Literary Analysis over One Flew over the Cuckoos Nest Essay Example

Literary Analysis over One Flew over the Cuckoos Nest Essay Example Literary Analysis over One Flew over the Cuckoos Nest Paper Literary Analysis over One Flew over the Cuckoos Nest Paper Essay Topic: One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest is a novel written by Ken Kesey during a time in our society when pressures of our modern world seemed at their greatest. Many people were, at this time, deemed by society’s standards to be insane and institutionalized. One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest is set in a ward of a mental institution. The major conflict in the novel is that of power. Power is a recurring and overwhelming theme throughout the novel. Kesey shows the power of women who are associated with the patients, the power Nurse Ratched has, and also the power McMurphy fights to win. By default, he also shows how little power the patients have. When discussing the theme of power in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, McMurphy can’t be ignored. McMurphy’s power begins with the fact of his mental stability. He comes to the mental institution to escape the stress and difficulties of a prison work farm. He is not insane in the way society describes insanity. He tells the patients in the ward â€Å"†¦the court ruled that I’m a psychopath. And do you think I’m gonna argue with the court? Shoo, you can bet your bottom dollar I don’t. If it gets me outta those damned pea fields I’ll be whatever their little heart desires†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (13). McMurphy is also a con man for most of the novel (Foster 2). He is constantly gambling and winning money from the other patients. When first introduced to McMurphy, he claims â€Å"[he’s] a gambling fool† (11). McMurphy being a gambler is powerful because it gives the patients a goal or activity and is a form of entertainment. The monotony being reduced gives McMurphy power. The most important aspect of McMurphy’s power is in laughter. McMurphy is trying to explain the power of laughter to the patients when he says, â€Å"†¦that’s the first thing that got me about this place, that there wasn’t anybody laughing. I haven’t heard a real laugh since I came through that door, do you know that? Man, when you lose your laugh you lose your footing. A man go around lettin’ a woman whup him till he can’t laugh any more, and he loses one of the biggest edges he’s got on his side † (68). Laughter makes the patients feel good, and, specifically, Bromden feels good and begins to remember other things that made him feel good (Tanner 4). McMurphy’s power in laughter is intensified by Nurse Ratched’s lack of laughter. McMurphy’s laughter and humor are genuine while Nurse Ratched’s humor is forced and smiles are chiseled like in plastic (Wallace 3, 5). Power enables McMurphy to make changes on the ward and to survive in the institution. His sanity compared to the other patients, his manipulations, and his ability to laugh give him the power. He, in turn, gives patients a sense of power by teaching them to laugh at themselves, Nurse Ratched, and the world (Magill 1533). Second in a discussion of power are the women associated with the patients. The supervisor at the hospital is associated with the patients by controlling who is employed to take care of the patients. Nurse Ratched and the supervisor served in the Army together as nurses. They are still very close and have a good relationship. Because of this relationship, Nurse Ratched’s employment is secured and others won’t stand up to her for fear of losing their own jobs. Harding states â€Å"In this hospital, the doctor doesn’t hold the power of hiring and firing. That power goes to the supervisor and the supervisor is a woman, a dear old friend of Miss Ratched’s† (61). The receptionist on the ward is Nurse Ratched’s neighbor and also mother to the patient Billy Bibbit. Kelsey makes numerous statements about wives and mothers of the patients. Harding is a self-committed patient whose wife enjoys power over him by insulting and belittling him at every opportunity. She also exerts power over him by being feminine and overtly sexual and recriminating him for not being masculine (Alvarado 3). Ruckly is another patient, a former Acute turned to Chronic after electroshock treatments. Ruckly’s only verbalization throughout the novel is an epithet towards his wife. She continues to possess power after he is virtually turned into a vegetable. Billy Bibbit is yet another self-committed Acute patient. He is terrorized by his mother to the point that he stutters. She retains so much power over him that he commits suicide when Nurse Ratched threatens to tell his mother he was with a prostitute. In addition to