Position Paper over Death Penalty free essay sample

The death penalty should be abolished. I absolutely agree with this statement. From a personal standpoint, I do not believe in the death penalty for several reasons. One is the fear of someone being put to death that is innocent. It is also, in my opinion, just as much punishment to sentence someone to life in prison without the chance for parole. From a business standpoint I do not believe the death penalty is cost effective. I know that it is expensive to run prisons; however it is also very costly to those states that do use the death penalty. In some states juries make the decision on which convicted criminals are put to death and in some states judges make these decisions. I am also again the death penalty because I do not feel that any person should have the part they played in putting someone to death on their conscious forever. We will write a custom essay sample on Position Paper over Death Penalty or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page The Los Angeles Daily News reported that a republican, Don Heller, former prosecutor, and the author of the 1978 ballot initiative to that reinstated California’s death penalty, â€Å"voiced his support for replacing the death penalty with life without parole. In this article, Mr. Heller states that there are â€Å"staggering† costs and there is a significant risk of executing the innocent. He also states that he feels that at least one innocent person may have been executed under California’s current death penalty law. I agree with Mr. Heller’s current position on this subject. As a juror, prosecutor or judge, I think making this decision would be hard and that I would contemplate if I made the right decision for the rest of my life. William S.Sessions, a former director of the FBI and a former judge and prosecutor recently made this statement regarding the death sentence of Troy Davis â€Å"Without DNA or other forms of physical or scientific evidence that can be objectively measured and tested, it is possible that doubt about guilt in this case will never be resolved. However, when it comes to the sentence of death, there should be no room for doubt. † Mr. Sessions has an accurate argument and there is reportedly very much doubt to the guilt of Troy Davis in this case. Troy Davis will be put to death at 7pm on the very day that I am writing this paper. By the time his paper reaches you, a man with a doubtful conviction will be dead. On September 22, Derrick Mason will also be executed. The judge who imposed this death sentence on Mason in 1995 has written a letter to be submitted to the Alabama governor requesting Mason’s sentence be commuted to life in prison without parole. This judge had only been on the bench six months when he heard Mason’s case. The cost effectiveness of the death penalty is something many people are rethinking. As of January 1st of this year, on death row there are 3,251 people in the US on death row. However, Troy Davis is only the 34th person put to death in the US this year. In 2010 there were a total of 46 executions and in 1998 a 30 year high of 98. By using the death penalty we are only taking . 00003% of US inmates out of our prison system. On the other hand, the cost to implement the death penalty is approximately $137 million per year in California alone in ongoing costs. The state of Florida alone spends an estimated $51 million annually on this nonsense and for their investment they have not executed anyone in going on a year and a half. The cost of the present execution system in California with reforms recommended by the Commission to ensure a fair process would be $232 million per year†¦ almost an $100 million dollar increase. My position on this is to implement a life in prison without parole sentence rather that the current death sentence. Numbers do not lie on the cost effectiveness of this. The cost to impose the maximum penalty of lifetime incarceration instead of the death penalty is . 08% of the current death penalty costs in one state alone. This narrows annual costs from $137 million to a significantly less $11. 5 million. Each death penalty case in Texas costs taxpayers about $2. 3 million, 3 times the cost of imprisoning someone in a single cell at the highest security level for 40 years. It is my opinion that there are many cases in which are not tried correctly and fairly. Of the over 1,000 people executed, it is my belief that innocent people we killed and that many unnecessary tax dollars were spent. The $126 million we could save annually if the death penalty was abolished could be put at the forefront of crime in order to prevent it. I think many would agree with my position on the death penalty. References: http://usgovinfo.about.com/cs/censusstatistic/a/aaprisonpop.htm

