Health Care Reform to Address Access Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Health Care Reform to Address Access - Essay Example Indeed, as one of the most developed nation of the world, America has failed to provide a universal health cover to its people. The healthcare reforms of Obama administration have, therefore, been hailed as major initiatives that cater to the welfare of the people at large. The federal health reform legislation enacted in 2010 addresses the crucial areas: accessibility to quality healthcare; rein in its cost; and promote uniform plans that cuts across gender, age and persons with pre-existing diseases. The reform proposes to enforce stringent measures to control wastage, fraud and abuse in Medicare in order to make it more cost effective. Moreover, the austerity measures along with saving would ensure that medical care is extended to wider segment of population covering vulnerable segment. The administration has allotted $630 billion in the budget of 2010 for the healthcare reforms over a period of ten years (WhiteHouse, 2012). Indeed, the reforms are intended to make it universal and the recent Supreme Court verdict has strengthened Obama’s plans for making healthcare universal. I believe that the basic value for underlying this approach is to curb corruption, especially Medicaid and Medicare frauds, which lead to substandard healthcare services. The commodification of market driven health insurance have become major obstacle for accessing quality care at affordable prices. Harrington (2008) strongly believes that poor health status of people is due to limited access to healthcare services, especially for the poor, uninsured and vulnerable segment like aged and disabled. The present reforms promote health insurance cover to people who cannot afford. It has also made provisions to protect people with pre-existing condition by creating national ‘high risk’ pool. The special team of experts would watch over the waste, fraud and abuse in the Medicare. These are effective measures that would help rein in cost and enhance accessibility

Differences in Afica Apartheid vs Post Apartheid Essay

Differences in Afica Apartheid vs Post Apartheid - Essay Example The non – black minorities believe that SA is going to turn into Zimbabwe, where foreigners and minorities were exiled and their property confiscated by the government (Bearak). Despite the fact that absolute incomes of the poor have increased, many fear that SA might turn into another Rwanda due to high levels of crime (Bearak). However, the same fears existed during apartheid: â€Å"Not so long ago, people feared that the end of apartheid would set off civil war and a blood bath† (Bearak). Inequalities existed then as well: though blacks formed the majority, they owned in 1974 only 13.7% of the total land (UNESCO 36). Non – whites were supposed to support expansion of the white power and economic welfare. The former had to be mobile, cheap and thus uneducated, without political rights to complain or try to change the status quo (UNESCO 44). Though apartheid no longer exists in SA, its remnants are felt in the society. The blacks are still poor, and the poor are increasingly violent. In turn, the whites flee the country, fearing for their lives. Segregation has not been eliminated in practice, as inequalities and crime eliminated some progress made by Nelson Mandela and his

Federalism in Australia Essay

Federalism in Australia Essay Kerry Maloney Federalism in Australia is dying. Do you agree? Understanding what Federalism is, is the key to understanding how the Australian government functions. Federalism in Australia was formedon 1 January 1901. Australia’s unique constitution is a blending of the Westminster system, the USA’s system of government (two spheres of government) and the Swiss system (referendum procedures).[1] ‘They constituted their new nation as a federal union by creating a new spear of national government, also called the ‘Commonwealth’ with bicameral federal parliament, responsible government executive, and a high court.’[2] Throughout the history of federalism in Australia reforms have been made when needed, however the basic structure of government has remained the same. Federal parliament is separated into two areas, Commonwealth government and State government. Legislative power is separated between the two, the Commonwealth government has legislative power over areas such as taxation, defence, foreign affairs, postal and telecommunications services.[3] ‘The state government has legislative power over all other matters that occurred within their borders, including: police, hospitals, education and public transport.’[4] During the course of this essay, issues with the federal system Australia is currently dealing with will be presented and how the Australian government is attempting to address problems within the system. Public expenditure and federal arrangements for taxing is a major area of concern. State governments have varied capacities to deliver services and revenue raising within the federation, ‘the current mining boom and the global financial crisis have contributed to substantial changes in the distribution of the GST amongst the States and heightened scrutiny about the equalisation process and its outcomes.’[5] A good example of the above can be found in The Commonwealth Grant’s Commission’s report on GST Revenue Sharing Relativities, Update 2012. This report shows how due to ‘Western Australia’s above average mining production, property transfers, payrolls, motor vehicle registrations and land values, Western Australia has the highest assessed fiscal capacity’[6]. This translates into Western Australia’s GST revenue falling from 7.5% to 5.8%. Then we have South Australia, due to the fact it has above average number of elderly and people of low socio-economic status, ‘below average population growth and below average investment and net lending requirements.[7] South Australia has below average revenue raising capacity across all state taxes’[8], especially payroll tax (due to lower wages, population and employment rate) and below average mining revenue. The above facts translate into above average revenue for South Australia from commonw ealth payments. ‘South Australia has the third lowest assessed fiscal capacity’[9] and gets a GST revenue share of 9.3%.[10] Taking both states GST revenue share and productivity into consideration, some people feel the current system to be unfair and many concerns were heard in the lead up to the last Western Australian state election on 9 March 2014. When federal government intervene in areas that usually belong to the state, intergovernmental conflict occur. A classic example of intergovernmental conflict is environmental protection, concerning issues such as the Great Barrier Reef protection, forestry, coal-seam gas production and the Murray-Darling Basin. In the case of the Murray-Darling Basin, in 2004 The National Water Initiative (NWI) was introduced, NWI allowed the federal government to attempt to resolve problems with upstream usage and management of down stream flows.[11] This demonstrates our system shifting more towards organic federalism and the federal factors political power.[12] In the past decade a more organic federalism has developed in many policy areas. Organic federalism is when the federal government plays a major role in public policy and the state governments and territories role is more in the administration and implementation of policy made at the federal level.[13] Education is a good example of organi c federalism seen in commitments in national policy frame works and direct Commonwealth initiatives.[14] Other issues federalism face, is too much bureaucracy, duplication and inconsistency. Overlapping responsibilities within multiple governments create problems of state and federal governments blaming each other when policies fail due to confusion of which government is constitutionally responsible.[15] Currently the Coalition has made a commitment to release a white paper on federalism. The federalism white paper could be a catalyst for federalism reform, it aims to address functional overlap, duplication and give opportunity for the public to vote on recommendations at the 2016 election.[16] The council of Australian Governments (COAG) is equally a focus of the Coalition, with intentions of streamlining COAG agenda to make it more effective.[17] In an attempt to carry out a large number of major reforms the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) was formed. COAG reforms are aimed at collaboration between the commonwealth, state and territory governments being strengthened.[18] The council of COAG is made up in a way that all sides are guaranteed to be heard. ‘The  members of COAG  are the Prime Minister, State and Territory Premiers and Chief Ministers and the President of the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA). The Prime Minister chairs COAG. The role of COAG is to promote policy reforms that are of national significance, or which need co-ordinated action by all Australian governments.’[19] Some good examples of COAG’s past achievements are; the  National Health Reform Agreement  in August 2011; reforms of laws that overlapped areas of activity within states consisting of unnecessary differences; a wide range of educational reforms; and working with ‘closing the gap’ concerning the disadvantages Australian indigenous.[20] In conclusion, it would be fair to say there are many pressing issues with the federal system and some discontent does exist within the public and government, which have been highlighted during the last few elections both federal and state. However federalism in Australia is not on its way to the grave but is at point where major review and reform is needed. Considering Australia has had federal reform in the past and actions are in motion for federal reform at present in the forms of COAG, GST reform and the Federalism white paper. It seems more likely Australia may see more organic federalism in the future and federalism in Australia will evolve along with changing times and to meet the ever changing needs of a maturing country. Bibliography. Australian Government, australia.gov.au.Australias federation. (n.d.), accessed viahttp://australia.gov.au/about-australia/our-government/australias-federation> on 18 April, 2014. Australian Government, The Treasury, Submission to the GST Distribution Review, Canberra, October 2011, p.8. Collett, E. Federalism Frequently Asked Questions.Gilbert + Tobin Centre of Public Law. (n.d.), accessed viahttp://www.gtcentre.unsw.edu.au/resources/federalism/frequently-asked-questions> on 20 April 2014. Commonwealth Grants Commission, Report on GST Revenue Sharing Relativities — 2012 Update, Canberra, 2012, pp. 16-17. Council of Australian Governments, About COAG. Council of Australian Governments, (n.d.), accessed viahttp://www.coag.gov.au/about_coag> on 25 April 2014. Dudley, J., Contemporary Politics in Australia, Theories, Practices and Issues, Cambridge University Press, New York, 2012, pp.356-361. ‘Federalism’ definition in The Oxford Companion To Australian Politics, eds, B. Galligan and W.Roberts, Oxford University Press, Sth Melbourne, 2007, p.202. Haward, M., Contemporary Politics in Australia, Theories, Practices and Issues, Cambridge University Press, New York, 2012, pp.275-279. [1] ‘Federalism’ definition in The Oxford Companion To Australian Politics, eds, B. Galligan and W. Roberts, Oxford University Press, Sth Melbourne, 2007, p.202. [2] ‘Federalism’ definition in The Oxford Companion To Australian Politics, eds, B. Galligan and W. Roberts, Oxford University Press, Sth Melbourne, 2007, p.202. [3] Australian Government, australia.gov.au.Australias federation. (n.d.), from accessed viahttp://australia.gov.au/about-australia/our-government/australias-federation> on 18 April, 2014. [4]Australian Government, australia.gov.au.Australias federation. (n.d.), from accessed viahttp://australia.gov.au/about-australia/our-government/australias-federation> on 18 April, 2014. [5] Australian Government, The Treasury, Submission to the GST Distribution Review, Canberra, October 2011, p.8. [6] Commonwealth Grants Commission, Report on GST Revenue Sharing Relativities — 2012 Update, Canberra, 2012, pp. 16-17. [7] Commonwealth Grants Commission, Report on GST Revenue Sharing Relativities — 2012 Update, Canberra, 2012, pp. 16-17. [8] Commonwealth Grants Commission, Report on GST Revenue Sharing Relativities — 2012 Update, Canberra, 2012, pp. 16-17. [9] Commonwealth Grants Commission, Report on GST Revenue Sharing Relativities — 2012 Update, Canberra, 2012, pp. 16-17. [10] Commonwealth Grants Commission, Report on GST Revenue Sharing Relativities — 2012 Update, Canberra, 2012, pp. 16-17. [11] Dudley, J., Contemporary Politics in Australia, Theories, Practices and Issues, Cambridge University Press, New York, 2012, pp.356-361. [12] Dudley, J., Contemporary Politics in Australia, Theories, Practices and Issues, Cambridge University Press, New York, 2012, pp.356-361. [13] Dudley, J., Contemporary Politics in Australia, Theories, Practices and Issues, Cambridge University Press, New York, 2012, pp.356-361. [14] Haward, M., Contemporary Politics in Australia, Theories, Practices and Issues, Cambridge University Press, New York, 2012, pp.275-279. [15] Collett, E. Federalism Frequently Asked Questions.Gilbert + Tobin Centre of Public Law. (n.d.), accessed viahttp://www.gtcentre.unsw.edu.au/resources/federalism/frequently-asked-questions> on 20 April 2014. [16] NOVAK, J. New Senate might reform.THE AUSTRALIAN. 11 September 2013, accessed viahttp://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/opinion/new-senate-might-reform/story-e6frgd0x-1226716373957#> on 20 April 2014. [17] OAKES, L. New way to fix old problem with federalism.HERALD SUN. 15 March 2014, accessed viahttp://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/opinion/new-way-to-fix-old-problem-with-federalism/story-fni0fha6-1226855178626> on 20 April 2014. [18] Council of Australian Governments, About COAG. Council of Australian Governments, (n.d.), accessed viahttp://www.coag.gov.au/about_coag> on 25 April 2014. [19]Council of Australian Governments, About COAG. Council of Australian Governments, (n.d.), accessed viahttp://www.coag.gov.au/about_coag> on 25 April 2014. [20] Council of Australian Governments, About COAG. Council of Australian Governments, (n.d.), accessed viahttp://www.coag.gov.au/about_coag> on 25 April 2014.