Billy’s mother, Bromden’s mother clasps her power and controls the men in her life. She was responsible for selling her son’s Indian land heritage and forcing him to conform to society’s standards of â€Å"civilization†. This led to Bromden’s father becoming an alcoholic and Bromden’s institutionalization. The women associated with the patients held power that affected their lives to such a degree that it changed their level of sanity. Nurse Ratched is the final character to be discussed in the topic of power. Nurse Ratched’s name is in fact a play on the word â€Å"‘ratchet’ (a mechanism consisting of a notched heel, the teeth of which engage with a pawl, permitting motion of the wheel in one direction only)† (Tanner 2). This is a perfect metaphor depicting her power. In the novel, Bromden states â€Å"†¦she wields a sure power that extends in all directions†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (26). Nurse Rat ched controls the clocks and televisions on the ward. Bromden believes her to be in control of time by maneuvering the clocks as she sees fit. She also has control over the television. Even when the patients won the vote to watch the World Series and delay housekeeping duties, Nurse Ratched exerted her power and shut off the television. She uses food and medication for punishment and power. She lets Sefelt give his medication to Fredrickson just to teach a lesson. She states â€Å"Even if you take into consideration the harmful effects of the medicine, don’t you think it’s better than that? † (69). She has the power of their health in her hands by using medication this way. Nurse Ratched also manipulates a compelling power over McMurphy in that she is the one who will decide when his confinement is over. It is when McMurphy realizes this that he first begins to follow rules and ceases to bait Nurse Ratched. She has complete and total power in the ward and thus over the patients (Sassoon 2). Nurse Ratched has the power over Dr. Spivey as well. She knows that he has a drug addiction and she uses this information to manipulate and control him. In staff meetings, she leads the discussions to determine which ward a patient is sent to. Nurse Ratched frequently sends patients to â€Å"Disturbed† for being what she decides is disorderly. She also is powerful by her ability to send patients for electroshock therapy when she determines them to be out of control. Nurse Ratched has further power in the ward by controlling the orderlies. Bromden believes that because of years of training, they are able to â€Å"disconnect the wires and operate on beams† (29). The orderlies do what she says in regard to the treatment and mistreatment of the patients. They are â€Å"†¦out there performing her bidding before she even thinks it† (29). By having control in so many areas, Nurse Ratached is able to wield her power with patients and employees in the ward. Kesey demonstrates the struggle for power remarkably. Nurse Ratched and McMurphy battle for power throughout the novel while the women associated with the patients also hold significant power. When power is won by one person, another then has to lose the power he held. Nurse Ratched has the power of controlling the orderlies. They make McMurphy clean bathrooms, yet McMurphy wins the power back by leaving notes and laughing at Nurse Ratched. The ones who never hold the power seem to be the actual patients. Yet, most patients on the ward are voluntarily committed and have the ultimate power over their fate. It took McMurphy being powerful enough to give up his power so that the patients could find theirs.

Costo de visa H-1B y 6 problemas para patrocinar

Costo de visa H-1B y 6 problemas para patrocinar La visa H-1B es adecuada para muchos perfiles de trabajadores extranjeros profesionales. Sin embargo las empresas son reacias a patrocinarlas por el costo y otros problemas. En este articulo se explica por quà © muchas  compaà ±Ãƒ ­as americanas rechazan incluso la posibilidad de patrocinar una visa H-1B o lo hacen muy restrictivamente. Eso es asà ­ sin menoscabo de que otras, generalmente grandes, sà ­ que optan por patrocinar aà ±o tras aà ±o. Costo de las visas H-1B Las empresas deben pagar al Servicio de Inmigracià ³n y Ciudadanà ­a (USCIS, por sus siglas en inglà ©s) una cuota por completar el formulario I-129 conocido en inglà ©s como Petition of a Noimmigrant Worker como paso previo a la obtencià ³n de la visa H-1B.   Las empresas entre 1 y 25 empleados a tiempo completo deben pagar actualmente $1,575, que puede incrementarse en cualquier momento. Sin embargo si la compaà ±Ãƒ ­a tiene ms de 25 empleados el costo se eleva a $2,325.   