President John Kennedy Was a Great President

â€Å"The task of the leader is to get his people from where they are to where they have not been† (Henry). This quote from Henry Kissinger is a representation of the Kennedy term in office. President Kennedy took the world to a whole new level; he succeeded in many tasks in his short time as president. John F. Kennedy was great president because of his involvements in the Cuban Missile Crisis, the Space Race, the Civil Rights Movement, and the Peace Corps. On October 22, 1962, President John F.  Kennedy â€Å"informed the world† that the Soviets were building secretive missile bases in Cuba, very close to Florida. President Kennedy decided to take the peaceful route in handling is major crisis. As President, his first move was to talk to Premier Nikita Khrushchev and demand the removal of all missile bases, and â€Å"deadly content† in Cuba. Secondly, President Kennedy had â€Å"U. S. forces around the world†¦placed on alert. More than 100,000 troops deployed to Florida for a possible invasion of Cuba. Additional naval vessels were ordered to the Caribbean. B-52s loaded with nuclear weapons were in the air at all times. † (The World). He ordered a naval quarantine/blockade on Cuba to prevent Russian ships from bringing additional missile and construction materials to the island (Goldman). Because of President John Kennedy’s strong efforts to prevent this huge nuclear war, two main things came out of it. One of which is the Nuclear Test Ban Treaty. On August 5, 1963, the United States, Soviet Union, and United Kingdom signed the Limited Nuclear Test Ban Treaty. This treaty â€Å"prohibits nuclear weapons tests or other nuclear explosions under water, in the atmosphere, or in outer space, allows underground nuclear tests as long as no radioactive debris falls outside the boundaries of the nation conducting the test, and pledges signatories to work towards complete disarmament, an end to the armaments race, and an end to the contamination of the environment by radioactive substances. † (Nuclear). Also, because President John Kennedy decided to take the peaceful route to settling this dispute, he prevented a huge nuclear war from happening, maybe even another World War. Premier Nikita Khrushchev described it as, â€Å"The two most powerful nations had been squared off against each other, each with its finger on the button. † (Nuclear). If this other World War or massive nuclear war would have occurred, just think of where we would be today. â€Å"The founding of the Peace Corps is one of President John F. Kennedy’s most enduring legacies. † (Founding). As soon as President Kennedy became the President, he vowed to help Americans be â€Å"active citizens. † One of his first moves in office was to create the Peace Corps. The way he came up with this idea of the Peace Corps was when he spoke to students at the University of Michigan during a campaign speech and challenged them to live and work in other countries to dedicate â€Å"themselves to the cause of peace and development. † (Peace). The main purpose for this was so â€Å"Americans can volunteer to work anywhere in the world where assistance is needed. † (John F. Kennedy, the 35th). This answers President Kennedy’s call to â€Å"ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country. † (Founding). President John Kennedy was very involved in the Peace Corps. He got to know all of the volunteers very well. Peace Corps volunteers became known as â€Å"Kennedy’s Kids† because if the special bond President Kennedy felt with them. Volunteers in the Peace Corps â€Å"help people of interest countries meet their needs for trained workers†, they help others understand the Americas better, and also to help people of America understand those of other countries. In the 1960s, the Peace Corps was immensely popular because of his campaign speech at the college, which encouraged newly graduated college students to join and help around the world. From that point in time, the Peace Corps continue to grow. Today, more than 195,000 volunteers have served in over â€Å"139 host countries to work on issues ranging from AIDS education to information technology and environmental preservation. † (Peace) Today’s world is a lot different compared to the world in the 1960s. The Peace Corps continually change with the times. People still volunteer as much, and even more than they did in the 1960s. Issues in other countries have severed over time, but because of the Peace Corps, people can help lessen this severe issue. The last effect of President Kennedy’s involvement is that because volunteers traveled around the world, we now know more about others’ cultures and traditions. The volunteers of the Peace Corps would live in different host countries, and adapt to their surroundings. They would learn multiple traditions and witness many cultural practices. When volunteers would return home, they would share their many experiences with family and friends, thus causing it to be spread and learned throughout the world. In the late 1950s, the Space Race was initiated when the Soviet Union launched Sputnik, the first artificial Earth satellite. From that point on, the Soviet Union and United States faced off to be the first country to land on the moon. President Kennedy feared that if the United States were not the first to land on the moon, that everyone would see them as a weak country that is â€Å"behind communist Russia† (Mills), and he did not want that image for his country. On May 25, 1961, President Kennedy submitted the lunar landing program to congress (Mills). In a meeting between President Kennedy, vice president Johnson, and Premier Khrushchev, they all decided that conquering space was a huge ordeal. Both countries wanted to show their military strength and scientific superiority. Premier Khrushchev wanted to show that communist technology was superior. According to President Kennedy, â€Å"No single space project in this period will be more impressive to mankind, or more important for the long-range exploration of space. And none will be so difficult or expensive to accomplish† (Mills). Without President Kennedy’s persistent thrive to enter space, we wouldn’t be where we are today. Before his time, space travel was just a dream. Sadly, on November 22, 1963, President Kennedy was shot and killed in Dallas, Texas for a NASA meeting of some sort. His vice president, Lyndon B. Johnson, however, carried on his â€Å"lunar landing† wish. Finally, in 1969, astronaut Neil Armstrong was the first man on the moon, thus ending the space race between Russia and the United States. Landing on the moon was the story of the century. According to a Jefferson City, MO newspaper, â€Å"the walk on the moon, although viewed via television, still seems like a chapter from Jules Verne’s fantasies. If] the moon-walk not been televised, we believe there would be many in the world who still would be doubting† (Mills). The placement of the flag on the moon was an unforgettable sight- one which will be long remembered by man, especially the grateful and proud Americans. In President Kennedy’s campaign for president, he promised â€Å"executive, moral, and legislative leadership to combat racial discrimination† (John F. Kennedy John). One of his first actions was to appoint many African Americans into office. One of which was Thurgood Marshall, a federal judge, and he directed the NAACP. Because of all of this, African Americans felt as if they actually had â€Å"friends† in the justice department. In May of 1961, the Kennedy Administration sent officials to protect Martin Luther King, Jr. from a mob during the â€Å"freedom rides† (John F. Kennedy John). His Civil Rights Address was a turning point for the country, and this also meant that President Kennedy could potentially lose the south and his 1964 election, or it would â€Å"dead lock congress† (John F. Kennedy John). Everything that President Kennedy did for this Civil Rights Movement helped change the course of discrimination in the world. He put a stop to public display of discrimination by passing the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which also attempted to deal with the problem of African Americans being denied the right to vote in the South. Also, his brave Civil rights Address, which could have cost him his election, moved an immense amount of people. It changes their minds on the topic of discrimination, and in today’s world, discrimination is very slim. In all of these events in history, President Kennedy changed the world for a better. From preventing a huge nuclear war from happening, to stopping discrimination; President Kennedy is the definition of a great president.