Grace and The Death Essay -- Literature, James Joyce

The characters of James Joyce’s Dubliners live in a world where they are psychologically stagnant despite the impact of social experiences in their lives. Each character’s development depends on their interactions with others as well as their individual decisions. From childhood to adulthood, the protagonists have encounters with family, friends, or colleagues that result in either negative or positive effects on their growth and awareness of their current state of unhappiness. The addition of relationships, or camaraderie, does not come into full effect until the latter half of the book, where the themes are expressed in darker tones and the writing style become more ambiguous. Joyce lightens the mood of the Dubliners with the portrayal of camaraderie in his final two stories, â€Å"Grace† and â€Å"The Dead† which give a realness and complexity to the problems of Dublin life. In most cases, camaraderie does not adhere well with the characters of the Dubliners because of their innate sense of independence or their distrust of the community. But by distancing themselves from family and friends, they are allowing themselves to suffer alone. Their inability to commit to relationships and to feel genuine compassion for others prevents them from experiencing the full benefit of camaraderie. The contribution of the masculine and family camaraderie renders an ironic, whimsical effect in â€Å"Grace† whereas â€Å"The Dead† ends with a bittersweet consequence for its protagonist. Joyce introduces the motif of the alcoholism throughout the Dubliners, not only as an emphasis on an Irish stereotype but to contribute a cause for an adult Dubliner’s corruption. He satirizes the Irish pub as a sort of assembly hall for this masculine camaraderie, though it ... ...s† that Joyce refers to. The endings of â€Å"Grace† and â€Å"The Dead† resonate intensely with the feelings of the soul by looking past the egotism and prejudice. The indefinite conclusion allows readers to focus on the capability of the protagonist to bring to completion his reformation. Bibliography Book Sources †¢ Joyce, James, Edna O'Brien, and Malachy McCourt. Dubliners. New York: Signet Classics, 2007. Internet Sources †¢ Ames, William. "Interpretation of Grace from Dubliners, by James Joyce." On Grace. The Poet's Forum. Web. 12 Mar. 2012. . †¢ "Penguin.com (usa)." Dubliners. Penguin Group USA. Web. 12 Mar. 2012. . †¢ Williams, Bob. "Dubliners." - by James Joyce. Web. 12 Mar. 2012. .

The Categories of Value

It’s easy to assign Importance factors or risk categories to inanimate objects such as buildings, bridges, airplanes, dams, cars, and buses. It is agreeable to say that the structural integrity of a hospital is more important than that of a single family residence; especially, in the case of an emergency. When assigning importance or value to individual lives, we are confronted by an overwhelming social dilemma: How does society assign value to someone’s life?The essence of life or simply living and given the opportunity to become a contributing member of society is priceless and has an unsurmountable monetary value; however, within the constraints of the society we live in, we are forced to assign a monetary value to an individual life. If we strip away what makes us human – our souls— we can assign value and categorize human life by the sum of their contributions to society and the impact their absence would make. Those that commit horrible crimes and co ntribute negatively to society belong to the first category.Those who contribute very little or haven’t had the chance to contribute to society belong to the second category. Those contributors whose sudden absences affect a small amount of people belong to the third category. Those whose sudden absence affects many people belong to the fourth. Finally, those whose sudden absence can affect an entire society for generations to come belong to the fifth category. Murderers and individuals who wish harm on innocent people belong in the first category. They are in the first category due to their lack of contribution and harm to our society.Truly without them there would be less damage and fear in today’s world. You can easily distinguish the difference between the first and second category in the perspective of comparing them to someone in the second category, such as children and individuals whose lives were cut short, and sadly unable to even begin to contribute to socie ty; the ones in the first category are the ones who usually end up in prisons for violent crimes or serious violations, while the ones in the second category generally contains young people who haven’t had a chance to make a difference in society.Individuals in the third category would be the ones whose deaths would affect a small amount of people such as a blue collar worker who supports their family with their salary. The sudden loss of this person would be saddening but only the immediate family will typically need monetary compensation to cover any expenses left behind. In comparison, the ones in the fourth category whose deaths would affect a much larger amount of people such as, owners of important businesses whose death may result in the layoff of many employees.The individuals in the fifth category are the ones who have a huge contribution to our society, such as individuals who find cures to devastating diseases, physicist on the verge of making a great breakthrough, world leaders, and important policy makers. Without them our society let alone the whole world, would not be the same, they are the ones who make a difference in people’s lives. In the article, â€Å"What Is the Value of a Human Life? † by Kenneth Feinberg, he explores the moral problem with assigning different values to different members of society.The author finds it troubling that the compensation for someone’s death be related to that person’s financial situation. For example, someone in the fourth category mentioned above will most likely be a wealthy business owner while the person in the third category may be a modest middle class individual and would receive compensation accordingly. At the end of the article he states that in the future, he will provide equal compensation regardless of the person’s financial circumstances or status in society.I believe that monetary compensation should only cover funeral expenses and enough income to allo w their immediate families time to adjust to the loss and become self-sustaining. It is okay for a society that is based on capitalism to compensate and assign a monetary value to individuals. It is our souls and humanity that will always be in conflict with manmade laws and forged societies. That is why this debate will never end. The day that currency becomes obsolete will be the day that society will truly discover that the only thing worth valuing is life itself, not money.