Adems, si se desea acelerar el proceso de tramitacià ³n es necesario pagar una cuota premium para asegurar una respuesta en el plazo de 15 dà ­as. Esto tiene un costo adicional de $1,225. Son las empresas las que tienen que correr con esos gastos. Es ilegal que el trabajador extranjero se haga cargo de ellos. Adems, hay que sumar el costo de abogados. 6 problemas para las empresas asociados a la visa H-1B Adems del costo, hay ms razones por las que las empresas prefieren no patrocinar. Entre ellos destacan por su importancia los siguientes 6: 1. La incertidumbre es otro de los factores que ms pesa a los empleadores para no solicitar una visa H-1B para un trabajador extranjero. Y es que salvo en el caso de instituciones u organizaciones que se dedican a la educacià ³n o a la investigacià ³n y que estn excluidas del là ­mite anual de visas H-1B la mayorà ­a de las empresas se encuentran con el hecho de que patrocinar a un trabajador no quiere decir, ni mucho menos, que vaya a obtener la visa. La razà ³n es que cada aà ±o fiscal hay un nà ºmero mayor de solicitantes que de visas disponibles, con lo que en los à ºltimos aà ±os se ha tenido que decidir mediante loterà ­a quià ©nes obtienen la visa. Y las empresas que necesitan a un trabajador no pueden estar limitados por la suerte o mala suerte que implica una loterà ­a. Una vez que la visa est solicitada es posible verificar su estatus online. 2. El tiempo es otra razà ³n de peso. Y es que para anotarse para la visa el plazo comienza cada aà ±o el 1 de abril. Sin embargo, aunque se gane el sorteo de la loterà ­a, no se puede comenzar a trabajar con la visa H-1B antes del 1 de octubre, es decir, con el inicio del nuevo aà ±o fiscal. De esta regla sà ³lo estn exentos las empresas no sujetas al cupo anual mximo de visas y pueden solicitar trabajadores a lo largo de todo el aà ±o. 3. El salario del trabajador es caro. La empresa tiene que ofrecer al trabajador extranjero lo que se conoce como sueldo predominante o en inglà ©s  Prevailing Wage. Para conocer cul el es el sueldo predominante para una determinada profesià ³n segà ºn el lugar de trabajo, la empresa que desea patrocinar puede consultar con el NPWC, que es una oficina del gobierno. Otra opcià ³n es consultar la Biblioteca Online de Salarios que se conoce en inglà ©s por las siglas de OWL. El requisito del salario predominante en la prctica puede suponer que podrà ­a encontrar un trabajador estadounidense o residente permanente ms barato. En la actualidad hay rumores de que con el gobierno de Trump una de las reformas migratorias afectar a la H-1B y precisamente en este punto y se han filtrado borradores en el que se indican sueldos superiores a los $130 mil como requisitos para una H-1B, si bien a dà ­a de hoy esto son solo especulaciones. 4. La empresa patrocinadora de una visa H-1B est sujeta a auditorà ­as por parte del Departamento de Trabajo (DoL por sus siglas en inglà ©s) y del Departamento de Seguridad Interna (DHS, por sus siglas en inglà ©s).   Adems, est obligada a mantener ciertos rà ©cords pà ºblicos. En otras palabras, las empresas que patrocinan este tipo de visas atraen sobre sà ­ un escrutinio adicional que no tienen las compaà ±Ãƒ ­as no patrocinadoras. 5. Si por cualquier razà ³n la empresa da por terminado antes de tiempo el contrato del trabajador que se encuentra en Estados Unidos con una visa H-1B, es responsable de pagar el ticket de regreso a su paà ­s del ex empleado. 6. Finalmente, un gran inconveniente para las empresas es que patrocinando una visa H-1B no resuelven de modo definitivo su necesidad por un trabajador con un determinado perfil. Y es que estas visas tienen una duracià ³n de 3 aà ±os ampliables por otros 3. Llegado ese momento el trabajador sale de Estados Unidos o la empresa le patrocina una tarjeta de residencia permanente, tambià ©n conocida como green card. Pero el patrocinio lleva aparejado ms trmites legales, como la peticià ³n de un Labor Certification, ms gestiones migratorias y, consiguientemente, ms gastos. Conclusià ³n y opciones a la visa H-1B En la prctica las visas H-1B no son fciles de obtener, no solo por la loterà ­a que implica un grado de suerte sino tambià ©n porque muchas empresas son reacias a iniciar el proceso debido a todos los problemas e inconvenientes que conlleva.   En este punto destacar que los chilenos tienen una cuota de visas H-1B reservada para ellos y que eso es un punto a favor, porque no entran a la loterà ­a y se pueden pedir en cualquier momento del aà ±o, es decir, cuando la empresa tiene la necesidad. Finalmente destacar que en el caso de profesionalistas mexicanos, un buen nà ºmero de profesiones permiten solicitar la visa TN. Por otro lado, para los profesionales de cualquier paà ­s con cualidades excepcionales en la Educacià ³n, Ciencias, Cine o Televisià ³n, Empresas, Artes o Deportes la visa O puede ser una buena opcià ³n. Este es un artà ­culo informativo. No es asesorà ­a legal.

