the margin of safety that the company possesses to cover short-term debts. The current strategies may require short-term loans to finance acquisition. With these ratio levels, Nucor is in the position to shop for good interest rates. Total cash reserves for 2007 were roughly $1.4Billion, which will directly aid a globalization and expansionistic approach. As conclusion, at the end of year 2006 Nucor was in very good shape financially and the financial performance is strong for the 2004-2006. The date in table 1 shows how Nucor increased tons sold during the year 2000- 20006 with increasing in sales and market share of their products. SOWT Analysis In this part which is simply but powerful tool for sizing up a companys resource strengths and competitive efficiencies, its market opportunities, and the external threats to Nucor future well-being of Nucor Table 2. Nucors strengths Technology Innovation: Is one of Nucors key strengths due to the amount of resources they can save because of it. Nucor also has established plants with low pollution levels. The ability for Nucor to use this to its advantage allows them to be more competitive with the market by substantially lowering their production cost. It also allows them to be environmentally friendly, which is a huge worldwide social concern these days. Continuous Innovations allows Nucor to hold its technological edge on the competition. Nucor is always moving and always improving its business cycle through the use of continuing innovation. Nucor is an industry leader when it comes to innovation. Strong market position: Nucor Corporation has many different competencies that allow it to hold a strong position in the steel industry. These include its adopted new technologies, successful management structure, strong established market relations, and the long successful existence in the market. The company has marvelous industry position and positive financial results for the past over 40 years. Corporate Philosophy: One of Nucors strategic strengths is its philosophy of empowering its workers and reducing the inefficient layers that plagues corporate. Company structure is decentralized with minimal management layers. Cost control: Nucor focuses on cost control. To be competitive in a market with little product differentiation, price is the main competitive factor. One of Nucors core competencies is that its expertise in keeping costs low. The same is maintained by adopting technological innovation that helps increase production at lower costs. Nucors Weaknesses A weakness is something a firm lacks, does poorly, or a condition placing it at a disadvantage in the marketplace and these are;  [6]   Missing capabilities in key areas leading to dependence on a volatile market location: Nucor faces some significant weaknesses with its location. Nucor has plants, all of which are located within the US. The problem is that Nucor cannot effectively serve international markets as good as competitors having plants worldwide. The shipping of steel to overseas countries is extremely expensive. Nucor is not in a great market position. Customers can go some place closer to buy their steel essentially knocking off a large shipping cost. Nucor also does not give deals on quantities purchased. Nucors most significant weakness lies with its domestic market. With the US Market being its primary customer base, Nucor is not able to offset losses because of a diversified location worldwide. Nucor is currently in a Market where growth is declining significantly. Deficiencies in competitively important physical, organizational, or intangible assets through high expansion and technology costs: The expansion policy accompanied with dependency on scrap steel and energy prices and the vol