How to Make Camias Prunes and Soap Essay

Procedure: To make candied kamias, begin by sorting fruits according to size and eliminating the spoiled or damaged ones. 1. Weigh and wash the fruits.  2. Soak them overnight in lime solution (one tablespoon lime per one liter of water). This process will firm up the fruits. Again, wash thoroughly in running water to remove lime. 3. Blanch fruits in boiling water for three to five minutes and drain. 4. Prick the bottom part of kamias with a fine toothpick and press each fruit lightly to remove some of the fruit juice. 5. Prepare syrup (2 parts sugar to one part water), boil it and strain. 6. Add the kamias to the syrup and boil them for five minutes and soak overnight. 7. Remove the fruits and add one cup sugar to the syrup and boil. Then add kamias again and heat for five minutes. 8. Soak the fruits overnight. 9. The following day, remove fruits and add some more sugar to the syrup. Then, add kamias again and boil for five minutes. 10. Allow to cool; drain and weigh. 11. Arrange kamias on a tray and dry in the solar dryer. 12. After drying, weigh again and pack in plastic bags and seal. Materials: * 1 glass Caustic Soda (NaOH) * 3 glasses water * 5 glasses cooking oil * 1/2 glass juice or extract Procedure: 1. Prepare the materials and the utensils needed. 2. Measure 1 glass of caustic soda and 3 glasses of water and pour into a plastic pail. 3. Mix well by stirring continuously using a wooden ladle or bamboo stick. Use only one direction in mixing the mixture. Stir until the caustic soda is dissolved. 4. Pour 5 glasses cooking oil into the mixture. 5. Continue stirring until a consistency of a condensed milk is achieved and add 1/2 glass of juice or extract. 6. Pour the soap mixture into desired plastic molders. Set aside and let it cool to harden. 7. After 4-5 hours,  remove the soap from the molder. 8. Allow 30 days of ageing before packing. Label the soaps. Indications: * Kamias – fruit extract or juice (bleaching soap) * Calamansi – fruit extract or juice (bleaching soap) * Cucumber – fruit extract or juice (moisturizer) * Papaya – extract from fresh leaves (bleaching/moisturizer) * Radish – extract from the stem (moisturizer) Reminder: * Caustic Soda can harm the skin upon contact. Wash immediately with vinegar or anything sour and then wash it with soap and water. * Caustic Soda is harmful to health and so, make the necessary precaution. Use mask and gloves to protect your body. Directions 1. In a wide bowl, crush strawberries in batches until you have 4 cups of mashed berry. In a heavy bottomed saucepan, mix together the strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Stir over low heat until the sugar is dissolved. Increase heat to high, and bring the mixture to a full rolling boil. Boil, stirring often, until the mixture reaches 220 degrees F (105 degrees C). Transfer to hot sterile jars, leaving 1/4 to 1/2 inch headspace, and seal. Process in a water bath. If the jam is going to be eaten right away, don’t bother with processing, and just refrigerate. 2. To test for jelling Place three plates in a freezer†¦ after about 10 minutes of boiling place a tsp of the liquid of the jam onto the cold plate. Return to freezer for a minute. Run your finger through the jam on the plate†¦ if it doesn’t try to run back together (if you can make a line through it with your finger) it’s ready to be canned!

Introducing Evidence Essays

Introducing Evidence Essays Introducing Evidence Essay Introducing Evidence Essay In order to present the taped statements against Sanders. the declarant ( Blair ) must be unavailable as a informant harmonizing to Fed. R. Evid. 804. The statements by Blair autumn under an exclusion to the rumor regulation. Fed. R. Evid. 804 ( B ) ( 3 ) . which provides that when a declarant is unavailable as a informant. statements against involvement are non excluded by rumor. When a prosecuting officer seeks to present grounds of a statement that inculpates the accused. a figure of tribunals require that statement be against the declarants involvement and that there be documentation. Factors that tribunals look at for documentation include motivation. general character of the declarant. whether more than one individual heard the statement. whether it was made spontaneously and the timing of the declaration and relationship between the declarant and the informant. Here. Blairs statement was surely against his involvement as it could subject him to condemnable liability every bit good as Drum sanders. As for documentation. Blair did non hold a strong motivation to lie because he did non cognize he was talking with an clandestine agent. He believed that he was talking to a prospective involvement in the counterfeiting strategy. When these types of statements are introduced. Confrontation Clause issues originate. Under the 6th amendment. an accused has the right to face the informant against him. The tribunals have shifted in their attack to the analysis sing the confrontation clause. In Ohio v. Roberts. the Court treated the inquiry of when the Confrontatiion Clause prohibits the debut of out of tribunal statements against a condemnable suspect. The Court created a dependability trial and conditioned the admissibility of hearsay grounds on whether it fell under a firmly rooted rumor exception or bears particularized warrants of trustworthiness . Firmly rooted exclusions included aroused vocalizations. statements refering medical diagnosings. and co-conspirator statements. If the rumor statement did non fall within a steadfastly rooted exclusion. particularised warrants of trustiness may let it to come in. The statement must hold sufficient grounds of dependability. The Roberts attack was criticized as vague and inadequate to protect the defendant’s rights. The Court in Crawford v. Washington rejected the Roberts attack. stating its malleable attack frequently fails to protect against paradigmatic confrontation violations . The Crawford tribunal explained the trial in Roberts is too wide in that it applies the same manner of analysis whether or non the rumor consists of ex parte testimony. which frequently consequences in close constitutional examination in instances that are far removed from the nucleus concerns of the clause. Additionally. the Court said it is. at the same clip. excessively narrow in that it admits statements that do dwell of antique parte testimony upon a mere determination of dependability. Under this analysis. 804 ( B ) ( 3 ) . a statement against involvement. does non fall within a firmly rooted exception so the tribunal must turn to whether it has peculiar warrants of trustiness. The Court in Crawford stepped off from the Roberts attack and alternatively created a new philosophy upon analysing the Sixth Amendment. They foremost said that it merely applies to witnesses against the accused and so. rumor statements merely raise concerns with the Confrntation Clause when a declarant Acts of the Apostless like a informant. A informant was defined as one who bore testimony. and the tribunal adopted a differentiation between testimonial and non testimonial statements. The tribunal in Crawford did non put out what constitutes as testimonial or non testimonial. but stated that the Government can present testimonial statements where the declarant testifies during a test. hearing. or where the suspect had a anterior chance to traverse analyze the declarant and the declarant must be unavailable. While testimonial statements were non explicitly defined. the Court provided that testimonial statements about ever include ex parte in- tribunal testimony or its functional equi valent- that is material such as affidavits tutelary scrutinies. anterior testimony that the suspect was unable to cross-examine or similar pretrial statements In turn toing nontestimonial statements. the Court concluded that Where not testimonial statements are at issue. it is inconsistent with the Framers design to afford the States flexibleness in their development of hearsay law- as does Roberts. and every bit would an attack that exempted such statements from Confrontation Clause scrutiny wholly. Therefore. where non testimonial statements are concerned. the dependability analysis in Ohio v. Roberts still applies. Therefore. the issue of whether the Confrontation clause will exclude this testimony depends on whether the statements by Blair are testimonial or non testimonial. In Davis. the tribunal went farther to separate whether statements are testimonial or non-testimonial in the class of a 911 call question. Based on Crawford and Davis. illustrations of non-testimonial statements include statements are made to decide an exigency. are an aroused vocalization. or made chiefly for the intent of obtaining medical intervention or diagnosing. But statements made in a more adversarial puting. such as preliminary hearing. before a expansive jury. at a former test. or police questions. are testimonial. Testimonial statements normally set up past behavior. It would look the statements. measured from the position of the declarant ( Blair ) were non testimonial because they were non made for the intents of trying to province what happened in the yesteryear or for the intent of back uping what Blair thought was an fact-finding or accusative procedure. In add-on. Blair was non doing the statement in a formal proceeding and had no ground to believe the statement would be used against him at a condemnable proceeding. Where non testimonial statements are concerned. the 6th amendment confrontation clause demand does non use and the tribunal has established that Roberts is non dead. Therefore. the dependability of these statements would necessitate to be analyzed. Under the Roberts criterion. Blair’s remarks. although against involvement. make non fall under a steadfastly rooted exclusion and would non hold been admissible unless there were particularised warrants of trustiness. Finding dependability in a statement that is against declarants involvement but inculpates another individuals can be hard because tribunals have concerns such as whether it is a statement that bolsters the accused place or if it is seeking to switch incrimination. Here. there were statements made that could incriminate Blair. tilting towards dependable. In add-on. Blair had no ground to believe he was being subjected to patrol question. However. if the tribunal for some ground found the statement testimony. Confrontation clause anaylsis would come in. This would necessitate the declarant to be unavailable and the accused have had a opportunity to face the informant against him. While Blair is unavailable. Sanders neer had an chance to traverse examine Blair. so the statement would be excluded.

