Socialism and Communism after Marx

Socialism and Communism after Marx Introduction The following essay examines the Socialism and Communism after Marx. Socialism and Communism are two main approaches of the political theory. Karl Marx is among the modern political thinkers whose concepts have continued to have a special meaning as far as political theory is concerned. It is important to first consider the life and works of Marx before examining the socialism and communism after him.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Socialism and Communism after Marx specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Karl Max was one of the most renown scholar and theorist who lived between 1818 and 1883.The work of Karl Marx played an important role of changing the manner in which individuals operates. Marx theoretical works was based on social sciences, history, economics and philosophy. For a couple of years, the political and economic theories by Karl Marx were linked with several key political movements arou nd the world. For instance, the theory of Marxism was the official theory that guided Germany before the First World War.Also; Marxim theory was the official theory that guided Soviet Union and other nations in Eastern Europe for 72 years. Karl Marx in his theory enabled the majority poor people to triumph over the upper class.However; Karl Marx failed in his Marxism theory as a result of the establishment of the middle class. Even though he failed, Karl Marx was a respected philosopher as he was the man behind communism in many countries of the world such as Russia. His life and works played an important role of changing the way individual’s reason in the modern world. As a result of his works, people became approachable and also quick-thinkers as far as creating thoughts on politics are concerned. Karl Marx spent a large proportion of his life criticizing capitalism system. He participated in radical activities and wrote trenchant critiques that showed capitalism as a means of exploiting human beings. He therefore emphasized on socialism and communism. Karl Marx worked hand in hand with Friedrich Engels and the two men maintained a long lasting collaboration until the time when Marx died in 1844 (Rockmore 55). Socialism and Communism after Marx Following Karl Marx’s demise in 1844, Friedrich Engels who was became the narrator of the Marxism theory that was developed by Karl Marx. Engels approached an easy literary style and also had a tendency of offering simple answers with regards to complex philosophical issues. For instance,Engels answered the philosophical question of the relationship between thought and being in a very simple way which has been discussed for many years.Advertising Looking for research paper on political sciences? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Engels played an important role of setting the tone for the future political Marxists i.e. he enabled the future Marxists to decide philosophical questions in an easy manner. Engels also reinterpreted the Marxism theory by simplifying it in that where Karl Marx had given emphasis on preference and alternatives,Engels emphasized on needs and requirements. Where Karl Marx had emphasized on the importance of studying social process regarding extraction and production, Engels on the other hand emphasized on materialism as the guiding principle (Carver 37). Friedrich Engels died on 1895 and a different analysis of the Marxian theory took shape. The interpretation of the Marxism theory after Engels was later done by Eduard Bernstein in Germany who held the view that the theory required to be modified as it was old fashioned. Bernstein argued that nonviolent political as well as economic development of capitalism system to socialism system was the most ideal way of dealing with unnecessary revolutionary struggles. As Bernstein interpretation of Marxism theory among Germans’ socialists, another diverse variant was taking shape in Russia. During this period, Russia was a medium sized economy and the Marxism theory was not much popular. Agriculture was the main economic activity and the farmers were mainly small-scale farmers. Karl Marx had commented about the condition of rural life in his theory whereby he held the view that the communities who practice agriculture have much lower prospects for progressing as compared to the urban communities.However, some Russians criticized these remarks and in turn believed that Russia was capable of changing. Among the Russian revolutionalists who believed in change was George Plekhanov who in turn influenced an adolescent male by the name Lenin (Ball and Farr 57). Lenin on his part agreed that Russia was not yet ready for the revolutions due to various reasons such as the fact that Russian workforce was largely composed of agricultural laborers instead of industrial laborers. Lenin thus held the view that there was need to educate th e laborers so that they can fit into their respective class. Lenin during his life emphasized on communism and he criticized imperialism for he believed that it was the main reason behind the outbreak of the First World War. Lenin howenr died inn 1924 and afterwards another revolutionalists by the name Joseph Stalin emerged .Joseph Stalin emphasized on the law of the dialect i.e. the revolution from old into new society. Stalin also went further to argue that this law was ideal in case of a society that is divided into several hostile classes. Stalin also held the view that socialism requires to be practiced in Soviet Union prior to being practiced in any nation around the world.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Socialism and Communism after Marx specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Stalin passed away in 1953 and fifty years from then, Soviet Union does not exist.However, some countries including Russia still ex ercises his views. On the other hand, communism is still being practiced in China. The main theorist behind communism in China was Mao Zedong. Mao just like his predecessor i.e. Engels, Lenin, Beinstein and Stalin made various amendments with regards to the Marxian theory. Mao brought about several ideologies among them proposing that the city will guide the village. He also warned that city life is dangerous since it could hinder the revolutionary efforts by the communist and also cause ideological decay amongst the party carders. There were scholars who criticized socialism and communism by Karl Marx.The critics held the view that the government should not exist and that it should be brought to an end as it is a means of oppressing the citizens. These critics argued that vesting power in only a few communists is a means of promoting corruption. Among the scholars whom criticized socialism and communism by Karl Marx were Kropotkin and Bakunin (Rejai 78). Conclusion Following the de ath of Karl Marx, there have been many socialists and communists who have altered the original Marxism theory. Among the socialists and communists after Karl Marx includes Engels, Lenin, Bernstein, Stalin and Mao Zedong .There has also been scholars who have criticized the philosophical work of Karl Marx among them Kropotkin and Bakunin. Karl Marx’s theoretical work has been changed and misinterpreted since his death by his predecessors. Ball,Terence and Farr, James. After Marx. California: CUP Archive, 1984. Carver, Terrell. Engels after Marx. Manchester: Manchester University Press ND, 1999. Rejai, Mostafa. Political ideologies: a comparative approach. London: M.E. Sharpe, 1995.Advertising Looking for research paper on political sciences? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Rockmore, Tom. Marx after Marxism: the philosophy of Karl Marx. Hoboken: John Wiley and Sons, 2002.

