International Committee Essay Example for Free

International Committee Essay Normative ethics as a philosophical discipline tries to determine the degree of right or wrong in an individual’s actions. The level of right or wrong depends on a broad set of rules or norms agreed upon by the larger society. Therefore various people or institutions are obligated to act in a certain way and a breach of the same leads to consequences as may be prescribed by the same society and failure to which leads to a public outcry. Take for instance the United States army, the most powerful, well equipped and best funded military in the globe. The Army has been used to protect the nation from external attack and in previous wars like the world war two; it had to assist the rest of Europe against the Hitler aggression. The army is well trained with strong emphasis on the need to refrain from abusing the rights of war prisoners or the very people it has been commissioned to protect. However in some recent wars some military personnel have been caught by a diligent media subjecting captured enemies to inhuman treatment that have shocked the American people (International committee, 2005). However stern disciplinary measures have been undertaken by the military to punish those involved in a bid to deter future abuses. It would be expected that the US army with its military might and radical decisions for intervention would vet its recruits well to ensure that those employed do not cause intentional harm to civilians. The Battalion based in Iraq has revealed a great mistake in the selection of recruits whereby immoral decisions were made to include soldiers who had criminal records ranging from drug possession, violence and theft. One soldier in particular had an intensive criminal record and in March this year subjected an Iraq woman to inhuman rape. Further more these decisions to include soldiers who are morally unfit to serve has damaged greatly the image of the soldiers serving in Iraq and has shown a lack of integrity in the leadership of the U S army(Morgan,2008). Works Cited International Committee of the Fourth International â€Å"World socialist: US military atrocities and the moral choice facing the American people† 1998 as retrieved from http://www. wsws. org/articles/2005/may2005/nyt-m24. shtml on 9th December 2008 Robin Morgan â€Å"The Women Media Center: Manhood and Moral Waivers†2008 as retrieved from http://www. womensmediacenter. com/ex/081706. html on 10th December 2008

Comparing The Corner Residents and Dostoevsky’s Underground Man Essay

Comparing The Corner Residents and Dostoevsky’s Underground Man      Ã‚  Ã‚   I am a sick man.... I am an angry man. I am an unattractive man. [...] I don't understand the least thing about my illness, and I don't know for certain what part of me is affected. I am not having any treatment for it, and never have had, although I have a great respect for medicine and for doctors. [...] No, I refuse treatment out of spite. (Dostoevsky 1864: 17)    Fyodor Dostoevsky wrote these words around 1864 to describe the mental state of a hyperconscious retired bureaucrat whose excessive analysis and inability to act separate him from the mainstream of the society in which he lived. Dostoevsky's underground man, as he termed his character, is characterized by alienation, spite, and isolation. Dostoevsky presents the life of his character as a testimonial to the possibility of living counter to an individual's own best interests.    Frequently, the public debate over the those problems which occur in poverty-ridden urban environments is presented as if the inhabitants were copies of Dostoevsky's underground man who differed mainly in that they frequently had less education and more pigment in their skin. That is to say, although there are valid comparisons that can be drawn between the Underground Man and the inhabitants of west Baltimore who are so vividly depicted in The Corner, there are also important differences that make any claim of strict equality between a Russian intellectual from the nineteenth century and a 20th-century tout or slinger an absurd caricature. Moreover, the intent of portraying inner-city residents as Underground Men and Women is, frequently, to blame these people for all of their own problems, something t... ...and we may be in for another string of disappointing years in the War on Poverty and the War on Drugs.    Works Cited and Consulted: Dostoevsky, Fyodor. (1864) Notes from Underground. Trans. Jessie Coulson. Middlesex, England: Penguin Books. Hacker, Andrew. (1998) Two Nations: Black and White, Separate, Hostile, Unequal. In Reading Between the Lines: Toward an Understanding of Current Social Problems. Ed Amanda Konradi and Martha Schmidt. London: Mayfield Publishing Company. Simon, David & Burns, Edward. (1993) The Corner: A Year in the Life of an Inner-City Neighborhood. New York: Broadway Books. Wilson, William Julius. (1998) "Ghetto-Related Behavior and the Structure of Opportunity" in Reading Between the Lines: Toward an Understanding of Current Social Problems. Ed Amanda Konradi and Martha Schmidt. London: Mayfield Publishing Company.

