Life of Maya Angelou Essay

Maya Angelou was born an African American. One would feel the agony she went through to be born as such and in America. Her grandmother was raped and bore a child; this child later came to be her mother. Similar to the ferocity her grandmother experienced, she was raped as a child by her mother’s boyfriend who was later on killed by her uncles. Because of this, she didn’t speak for almost six years afraid that her words had killed the man. This must be the dawn of her path to being a writer, realizing that words are powerful. If it could kill then it could give life as well. When her parents divorced, her grandmother took good care of her and her brother Bailey, Jr. and it was him who called her Maya. She became many things: a dancer, a cable car operator, a singer, a waitress, and where she flourished, a writer. The turn of her career came when she went to Egypt and Ghana. She went back to America to support Malcolm X’s Organization of African American Unity but he was assassinated. The struggle of the race continued as she supported Martin Luther King, Jr. who was also assassinated defending the African American cause, this made Maya Angelou devastated. She never stopped working for the emancipation of the African Americans and continued writing for equal rights and liberty. And so, in 1993, she read ‘On the Pulse of Morning,’ at President William Jefferson Clinton’s inauguration at the White House. Her words are valuable to the nation. Her words influence men of power. Her life is interesting which produced works that are priceless to the American people most especially to the African Americans of whom she dedicated her efforts to for their emancipation. Angelou’s style of writing categorized her works in the genre of autobiographical fiction because of her writing styles in dialogues, characterization, development of theme, setting, plot and language. But for her, these are simply autobiographies. She speaks through her writing what she has learned or learning out of life. In her interview with Mike Schneider in Bloomberg TV, she talked to all women as her daughters for her book, â€Å"Letter to My Daughter†. She speaks to them how a woman surpasses an incident in life as she would, given a similar situation. She writes to all the women as her daughters, sharing with them her story like she was one with them. In the poem, â€Å"I Know Why the Caged Birds Sing†, one would feel between the lines how an African American feels in the land called America. The words are simple and yet powerful in the sense that it deeply triggers emotions from the reader. These are deep sentiments of an enslaved race, wanting to be free but â€Å"the bird’s wings are clipped†. Feelings of being held while the other birds are free: is something that she has undergone while the whites enjoy the liberty of being part of their race. A critic named Lupton, considered Angelou’s writings as autobiographies for they contain the elements of such: written by a single author, chronological, and they contain character, technique and them. Although, there are parts that are fictional, the elements necessary for an autobiography are present. Angelou has the tendency to go to the direction against the convention of what an autobiography is. She used the first person singular, â€Å"I† in talking about â€Å"we†. She is placed among the African American autobiographists but other writers insist that she has created a different kind of interpretation of the autobiographical form. The book, â€Å"I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings†, became an acclaim containing the sentiments of the black people. She wrote it out of a challenge by Robert Loomis, her editor, for her to write â€Å"high art†. African American literature is more challenged in such that the authors have to agree about the status of their writings on whether it’s â€Å"high art†. O’Neale considers Angelou’s poetry a â€Å"more expected ghetto expressiveness† and she also avoids a monolithic Black language. The bird was used as metaphor that is struggling to set itself free from its cage. The cage that incarcerates the creature represents â€Å"oppression† of the African American people. It must be emphasized as well that Angelou doesn’t intend to isolate the white people. She wanted to promote the relevance of diligence so as to change the concept of laziness among African Americans. At the latter part of the 1960s, one of her goals was to create a book that satisfied the criteria, â€Å"organic unity†. According to English literature scholar Valerie Sayers, her poetry and prose are similar because of the episodes which are done like a series of short stories, but they do not follow a chronology of events. Her prose and poems are both in â€Å"direct voice†, which are characterized by steady rhythms with lyrical patterns that use figures of speech (similes and metaphors). Hagen has mentioned that Angelou’s works were influenced by the African American community’s literary and oral tradition. She uses the â€Å"blues† music and literary characters in testifying about her life and hardships, with the use of metaphors, rhythms, and intonations. Angelou’s one of the most important themes are â€Å"kinship†, this has something to do with her parents abandonment of her and her brother, her relationship with her son, husbands and lovers all throughout her books. She discusses the value of family relationships of how it can affect development of a person. She spoke of her paternal grandmother who prophesied of her being a teacher when she intentionally went mute. Telling her that she would be a teacher someday but how could that happen if she does not speak. In most of her books, â€Å"motherhood† is predominantly manifested based on her experiences as a single mother, a daughter, and a granddaughter. Like in the book, â€Å"Letter to My Daughter†, she dedicated this book to all women pondering on their life experiences. She delivered words of wisdom to soothe and give directions to their souls. When asked if she would say the same things to her son or sons, she said it would be different. She would never know how it is to be a man. If she would write something for her son/sons, it would be through the perspective of a woman. Her plot often surrounds in this motif – mother & child. â€Å"The woman who survives intact and happy must be at once tender and tough. † – Maya Angelou, Wouldn’t Take Nothing For My Journey Now (1994) She is an embodiment of strength and wisdom. This is where she gets her tenets from – the experiences she has gained from childhood up to the present which molded her to become a woman whom people listen to. For Scholar Mary Burgher, African American women autobiographers have rejected the stereotyping of roles as â€Å"breeder and matriarch† of their kind and they are being presented as â€Å"creative and personally fulfilling†. Maya Angelou also wanted to deliver the message that women are more than the purpose of bringing forth children. Women are valuable beings in society as much as men are. In her books, women are winners and are brilliant who have overcome hindrances of racial discrimination. She has been influenced greatly by her relationship with her grandmother who died early in her third autobiography, â€Å"Singin’ and Swingin’ and Getting’ Merry Like Christmas†. Momma (Angelou’s grandmother), is quoted in the whole book. â€Å"I write because I am a Black woman, listening attentively to her people†. Maya Angelou, 1984[87] She has greatly contributed to the emancipation of the black people in America working alongside with Malcom X and Martin Luther King, Jr. Went through devastation because of their deaths but continued on the struggle of her people. She continued to express the pains she goes through as a black woman through her music and poems. Using her gift in expressing through words her thoughts and struggles, unified the very same sentiments of all the black people in America. Her experiences especially from childhood gave her the foundation she needed to become who she is now. Everything that transpired in her life was a message she depicted in all her books. She resisted racial biases and protested outright to effect change in American society. She mentioned in her interviews when asked if she was angry, she said, â€Å"I am angry but I am not bitter†¦Ã¢â‚¬ , reiterating that anger was necessary to express indignation to the unjust treatment towards the black people. She emphasized, however, that she is not bitter. There is a difference between those two. She used anger to advance the cause of African Americans but made sure there is no bitterness in her heart. Works Cited Hagen, L. (1997). Heart of a Woman, Mind of a Writer, and Soul of a Poet: A Critical Analysis of the Writings of Maya Angelou. Lanham, Maryland: University Press. Lauret, M. (1994). Liberating Literature: Feminist fiction in America. New York: Routledge. O’Neale, S. (1984). Reconstruction of the Composite Self: New Images of Black Women in Maya Angelou’s Continuing Autobiography. Garden City, NY: Doubleday.

Derek Walcott Uses Poetry to Explore Themes of Ethnicity Essay

I agree with the fact that Walcott uses poetry to explore themes of ethnicity, cultural chauvinism and political inequality. However, these aren’t the only themes we find in his poetry. He also makes use of themes such as life and death and religion. Sea Canes is one of the poems which includes the themes mentioned above. In Sea Canes the poet is found observing a landscape in which he can see sea canes and animals, all of this in a miserable atmosphere; â€Å"Half of my friends are dead.† Here he also mentions religion and disagrees with it by stating that religion is not necessary to respect the dead. He prefers to remember them exactly how they were, instead of see dead people as something supernatural and much nobler than the living. As he looks to the other side of the sea canes he views a boundary between the world of the living and the world of the dead. He metaphorically says that the owls represent us humans leaving the world of the living to enter the mystical world of the dead. In The Hawk we can locate clear examples of ethnicity, cultural chauvinism and the clash between western and Caribbean culture. Here he mentions the carnival in Trinidad, and says that the only ones that should attend it are the locals. Later in the poem, Walcott mentions the ethnicity and the races of the people at the carnival. â€Å"The negroes, bastards, mestizos, proud of their Spanish blood†, all the people with mixed ancestry who are proud of their Spanish blood, not their native blood. Here Walcott is referring to the colonial powers and their endless control over the Caribbean population. He also compares the Yucatan peninsula with Trinidad. He states that Yucatan has a magnificent landscape while Trinidad has been destroyed during colonialism. Walcott describes the natives as toothless tigers, once powerful and strong but now nothing more than a big defenseless cat â€Å"Caribs, like toothless tigers†. Here we can appreciate cultural chauvinism, throughout The Hawk he criticizes colonialism by describing its consequences and shows an enormous patriotism for the Caribbean islands. Extract J contains also contains themes of cultural chauvinism and life and death. He starts the poem by describing his house in Saint Lucia. He describes the beautiful landscape, nature and the surrounding found in the Caribbean. He subliminally compares the western landscape with the one in the Caribbean, exaggerating the beauty of the tropical islands compared with Europe. He unexpectedly makes a radical change and commences to talk about his dead friend Gregorias. He describes him very passionately and compares him with famous painters from the renaissance â€Å"brown cherubs of Giotto and Masaccio†, which makes us assume he was a first-class painter. He feels tremendous affection for him and his death, as he tells us, has dramatically changed Walcott’s life. The Walk is another poem which describes Walcott’s agony due to the loss of friends. Here he talks about his first wife. He used to walk with her up the hills, until the day she fell ill â€Å"You were weak and lame, So you never came†. She then had other interests and finally when she died, Walcott felt completely alone. He repeatedly expresses his grief of having lost his beloved wife and declares that now that she’s dead, these walks are very different for him. The Bright Field is a further illustration of cultural patriotism and the inconformity of the European culture. The poem begins in London introducing us to a man â€Å"steeled against the power of London.† Probably the man is Walcott himself, criticizing the citizens and the city. He says that the city is depressing and most of the time people are found in cemeteries or in the underground. In the second paragraph he talks about the British Empire, the empire that â€Å"their sun that would not set was going down† the largest empire in history was now diminishing and weak. This poem is again about Walcott’s cultural past and the former colonial powers that once inhabited his islands. I agree that Derek Walcott uses his poetry to explore ethnicity, cultural chauvinism and political inequality, he also talks a lot about the colonial influence of the British and the French had on the West Indies. Death appears frequently too reminding us that his personal life also plays an important role in his poetry.