Application Letter

October 2012 Hon. Shirlita Y. Chong Municipal Mayor Liloan, Southern Leyte Dear Madam: I would like to apply as Enumerator in the update survey of the 2009 result of the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS – PR) by next year 2013. I’m Arlene Salada, married a resident of Brgy. Ilag, Liloan Southern Leyte and a Bachelor of Elementary Education graduated at Tomas Oppus Normal College Tomas Oppus Southern Leyte. I work as BHW (Barangay Health Worker) for 5 years last 2002 up to 2007 at Brgy. Ilag , Liloan So. Leyte.I was also a Community Profiler Volunteer of Plan Philippines. I’m hardworking and willing to be part of the NHTS-PR enumerators. Thank You. More Power. ARLENE B. SALADA Applicant List of Secretaries of Education (*) Acting Capacity #| Name| Term Began| Term Ended| President| Secretary of Public Instruction| 1| Sergio Osmena| 1935| 1940| Manuel Quezon| | 2| Jorge Bocobo| 1940| 1941| | | Secretary of Public Instruction, Health, and Public Welfare| (1)| Sergio Osmena| 1941| 1944| Manuel Quezon| | Minister of Public Instruction| *| Jorge Bocobo| 1943| 1945| Jose Laurel| |Secretary of Information and Public Relations| 3| Carlos P. Romulo| 1944| 1945| Sergio Osmena| | Secretary of Public Instruction and Information| 4| Francisco Benitez| 1945| 1945| Sergio Osmena| | Secretary of Education| | Francisco Benitez| 1945| 1946| Sergio Osmena| | Secretary of Instruction| 5| Manuel Gallego| 1946| 1948| Manuel Roxas| | Secretary of Education| 6| Prudencio Langcauon| 1948| 1953| Elpidio Quirino| | Secretary of Education, Culture and Sports| 7| Lourdes Quisumbing| February 1986| December 1989| Corazon Aquino| | 8| Isidro Carino| January 1990| June 1992| | | | Armand Fabella| July 1992| July 1994| Fidel Ramos| | 10| Ricardo Gloria| August 1994| December 1997| | | 11| Erlinda Pefianco| January 1998| June 1998| | | 12| Bro. Andrew Gonzalez, FSC, Ph,D| Hulyo 1998| January 2001| Joseph Estrada| | Secretary of Education| 13| R aul Roco| February 2001| August 2002| Gloria Macapagal Arroyo| | 14| Edilberto de Jesus| September 2002| July 2004| | | 15| Florencio Abad| July 2004| July 2005| | | *| Ramon Bacani| July 2005| September 2005| | | *| Fe Hidalgo| September 2005| July 2006| | | 6| Jesli Lapus| July 2006| March 2010| | | 17| Mona Valisno| March 2010| June 30, 2010| | | 18| Bro. Armin Luistro, FSC| June 30, 2010| Incumbent| Benigno S. Aquino III| | Secretary of Education (Philippines) Secretary of Public Instruction SERGIO OSMENA JORGE BOCOBO 1935-1940 1940-1941 Secretary of Information and Public Relations Secretary of Education, Culture and Sports Dr. Lourdes R. Quisumbing – February 1986 December 1989 CARLOS P. ROMULO 1944 – 1945Secretary of Public Instruction and InformationSecretary of Education, Culture and Sports 4 Francisco Benitez 1945 1945 Sergio Osmena Secretary of Education Francisco Benitez 1945 1946 Secretary of Instruction 5 Manuel Gallego 1946 1948 Secretary of Education 6 Prudencio Langcauon 1948 1953 Isidro Carino January 1990 June 1992 Secretary of Education, Culture and Sports Armand Fabella July 1992 July 1994 Secretary of Education, Culture and SportsSecretary of Education, Culture and Sports Erlinda Pefianco Bro. Andrew Gonzalez, FSC, Ph,D Hulyo 1998 January 2001 Joseph EstradaJanuary 1998 June 1998 Secretary of Education Secretary of Education Edilberto de Jesus Ramon Bacani September 2002 – July 2004 July2005-Sept. 2005 Fe Hidalgo September 2005-July2006 Raul Roco February 2001 August 2002 Jose Abad Jesli Lapus Mona Valisno Luis Fermin July 2004-July 2005 July 2006- March 2010 March 2010-June 2010 June 30 2010 –

America in Comparison to Other Countries

If more grammar classes ere added during high school, our country could be on the right path to catching up with the education in other countries. Every day, kids are exposed to poor grammar. Many songs, television shows, movies, and magazines use incorrect grammar. Songs often include phrases instead of complete thoughts, and some songs even contain words that don't exist. If that is all that students see and hear, they won't be able to make a distinction between the correct and incorrect way to speak.Text messaging has also caused kids to have poor writing skills. Testing causes kids to write by using fragments, Incorrect spelling, and poor punctuation. Americans don't take the time to write correctly because they are so worried about getting things done quickly. U. S. Citizens don't want to be bothered with making sure their punctuation Is correct or their comma Is In the right place. Students need repeated, dally practice to get away from the high-speed lifestyle they are used to , in order to be able to utilize grammar in the right way.Focusing more on grammar during English classes will reinforce proper grammar, and eliminate the issues that text messaging and new technology bring. As a country, understanding grammar can impact our lives. We need grammar to succeed in everyday life. When applying to a college or a Job, grammar is extremely important. College essays are a major part in being accepted in college, and making a good first impression. Once in college, English classes focus a lot on grammar In essays and research papers.Students would quickly fall behind If they were not familiar with basic grammar skills. Also, going to Job interviews requires you to use proper grammar. To be hired, the employee needs to speak well so that the boss knows the company will be well represented. Future Job applicants could end up being unemployed, simply because they weren't grammatically educated to speak urine an interview or a board meeting. America would be low ering its standards if the education system decided to eliminate grammar from the curriculum.This basically gives permission for U. S. Citizens to be unmotivated and lazy. Colleges would have to lower their admittance standards, since SAT scores, ACT scores, and college essay scores would all be lower. This would put us even further behind other countries and their educational progress. The United States would regress from an already low educational level. We would fall so far behind other countries, and never be able to catch up. If grammar continues to be pushed to the side over the years, it will eventually be eliminated.Grammar may not seem Important, but It can change our lives. Speaking properly helps us In college, Jobs, and even social events. Focusing more on grammar In English curriculums Is a small change could make a difference for our country. It may not put us at the highest ranking for education, but s certainly a start we need to prove to toner countries Tanat we are not quilters, and we certainly will not lower our standards. If anything, we should try to higher our standards so that we will not be so inferior to other countries.

Ethical Responsibility in Technology Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Ethical Responsibility in Technology - Essay Example The agent is required to act in the best interests of the principal while performing what is required of him. But in most instances, the principal is unable measure the behavior of the agent and control the outcome of the contract, which puts him at a disadvantage vis--vis the agent. (Eisenhardt, 1989). Problems arise when there exists a conflict between the interests of the principal and the agent, which is the case in most contractual relationships. In general terms fiduciary duty is the obligation of a person to act in the best interests of another. In case of a principal and agent, it is the fiduciary duty of the agent to act in the best interests of the principal. This duty includes due diligence and due care by the agent in performing his services for the principal. "A fiduciary duty is an obligation to act in the best interest of another party." (Breach of Fiduciary Duty Law and Legal Definition, 2007). It has been stated the relationship between an agent and principal and the fiduciary duties of an agent. The principals in this instance are the future customers of Vista software who bought 'vista compatible' machines on the promise of Microsoft.