Future of technology (advantages and disadvantages) Essay

From day to day, our world has been changed gradually from one condition to another. Nowadays, technology has advanced in huge leaps and bounds. We cannot imagine the world without technological advances such as computer, televisions, and machines and so on. However there are some advantages and disadvantages of technology. First, technologies play an important role in society because it makes life easier to live on and makes time less consuming. People do not have to do all the hard labor anymore. For example, many people have washing machines, clothes driers and dishwashers, so the amount of energy needed to wash and dry clothes and wash dishes is greatly reduced. Second, medical science is very progressive and saves many innocent lives. Medical treatment has been going well with the help of technology. Nowadays, hospitals use technology as assistance for operations. However, technology also brings harm to our society. The overuse and development of factory industries causes pollution to our world. For example the use of cars and machines causes smoke that affects the quality of our air and destroys our ozone layer and as a result people suffer illnesses like cancer. Another disadvantage is that technologies create financial problems in families because most technologies are expensive. For example people that do not have a washing machine will have to wash clothes by hand which is time consuming. In conclusion, we cannot stop technology from developing in our society. Nowadays, we as people rely on technology everyday to make our lives simpler. Without modern technology our world would be a tough place to live in.

Letter to my Husband

My Love, There is a mixture of joy and sadness sipping through my heart as I am writing this letter to you today. I have nothing but joy as I looked back into our 2 years of marriage and 9 years of relationship. The feeling of sadness at this moment is in knowing that I need to leave you in response to a calling. I could not help but treasure your endless support from the time I met you when I was 15 and you were 17. It took me many months to give you a peck on the lips, remember? Your love for me remained strong even when I have given up on our relationship. Mario, these are countless of things that I love about you†¦ I love your sweet smile and the way your face sparks up when I walk into the room. You made me feel so special and I never doubted your love for me. You know exactly what a woman needs most in life, that is, to know that she is loved. I love the way you come close to cuddle me for 5 minutes when I am about to sleep even though you just woke up. Although you think that I’m asleep, you made sure that my teddy bear is tucked under my arm and the blanket is over me. I love the way you add spice to our marriage. Your stubbornness and your disagreements on any subject matter that I have brought up are due to your desire to have something to debate on. Although I get annoyed on many occasions, you end up telling me that I am cute in spite of my anger and we would laugh and be in good terms again. I always have fond memories of those days. I love the comfort of your hugs each time I cry whenever I am so upset and you do not have any words to console me. The silence of your lips and your warm embrace is more soothing than any spoken words can convey. I love your forgiving heart and your willingness to trust me again in spite of the many temptations that I allowed myself to get into. In many challenging moments, you made sure that you are around not only to cushion my fall but to catch me whenever I plunge to the ground. I love the many times you never contest to anything that I wanted in life. You allowed me to have a dog even when you do not want any domestic animals at home. You tolerated my desire to become a flight attendant, and to move from our comfortable apartment to the house in Centerville. You are also willing to leave everything that matters to you so I can pursue my dreams. I love the question that you have asked, â€Å"Are you seriously upset that we don’t fall into a certain category of love?† when I was so depressed that I could not find a single Valentine’s Day card that could express my love for you. I love the way you motivated me in my struggle to lose weight. You never said that I was fat or big but you realized that the feeling of being overweight was more of a state of mind. While everyone was telling me that I wasn’t big or fat when I was upset, you simply said, â€Å"If you think you’re overweight, then, do something about it†. The power of your encouragement motivated me to lose 40 pounds and I now feel so good about myself. Thank you for loving me unconditionally and for supporting me in everything that I wanted to accomplish in life. You have been a great husband and I couldn’t ask for anything more. I may seem so selfish in my decision to leave you behind as I join the army but I want you to know that I am doing this for both of us. I truly feel that this is the right decision for us and I am thanking you for the love and support that you have extended as I journey to another phase of life. Mario, I want to assure you that the memories of your love and all the things that you have done for me are deeply etched in my heart and I will take them with me wherever I go. I will always love you†¦my husband†¦ my friend†¦ my soulmate†¦ Jennifer

