Self Portrait free essay sample

Shes never been called glamorous or even an enthusiastic pretty. Her acorn-colored hair hangs simply above her shoulders and sometimes catches a glitter from the reflecting sun. Shes constantly trying to keep it tucked behind her ear in hopes that it wont stray, but it usually half-covers her eye in hopes that it one day will cover her whole face and hide her emotions from everyone. Her blue eyes are like a chameleon changing with her every outfit. Sometimes as blue as the ocean on a Caribbean beach while other times they are as dark as a storm rolling across the hills. Her freckled face makes her appear younger and in the summer they serve to cover most of her nose. Her mother and friends used to tell her that they could tell when she was lying because a freckle under her right eye twitched. She now knows that they were mistaken because she has pulled a few over on them. We will write a custom essay sample on Self Portrait or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Her thin frame often struggles to endure all her emotions. She tries to encase her slender legs with baggy jeans, but her baggy jeans are still a childrens size. Most of her clothes end up being hand-me-downs from her friend, so they already have that worn-in look that she loves. Her dream is to see Michael Jordan play basketball and her goal is to visit the Sistine Chapel in Rome. She has no desire to save the world or become the first woman president. She already fulfilled her greatest ambition when she proved the doctors wrong, winning her battle with cancer. Because of this she would ultimately like to find a cure for cancer and save a mother from the same worries her mother had. She longs to find her own style and not just be another face in the crowd. She has never been one for make-up. In the winter you can see a faint glitter of blush surrounding her cheekbones but in the summer her face is overwrought with red, peeling flesh. Because of her contacts it is hard to do much with her small, marble eyes. If she could make one wish it would be that she could see perfectly. She attempts to appear strong and confident on the outside but on the inside she is still that shy, insecure, pig-tailed ten-year-old. She is often crying on the inside while laughing out loud. She longs to be accepted but claims others opinions dont really matter. She preaches that self love is important while she is her own worst enemy.

Mein Fuhrer.....I can walk essays

Mein Fuhrer.....I can walk essays In 1962 Stanley Kubrick made a satire about Nuclear holocaust and he called it Dr. Strangelove, or How I Learned How to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb. Now, more than four decades later, Kubricks film is an excellent example of human feelings during the early sixties. In fact, the movie continues to be relevant now, as we face our current enemy: global terrorism. To appreciate the brilliance of this film, one must take into account the psychological and social atmosphere at the time when it was made. The story was written during the fifties; the cold war was in full swing. We were involved in Vietnam. The Cuban Missile Crisis had occurred. Fear and paranoia were at an all time high among the civilian, political, and military populations. It was a time when school children were instructed to duck and cover for air raid drills to prepare for a nuclear attack. Fear of the red army - the Rooskies was omnipresent. The House UnAmerican Activities Committee (HUAC), which began in 1938, was still summoning people to testify against colleagues and friends. Dr. Strangelove perfectly depicts the paranoia and, in doing so, also shows how absurd the whole thing was. The word "subtle" does not exist in the world of this film. This is, after all, a comedy which addresses nuclear holocaust and mocks the paranoia of its time. The entire film is ironic. The work opens in a serious mood as a plane crew in flight receives a message that they are to bomb Russia. The captain of the crew, Major Kong, is played by Slim Pickens, an actor recognized for his thick Texas accent. After double checking the order to drop the bomb, Kong unlocks a safe and pulls out a cowboy hat and puts the hat on. At this point, it becomes apparent something is seriously wrong with these people. After an initial viewing it becomes clear that Strangelove is a comedy. On a ...