A Brief History of Venice, Italy

A Brief History of Venice, Italy Venice is a city in Italy, best known today for the many waterways which criss-cross through it. It has developed a romantic reputation built upon by countless movies, and thanks to one startling horror film has also evolved a darker atmosphere. The city has a history dating from the sixth century, and once wasnt just a city in a larger state: Venice was once one of the greatest trading powers in European history. Venice was the European end of the Silk Road trade route which moved goods all the way from China, and consequently was a cosmopolitan city, a true melting pot. The Origins of Venice Venice developed a creation myth that it was founded by people fleeing Troy, but it was probably formed in the sixth century C.E., when Italian refugees fleeing Lombard invaders camped on the islands in the Venice lagoon. There is evidence for a settlement in 600 C.E., and this grew, having its own bishopric by the end of the 7th century. The settlement soon had an outside ruler, an official appointed by the Byzantine Empire, which clung onto a part of Italy from a base in Ravenna. In 751, when the Lombards conquered Ravenna, the Byzantine dux became a Venetian Doge, appointed by the merchant families who had emerged in the town. Growth Into a Trading Power Over the next few centuries, Venice developed as a trading center, happy to do business with both the Islamic world as well as the Byzantine Empire, with whom they remained close. Indeed, in 992, Venice earned special trading rights with the empire in return for accepting Byzantine sovereignty again. The city grew richer, and independence was gained in 1082. However, they retained trading advantages with Byzantium by offering the use of their, now considerable, navy. The government also developed, the once dictatorial Doge supplemented by officials, then councils, and in 1144, Venice was first called a commune. Venice as Trading Empire The twelfth century saw Venice and the remainder of the Byzantine Empire engage in a series of trade wars, before the events of the early thirteenth century gave Venice the chance to establish a physical trading empire: Venice had agreed to transport a crusade to the Holy Land, but this became stuck when the Crusaders couldn’t pay. Then the heir of a deposed Byzantine emperor promised to pay Venice and convert to Latin Christianity if they put him on the throne. Venice supported this, but when he was returned and unable to pay/unwilling to convert, relationships soured and the new emperor was assassinated. The Crusaders then sieged, captured, and sacked Constantinople. Many treasures were removed by Venice, who claimed a part of the city, Crete, and large areas including parts of Greece, all of which became Venetian trading outposts in a large empire. Venice then warred with Genoa, a powerful Italian trading rival, and the struggle reached a turning point with the Battle of Chioggia in 1380, restricting Genoan trade. Others attacked Venice too, and the empire had to be defended. Meanwhile, the Doges’ power was being eroded by the nobility. After heavy discussion, in the fifteenth century, Venetian expansion targeted the Italian mainland with the capture of Vicenza, Verona, Padua, and Udine. This era, 1420–50, was arguably the high point of Venetian wealth and power. The population even sprang back after the Black Death, which often traveled along trade routes. The Decline of Venice Venice’s decline began in 1453, when Constantinople fell to the Ottoman Turks, whose expansion would threaten, and successfully seize, many of Venice’s eastern lands. In addition, Portuguese sailors had rounded Africa, opening another trading route to the east. Expansion in Italy also backfired when the pope organized the League of Cambrai to challenge Venice, defeating the city. Although the territory was regained, the loss of reputation was immense. Victories such as the Battle of Lepanto over the Turks in 1571 did not halt the decline. For a while, Venice successfully shifted focus, manufacturing more and promoting herself as the ideal, harmonious republic- a true blend of nations. When the pope placed Venice under a papal interdict in 1606 for, amongst other things, trying priests in a secular court, Venice won a victory for secular power by forcing him to back down. But across the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, Venice declined, as other powers secured Atlantic and African trade routes, maritime powers like Britain and the Dutch. Venice’s seaborne empire was lost. End of the Republic The Venetian Republic came to an end in 1797, when Napoleon’s French army forced the city to agree to a new, pro-French, ‘democratic’ government; the city was looted of great artworks. Venice was briefly Austrian after a peace treaty with Napoleon, but became French again after the Battle of Austerlitz in 1805, and formed part of the short-lived Kingdom of Italy. The fall of Napoleon from power  saw Venice placed back under Austrian rule. Further decline set in, although 1846 saw Venice linked to the mainland for the first time, by a railway, and the number of tourists began to exceed the local population. There was brief independence in 1848–9 when revolution ousted Austria, but the latter empire crushed the rebels. British visitors began to speak of a city in decay. In the 1860s, Venice became part of the new Kingdom of Italy, where it remains to this day in the new Italian state, and arguments over to how best treat Venice’s architecture and buildings have produced conservation efforts that retain a great sense of atmosphere. Yet the population has fallen in halfsince the 1950s and flooding remains a problem.