Ethics of human cloning essays

Ethics of human cloning essays On February 23, 1997, news traveled around the world that scientists in Scotland had successfully cloned an adult sheep. What had previously seemed impossible, even to many scientists, was suddenly a reality. The sheep, named Dolly, had only one biological parent and possessed a genetic code identical to that of her original parent. Within days, the publics amazement over this development turned to questions of whether the technology that had produced Dolly could also be used to clone human beings. President Bill Clinton declared a moratorium on federal funding for human cloning research and appointed a commission to review the legal and ethical issues associated with the cloning of humans. More than three years later, there is still uncertainty about whether it will ever be possible to safely clone human beings. The scientists who cloned Dolly succeeded only once in a project involving the creation of 278 sheep embryos. The possibility of deformities and health risks in human children, as well as overwhelming public opposition to unrestricted cloning research, has led some U.S. lawmakers to call for a ban on human cloning, although no federal legislation has yet been passed. Medical and technical considerations are certainly not the only concerns surrounding the possibility of human cloning. The most contentious and difficult questions associated with human cloning are moral and religious in nature. Any discovery that touches upon the human creation is not simply a matter of scientific inquiry, President Clinton said in an Oval Office ceremony. It is a matter of morality and spirituality as well. In a recent poll presented by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life and the Pew Research Center for the People unrestricted scientific research related to human cloning and respondents most ofte ...