Free Essays on An Alternative for Prison

America's prisons have been called "graduate schools for crime." It stands to reason: Take a group of people, strip them of possessions and privacy, expose them to constant threats of violence, overcrowd their cell-block, deprive them of meaningful work, and the result is an embittered underclass more intent on getting even with society than contributing to it. Prisons take the nonviolent offender and make him live by violence. They take the nonviolent offender and make him a hardened killer. America has to wake up and realize that the current structure of our penal system is failing terribly. The government has to devise new ways to punish the guilty, and still manage to keep American citizens satisfied that our prison system is still effective. Americans pay a great deal for prisons to fail so badly. Like all big government solutions, they are expensive. In the course of my studies dealing with the criminal justice system, I have learned that the government spends approximately eighty-thousand dollars to build one cell, and $28,000 per year to keep a prisoner locked up. That's about the same as the cost of sending a student to Harvard. Because of overcrowding, it is estimated that more than ten-billion dollars in construction is needed to create sufficient space for just the current prison population. The plain truth is that the very nature of prison, no matter how humane society attempts to make it, produces an environment that is inevitably devastating to its residents. Even if their release is delayed by longer sentences, those residents inevitably return to damage the community, and we are paying top dollar to make this possible. Why should tax payers be forced to pay amounts to keep nonviolent criminals sitting in prison cells where they become bitter and more likely to repeat their offenses when they are released? Instead, why not put them to work outside prison where they coul... Free Essays on An Alternative for Prison Free Essays on An Alternative for Prison America's prisons have been called "graduate schools for crime." It stands to reason: Take a group of people, strip them of possessions and privacy, expose them to constant threats of violence, overcrowd their cell-block, deprive them of meaningful work, and the result is an embittered underclass more intent on getting even with society than contributing to it. Prisons take the nonviolent offender and make him live by violence. They take the nonviolent offender and make him a hardened killer. America has to wake up and realize that the current structure of our penal system is failing terribly. The government has to devise new ways to punish the guilty, and still manage to keep American citizens satisfied that our prison system is still effective. Americans pay a great deal for prisons to fail so badly. Like all big government solutions, they are expensive. In the course of my studies dealing with the criminal justice system, I have learned that the government spends approximately eighty-thousand dollars to build one cell, and $28,000 per year to keep a prisoner locked up. That's about the same as the cost of sending a student to Harvard. Because of overcrowding, it is estimated that more than ten-billion dollars in construction is needed to create sufficient space for just the current prison population. The plain truth is that the very nature of prison, no matter how humane society attempts to make it, produces an environment that is inevitably devastating to its residents. Even if their release is delayed by longer sentences, those residents inevitably return to damage the community, and we are paying top dollar to make this possible. Why should tax payers be forced to pay amounts to keep nonviolent criminals sitting in prison cells where they become bitter and more likely to repeat their offenses when they are released? Instead, why not put them to work outside prison where they coul...

What I have learned this year Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

What I have learned this year - Essay Example This year, this class has benefited me as I prepare for my future career.I have learned how to make presentations, which is an important skill that I will engage in during the preparation of presentations that I will be making to people. I have also learned how to create excellent essays while following every detail required while preparing great essays. In this case, I have learned the mechanics of writing essays while following the required format and style; the importance of good grammar; the choice of words in essay writing; and the importance of proofreading and editing my essays before submission. In addition, putting my ideas in an essay has taught me the importance of being assertive, which has improved my debating skills as I have gained the capacity to argue and defend my position. However, I know I can improve these skills by practicing a lot in order to be efficient when I engage in any activity. Reflective Essay Students undertake different courses in school in order to prepare themselves for future career work and their life. In this case, the classes that students undertake should help them build their skills and enhance their knowledge so that they can engage in their careers effectively. While some students fail to see the importance of some of the diminutive elements in their education, these elements are crucial in ensuring that students were well-equipped for future jobs and careers. For example, it is evident that an element such as cultural differences may appear minute while considering its face value. However, it is essential to point out that this skill is crucial during inter-cultural communication since different cultures interpret language differently. Hence, the failure to value the importance of this diminutive element may challenge communication between two parties and fail to achieve the objectives. That said, it is crucial for students to consider all key elements that enhance communication. Throughout this year, I have learned formidable skills that will help me build my career in busi ness since these skills will be crucial during communication as we are all aware that successful business involves effective communication of business proposal and ideas. First, I have learned the importance of preparing good presentations that will communicate my ideas and arguments in a manner that was clear and effective. Chivers and Schoolbred (2007, p.20) noted that good presentations should be â€Å"interesting and useful to the learning situation, but they can be enjoyable, even memorable.† In line with this, I have learned the skills of writing presentations that do not veer off the topic of discussion while avoiding regurgitation. In this case, I ensure that my presentations were clear and to the point in order to inform the reader or the listener about the content matter in the topic of discussion. In addition, I ensure that my presentations inspired the listeners and readers while they also grabbed and held their attention. However, I realise that I cannot prepare a good presentation without engaging basic skills that are required to develop the presentation. In line with this, this class has taught me the basic skills required to develop a good presentation. Beck, Bennett, and Wall (2005) identify preparation as the main essential element in developing an excellent presentation. Thus, I have learned t