Journal Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 72

Journal - Essay Example For instance, the story uncovers the ordeal faced by the immigrants back in their countries, which drives them to take a journey through the dangerous sea. Additionally, the author explores how Sicily, its residents, and the government of Italy has come in to provide rescue efforts to these immigrants and provide a safe landing in the form of holding places instead of turning them back. Nevertheless, the journalist ignores another critical part of the story, which is the fatal passage. He ought to emphasize how the bought, and ship journeys are a matter of life and death to discourage anybody willing to go through the journey. In this article, he makes the journey seem like a mere bad luck for one to die, instead of stressing on the fact that it is a gruesome risk with 1% percent chance of reaching the destination. Hence, the story is presented in such a way that it tends to encourage immigration despite the deadly trip it takes to reach Italy. Nonetheless, the article achieves the c riteria for newsworthiness because it contains several elements such as the significance, human interest, and timing among

LOVE Family Law Assignment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

LOVE Family Law Assignment - Essay Example Section 25 of the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973 governs the distribution of properties between spouses. The act stipulates the grounds on which a divorce petition may be presented to the court. In this regards, either party to a marriage may present a petition for divorce to the court on the grounds that the marriage has broken irretrievably. It further delineates the grounds on which the court shall hold a marriage to have broken. In the case Alan and Lisa Brown, Lisa is eligible to present a divorce petition on the grounds that her husband Alan has committed adultery and she finds it intolerable to live with him. The act of adultery by Alan is evidenced in the affair he has with Susie, a young police officer, with whom he has moved to stay with in his mother’s flat. The manner in which their financial assets will be distributed is determined by the courts whilst applying relevant legislations and common law precedents know as the ancillary relief. In the Matrimonial Cause Act 1973, the law that is relevant to this application is found in Section 25. It specifies the circumstances that the court must consider when deciding upon the manner in which its powers will be exercised during the application of ancillary relief in any case (Luppino & Miller 2011, p. 221-224). The courts therefore have the mandate of considering all the aspects surrounding the divorce including the welfare of children who are under the age of eighteen years, the income of the spouses, the earning capacity, property owned as well as other financial resources which each of the parties to the marriage has or is likely to have in the future. It is therefore important for the parties to the marriage to fully and frankly disclose their resources. For instance, in Alan and Lisa’s case, the information to be considered include: their  £650,000 jointly owned home, Alan’s annual earning of  £85,000,

The Colonialism in the Philippines Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

The Colonialism in the Philippines - Essay Example One of the most significant contributions of Colonial Spain’s arrival in 1521 in the Philippines is the widespread of Christianism in the country today. Spain brought the Christian religion in the Philippines which started in Cebu as Ferdinand Magellan baptized Rajah Humabon and his wife with the Christian religion . The said ceremony made Humabon as the local chieftain or representative of the king of the Spain. About 800 Filipinos were baptized as Christians that day, April 14, 1521. However, Magellan’s entry into the country and for the hope to subjugate the whole nation under the name of the Spain was not that essentially smooth flowing knowing that other local leaders such as recalcitrant chief Lapu-lapu strongly opposed the presence of Spaniards in the country as far as the colonial threats, economic and political issues were concerned. Thus, on April 27, 1521, the battle in Mactan was set by Lapu-lapu against Magellan which killed the latter . This same scenario continued until the following years to come for the Philippines under the Spanish regime. Filipinos learned to fight for their rights and many were able to realize they had to fight for their right for their land and stood up to beat anything related with colonial oppression. Among of them were renowned and recognized Philippine heroes today such as Jose Rizal, Andress Bonifacio, Apolinario Mabini, Emilio Aguinaldo and many more. These people fought for the Filipinos’ rights to experience independence from colonial rule and oppression.... This same scenario continued until the following years to come for the Philippines under the Spanish regime. Filipinos learned to fight for their rights and many were able to realize they had to fight for their right for their land and stood up to beat anything related with colonial oppression. Among of them were renowned and recognized Philippine heroes today such as Jose Rizal, Andress Bonifacio, Apolinario Mabini, Emilio Aguinaldo and many more. These people fought for the Filipinos’ rights to experience independence from colonial rule and oppression. After forty four years of Magellan’s death, Christianism was reintroduced by another conquistador Miguel Lopez de Legazpi. This made it at present that 84 percent of the Filipinos are Roman Catholics, 10 percent Protestants and other related religious groups and about 4 percent Muslims5. Filipinos are Malayo-Polynesian in the Pacific Islands who compared to the Spaniards in the early time were not that advanced in polit ical and military supremacy. Filipinos then were gullible and not yet accustomed with the advanced economic and political thoughts compared with the Spaniards. The Spain was the first to take advantage of this, and they invaded the entire country, influenced them with certain religious beliefs and exploited the country’s bountiful resources. However, this unfairness did not take that long when Spaniards were defeated by the Americans in the Spanish-American war which end up in 1898. This means that the Philippines was then under the rule of Americans and become the loyal allies of the United States in Asia in the long run. In 1898, Philippine independence was declared and Emilio Aguinaldo became the first president of the country. However, months just passed after the

Lawrence Paul Yuxweluptun - contemporary artist Research Paper

Lawrence Paul Yuxweluptun - contemporary artist - Research Paper Example The paper "Lawrence Paul Yuxweluptun - contemporary artist" concerns the art of Lawrence Paul Yuxweluptun. Now this kind of art is called propaganda. Many contemporary artists, though, are again turning to art as protest, incorporating political statements within the frames of their artworks and striving to encourage a more humanitarian, sustainable approach to modern life. Lawrence Paul Yuxweluptun is no exception to this group of artists, although he may be considered more political than most. Like many artists at work today, a great deal of Yuxweluptun's art can be associated with the popular culture movements, but it is also heavily informed by modern politics and ancient legends. To understand Yuxweluptan's work, such as "The Impending Nisga'a Deal," it is helpful to know some background information about the artist and the event that inspired the work. Yuxweluptun is a Native American, his father is from the Cowichan Salish and his mother from the Okanagan, which had a strong i mpact on his art. He was born in 1957 and grew up mostly around the Vancouver area of Canada, giving him a very contemporary, modern viewpoint to his family's ancient roots as they were heavily involved in tribal issues. "He is deeply connected to his heritage as a man of mixed Okanagan and Coast Salish ancestry but cannot separate himself from the larger, non-Native society in which he now lives. He is an urban Indian, trained at the Emily Carr College of Art and Design, and his art partakes of conflicting traditions.

Economiccs Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Economiccs - Essay Example This means that if resources will be allocated to take care of the young children from disadvantaged environments, the benefits will not only be for the children but for the whole society as well. This can be analyzed through data about the education and the human skills as major factors to determine productivity. Education as a public good when made available to all children can decrease the inequity in the society as it reduces academic and societal difficulties in the future. And through education, skills could be acquired. These skills could help achieve productivity both in the workplace and in the society. Children who were able to go to school will learn and acquire skills that they can use for jobs in the future. In the long run, unemployment and problems brought by it like crimes can be reduced. This is because returns of such investments cannot be realized directly during the present time. The changing trends in the labor markets can also contribute to the inefficiencies th at are present in the economy. The emergence of new technologies has raised the demand for highly skilled workers who are qualified to use them (Heckman and Masterov, 7).