Whistleblowing policy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Whistleblowing policy - Essay Example In both public and private organizations, incidents of unethical and unprofessional conduct by the employees are common occurrences. The actions of such employees can take different forms, including sabotage, misappropriation of funds, espionage among other deeds against the professional ethics and conduct of an organization (PwC, 2011). The effects of such actions in an organization can be severe to both the company as well as the public, depending on the magnitude of the action. However, Boyle (1990) noted that any action that goes against the code of ethics of a particular organization, regardless of how small causes irreparable damage, which could herald greater economic and public image of the company. Adler and Daniels (1992) defined whistleblowing as â€Å"the public interest disclosure whereby a fellow worker reports a concern about the misconduct or omissions of the fellow colleague(s) and or employers that may cause danger to other people or the organization.† Most a ctions of misconduct involve theft and compromising on the safety of fellow workers and the public. The importance of whistleblowing in an organization cannot be overemphasized especially in the current competitive world market, which exposes organization to insecurity in order to undermine the competitive edge in business. In this regard, many corporations are increasingly formulating whistleblowing policies as a measure of preempting such attacks. Voluntarily instigated whistle blowing policy is one of such measures and according to Lewis (2001), the disclosure should be made in good faith, meaning that the confession should made out of real concern about a wrong action. In this regard, making maliciously motivated disclosures based on false accusations does not amount to whistle blowing. For whistleblowing to perform in the best interests of the company, Lewis (2001) notes that the whistleblower should have reasonable conviction that the information in his or her knowledge is sig nificantly correct even if it could turn to be untrue later. Raising grievances or complaining does not amount to whistle blowing because such talk in an organization is usually personalized, where employees could complain of being mistreated or sabotaged. In this case, a whistle blower should not be a person who has direct personal interests on the result of any given exploration or investigation to their concerns that they might have raised. A whistleblower should raise real concerns so that other in authority can address the problem (Jesse, 2010). Organizations have different areas of concern and they include but not limited to the incidents where an employee defrauds the organization, physical or emotional abuse of patients such as the elderly and vulnerable groups in medical setting. Moreover, faulty machines or equipment that expose operators and clients to risk in addition to situations where employees are bribed to award grants tenders and other approved monetary transaction s in an organization(Jesse, 2010). Whistleblowing could serve in an organization’s interest by enhancing better risk management practices (Adler and Daniels, 1992). However, employees should be empowered so that they can have enough confidence to report matters of concern without suffering from any form of physical, psychological and financial consequence. It is important for organizations to have effective risk management practices to prevent incidents of costly litigations, higher insurance premiums, damaged reputation of the organization in addition to loss of lives, jobs and even being subjected to stringent investigations (Adler and Daniels, 1992). In this regard, instigated voluntary whistle blowing can help in triggering early warning systems for employers. This could enable organizations to enforce effective policies that provide clear framework for taking action against culpable employees and employers. If employees voluntarily voice their concerns in an organization without being forced to approach an external authority, employers would often have the

Human Rights in Islam Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Human Rights in Islam - Essay Example The purpose of this paper is to explore the UDHR and compare it to the stipulations of Islam, finding similarities and differences between the two. This will show that, whilst the majority of the articles represent facets of Islam, there are a number of areas in which the UDHR fails to represent this religious tradition. One of the most obvious similarities between Shariah law and the UDHR is that they both oppose discrimination based on race, gender, language, nationality or religion. The Quran suggests that ‘when the Trumpet is blown, no ties of kinship will exist between them on that day, nor may they question one another’ (The Quran, 23:101). This essentially makes reference to the fact that Allah will not discriminate based on these things on judgement day. The Cairo Declaration on Human Rights in Islam (CDHRI) is essentially an Islamic version of the UDHR, and also includes this sentiment as the very most important thing, which suggests that there is a high amount of compatibility between the two. Islam itself is seen to be a very all-encompassing religion, as it encourages people of all races to convert to the religion, again suggesting that the UNDR and Islam are similar in content in this department. Another element that is common to both the UNDR and Islam is the focus on women’s rights and equality between genders. For example, the CDHRI suggests that women have ‘equal human dignity’ (Hashimi, 1997) and therefore should be treated as well as men are. Islam and the CDHRI also both place emphasis on the fact that men and women both have the right to choose their own spouses regardless of race or pressure from outside parties. The UDHR also expresses this, suggesting that ‘Men and women of full age, without any limitation due to race, nationality or religion, have the right to marry and to found a family. They are entitled to equal rights as to marriage, during marriage and at its dissolution’ (United Nation s, 2012, Article 16). The reference to dissolution is also important, as Islam is well-regarded for being one of the first religions to allow women the right to divorce their own husbands by choice (Hashimi, 1997). Both Islam and the UDHR place an emphasis on living quality. It seems sensible to both parties to encourage living standards to be the best possible, as all humans have the right to live cleanly and safely. The Quran puts this sentiment very nicely, suggesting that ‘he who saves a life will be as if he had saved the lives of all humankind’ (The Qur’an, 5:32). There are further quotes which support the fact that Islam is for the preservation of human life, rather than destroying it, and saving a life is incredibly important in the religion. The aim of Islam is to ensure that everyone lives a long and happy life (Hashimi, 1997). Similarly, the UDHR suggests, in article 25, that ‘everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and of his family’ (United Nations, 2012). This is yet more evidence for the fact that the UDHR and Islam stand for several similar principles in a number of matters. There are, however, a number of times in