Mahdist War and the Siege of Khartoum

Mahdist War and the Siege of Khartoum Siege of Khartoum - Conflict Dates: The Siege of Khartoum lasted from March 13, 1884 to January 26, 1885, and took place during the Mahdist War (1881-1899). Armies Commanders British Egyptians Major General Charles Gordon7,000 men, 9 gunboats Mahdists Muhammad Ahmadapprox. 50,000 men Siege of Khartoum - Background: In the wake of 1882 Anglo-Egyptian War, British troops remained in Egypt to protect British interests. Though occupying the country, they allowed the Khedive to continue overseeing domestic affairs. This included dealing with the Mahdist Revolt which had commenced in Sudan. Though technically under Egyptian rule, large parts of Sudan had fallen to Mahdist forces led by Muhammad Ahmad. Considering himself the Mahdi (the redeemer of Islam), Ahmad defeated Egyptian forces at El Obeid in November 1883 and overran Kordofan and Darfur. This defeat and the deteriorating situation led to Sudan being discussed in Parliament. Assessing the problem and wishing to avoid the cost of intervention, Prime Minister William Gladstone and his cabinet were unwilling to commit forces to the conflict. As a result, their representative in Cairo, Sir Evelyn Baring, directed the Khedive to order the garrisons in Sudan to evacuate back into Egypt. To oversee this operation, London requested that Major General Charles Chinese Gordon be placed in command. A veteran officer and former governor-general of Sudan, Gordon was familiar with the region and its peoples. Leaving in early 1884, he was also tasked with reporting on the best means for extracting the Egyptians from the conflict. Arriving in Cairo, he was re-appointed Governor-General of Sudan with full executive powers. Sailing up the Nile, he arrived at Khartoum on February 18. Directing his limited forces against the advancing Mahdists, Gordon began evacuating women and children north to Egypt. Siege of Khartoum - Gordon Digs In: Though London desired to abandon Sudan, Gordon firmly believed the Mahdists needed to be defeated or they could overrun Egypt. Citing a lack of boats and transport, he ignored his orders to evacuate and began organizing a defense of Khartoum. In an effort to win over the citys residents, he improved the justice system and remitted taxes. Recognizing that Khartoums economy rested on the slave trade, he re-legalized slavery despite the fact that he had originally abolished it during his earlier term as governor-general. While unpopular at home, this move increased Gordons support in the city. As he moved forward, he began requesting reinforcements to defend the city. An initial request for a regiment of Turkish troops was denied as was a later call for a force of Indian Muslims. Increasingly agitated by Gladstones lack of support, Gordon began sending a series of angry telegrams to London. These soon became public and led to a vote of no confidence against Gladstones government. Though he survived, Gladstone steadfastly refused to become committed to a war in Sudan. Left on his own, Gordon began enhancing Khartoums defenses. Protected to the north and west by the White and Blue Niles, he saw that fortifications and trenches were constructed to the south and east. Facing the desert, these were supported by land mines and wire barriers. To defend the rivers, Gordon retrofitted several steamers into gunboats which were protected by metal plates. Attempting an offensive near Halfaya on March 16, Gordons troops faltered and took 200 casualties. In the wake of the setback, he concluded that he should remain on the defensive. Siege of Khartoum - The Siege Begins: Later that month, Mahdist forces began to near Khartoum and skirmishing commenced. With Mahdist forces closing in, Gordon telegraphed London on April 19 that he had provisions for five months. He also requested two to three thousand Turkish troops as his men were increasingly unreliable. Gordon believed that with such a force, he could drive off the enemy. As the month ended, the tribes to the north elected to join with the Mahdi and cut off Gordons lines of communication to Egypt. While runners were able to make the journey, the Nile and telegraph were severed. As enemy forces surrounded the city, Gordon attempted to convince the Mahdi to make peace but with no success. Siege of Khartoum - Fall of Khartoum: Holding the city, Gordon was able to somewhat replenish his supplies by raiding with his gunboats. In London, his plight was played up in the press and eventually, Queen Victoria directed Gladstone to send aid to the beleaguered garrison. Acquiescing in July 1884, Gladstone ordered General Sir Garnet Wolseley to form an expedition for the relief of Khartoum. Despite this, it took a substantial amount of time to organize the needed men and supplies. As the fall progressed, Gordons position became increasingly tenuous as supplies dwindled and many of his more capable officers were killed. Shortening his line, he constructed a new wall inside the city and tower from which to observe the enemy. Though communications remained spotty, Gordon did receive word that a relief expedition was en route. Despite this news, Gordon greatly feared for the city. A letter that arrived in Cairo on December 14 informed a friend, Farewell. You will never hear from me again. I fear that there will be treachery in the garrison, and all will be over by Christmas. Two days later, Gordon was forced to destroy his outpost across the White Nile at Omdurman. Made aware of Gordons concerns, Wolseley began pressing south. Defeating the Mahdists at Abu Klea on January 17, 1885, the men met the enemy again two days later. With the relief force approaching, the Mahdi began planning to storm Khartoum. Possessing around 50,000 men, he ordered one column to wade across the White Nile to attack the citys walls while another assaulted the Massalamieh Gate. Moving forward on the night of January 25-26, both columns quickly overwhelmed the exhausted defenders. Swarming through the city, the Mahdists massacred the garrison and around 4,000 of Khartoums residents. Though the Mahdi had expressly ordered that Gordon be taken alive, he was struck down in the fighting. Accounts of his death vary with some reports stating he was killed at the governors palace, while others claim he was shot in the street while trying to escape to the Austrian consulate. In either case, Gordons body was decapitated and taken to the Mahdi on a pike. Siege of Khartoum - Aftermath: In the fighting at Khartoum, Gordons entire 7,000-man garrison was killed. Mahdist casualties are not known. Driving south, Wolseleys relief force reached Khartoum two days after the citys fall. With no reason to remain, he ordered his men to return to Egypt, leaving Sudan to the Mahdi. It remained under Mahdist control until 1898 when Major General Herbert Kitchener defeated them at the Battle of Omdurman. Though a search was made for Gordons remains after Khartoum was retaken, they were never found. Acclaimed by the public, Gordons death was blamed on Gladstone who delayed forming a relief expedition. The resulting outcry led his government to fall in March 1885 and he was formally rebuked by Queen Victoria. Sources: BBC. General Charles Gordon. Fordham University.  Islamic History Sourcebook: Death of General Gordon at Khartoum. Sandrock, John.  Windows to the Past: Siege of Khartoum.

Causes of changes in wheat prices

Causes of changes in wheat prices Since the summer of 2010, we have seen the price of wheat significantly increasing. In this essay I will outline the possible reasons why wheat prices have shot up in recent months and also introduce methods of intervention that can be used to try and contain the price rises. This year has seen irregular weather patterns considerably affecting harvests in many major wheat producing countries. This has in fact manufactured the recent spike in wheat prices across the globe. Russia’s harvest has been the most significantly affected by the weather. During the summer, Russia and the Ukraine had been experiencing severe droughts and wildfires which have prevented the growth of crops, also destroying a third of their produced wheat. As a consequence, Russia announced a ban on all exports of their grain from the 15th August – end of December, which was then extended into 2011. After the failure of the Russian harvest alone wheat prices shot up by 20% alone, illustrating a rest riction in supply of the grain. After this announcement the US Department of agriculture cut its projections for the next year’s world production of wheat by 15.3m tonnes to 645.7m tonnes. However, it is important to note that wheat stocks are higher still than crisis levels witnessed in 2007-08. This projection and halted production have caused wheat prices to increase on the future markets to their highest levels since the last crisis. Canada, the 2nd largest wheat exporter in the world has been severely affected by heavy rains which have prevented farmers planting seeds and also destroying hectares of land, considerably damaging next year’s harvest. India, the 2nd largest wheat producer, was hit by severe monsoon rains in August which heavily affected their wheat storage. They had insufficient storage, causing around 10m tonnes of wheat to be at risk of rotting due to it being exposed to the rain. Also, Egypt, Serbia, Australia and Pakistan have been hit by major fl oods which have destroyed up to a fifth of the countries crops, reducing supply further and aiding the price increases. The combined effect of these weather disasters is shown in the diagram below: The diagram shows that supply has fallen from S1-S2. This has reduced output from Q1-Q2 and increased the price from P1-P2. Here you can see that the change in price is considerably larger than the change in output. This is due to the fact that wheat is a necessity and therefore is price inelastic, which is represented by the inelastic demand curve. This means that with a reduction in the supply of wheat, even if it is below crisis levels seen in 2007-08, there will be a large increase in price. Another reason why prices have been rising lately is because of the rapidly increasing global population. The global population is rising so fast because emerging countries have the fastest increasing population rates. Many emerging countries are becoming wealthier meaning that demand for grains i s increasing faster than the population. However, it may be argued that recent spike in wheat prices has been caused by uncertainty in the market and panic buying, as a result of export restrictions and a fall in supplies. It may also be argued that recent price rises have been exaggerated due to ‘Speculators’. These are investors who purchase wheat on the commodities markets expecting further price rises and are compressing supply whilst making profits from doing so. This results in short term increases in the price of wheat, which is what we have witnessed in recent months.