The denouement of The Dead Essay Example for Free

The denouement of The Dead Essay Looking at the denouement (pages 217 224) of The Dead, discuss the emotional variety of Gabriel. In the denouement of The Dead Gabriels mood oscillates between different emotions until, at the end, an epiphany comes upon him. This climatic epiphany at the end has been alluded to throughout the story. The effect of this realisation is enhanced by the emotions which preceded it. When Gabriel and Gretta leave the cab and go into the hotel Gabriel is almost in a state of euphoria. The first touch of her body, musical and strange and perfumed, sent through him a keen pang of lust During their journey back from the party he reflected nostalgically upon their honey moon and his lust for her seems to have been rekindled. In his enamoured state he feels an acute sense of passion towards his wife. As they climb the stairs of the hotel, Only the stress of his nails against the palms of his hands held the wild impulse of his body in check The reference to nails and palms alludes to the crucifixion of Jesus, similar allusions are used later on in the story. His excited state of ardour when juxtaposed against his mood later on serves to emphasise it in its contrast. Gabriel also feels a sense of escapism which is part of what contributed to his euphoric state, He felt that they had escaped from their lives and duties, escaped from home and friends and run away together This sense of escapism is a continuation of what he discussed in his speech at the party and is a theme which Joyce likes to explore. However, does this escapism imply that they are trapped in their everyday lives and duties? When they enter the hotel room the porter offers them a candle because the electricity is not working, however, Gabriel replies We dont want any light. We have light enough from the street. Could Gabriel be trying to create a more romantic atmosphere for what he thinks is going to happen? The lack of light also serves to heighten the atmosphere and creates an apt setting for the conclusion of the story. The light entering the room is referred to as ghastly, this seems to link in well with the menacing setting of earlier, again Gabriels emotions seem incongruous with the setting. The light coming in from the window is referenced frequently in the story and becomes of greater importance as the denouement progresses. Gabriel makes conversation with Gretta but she says she is tired, she then walks over to the window and looks out of it with a serious face, as mentioned before we will later see the significance of this. Gabriel waits for her but feels that diffidence [is] about to conquer him and strikes up another line of conversation about Malins, but this is in a false voice. Even though, in conversation, Gabriel appears to have his emotions under control it says he is trembling with annoyance, most probably triggered by her seeming indifference to him and he wonders at her [abstraction]. Joyce is foreshadowing what is to come, however, Gabriel is oblivious to his wife actual state of mind. He is still in a state of passion but acknowledges that, To take her as she was would be brutal. As Gabriels lust grows his feelings take on an almost bestial nature, the word brutal is used again in reference to the language he wishes to shout out and he has to restrain himself. He longs to, Cry to her from his soul, to crush her body against his, to overmaster her. He is in such a fever of rage and desire that he does not hear her return from the window. The portrayal of lust as something that brings out a persons animalistic nature is not an uncommon one. When she returns from the window she kisses him and tells him that he is a very generous person. The kiss and compliment trigger a mood change and his fever of rage is quelled and he trembles with delight. He strokes her hair and his heart brims with happiness, this mood sharply contrasts with his prior feverous state and demonstrate the tempestuous nature of his emotions. Gabriel wonders if, Her thoughts had been running with his In light of later occurrences this seems a foolish remark when one considers what she must have been thinking about. Gabriels own thoughts have diverged far away from what Gretta is thinking about and she does not feel his impetuous desire. However, Gabriel asks the fatal question, What are you thinking about? Gabriel then realises that she was certainly not thinking about a night of passion as she [brakes] loose from him. Gabriel feels astonishment when she breaks away and follows her. As he passes the mirror he catches sight of himself within it, His broad, well-filled shirt-front, the face who expression always puzzled him when he saw it in a mirror and his glimmering gilt-rimmed eye glasses. This favourable image of himself will offer the reader a point of contrast when he sees himself later on and will show the effect the dead have had upon his own perception of himself. When Gabriel realises that the person she is upset about is someone she used to know his smile [passes] away, this phrase also alludes to the dead. A dull anger begins to gather and the dull fires of his lust began to glow angrily in his veins, his anger of earlier is now being rekindled and his emotions have swung again. When Gretta tells him his name he tries to seem disinterested in this delicate boy, he turns the phrase Gretta has used to describe Michael against him. His smiling question of earlier has turned into a cold question, heat was used earlier in the story as a symbol for their passion, this symbol has now been subverted in place of his attempt at indifference. Grettas eyes make Gabriel feel awkward, he possibly has an idea of what is to come. Before Gretta tells him that Michael is dead she looks away from him and along the shaft of light towards the window, the window is appearing again and could be linked with the memory of Michael Furey. Gabriels response to Gretta saying that Michael is dead is a sense of [humiliation] as he realises that whilst he has been preoccupied by memories full of joy and desire she had been comparing him in her mind with another. In light of this shameful consciousness of himself his image of himself changes, in the mirror he sees himself as ludicrous and pitiable and accuses himself of idealising his own clownish lusts. As mentioned before this shows the effect Michael Furey has had on him and one of the main themes of this story is how the dead affect the living beyond the grave. We see in quite an obvious light how Michaels death has affected Gretta but this shows us how he has indirectly affected Gabriel already. When Gretta tells Gabriel that she thinks Michael died for her a vague terror seizes him, Some impalpable and vindictive being was coming against him, gathering forces against him in its vague world Could this impalpable and vindictive being be Michael Furey? At this point he sees Michael Furey as something coming against him, his feelings towards him have not yet evolved into the jealousy, and then admiration, of later on his image of him is still vague. Gretta then goes on to tell Gabriel the full story of how Michael died and of the last night she saw him, I heard gravel thrown up against the window. The link between Michael and the window is now established, Gretta could have been looking out the window earlier remembering Michael. You could go further to say that the light coming through the window from outside was in some way part of Michael this would explain Grettas preoccupation with the window and why, earlier on, Gabriel instinctively turns away from it to hide his shame. When Gretta moves to the bed Gabriel goes and looks out of the window and this is when his epiphany creeps upon him. Gabriel looks upon her unresentfully, he does not blame Gretta but he does feel a jealousy that she has had that romance in her life. Gabriel is now pained by the realisation that he had played a poor part in her life. He wonders if she has told him all the story as he sees her clothes against the chair. Gabriel now wonders at his, Riots of emotions an hour before Those emotions are now long gone and he reflects upon what had given rise to them. As he wonders at the events of the party and of the wall home his thoughts inadvertently turn to death and he thinks about how his Aunt Julia will soon become a shade and that they were all becoming shades, from this he realises that it is better to, Pass boldly into that other world, in the full glory of some passion, than fade and wither dismally with age He admires the way Michael Furey passes away boldly and generous tears fill his eyes as he realises that he has never felt that way about anybody and henceforth he has never felt love. This realisation that he has never loved anyone before is an especially depressing thought for him given that he is married and at that stage of life to realise that you could die never having felt love could be a terrifying thought. Part of why Furey passed away boldly could have been because of the love he had felt during life and how he had left behind some of that love with Gretta. Many people believe that the only afterlife we experience is what memories we leave behind on Earth, if Gabriel died, what would he leave behind? Gabriel now sees Michael Furey before him, standing under a dripping tree, this image would have been the image Michael left behind with Gretta because it was the last she saw of him. This also links Furey to Christ because Christ stood under a tree in the Garden of Gethsemane a few nights before he was crucified. Furey seems a Messianic figure, he also died young which would fix him forever as the innocent youth Gretta loved who would never fade away. Gabriels soul begins to approach the vast region where dwell the vast hosts of the dead , he can feel but cant apprehend their flickering existence. As Gabriels identity begins to fade out he is experiencing an almost out of body experience. The dead are referred to as flickering, which is reminiscent of a candle, these could be the previously referred to shades. This flickering existence could be contrasted with the bold passage of Michael into the other world, and the light, which seems representative of him, that shines through the window upon them. Gabriel is drawn by taps upon the window and realises that it had begun to snow again and from this comes the realisation that it is snowing all over Ireland and thus on the graveyard where Michael lay from this he is able to draw a link between Michael and himself. Again the fact that he is drawn by the window shows how this realisation is brought on by the memory of Michael. Gabriels soul [swoons] as he hears it falling like the descent of their last end, upon all the living and the dead, he now feels the effect that the dead have upon the living. These final thoughts could suggest that the living might, in fact, be able to escape and live unfettered by the past, because surely snow cant last forever? Gabriels emotions at the beginning were fervent and filled with anger and passion, they fluctuate as the evening progresses and these fluctuations are triggered by Grettas mood and response to him and thus, in effect, by Michael Furey. By the end of the story Gabriel is no longer angry but feels a keen sense of self awareness triggered by Grettas revelation that Michael Furey died for her. The setting of the story against the backdrop of winter which, in literary tradition is a symbol for death, is entirely appropriate given the nature of Gabriels epiphany. Joyce exhibits how, beyond the grave, the dead can still have an effect on the living. In his speech at the party Gabriel says, of the dead, Were we to brood upon them always we could not find the heart to go on, Will he ever manage to escape the death of Michael Furey?