Bridge of San Luis Rey’s Tone Essay

In the last two pages of his novel, Bridge of San Luis Rey, Thornton Wilder creates a tone unparalleled throughout the rest of the book. The tone of these last few pages, as I perceive, is that of the authors praising and adoration of the Abbess’s saintliness and selflessness. This tone is indisputably found underlying these pages. This tone is explained with the use of the three major quotes, found within these pages, as presented next in the following. â€Å"Madre Marà ­a dared not say aloud how great her astonishment was†¦ ‘Now learn, ‘she commanded herself, â€Å"learn at last that anywhere you may expect grace.’†. This self-rebuke occurs after the Abbess has witnessed herself being judgmental. She is horrified by her sinfulness. She is shocked that she had unconsciously prejudged the Marquesa and had submissively thought her to not be smart enough to conjure such great works of writing. The Abbess criticizes herself for having been so evil, and thus unknowingly makes herself even saintlier than before! The author is making the Abbess even more righteous by having her criticize herself when she is already so. As the Abbess is walking by the sick and blind, she has a sudden prophetic thought. â€Å"I can’t help thinking that something could be done for the deaf-and dumb. It seems to me that some patient person could,†¦could study out a language for them.† The Abbess cares so much for them to have thought of such a language for them to communicate with the healthy (later this language is made and called sign language). Her saintliness partly derives from her loving of everyone, even those not as fortunate as others. She is, as the author portrays, so saintly, that she is prophetic, prophetic like Jesus, Mohammad, and other famous prophets. Wilder gives this prophetic attribute to show how devout he imagines her to be. He wants to present her to be so saintly to be comparable to those other religious figures. â€Å"Within all was light and warmth, and without was the darkness they would not exchange even for a relief from pain and from dying† The dying people near the Abbess are willing to spend one more moment with her, than die immediately and be relieved of their pains. There is no other reason for these people to feel such a way besides the Abbess’s love and care for them. Her saintliness is shown through her works with the people and the all real love she pours upon them. These people are dying and feeling the worst of pain and yet they will not let go because they want to be with her longer. The author’s third exhibition of the Abbess’s saintly qualities is another reiteration of his ever lifting of her towards heaven. These three quotes, as presented, have reinforced the tone of the last few pages as being that of the authors praise and adoration for the Abbess’s saintliness and selflessness. Though it may seem redundant and exhaustive – the use of the word ‘saintly†- it is in order to wholly stress and prioritize the importance of the Abbess’s saintliness. The tone created by the author is largely based on the Abbess’s saintliness and not much more, if not anything else at all! The sole, clear message found in these few pages, from the author, is primarily based on the fact that the Abbess is a saint and that Wilder absolutely admires her piousness.

Why Gun Control is not Enough, by Jeff Mcmahan Essay

Why Gun Control is not Enough, by Jeff Mcmahan - Essay Example This paper tends to summarize the article, with a personal reflection in a later section. Mcmahan emphasizes upon the fact that owning guns makes the matter worse by making self-defense a kind of self-help. Allowing guns will make criminals better instead of eliminating crime. This is because they will become better equipped with better guns and readier to shoot. The more the guns, the more are the chances of accidental shots. Even a slight conflict will make people shoot at each other. The power of government and police will be diminished, because people will not look for help from security agencies and police, and will defend themselves through the use of guns. â€Å"The power of the citizens and that of the police approach parity,† states Mcmahan (2010, par.5). Moreover, it is all a matter of relative safety. Individuals owing guns will feel safe, and those without guns will be the most vulnerable, and will look forward to having guns. The state which will allow guns will f eel safer than that which does not. â€Å"When only one state gets nuclear weapons, it enhances its own security but reduces that of others, which have become more vulnerable,† writes Mcmahan (2012, par.10). This relative safety will disturb the balance of power and peace among people, agencies, and nations. Mcmahan further writes that gun control is a good solution because it limits the use of guns both for the criminals and for common men. He writes, â€Å"†¦we would all be safer if no one had guns — or, rather, no one other than trained and legally constrained police officers† (2012, par.12). With gun control, people will start trusting the police force for domestic defense. Mcmahan asserts that gun advocates present their arguments against gun control, but neither of them is valid, except that the prohibition and effective implementation of gun control is not easy. Mcmahan ends his article by saying that the United States is suffering from much more vio lence and violent incidents that the rest of Western countries because of easy access to firearms, and gun advocates should give their arguments a second thought as to whether guns should be allowed or not. Personal Reflection Mcmahan has very effectively described the importance of gun control and gun prohibition by presenting arguments from both sides, and has efficiently cleared his stance on the topic. Since owning a gun is beneficial and dangerous both at the same time, thus, it becomes important to discuss who should be able to own a gun. Efforts have always been made in order to decrease criminal activity around the globe, among which taking away guns is thought to be one such effort, when it is not. Although Mcmahan asserts that gun control will result in less violence and crime, I believe that common men should be allowed to own guns so that they can protect themselves. The most important point here is how the citizens are going to ensure their safety when they are told to turn in their guns, just as Boylan (2004, p.130) states in his book. People wish to keep guns to enjoy their autonomy and guarantee their safety when they meet robbers, criminals and terrorists. Armed citizens feel their strength in protecting themselves and their families from physically stronger criminals. I disagree when Mcmahan (2012, par.3) states, â€Å"When most citizens are armed, as they were in the Wild West, crime doesn’t cease. Instead, criminals work to be better armed†¦Ã¢â‚¬  I believe that criminals will still get better if guns are banned, because the wrongdoers will still obtain guns and ammunition from whatever illegal sources. And who will be in loss? The common man, because he will have no illegal source of owning a gun. Owning guns is one of people’

Is 'Maurice' a hopelessly flawed text, or a thoughtful adaptation of Essay

Is 'Maurice' a hopelessly flawed text, or a thoughtful adaptation of the novel form to the subject matter and a strong intervention in debates of the time - Essay Example Forster’s autobiographical parallels with Maurice has fuelled debate as to whether the novel was significant as â€Å"a strong intervention in debates of the time† or alternatively a â€Å"hopelessly flawed† text. It is submitted at the outset that neither dogmatic view is entirely authoritative regarding the significance of Maurice and this analysis explore the premise that perhaps the flaws associated with Maurice were a necessary evil in presenting E.M. Forester’s gay ideology. Forster’s self proclaimed significance of the novel as a symbol of the future is juxtaposed with Maurice reflecting on the past4. In the â€Å"Terminal note† to the novel, Forster asserts that Maurice’s escape with his lover in the ending â€Å"belongs to an England where it was still possible to get lost. It belongs to the last moment of the greenwood.†5 The juxtaposition is further highlighted by the fact that whilst Maurice is set in Georgian England, the lovers apparently disappear to an England of the past, however the irony here is that they escape to an escape that was not possible in 19136. Forster justified this on the basis that a happy ending was imperative, â€Å"I was determined that in fiction anyway two men should fall in love and remain in it for the ever and ever that fiction allows, because in this sense Maurice and Alec still roam the greenwood.7† However, searching for a world of the past and waiting for â€Å"a happier year† was not realistically possible and therefore â€Å"Maurice and Alec inhabit a novel twisted in the grip of time8†. As such, it has been argued that these contradictions are Maurice’s flaws, leading some commentators to assert that â€Å"they result from self-hatred and indecision, from escapism and self-indulgence and have therefore disappointed readers of all kinds9†. Conversely, this literal interpretation of Forster’s â€Å"flawed† narrative can

Sincerity & Authenticity Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Sincerity & Authenticity - Essay Example Pneumatology and religiosity are the two concepts which Emily Dickinson sets out to unravel in this poem. She makes a clear delineation between the two and shuns the rigidity and traditional orthodoxy of the organized church in favor of the omnipresent ideal of God, who pervades all things. Pneumatology is the combination of two Greek words-â€Å"pneuma,† which means wind, breath or spirit (the Holy Spirit) and â€Å"logos† which means word, matter or thing. In Christian systematic theology pneumatology refers to a study of the doctrine of the Holy Spirit. Religiosity on the other hand, refers to the practices of one’s religion within the prescribed manner dictated in religious texts. â€Å"Some Keep the Sabbath Going to Church† is Emily Dickinson’s gentle questioning of the time honored ritual of keeping the Sabbath, by going to church on Sundays. For Emily Dickinson, the Sabbath or rest day which should be spent in contemplation to God, does not necessitate a visit to the church, since, she keeps it by â€Å"staying at home†. All the glories of God which religion expounds have been manifested to her in the beauty of nature, which is her church. Emily Dickinson uses the instruments of the Church to show how the very same things can be found in Nature, only if we take time to perceive and understand them. Hence, to Emily the chorister’s role (the lead singer in the church choir) is played to perfection by the bobolink, a small song-bird. The image of the bobolink can be understood better when we examine the physical characteristics of the bird. It is black on the underside and white on the back, which makes it stand out while singing in springtime. During winter it sheds it plumage and merges with the trees, just like the poet, who leads her life as a recluse, only coming-out rarely in public. The bobolink, which has already been addressed as the chorister, is given the second role of the sexton when Emily says - â€Å"And