Contemporary Responses By The Criminal Justice System Towards Victims Essay

Contemporary Responses By The Criminal Justice System Towards Victims And Witnesses Of Crime - Essay Example The accuracy, quality and quantity of the evidence provided by the victims or the witnesses play a crucial role in developing the case and the ultimate outcome of the investigations (Davis et al., 2007). This paper evaluates if the criminal justice system agents need to take into account the background and perspectives of the victims or the witnesses. It discusses the related research background and evaluates available evidence on the importance of including the witness background and perspectives. It starts with a discussion on sensitivity to emotive and cognitive processing style, expectations and ethnic perspectives of witnesses. A large amount of research and scholarly work has been undertaken on the subject of criminal justice system’s sensitivity (or lack of it) toward the victims or the witnesses. This ‘sensitivity’ is, however, studied from the point of view of the victims or the witnesses. The underlying theme is that the criminal justice system officials may inadvertently indulge in a further ‘victimization’ of the witnesses/victims during their investigations (Goodey, 2005). This is attributed to a plausible lack of empathy with the witness and the focus of the officials on getting the crime solved (Mawby and Walklate, 1994). As such, much research has gone into developing programs for educating the criminal justice system agents in being humane, patient and empathic to the victims (Lamb et al., 2008).For example, a research by Bollingmo, Wessel,   Eilertsen and Magnussen (2008) found that police officers tend to undermine the credibility of victims’ accounts if the victim appears to be calm and controlled and does not look harassed or desperate. However, it is more of a personality issue that some people may remain relatively calm under duress while others may become desperate with even little discomfort (Maguire and Pointing, 1988). But the investigating officers’

Organizational Changes and the Future in Policing Essay

Organizational Changes and the Future in Policing - Essay Example This paper will draw round Riordan's PR campaign together with its defined target audience, an impression of public relations issues, and insinuation of ethical issues. In adding up, Riordan has put into practice a marketing research plan and sought to bring into line its marketing and public relation approach According to the expert analysis Operations management for new firm is the methodical way and control of the processes that change inputs into ended goods and services. The operations function comprises an important proportion of the employees and bodily assets in the majority organizations. In such organizations operations managers are anxious with each step in as long as a service or product (Kogut, B. 2004, 151-167). They choose what should go into an in service system such as gear, labor, tools, facilities, materials, power, and information and how these inputs can finest be attain and used to please the requirements of the market place. Managers are also liable for serious activities such as excellence management and control, ability planning, materials management, procure, and preparation. The significance of operations management for a company like Nokia in market has augmented radically in latest years. Important foreign competition, shorter product and repair life-cycles, improved skilled and quality-conscious consumers, and the abilities of new technology have placed growing pressures on the operations function to get better efficiency as given that a broader array of high-quality products and services. By the globalization of markets, firms are familiar with that the operations function can be used as a spirited weapon to make stronger their location in the market place. Managers in operations management play a planned, as well as a strategic role in pleasing customer wants and making their firms sturdy international competitors (Kotabe, M., 2003, 10-31) According to the latest analysis if a new company want to enter in market then at least as volatile as the Middle-East situation, but not as famed in the headlines, is the appearance of worldwide operations as a main force that is reshaping the earth of commerce. By the prospect of latest business opportunities that escort it, we need to believe how these worldwide opportunities will be communal by U.S. businesses (Kotabe, M. 2003, 107-119). Personally, I describe public relations as the image that an organization works to portray to the public. Moreover, I have been in healthcare for 25 years as well as all the hospitals that I have worked for try to depict a positive image of healing and caring to the group of people. Portraying this image assist hospitals to gain new commerce and continue to grow. Nowadays, healthcare is commerce and mainly hospitals are vying to be number one in the area. every one in hospitals offer adequate care to an extent that is satisfactory to the public, but certain hospital systems stand out in areas of healthcare. When hospitals do extremely well in an area, such as cardiac care, the hospital

Ways promoting efficiency in a business Essay Example for Free

Ways promoting efficiency in a business Essay Talking an example of production industries, promoting a culture of open communication will enhance the skill of helping people. This skill will aid in problem solving. still under helping people skill patience as a skill will apply in that in case of delays of salaries workers will not feel that they are being subjected to kind of punishment (Richards, 2011). Another way of ensuring efficiency is encouraging communication, collaboration and feedback between departments and the management staff this will promote stream of ideas resulting to a more productive team overall. Positive perspective way of looking at your business as a worker increases output thus promoting efficiency. Computer survey as a skill enhances adoption of modern technology that put your business in front line towards more effective procedures. This creates better quality experience for employers’ and clients resulting to a stronger bottom hold. Being focused as an entrepreneur sets a good role model to your workers. In trying to be like, they put in enough effort which in return encourages efficiency. An outgoing business man sees to it that he is trending with current technology. The skill of being obsessive and compulsive aids you as a manager to make certain decision that will have an impact on your workers which in a way promotes efficiency for example punishing indiscipline. Lastly getting to know your workers better is a key point in promoting efficiency. This can be achieved by analysing employee process to their overall efficiency. Flexibility or the skill of adopting to change promotes efficiency in that no time is wastage trying to deny changes introduced in the business. After that is done achievable goals should be set. These realistic tangible goals provides motivation needed to achieve them which in turn enhances efficiency. Reference Richards, G. (2011). Warehouse management: A complete guide to improving efficiency and minimizing costs in the modern warehouse. London: Kogan Page. Source document