Cultural Differences Between Trinidad and Tobago

Cultural Differences Between Trinidad and Tobago You are a Tobagonian recently returned from your first trip to Trinidad where you spent two weeks. Record in your journal, the differences you have observed in the culture of the two islands. Based on your knowledge of the history of both islands, give explanations for those differences. In one entry you may also note any cultural similarities you observed. Today marks one week since I have returned from the wonderful island of Trinidad, which is the sister island of my homeland, Tobago. The islands are located on the northern edge of South America on the north-eastern coast of Venezuela. I have always wanted to visit Trinidad, since I have heard countless stories about the great experiences my family had there. Fortunately, I finally had the chance to create memorable experiences of my own, during a two week stay at the multi-cultural island, Trinidad. My trip started from February 24th and ended on March 9th. I arrived at Trinidad at approximately two o’clock during the day on Monday, the place was furiously heated, and the sun was scorching my skin as I waited on my Aunt to pick me up from the Port. I remembered taking a deep breathe of polluted air, yes, polluted. Usually, in Tobago the air is clean, fresh and uncontaminated, on the other hand, in Trinidad; the air seemed to be comprised of filth and pounds of dust. Neverthel ess, my Aunt picked me up at half past two, and that was when my journey to the exploration of the differences and similarities of the cultural attributes between Trinidad and Tobago had begun. As a result, the cultural experiences I observed or was exposed to in Trinidad, were the language used, the education system, the tradition of ‘keeping ah wake’, the celebration of Carnival and the diversity of religion. On the very first day of visiting Trinidad, the first cultural difference I observed between Trinidad and Tobago was the language that was spoken. On the way to my Aunt’s place, we stopped off to buy the most popular food in Trinidad, ‘doubles’. As I sat in the passenger’s seat, and waited for my aunt to buy the food, I observed the behaviour and language that the Trinidadians portrayed. Apparently, a man of the African descent has been waiting a long while for service from the doubles vendor, and this caused him to cuss out in an unpleasant manner. Also, I noticed his accent as well as the other buyers, had influences of the Indian, African, French and Spanish heritages (Chapter Five: Trinidad and Tobago Intercontinental Book Centre, 2014). This was quite interesting to me because the dialect in Tobago comes mostly from the African heritage. Also, Patois which is a variety of Spanish and French was once widely spoken in Trinidad until the end of the 1800à ¢â‚¬â„¢s, as a result; there are various traces of the language combined in the Trinidadian Creole English. Trinidadians and Tobagonians both speak Creole English; however, there is a difference with the use of grammar and pronunciation in which Trinidadians used (Language Facts About Trinidad and Tobago, 2014). In contrast, Tobagonian Creole English was derived from the French, Dutch and Courlander settlers (Trinidad and Tobago Speaking the Language | ExpatFocus.com, 2014), but the Tobago’s dialect is influenced predominantly by the Africans. On the second day of my visit to Trinidad, I observed the first similarity between the two islands which is the education system. After having breakfast at my Aunt Lisa’s place, we left to drop off her daughters, Sarah and Maria to their schools. On our way there, I noticed there were a lot of schools in Trinidad, from Primary schools to Tertiary Institutes. Sarah attended a Primary school and she was in the seventh year, therefore, she would be writing her final exam soon, to gain entry into a Secondary school. On the other hand, Maria is in the fifth year of Secondary school, and she will also be sitting a final exam to gain access into a Tertiary institute. After dropping off the two girls to their schools, Lisa and I were talking about how thankful we are that Trinidad and Tobago has an education system that is free for all. Luckily, in the past, education opportunities started to expand from 1852, in the 1970’s the secondary education system was established, vocati onal schools were opened and primary schools were fully integrated. Hence, the British system took charge of the education system of Trinidad and Tobago in the twentieth century, and now education is available to all elements of society (Trinidad and Tobago EDUCATION, 2014). The other similarity I observed between Trinidad and Tobago was experienced on the fourth day of my visit, which was the tradition of ‘keeping ah wake’. I was able to experience this tradition, not only in Tobago which is my homeland, but in Trinidad as well, and the tradition of a ‘wake’ is quite the same in both countries. On Friday morning, Lisa was notified of a death of one of her neighbours, an eighty two year old woman who was very kind to her and her family. Later that day, Lisa and I got dressed to attend the ‘wake’ at the neighbour’s home. Presently, a wake is the gathering of friends and relatives at the home of the deceased. We made a contribution of coffee and biscuits to the home, and other friends and relatives brought alcohol, tea and more coffee. As I got acquainted with the other neighbours that were present at the wake, I noticed a group of men were playing cards and drinking alcohol and the ladies were drinking tea and chatting amongst themselves. I was informed that the funeral of the old woman was to be held on the Sunday; therefore, every night until Sunday, the deceased home will be ‘holding a wake’. The word ‘wake’ originated from the Old English word ‘wacu’ which is related to the contemporary word ‘watch’. After two hours during the wake, everyone gathered together to engage in prayer for the passing of the old woman. Originally, â€Å"the wake was a prayer vigil where family and friends would pray for the soul of the deceased† (Wilton, 2004). Therefore, this family was sticking with the true tradition of ‘keeping ah wake’. Although, in the past, there was a misconception that people in many Celtic countries in Europe held a wake by placing the dead body on a table while relatives gathered around drinking alcohol and watched the dead body to see if it will wake up (Wilton, 2004). Nevertheless, in Trinidad and Tobago, à ¢â‚¬Ëœholding a wake’ is quite common when there is a death in a family. However, the association of prayer at a wake has become less significant, and it is more associated with social interactions. Fortunately, in Trinidad, I was able to witness the real tradition of ‘keeping ah wake’. On day eight, the second cultural difference between Trinidad and Tobago in which I experienced was the festival called Carnival. My family from Tobago always talked about their amazing experiences; however, my