Econ 157 Problem Set Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Econ 157 Problem Set - Assignment Example These curves can cross in more than one place. Here an unequivocal statement regarding the income distribution of these two countries cannot be made. However Gini coefficient is a definite value between 0 and 1. If the Gini coefficient of country-one is greater than country- two it can be concluded that country two has comparatively a better income distribution compared to the country-1. Poverty headcount ratio indicates the percentage proportion of population which is below the poverty line set by the central bank. With increasing value of the denominator Po value of this equation can decline. Example: country’s poverty can increase at a lower rate compared to the total population growth while decreasing Po. Here the headcount of poor increase while the Po value decrease. Consumers spend a higher proportion of total household income to buy essential foods in poor countries. Therefore decreasing income can substantially decrease the calorie intake by the families in these countries. In developed countries consumers’ food basket includes non-essential foods and their utility is influenced by non-nutrient related concerns such as taste. Therefore income change can affect minimally to their calorie intake. In the above model measurement error is produced from the unobserved variables. In regression analyses it is assumed that unobserved factors are independent from the explanatory variables. However ability and schooling are correlated. Therefore biased estimates can be produced. In describing the differences in economic development across countries geography and institutions are commonly used. Geography argument states that localized environment determine the quality of factors of production such as land, labor, capital and technology available in different countries. Thus location specific characteristics such as climate, being landlocked, special linkages with other countries and endowment of natural resources