the tempest Essay -- essays research papers

Through the use of his magic, Prospero seeks to surpass worldly values and create a utopia, or ideal society. This becomes evident in how Shakespeare portrays the innocence of Ferdinand and Miranda. He insists that Ferdinand not â€Å"Break her virgin knot before All sanctimonious ceremonies may.†(Act 4, Scene 1) Prospero’s seeking to create an ideal society also becomes evident in his attempts at making his usurping brother and his court to repent. Thus, he is trying to make right of what has gone wrong in the world. He does this by working with his faithful spirit Ariel and using his magical knowledge to create a world in which he can create his own future and reconcile with his past. When his opportunity arrives to make his enemies repent, Prospero seizes the opportunity and sets out to reverse the events that occurred twelve year previously. â€Å"Hell is empty and all the devils are here,†(Act 1, Scene 1) Ferdinand yelled as he leapt from the burning ship during the tempest. The great tempest that Prospero bade Ariel to create was made by magic. The ship burned but it did not split, break, or sink. The ship was brought safely into the harbor and her crew was magically charmed to sleep. The occurrence of a mighty storm is a pivotal plot-mover, as well as a symbol for transformation. In The Tempest, the storm provides for the arrival of the King of Naples, the usurping Duke of Milan, Gonzalo, and the rest of their party, including Stephano and Trinculo. While the latter two do not...

Problems in Baltimore

Baltimore is a port city that is filled with many popular tourist attractions such as its museums, aquarium, and sports teams. It is also a city that has been on the decline for many years. The crime, drugs, and unemployment levels have all risen over the past two decades. Back in the Baltimore heyday, it was a booming city with high levels of port traffic. Today however, the ports are not seeing as much activity as before and that has led to an increase in unemployment and crime. Could Baltimore be on the same path Camden, NJ was on: booming port overtaken by crime and drugs? The television series â€Å"The Wire†Ã¢â‚¬  was based in and on Baltimore. Created and written by a former journalist for the The Baltimore Sun, David Simon, each season focuses on a different facet of the city: the illegal drug trade, the sea port system, the city government and bureaucracy, the school system, and the print news media. The show tried to create a realistic vision of an American city through truthful characters. There are good cops portrayed in the show, however many of the officers are incompetent, show excessive force, and are portrayed as having human qualities. Some residents and city officials credit the series for increased scrutiny by the media on its government, education system, drug problem, and crime. It did shed light on the illicit drug use in the city and its effects on the lower class's ability to grow in the fields of education and organization. In 2011, the U. S. Census Bureau reported that Baltimore County, MD had a population consisting of 65. 4% white and 26. 8% black/African American residents. The median household income in Baltimore County is $63,959. Broken down further, minority median income is $31,400 versus $57,048 for white/caucasian residents. Across the country, taxes and costs of goods and services is on the rise. It is very difficult for a family of four to live on $31,000 a year without public housing assistance and welfare programs. The poverty statistics are very interesting. According to the census data, 28% of Baltimore families with children under the age of 18 are living below the poverty level. That number increases to 40. % for female-headed families with no father present. The blame for poverty is an age-old question which usually produces the same answers: high taxes, barriers to occupational entry, and other economic factors. When you factor choice into the equation, the numbers change significantly. The poverty rate diminishes greatly for households that choose to marry and have children later in life, obtain a higher education, and stay of out jail. The poverty rate for married households with children under the age of 18 is 7. 4%. The answer seems simple: obtain higher education and marry later in life. Cecelia Elena Rouse, an economist and Dean of the Woodrow WilsonSchool of Public and International affairs at Princeton University, conducted focus groups in Baltimore City, MD. She was looking at income expectations to determine if there was a correlation between expected income and college attendance. The sample consisted of low-income minority high school seniors. She found that income expectations of low-income minority students are not so different from higher-income students. Low-income students are less able to turn their college plans into college attendance (Rouse 1314). The Maryland State Department of Education has reported that starting in 2007, city schools were beginning to show progress in its school reform effort; graduation rates were rising while dropout rates were decreasing. While progress has been made, more work and focus needs to be done in the Baltimore education system. The non-attendance rate has been recognized as a problem among low income students. Poor students are four times more likely to be chronically absent than their peers. Problems standing in the way of good school attendance include inadequate transportation, unstable housing, lack of health care, high incidence of chronic illness, and poor nutrition and safety concerns (Chang 7). Baltimore is one of three cities that have attempted to address the issue of absenteeism. The school districts and the community have partnered in building a culture of attendance. Strategic grants and investments have helped to make this possible. Franklin Square Elementary and Middle School is a successful model in Baltimore. Approximately 91% of its students receive free or reduced cost lunches and the class sizes are large, often 40 or more students in a class. Despite that, the school has one of the highest attendance rates