experience with Carnival at Trinidad was truly a disturbingly memorable one. Every year, my aunt and her family usually go to Port of Spain to look at the celebration, which comprises of colourful costumes, music, dance and public partying on the streets. We arrived at Port of Spain at approximately twelve o clock during the day on Carnival Tuesday, the sun was incredibly hot and I felt like my skin was almost blistering as I stood up to witness the display of the parade of the bands, with their multi-colour costumes on the masqueraders. In addition, they vulgarly danced along with the Soca music, which was a great annoyance to me. It was quite disturbing to see adults behave in such indecent and unacceptable behaviour in the presence of young children. Aside from the negative feedback I have on Carnival, the only aspect I actually enjoyed were the sight of the unique and beautiful costumes. Originally, Carnival was established by the French settlers in the 1700’s and was celebrated by the upper class people. As a result, the slaves of the island mimicked the celebrations of the French, and this was spread to all the freed slaves after the abolition of slavery. Therefore, they dressed with feathers and different costumes, and celebrated their freedom on the streets, hence, Carnival was established. In contrast, in Tobago, the island’s traditions and history are embraced, while the celebration is associated with speech bands, whip wielding devils known as ‘jab jabs’ and African drumming (Trinidad and Tobago The True Caribbean Official Travel and Tourism Site, 2014). All in all, I disliked my experience with Carnival in Trinidad, since the celebration was not about tradition, but it was more associated wit h vulgarity, and disorderly behaviour. Lastly, on the ninth day of my visit, I observed another cultural difference between Trinidad and Tobago, the diversity of religion. Trinidad is referred to as â€Å"a multi -cultural melting pot† (Trinidad and Tobago The True Caribbean Official Travel and Tourism Site, 2014). When I visited Trinidad, I had the opportunity to attend a Hindu prayers held by my relatives on the Wednesday after Carnival, in which Hindus gathered at a temple, to worship their Gods. I observed that women were dressed in beautifully sequenced Indian wear while the males dressed in plain white cotton cloth. The ceremony was held for two hours, and everyone clapped their hands while they sang and recite chants, and the musicians at the front were gracefully beating the drum called a ‘tabla’ together with the soft sound of the harmonium. Also, I observed that not only were Indians present in the temple, but people of the African descent as well. This particular Hindu ceremony was definit ely interesting to me because in Tobago I was never able to attend any prayers other than Christian. Also, on that same day, on my way to the prayers, I noticed there were a lot of people attending Christian churches; this was due to the festivity called Lent. Compared to Tobago, Trinidad is certainly more diverse in religion and culture, and this is mainly because of the historical upbringings and heritages. For instance, the Roman Catholics were the first religious group to arrive in Trinidad in 1498, Africans were brought to the island due to the slave trade in 1797, and in 1845 the indentured labourers consisting of mostly Hindus and Muslims were also brought to the island (Culture (Trinidad), 2014). Hence, there are still traces in the elements of the religions from the past, and represented in Trinidad. On the other hand, in Tobago, I don’t usually see people of other religions, different from Christian, because Tobago’s population remained predominantly of the African descent. Therefore, there is not diversity in religion in Tobago, as there is in Trinidad (Culture (Trinidad), 2014). In conclusion, Trinidad and Tobago are two magnificent islands that share many similarities and differences in terms of cultures. Fortunately, I was able to experience a few of the cultural attributes of Trinidad, during my two weeks stay. Thus, on the first day, I experienced/observed that the language used in Trinidad is slightly different to Tobago’s language since the language in Trinidad is influenced by a larger variety of heritages than Tobago. In addition, on the second day I noticed a great similarity in the education system of both islands, since education is free for all from the primary level education onwards and the structure of the system is the same as well, due to the model of the British system. Also, of the fourth day I was able to experience the true tradition of a ‘wake’, which was originated by the Europeans. Alternatively, on the eighth day of my visit, I experienced the celebration of the famous Trinidad Carnival, which is more ostentatious , colourful, and indecent compared to Tobago, where the celebration is more traditional and laid back. Subsequently, on the ninth day, I realised that Trinidad is more diverse in terms of religion rather than Tobago due to the various heritages left behind in the past by immigrants. All in all, my experience of the visitation of Trinidad was quite memorable, and I am now aware of the cultural similarities and differences, along with its historical significance. REFERENCES Chapter Five: Trinidad and Tobago Intercontinental Book Centre. (2014). Retrieved March 23, 2014, from Sites.google.com: https://sites.google.com/site/intercontinentalbookcentre/a-look-at-the-caribbean-and-its-people-and-culture/chapter-five-trinidad-and-tobago Chapter Five: Trinidad and Tobago Intercontinental Book Centre. (2014). Retrieved March 23, 2014, from Sites.google.com: https://sites.google.com/site/intercontinentalbookcentre/a-look-at-the-caribbean-and-its-people-and-culture/chapter-five-trinidad-and-tobago Culture (Trinidad). (2014). Retrieved March 23, 2014, from Bestoftrinidad.com: http://www.bestoftrinidad.com/culture.html Language Facts About Trinidad and Tobago. (2014). Retrieved March 23, 2014, from Amazing-trinidad-vacations.com: http://www.amazing-trinidad-vacations.com/facts-about-trinidad.html Trinidad and Tobago EDUCATION. (2014). Retrieved March 22, 2014, from Countrystudies.us: http://countrystudies.us/caribbean-islands/43.htm Trinidad and Tobago History Background. (2014). Retrieved March 22, 2014, from Education.stateuniversity.com: http://education.stateuniversity.com/pages/1541/Trinidad-Tobago-HISTORY-BACKGROUND.html Trinidad and Tobago Speaking the Language | ExpatFocus.com. (2014). Retrieved March 23, 2014, from Expatfocus.com: http://www.expatfocus.com/expatriate-trinidad-tobago-language Trinidad and Tobago The True Caribbean Official Travel and Tourism Site. (2014). Retrieved March 23, 2014, from Gotrinidadandtobago.com: http://www.gotrinidadandtobago.com/trinidad/carnival/ Wilton, D. (2004). The Elizabethan E-mail Hoax. In Word Myths: debunking linguistic urban legends (p. 74). New York: Oxford University Press, Inc.

Is Free Trade Possible?