Financial Management Individual Work 2 Week 6 Essay

Financial Management Individual Work 2 Week 6 - Essay Example theory that explains that dividends at hand are preferred by investors to dividends retained in a company in which the dividend policy would have affected the value of the firm. The theory was put forward by John Lintner and Myron Gordon. They argued that investors perceive dividends at hand to be less risker than dividends of potential future capital gains. Stockholders therefore prefer actual dividends to retained earnings. Tax preference theory knows that there are two tax related reasons for believing that investors may prefer low dividend payout to higher dividend payout. The taxes on capital gains are only paid when the stock is sold but when it is held by a person; no capital gains will be due at any given point in time. a.3 The theories are one way traffic such that if the dividend irrelevance theory is right, then dividend payout has no significance hence the firm can follow any dividend payout. If the bird in the hand theory is relevant, the firm can set a high payout if it wants to maximize the stock price. If the tax preference is accurate, the firm can set a low payout if is to maximize the stock price. Therefore in general, the theories are in total war with one another. a.4. Regrettably, empirical tests of theories have not been in conclusion, so it is absolutely difficult to tell if investors prefer either dividends or capital gains. However, the firms’ managers’ can use the analyses to a reasonable and rational decision over dividend policy. b. 1.Different groups of stockholders choose different kinds of dividend payout policies for example pension funds which are tax bracket. This kind of group of stockholders might prefer high payout stocks. Investors can sell their stocks and incur some transaction costs hence forcing sales to be made in a down market. 2. Clienteles are in existence and the question that arises is whether there are more members of one clientele than the rest. There are relevant costs such as taxes and brokerage costs

Immigration in the 19th Century vs. Now Research Paper

Immigration in the 19th Century vs. Now - Research Paper Example America is a secular democratic country with high levels of living standards and equal respect to all religions which makes America the paradise of immigrants now. On the other hand, poverty and poor living standards forced people from all over the world to immigrate to America in the nineteenth century. This paper briefly compares and contrasts the current and nineteenth century immigration to America. Nineteenth century witnessed industrial revolution in America. The evolution of better technologies and advancements in science helped America to focus more on industrial development in the nineteenth century. Factories and manufacturing units established large in number during this period which forced people from other parts of the world to immigrate to America because of the scope of getting better jobs â€Å"Majorities of immigrants came during the 1820s - 1890s were mostly from Ireland and Germany. Famine and poverty in Ireland, and political upheaval in Germany brought about fiv e million immigrants† (Immigration and Industrialization in the Nineteenth century). Though life in Ireland was cruel, immigrating to America was not a joyful event...it was referred to as the American Wake for these people knew they would never see Ireland again. Those who pursued this path did so only because they knew their future in Ireland would only be more poverty, disease, and English oppression. America became their dream (Irish Immigrants in America during the 19th Century) The nineteenth century immigrants mainly focused in getting jobs in American industrial units. However, current immigrants are not only exploring job opportunities, but also exploring the opportunities for establishing small scale businesses in America. Many of the current Indian and Pakistani immigrants have their own industrial units in America. Many of the people who are relocating to America at present are looking for opportunities to establish their own business units in America, rather than exploring the possibilities of getting a job. The nineteenth century immigrants got only lowly paid hard jobs with high amount of risks. The scope for a better future forced them to accept risky jobs (Immigration and Industrialization in the Nineteenth century). On the other hand the current immigrant community is not much keen in accepting risky jobs. They always give preferences to safe and secure jobs with the chances of getting a decent salary. Mexicans were another prominent community which started to immigrate to America during the latter part of the nineteenth century. Poor administration, low wages, poverty, increasing population etc in Mexico forced Mexicans to cross the border, both through legal and illegal channels. Mexico and America are neighboring countries which helped the Mexicans to cross the borders easily. Currently Mexicans are the largest minority groups in America. The flow of immigrants from Mexico to the United States has declined sharply since mid-decade. T he Mexican-born population in the U.S., which had been growing earlier in the decade, was 11.5 million in early 2009. That figure is not significantly different from the 11.6 million Mexican immigrants in 2008 or the 11.2 million in 2007 (Passel). The recent recession problems in America are suspected as the major reason for the stabilization of Mexican immigration. The American economic growth was seriously affected