Tax competition V Tax Harmonization in an enlarged European Union Research Proposal

Tax competition V Tax Harmonization in an enlarged European Union - Research Proposal Example Some people believe tax harmonization creates unity and a level playing field, some believe its stifles competition and creates a socialist economic bloc. In this thesis I will examine both sides of the argument by looking at how the debate and policy has evolved over the years with a specific focus on how tax harmonization affects multinational corporations—whether it encourages them to invest in the EU or to pull out. Part of the basis of the European arrangement was the centralization of monetary policy. This was a huge amount of sovereignty for individual countries to give up. The assumption underlying this ceding of power by national governments really is that all economies within the European Union are created equally and the same measures for each economy are the appropriate way forward. This itself was controversial enough, but at the time left the national governments to at least set their own tax rates and compete for business by having differing corporate tax rates. This idea too soon bit the dust. Countries like France and Italy with high corporate tax rates were jealous that a country such as Ireland with a low tax rate was able to drum up so much business. They began to push for a single minimum rate across the whole of the EU. For high tax countries this levelled the playing field, but forcing more competitive countries to become less so—for low tax countries—often with much smaller economies to begin with—they had to punish companies that had come to them in the first place seeking a safe haven for investment. The simple knee-jerk logic is this: As factor mobility increases within the EU, pressure will be placed on member states to lower their tax rates on mobile factors in order to attract business. This unchecked competition will lead to a race to the bottom in which tax rates will dip so low as to threaten countries abilities to supply public goods. In response, one might argue for the necessity of strict

Social-economical Trends in China Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Social-economical Trends in China - Essay Example Opening a new branch in China is the phrase that is mostly utilized to explain the whole process of bringing a new product or services to the new marketplace China. Opening a new branch is to establish the new entity in the new market. A new product is an entity in the market which is the effect of the modernism or in making any extra features to the product. It is the product that engages of a total market by replacing or adapting various alterations in the product. The new branch is extremely new to the customers. So that branch should develop various alternatives to attract more customers. New Brach Development Phases consists of allied steps: They are: The Idea Generation is the new developing ideas that are been in the person minds. It takes a significant place in the opening a new branch in China. The idea generated is put across in the conference, which is considered for the discussion on the subject of the feasibility and the compatibility of the topic. The idea generated here is to open a new branch is to increase the overall profitability of the company. The Idea Screening is the effect subsequent to the brainstorming ideas of the various delegates present in the conference. All the ideas relating to open a new branch in China is to be screened and select most suitable idea. Most of the ideas are on the basis of the social, economic, and technological environment of the China. Business Analysis is very significant as it includes the analysis of the marketing conditions and the trends along by way of the viability of the new products in the new market.

Case For or Against the War on Drugs Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Case For or Against the War on Drugs - Essay Example This article will assess the gains and losses that this war has made with an aim of determining the relevance of this war. Case for the War on Drugs Despite many apparent setbacks, the war on drugs has made tremendous gains in its efforts geared towards making the world a safer place. There have been concerted efforts aimed at ending the rampant trade in drugs. These efforts have been made by all stake holders in the United States over the past 40 years since then serving President Richard Nixon launched the U.S Government’s war on drugs.1 Several progressive steps have been made targeted at countering the flourishing use and sale of drugs in the U.S. One such stride has been the advocacy for a paradigm shift in the war against drugs. As was expressed by President Obama in a digital town hall meeting, in 2011, there is a need to move from the old approach of the war on drugs to a new one. One way of accomplishing this has been looking at possible ways of shrinking the demand f or drugs among the users.2 This represents a shift from looking at this war as a primarily, criminal justice problem3. When looking at the war on drugs as a criminal justice problem, the emphasis of tackling it involves arrest, incarceration and interdiction4. While this has had good results, it has had the unfortunate disadvantage of unintentionally giving some of the offenders an opportunity to slip through the cracks. Currently there is a move towards looking at the war on drugs as a public health problem.5 This means that the government has acted as a guardian of the public’s interests6. This thus means that the government has managed to win the hearts of the people who advocate for social justice in the country. Another gain in the war on drugs was the Reagan’s administration’s efforts to take away the drugs from the consumers through efforts made to cut down the crop abroad. This effort can be seen in countries like Bolivia. In this country, the efforts to reduce the drug production saw the seizure of twenty seven tones of cocaine in 1986. This was an improvement from just one tone netted in 1981.7 On the whole, the war on drugs has gained a number of notable wins over the trade and production of drugs. There has been a decline in the production, trafficking, distribution and consumption of drugs all over the world. This has been driven largely by an increasingly tight global prohibition on drugs. This is a sign that nations have seen the need to unite together in order to fight this menace.8 There are other gains in the pursuit of the war on drugs. One of these gains has been among the youth. Institution of education and awareness campaigns has been initiated for the benefit of these youth. These awareness campaigns are meant to ensure that the youth are well aware of the risks of drugs, as well as driving them towards alternative methods of recreation thus keeping them out of harm’s way.9 At learning institutions and even in society, the youth are kept away from drugs through the imposition of very stiff penalties if found to be in possession of drugs. This is aimed at ensuring that the youth keep away from drugs. Any involvement on their pair, in the using of even the smallest quantities of drugs, can easily push them into the use of drugs. In the prisons, there are treatment centres for the prisoners who are recovering from both drug use and abuse10. As seen above, there have been efforts to deal with the drug trade’

Is high speed railway a better way to promote benefits to public Essay

Is high speed railway a better way to promote benefits to public - Essay Example Moreover, over the historic moment, the train has been evolving and the Japanese system was the first in the world, starting in 1964. It has borrowed a lot from it foster mothers of coal engine. However, most of high-speed rail is usually designed for passenger travels although some are used for freight services. Like any transport system, high-speed railway is not inherently convenient, fast, clean, or comfortable. All of this depends on design, implementation, maintenance, operation and funding. Operational smoothness is often more indicative of organizational discipline than technological prowess. Additionally, the growths of travel systems are constrained by the existing infrastructure. When other modes cannot expand, HSR may possibly provide a feasible alternative. HSR systems are more environmentally friendly than air or road travel, given their higher fuel efficiency per passenger-kilometer and reduced land use. The initial impulsion for the introduction of high speed rail was the need for additional capacity to meet increasing demand for passenger rail travel. Urban density and mass transit have been key factors in the success of railway transport. We decided to base our research on the efficacy of the high speed rail on the public. In general, the study will detail on how efficient the railway has become to the society. Moreover, HS2 are high investment long-term infrastructure projects meant to substantially change travel patterns. Beyond the travel mode change, this paper seeks to evaluate if HS2 station have an economic benefit to the public. Consequently, urban areas in UK were selected for the analysis because of the age, gender and employment status of the respondents. Specifically: There are various negative costs associated with emerged high speed railways. For instance, there is raised cost of transporting goods and services, land

Examining Ethnic Differences in Achievemen Essay Example for Free

Examining Ethnic Differences in Achievemen Essay 1. The definition of an ethnic group is a group of people of the same race or nationality that share the same cultural norms and values. 2. Three ways in which the education system may encourage separation between children of different ethnic backgrounds are: Labelling and teacher racism, many teachers label their students and studies by interactionist sociologists found out that many teachers labelled black children as disruptive and they didn’t want them in their class. Another reason is the ethnocentric curriculum. Troyna and Williams describe the curriculum in British schools as ethnocentric because it gives priority to white culture and the English language; this causes separation between white pupils and other ethnic pupils. A final reason is the selection and segregation available to schools. David Gillborn argues that marketization has given schools greater scope to select pupils. This puts some ethnic minority pupils at a disadvantage because selection gives more scope for negative stereotypes to influence decisions about school admissions. 3. There are many ways in which factors in children’s home background may lead to differences in achievement levels between ethnic groups. The first way is cultural deprivation; this is split into 3 aspects. The first is intellectual and linguistic skills. Cultural deprivation theorists argue that many children from low-income black families lack intellectual stimulation and enriching experiences. Bereiter and Engelmann consider the language spoken by low-income black American families as inadequate for educational success. The next aspect is attitudes and values. Cultural deprivation theorists say that some black children are socialised into a subculture that instils a fatalistic ‘live for toady’ attitude that does not value education and leaves them unequipped for success. The final aspect of cultural deprivation is family structure and parental support. Daniel Moynihan argues that because many black families are headed by a lone mother, their children are deprived of adequate care because she has to struggle financially in the absence of a male breadwinner. Also Ken Pryce claims that Asians are higher achievers because their cukture is more resistant to racism and gives them a greater sense of self-worth. However, he argues, black Caribbean culture is less cohesive and less resistant to racism. As a result, many balck pupils have low self-esteem and under-achieve. Another reason is Material deprivation and class. According to Flaherty; Pakistani’s and Bangladeshis are over three times more likely than whites to be in the poorest fifth of the population, as a result statistics show that Pakistani and Bangladeshi boys are among the lowest ethnic groups in the country to obtain 5 A-C GCSE’s. A final reason is racism in wider society. David Mason says â€Å" discrimination is a continuing and persistent feature of the experience of Britain’s citizens of minority ethnic origin. † 4. The differences in educational attainment between different groups of pupils have been a major focus of much sociological research. These differences can often be seen to be largely due to different social class, but also gender or ethnicity. Social class is the most significant and dominant factor when looking at these differences, but ethnicity also has a relative impact on educational achievementÃ'Ž Education has a key role to play in eradicating racism and valuing diversity and it a responsibility for all educational establishments, including those with few or no ethnic minority pupils. Promoting racial equality demands a whole school approach and commitment from all those who are involved in the life and work of their school. Racism is linked to the educational achievement of minority ethnic groups, however the connections are complex. Gilborn and Mirza conclude that ‘social class and gender differences are also associated with differences in attainment but neither can account for persistent underlying ethnic inequalities: comparing like with like, African Caribbean, Pakistani and Bangladeshi pupils do not enjoy equal opportunities. ’ They also argue that in promoting educational inclusion as a means of raising standards, there is a need ‘for clarity and guidance in translating the commitment to equality and inclusion into policy proposals and practice at the local and school level. Many cultural deprivation theorists see the lack of intellectual and linguistic skills as a major cause of under-achievement. Gordon Bowker identifies their lack of standard English as a major barrier to progress in education and integration into wider society. However the Swann Report found that language was not a major factor in under-achievement. Other cultural deprivation theorists suc as Charles Murray argue that a high rate of lone parenthood and a lack of positive male role models lead to the under-achievement of some minorities. Also Anthony Flew believes that ethnic differences in achievement stem from cultural differences outside the education system, not discrimination within it. However Geoffrey Driver criticises the cultural deprivation theory for ignoring the positive effects of ethnicity on achievement. He shows that the black Caribbean family, far from being dysfunctional, provides girls with positive role models of strong independent wome Driver argues this is why black girls tend to be more successful in education than black boys. Some socilogists that the ethnic differences in education are cause by racism. John Rex shows how racial discrimination leads to social exclusion and how this worsens the poverty faced by ethnic minorities. In housing, for instance, discrimination means that minorities are more likely to be forced into substandard acoomodation than white people of the same class. This creates separation due to the ethnic children not being able to study at home and therefore getting lower grades than the white children who are able to study at home.