in the city. There is an outreach program that holds students accountable and creates an environment of wanting to go to school. The school provides clean uniforms, dental care, after school activities, and free haircuts to help boost attendance (Chang 9). The question that needs to be answered is can the high school culture in Baltimore continue to cultivate this safe, nurturing environment such as the one created at the Franklin School. Upper elementary and high school students offer new problems that need to be addressed; teen pregnancy, drug use, and gangs being three that stand out the most. In the early 1990's, a study was completed in Baltimore that focused on teen mothers. It started in the late 1960's and followed two hundred fifty teenage mothers who gave birth during that time. In 1988, the first born of the teenage mothers were in their teen years and the sample statistics showed 37% had dropped out of school, 46% had completed high school, and 17% went on to higher education. This study concluded there was a direct correlation to the number of years the father was present, high maternal education aspirations, few years on welfare, high preschool cognitive ability, attendance in preschool, and no grade failure in elementary school and continued education beyond high school (Brooks-Gunn 278). In its fourth season, â€Å"The Wire†Ã¢â‚¬  focused on the education system in Baltimore. A first year middle school math teacher, who was a former police detective, struggles to connect with his students. Many of these students were schooled in drug dealing and gang activities. He came to the realization that in order to get them to learn, he had to trick them into learning. The fourth season of â€Å"The Wire † focused on the social conditions that cripple the Baltimore education system: fragmented families, declining neighborhoods with few legitimate jobs, indifferent city leaders, and a lack of educational resources. Even the students who want to learn face enormous obstacles, one of the biggest being the Baltimore education system compared to others in the country, is far behind. â€Å"The Wire † portrayed the problems plaguing the students and teachers. It is a pattern that will continue to be repeated generation after generation until the city, state, and federal governments make a commitment to rebuild it. According to the FBI crime statistics released in 2011, Baltimore is the fifth deadliest city in the country and the seventh most dangerous in overall violent crime despite its lowest homicide rate since the 1980's. It has taken decades of poverty, disinvestment in the community, and a general sense of hopelessness for Baltimore to become known as such a violent city. Arresting and prosecuting criminals is a crucial step in combating crime, however reinvestment into the community by federal, state, and local governments is also needed to turn the city into a safe, prosperous environment. There is a long-standing theory that suggests that teens are more likely to use heroin, crack, and/or cocaine if they have first used alcohol or marijuana, the latter which is preceded by alcohol and tobacco. In a study that was conducted in Baltimore, the median age for first drug use (alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana) was 14 years of ago and first heroin, crack, and cocaine use was 17 years of age (Curry 441). Parental drug use was a determining factor in predicting childhood drug users and also peer influence (Curry 442). There needs to be continued focus on educating and rehabilitating the young drug users before they begin exploring with injection drug use. The Baltimore Neighborhood Indicators Alliance was launched in 2002 to establish a way of understanding the changing neighborhoods and quality of life within the city. Forty outcome indicators were developed in order to measure progress and to hold the city leadership accountable (Bembry 97). A study was conducted comparing five US cities, Baltimore being one of them, and the effects of federal spending on the cities over time. Two â€Å"health checks † were taken, six years apart and looked at hardship factors: poverty, unemployment, dependency, housing built before 1939, percentage without a high school diploma, and the crime rate (Parker 1844). In each city, there was significant progress over the span of six years which show that federal spending, or any spending at the federal, state, and/or local levels, can help revitalize the community. In tough economic times, there is more need for government funds to help the community as unemployment rates are high. High unemployment creates desperation which spurs crime. According to the Census Bureau, in 2011 one in four Baltimore residents lives in poverty leaving more than 37% of Baltimore's children live in poverty. Being born into poverty is a good marker for being poor throughout life and creates an entire host of problems: high school dropouts, high crime rates, high poverty rates. Similar to various historical periods in history, being born into poverty creates a high predisposition for remaining in poverty. Federal, state, and local programs have created positive change and effects in cities like Baltimore where crime and poverty are some of the highest in the country. However during difficult economic times, government spending is difficult to procure and if it is being spent incorrectly or ineffectually it is not reaching as many people as it could. Rebuilding a city that has been mired in poverty is a difficult task with high costs. History shows us that initiating change while children are young and reinforcing that change can foster growth within a community. In Baltimore, urban planners are striving to rebuild communities with a mix of lower and middle income families. They feel this will improve the chances of residents maintaining their homes, patronizing local business, going on to post high school education, and keeping their neighborhoods safe. Despite ominous statistics, Baltimore has shown some improvement through programs implemented by the government. A dedication by leaders and the community will be key in the rebuilding of Baltimore.