Valley Forge in Pennsylvania Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Valley Forge in Pennsylvania - Research Paper Example Valley Forge in Pennsylvania was the site of the military camp of the American Continental Army over the winter of 1777–1778 Valley Forge is among the historical places that marked the American Revolution. Moreover, George Washington and his army spent a harsh winter at Valley Forge in the year 1777 -1778. Furthermore, during this period many of the Continental army perished due to starvation, lack of proper clothing to protect them from the cold and infectious diseases (Webstar 1305). Consequently, the Continental army was reduced to almost half its initial population. However, the conditions at the camp improved when congress sent food at the camp and hygiene standards were elevated. Moreover, the soldiers were drilled and when spring arrived, they were ready and eager to face the British army in the battle field. To this end, the continental army eventually fought with the British army even though they were at draw military wise. The Continental Army left the battle field in high spirits and confidence compared to the previous wars. The subsequent sections will elaborate on the reasons as to why General Washington’s Continental army decided to camp at Valley Forge. Moreover, the challenges they encountered during the encampment at Valley Forge will be discussed comprehensively. Furthermore, the drilling of soldiers by Steuben Baron that took place while they were at Valley Forge will be intricately discussed. Finally, the aftermath of the training process will be summarily discussed. Reasons for Camping at Valley Forge In the 18th century of 1777 George Washington, the general of continental army, moved with his army to the south of New Jersey. His objective was to defend Philadelphia city from the advancing forces of William Howe. Consequently, the two armies clashed at Brandywine on the 11th of September (Hickman 1). As a result, Washington’s army was defeated and flee the city. Washington’s army struck again at Germantown on 4th of October in order to regain initiative but was decisively defeated. Subsequently, with the cold weather approaching Washington moved his army to a winter encampment. To this end, he chose Valley Forge, 20 mile s from Northwest city of Philadelphia. Evidently, the site would easily be defendable from surprise attacks. In addition, provision of food from local farmers would be easy. Challenges at Valley Forge In as much as Washington chose the best place for his soldiers to camp, they still encountered serious problems like lack of food and clothing. The soldiers had little to eat apart from fried dough called fire cakes. Furthermore, the soldiers wore tattered cloths and their accommodation was hastily built. The accommodation consisted of canvas walls and dirt floors that were smoky and cold. Furthermore, the cabins were ideal sites for the spreading of diseases that subjected the soldiers to bouts of cold (Miller 9). In addition, the local farmers were hesitant to give their food in exchange to the almost worthless soldiers. On the contrary, the farmers traded their produce with the British; located miles away Philadelphia; for liquid cash. Furthermore, the local farmers even continued t o hoard food as they waited to earn higher profits in the spring season. Consequently, there were prevalent desertions and deaths from diseases and hunger. This led to a reduction of the continental army to almost one-half of the initial size (Miller 9). In addition, Washington was privately annoyed with the lack of strong commitment from his supposedly patriot fighters. Washington’s Leadership Qualities Questioned Washington’s leadership integrity and qualities were cast openly in doubt by his fellow army officers as well as part of the

Special Populations Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Special Populations - Research Paper Example This paper will research special education in the Carroll Independent School District (CISD) of Texas. The boundaries of school districts in Texas do not always align with city or county boundaries, whereby one district may occupy several cities or counties, while some of the larger cities may be divided between several school districts. Although most special education students are disproportionately English language learners, minority and the poor, the CISD indiscriminately serves 11 schools in the upper income area of Dallas, Texas. It is the largest school district to have been rated by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) as exemplary in performance, recording an exceptional zero percent dropout rate and 97 percent attendance in 2007, a rating it holds to date. CISD believes that for majority of its special education students to achieve the same standards as other students, they ought to be given specially designed support, instruction, accommodation and appropriate access as require d by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Texas is among the states in America that have worked for a few decades to have all students included in their education systems. The commitment has seeped into both the provision of education serves and approaches employed in evaluating the system’s