Facts of the Case Essay Example for Free

Facts of the Case Essay New London, a city in Connecticut, used its eminent domain authority to seize private property to sell to private developers. The city said developing the land would create jobs and increase tax revenues. Kelo Susette and others whose property was seized sued New London in state court. The property owners argued the city violated the Fifth Amendments takings clause, which guaranteed the government will not take private property for public use without just compensation. Specifically the property owners argued taking private property to sell to private developers was not public use. The Connecticut Supreme Court ruled for New London. In 1990, the city of New London was designated a distressed municipality. n6 The city was experiencing economic decline and suffered from an unemployment rate that was twice Connecticuts rate as a state. n7 As a result of these conditions, the New London Development Corporation (NLDC) was called upon by state and local officials to plan New Londons redevelopment. n8 After the NLDC developed a plan to build a Fort Trumbell State Park, Pfizer Inc., the pharmaceutical company, revealed its plan to build a $ 300 million research facility on a site immediately adjacent to Fort Trumbell. n9 The addition of Pfizer to the New London area was anticipated to entice other businesses to migrate to the city, effectively serving as a catalyst to the areas rejuvenation. n10 The NLDC received State approval, and the plan for Fort Trumbell State Park was completed. n11 The final plan for the Park encompassed services and businesses that would cap italize on the added commerce resulting from the inclusion of Pfizer to the area. n12 The NLDC intended to create jobs and increase tax revenue with the development plan, but the Park was also intended to bolster the areas aesthetic qualities and leisure activities. n13 The NLDC received permission from the city council to exercise eminent domain in the citys name, enabling it to acquire the property for the ninety-acre Park. n14 The NLDC was able to purchase most of the property in the target area; however, it was unable to secure fifteen pieces of real estate after negotiations. n15 One such piece of real estate was owned by Charles and Wilhelmina Dery who had lived on their property for over sixty years. n16 The properties of the nine owners who refused to sell, including the Derys property, were located in areas appropriated by the NLDC as sites for park support, such as parking, retail services, or office space. n17 In November of 2000, the NLDC condemned the fifteen properties that remained to be acquired in order for the development plan to advance. n18 LEGAL QUESTION: does a public purpose constitute a public use for purposes of the Fifth Amendments Taking Clause, nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation? Specifically, does the Fifth Amendment, applicable to the states through the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment (see main article: Incorporation of the Bill of Rights), protect landowners from the use of eminent domain for economic development, rather than, as in Berman, for the elimination of slums and blight? LENGTH: 8662 words STUDENT CASENOTE: Kelo v. City of New London NAME: Lia Sprague SUMMARY:? In Kelo v. City of New London, the Supreme Court debated whether the use of eminent domain for economic development purposes qualifies as a public use within the meaning of the Takings Clause of the Fifth Amendment to the Constitution. In November of 2000, the NLDC condemned the fifteen properties that remained to be acquired in order for the development plan to advance. Upon a finding that the proposed uses were not attributable to the above factors, the court affirmed the judgment for the parcel 3 takings and reversed the judgment regarding parcel 4A, allowing both parcels to be seized through eminent domain. The Court relied on this rationale to find that the use of private parties to further the public benefit was an acceptable method to achieve public use. Weighing this with the idea that transfers intended to confer benefits on particular, favored private entities, and with only incidental or pretextual public benefits, are forbidden by the Public Use clause, Justice Kennedy stated that courts should seriously investigate accusations of private party favoritism by the government entity. Justice Thomas agreed that replacing the words public use with public purpose effectively erased the Public Use Clause from the Fifth Amendment. Establishing such a safeguard appropriately balances the public policy concerns both supporting and criticizing the use of eminent domain for economic development. TEXT:? [*381] I. Introduction In Kelo v. City of New London, n1 the Supreme Court debated whether the use of eminent domain for economic development purposes qualifies as a public use within the meaning of the Takings Clause of the Fifth Amendment to the Constitution. n2 The city of New London attempted to use the power of eminent domain to seize property to give to private companies in order to increase commerce in the area. n3 The Court found that, deferring to precedent, the public use requirement had been interpreted broadly. n4 Accordingly, in a five-to-four vote, the Court held that New Londons plans constituted public use within the meaning of the Fifth Amendment to the Federal Constitution. n5 II. Statement of Facts A. New Londons Development Plan and the Taking In 1990, the city of New London was designated a distressed municipality. n6 The city was experiencing economic decline and suffered from an unemployment rate that was twice Connecticuts rate as a state. n7 As a result of these conditions, the New London Development Corporation (NLDC) was called upon by state and local officials to plan New Londons redevelopment. n8 After the NLDC developed a plan to build a Fort Trumbell State Park, Pfizer Inc. , the pharmaceutical company, revealed its plan to build a $ 300 million research facility on a site immediately adjacent to Fort Trumbell. n9 The addition of Pfizer to the New London area was anticipated to entice other businesses to migrate to the city, effectively serving as a catalyst to the areas rejuvenation. n10 The NLDC received State approval, and the plan for Fort Trumbell State Park was completed. n11 [*382] The final plan for the Park encompassed services and businesses that would capitalize on the added commerce resulting from the inclusion of Pfizer to the area. n12 The NLDC intended to create jobs and increase tax revenue with the development plan, but the Park was also intended to bolster the areas aesthetic qualities and leisure activities. n13 The NLDC received permission from the city council to exercise eminent domain in the citys name, enabling it to acquire the property for the ninety-acre Park. n14 The NLDC was able to purchase most of the property in the target area; however, it was unable to secure fifteen pieces of real estate after negotiations. n15 One such piece of real estate was owned by Charles and Wilhelmina Dery who had lived on their property for over sixty years. n16 The properties of the nine owners who refused to sell, including the Derys property, were located in areas appropriated by the NLDC as sites for park support, such as parking, retail services, or office space. n17 In November of 2000, the NLDC condemned the fifteen properties that remained to be acquired in order for the development plan to advance. n18 B. The Procedural History Petitioners filed suit in the Superior Court of Connecticut for the Judicial District of New London seeking injunctive relief to prevent the acquisition of their property through the use of eminent domain. n19 Petitioners argued that the takings at issue could not satisfy the public use requirement of Article 1 Â § 11 of the Connecticut Constitution (equivalent to the Fifth Amendment of the Constitution of the United States) which reads in pertinent part: The property of no person shall be taken for public use, without just compensation therefor[e]. n20 The petitioners submitted that a taking cannot be for a public use if it is motivated by a private entity. . . and if ultimately a private entity is to determine the fate of the property owners. . . . n21 The Superior Court found that broad statements on public use and deference to the legislature must be qualified. n22 The Superior Court further stated of its role in eminent domain actions: If the court considers the [*383] purpose not to be reasonable or connected to a valid public use, it is the duty of the court to declare the act authorizing the taking as unconstitutional. n23 After review of the facts, the Superior Court held that the statements regarding the use of parcel 4A were too vague and uncertain to allow the court to conclude the takings here [were] necessary and would not be unreasonable. n24 The court granted a permanent injunction against destroying the properties located in parcel 4A and granted a temporary injunction against the destruction of the properties in parcel 3 after finding that the takings were justified as to allow the petitioners to appeal without losing their homes. n25 Both parties appealed the trial courts judgment to the Supreme Court of Connecticut. n26 The appellate court stated that since the takings were authorized by the legislature, the standard the judiciary must apply was one of unreasonableness, bad faith, or abuse of power. n27 Upon a finding that the proposed uses were not attributable to the above factors, the court affirmed the judgment for the parcel 3 takings and reversed the judgment regarding parcel 4A, allowing both parcels to be seized through eminent domain. n28 The Supreme Court of the United States granted certiorari and affirmed the judgment of the Supreme Court of Connecticut. n29 III. Decision and Rationale A. The Majority Opinion of the Court The Supreme Court held that the takings proposed by the City for the purpose of economic development are for a public use as directed by the Fifth Amendment to the Federal Constitution. n30 It has been well established that the government is barred from taking private property solely for the purpose of transferring it to a private entity for its use. n31 The Court analyzed whether New London would be barred from taking property from petitioners to allocate to private parties for support services for Pfizer, a private corporation. n32 In order for the takings at issue here to violate the public use [*384] clause, the plan must have been adopted with the purpose of benefiting a particular class of identifiable individuals. n33 The Court stated that the governments pursuit of a public purpose will often benefit individual private parties. n34 The Court directed the focus to be on the future use of the taking, rather than on the immediate benefit. n35 The Court warned that by focusing solely on the benefit to private parties, the purpose of [the] taking becomes confused with the mechanics of how the resulting public benefit was accomplished. n36 The Court relied on this rationale to find that the use of private parties to further the public benefit was an acceptable method to achieve public use. However, a determination still had to be made regarding whether the development plan encompassed public use of the condemned property. n37 Even though, in this case, the property would not be opened for use by the general public, the Court had previously embraced a broad interpretation of public use that was satisfied in this situation. n38 At the end of the nineteenth century, the Court began to apply a public purpose standard, effectively rejecting the notion that the general public must be allowed actual use of the taken property. n39 Therefore, the Court applied this public purpose standard to New Londons development plan which promoted creating jobs, generating tax revenue, and helping to build momentum for the revitalization of downtown New London. n40 The Court examined how the concept of eminent domain met the changing needs of society during its public purpose analysis. n41 In Berman v. Parker, n42 the Court upheld a plan seeking to distribute property in a blighted area to both public and private entities for the purpose of redevelopment and found that non-blighted property was still a justified taking because the project was analyzed as a whole. n43 Thirty years later, the Court decided Hawaii Housing Authority v. Midkiff n44 where it found that the elimination of a land oligopoly was a sufficient public use even though the property was put back in the hands of private parties. n45 In the same year, the [*385] Court held in Ruckleshaus v. Monsanto n46 that the benefit to competition in the pesticide market outweighed any benefit given to subsequent applicants. n47 The Court applied this trend of increasingly broad interpretations of the phrase public use to the facts of the present case and found that New Londons redevelopment plan served a public purpose. n48 New London developed a plan that it hoped would enable the city to overcome its economic strains. This plan included a variety of commercial, residential, and recreational uses of land, with the hope that they [would] form a whole greater than the sum of its parts. n49 According to Berman, the Court cannot judge the plan on a piecemeal basis, but must examine the possible outcomes of the plan as a whole. n50 The Court compared the economic benefit in this case to the previously mentioned cases and found no reason to distinguish between economic benefit received through tax revenue and increased job prospects from the economic benefits that have been previously upheld by the Court. n51 This rationale was further justified after looking at New Londons development plan. n52 Courts have long deferred to the decisions of state legislatures, absent a showing that the purpose was illegitimate or that the taking was validated by irrational justification. n53 The Courts position is to adjudicate the issue of public use and once that issue has been resolved, the legislature may use its discretion in determining by what means the plan will be accomplished. n54 The Court pointed out that states are able to place restrictions on its ability to procure property through eminent domain. n55 In this case, Connecticut had a statute specifically permitting the use of eminent domain for economic development. n56 As a result of this deference to legislation, combined with a broad interpretation of public use and the allowance of private parties as an intermediary towards the final goal of public purpose, the Court held that New Londons proposed takings satisfied the [*386] public use requirement of the Fifth Amendment of the Federal Constitution. n57 B. The Concurring Opinion of Justice Kennedy Justice Kennedy emphasized the utilization of a rational-basis standard of review for cases analyzing the public use clause. n58 Weighing this with the idea that transfers intended to confer benefits on particular, favored private entities, and with only incidental or pretextual public benefits, are forbidden by the Public Use clause, Justice Kennedy stated that courts should seriously investigate accusations of private party favoritism by the government entity. n59 Petitioners attempted to establish a need for a rule that presumptively invalidates any takings for purposes of economic development in order to allow the Court to discover the true motives behind the takings. n60 Justice Kennedy pointed out that the trial court in this case carefully examined the evidence and found that the primary motivation of the plan was to utilize Pfizers presence in the city to create an increase in commerce, a finding that eliminated the need to establish a higher standard of review in this case. n61 He was careful to note that some cases may warrant a presumption of invalidity. n62 However, Justice Kennedy stated that because the city developed a plan with substantial anticipated economic benefits that was subject to the review of the citys underlying motivations, and because the