The Fight Or Flight Syndrome

The Fight Or Flight Syndrome The fight or flight response was coined by Cannon and refers to the physiological reactions that prepare us for a strenuous efforts required by fighting or running away, (Martin, Carlson Buskit, 2010, p 750). There is evidence for and against the modern man/women being ill because of the fight or flight syndrome. For example if the stress is short-term then there will be no adverse effects but if the stress is prolonged that individual could be vulnerable to illnesses; both psychological issues (depression) and physiological problems (heart disease). However, this is dependent on several factors that may act as a buffer against stress such as their self-esteem, coping strategies and other individual differences like personality. Lazarus and Launier (1978) regarded stress as a transaction between stress and the environment, (cited in Ogden, 2012, p 290). There are several physiological responses to stress such as heart rate increase, blood pressure rise, blood sugar level rise, digestion stopping and adrenaline release. These help the body to be alert and ready, therefore whether they flee or fight. Normally after the body is stable, but if the stress is prolonged then it has negative effects. For example, the digestion stopping may cause stomach ulcers; consistent blood sugar rise can cause diabetes and heart rate differences can cause coronary heart disease. This shows how much a person has changed from prehistoric times, where the only response was to fight or run away, to now where modern stressors are complex so this response is no longer appropriate and Cannon saw that it could make a modern person ill, (Martin, Carlson Buskit, 2010). The responses to stress link with Selyes General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS), which has three stages; the first stage is the alarm stage which involves the autonomic nervous system. Then the resistance stage is reached and then the exhaustion stage, where the person/animal loses their ability to adapt and leaves them vulnerable to illnesses (Martin, Carlson Buskit, 2010). This shows that the stress response will be advantageous in the short-term but if the exhaustion stage is reached it can have detrimental effects on that person. However, Selyes theory might not be valid due to generalisation problems; he carried out his study on animals, whose processes and responses are be different to humans (Martin, Carlson Buskit, 2010). There are two main groups of physiological changes. The first is sympathetic activation where a stressor triggers the nervous system in this region to produce adrenaline so this produces the fight or flight response. This activates hypothalamic pituitary adrenocortical (HPA) activity, this is similar to GAS, and this changes the carbohydrate stores and releases endorphins that act as pain relief ready to fight, (Ogden, 2012). This shows how the fight or flight responses in the body can be beneficial short-term. There is evidence for and against the fight or flight response causing the modern man to be ill but the outcome is dependent on factors that could modify the effects. One example is personality; if they have a hardy personality (Kobasa, 1977, cited in Sanders Suls, 1982) or if they strive when stressed it acts as a buffer against stress, (George, Everly Lating, 2002). People with a type A personality (see stress as positive) are motivated by stress and succeed when in this state, (Friedman and Rosenman, 1959, cited in Hayes, 2000). Nevertheless, if the persons personality is opposite then theyre more likely to get ill from stress, therefore helping to prove the statement true. Additionally, their self-esteem can effect this too; a person who has low self-esteem and low global self-esteem (negative evaluation of oneself turns to self-doubt and self-rejection) are more likely to get stressed then a person with high self-esteem, (Schrami, Perski, Grossi Simonsson-Sarnecki, 2010). The se factors make a person less susceptible and therefore helps disprove whether fight or flight responses make people ill. However, some data for this was collected by questionnaire so the findings may not be valid due to social desirability bias. Another factor that can act as modifier against stress is coping strategies. Selk (1973) stated that what makes us ill now is different to what made us ill before, for example more psychological problems occur now e.g. mental disorders (Esch, Stefano, Fricchione Benson, 2002) then physical ones and it depends on how that person deals with their environment, (Klirts Moos, 1974, cited in George, Everly Lating, 2002). A lot of research has stated the importance of social support to act as a buffer against stress, and can help prevent burnout, (Etzion, 1984). For example, good communication with your partner can decrease marital problems and stress. Social support works by motivating the individual and adding need-fulfilment. Women have better interpersonal skills so seek social support and therefore are less prone to stress in this particular way. Norris and Murrel (1990) suggest that low social support and a stressful life event e.g. death of a loved one is more likely to cause long -term stress. However, they state the complexity of the term social support as there are many different varieties and of differing levels. Another coping strategy is to gain a new activity; this gets you out, having fun and keeping that persons mind off the stressor(s) (Norris and Murrel, 1990). This shows that social support is important and lack of it can help to cause the negative effects of stress, (even more so when faced with a stressful life event). Therefore, suggesting that the fight or flight response can make someone ill in the wrong circumstances. However, other things must be taken into account individual differences e.g. what strategy suits them best and if they have a new hobby. Findings from studies show that both cognitive diathesis and the stress component (more environmental causes) go together to help suggest why people get stressed. Research shows that stressful life events trigger the susceptibility to stress; this put with other more biological factors like low self-esteem can make the person more vulnerable. This shows how the diathesis-stress model can help explain that its not just one factor that contributes to the fight or flight response making an individual ill, its a multitude of factors (both environmental and biological) that help explain the negative effects of stress. If its biological causes then some coping strategies used to combat the responses of fight or flight will not work as effectively as treatments that focus on genetic influences e.g. a hereditary hardy personality. However, it might be too early to come to this conclusion because more research needs to be done in this area, but its an effective explanation that takes an eclec tic approach to explain that the fight or flight can have its benefits but with the wrong diathesis and vulnerability to stress can show that a person can be made ill, (Zvolenskya, Kotovb, Antipovac Schmidtd, 2003). Nevertheless, there might be a problem with the fight or flight response itself not the modern day man. It hasnt been updated even though our stress response has changed and ignores research carried out since it was coined by Cannon in the 1920s. It mischaracterised the order in which the responses occur. A new sequence by Gray can explain the responses better for more modern times, it begins with the freeze response so the person/animal remains undetected. Then an attempt to flee and then a chance to fight occurs. Another model is the stop, look, listen approach which might be more valid today and is used in many military operations, which also relates to the freeze response. Additionally, the fright response (tonic immobility) or in other words playing dead is reached. This updates the fight or flight response to be freeze, flight, fight or fright. This revelation shows that there is a problem with the fight or flight response, that its responsible for illness in the modern day ma n/women encountering stress and that it needs adapting to new scenarios that could be encountered now, (Does fight or flight need updating?). The evidence suggests that the fight or flight response can be beneficial, but with the wrong circumstances and if the stress is prolonged then it can make an individual ill. Nevertheless, this can be affected by certain modifying effects for example, if the person has suitable/effective coping strategies. Other aspects of the argument, like whether the fight or flight response needs updating is important to take into account. Its still unclear what causes stress is it biology or environmental causes? Therefore, more research needs to be done on the causes so the treatments can be looked at for reliability and validity. Additionally, then more information will be available on whether the fight or flight response does cause illnesses or is it a positive relationship. [Word count: 1340/1320. Citations- 116.]