success in a bid to meet all the students’ needs. CISD believes that students with special needs deserve more than pity or protection from the high expectations associated with non-special students. They should also not be excluded from necessary assessments that indicate whether they are progressing towards the expectations as desired or not. Some of the cases that compelled CISD to address special education include intellectual disabilities; developmental disabilities; specific learning disabilities; language and speech impairments; orthopedic, hearing and visual impairments; autism; and traumatic brain injury. Special education developed following the governme nt’s growing need for involvement in education (Wilmshurst & Brue, 2010). Before the 1975 passing of the Education for All Handicapped Children Act by the federal government, special education programs had to be improved to include additional services as prescribed by the plans mandated federally. They would therefore be able to benefit from IDEA. To this end, after the Act was passed, Texas established several schools that give special care and attention to students with disabilities to help them grow intellectually, socially and emotionally. In CISD, they have schools that are specially designed and equipped to address the needs of students with learning or physical disabilities. The schools develop students’ talents and skills within caring and safe environments. This is in conformity with the provisions of IDEA that stipulate that each special needs student is given an Individualized Education Program (IEP), outlining how the schools will meet their individual need s (NCD, 1994). CISD further embraces the requirement by IDEA that special needs students must be provided with free, appropriate, public education, which should be conducted in the least restrictive environments. Special education is provided in varying degrees in schools run by the government in CISD. The settings range from the least restric

Paper on Drugs Essay Example for Free

Paper on Drugs Essay Drugs are chemical substances that alter behaviour, mood, perception, or mental functioning. The general perception by most people is that a drug is a bad substance and should not be used. This is true; but drugs are still used by millions of people. Many governments use millions of money in countering the growth, processing and distribution of drugs. However this seems to be a losing battle. For us to be able to control how drugs are used in society the best thing is to legalize drugs and by doing this we shall eliminate dangers arising from use of drugs and drugs trade, hence making our society much better than better than it is today. Many people argue that drugs bring about insecurity and slowing down development in society since the youth are hooked to drug’s use and marketing which is an easy way to make money. Hence they end up not going to school. This is true; the reason behind this is because drug dealing in a society where drugs are criminalised is an easy way to make a lot of money since people are paid to do it since its risky. Hence young people among the poor find selling drugs an easy way to earn their living and escape the more demanding path of working in an honest job. This causes a bad effect on the societies in poor neighbourhoods, who turn to drug dealing instead of advancing their rank in the honest world. Making drugs legal will kill this easy way out, and force the young people of the poor to struggle and gain education so as to have an honest living and gradually advance their personal and collective financial status. Legalization of drugs would mean that they will be taxed like other commodities in the market hence they would contribute to economy development. Tax collected would contribute in society development instead of only profiting only a few people in our society. The state of Georgia in the United States of America has the highest tax on liquor than any state. It has the lowest tax on gasoline, which is good especially now that gas and fuel prices are at the highest price worldwide. If drugs were legal, government would exercise this excise tax on drugs. More to this they would save on money used in prohibition. This would make more money to help us sort the problems in our country, even settle our national depts. Since drugs are illegal, they are being marketed by outlaws, who charge an inflated price for them. Much more inflated that the amount it requires to grow, manufacture and distribute them. As a result, there are increased cartels involved in drugs marketing and distribution. Eventually the end user has to commit crimes such a theft and robbery so as to get enough money to satisfy his needs, which is buying drugs at very highly inflated prices. there is a growing black market for the distribution of drugs and drug users eventually need to commit crimes like theft and robbery to support their habits. According to Thorton, M â€Å"The average crime rate in the U.S increased twice due to the prohibition on Alcohol. Once the prohibition was lifted, it decreased back to its original state.