FINANCIAL AND MANAGERIAL ACCOUNTING Research Paper

FINANCIAL AND MANAGERIAL ACCOUNTING - Research Paper Example This can be done using capital budgeting techniques like Net present Value, Internal rate of return, Payback period etc (Murray State University, n.d.). The future cash flows are discounted using the required rate of return to see if the project is profitable i.e. it gives ‘value for money’. Only if the project has a net positive cash flow i.e. there is a gain even after paying for the cost associated with the project, it is worth investing. The strategic planning involves integration of a company’s decisions with respect to future business activities which include capital investments and operational activities. The operational requirements can be evaluated by perusing the budget requirements (Sagner, p.114). With regard to the city project the operational requirement will require an adherence to the federal standards. This will help in raising the amount of total funds allocated towards the city project from the current level of $10 million to $20 million. A stra tegic plan involves using the set budget in the most efficient manner so that all the infrastructural needs of the city are taken care of, providing various economic incentives to the new private companies etc. This can be in the form of tax waiver for the first 10 or 15 years; giving funds at cheap interest rates; relaxing the regulatory norms so that the businesses can focus their attention only on the work related activities without having to bother about clearances from various bodies. However, this does not come for free as this will require setting up adequate departments to facilitate cordial operating conditions for the new businesses and fast-tracking certain activities. All this will require funds and so it is important that a proper plan is drawn as to assess the amount of cost that will go towards such activities. Besides it is important to assess the net impact of these investments from the financial as well as social point of view. Thesis Statement- The budgeted amount has to be spent in a way that it can result in an all around development and growth of the city. The local authority plans to allot this amount for infrastructure development, educational programs, creation of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) etc. Allocation for infrastructure development The population of the city is not very high. The city is distantly located from the country capital. The infrastructure of the city is not very developed which is perhaps the main reason that the city lacks a business set-up. To make the city attractive to the business community it is important that suitable infrastructure is in place. In the absence of this the business may not be able to function smoothly. A well laid down road and rail services helps in connecting the remotest corners with important business locations in other parts of the country. Only if a business finds the infrastructural facilities in a city to be proper they invest otherwise they may not take the initiative. In some cases bi g business houses form an alliance with the local government to develop the necessary infrastructure. But this may not be feasible for small private companies as they have limited resources. In this case the local

Argentinas Foreign Debt Restructuring Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4750 words

Argentinas Foreign Debt Restructuring - Essay Example This paper envisages analyzing the causes and effects of the actions of the political leaders that left to this situation and the circumstances under which the various classes of creditors of the country were forced to accept the proposals put forth by the Argentine president for the settlement of the outstanding debts of the country. It is important to understand the extent, scope, and coverage of the definitions of the foreign debt and domestic debt before a meaningful financial analysis of the restructuring of the foreign debt by the country Argentina may be undertaken. According to an economic definition, â€Å"foreign debt is only the debt by non-residents, regardless of whether the debt is in local or foreign currency, whether it is issued at home or abroad. Conversely, domestic debt is debt by residents regardless of whether the debt is in local or foreign currency, whether it is issued at home or abroad. So a Brady held by an Argentine resident is domestic debt while a Let's held by a foreign investor is foreign debt.† It is to be understood that the economic definitions of foreign debt and domestic debt are different from the legal definition as had been adopted by the Argentine government for the purposes of undertaking the restructuring of both the domestic and foreign debts. The domestic debt is defined as debt issued according to Argentine law, regardless of whether it is in local or foreign currency and regardless of who, foreign or domestic resident, is holding these claims. Conversely, the â€Å"legal† definition of foreign debt is debt issued according to foreign (New York, UK, et cetera) law, regardless of whether it is in local or foreign currency and regardless of who, foreign or domestic resident, is holding these claims.†The point to consider was that was there a possibility that the host of factors that facilitate the litigation would disrupt the orderly process of debt restructuring undertaken by Argentina. Without committing a technical default Argentina would be going ahead with the process of structuring and even if some creditors hold out and start litigating, the litigation would take several years for coming to a close. Even if the litigation is started it is not going to hamper the process of the debt restructuring by Argentina.   

Green management Dissertation Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 10000 words

Green management - Dissertation Example However, environmental education needs to start with children. With the motivation to evaluate how schools discharge their responsibility towards the environment as well as towards the future citizens, this study was undertaken. The study aims and objectives were stated and after extensive literature review on the subject, data was gathered through a qualitative case study approach. This study is based on a particular boarding school in London. Both primary and secondary data were gathered through multiple sources for the purpose of the study. The study finds a strong positive link between green initiatives and economic performance. However, corporations should not expect immediate short-term gains. In the short-term some gains may be achieved but sustainable gains can be achieved only in the long-term. Most companies that have adopted ‘green marketing’ as a strategy, into their overall corporate and business strategy, have registered enhanced performance. This should be based on an efficient internal and external assessment. Consumer consciousness has also prompted companies to adopt green marketing, as customer satisfaction is critical to survival. Compelled by government regulations corporations have been taking different initiatives such as efficient packaging, reuse and recycling of packaging materials, better waste management, efficient lighting, use of renewable energy sources, and viewing compliance as an opportunity. The study however finds that in the school under study environmental education and environmental management system is extremely poor. No standards are maintained and no regulations are imposed. Investments are poor as the management is unaware of the benefits that it can achieve through environmental management system. The school has undertaken some initiatives but due to lack of training and education of the teaching and non-teaching staff, as well as students, these investments have not reaped any benefits. Schools stand to gain competitive and comparative advantage through environmental education and environmental management system. However, the authorities and the school management have now become conscious and are willing to invest in green technology. The study has highlighted the savings that can be expected just by switching over to low-power bulbs and following a discipline of switching off lights, bulbs, heaters and shutting windows. The study concludes by recommending a strategy for environmental management system that can be implemented at schools. Acknowledgments I will write this one Chapter 1 1 Introduction This chapter begins by introducing the subject green management and highlights the importance of ‘green management’ through statistics and data from different sources. An overview of the subject helps to develop the study outline and evaluate which factors need to be given importance. 1.1 Background Climate change and global warming are evident from the rising annual temper atures, extreme weather changes, heat waves and from the melting ice cap and glaciers. Global warming has influenced business strategies as they try to reduce green house gas emissions, through efficient operations or through energy conservation techniques. Referring to companies such as GE, Wal-Mart and Dupont, Gunther (2006) states that smart companies know which way the wind is blowing and they use the climate change as an opportunity; they try to introduce innovation and creativity with the help of advanced