A Description of Christian Teachings about the Roles of Men and Women E

A Description of Christian Teachings about the Roles of Men and Women The family is our basic social unit. It is the smallest and most common group in our society. It is found in every country and in every age throughout history. Sociologists often distinguish between two types of family. The first is the 'nuclear' family which is where husband and wife live alone with their children. The second is the 'extended' family, which consists of several generations possibly living in the same house and having relatives living in the neighbourhood. Christians believe that family is of great importance. In Genesis it says: "Living as a family prevents loneliness." Christians also belive it is their duty to care for all their relatives, including the elderly. Showing respect to each family member is of paramount importance, 1 Timothy 5:8, "But if anyone does not take care of his relatives, especially the members of his own family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever." In the book of Ruth it says that families must show loyalty to one another. The Bible shows that God intended, right from the beginning that men and women should join together for life as couples. The bond between a man and a woman produces new life when children are born, and this way God's creation continues. The Bible makes it clear that marriage should be taken very seriously, Genesis 2:18, "Then the Lord God said, 'It is not good for the man to live alone. I will make a suitable companion to help him." One reason for Christians marrying is that they can provide a stable background which helps people to cope with problems. It prepares... ...'t unfair because you have to get things for yourself. You can not fall back on other people you have to become independent. With choice comes consequence, good or bad, but the way you handle these consequences determines your level of maturity. Nowadays, people in the Christian Society are beginning to change roles, and men and women are becoming more equal. Many Christian parents have accepted changes in society and have adapted to them. Both men and women go to work, there are also some house husbands. There are different roles in society which are beginning to be shared by both men and women such as male equivalent maids. Some children in one parent families even have to take the role of a parent if a relative becomes ill. They have to grow up quickly and take on the burdens of holding a family unit together.