identities of the private entities were not established at the onset of the development planning, this case presented no circumstances that would justify an increased standard of review. C. The Dissenting Opinion of Justice OConnor, joined by the Chief Justice, Justice Scalia, and Justice Thomas Justice OConnor disagreed with the majoritys opinion which stated that there were incidental private benefits in this case that were inferior to a substantial public benefit. n63 She felt that the reverse was true, and that by ruling in such a way, the Court had effectivelydelete[d] the words for public use from the Takings Clause of the Fifth Amendment. n64 This was consistent with the petitioners argument stating that the government may not take their property for the private use of other owners simply because the [*387] new owners may make more productive use of the property. n65 The premise of this argument was based upon the judiciarys position to determine the meaning of public use as it differed from the legislatures opinion. n66 Justice OConnor conceded that the Court should defer to the legislatures determination of what constitutes public use. n67 However, if the legislatures power to define this term was unlimited, without the possibility of a review from the judiciary branch, the Public Use Clause would amount to little more than hortatory fluff. n68 Justice OConnor recognized that certain circumstances exist in which the Public Use Clause should be interpreted broadly. She disagreed, however, that this should be a generalized holding allowing the inclusion of economic development as a public purpose. n69 As support for this argument, Justice OConnor distinguished two of the cases upon which the majority relied to reach their holding. n70 In Berman, the Court upheld a taking of blighted property, part of which was passed to private parties for the sake of redevelopment. n71 Congress had determined that the blighted area was hazardous to the health, safety, morals, and welfare, and thus eminent domain was appropriate to eliminate these conditions. n72 Looking at the neighborhood as a whole, the public purpose of eliminating hazardous conditions took precedence over allowing an owner of a non-blighted store to keep his property. n73 In Midkiff, the Court upheld a taking for the purpose of eliminating a land oligopoly that was skewing the States residential fee simple market, inflating land prices, and injuring the public tranquility and welfare. n74 Justice OConnor distinguished the two cases from the case at bar because the takings in Berman and Midkiff eliminated an affirmative harm on society rather than the public receiving a benefit that was secondary to private parties benefit. n75 By distinguishing the above cases, Justice OConnor found that precedent did not compel the majority to uphold such a broad rule that contained no limitations. n76 [*388] D. The Dissenting Opinion of Justice Thomas Justice Thomas agreed that replacing the words public use with public purpose effectively erased the Public Use Clause from the Fifth Amendment. n77 He stated that the present case is not the only case that has misconstrued the Takings Clause; rather, the line of cases leading up to the present have strayed from the Clauses original meaning. n78 Examining the language of the Fifth Amendment, Justice Thomas concluded that the phrase public use would be unnecessary verbiage if not interpreted as a limitation, and thus states that the Public Use Clause is therefore an express limit on the governments power of eminent domain. n79 After examining the plain language of the public use requirement, Justice Thomas further concluded that the drafters intended the clause to carry a narrow meaning requiring actual public employment of the taken property. n80 He also analyzed the Constitutions common-law background as well as the historical uses of eminent domain to reach the same narrow definition of public use. n81 Justice Thomas then examined a case relied on by the majority, Fallbrook Irrigation Dist. v. Bradley, n82 by stating that the majority improperly relied on dicta in the case that was unnecessarily broad and cited no supporting authority. n83 This reasoning was brought up again by Justice Thomas when discussing United States v. Gettysburg Electric R. Co. , n84 from which the court relied on dicta stating that the judiciary shall respect the legislatures judgment when deciding a question of public use unless that judgment is unreasonable. n85 Justice Thomas claimed that the courts should not exhibit deference to the decisions of the legislature in such cases because a court owes no deference to a legislatures judgment concerning the quintessentially legal question of whether the government owns, or the public has a legal right to use, the taken property. n86 He also hypothesized that the Framers would not have subjected only the Public Use Clause to legislative deference out of all the provisions of the Bill of Rights. n87 He further argued that the Public Use Clause limits the legislative power of eminent domain, and thus by removing [*389] the power of the judiciary to oversee the limitation of that power, the purpose of the Clause is eliminated. n88 He analyzed the two cases Berman and Midkiff, and stated that the Court was wrong in those cases to equate the eminent domain power with the police power of the States. n89 He differentiated the two powers by concluding that the customary uses of police power do not require compensation to the citizens, while the uses of eminent domain always require compensation, concluding that the two powers were separate. n90 Justice Thomas further concluded that the combination of the above factors constructively eliminates the Public Use Clause from the Fifth Amendment, and he therefore stated that the appropriate interpretation of public use is that the property be used by the government or the public. n91 IV. Analysis Public policy dictates that the government should not be expected to compensate owners that hold out on selling their property in order to demand an unreasonably high payment. The Takings Clause of the Fifth Amendment effectively overcomes this societal detriment; however, the public policy benefit favoring governmental takings needs to be balanced against the public policy favoring a citizens right to keep his property. With this in mind, the Framers added the Public Use Clause to the Fifth Amendment in order to limit the governments power to exercise eminent domain at its own discretion. Courts also need to remember this desire for balance between competing public policy issues when interpreting the Public Use Clause. The Supreme Court has gradually shaped the Public Use Clause to allow, in theory, any taking by the government that benefits the public regardless of whether that proposed effect is primary or secondary, substantial or minimal. The latest holding regarding eminent domain from the Supreme Court in Kelo allowed the taking of property for the abstract reasons of increased tax revenue and job opportunities. In the Courts holding, there were no express limitations on this new ability to confiscate property for such intangible benefits. Conversely, the Court stated that deference should be given to the legislatures decision of the appropriateness of the taking. n92 While the Court reviewed a comprehensive plan developed by the City outlining the intended uses of the condemned property, it did not require the City to show any proof that the intended uses [*390] were reasonably certain to result in the proposed public benefit. n93 The Court reasoned that if it were to impose such a requirement of proof, a significant impediment to the successful consummation of many such plans would result. n94 While there is a significant interest in promoting commerce, the Court seemingly overlooks the equally significant interest of affording homeowners protection from unnecessary takings. It seems reasonable to expect that if a city has an extensively planned development plan, such as was exhibited by the city of New London, it should further have planned out the financial details of such a development plan. This one additional step in the planning of the proposed takings could eliminate development plans that successfully complete the takings stage of the plan only to have the financing fall through, thus leaving the condemned homes empty and the land wasted. The law of waste is a basic property concept stating that land should be used in a way that maximizes the propertys value. n95 There can be no greater waste of property than to force owners to leave their homes and then allow the property to remain vacant while sources of funding are sought. There are many examples illustrating the aftermath of approving such a plan without forcing the legislature to obtain the means to institute that plan before issuing condemnation. n96 One particularly unjust case took place in Cincinnati, Ohio. n97 Nordstrom, the retail store, decided to locate in the city of Cincinnati. n98 However, a Walgreens store currently occupied the location that it wanted. n99 Walgreens agreed to move to a new location, but the new location was home to a CVS store. n100 The CVS store refused to move, and the city initiated condemnation proceedings in order to utilize its power of eminent domain, [*391] after which CVS agreed to settle. n101 The settlement required that the city move Walgreens to the lot across the street from CVS, which unfortunately held many small businesses of which the city condemned in order to give the land to Walgreens. n102 The problem looked resolved (at the expense of the small businesses that were forced to close their doors), but the city overlooked a clause in the agreement with Nordstrom. n103 Under the parties initial agreement, the city agreed to leave vacant the very parcel that it had just handed to Walgreens so that additional upscale' shops could be built adjacent to Nordstrom. n104 The city never rearranged the parcels, and Nordstrom never began building. n105 Nordstrom eventually announced that it would no longer be opening in Cincinnati on account of declining profit margins. n106 The city paved the vacant lot so that it could exist as a parking lot. n107 Luckily, a similar situation was resolved between the New London Development Corporation (NLDC) and Corcoran Jennison, the developer with whom the city contracted to build the hotel and convention center in Fort Trumbell. n108 An Associated Press article revealed that the NLDC claimed that Corcoran Jennison failed to find financing for the project and thus wanted to downgrade the quality of the hotel. n109 Corcoran Jennison rebutted that the NLDC was at fault because it set unrealistic standards for the hotel that were not economically feasible. n110 The president of the company, Marty Jones, stated that the company felt that the NLDCs tactics [did] not serve the communitys interests in generating timely economic development and new tax revenue at Fort Trumbull. n111 According to David Goebel, Chief Operating Officer of the NLDC, as of September 7, 2005, Corcoran Jennison has since obtained zoning approval for the plan and the plan is undergoing review as per the development agreement. n112 While funds have not been secured yet, the [*392] developer is currently pursuing final financial arrangements for construction of the hotel. n113 The fact that the city possessed an extensive proposed development plan could not have curtailed the dispute between the NLDC and the developer. The city is fortunate that it was able to compromise on its plan, thus preserving the premise that legitimized the takings, even though final funding is still absent from the project. However, a better safeguard than simply being fortunate should be required by the Court before upholding such takings. This safeguard is simple and legitimate; require proof to a reasonable certainty that such benefit will occur. If the city had been required to show proof of its financial backing, the developer would have been forced to find final funding before the condemnations were upheld by the Supreme Court. If the city of Cincinnati had been required to prove to a reasonable certainty that condemning small businesses for the sake of moving the Walgreens would allow a Nordstrom store to open in the city, perhaps city officials would not have missed the clause in the contract which delayed development of the store after which Nordstrom could no longer afford to open there. If the Court is unwilling to review the decisions of state legislatures, then it should impose a different safeguard for the property owners. This safeguard was appropriately suggested by the petitioners in Kelo and the benefit of such a review was promptly disregarded by the majority. n114 While it can be assumed that the legislature will not abuse its discretionary power, it is unreasonable to think a legislature that favors using eminent domain for the purposes of economic development will subject itself to safeguards favoring the property owners if it is not held to any review by the courts. With this in mind, some legislatures are taking it upon themselves to impose either stricter guidelines regulating the Public Use Clause or they are expressly stating that economic development is not a proper interpretation of public use. n115 This is evidenced by the fact that [j]ust five weeks after the U. S. Supreme Court upheld the use of eminent domain to seize private property for economic development, more than half of the states have introduced legislation to thwart potential abuses. n116 A legislative change route was suggested by the majority opinion and was apparently embraced by twenty-eight states. Such a change is also being embraced by federal legislation, as the House of Representatives is currently examining a bill that [*393] prohibits the dispersion of government funding to any city that uses eminent domain as a means to promote private commercial development. n117 While these twenty-eight states have taken the responsibility to ensure the fair treatment of their citizens, there remain twenty-two states that have not dealt with this pressing issue. For that reason, it is imperative that courts examine the possibility that the legislation might not have obtained all the avenues (and financing) necessary to achieve a successful result for both the city and the property owner. A balance can be struck between the needs of the public via eminent domain and the needs of the private property owner who is sacrificing his home for the public utility. The implication of a simple safeguard requiring a city to prove that its plan will be successful in achieving a public benefit is all that stands in the way of achieving this balance. V. Conclusion Eminent domain is a necessary action employed by legislatures for a variety of reasons. The Court held in Kelo v. City of New London that economic development was an appropriate reason for which eminent domain could be exercised. While noting that the city of New London possessed a comprehensive development plan, the Court imposed no express restrictions upon the ability of the legislature to exercise eminent domain for such purposes. The Court rejected the petitioners argument that the city should be required to show to a reasonable certainty that the public benefit would occur before the condemnation was allowed. This lack of legislative review by the Court constructively removed the Public Use Clause from the Fifth Amendment of the Federal Constitution as the legislature now has free reign with which to decide for itself whether a proposed taking constitutes public use. While there is an assumption that the legislature will not abuse its power when deciding to take its citizens property, it should not be assumed that the same legislature will take the appropriate measures to safeguard that its citizens property will be utilized successfully. These measures should be implemented by the Court in the form of a review requiring the city to show with a reasonable certainty that the public benefit will occur. Th