Conflict is rarely resolved

conflict is rarely resolved. ‘ War. It is ruthless, unforgiving and most of all, futile. Has war really ever truly resolved the issues at cause? Has there ever been a rightful winner in war? There has not and there most likely never will be. My name is Genevieve Stack; I'm Megan Stacks grandmother. I have had my fair share of confronting experiences; being at the fragile age of eighty-one, I know the truth behind war as in my earlier years, it is what surrounded the world. I have lived through some of the most devastating wars, the results never positive.I am here today to talk to you about my worry and concern for not only my granddaughter, but for all those who feel the strong urge and pull to be involved in such tragic and life-threatening events. Thousands of people are being killed daily. I remember the automatic pain in my stomach when I found out that Megan was going to be foreign correspondent in one of the most war torn countries in the world, Afghanistan. Though I tri ed to warn her consistently of the dangers, she insisted and off she went on her wild adventure, which would make any relatives stomach churn.As the anxiety wore off, I began to realize how so much heartache and fear is brought to countries, yet not a single matter is resolved by the end. War consistently fuels more and more conflict each and everyday, innocent civilians having their life taken away from them for no reason at all. When we look back at previous hardships through war that not only America but also many around the world experienced when I was Just a young girl, we begin to see a pattern; no worthy resolution evident. If we take a look at World War two for example; what good was done?Still today, we re faced with constant memories of fear and images the horrid extremities war had to offer to those involved. The problem is, we are all involved, and there are no bystanders. War, Just like a circle, goes round and round, always ending up at the same destination. The confli ct right at the stem of war is never ultimately demolished; the severity of it only increases. With this notion, watching my granddaughter make her way to Afghanistan was one of the most difficult, heart- wrenching memories I hold still today.Whilst I knew she was capable enough to look after herself, I saw her as one of my own which only deepened the emotions once she had left the devastated America following the attack on the trade center in New York. America was left truly broken and so was my heart when I watched her walk into the terrible circumstances undergoing in Afghanistan, ones, which she was not fully aware of, her naivety quite prominent and the time. She was not carrying the same mentality, as I would have hoped, her strong sense of ambition and love for work and an adventure taking the wheel, steering her into what I considered to be a â€Å"death sis†.Nobody in our family had ever done such a thing or gone on such a venture. Whilst Megan thoroughly agreed with my views on war terrors, she had not lived them as I had, this working to her disadvantage when it came to Judging her upcoming experiences and the graphic images she would face. I was at the tender age of six when World War 2 erupted, every human being around the world being filled with emotions of fear and an immense amount of distress.I remember listening to the news on the radio at night, clinging to my parents, as the choice vibrating through the speaker would say things such as â€Å"bombings in London†, leaving civilians frightened for their lives, as they could be next. No young girl at aged six should have to hear such a thing. I guess my point is that I have lived through a war; many in fact and wish to educate not only my granddaughter but further enlighten others, my main point of view expressing that conflict is rarely resolved. Megan, having been away from home for a few months now, regularly writes to her mother and l.With broad descriptions of the visuals rig ht in front of her eyes, it is official to not worry as much as I do as she speaks of running off adrenaline, the fear of having your life violently taken away from you in an instant present in her thoughts and her daily life; something a twenty five year old should not be enduring. Too many people have the tendency to intervene in times of conflict, thinking it will bring about change or bring about a resolution at a quicker pace, but this is nowhere near the true reality of war.I acknowledge that there is what society considers being the â€Å"winners† and â€Å"losers† of war, all of which is commonly decided once one party demolishes the majority of its enemy's men, causing their opponent to surrender. This, however, is not like a sport where the other team accepts their loss and moves on. This only allows the â€Å"loser† to hold a severe grudge against their opponent and their need for revenge to increase. Let's look at the Israeli-Palestinian conflict as an example; a battle that arose simply because of Zionist movement which started with a group of secular European Jews to establish a homeland for the Jews in Palestine.This conflict has been existent for ever ninety years and a resolution is something, which the world does not foresee. This is the reason why I fear for my granddaughter's life. The severity of the conflict between the Jewish and Palestinians has been significantly increasing, which additionally means the actions from one party towards the other becomes more severe. Megan being in amongst the unsafe environment only worsens my anxiety, as the circumstances are life-threatening, wars whose end is not near. The worst part is that she does not seem worried at all or concerned for how careful she will have to e.I felt as if she was not prepared to delve into a world where the images are far more graphic than any movie she may of seen or anything on a prime time news program. War is unforgiving. War is futile. There is no happy ending in war nor is there a resolution. The conflict between two parties will always be prominent and existent, even once a war has ended and the â€Å"winner† has been declared, the fueling and never ending hatred for one another is still present. As Mean's grandmother, I hope she gains the knowledge required to remain safe as she pursues this venture.