Against Same Sex Marriage Essay

The legalization of the marriage between same sex couples will permanently change the rite of marriage in our society. The legalization of homosexual marriage will quickly destroy the traditional family. Marriage is the institution that forms and upholds for society, the cultural and social values and symbol related to procreation. That is, it establishes the values that govern the transmission of human life to the next generation and the nurturing of that life in the basic societal unit, the family. Through marriage our society works out the relationship of two people who will together create and nurture a new generation. To change the definition of marriage to include same sex marriage couples would destroy its capacity to function in many ways. It could no longer represent procreative relationships of opposite sex marriages.Reproduction is the fundamental occurrence on which the future of life depends. It is the primary reason why marriage is so important to society. In same sex marriages procreation would be eliminated entirely. First, when the state sanctions homosexual relationships and gives them its blessing, the younger generation becomes confused about sexual identity and quickly loses its understanding of lifelong commitments, emotional bonding, sexual purity, the role of children in a family, and from spiritual prospective, the sanctity of marriage. Marriage is reduced to a partnership that provides attractive benefits and sexual convenience. Cohabitation and short term relationships are the inevitable result. Second, the introduction of legalized gay marriages will lead to polygamy and other alternatives to the one man, on woman unions. Why will gay marriage set the table for polygamy? Because there is no place to stop once the line has been crossed. Historically, the definition of marriage has rested on a foundation of tradition, legal precedent, theology, and the overwhelming support of the people. After the introduction of marriage between homosexuals it will be supported by nothing more substantiated than the opinion of a single judge or by a black-robed panel of justices (Marriage under Fire). After their decision, the family will consist of little more than someone’s interpretation of rights. Given that unstable legal judgment, it is certain some self-possessed judge, somewhere, will soon rule that three men or three women can marry. How about group marriage or marriage between cousins, or marriage between parent and child? How about marriage between a man and his animal? Anything allegedly linked to civil rights will be doable. The legal underpinnings for marriage will have been destroyed. These other couples restricted from marrying are not equivalent to homosexual couples, but are necessary to illustrate that marriage is heavily regulated, and for good reason. When a state recognizes a marriage, it bestows upon the couple certain benefits which are costly to both the state and other individuals. Collecting a deceased spouse’s social security, claiming an extra tax exemption for a spouse, and having the right to be covered under a spouse’s health insurance policy are just a few examples of its costly benefits associated with marriage. In a sense, a married couple receives a subsidy. A marriage between two unrelated heterosexuals is likely to result in a family with children. For this reason, states have, in varying degrees, restricted from marriage, couples unlikely to produce children. One may argue that lesbians are capable of procreating via artificial insemination, so the state does have an interest in recognizing lesbian marriages, but a lesbian’s sexual relationship, committed or not, has no bearing on her ability to reproduce (Single Parent: What Helps, What Hurts). However, there is ample evidence that children need both female and male parent for proper development. It is essential for a child to be nurtured by parents of both sexes if a child is to learn to function in a society made up of both sexes (Life without Father). With the legalization of homosexual marriage, every public school in the nation will be required to teach that this lifestyle is the moral equivalent of traditional marriage between a woman and a man. Textbooks, even in conservative states, will have to depict man/man and woman/woman relationships and stories written for children as young as elementary or even kindergarten, will have to give equal space to homosexuals. Every public school will also be forced to teach that same sex marriage and homosexuality are perfectly normal. They will teach little boys  and little girls that husband and wife and father and moother are merely optional for a family and therfore, meaningless (No Gay Marriage). Same sex families deny children either a mother or father. In certain cases, the same sex family is not driven by the needs of children, but rather by the radical wishes of a small group of adults. Thousands of published social science, psychological and medical studies show that children living in fatherless families, on average, suffer dramatically in every measure of well-being. These children suffer from higher levels of loneliness, physical or mental illness, behavior problems, educa tional failure or criminal troubles. The third reason marriage between homosexuals will destroy traditional marriage is that this is the ultimate goal of activists, and they will not stop until they achieve it. Homosexual activists, with their inner power and exhilaration, feel the political climate is right to tell us what they have wanted all along. Gay marriages are likely to do for gay rights what the rallying cry of â€Å"abortion on demand† did for the Equal Rights Amendment and the women’s movement. It diverts the real debate on every level. It reduces the cause of gay rights to a single issue. But the real deal is most gays and lesbians do not want to marry each other. They do not want to entangle themselves in all sorts of legal constraints (Single Parent What Helps, What Hurts). In a perfect democratic world, gay marriage would be an option for those who want it. However, this world is not a perfect democracy, and the fight for gay marriage is the wrong fight at the wrong time (Focus on Family). In conclusion, the reason for excluding same sex couples from marriage matters: If the reason for denying homosexual marriage is that we have no respect for same sex couples and their relationships and want to give the message that homosexuality is wrong, then that is discrimination and that is wrong. On the other hand, if the reason is to keep the very nature, essence and substance of marriage intact, and the essence is to protect the procreative relationship, then excluding same sex couples from marriage is ethically acceptable. This such refusal is not discrimination. Ethics requires us to take the least invasive, least restrictive alternative, reasonably available and likely to be effective in achieving a justified  goal. Maintaining a traditional marriage and legally recognizing same sex partnerships fulfills that ethical requirement (Why Marriage Matters). Gay and lesbian people have a right to form meaningful relationships. They do not have a right to redefine marriage for all of us. What will happen to society if marriage becomes anything or everything or nothing? The short answer is that the state will lose its compelling interest in marital relationships altogether. After marriage has been redefined, divorces will be obtained instantly, will not involve a court, and will take on the status of a driver’s license or hunting permit. With the family out of the way, all rights and privileges of marriage will accrue to gay and lesbian partners without the legal entanglements and commitments associated with it. These are a few reasons why I am against homosexual marriage. Legalizing it will change everything, especially the institution of the family. Every society needs natural marriage- as many men as possible each finding a woman, caring for and committing himself exclusively to her- working together to create and raise the next generation.