Phase Transformations Microstructural Control

Phase Transformations Microstructural Control Phase transformations microstructural control 2xxx-series Aluminum Alloys Introduction: 2000 Series Aluminum Alloys: Principal alloying element is copper with minor additions of manganese and magnesium. This series of aluminum is the original heat treatable alloy group developed in the 1920s. The best known, most widely used heat treatable alloy for aircraft and aerospace is 2024. Can be spot and friction welded but not fusion welded (a few exceptions being tank structures in the Titan Missile). Has good formability in the annealed temper condition and some formability in the solution treated and aged condition, but needs intelligent application in complex designs. Has excellent fatigue properties when compared to other aluminum alloys, excellent strength to weight ratio. Good machinability. Poor resistance to corrosion without alclad layer or secondary chem film, anodize and/or prime and paint. Can be chem film and anodized readily. Other 2000 series alloys include 2017 seen widely in aluminum rivets, fasteners and screw machine parts and 2014 which is used heavily in forgings. These three alloys, 2024, 2014, and 2017 can be considered the foundations of aluminum aircraft, missiles and space vehicles during these past 75 years. Heat Treating Aluminum Alloys: (1) Example 2024: Aluminum alloys are not allotropic they do not undergo a phase or structure change like steels when heating. But if the right alloying additions are present they can be heat treated by solution heat treating and precipitation hardening. In the early days (1930s) solution heat treatment was referred to as ST, and many times precipitation hardening was referred to as aging. Solution heat treatment involves temperatures very close to the melting point of the aluminum alloy, usually 200 300 deg. below the melting point. The purpose is to provide enough thermal energy to dissolve, in a solid solution, the alloy elements present. In the case of 2024, the major alloy element is copper, and by taking the part to 920 deg. F, the copper present within the 2024 will dissolve or disperse uniformly throughout the solid aluminum part. This can be difficult to comprehend how can something dissolve and still be solid? As Einstein once said, everything is relative Without getting into the solid state physics of the metallurgical reactions, dissolution does occur but only at this high temperature. However, if you slowly cool down the part, the copper wants to come back out of solution. Here is where the important step of quenching takes place. Quenching is a very rapid cool down, using water, on the order of 500 600 deg. per second. Quenching locks in place all alloy elements that have been dissolved at the high solution heat treat temperature. Before the alloy additions can think about changing places and moving back out of solution wham! they are locked in place by the rapid quench cool down. The result is called a super saturated solid solution an unstable condition. Quenching is critical to proper solution heat treatment. Aging Precipitation Hardening can now happen under the right conditions. In the case of natural aging of 2024, or aging at room temperature, the dissolved copper slowly comes back out of solution over an extended time (96 hours minimum), forming CuAl precipitants. Precipitants or precipitated particles can be thought of as army commandos, coming from nowhere out of the sky to stand guard, strengthening the territory. Indeed the word precipitant comes from the weather term precipitation meaning to separate and fall from solution (clouds). Precipitated particles in heat treatable aluminum alloys strengthen the alloy by pinning or locking up numerous microstructural features in the aluminum. Other heat treatable alloys like 6061 and 7075 undergo very similar precipitation reactions, with the actual precipitated particles differing depending on whether zinc, magnesium, manganese, silicon or copper additions are present. The way that metallurgists control the formation of these precipitants will determine the mechanical and corrosion properties later. In the case of artificial aging or precipitation hardening, the previously solution heat treated and quenched parts are subjected to elevated temperatures (instead of room temperature) in the range of 225-375 deg. F over extended periods of time (4-24 hours). The precipitants formed and grown here are more controlled and substantial in nature, resulting in higher mechanical properties as compared to naturally aged conditions. Abstract: Recently, Aluminum and Aluminum alloys are broadly used in several fields of industries due to their properties such as, light weight (low density), good formability, good malleability, high electrical conductivity, high thermal conductivity and high corrosion resistance. In general, pure aluminum and its alloys still have many problems during using in the engineering applications; for example: unstable mechanical properties and relatively low strength . Therefore; adding alloying elements, and heat treatment are done to modify the microstructure and improve the mechanical properties of aluminum. The alloying elements could be classified as major and minor elements, microstructure modifiers or impurities, where the minor elements in some alloys may be major elements in other alloys. This report investigates the influences of copper as alloying element on aluminum alloys and then the microstructures mechanical properties relations in this regards. Introduction: Aluminum copper alloys are gaining huge industrial usage because of their outstanding combination of mechanical, physical properties. These properties involve high specific strength specially high temperature strength, high hardness. These properties obtained through addition of copper and other alloy elements and heat treatment ability of this series. Alloying elements are chosen according to their effects and suitability (1) Aluminium-Copper Alloys: Due to the wrought aluminum alloys designation system, aluminium copper alloys are designated 2xxx series. the major alloying element in this series is copper (Cu). 2xxx series could include manganese (Mn), magnesium (Mg), Silicon (Si), titanium (Ti), and nickel (Ni) as minor alloying elements. Table (1) shows the chemical compositions of some wrought aluminum-copper alloys (2xxx) (2): Table (1): chemical compositions of Al-Cu alloys Alloy Si% Cu% Mn% Mg% Ni% Ti% Other elements% 2011 0.4 max 5.0 6.0 Pb=0.4 Bi=0.4 2014 0.5 1.2 3.9 5.0 0.4 1.2 0.2-0.8 0.15 max 2017 0.2 0.8 3.5 4.5 0.4 1.0 0.4 0.8 0.15 max 2018 0.9 max 3.5-4.5 0.4-0.9 1.7-2.3 2024 0. 5 max 3.8 4.9 0.3 0.9 1.2 1.8 0.15 max 2025 0.5-1.2 3.9-5.0 0.4-1.2 0.15 max 2124 0. 2 max 3.8 4.9 0.3 0.9 1.2 1.8 0.15 max 2219 0. 2 max 5.6 6.8 0.2 0.4 0.02 0.1 V=0.1 Zr=0.18 2319 0. 2 max 5.6-6.8 0.2-0.4 0.1-0.2 V=0.1, Zr=0.18 Microstructure-Property Relationships: Copper which is the primary alloying element in the 2xxx series alloys increases the tensile strength, fatigue strength and hardness of aluminum alloys because of the effect of solid solution hardening. It also improve the machinability of alloys by increasing matrix hardness. However, copper reduces the corrosion resistance and the ductility. The following diagram illustrates the maximum solubility of copper in aluminum (up to 6.5%) (2). Fig (4): Partial phase diagram for the aluminum-copper system showing the maximum solubility of copper in aluminum Good solubility of copper in aluminum up to 5.65% at T=548oC (eutectic temperature). Eutectic phase consists of ÃŽÂ ± phase (Al 5.65%Cu) which is ductile and ÃŽÂ ¸ phase (CuAl2;52.75%Cu) which is brittle. 5 > 5% Cu ÃŽÂ ± phase in some cases surrounded by ÃŽÂ ¸ phase. 33% Cu so brittle according to high amount of brittle ÃŽÂ ¸ phase. Aluminum-copper alloys are the group of aluminum alloys which are heat-treatable. Where by increasing temperature copper demonstrates increasing solid solubility in aluminum. As sequence significant additional strengthening could be produced and stabilizing of the structure could be achieved (7). References: 1. Rana R S, Purohit R, Das S. Reviews on the Influences of Alloying Elements on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Aluminium Alloys and Aluminium Alloys composites. International Journal of Scientific and Research Publications, Volume 2, Issue 6, 2012; ISSN 2250-3153. 2. Substances Technologies. Wrought aluminum-copper alloys (2xxx). Weblog. Available from: http://www.substech.com/dokuwiki/doku.php?id=wrought_aluminum-copper_alloys_2xxx 3. Yong Lee C, Hyun Choi D, Bae Lee W, Park SK, Yeon YM, Jung SB. Microstructures and Mechanical Properties of Double-Friction Stir Welded 2219 Al Alloy. Materials Transactions , Vol. 49, No. 4 (2008) pp. 885 to 888. 4. Robinson J. S,. Cudd R. L,. Evans J. T. Creep resistant aluminium alloys and their applications. Materials perspective 2003. 5. The Aluminum Association, Inc. Aluminum Alloy Selection and Applications. 1998; (202) 862-5100. 6. ASM Vol 06 Welding, Brazing, and Soldering. 7. AlcoTec. The Differences Between Heat-Treatable and Non-Heat-Treatable Aluminum Alloys. Weblog. Available from: http://www.alcotec.com/us/en/education/knowledge/qa/The-Differences-Between-Heat-Treatable-and-Non-Heat-Treatable-Aluminum-Alloys.cfm 8. Yong Lee1C, Choi1DH, Lee WB, Park SK, Yeon YM, Jung SB. Microstructures and Mechanical Properties of Double-Friction Stir Welded 2219 Al Alloy. 2008;Materials Transactions, Vol. 49, No. 4 (2008) pp. 885 to 888.