8 ELL Mistakes Youre Probably Making in Your College Essays

8 ELL Mistakes Youre Probably Making in Your College Essays The number of ELL (English Language Learners) attending American colleges and universities is steadily growing. In fact, according to a whitepaper produced by the American Institutes for Research:From 1990 to 2014, the number of international students enrolled in U.S. higher education institutions more than doubled, reaching a total of 1.1 million students in the 2016–17 academic year (Institute of International Education, 2017a). Second-generation Americans, children born in the United States to immigrant parents, currently account for almost 20% of all U.S. college students and 24% of community college students (Community College Consortium for Immigrant Education, 2015).American Institutes for ResearchThe number of ELL writers in the US is steadily growing. Photo by Sean Kong on Unsplash.Mistake #1: Switching tense or incorrect tenseIn my experience as an editor for many ELL clients, a switched tense or incorrect tense were two of the most common mistakes I found. In the En glish language (as with other languages), the tense of a sentence shows the reader whether something occurred in the past, the present, or will occur in the future. In most cases, if a paragraph is written logically, it will consist of verbs that use the same tense. For example, consider the following paragraph:In their study of the migratory habits of birds, the authors explained that birds migrate due to lack of resources. They will move to areas with more resources. The authors note that birds look for food and nesting locations.Notice how the first verb, explained is in past tense and the following verb, migrate is in present tense. The next verb, will move is in future tense. And the last verb is note, which is present tense. Since the writer used three different tenses instead of one, the paragraph is confusing and poorly written. A better way to write it would be:In their study of the migratory habits of birds, the authors explain that birds migrate due to lack of resources, and then move to more fertile areas to compensate. Typically, the birds look for food and nesting locations.Not only is the above paragraph written in all present tense, Ive combined the first two sentences to make it read less choppy. Ive also removed the repetition of resources and authors, which brings us to Mistake #2.Mistake #2: Repeating words excessivelyIts always a good idea for any writer- whether English is your second language or not- to look over paragraphs to ensure that excessive repetition isnt taking place. While your grade might not get dinged for it as a grammar error, it does come across as poor writing.As shown in the example paragraph beneath Mistake #1, the two best ways to deal with this are:Combine shorter sentences that repeat a word.Rewrite a sentence using alternate language to avoid repetition.Mistake #3: Using the wrong prepositionMany prepositional phrases (groups of two or more words that begin with a preposition) are idiomatic expressions, meaning if they are taken literally, they likely wont make sense. A few good examples are:Beside the pointBehind the scenesIn any caseOn account ofTo a certain extentOut of the questionOn the other handOf courseIn no timeIn advance ofAt any rateAt ones disposalBy heartFor a livingAt lastAt a lossThese are only a few of the idioms in the English language that begin with a preposition, but it is obvious how complicated they could be for someone just learning the language to understand. In fact, advanced writing courses often suggest leaving idiomatic expressions out of ones writing completely, since they can be misunderstood by a large percentage of readers (including ELL readers).This confusion is the main reason many ELL college students use the wrong preposition in their writing. Errors like by the other hand instead of on the other hand, at a certain extent instead of to a certain extent, and in any rate instead of at any rate are common among ELL writers- and rightly so. These errors could arguably make more logical sense than the correct preposition, although theyll still sound awkward to the native English speakers ear.Mistake #4: Using incorrect articlesAs a student of the French language, I often struggled with learning articles for nouns because of their masculine versus feminine qualities. Although I havent studied Spanish, Ive read that the language contains nine articles compared to the three used in English. So, I understand how article use can be confusing to an English language learner.Just like Spanish, the English language contains definite and indefinite articles. A and An are indefinite, while The is definite. So, the first step to determining which to use is to determine if the noun that follows needs a definite or indefinite article.Examples:A rainshower always makes the air smell wonderful.The rainshower made the air smell wonderful.In the examples above, the first sentence is referring to any rainshower- or all of them! Rainshowers, in general, alwa ys make the air smell wonderful. However, the second sentence is referring to a specific rainshower- one that happened recently or today. That particular rainshower made the air smell wonderful.Once you have determined whether a definite or indefinite article is to be used, the final step is to look at the noun again and determine if it begins with a vowel (or vowel sound) or consonant (or consonant sound). In the case of indefinite articles, and only indefinite articles, this will determine whether A should be used or An should be used.Keep in mind that the vowels are A, E, I, O and U. Most words will follow the general rule of A before words that begin with a consonant and An before words that begin with a vowel. However, in the rare cases that a word begins with a vowel sound but the letter is actually a consonant (such as hour), use An instead. Likewise, when a word begins with a vowel that sounds like a consonant (such as university), use A instead. This might be a tricky proce ss for some, but eventually, youll memorize that correct article to use in these uncommon situations.Mistake #5: Using a thesaurusWhile a thesaurus can be a handy tool for writing, it can also cause some serious confusion if the writer doesnt understand the connotation of words. For example, a toxic relationship means something very different than a lethal relationship, but toxic and lethal are listed together as synonyms in a thesaurus.One of the hardest steps to take in any language is to understand the connotation of a word. This is because much of a words connotation develops over time and even varies by culture or region. In other words- if youre not sure of both the connotation and denotation of a word, dont use it. If you are an ELL writer, its always a good idea to have a native English speaker look over your writing to ensure that you havent used words that could have the wrong connotation.One of the hardest steps to take in any language is to understand the connotation of a word, especially in academic writing. Photo by Nirma Safitri on Unsplash.Mistake #6: Not getting to the pointMaking definitive statements is part of academic writing and is the result of studying a topic in enough depth to be confident in your knowledge of it. However, due to the difficulty in learning another language- and even more so, academic writing in that new language- making a definitive statement can be a daunting task. However, its an obstacle that needs to be overcome if you want to learn to write well in English.The result of not making definitive statements is a paper full of insinuations and vague suggestions that doesnt get to the point. A professor needs to see a clear thesis statement in your papers introduction, and then clear supporting arguments for that thesis throughout the body of your paper. Even if you feel unsure about your writing abilities, avoid this mistake for a higher grade.Mistake #7: Using the wrong verbalAs you can see from this study guide, ther e are three types of verbals, which are words formed from verbs but used as nouns, adjectives or adverbs. Specifically, these are gerunds, infinitives, and participles.GerundsThe gerund is a verbal that ends in -ing and is used as a noun.Examples:Running is my favorite activity. (Running is the noun; is is the verb)Knowing is always better than guessing. (Knowing and guessing are nouns; is is the verb)She liked dancing. (dancing is the noun; liked is the verb)InfinitivesAn infinitive is a verb with to in front of it. It can be used as a noun, adjective, or adverb in the sentence.Examples:I like to write. (like is the verb; to write is the direct object)They have a suggestion to offer. (have is the verb; to offer is the adjective)She wants to go to Hawaii. (wants is the verb; to go is an adverb)ParticipleA participle is a verbal that ends in -ing, -ed, -d-, -t, -en, or -n and is used as an adjective.Examples:The shouting crowds were out of control. (shouting is used as an adjective m odifying crowds)The fallen soldier is buried in an unmarked grave. (fallen is used as an adjective modifying soldier)Mistake #8: The big oneUltimately, the biggest mistake ELL writers can make is to give up. Even native English speakers must practice diligently to become great writers. With practice, youll find that it gets easier to do without making so many mistakes.