Brown and the Board of Education Research Paper

Brown and the Board of Education - Research Paper Example On May 1954, Landmark civil rights decision was issued by the Supreme Court. The decision declared segregated schools as unconstitutional, thus Doctrine of ‘separate but equal’ schools reached an end. In 1992, George W. Bush signed the Public Law to commemorate the Brown decision of 1954. Background: During much of the American history, federal government dealt with racial issues and disparities by drawing an invisible yet authoritative line between black and white populations. One such attempt was the racial segregation or hyper segregation of white and black children in public schools under the Doctrine of ‘separate but equal’ schools. In Brown v. Board of Education case, brown refers to the one of the most famous fathers of America, Oliver Brown. Oliver Brown decided to seek legal redress when his daughter Linda Brown Thompson was refused enrollment in a white elementary school in Topeka, Kansas. Oliver Brown filed the case against segregated schools in 1 951 in Topeka. The following paper traces the footsteps of plaintiffs as well as the origins of one of the most important Supreme Court decision in American history, which not only molded the future of Topeka, but ultimately changed the entire nation. Brown v. Board of Education: In accordance with various sources, Oliver Brown is considered as a Lead Plaintiff in Brown v. Board of Education case. However, Charles Scott Jr. claims that Oliver Brown was not a lead plaintiff but in fact his father along with Mr. Burnett and the NAACP drove the case. It is important to note that the legally mandated, segregation of public schools was not challenged for the first time by the Brown case. Previously, the segregation had also been challenged in the year 1849, by a Boston lawsuit. Furthermore, 11 lawsuits filed cases against legally mandated, segregation of public schools in Kansas, between 1881 and1949. On October 1, 1951, other law suits filed against segregation of school systems in Virg inia, Delaware, South Carolina and District of Columbia. These cases were combined with the Brown case in order to make the overall case strong enough to be presented in America’s highest court. The official name given to the combined cases was Oliver L. Brown et al. v. The Board of Education of Topeka, et al. The case for the Brown plaintiffs was meticulously and authoritatively argued in the Supreme Court by NCAAP legal counsel Thurgood Marshall, who became the first African American to argue a case in the American Supreme Court. On May 17, 1954, a unanimous landmark decision was issued by the United States Supreme Court regarding the Oliver L. Brown et al. v. The Board of Education of Topeka, et al case, which declared the hyper segregation of children in public schools unconstitutional. The Decision was read by Earl Warren, who at that time was the Supreme Court Chief Justice. Following is part of the statement he read: â€Å"We conclude that in the field of public educa tion the doctrine of ‘separate but equal’ has no place. Separate educational facilities are inherently unequal. Therefore, we hold that the plaintiffs and others similarly situated for whom the actions have been brought are, by reason of the segregation complained of, deprived of the equal protection of the laws guaranteed by the 14th Amendment.† (Patterson et al 2001). The Supreme Court declared that racial segregation has a detrimental effect not only on African American children

Family Business in India Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 9250 words

Family Business in India - Coursework Example India being a country with people who has rich shared values and communication within the family, will ever like to allow such family feuds. This is the prime area of the current research to identify the attitude and circumstances with family firms after the reported major family feuds. Hence the study has considered a case analysis as well as quantitative analysis to identify the factors aided for such feuds as well to observe the trend in the remaining family firms. The study was conducted with the family firms who are in first, second and third generation of transition. Very few cases include successors after 4th and 5th generation also. The study found a remarkable preparedness among the family firms with high professionalism and education. More than half percentage of the studied family firms is executing the succession plan, by training and communicating the succession plan with the successors. Though a minor part of the study group exhibited conflict and sibling rivalry, still they feel the need for a smooth succession plan. The remaining considerable amount of study group is in the stage of preparation of succession plans. The study found that education and communication are directly influencing the preparedness of the successors. With this knowledge, the r esearch found out that Indian firms are acknowledging the need for succession planning and are developing preparedness for succession management. Introduction: Most of the Indian Economy is amassed from the Family businesses. It is estimated that 95 per cent of the registered firms are family businesses. The success of these Family firms has attained from the rich family culture and values nourished through out generations.Family business is a dominant organization form worldwide. According to Steven family is not only a viable factor of economy, but is in many ways its the exemplary form of business. He writes: "The family business is being rediscovered as the embodiment of management practices and business values needed to help the nation's industries regain their competitive edge" (I991).1 Though there are many papers observed the scenario in the past, the current trend is to be observed with variable factors involved in causing the trend. Most family businesses, though relatively small in scale, involve highly complex interrelationships between two analytically separate but inextricably linked social systems: the family and the business. (Lansberg, 1983)2. In the recent times, the globalization factor made it to many Family businesses to attract many Foreign Investments. And the recent Industrial scenario in India presents some cases where the Family

Law TL Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Law TL - Essay Example First, the volume of requests would weigh down an already stagnate Congress. Secondly, the nine exemption of the FOIA act would have to be suspended as well. National defense, geological records, personnel files, and more would be fair game to request. This could possibly cause the country to fall in a war. While a reporter might have only wanted an email between McCain and his wife, national security could be breached in other emails or phone calls. The nine exemptions were put into place to avoid these problems. 2. Do you believe that the federal government should be able to create whatever laws it deems to be in the countrys best interests, or do you believe that individual states, like New York and Texas, should have more control over the laws within their own boarders?   When is it appropriate for the federal government to override the states?   Are there instances where the federal government should leave matters to the states and, if so, what kind of matters are best left to states? Personally the thought of ‘states’ rights’ in 2015 is offensive. The Civil War determined that that Federal rights supersede states’ rights in order to keep the United States whole. States’ rights need have a guideline to follow due to the fact all states must recognize laws from other states. This is why the Supreme Court decides issues like abortion, gay marriage, and so forth. If states’ rights were more important, gay marriage would not be legal in some states, but normal in others. States have the flexibility to make laws within Federal guidelines. For example, the death penalty is legal in Texas, but not in Iowa. It is up to the Supreme Court to interpret the laws passed by Congress, states, and other judicial rulings. On-line anonymity has been both a blessing and a curse.   The ability to state an opinion without having to reveal ones identity has allowed for greater

Family Business in India Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 9250 words

Family Business in India - Coursework Example India being a country with people who has rich shared values and communication within the family, will ever like to allow such family feuds. This is the prime area of the current research to identify the attitude and circumstances with family firms after the reported major family feuds. Hence the study has considered a case analysis as well as quantitative analysis to identify the factors aided for such feuds as well to observe the trend in the remaining family firms. The study was conducted with the family firms who are in first, second and third generation of transition. Very few cases include successors after 4th and 5th generation also. The study found a remarkable preparedness among the family firms with high professionalism and education. More than half percentage of the studied family firms is executing the succession plan, by training and communicating the succession plan with the successors. Though a minor part of the study group exhibited conflict and sibling rivalry, still they feel the need for a smooth succession plan. The remaining considerable amount of study group is in the stage of preparation of succession plans. The study found that education and communication are directly influencing the preparedness of the successors. With this knowledge, the r esearch found out that Indian firms are acknowledging the need for succession planning and are developing preparedness for succession management. Introduction: Most of the Indian Economy is amassed from the Family businesses. It is estimated that 95 per cent of the registered firms are family businesses. The success of these Family firms has attained from the rich family culture and values nourished through out generations.Family business is a dominant organization form worldwide. According to Steven family is not only a viable factor of economy, but is in many ways its the exemplary form of business. He writes: "The family business is being rediscovered as the embodiment of management practices and business values needed to help the nation's industries regain their competitive edge" (I991).1 Though there are many papers observed the scenario in the past, the current trend is to be observed with variable factors involved in causing the trend. Most family businesses, though relatively small in scale, involve highly complex interrelationships between two analytically separate but inextricably linked social systems: the family and the business. (Lansberg, 1983)2. In the recent times, the globalization factor made it to many Family businesses to attract many Foreign Investments. And the recent Industrial scenario in India presents some cases where the Family

Employer Compliance with the Patriot Act Essay Example for Free

Employer Compliance with the Patriot Act Essay Section 215 of the Patriot Act is an amendment to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 which states the federal government can request, and obtain, any â€Å"tangible things (including books, records, papers, documents, and other items) for an investigation to protect against international terrorism or clandestine intelligence activities† (Aftab, 2003). This information may include E-mail messages, telecommunications, search engine audits, etc. Privacy laws state that disclosure of personally identifiable information can only be requested via a court order or subpoena. A company may face legal liability if it voluntarily complies with a government request for personal information. It is often a direct violation of posted privacy policies in an employee manual. This is considered a contract between the employer and employee and if it is breached, the company may be sued, particularly if there is no explanation regarding the process to be followed in the instance of receiving a court order or warrant. Compliance with the Patriot Act could violate non-disclosure and confidentiality agreements, as well. References Aftab, Parry (October 20, 2003). â€Å"The Privacy Lawyer: Patriotism, Compliance and Confidentiality†. Information Week. Retrieved February 29, 2008 from the Information Week Website: http://www.informationweek.com/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=15306232.