Genetic Engineering: Genetic Research and Gene Therapy :: Persuasive Argumentative Essay Examples

Genetic Research and Gene Therapy The human genome is the key to gene therapy, genetic diagnosis, and even to genetically engineer human beings. The human genome is a map of the entire DNA sequence, a blue book, of the individual, which is currently being mapped by the Human Genome Project. Knowing where and which gene controls what trait and causes what genetic disease will armed doctors with a powerful tool to treat their patients in the molecular level. On the other hand, people can jump at the opportunity to manipulate genes to create the perfect baby or enhance a specific trait. One of the few ways of achieving these goals is through research on human embryos. Genetic research on human embryo has two implications. One in therapeutic research (to detect, and hopefully correct gene flaws), which is more practical, and the other is parents deciding how their child should look (or an extreme word, eugenic). The latter, which in the present is wishful thinking but will be a reality in the future if the technology becomes feasible. This paper will mainly discuss the therapeutic research (the medical practice and technological aspect of genetic engineering on embryos) to show what can be done medically and its implications. The consequences, moral and ethical issue of genetic research on human embryos will not be discuss in length here, for it is a topic in other groups and within my group. Currently in therapeutic research, one of the things that can be done is a process call Pre-implantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD). PGD is a new medical treatment that incorporates the technology of in vitro fertilization (IVF) and the ability to genetically removed a single cell from an 8-cell embryo to detect any genetic abnormalities (Forbidden Knowledge). In this way, "couples at high genetic risk [will have the] opportunity to start their pregnancy knowing that their baby will not have a lethal inherited disease" rather than stress by deciding whether or not to undergo a prenatal test such as amniocentesis, which requires the pregnancy be at least 15 weeks (Forbidden Knowledge). Some of the major genetic diseases that can be detected are Cystic Fibrosis, Huntington's Disease, Alzheimer's Disease, some form of cancers (Carmosino), aneuploidy chromosomes for chromosome 13, 18, 21, X, and Y (Jones), and sickle-cell anemia (Henig, 58). Gene therapy, which is in is early stages will greatly benefit from embryo research.