Is Free Trade Possible? Tom Hobson ‘Free trade is neither possible nor desirable.’ Do you agree with this Statement? Roger Scruton makes the claim free trade is neither possible nor desirable in A Political Philosophy and takes a conservative political viewpoint in defence of national sovereignty (2006). Taking the statement within the realm of international political economy it draws in the debate of the role of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in advancing free trade as its aim, the economic debate between those who advocate free trade from Adam Smith and David Ricardo and their modern advocates and those who oppose it including Joseph Stiglitz and an analysis of the power relations that entail in free trade negotiations as well as the consequences answering first whether it is possible and secondly its degree of desirability. Free trade in a majority of production areas and scenarios is possible but its desirability is the key debate, the domestic consequences for both developing and developed states can distort national economies in a globalised world. It is a complex issue that is largely ap proached through the WTO. Free trade has an impact on developmentalism for industrialising countries and is connected to hegemonic theories of world governance to uphold the system. Free trade is a possible concept for a globalised world but it is largely undesirable when considering the human impact of market forces. Krasner argues that a hegemon is required for a global system of free trade to be viable, the essential principle is that the distribution of power amongst states dictates the international economic system. He highlighted the role of Britain during the 19th century and the US post World War One and marked the decline in power of the US up to the 1970s being the precursor to the end of a liberal international free trade system. According to Krasner only an open hegemon has the sufficient power to provide the public goods and any other system is inherently unstable (Krasner Webb, 1989, pp.183-184). But in the contemporary international political economy with the rise of China economically and militarily alongside the supremacy of the US there are infact increases to the global liberalisation movement (Chestnut Johnston, 2009, pp.252-253). Hegemonic stability theory has a place in contemporary international political economy but it is not overriding. The realist hegemonic stability theory is very rigid for a free trade international system and empirical evidence shows it is true that a hegemon can meet the public goods cost without jeopardising its own state security it isn’t necessarily the only situation where free trade stemming from state power can flourish as we can see with the rising bipolar international system including China. Krasner’s theory concentrates on the Cold War era and how far the US was willing to open world trade at its own expense in order to have an advantage over the Soviet Union in absolute power (Krasner Webb, 1989, p.196). The state power relationship that Krasner offers for open trade in the global system is very convincing in terms of state security and his realist perspective of the international political economy is as a part of international relations rather than separate. It shows that contrary to Scruton’s statement that free trade is possible within a system whereby public goods are met by a state or states are able to meet the demand without risk to their own security. But a more technical approach taken by Richard Baldwin on regionalism and its problems show that international trade is inhibited by the numerous regional rules and argues that a multilateralisation of the existing systems will be required for a truly global free trade system (Baldwin, 2006, p.1451). Two of the issues he analyses are the current asymmetric negotiations whereby nations and interest groups seek to minimise losses rather than maximise gains and race to the bottom tax competition unilateral negotiations as an alternative to regionalism and mulitlateralism which leads to fragmentation in the supply chain (Ibid, 2006, pp.1469-1471). A good example of asymmetric negotiations can be seen between the US and China on tyres in 2009. The Interest groups of labour including United Steel and Allied Industrial and Service Workers International Union pushed US negotiations to introduce tariffs on Chinese imports of tyres on the premise of saving US jobs and manufacturing (i.e. minim ising losses). The result of US imposition of tariffs argued by Ilkensen is a cost to the consumer of $600-700 million annually which results in a cost of $300,000 annually per job saved (Ilkensen, 2009). This follows Baldwin’s argument that unilateral and asymmetric trade negotiations lead to strength in interest groups and poor outcomes. It is also an example of Barry Eichengreen’s perspective on the role interest groups have on limiting policy of free trade with reference to the Smoot-Hawley tariffs of the 1930s, the movement towards protectionism by domestic pressure groups (Eichengreen, 2003, p.59). the strength of institutions beyond the state in affecting the outcomes of trade negotiations are able to prevent the posibility of free trade in the international political economy as this example and Eichengreen highlight. Further to this the position of Richard Baldwin on the strength of regionalism in forcing such action as well as inhibiting the prospect of global international free trade by having a multitude of incompatible rules and aims. The possibility of free trade is disputed; the broad theory of Krasner would indicate that it is possible but the specifics of unilateral trade and regionalism show the limits of global free trade. Turning to whether free trade is desirable concentrates on the WTO and the effects of free trade. The comparative advantage of Smith and Ricardo according to Ilkensen applies in the supply chain of the globalised modern political economy because it is how countries ascend or descend the chain, liberalisation of trade restrictions allows producers to serve the global supply chain in specific areas of comparative advantage. He uses the example of the Ipod with highly skilled engineers in Californa and low wage manual workers in China maintain low costs so that consumer prices are not high and members of the labour force can be freed to work in other sectors (Ilkensen,2009, pp.10-15). His argument rejects the idea of international trade being a zero sum game that is assumed by the critics of free trade, his emphasis is on productivity to create growth. The central argument is that all consumers benefit from free trade and the emphasis of the entire argument should shift from producers to consumers (Ibid 2009 pp.10-15). Ilkensen’s analysis of a global supply chain also rejects the premise of a global north/south divide and he argues that there is not national competition but global cooperation (Ibid, p.4). Similarly, the mutual reduction of tariffs ends the prisoner’s dilemma that ends in a Nash equilibrium that satisfies neither party and as argued by Subramanian the developed nations in the WTO system have reduced their tariffs the most while allowing the rest to maintain protection of 2/3 of their imports (2007, pp. 152-154). Ilkensen’s argument ignores many aspects of international political economy and purely concentrates on the economics of the process of free trade. The rejection of the orthodoxy on primacy of producers over consumers is a very market based approach that concludes it is positive for all involved and a desirable outcome of trade negotiations particularly when you highlight that developed nations are seen to give greater concessions. The WTO is an advanced and technical, monitoring and compliance mechanism for managing trade relations where tackling asymmetric power is the key to its existence where every member is given equal standing and access to the Dispute Settlement Understanding (Lanoszka, 2009, pp 47-51). Contrasting the view of Ilkensen are the criticisms placed against the WTO. Sarah Joseph highlights the dependency theory of Singer-Prebisch where free trade deepens the international division of labour that does not work in long term development because it entrenches positions of nations within the core industrialised west, the semi-periphery and periphery of developing nations (2013, p.8). This marxist interpretation of the international political economic system emphasises the asymmetric trade negotiations forced upon developing nations by the WTO to ensure the west’s supremacy in terms of international relations and economics. She argues that with it being in the developed world’s inter est to ensure a lack of diversity in the economies of the developing nations to create an underclass of labour that relies on manufactured imports and foreign direct investment (Ibid, p.9). She accuses the WTO of serving goods and services of big business rather than individuals; in particular that of the Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) for creating worldwide patents on drugs which therefore prevents their mas use across developing nations to tackle health issues (Ibid, pp. 285-287). Joseph’s critical analysis of the effect of the WTO in pushing for free trade highlights the dominance of the west in maintaining the status quo and not creating the development it promises. In this the problems of free trade show that it is not universally desirable as an economic system. Similarly Joseph Stiglitz attacks the system of free trade for preventing development in the poorest nations by forcing them to state infrastructure and industry. Stiglitz agrees with Scruton’s argument that liberalisation and international economics need to be sensitive to national economies in order to ensure growth and progress; he argues that free trade is about efficiency nations rather than growth, comparative advantage assumes full employment, stability in developing countries’ and uses the example of Southeast Asia where high investment in physical and human activity acted as catalysts for growth (Stiglitz Charlton, 2007, p. 15-25). For developing countries protection of infant industries is more often than not optimal because foreign investment is dependent on selling at a loss until productivity rises which will not happen and in terms of state building the easiest form of revenue is import tariffs and the priorities of a developing economy are not in efficie ncy but growth (Ibid, 2007, pp.32-29). The argument of Stiglitz takes a different perspective on the aims of developing nations from efficiency to growth in their own context; developing nations have very different needs to those that are developed in terms of human development. He highlights the fact that free trade only benefits developed nations that force liberalisation on other nations through the WTO (Ibid, 2007). A further argument against free trade can be found in the environmental lobby that sees potentially global economic expansion as ‘inimical to the goal of preserving a clean, healthy, and sustainable global commons’ (Grossman Krueger, 1991, p.2). The analysis of the report by Grossman and Krueger was specifically regarding the NAFTA trade agreement and the environmental impact on Mexico. Specifically it highlights the problem with Mexico being a relatively poorly developed nation that should industrialisation occur due to liberalisation then pollution will grow under an undeveloped regulatory framework (Ibid, pp.3-4). But the Kuznets curve refutes the basic assumption of the report that economic growth leads to exponential environmental degradation by concluding that the greater the GDP per capita the lower the overall pollution in the long term (Stern, et al., 1996, p.1159). Free trade has initial environmental degradation but the long term forecasts of the Kuznets curv e negate the argument against free trade as a desirable system of international economics. The possibility of free trade is a debated topic and though the technical approach of Baldwin argues that global free trade isn’t a possibility with the complexities of regionalism the overarching argument of Krasner that a hegemon, or as argued more recently a number of nations, providing public goods to fulfill the global demand without incurring too great a cost is a convincing argument in the contemporary international political economy that free trade is possible. But the key debate is whether free trade is desirable in a global context. Taking international economics as a global supply chain then Ilkensen’s argument that the comparative advantage of each country placed within this chain then free trade is necessary to lead to the most efficient forms of growth and all benefit. But the arguments of Stiglitz, Charlton and Joseph emphasis the underlying principle that global trade is a zero-sum system that embeds the current and historical inequalities between the gl obal north and south. To conclude on whether free trade is desirable is dependent on whether the aim is growth or effieciency; growth that it is unfair to developing nations, efficiency that it benefits all. It is too complex a subject to conclude either way in this essay whether it is desirable. Bibliography Baldwin, R., 2006. Multilateralising Regionalism: Spaghetti Bowls as Building Blocs on the Path to Global Free Trade. The World Economy, 29(11), pp. 1451-1518. Chestnut, S. Johnston, A. I., 2009. Is China Rising?. In: E. Paus, P. Prime J. Western, eds. Is China Changing the Rules of the Game. NY: Palgrave Macmillan, pp. 237-260. Eichengreen, B., 2003. The Political Economy of the Smoot-Hawley Tariff. In: J. Frieden D. Lake, eds. International Political Economy: Perspectives on Global Wealth and Power. London: Taylor Francis, pp. 47-59. Grossman, G. Krueger, A., 1991. Environmental Impacts of a North American Free Trade Agreement, Cambridge, MA: National Bureau of Economic Research. Ilkensen, D., 2009. Burning Rubber: Proposed Duties on Chinese Tyres Whiff of Senseless Protectionism. Free Trade Bulletin, Volume 39, pp. 1-4. Ilkensen, D., 2009. No Longer Us Versus Them, London: International Policy Network. Joseph, S., 2013. Blame it on the WTO. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Krasner, S. Webb, M., 1989. Hegemonic Stability Theory: an empirical assessment. Review of International Studies, 15(2), pp. 183-198. Lanoszka, A., 2009. The World Trade Organisation: changing dynamics in the global political economy. London: Lynne Rienner. Scruton, R., 2006. A Political Philosophy. London: Bloomsbury. Stern, D., Common, M. Barbier, E., 1996. Economic Growth and Environmental Dgeradation: The Environmental Kuznets Curve and Sustainable Development. World Development, 24(7), pp. 1151-1160. Stiglitz, J. Charlton, A., 2007. Fair Trade For All. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Subramanian, A., 2007. The WTO Promotes Trade, Strongly but Unevenly. Journal of International Economics, Volume 72, pp. 151-175.