The KISS Guide To Writing Keyword Rich Articles

The KISS Guide To Writing Keyword Rich Articles The KISS Guide To Writing Keyword Rich Articles The KISS Guide To Writing Keyword Rich Articles By Sharon Freelance writers are often asked to write keyword rich web content articles. If you dont know where to begin, heres the keep it simple guide to get you started. Finding Keywords In most cases, clients supply the keywords you need for an article. If they dont, then your first step is to research some appropriate keywords for their topic. There are several tools you can use to do this. Some of my favorites are: the SEOBook Keyword Tool Google Adwords search tool These free tools allow you to search for a term and see related keywords. For each term, the sites indicate the search volume. This tells you which keywords are popular and gives you a list of phrases and alternative phrases to use when writing articles. Keyword Density Once you have the keywords, then its time to start writing. Sometimes clients ask for a specific keyword density, such as 3%. Although this is not the best way to write keyword articles, if thats what the client asks for, thats what you have to provide. Two tools which work well for checking keyword density are Textalyser and Live Keyword Analysis. in both cases, you paste your text into a box, hit a button and find out your keyword density. (Alternatively, you can work out how many times you need to mention the keyword phrase to achieve your target density and find and count them manually in your word processing program.) Seeding The Keywords Its much rarer now for writing clients to request a high keyword density. Using keywords 10-15 times in a short article can make it virtually unreadable, so most go for using keywords around five times. Whichever method you use, key positions for keyword placement are at the start (first words, first sentence or first paragraph) and end (last words, last sentence or last paragraph) of the article. Then the other keywords are sprinkled around in the middle. Breaking It Up One issue that writers sometimes face is having unwieldy keywords that dont fit well within a sentence. Some clients are sticklers for using keywords as written, which can result in strange sentence constructions that lack the appropriate punctuation. (Example: When buying mortgages UK consumers need to be aware of interest rates.) However, others realise that search engines take little account of punctuation and stop words (short words such as the, a and so on) and that its ok to use these to make a phrase more reader friendly. With this kind of client, its easy to produce engaging and informative articles that still meet the clients brief. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Freelance Writing category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:5 Uses of InfinitivesOne Fell SwoopJanuary 1 Doesn't Need an "st"