National Federation of Independent Business v Sebelius Essay

Life was different back in the 1880s. The telephone had just been invented, James Garfield was president, and doctors used heroin and cocaine as medicine. Alas, many doctors knew very little about medicine. Oftentimes unsafe and unsterile practices were used on patients. The NY Times reports that, â€Å"At least a dozen medical experts probed the President [Garfield]’s wound, often with unsterilized metal instruments or bare hands, as was common at the time. Historians agree that massive infection, which resulted from unsterile practices, contributed to Garfield’s death. One man suggested that they turn the president upside down and see if the bullet would just fall out. † Because of their usual lack of success, doctors did not charge very much for their services; it was very affordable most of the time, even for middle class families. However, as time and technology progressed, the cost of healthcare and medical instruments dramatically rose. In his â€Å"New Deal† package, President Roosevelt proposed a state-run healthcare system with compulsory health insurance for state residents, but states could choose whether to participate. The federal government would provide some subsidies and set minimum standards that the state had to adhere by. While the proposal did not pass, the idea of universal healthcare coverage for everyone stuck. Since Roosevelt, every single Democratic President elected into office has attempted to pass a version of universal health care, but none have achieved the feat. That is, until President Obama was sworn into office in January 2009. In his 2008 presidential campaign, he made healthcare reform a central issue. Both parties adopted their version of reform, but since Democrats held a majority in the House and the Senate at the time, their version was the one that passed. On March 23rd, 2010, President Obama signed into law the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (dubbed by many Republicans as â€Å"ObamaCare†). According to the White House, it claims four key components of the law: stronger consumer rights and protections (which includes a ban on lifetime limits, a ban on denying children health insurance based on pre-existing conditions, and a ban on coverage cancellations), more affordable coverage (Private insurers must provide justification for double-digit increases in premiums), better access to care (Preventative screenings for cancer are now free), and stronger Medicare (Provides relief to seniors who cannot afford prescription drugs). Since insurance companies are required to provide care, it makes sense to buy insurance only when you need it. In other words, wait until you get sick to buy insurance, because they cannot turn you down. In order to combat this, the law includes an individual mandate, which requires anyone that can afford it to buy health insurance, or pay a penalty to the IRS. In essence, this is the part of the law that pays for it all. This is also the section many Republicans hate. In their philosophy, the government cannot force someone to buy something they may or may not need. They argued that this law was unconstitutional, and they sued in federal court to have the law nullified. There were three cases overall: one from the states (Florida v. U. S. Dept. of Health and Human Svcs. ), one from the federal government (U. S. Dept. of Health and Human Svcs. v. Florida), and one from the National Federation of Independent Business (Nat’l Fed. of Independent Bus. v. Sebelius). Due to conflicting rulings from the lower courts in different jurisdictions, the Supreme Court decided to hear the case to settle the differences. From March 26th to March 28th, 2012, the Supreme Court heard oral arguments from both sides. On the first day, the court heard argument over whether the Tax Anti-Injunction Act passed into law in 1867 barred the Supreme Court from even making a decision in this case. The Tax Anti-Injunction Act says, â€Å"No suit for the purpose of restraining the assessment or collection of any tax shall be maintained in any court by any person, whether or not such person is the person against whom such tax was assessed. † Basically, it means that you cannot sue the government for a tax you believe is unfair, until you have already paid that tax. This was passed into law to prevent people from filing lawsuits against the government to avoid paying taxes. Potentially, this could mean that no one can challenge the constitutionality of the ACA (Affordable Care Act) until someone has actually paid the penalty. At the earliest, they could sue on April 15th, 2015. The Supreme Court held that since Congress specifically labeled the consequences of the mandate as a penalty rather than a tax, the Anti-Injunction Act did not apply to this case, and that the court had the authority to hear the arguments. On the second day, the court heard arguments over whether the ndividual mandate component of the ACA fell under the constitutional powers of Congress. There were two arguments from the Solicitor General’s side (the ones supporting the constitutionality of the ACA): the ACA was constitutional under the commerce clause, and that the ACA was constitutional under the taxing power of Congress. The states (the ones claiming the ACA is unconstitutional) argued that Congress could not create commerce for it to regulate, and that the law described the consequences of the mandate a â€Å"penalty†, therefore it is not a tax. On the third day, the court heard arguments on the severability of the law. They questioned whether the ACA could survive if the court struck down the individual mandate. In the end, in a 5-4 decision, the court upheld the individual mandate component of the ACA as a valid exercise of the taxing power of Congress. They concluded that a financial penalty for not buying something constituted a non-direct tax. Because it is a non-direct tax, it is not required to be apportioned among the several states. The justices that voted for the constitutionality of the law are the four liberal justices Sonia Sotomayor, Stephen Breyer, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Elena Kagan, and the conservative Chief Justice John Roberts. The justices that voted against the constitutionality of the law are the other four conservative justices: Anthony Kennedy, Samuel Alito, Antonin Scalia, and Clarence Thomas. John Roberts was the key swing vote. When asked why he voted for a law he is personally against, Chief Justice John Roberts responded, â€Å"The Framers created a Federal Government of limited powers, and assigned to this Court the duty of enforcing those limits. The Court does so today. But the Court does not express an opinion on the wisdom of the Affordable Care Act. Under the Constitution, that judgment is reserved to the people. In my opinion, I applaud the decision of the Court. From the beginning, I thought the penalty was a tax; I assumed it was called a penalty for political purposes. People would not like the idea of a tax increase. In reality, the penalty is collected in the same manner as a tax, so there are no real differences between the two. I have also gained a newfound respect for Chief Justice John Roberts. I think it is commendable to put the law in front of your personal beliefs. He has done exactly what is expected of a Supreme Court justice. If I were a Supreme Court justice, I would have made he same decision that he and the four liberal justices made. There are two types of consequences this law holds: political and provisional. The provisional consequences of the law are the ones directly stated in the law: a ban on lifetime limits, Medicaid expansion, etc. The political consequences of this law are not explicitly stated, however they can be inferred and speculated upon. There are three major political consequences. The first consequence is that Obama can claim a major victory. He can now say his law withstood a Supreme Court challenge and passed the constitutionality test. A defeat would have been bad for the administration and the campaign. Instead, he has a chance to re-energize his base and reinstate the flow of campaign cash. The second consequence is that now that the law is no longer a legal issue, it becomes a campaign issue. Both Obama and Romney must sell voters on Obamacare. The court ruling could have stir a shift in public opinion among independent voters, and both candidates must appeal to this shift. Obama will insist this law was the right thing to do, while Romney will propose a new healthcare reform bill. The third consequence is that the ruling will enrage Republicans and make them more eager to vote for Romney so he can repeal the law. Voter turnout is expected to be lower than it was in 2008, and anything that can increase the turnout will be beneficial for Romney. This law and its subsequent legal challenge have major political consequences. Whether you live in the 1880s or in the present day, chances are you will need health care at some point in your life. Ever since President Roosevelt proposed universal health care back in the 1930s, many politicians have tried to pass it into law. Until the ACA, it was considered politically impossible; the idea just did not appeal to voters. The law has withstood a major legal challenge, and it will be up to Obama and Romney to convince independent voters that their version of healthcare reform is the best. If Obama wins the election, in 2014 everyone that can afford it must buy health insurance, whether they want to or not. If they don’t, they will pay a tax equivalent to 1% of their income. If Romney wins the election, he will try to repeal the ACA and replace it with a reform package of his own. Only time will tell what will happen.