† Hence it’s expected that drug legalisation will cause a similar decrease in crimes. Parents say that if drugs are legalized, there will be more use of drugs by the youth especially in schools than before. I beg to differ and would like them to know that the motive behind Legalizing recreational drugs is not making drugs accessible to all people. The drugs that are legal today such as alcohol and tobacco aren’t available to just everyone; they are regulated. Only a certain group of people are allowed to buy and consume them. Drugs today are sold anywhere including schools since the drug trade is unregulated. By legalizing drugs trade organisations will be made and they will come up with regulations which will stop selling of drugs to underage persons in society hence drugs distribution and selling will be controlled. This is the best way out since, when do you hear of people in schools selling beer or cigarettes? In conclusion, the prohibition of recreational drugs is not necessary. The war on drugs is lost, and that is agreed on by people (William F. Buckley, editor of â€Å"The National Review) .The money saved and made could be used and be used in crucial sectors of our economy and even help in improving our society, such as settling the internally displaced people and settling our national depts. The crime rate will drop drastically and drug cartels will be devastated. Overcrowding in Prisons will decrease hence the government won’t have to release guilty people and drugs will be less accessible to underage persons. All these will lead to a better society: security, sound economy, good environment for living and children growth hence a better meaning to life. Bibliography anomymous. ( 2005, January 13 ). Retrieved march 18, 2012, from bbc news: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/if/4095317.stm Blodget, H. (2010, October 6). Retrieved March 18, 2012, from The business insider: http://articles.businessinsider.com/2010-10-06/news/30087487_1_drug-legalization-miron-says-addicts Buckley, W. F. (2010, MAY 13). Retrieved MARCH 8, 2012 Cable, S. ( 2010 , July 7 ). Retrieved march 17, 2012, from dailymail: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1292606/Why-ALL-drugs-legalised-Jane-Asher.html micklethwait, B. (1994). why drugs should be legalised. why drugs should be legalised. London: Libertarian Alliance. Thorton, M. (1991, july 17). Retrieved march 18, 2012, from druglibrary: http://druglibrary.net/schaffer/alcohol/pa-157.html

What To Do About The Pollution Essay -- Argumentative Persuasive Envir

What To Do About The Pollution Have you ever stopped to think about what our personal motor vehicles are doing to our environment? Gasoline powered vehicles are one of the biggest causes of the depletion of our ozone. There are so many ways we can clean up our environment, but first we need to stop polluting it. If a major action were to be taken, efficient funds would need to be collected in order for any project to be successful. That is why I propose that in order to fund conservation of the natural environment, the federal government should increase gasoline tax by $1.00 per gallon. It only seems fair to raise the price of the major cause of the pollution problem. In order to reduce pollution, mass transportation in cities seems like it would be a good idea. Buses, subways, and light rail systems are all forms of mass transportation. However, even though this takes cars off the streets, it still puts pollution into the air. Another downside of mass transportation is that people might choose not to use it because of its Inconvenience. People these days are very busy, some plan their days down to every minute. They depend on their personal vehicles so they can run their days according to their own schedules. Another solution that is becoming more common, is the use of ethanol fuel. This is safer for our environment, but it is not 100% ethanol, thus it pollutes the air as well. The best way to clean up the environment that I can see is to switch to the use of electric vehicles. Currently electric vehicles are only available by lease. So, I suggest that the money the federal government gets from collecting more gasoline tax, should go toward the research of electric vehicles. As soon as they are perfected, and ready to ... ...nt, they also benefit the consumer. EV-Economic Benefits.7Oct2001.http://www.sdge.com/EV/Benefits/econ.html Hopefully by the government's action, enough money will be collected to continue the research and making of electric vehicles. A change from gasoline to electricity would immensely benefit our environment. When compared to other options, electric fuel seems to be the only way to reduce pollution without adding more problems as well. As soon as the market foe electric cars is improved, we will be able to start preserving our natural environment. Works Cited Electric Vehicles-FAQs.7Oct2001.http://www.sdge.com/EV/ep_faq.html EV-Economic Benefits.7Oct2001.http://www.sdge.com/EV/Benefits/econ.html EV-Environmental Benefits.7Oct2001.http://www.sdge.com/EV/Benefits/envir.html EV-Pioneer Profiles.7Oct2001.http://www.sdge.com/EV/cp_pioneer.html What To Do About The Pollution Essay -- Argumentative Persuasive Envir What To Do About The Pollution Have you ever stopped to think about what our personal motor vehicles are doing to our environment? Gasoline powered vehicles are one of the biggest causes of the depletion