The Problems Of Indiscipline In Rivers

The Problems Of Indiscipline In Rivers Abstract The purpose of this study was to investigate The Problems of Indiscipline in Secondary Schools in Abua/Odual Local Government Area. One hundred teachers constituted the study sample. Questionnaire was administered to teachers to obtain data for five research questions. The statistical tool used to analyse the raw data was percentage method. The results showed that lack of corporal punishment, irregular payment of teachers salaries, poor administration constitutes the major problems to indiscipline in schools. In this regard, it was suggested that corporal punishment should be introduced in schools; also, more and adequate incentives should be provided to the teachers. CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION Background of the Study Education in any perspective finds its usefulness in the areas of moral, intellectual, social and spiritual development of the child. This development to a great extent is a function of the quality of the educational system, which is partly measured on the basis of students discipline. Discipline constitutes one of the fundamental, critical and challenging functions of the teacher. Mostly, when viewed from the fact that students whom they manage their affairs are drawn from different home background, accommodates the influence of peer groups and thus, were bound to exhibit different patterns of behaviour that may not conform with the instructional standard of the school. Discipline is an aspect of school function which if not well maintained can render the school system ineffective. School discipline as a matter of fact is seen as a vital element in the process by which students are enabled to function in the society. The general idea underlying this fact is that if the school is situated in the society and it is hoped that the products of these schools will be absorbed into the society, the students must therefore be made to develop rule-following and law, adding habits so that they conform to the general social expectations of the main culture absorbing its basic attitudes and beliefs, Sieber and wilder (1997:70) point out that a society without rules is inconceivable, and rules without attitude of disapproval towards them are inconceivable. In the English Elementary School, obedience was enforced mildly without any military goal in mind and in that discipline was seen essentially as a process of obedient training for society at large. On the other hand, thinking of discipline in terms of training for society, Docking (1990:4) says it may encourage a schooling for subordination where teachers use their disciplinary authority to satisfy some unfulfilled need within themselves so that they are to view children as a means rather than as ends. The promotion or maintenance of effective discipline is essential if organised group action is to be effective or productive whether the group is a club, society, a union, a company, a business or industrial concern or a nation. The word discipline connotes that the members or a group should reasonably conform to the rules and regulations, which is the code of behaviour which have been formed for it or by it, so that every one may benefit by them. Peoples morale or industrial peace are definitely proper by maintenance of discipline if the members of a group do not abide by the rules of the organisation, it may collapse. Chaos, confusion, disobedience, disloyalty and antisocial or anti-organisational activities develop to the detriment of every one. In the word of Spriegel (1997:34) discipline is the force that prompts an individual or a group to observe the rules, regulations which are seemed to be necessary to the attainment of an objective. It is a factor, which restrains an indivi dual from doing certain things, which are deemed to be disruptive for the group objectives. It is also the exercise of restraint or the enforcement of penalties for the violation of group regulations. Thus, discipline can be said as an attitude of the mind, a product of culture and a particular environment which promotes an individual to willingly co-operate in the observance of the rules of the organizational to which he belongs. School discipline is often seen as an important ingredient in the process by which children are enabled to function in the society because living in the society entails living in association with certain agreed rules, which govern ones behaviour. Thus, keeping order in the school is a multi-faced problem associated with range of interacting factors, such as the child himself, home and neighbourhood influence, changing societal values and expectations, the school and its natural environment, and the individual teacher. The problem of indiscipline is more apparent among secondary school students all over the world. Indiscipline among them has attracted serious attention of scholars and administrators. These scholars and administrators attributes to their state of development. They opine that when students notice certain biological changes signalling maturity in the course of the growth and development, they tend to misbehave by faulting school rules and regulations Mukhargee (1995:17). Indiscipline is a mode of life not in conformity with rules and non-subjected to control. By extension, the term connotes the violation of school rules and regulations capable of obstructing the smooth and orderly, functioning of the school system Adeyemo (1995:22). School rules and regulations in most cases affect students more than any other thing because they are made by the school authorities in order to guide and protect the students while in school. Statement of the Problem In the teaching and learning process certain identifiable problems of indiscipline militate against its success and achievements. That means for effective teaching and learning to take place there must be discipline in order to make reasonable achievements. In spite of the effort so far made by the government for the past eight years to curb indiscipline in our secondary schools, delinquency, truancy, disobedience, absenteeism, etc. are some of the problems of teaching and learning in our secondary schools in Abua/Odual Local Government Area. This study is therefore interested in addressing the problems of indiscipline so that teaching and learning will improve in our schools. Purpose of the Study The general purpose of this study includes the following: (a) Determine the factors underlying the problem of maintaining effective discipline in secondary schools. (b) Ascertain the effects of such factors on academic performance. (c) Make recommendation on the areas that would solve these problems. Research Questions The study shall be guided by the following research questions: What factors are responsible for school indiscipline? What are the effects of such factors on students academic performance? What are the strategies adopted by teachers to prevent classroom indiscipline? Does the rate of indiscipline among secondary school students increase or decrease for the past three years? Are girls more receptive to instruction than boys in secondary schools? Significance of the Study The importance of this study includes the following: (1) To provide information for government and school administrators about the solution to the problems of school indiscipline. (2) To provide relevant data about the causes of indiscipline from teachers perspective. (3) To make recommendations and suggestions that possibly could help solve the problem of indiscipline. Scope of the Study The study focus on school indiscipline from twenty-two (22) selected secondary schools in Abua/Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State. Definition of Terms For the purpose of this study, the following terminologies shall be defined thus: Student: A person who is studying in a school, especially a secondary school. Secondary School: This is a school for young people between the age of 11 and 16. Regulation: This is an official rule made by authority. Discipline: This is the practice of training people to obey rules and regulations. Indiscipline: This is lack of discipline, control in the behaviour of a group of people. CHAPTER TWO: REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE The chapter can be reviewed under the following headings. 2.1. Students discipline in Nigeria schools 2.2 Imperative of indiscipline in secondary schools 2.3. Causes of indiscipline 2.4 School indiscipline and academic achievement 2.5 School rules and regulations on student discipline 2.6 The concept of in loco-parentis and its relationship to students discipline 2.7 Student discipline and classroom management 2.8 Strategies of curbing indiscipline 2.9 Summary of the literature reviewed 2.1 Students Discipline in Nigeria Schools According to Matsoga (2003:54) violence and misbehaviour exist in Nigeria schools. This lack of discipline which interferes with the teaching and learning process, manifests itself in various ways including bullying, vandalism, alcohol and substance abuse, truancy, inability or unwillingness to do homework etc. Moswele (2004:146) and Matsoga (2003:53). Vandalizing school property is at rampart and this has influenced the government to introduce school fees in order to mend, that which was broken such as window, panes, furniture and walls. Theft is also common. For instance, in 2003 students in one senior secondary school broke into a biology laboratory to steal ethanol Banda (2004:16) some of these students lost their lives and others lost their sight. In another senior secondary school, 19-year-old boy committed suicide after fighting with another student over a borrowed plate Maleka (2003:162). These horrible acts left the nation speechless, not knowing where such behaviour originates. These incidents sprang the debate on the use of corporal punishment in schools which concluded that Nigeria cannot do away with it, but it has to be used guardedly Maleka (2003:162) and Keorang (2004:51). Experience had it that, teachers may ask for transfers; while parents withdraw their children from schools with numerous cases of student misconduct such as the one mentioned above. 2.2 Imperative of indiscipline in secondary schools Discipline in these schools is now passing through an eclipse. The problem of indiscipline is found everywhere, therefore, students do no longer believe in hard work as the only honourable path to success. Slangs connoting examination malpractice like choke exhibit, dagbo, omokirikiri and the like are common during examination time and they are expressed in such free but shameful that one somehow think that it does not mean anything. Children of the high and low, big and small, powerful and the downtrodden are involved in varying degrees. At this juncture, it would be worthwhile to highlight some of the prevalent cases and acts of indiscipline amongst secondary school students. 1. Cultism Cultism has suddenly become the giant monster that has swallowed up our ethics and morals; any student who fails to belong is quickly packed off the stage by either being intimidated out of school or killed. Many have been forced to join counter cultist group, which often produced fatal consequences. Section 329 (1) of the 1999 constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria defines cultism (secret cult) as an association that uses secret signs, oaths, rites or symbols and which is formed to promote a cause, the purpose or part of the purpose which is to foster the interest of its members and to aid one another under any circumstance without the regard to merit, fair or justice to the demerit of those who are not members. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦who members are sworn to observe oaths of secrecyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ 2. Indecent Dressing Near naked and other forms of nudity is the order of the day in our schools. Kpakol (2004:62) argues that peer pressure, self-indulgence, and dress to kill-the deliberate habit of putting on seductive clothes to attract those of the opposite gender sexually or throw off balance emotionally. In this connection Bellow, (1993:3) states that school discipline is the training which produces in children self-restraint, orderliness, good conduct, operation and the habit of getting the best out of themselves. It involves intellectual and moral education as opposed to mere order and instruction. 