Judges Power to Override Legislation

Judges Power to Override Legislation INTRODUCTION The issue of judges having the power to override legislation can be linked to Judicial Review (JR) which has been a point of debate between different scholars. To understand judicial review, one must look at the definition of democracy and the nature of it. Democracy as described by A Weale is a government whereby important public decisions on questions of law and policy depend, directly or indirectly, upon public opinion formally expressed by citizens of the community, the vast bulk of whom have equal political rights.[1] Democracy can be seen as a good way of choosing government and as such the government cannot infringe on the rights of the people. This relates to the social contract theory which was given by John Locke whereby the people have to agree to give up their freedom as long as the government agree to do what is mentioned in the contract. The social contract theory was created to protect the natural rights of the people. For a democracy to exist, the people must have rig hts and this is the major reason Judicial Review exists; to uphold these rights for the system to be democratic. Therefore, I will be supporting the notion that the courts should be given the power to scrutinize, not override legislation if it conflicts with the rights in the Bill of Rights. I will be looking at arguments for Judicial Review put forward by Dworkin as well looking at the arguments against it given by Waldron and I shall give my conclusion. DWORKINS THEORY Firstly, the bill of rights according to Dworkin are the clauses of the American constitution that protect individuals and minorities from government[2]. Therefore, these clauses must be given the moral reading. Dworkin gives meaning to the moral reading in his book Freedoms law: the moral reading of the American constitution[3]. He explains that the moral reading proposes that judges, lawyers and citizens should interpret and apply the abstract clauses on understanding that they invoke moral principles about political civility and justice[4].   The moral reading brings political morality into the heart of constitutional law but this is uncertain and controversial, therefore any system of government that makes such principles part of its law must decide whose interpretation and understanding will be authoritative[5]. In the American System Judges have that authority and in his book, Dworkin disproves the critics that suggest the moral reading of the constitution gives judges t he absolute power to impose their own moral convictions on the public[6]. Democracy means government by the people[7] as seen in Dworkins article but he did point out that there are two ways in which democracy can operate. The first is the majoritarian premise[8] and the second is the constitutional conception of democracy[9]. The majoritarian premise is of the view that political decisions and procedures should be made based on the favour of the majority or the plurality of the citizens provided that they have adequate information and enough time on reflection[10]. Dworkin rejects the view of the majoritarian premise. This is because even though it seems that most people in the United States of America have accepted the majoritarian premise, there are still some who believe that the majority should not always be the final judge[11]. The reason for this is that there are situations where individual rights need to be protected and the decisions should not be based merely on what the majority want. The premise supposes that it is unfair when the political majority does not always get their way[12] which is unfair to minorities and individuals. Dworkin looks to a different, better account of the value of democracy[13]. This is the constitutional conception of democracy[14]. This takes on the view that collective decisions should be made by political institutions whose structure, composition and practises treat all members with equal concern and equal respect[15]. This is done out of concern for the equal status of citizens and not out of commitment to the goals of majority rule[16]. This is one major reason Dworkin argues in favour of the courts. He believes that an independent body such as the judiciary can make decisions which respect not only the majority but also individual citizens. In relation to Dworkin proving that JR improves democracy, he proposes three arguments that favour the majoritarian premise and he rebuts each of these arguments which demonstrates that the majoritarian premise is undemocratic. However, only two of these arguments will be looked at. The first argument in favour of the majoritarian view is liberty. People that are in support of the majority view argue that allowing judges to strike down legislation can be perceived as undemocratic because it infringes on the right to liberty. The right to liberty includes the freedom of the people to govern themselves by electing political officials. Dworkin rebuts this argument in two forms which are the statistical collective action and the communal collective action.[17] A collective action is statistical when a group of people do that action as only a matter of individual interest, that is, doing it for their own selfish gains but it leads to a result that favours everyone in the community[18]. While a collective action is communal when it cannot be reduced to some statistical function of individual action[19]. This is a matter of individuals acting together consciously to bring about a result. Dworkin believes that if a loss of liberty should exist then the collective action should be communal not statistical. Loss of liberty to any individual would be negligible. The communal collective action brings about how an individual voter can identify with the community. The community as a whole must treat an individual with respect and as an equal[20]. This relates to the concept of moral membership. Moral membership is how an individual should be treated as part of the community as a whole. There are two features of moral membership; the first is structural[21] which explains that the community must have a shared culture, history and language. The second is relational[22] which emphasizes on individual rights. As a member of the community every individual must have political rights. If every member has these rights, then everyone should all be treated equally as a member of the community. This also means that people have a part in collective decision making, as well as a stake in what happens and they also have independence from it[23]. Dworkin believes that without these rights then democracy cannot exist. The second argument is community. From the majoritarian view the argument would be that if the view of the majority is overridden then citizens are deprived of the value of participating in communal decision making. Dworkin rebuts this by saying that citizens can also participate in the political process through other ways. One of such ways is the power that is given to the people by the constitution to form non-political communities such as religious, professional and social groups[24]. Dworkin refers to the first amendments association of protection that prohibits religious discrimination which enhances that power[25]. The second way is through influence; citizens may have more influence over a judicial decision by their contribution to public discussion of the issue than they would over legislative decisions just through voting or even a referendum[26]. Dworkin reaches the conclusion that there is no loss in democracy if the final say is left to judges, therefore he believes that Judicial review can improve democracy. WALDRONS THEORY Waldron takes on a different view regarding Judicial Review and democracy. In his article THE CORE OF THE CASE AGAINST JUDICIAL REVIEW[27]Waldron begins by saying JR is just the subjection of the legislature to the rule of law and then he goes further by drawing a distinction between strong and weak JR[28]. Strong JR is a system whereby the courts have the authority to override a statute in a particular case or modify the statute to make its application conform with individual rights[29]. While weak JR is a system whereby the courts do not have as much authority; the courts may scrutinize legislation for its conformity to individual rights but they may not decline to apply it[30]. Waldrons focus is on societies that have strong JR. In making his argument against JR, Waldron makes four assumptions about a society. In this society there is a functioning democratic system, a set of judicial institutions that is functional, a belief and respect for individual and minority rights and disagreement over the meaning of rights among members of the society[31]. It is the disagreement over rights that Waldron lays emphasis on. In a society, people will have disagreement about the compatibility of the legislation and rights and when these disagreements exist there needs to be an ultimate authority that can settle the disagreements about rights. Waldron looks to two sort of reasons that need to be taken into account in evaluating the decision-procedure for settling disagreement. These are the outcome related reason and the process related reason[32]. The process related reason[33] are reasons for insisting that a person makes a decision that stands independently of the considerations about the appropriate outcome[34]. It is all about the process and the way the outcome is reached.   In politics, the most familiar process-related reasons are those based on political equality and the democratic right to vote, the right to have ones voice counted even when others disagree with what one says[35].   