of our ozone. There are so many ways we can clean up our environment, but first we need to stop polluting it. If a major action were to be taken, efficient funds would need to be collected in order for any project to be successful. That is why I propose that in order to fund conservation of the natural environment, the federal government should increase gasoline tax by $1.00 per gallon. It only seems fair to raise the price of the major cause of the pollution problem. In order to reduce pollution, mass transportation in cities seems like it would be a good idea. Buses, subways, and light rail systems are all forms of mass transportation. However, even though this takes cars off the streets, it still puts pollution into the air. Another downside of mass transportation is that people might choose not to use it because of its Inconvenience. People these days are very busy, some plan their days down to every minute. They depend on their personal vehicles so they can run their days according to their own schedules. Another solution that is becoming more common, is the use of ethanol fuel. This is safer for our environment, but it is not 100% ethanol, thus it pollutes the air as well. The best way to clean up the environment that I can see is to switch to the use of electric vehicles. Currently electric vehicles are only available by lease. So, I suggest that the money the federal government gets from collecting more gasoline tax, should go toward the research of electric vehicles. As soon as they are perfected, and ready to ... ...nt, they also benefit the consumer. EV-Economic Benefits.7Oct2001.http://www.sdge.com/EV/Benefits/econ.html Hopefully by the government's action, enough money will be collected to continue the research and making of electric vehicles. A change from gasoline to electricity would immensely benefit our environment. When compared to other options, electric fuel seems to be the only way to reduce pollution without adding more problems as well. As soon as the market foe electric cars is improved, we will be able to start preserving our natural environment. Works Cited Electric Vehicles-FAQs.7Oct2001.http://www.sdge.com/EV/ep_faq.html EV-Economic Benefits.7Oct2001.http://www.sdge.com/EV/Benefits/econ.html EV-Environmental Benefits.7Oct2001.http://www.sdge.com/EV/Benefits/envir.html EV-Pioneer Profiles.7Oct2001.http://www.sdge.com/EV/cp_pioneer.html

Religious Traditions and History Essay

Polytheism, the belief in many gods, is perhaps the oldest known religion. The best known example is the Greek/Roman mythology, which included Zeus, Apollo, and Aphrodite, among others. One trait that is true of most Polytheistic sects is that there is a god that is above all others. â€Å"All African religions are monolithic in the sense that there is a single High God, who is said to be the creator of the world, and of mankind, and a central source of order and of whoever sense is to be found.† Another example would be Zeus. Most ancient societies believed in gods that were in charge of specific areas, such as rain, fertility, and a god of nature. These types of societies cooperate with nature. This doesn’t mean that all Polytheistic societies revered the natural world. The Romans exploited the natural resources of their surroundings. One common thread in most of these societies is that, compared to other religions, Polytheism is much more tolerant with the individual . Hinduism and Polytheism Hinduism is a religion founded in India around 1000 B.C. The religions practice a form of Polytheism. This religion doesn’t believe in one form of a god. They believe in the authority of the Vedas and Brahmans. These fundamental beliefs differentiate Hinduism from monotheistic, believing in one god, and most of the world’s major religions. There are many different gods in the Hindu religion. The most common are Ganesha, Shiva, Hanuman, Durga, and Lakshmi. What developed was a caste or class system called ‘varnas’. The different castes were assigned a task that was fitting for their class. â€Å"The expansion of towns brought about an increase in the number of artisans who were organized in guilds (shreni).† This system was good for commercial activities. The main goals of Hinduism are life-affirming goals of Dharma (virtue), Artha (success) and Kama (pleasure), while the life-negating goal is that of moksha (release). All except moksha can be done in any part of a person’s life. Confucianism and Buddhism People think that Confucianism and Buddhism are one and the same. Confucianism, which originated in China, teaches honesty, kindness, respect the earth, and good moral character. Confucius had a distain about gods and spirits and preferred to try to understand man. â€Å"Confucius (the Master) is more correctly Kong Qiu or Kong Fuzi (551-479 B.C.). He was the founder of a way of life, philosophy, or religion named Confucianism after a Latinized form of the founder’s name.† Buddhism, which started at about the same time as Confucianism, was started by Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha. Buddha, which means â€Å"the enlightened one†, which was the name he received from his followers. Buddhism is different from Confucianism in that it didn’t teach about the family or rituals of this world, rather it taught enlightenment which leads to nirvana. There are eight awarenesses of enlightenments. â€Å"Freedom From Desire, Satisfaction, Serenity, Meticulous Effort, Correct Remembrance, Samadhi, Wisdom, and avoiding idle talk.