Lois Duncan essays

Lois Duncan essays Lois Duncan is the author of over 40 books, ranging from children's picture books to adult novels, but she is best known for her young adult suspense novels such as Killing Mr. Griffen and her newest book Gallows Hill. Many of these have been chosen as ALA "Best Books for Young Adults" and Jr. Library Guild Selections, and they have won Young Readers Awards in 16 states and three foreign countries. In 1992, Duncan had recieved the Margaret A. Edwards Award, presented by the School Library Journal and the Young Adult Library Services Association, to honor a living author for a distinguished body of adolescent literature. Lois Duncan grew up in Sarasota, Florida. From early childhood, she knew she wanted to be a writer. At the age of ten she submitted her first story to a magazine and at thirteen she made her first sale. Throughout her high school years she wrote regularly for young people's publications, mostly Seventeen Magazine. In 1962, Lois Duncan taught for the Journalism Department at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She also continued writing for different magazines. Over 300 of her articles and short stories appeared in magazines such as Ladies Home Journal, McCalls, Redbook, Good Housekeeping, and Readers Digest. Also, for a number of years she was a contributing editor for Womens Day magazine. Who Killed My Daughter? is the most difficult book Lois Duncan ever had to write. It is the true story of her search to find the truth behind the murder of her eighteen-year-old daughter, Kaitlyn, who was the youngest of her five children. The book has been featured on different TV shows such as Good Morning, America, Larry King Live, Unsolved Mysteries, and most recently, Inside Edition. The book was originally written for adults but it has been named a School Library Journal Best Book of the Year"...

Affects of the Cold War on the Middle East Essay - 1

Affects of the Cold War on the Middle East - Essay Example The effects of the Cold War on the socio-political affairs in the Middle East were very diverse and discursive in nature due to a number of economic, historical, political and religious causes such the Arab-Israel antagonism, the overt anti-religious nature of Communism, the vast reserve of furnace oil in the Middle Eastern countries, the non-democratic and most likely monarchic political systems in those countries during the Cold War and Islam as the religion of the majority of the people in the Middle East. Since most of the political governments of the Middle East were non-democratic and, to a great extent, monarchic after the Second World War up to 2000, the then rulers were forced to take shelter either in the US block or the Soviet in order to survive in the countries’ power with the support of any of the two superpowers. Also due to the vast reserve of oil, the Middle Eastern countries were strategically important for both of the superpowers. Therefore, the rulers of th ese countries needed backings of any of these two superpowers against the expansionist invasions of the others. Before the Soviet invasion in Afghanistan, the Arab countries were more or less neutral, though because of being geographically close to the Soviet Union and the overt US support for Israel in this region, the countries were more influenced by the Soviet Leaders. Because of the Soviet invasion in Afghanistan, the countries were alarmed; they began to feel the threat from the Soviet Union’s aggressive nature.

Movie Piracy - Is There a Solution Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Movie Piracy - Is There a Solution - Essay Example This paper attempts to answer questions such as these. It argues why movie piracy should be stopped and how it can be curbed to a large extent, if not completely stopped. I. Instilling Ethics The film industry experiences losses to the tune of hundreds of billions of dollars due to movie piracy. Film studios and copyright holders are the largest victims. Movie piracy began with the advent of VCRs in the 1980s (Straubhaar, LaRose, and Davenport 204). Ever since, the copying and selling of movies has been rampant. It is vital for both, vendors of pirated movies and consumers of pirated movies, to realize that the very practice of propagating and consuming pirated movies is unethical. It is unjust to jeopardize and exploit the hard work of others and deprive them of their fair share. Pirate activities undermine every aspect of the legitimate filmmaking business since legitimate retailers cannot possibly compete fairly with pirate business. Pirate operations do not have the average expen ses associated with the cost of doing legitimate business. Piracy negatively affects every rung on the ladder including the studios that invest in the film, the distributors, the retailers, and foreign and local filmmakers (MPAA qt. in Pang 43). Movie piracy is prevalent worldwide. According to Indian filmmakers, movie piracy accounts for at least 50% loss of revenue (Badam 46). Commenting at the practice of movie piracy, Mukesh Bhatt, an Indian film producer, states, â€Å"I’ve seen my movies pirated in streets abroad and it makes my heart bleed because it means I’m not getting my rightful share,† (Badam 46). Those indulging in movie piracy need to realize that they are stripping the filmmakers of their hard work and well deserved earnings. It is important to understand that being involved in such unethical activities only for a few dollars is against civility and humanity. II. Highlighting the Actual Victims Another issue that must be brought to public notice is that movie piracy is not a victimless crime. Supporters of piracy may argue that it is not harmful to anyone and that it in fact eases the pockets of consumers who cannot afford to spend too much money. This belief is contrary to the actual reality. Video piracy in fact harms the economy in many ways, whose effects cascade down to the general public including the perpetrators of the crime themselves.