Waldron continues his process related reason argument by saying that the legislature gives each person the greatest say possible which is compatible with an equal say for each of the others[36]. He believes that representative system satisfies the demand for political equality which is equal voice and equal decisional au thority[37]. Waldron believes that this is preferable to the outcome related reasons. Outcome related reasons[38] are reasons for making the decision procedure in a way that will ensure the appropriate outcome[39]. It focuses on which institution brings about the best outcome. Waldron gives three reasons that favour JR producing a better outcome and he gives his reply to each argument. The first is the orientation to a particular case. The issue of rights are presented to the judges in the form of flesh -and-blood individual situations[40]. Since the courts are dealing with individual rights it helps to see how an individual is affected by a piece of legislation[41]. Waldrons reply to this is by the time these cases reach the highest court almost all trace of the original flesh-and-blood right holders[42] has vanished[43]. The judges tend to view these cases in an abstract way and the courts address these issue in a more general way[44]. The second argument is the orientation to a text in the bill of rights[45]. Waldrons response to this is that a legal right that finds protection in a Bill of Rights finds it under the supports of some official form of words in which the provisions of the Bill are articulated[46]. The written creation of the Bill of rights tend to encourage a rigid word based formalism which the courts may try to interpret in an obsessive manner[47]. Waldron believes that this can be avoided in a system of legislative supremacy because legislators can take on the issue for themselves without reference to the Bill of Rights formulations[48]. He also makes one final point which is judicial reasoning may be distorted by an omission in the bill of rights[49]. He gives a scenario of a disagreement between positive (socioeconomic) rights and negative(liberty) rights which may alter Judges understanding of the rights included[50]. They may give more weight to positive rights than negative rights which may l ead to Judges striking down statutes that are trying to make up for the rights that failed to register in the formulation of the bill of rights[51]. The third argument that Waldron gives his response to is stating reasons[52]. He says that Courts are concerned with the legitimacy of decision making therefore they focus their reason giving on facts that show that they are legally authorized by constitution, statute, or precedent[53]. This counts heavily against the court in the outcome related argument about JR over legislation[54]. The courts are distracted by the legitimacy issue they pursue and as a result they lose track of the heart of the matter[55], whereas the parliament go directly to it[56] and their reasons are given in debates and are published in Hansard or Congressional record[57]. He gives the example of Roe v Wade[58] whereby none of the judges in the supreme court paid attention to the plaintiffs position that was being discussed[59]. Waldron reaches the conclusion that the legislature is a better process than the judiciary because it is a legitimate and fair way of deciding disagreements over rights. The Judiciary being a non-democratic institution does not uphold democracy. MY OPINION In a democratic system rights that are upheld can be found in the Bill of Rights. For the sake of the question it is the British bill of rights that will be considered. This brings up the issue of JR. Judicial Review gives the court the authority to scrutinize statute or in some cases override statutes if it is incompatible with the bill of rights. One thing to remember is that the court is a non-democratic institution. Looking at both sides of the argument they each carry weight; Dworkin is of the view that JR improves democracy while Waldron is of the view that the parliament is better suited to improve democracy. From Dworkins argument I understood the difference between the majoritarian premise and the constitutional conception of democracy. In his book Dworkin thought the constitutional conception of democracy was a better way for democracy to operate. The constitutional conception of democracy is a good idea which upholds individual rights. Judges can be seen as independent bodies that can make decisions and interpret the law in a consistent manner unlike the government. In regards to governmental bodies in Britain, it can be seen that the executive and the parliament have some form of connection. It is possible that the executives may exert pressure on parliament seeing as how they make the parliament accountable. This could create inconsistencies. Dworkins theory relates democracy to rights, according to him without rights there is no democracy. As an individual in a community you need to have the sense of moral membership and as such the community treats you with respect and as an equal which means that all voices are heard and everyone can fully participate in self-government which is a political right. In reality to gain equal membership in a community would be impossible. Waldron also brought up some compelling arguments against strong JR. His focus is on the right-based JR; he believes that the process of JR is unsuitable for a democratic society whose main problem is the disagreement over rights. He believes that the disagreement can be resolved by adopting procedures that respect the voices and opinions of individuals whose rights are at stake and this procedure is done by the legislation. I agree with most of Waldrons theory but I still question some of what he proposes. Waldron explains the process related reasons and outcome related reasons as considerations that are separate but there are certain circumstances whereby the process and outcome work together as one. If the outcome is a bad one, then that means the process reasons that gave that outcome authority are invalid. It can be seen in Waldrons article he refers to process-related reasons including fair elections, majority decisions and citizen participation. I think this argument is biased in favour of the legislature, this is because all the processes he mentions are naturally associated with the legislature; they are legislative practices. Waldron believes that JR is not a good final decision procedure because it does not make proper use of these practices. These practices are meant for legislative procedures. This is not a good argument against JR because the courts have their own process related considerations which are hearing out the cases of individuals who are represented by lawyers, looking to precedents, making decisions and if the individual is still unhappy with the outcome, there is always a chance for an appeal. Just because the process is different does not mean it is not legitimate. He gave the argument of courts getting distracted because they seek legitimacy. Judges interpret the laws to the best it can be and apply it to the cases of individuals. They look for legitimate reasons because they are trying to protect individual rights in accordance with law. I agree with his outcome related argument that refers to the orientation of the bill of rights. I also accept that, that much power should not be left to the courts without a body to question them seeing as they are unelected, but in Britain there is a hierarchy of courts and it can be seen that various cases are taken from the magistrate court to the crown court, sometimes high court and finally to the supreme court. I would like to think that the judges in these different courts check and balance each other out. This is because different courts usually disagree with some of the decisions made. In addition to this, I would also like to make a point regarding the magistrate courts. In England, the judges in the magistrate are made up of people that come from the community, since these people come from the community, they can relate to the issues of majority and minority and that creates a chance for a well-rounded decision. In conclusion I am of the view that Judges should be given the power to scrutinize, not override legislation if it conflicts with rights in the bill of rights. [1]A Weale, Democracy (2nd edn, Basingstoke, Palgrave, 2007) p14 [2] Ronald Dworkin, FREEDOMS LAW: THE MORAL READING OF THE AMERICAN CONSTITUTION, (Oxford University Press, 1996) p7 [3]  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚   Ronald Dworkin, FREEDOMS LAW: THE MORAL READING OF THE AMERICAN CONSTITUTION, (Oxford University Press, 1996) [4] Ibid p2 [5] Ibid p2 [6] Ibid p2 [7] Ibid p15 [8] Ibid p15-16 [9] Ibid p15-16 [10] Ibid p16 [11] Ibid p16 [12] Ibid p17 [13] Ibid p17 [14] Ibid p17 [15] Ibid p17 [16] Ibid p17 [17] Ibid p19 [18] Ibid p19 [19] Ibid p20 [20] Ibid p17 [21] Ibid p24 [22] Ibid p24 [23] Ibid p24 [24] Ibid p29 [25] Ibid p29 [26] Ibid p30 [27] Jeremy Waldron, THE CORE OF THE CASE AGAINST JUDICIAL REVIEW (2006) 115 Yale L J 1346 [28] Jeremy Waldron, THE CORE OF THE CASE AGAINST JUDICIAL REVIEW (2006) 115 Yale L J 1346 p5 [29] Ibid p5 [30] Ibid p5 [31] Ibid p7 [32] Ibid p14 [33] Ibid p14 [34] Ibid p14 [35] Ibid p15 [36] Ibid p23 [37] Ibid p23 [38] Ibid p15 [39] Ibid p15 [40] Ibid p18 [41] Ibid p18 [42] Ibid p18 [43] Ibid p18 [44] Ibid p18 [45] Ibid p19 [46] Ibid p19 [47] Ibid p19 [48] Ibid p19 [49] Ibid p19 [50] Ibid p20 [51] Ibid p20 [52] Ibid p20 [53] Ibid p21 [54] Ibid p21 [55] Ibid p21 [56] Ibid p21 [57] Ibid p20 [58] Roe v. Wade, 410 U.S. 113 (1973) [59] Ibid p21