The Nightmare Essay -- India Indian Politics Essays

The Nightmare Dreams are often visions of the conscience that hold the most truth. In the novel, Cracking India, by Bapsi Sidhwa, the narrator Lenny, has a reoccurring nightmare that contains much truth about the state of India. In Lenny’s nightmare, Children lie in a warehouse. Mother and Ayah move about solicitously. The atmosphere is businesslike and relaxed. Godmother sits by my bed smiling indulgently as men in uniforms quietly slice off a child’s arm here, a leg there. She strokes my head as they dismember me. I feel no pain. Only an abysmal sense of loss- and a chilling horror that no one is concerned by what’s happening (Sidhwa 31). Lenny’s childhood nightmare is symbolic of the condition of India prior to and during the time of Partition. The future of India is being dismembered by British rule while Indians remain passive and impartial to the destruction of their country. This portrayal of India is comparable to Gandhi’s view that the British have not taken India; India has have given their country to them. In Hind Swaraj, Gandhi suggests that India is in a state of unrest and that it will take some time for an actual awakening. Lenny’s vision of children lying in a warehouse with their guardians remaining indifferent to the suffering taking place is representative of India’s state of unrest. This suggestive state of unrest also refers to India’s tolerance of British rule. In Cracking India, the Ice-candy Man is adamant about Indians awakening from this restive state. He says, â€Å"If we want India back we must take pride in our customs, our clothes, our languages†¦And not go mouthing the got-pit-sot-pit of the English!† (Sidhwa 38) Similarly, Gandhi suggests that in order to take back India from ... ...orm (Gandhi 206). According to Gandhi, the discontent that these tortured children in Lenny’s nightmare experience will force India as a nation to awaken and provide reform to stop the cries of their youth. If the leaders of India (Ayah and Godmother) can put an end to their passive behavior and answer the insistent cries of the future of their nation (Lenny), then there is hope that despite its dismembered limbs and deep cracks, India will be able to thrive once again. Sadly enough, a nightmare is only revealed in the slumber of the conscience and once the mind awakens it is readily forgotten. Works Cited Gandhi, Mahatma. â€Å"Hind Swaraj, Modern Civilization, and Moral Progress.† The Moral and Political Writings of Mahatma Gandhi. Vol. 1. London: Oxford University Press, 1986. Sidhwa, Bapsi. Cracking India. Minneapolis: Milkweed Editions, 1991.

F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby - The Power of Money Essay

In the preface to Major Barbara, the playwright George Bernard Shaw observes that "money is the most important thing in the world--it represents health, strength, honor, generosity and beauty," but, the poet continues, "it also destroys people as certainly as it fortifies and dignifies others" (Shaw 28). Shaw recognized that many people look toward money, the ultimate representation of materialism, in search of the power that enables them to live. But, money can play many parts in the drama of life. It can represent or give the illusion of wealth, prestige, nobility, and power. Those that seek to harness its powers must also strive to conquer its ability to destroy and corrupt. In F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby, the repeated image of money, no matter in what form or through whom it is portrayed, is used to such an extent that it becomes central to the development of the story. The abstract idea of money can be expressed in many ways. Perhaps the most straightforward way is through the acquisition of grand possessions. In the first chapter of the novel, Nick, the first-...