President Bill Clintons Impeachment essays

President Bill Clintons Impeachment essays The 42nd President of the United Sates, William Jefferson Clinton, is considered the most investigated President in U.S. history. The first scandal, Travelgate, involved the White House travel office and the firing of seven employees who were replaced by Clintons Arkansas friends in 1993, and was followed a few months later by the Whitewater controversy (Presidential). In 1994, around the same time that Paula C. Jones publicly alleged that Clinton, while Governor of Arkansas, had sexual harassed her, Clinton began an eighteen-month affair with Monica Lewinsky, a 22 year-old White House intern (Presidential). Lewinskys name was first included on a list of potential witnesses prepared by Jones attorneys that was submitted to Clintons legal team (Clinton). In 1996, Lewinsky was transferred to a position at the Pentagon, where she became friends with Linda Tripp, also transferred from the White House, who began to secretly tape-record Lewinskys telephone conversations in which she confided to Tripp her affair with the President (Presidential). Tripp provided more than twenty hours of tape recordings to Independent Counsel Kenneth Starr, who received permission from the U.S. Justice Department to expand his Whitewater investigation to include Clintons close friend Vernon Jordan, believing he had encouraged Lewinsky to deny her affair with Clinton during a sworn affidavit (Presidential). On January 16, 1998, Tripp lured Lewinsky to a hotel room. There, her conversation with Tripp was secretly recorded pursuant to a court order. Lewinsky was then confronted by federal agents who charged her with perjury and demanded that she cooperate by providing evidence against Clinton (Clinton). The following day, Clinton denied having sexual relations with Lewinsky, and by January 21, the media was reporting that Starrs investigation had expanded to include the Lewinsky allegations (Clinton). On J...