† The Chinese during this time asked the Buddhist monks, why do you not marry? Their answer was â€Å"Wives, children, and property are the luxuries of the world, but simple living and inaction are the wonders of the Way.† The Buddhist’s wanted was to live a simple life and reach enlightenment and thus nirvana. Christianity Christianity is a salvation religion. Christians and Buddhists turned to the idea of salvation around the same time. Salvation means escape your earthly bonds. If you don’t follow a righteous path, meaning free of sin, then you are destined to be cast into the pit of darkness, otherwise known as hell. The new testament of the bible is what guides these true believers. The Catholics say, for instance, that if you sin and repent by going to confession your sins will be forgiven. This is the only way to ensure that the soul is clean. The idea of all Christian orthodoxy is that they follow the teachings of Christ, which has many different interpretations. Thus it follows that when you die you will go to heaven. Some believe that the Earth is 6000 years old and believe that the bible is literally god’s word. They refuse to believe in science, saying that it’s flawed in some way. Others believe that the Earth is indeed older than 6000 years. These Christians believe that the bible is a parable, teaching them how to live everyday life as a Christian. Modern orthodoxy believes that Christian’s are observers of nature, rather than one with the Earth. Religion, Science and Nature Religion has a profound imprint on our natural surroundings. In general, the Eastern and most Polytheistic religions are more reverential toward nature. The Western religions tend to abuse nature. The invention of the plow is a prime example. The West thinks of it as a means to increase the food supply and disregards the environmental impact. The East and the Polytheist refer to it as â€Å"Mother Earth† and treat her much more delicately. The contrast between the two couldn’t be more stark. The East will try to balance their needs with nature. The West uses nature and sometimes destroys parts of it. The idea that we are separate from nature is a Western ideal. The East, in general, believes that we are one with nature and must take care of it. Science in the West was not in tune with medieval orthodoxy. It was interested in facts. The Eastern philosophy used science with a spiritual twist. Fang Yizhi observed of western science, â€Å"use a variety of techniques for swift computations, but they are still out of touch with general principles.† They used the mind and not the natural world. Summary There are many different religions that teach many different methods of how to live your life while on this world. Most worship one god, monotheistic, others worship many gods. Polytheists, which literally mean many gods, roots are seen in Greek/Roman mythology. Buddhism believes that there is no god, just a path to enlightenment. Once they’ve reached enlightenment, they’ve achieved nirvana. Confucianism and Buddhism are from China, but have very different belief systems. â€Å"Confucianism is perhaps best understood as an all-encompassing humanism that neither denies nor slights Heaven.† They believe that they are one with nature. Christians recognize only one god. They are labeled as a salvation religion. They hope to be able to break the bonds of this Earth by living a relatively good life with the reward being heaven. If you don’t accept Jesus into your life, you are destined to eternity in hell. It’s safe to say that the world’s religions have varied belief systems. Some believe in the after-life, while others believe that feel that we are Earth bound only. Most of the world believes in a single god. Polytheism and Hinduism say that there are many gods. They differ from Eastern religions in that they see themselves as observers rather than one with the Earth. The East and West see nature differently. While the West observe nature, the East embraces the idea of being part of nature. This is a very fundamental philosophy that can’t be overstated. The bottom line is that there are almost as many belief systems as there are people on Earth. It includes, but not only, monetary considerations, faith, and devotion. The only ones that know what’s going on, assuming there is an after-life, are the dead and buried. Citations The West and the World, A History of Civilization, From the Ancient World to 1700, Kevin Reilly, 95 2 The West and the World, A History of Civilization, From the Ancient World to 1700, Kevin Reilly, 334 3 The West and the World, A History of Civilization, From the Ancient World to 1700, Kevin Reilly, 146 4 http://ancienthistory.about.com/od/china/f/022808Confucius.htm 5 http://buddhism.about.com/od/basicbuddhistteachings/tp/awarenesses.htm 6 The West and the World, A History of Civilization, From the Ancient World to 1700, Kevin Reilly, 103 7 Kevin Reilly, The West & World: A History Of Civilization from the Ancient World to 1700, Page 349 8 http://www.religionfacts.com/a-z-religion-index/confucianism.htm