Originality Of Philosophy :: essays research papers fc

Originality of Philosophy Feb.25.1997   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  What is philosophy? What does a philosopher really do? Questions like these can be answered in a review of Philosophy Now. What can possibly be answered.....questions which have them. And what is it that philosophers study? Generally, most philosophers study questions in which there is no rational or justifiable answer. And the type of articles in the magazine are very interesting because they elighten the reader to question the answers. Some of the articles in this issue are â€Å"Bakunin: Anarchist or Antichrist?†, â€Å" Practical Solipsism†, â€Å"Introduction to Ontology†, â€Å"Orwell and Philosophy†, some other brief articles, an Internet page, and even some classifieds. The overall view of this magazine was very intellectual and professional because it did not contain any advertising throughout the magazine. The articles are more in the manner meant for either philosophers or someone in school studying Philosophy, or even anyone interested in a very different approach to society.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  An idea in the article â€Å"Practical Solipsism† reads: â€Å"Solipsism - the idea that only I exist and that you, and all other material things in the world are mere figments of my imagination - is one of those peculiar notions that make everybody realize just how barmy philosophers truly are.† Philosophy is often translated as the love of wisdom or the love of truth. One way to get a vague idea as to what philosophy is about is to dissect the subject and investigate its skeleton. there are many branches in philosophy. Metaphysics is†(after- physics, after Aristotle's book of physics.)†, and has questions about the nature of time, categories of existence, including god. Epistemology asks what is knowledge? what is the difference between knowledge, belief and opinion? Can we really know anything? How could we know that we did? Logic questions the truth and even now employs a sort of algebra which is used to crunch logical problems. There is Philosophy of mind, which asks questions about the human mind, how it thinks, and how is it related to the body. Ethics is like how are we living, what is good and bad, what is unethical, and what is happiness. Aesthetics asks mostly about beauty and how to define it. In particular though, there is political philosophy, and it asks questions like What would Utopia be like? Is Utopia possible? How should social life be organized? In my opinion this philosophy is not one related to our government but is very interesting to me. As I was reading, many questions arose about our society and what I thought should be changed. Another Article that I went over was called â€Å"Ontology for

The Physics of Human Strength :: physics sport sports weight lifting strong

Welcome to the Physics of Strength What make a person strong? According to Frederick Hatfield, Ph.D. and former world record holder in the Squat, there are 38 factors affecting strength. I have put them here for you to read quickly, but the original article can be found on www.drsquat.com. 1. Muscle Fiber Arrangement 2. Musculoskeletal Leverage 3. Tissue Leverage 4. Freedom of Movement Between Fibers 5. Tissue Viscoelasticity 6. Intramuscular/intracellular friction 7. Ratio of Fiber Types 8. Range of Motion 9. Freedom From Injury 10. Connective Tissue Structure 11. Stretch Reflex 12. The Feedback Loop 13. Endocrine System Functions (hormones) 14. Extent of hyperplasia (cell splitting) or fiber fusion 15. Extent of myofibrillarization 16. Motor Unit Recruitment 17. Energy transfer systems' efficiency 18. Extensiveness of capillarization 19. Mitochondrial growth and proliferation 20. Stroke volume of the left ventricle 21. Ejection fraction of the left ventricle 22. Pulmonary (ventilatory) capacity 23. Efficiency of gas exchange in the lungs 24. Heart rate 25. Max VO2 uptake 26. Freedom from disease 27. Arousal Level ("psych") 28. Ability to concentrate 29. Incentive 30. Social learning 31. Coordination 32. "Spiritual" factors 33. The "placebo" effect 34. Equipment 35. Environment 36. Effect of gravity 37. Opposing and assisting forces This pretty much covers everything. As you can see, it takes a culmination of physical, natural, mental, spiritual, and psychological factors to be strong. It also takes time. The laws of physics play a huge role in what it means to be strong. On this site we will focus especially on the last two, the effect of gravity and forces. The physical concepts that will be used in this site include Newton's laws (of course), gravity, work, power, velocity and acceleration, static equilibrium, and conservation of mechanical energy. All concepts and useful equations will be explained as they are used. What is the Squat? The parallel squat (shown to the left) is the most important lift in all of sports and the most efficient exercise in building strength. It incorporates back and leg strength, stability, and coordination. Almost every athlete can benefit from doing squats. How do you do Squats? Squats are done with a weighted bar on your shoulders, in the natural groove between the muscles, with your feet a little farther than shoulder-width apart.

The Severe Effect of Global Warming Essay -- essays research papers

Global Warming When we think of global warming, we think about Air pollution, rise of temperature, melting glaciers, carbon dioxide emissions and so no. But even though we know that these factors could lead to a global catastrophe, very often we do not realize what king of severe effect the global warming could have on our planet. Imagine that you are placed into the future. It is some where around 2050. You begin to live in this new world, but the planet is not the same any more. You hear about huge storms over much of the North America that cause severe damage and flooding. San Francisco, New York City, Miami, Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal all experience major flooding from the ocean level having risen so high. Thousands and thousands of people die each summer across the world as the temperature soars to 65Â ° C for 2 weeks straight. No, this is not total fantasy. All of these events could really occur over less then half a century. All of them are results of one problem — the global warming. It is a huge issue with many consequences. People just do not realize that all of these events could occur if the action is not taken. If we work together, and unite our efforts we can stop the global warming. (Thesis) It is our attitude at the beginning of a difficult task which, more than anything else will affect the outcome. *What is global warming Global warming is the increase in the temperature on average during the extended period of time. It has been first noticed by the scientist some time around 1980s. Since then lots of studies were made about this issue. Scientists from around the world have come to a conclusion that the climate on the Earth is changing. Our planet is continually being warmed by different sources suc... ...go up. Cleaning a dirty air conditioner filter can save 5% of the energy used. In North America 40,000 pounds of carbon dioxide is released per person every year. We can decrease that number by simply not wasting the energy resources that we take form the nature. Since the people's actions have caused global warming, our actions can also help reduce this threat.(climax) Anyone can help by taking personal action and encouraging the people in your community to do the same. We should stop looking at the global warming as at the prediction. It is already happening right now. The problem is not new. We know it is still happening, so why is it still happening?(Chiasmus) We could not afford to let it happened! Global warming is a time bomb, a race against time.(Metaphor) In order to will this raise we need to be together, to save out planet for the future generations. The Severe Effect of Global Warming Essay -- essays research papers Global Warming When we think of global warming, we think about Air pollution, rise of temperature, melting glaciers, carbon dioxide emissions and so no. But even though we know that these factors could lead to a global catastrophe, very often we do not realize what king of severe effect the global warming could have on our planet. Imagine that you are placed into the future. It is some where around 2050. You begin to live in this new world, but the planet is not the same any more. You hear about huge storms over much of the North America that cause severe damage and flooding. San Francisco, New York City, Miami, Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal all experience major flooding from the ocean level having risen so high. Thousands and thousands of people die each summer across the world as the temperature soars to 65Â ° C for 2 weeks straight. No, this is not total fantasy. All of these events could really occur over less then half a century. All of them are results of one problem — the global warming. It is a huge issue with many consequences. People just do not realize that all of these events could occur if the action is not taken. If we work together, and unite our efforts we can stop the global warming. (Thesis) It is our attitude at the beginning of a difficult task which, more than anything else will affect the outcome. *What is global warming Global warming is the increase in the temperature on average during the extended period of time. It has been first noticed by the scientist some time around 1980s. Since then lots of studies were made about this issue. Scientists from around the world have come to a conclusion that the climate on the Earth is changing. Our planet is continually being warmed by different sources suc... ...go up. Cleaning a dirty air conditioner filter can save 5% of the energy used. In North America 40,000 pounds of carbon dioxide is released per person every year. We can decrease that number by simply not wasting the energy resources that we take form the nature. Since the people's actions have caused global warming, our actions can also help reduce this threat.(climax) Anyone can help by taking personal action and encouraging the people in your community to do the same. We should stop looking at the global warming as at the prediction. It is already happening right now. The problem is not new. We know it is still happening, so why is it still happening?(Chiasmus) We could not afford to let it happened! Global warming is a time bomb, a race against time.(Metaphor) In order to will this raise we need to be together, to save out planet for the future generations.