Siege of Acre in the Crusades

Siege of Acre in the Crusades Siege of Acre - Dates Conflict: The Siege of Acre took place August 28, 1189 to July 12, 1191, during the Third Crusade (1189-1192). Commanders Crusaders Guy of LusignanRobert de SableGerard de RidefortRichard the LionheartPhilip Augustus Ayyubids Saladin Siege of Acre - Background: In the wake of his stunning victory at the Battle of Hattin in 1187, Saladin swept through the Holy Land capturing Crusader garrisons. This culminated with the successful Siege of Jerusalem that October. One of the few Crusader cities to withstand Saladins efforts was Tyre which was administered by Conrad of Montferrat. Unable to take Tyre by force, Saladin attempted to obtain it through negotiation and treaties. Among the items he offered was the King of Jerusalem, Guy of Lusignan, who had been captured at Hattin. Conrad resisted these entreaties, though Guy was ultimately released. Approaching Tyre, Guy was refused admission by Conrad as the two had argued over the formers ascension to the throne. Returning with his wife, Queen Sibylla, who held legal title to the kingdom, Guy again was refused entry. Lacking options, Guy established a camp outside of Tyre to await reinforcements from Europe who were responding to the call for a Third Crusade. These arrived in 1188 and 1189 in the form of troops from Sicily and Pisa. Though Guy was able to sway these two groups into his camp, he was unable to come to an accord with Conrad. Requiring a base from which to attack Saladin, he moved south to Acre. Opening Stages: One of the most heavily fortified cities in the region, Acre was located on the Gulf of Haifa and was protected by large double walls and towers. Arriving on August 28, 1189, Guy immediately moved to assault the city despite the fact that the garrison was twice the size of his army while Sicilian ships began a blockade offshore. This attack was easily defeated by the Muslim troops and Guy began a siege of the city. He was soon reinforced by a variety of soldiers arriving from Europe as well as by a Danish and Frisian fleet which relieved the Sicilians. The Battle of Acre: Among the arrivals was Louis of Thuringia who convinced Conrad to provide military aid. This development concerned Saladin and he moved to strike Guys camp on September 15. This attack was repulsed though the Muslim army remained in the area. On October 4, Saladin again approached the city and began the Battle of Acre. In a day of bloody fighting, the strategic situation changed little as he was unable to dislodge the Crusaders from in front of the city. As the autumn passed, word reached Acre that Frederick I Barbarossa was marching to the Holy Land with a large army. The Siege Continues: Seeking to end the standoff, Saladin increased the size of his army and laid siege to the Crusaders. As the double siege ensued, the two sides contested control of the waters off Acre. This saw both sides exert control for period which allowed additional supplies to reach the city and the Crusader camp. On May 5, 1190, the Crusaders attacked the city but achieved little. Responding, Saladin launched a massive eight-day attack on the Crusaders two weeks later. This was thrown back and through the summer additional reinforcements arrived to bolster the Crusader ranks. Though their numbers were increasing, conditions in the Crusader camp were deteriorating as food and clean water were limited. Through 1190, disease ran rampant killing both soldiers and nobles. Among those who died was Queen Sibylla. Her death reignited the succession debate between Guy and Conrad leading to increased dissention in the Crusader ranks. Sealed in on land by Saladins army, the Crusaders suffered through the winter of 1190-1191 as the weather prevented receiving reinforcements and supplies by sea. Attacking the city on December 31 and again on January 6, the Crusaders were again turned back. The Tide Turns: On February 13, Saladin attacked and succeeded in fighting his way through to the city. Though the Crusaders ultimately sealed the breach, the Muslim leader was able to replenish the garrison. As the weather improved, supply ships began reaching the Crusaders at Acre. Along with fresh provisions, they brought additional troops under the command of Duke Leopold V of Austria. They also brought word that King Richard I the Lionheart of England and King Philip II Augustus were en route with two armies. Arriving with a Genoese fleet on April 20, Philip began constructing siege engines for assaulting Acres walls. He was joined on June 8 by Richard who landed with 8,000 men. Richard initially sought a meeting with Saladin, though this was cancelled when the English leader fell ill. Effectively taking control of the siege, Richard pounded away at Acres walls, but attempts to exploit the damage were thwarted by diversionary attacks by Saladin. These allowed the citys defenders to make needed repairs while the Crusaders were otherwise occupied. On July 3, a major breach was created in Acres walls, but the subsequent assault was repulsed. Seeing little alternative, the garrison offered to surrender on July 4. This offer was refused by Richard who rejected the terms offered by the garrison. Additional efforts on Saladins part to relieve the city failed and following a major battle on July 11, the garrison again offered to surrender. This was accepted and the Crusaders entered the city. In victory, Conrad had the banners of Jerusalem, England, France, and Austria raised over the city. Aftermath of the Siege of Acre: In the wake of the citys capture, the Crusaders began quarreling amongst themselves. This saw Leopold return to Austria after Richard and Philip, both kings, refused to treat him as an equal. On July 31, Philip also departed to settle pressing issues in France. As a result, Richard was left in sole command of the Crusader army. Crushed by the citys surrender, Saladin began gathering resources to ransom the garrison and conduct a prisoner exchange. Displeased by the exclusion of certain Christian nobles, Richard refused Saladins first payment on August 11. Further talks were broken off and on August 20, feeling that Saladin was delaying, Richard ordered 2,700 prisoners executed. Saladin retaliated in kind, killing those Christian prisoners in his possession. Departing Acre on August 22 with the army, Richard moved south with the intention of capturing Jaffa. Pursued by Saladin, the two fought the Battle of Arsuf on September 7 with Richard achieving a victory. Selected Sources History of War: Siege of AcreHistoryNet: Siege of Acre Medieval Sourcebook: Siege and Capture of Acre

Catcher in The Rye Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Catcher in The Rye - Coursework Example He is depressed, and he admits it himself several times throughout his narration. Besides the circumstances he got himself into, his brother died, and it had a great impact on Holden. Later, during his school years, he had another encounter with the death, when one of the boys, James Castle, jumped out of the window. However, I do not think Holden is capable of committing suicide. It is not â€Å"phoniness†; it is exaggerated way to express the feeling of depression and utter despair. He is not the type of guys that are so brave. He admits himself that â€Å"I’m one of these very yellow guys. I try not to show it, but I am†¦The more I thought about my †¦yellowness, the more depressed I got.† He would talk suicide, he will consider it, but he will not master up the courage to do it. Also, he does really love his parents and especially his sister Phoebe. He knows his death will make her very sad. He thinks about different things a lot, but he doesnâ€℠¢t do it. For example, he is thinking it would be good to go and say hello to Jane, and he is very excited about it, however he is not â€Å"in the mood† for it. In the other instance, he invites the prostitute, but he feels so peculiar about having sex, that he just talks with her. When thinking about prostitute coming to him, he took care to groom himself, even though he thought he did not have to.