Free Essays on Robert Sokolowski

Robert Sokolowski and Stephen Pope have two very different ideas on the legalization of same-sex marriage. Sokolowski is a firm believer that Marriage has traditionally been understood to be a human relationship ordered toward reproduction and he feels that if same-sex marriages are allowed then the whole idea of marriage may be ruined. Once the aspect of reproduction is taken out of marriage then any couple, two or more, who feels they should get married just to reek the financial benefits of the marriage may do so. Stephen Pope On the other hand is for same-sex marriage. While Pope agrees with Sokolowski in the fact that in the past marriage has been related to child-bearings but Pope feels that child-rearing should not be the first and defining characteristic of marriage. In Sokolowskis, The Threat of Same-Sex Marriage, he talks about gay marriage and the consequences it would have if allowed. In his defense against same-sex marriage he raises four key points. The first point argues that if same-sex marriage would ruin the traditional notion which states that procreation defines what marriage is. Marriage would then have to be defined as just the exchange of sex. His second point is that if that is true then any group of people who are friends may come together and marry just to reap the financial gains that marriage may offer, including couples of two or more people. This is because as long as marriage is defined as adults engaging in sexual relations, then multi-partner relationships would fit into that category. The third point is that if we go against the idea of marriage and procreation going hand in hand then we are going against the ancient idea that the nature of things determines their good and proper functioning. The final idea is that the defining characteristic of marriage is the procreation of life and not mutual love. He feels that these two things are on different levels and should not be group into ... Free Essays on Robert Sokolowski Free Essays on Robert Sokolowski Robert Sokolowski and Stephen Pope have two very different ideas on the legalization of same-sex marriage. Sokolowski is a firm believer that Marriage has traditionally been understood to be a human relationship ordered toward reproduction and he feels that if same-sex marriages are allowed then the whole idea of marriage may be ruined. Once the aspect of reproduction is taken out of marriage then any couple, two or more, who feels they should get married just to reek the financial benefits of the marriage may do so. Stephen Pope On the other hand is for same-sex marriage. While Pope agrees with Sokolowski in the fact that in the past marriage has been related to child-bearings but Pope feels that child-rearing should not be the first and defining characteristic of marriage. In Sokolowskis, The Threat of Same-Sex Marriage, he talks about gay marriage and the consequences it would have if allowed. In his defense against same-sex marriage he raises four key points. The first point argues that if same-sex marriage would ruin the traditional notion which states that procreation defines what marriage is. Marriage would then have to be defined as just the exchange of sex. His second point is that if that is true then any group of people who are friends may come together and marry just to reap the financial gains that marriage may offer, including couples of two or more people. This is because as long as marriage is defined as adults engaging in sexual relations, then multi-partner relationships would fit into that category. The third point is that if we go against the idea of marriage and procreation going hand in hand then we are going against the ancient idea that the nature of things determines their good and proper functioning. The final idea is that the defining characteristic of marriage is the procreation of life and not mutual love. He feels that these two things are on different levels and should not be group into ...

United States v. Martha Stewart Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

United States v. Martha Stewart - Case Study Example Prior to and in course of the case proceedings, Martha Stewart was the chairperson of the board of directors and chief executive officer of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia. Peter Bacanovic on the other hand was licensed by NASD to sell securities as a securities broker with the title "Financial Advisor" at Merrill Lynch & Co, Inc. ImClone systems is a biotechnology company in the US whose then-chief executive officer, Samuel Waksal, was Stewart's friend and a client of Stewart's stockbroker, defendant Peter Bacanovic. Subject to the cases on December 25, 2001, ImClone and Martha Stewart learned of the food and drug administration rejection of ImClone application for approval of Erbitux and announced the rejection of the application on December 28, 2001 after ImClone Chairperson December 27, 2001, sale of 3,928 shares of stock (FindLaw, 2012). This move and announcement prompted the Securities and Exchange Commission and the United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York to start investigations into trading treads of ImClone especially the sale of the stock before the announcement of application rejection on Erbitux to the public. The investigations led to the indictment of Martha Stewart and Peter Bacanovic.

Expert Systems Applied to Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Expert Systems Applied to - Essay Example Expert systems consist of a number of components such as the knowledge base, the inference engine and the user interface. The knowledge base contains all the data and information collected from the domain whereas the inference engine manipulates this information in looking to find a recommended course of action. The User interface provides the platform through which the system user can interact with the program. The role of artificial intelligence (AI) in medicine primarily focuses on developing programs that can carry out diagnostic functions and suggest therapeutic recommendations. They are based on representative models of ailment entities in relation to factors such as their clinical manifestation and their ramifications on patient factors. Knowledge based systems are commonly used in clinical situations since they can withhold a vast knowledge base especially with regards to a particularly defined task. For this reason, the use of expert systems in the medical field applies in various functions within a hospital. For instance, expert systems can be used for generating reminders and alerts in real-time scenarios where they are attached to monitors as indicators used in monitoring changes in the condition of patients. In relatively acute cases, they can be used to scan lab test outcomes or medication prescriptions and generate reminders and alerts through e-mail or text message systems. Expert systems can also be used for diagnostic aid where the patient data can be checked against a system’s knowledge base to try and come up with accurate diagnosis in cases where the case of a patient is complex or unique or the diagnostician is relatively inexperienced (Wai et al. par. 63). An example of one such system is DXplain; a clinical decision support mechanism used to aid in diagnosis by looking at a set of symptoms, signs and laboratory results and generating a ranked list of possible diagnoses while at the same