Preposition near Doesnt Need a to

Preposition near Doesnt Need a to Preposition near Doesnt Need a to Preposition near Doesnt Need a to By Maeve Maddox Daniel writes: The expression â€Å"near to X, Y, or Z† is becoming prevalent, even in the Times (of London).   Whats wrong with â€Å"near†?   Is there any linguistic ammunition that can be fired in the direction of this misuse? The question comes from England and most of the â€Å"near to† examples I found by cruising the web I found on British sites: There are [sic] a distinct lack of pubs near to the ground (sports field) as it is built away from other buildings. the pub is near to the junction with the A34 The church is near to Charing Cross, Waterloo and Blackfriars stations. This caption is the only â€Å"near to† I was able to find for the US: Panorama from the lawn behind Living Stones Church near to Kailua-Kona. Hawaiian tourist site. Plenty examples of near without the unnecessary â€Å"to† are to be found on British sites: Saint Marys Church in the hollow of the white hazel near a rapid whirlpool and the Church of St. Tysilio of the red cave. information about St Cwyfans Church, near Aberffraw Wembley Arena Hotels offers great rates on over 50 hotels near Wembley Arena. American usage definitely favors near without a â€Å"to†: Other attractions near our Houston, Texas hotel include Situated near some of the most recognizable landmarks in Washington DC, this hotel provides easy access to renowned monuments, Patent attorneys located near the US Patent Office People visiting the Little Rock area can find several hotels near Verizon Arena that offer suite accommodations. The adverb nearby sometimes gets lumbered with â€Å"to.† In this example the preposition is used without the extra word, but the adverb gets a â€Å"to†: Nearby to the pub is the hidden 13th century church of St John the Baptist the most isolated church in Surrey. The pub is near the T-junction at the top. Not everyone sees the tacked-on â€Å"to† as an error. I came across this â€Å"tip† on an ESL site: Use the preposition near with or without to for the same meaning. Ex. He lives near (to) the bank. My friends play soccer near (to) my office building. Adding a â€Å"to† after the preposition is grammatically unnecessary. Nothing is lost by dropping the â€Å"to† in the following examples: the pub is near the junction with the A34 The church is near Charing Cross Can it be a regional thing? 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 Grammar category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:Program vs. ProgrammeWriting the Century20 Slang Terms for Law Enforcement Personnel

Finance and Accounting Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Finance and Accounting - Essay Example A survey conducted by International Swaps and Derivatives Association (ISDA) revealed that out of 500 corporations, around 94% of the companies used derivative tool and they efficiently succeeded in hedging risks (International Derivatives and Swaps Association, 2009). It is seemingly clear that derivatives have economic and financial benefits for business which means they have resulted in making global financial markets safer. However, with the emergence of derivatives for financial speculations has brought this instrument under heavy criticism for making financial sector more risky and has been criticised for financial crisis. So, derivative have some benefits and risks too. The first most advantage of derivatives is the restructuring of risks by which movement in assets prices, interest rates and default of creditor can be hedged. They help in speculating the movement in the value of assets when they do not even own the assets. Secondly derivatives allows businesses to accomplish in controlling the external factors efficiently. Derivative instrument has been criticised for being used only for speculations. Derivatives contracts reduce the risk of one party while increases risk of the underlying assets for other party; this allows both parties to speculate the value of the principal assets irrespective of the fact parties are interested in the contract or not. Derivative instruments have efficient and effective economic and financial advantages which are required for the development of businesses and trade to hedge risks but it depends on the usage of this instrument which can pretence risks. Derivatives were criticised for lack of transparency in the OTC derivatives market under which standings of firms, their movement in asset prices and interest rates are not adequately transparent to the regulatory authorities and to other business companies (Financial Services Authority and HM Treasury, 2009). Sometimes business firms in the market are unaware of the mar ket standings of other companies which adds to more risks as monitoring of risks is weak and unwillingness for trade and hence the market liquidity may reduce. Derivatives contracts are affected by both operational risks and systematic risks. It is argued that operational risks can be improved by physical clearance of underlying assets and by addressing valuation differences. (Managed Funds Association, 2009) On the other hand systematic risks are caused by default of major stakeholders of derivatives market. It is usually referred to as â€Å"domino effect† (Investment Management Association, 2011). Derivatives of credit default swaps have the ultimate vulnerability to risks because they are more problematic in assess the value of underlying assets. Former Chairman of Federal Reserve, USA stated in a conference that â€Å"Although the benefits and costs of derivatives remain the subject of spirited debate, the performance of the economy and the financial system in recent ye ars suggests that those benefits have materially exceeded the costs† (Greenspan, 2003). (Part-2) Hedge funds are targeted to generate higher absolute returns for different type of investments. Hedge funds use highly advanced strategies for investment which comprise leveraged, short, long, and derivative positions designed for sophisticated investors. As hedge funds targets for higher returns that makes them more volatile and riskier besides profit compensate the risks at the end (SHORTMAN, 2010). Hedge funds are more liberal with respect to regulations and regulatory framework which makes them more flexible to use dynamic, vigorous and vibrant investment strategies with the combination of long, short and derivatives

To what extent was religion behind the successes of the great Arab Essay

To what extent was religion behind the successes of the great Arab conquests of the seventh and eighth centuries - Essay Example The importance of this particular research question is contingent upon the role of Islam in a geopolitical sense; arguably something that has a great deal of relevance within the current era. Yet, beyond this, the cultural dynamics and importance of Islam as not only a faith but as a strategic cornerstone of how the Islamic Empire was able to spread an experience early victories is a further component of the research that this particular author seeks to shed a level of light upon. As will be denoted within the forthcoming discussion and analysis, it is the strong and overarching belief of this particular analyst that the religion of Islam played a pivotal and fundamental role in the rapid success and expansion of the Islamic Empire. Both through an analysis of primary and secondary texts, the reader can infer that without the norming influence of the Islamic religion and culture, such an Empire would have never held together; nor have been able to threaten the existing structure of p ower that existed within these regions at the time in question. Likewise, rather than analyzing the role and influence of the religious aspects of Islam on the formation, durability, and strengths of the Islamic Empire throughout all of history, the discussion and analysis that will be presented within this particular research will be solely contingent upon the first several decades after Mohammed came in full control of Mecca and Medina; essentially christening the dawn of the Islamic expansion and the creation of a geo-political movement that would culminate in empire building. The cornerstone of the argument for the importance of the Islamic religion with respect to the spread of the early Islamic Empire ultimately is contingent upon the issue of culture. As one might expect, seeking to define something as complex and overarching as Islamic culture is in and of