3. Curriculum content Any society whose educational system is careless about the need of the society is doomed. It thus, not enough to have a curriculum. It is most important that the curriculum relates and adequately takes care of the entire societal aspiration. Our curriculum today is greatly deficient in moral education as contained in the curriculum is shabby and neglected. In some schools, it is not even taught. The subjects of History, Civic and Nature study and so on that immediately inculcates the ideal nation building to the youth are abolished social studies and integrated science that is fashioned in their stead has proved to be incapable in content and practice. 4. Parental Training Charity it is said begins from home. A parent who is not firm with his children and lets them go the bad is not kind to them. Parents do not often consider the future welfare and success of their children as of great importance. Firmness is not shown by constant scolding, beating and fussing, this is to many educators indicates weakness. In addition, some parents are always quarrelling and fighting. This definitely makes the students not to have affection and develop negative attitude to life. In school, that student may be and always picking quarrel with his peer because this is what he grew up with. 2.3 Causes of Indiscipline Indiscipline as we have noted elsewhere is not a new phenomenon. It has engaged the attention of many writers and authors at different levels. Causes of indiscipline in secondary schools are numerous. They include school society, wrong ideals, idleness, lack of good leadership, injustice, lack of realistic rules, bad home training and upbringing, etc. Okoroma (2000:1109) and Nwankwo (1991:67) note that the causes and symptoms of indiscipline are many and vary from school to school and from place to place. In their view, some symptoms of indiscipline include general unrest and deliberate breaches of school rules, peaceful and violent demonstration, mass disobedience, truancy, delinquency, absenteeism, drug use and abuse, as well as drunkenness. Shakaran (1997:47) and Nwankwo (1991:67) have identified the causes of indiscipline in secondary schools in Nigeria to include authoritarian methods, bad staff behaviour, harsh school rules, poor communication, results, lack of adequate school facilities, influence of home and society. In this paper, we however, proffer a multi-dimensional approach to this burning issue of indiscipline in our secondary schools; hence our consideration of the causes of indiscipline will be multi-dimensional. 1. Social Influence There has become a sudden shift from merit to lack lustre. Achievements are no longer measured by commitment and capability but influence and material wealth who you know than what you are measured up in terms of merit, is what determines promotion. Thus, a student need not burn the night candle. 2. Corruption This is the oldest son of indiscipline. This son has grown up that it often stands shoulder to shoulder with its father indiscipline. What permeates all the stretch of our society today is how to make it quickly. Public finance meant for welfare programmes that would have stemmed the aid of mal-behaviour in our youths and adolescents gets diverted to redundant programmes or private pockets. To such extent, there is no motivation in those who should be seen to be disciplined. With empty stomach, ragged dressing, hopeless accommodation, intolerable health, there is no way a person can resist temptation. 3. Rural-urban Drift Closely related to the issue of government policy and corruption is the issue of rural-urban drift. A writer once said that everyone is a village by root. The rate, at which our youths and adolescents migrate from the serene, quiet and less atrocious life in the village to the noisy, burdensome, busy and unnecessarily over populated cities, is alarming. One identified reason for this as outright lack of basic facilities and infrastructure in our villages. Where there is any, it is often in a state of despair so grossly inadequate that no youth would see his mate coming home from the city without being tempted to taste the city. This sudden transformation from the village to city life is bound to produce unpalatable consequences. This explains why secondary school students are engaged in crimes nowadays either to be able to sustain the tempo of life in the city or in preparation to get to the city. 2.4 School Indiscipline and Academic Achievement In classroom teaching, discipline implies the control of a class to achieve desirable behaviour. The concept of school discipline and school rewards has the similar objectives of assisting students to make maximum achievement in their academic pursuits. According to Nwankwo (1991:67) discipline behaviour involves characteristics such as self-sacrifice, diligence, co-operation, integrity, consideration and sympathy for others as well as the fear of God. He goes on to say that discipline is a system of guiding the individual to make reasonable and responsible decisions. In classroom teaching, discipline means the control of a class to achieve desirable behaviour. Discipline involves self-control; a disciplined person knows and takes the right course of action. He is guided not simply by self-interest, but also by consideration of interest of others. A disciplined individual is also guided in his behaviour by moral and social principles. Factors of indiscipline that lead to low academic achievement are common with student from socio-economic status families Alumode (2002:84). This is because teachers are often prejudiced against youth from low socio-economic status families and show preferential treatment to students from high socio-economic status families Manster (2001:297). Another reason is that peer influences on low socio-economic students are often antisocial and delinquency prone, emphasizing early marriage for the girls and gang activities for the boys Conger (1993:13). Blodsoe (2005:28) believes that the quality of interaction among members of the adolescents family influence the degree of discipline and success in school work. According to him, the studies of the family relationship of bright, high-achieving students versus under-achieving high school students shows that the high achievers more often than under-achievers describe their parents as typically sharing vacation and ideas as understanding, appro ving, trusting, affection etc. encouraging (but not pressuring) with respect to achievement and over restrictive or severe in discipline. 2.5 School Rules and Regulation on Discipline The Education Act of 1999 has documented some rules and regulations that govern student discipline in Nigeria schools. It stipulates methods and procedure for minor and severe disciplinary measures such as corporal punishment, suspension and student expulsion. Rules and regulations are drawn for the orderly conduct of the school affairs. Some of them are written and others are implied and they recognised by law. Addressing the issue of rules and regulations Nwangwu (2009:142) state that: The Schools Board and individual school authorities have the right to make any reasonable rules and regulations for the orderly conduct of school affairs in the interest of the entire school and school system. The fundamental point raised above is that those provisions are made by relevant authorized bodies to direct and spell out the relationship between teachers, student and school authorities. The responsibility is therefore on every member of the school system to respect and obey the rules, as any breach must be followed by the application of appropriate disciplinary measures. The courts of law shall always put into consideration the reasonableness and constitutional right of the school rules and regulations. Rules that encroached on a constitutional right of students will invariably be invalidated by courts. 2.6 The Concept of in Loco-Parentis and its Relationship to Students Discipline In educational circle, the special relationship which exists between students and the schoolteacher regarding discipline is termed in loco-parentis. It is assumed that the teacher in performing certain roles especially as it relate to control of parental jurisdiction. According to Remmlein and Wane in Igwe (1998:82) in loco-parentis means in place of the parent, charged with some of the parents right, duties and responsibilities. The implication is that schoolteachers or authorities stand in place of parents in respect to students education and discipline. By this it is expected that teacher have the invariably contracted with parents to perform some of the duties and functions of the latter. The teacher is therefore expected to act reasonably in this capacity. In present, the teachers acting in loco-parent is to discipline an erring student, and should ensure that the punishment was done reasonably and in good faith in order to avoid costly and embarrassing court cases. The teacher should act within the limit of this principle, because according to Eferakaya (1998:17), school officials who perpetuate acts of indiscipline can no longer be protected by the in loco parentis doctrines the courts are quite convinced that the school is incapable of assuming full parental responsibilities. 2.7 Students Indiscipline and Classroom Management The International Dictionary of Education formally defines discipline as a term to describe teacher classroom control or general restraint of pupils behaviour Lingworth (2004:18) argues that coercion can never be a method of educating in the sense that where teachers tend to interpret control of threats thereby forcing students to learn what he has taught them is far behind the truth. Another interesting aspect of discipline and administrative control is the use of scientific procedures known as behaviour modification based on the learning theory developed by Skinner who advocates some technique and positive reinforcement such as using rewards to bring about and maintain desired behaviour combined with extinction behaviour i.e. weakening undesired behaviour by ignoring it or by otherwise removing its reward consequences. However, the work of Lauwerys (1999:42) is discovered to be in contrast with the scientific procedures of behaviour modification and psychodrama work of Piaget. His work on classroom management focuses attention on the teachers public demonstration that he knows what is going on, his ability to facilitate smooth transaction from one activity to another and handle movement and type of demand he makes from pupil. There is bound to be conflict when administration in school is taken to be rigid and regimentation, where students have to fear administrations rather than respect them. Fagbula (2002:80) in his work concludes that teachers rather than settle their minor matters take them to the school administrators create a problem to administrative control of schools. Bad administrative control can hinder effective discipline tone in the school. These can take the form of giving bad and inadequate food to students, ineffective teaching, bad staff behaviour, authoritarian methods of administ ration, high school rules, arrogant attitude of the school prefects, unsatisfactory curricula, poor examination results, poor communication between administrators and school pupils. 2.8 Strategies for Curbing Indiscipline It is imperative to ensure that the best behaviours and conditions are inculcates, established and maintained for effective learning to take place in our secondary schools. This can be realised if we accept that the teacher has the power to impose discipline by using some sort of power over this students. However, this is only possible to a little extent, for it to have meaningful impact it must also take into account the psychological needs and development level of the student. A well-managed school begins with thorough advance planning by the school head and the teachers. Accordingly, extrinsic and intrinsic motivation should be used, positive and negative motivation, provision and satisfaction of students need the teacher having adequate knowledge of the subject, teaching students how to learn and making them to use their time effectively. The school environment should be busy, and an active place in which the students and teachers know that they are on the same side working together to achieve something worthwhile. Such an environment is likely to establish mutual respect, and a mild reproof or expression of disappointment on the part of the teacher will enhance discipline. Cleanliness and tidiness of surrounding, not being excessively noisy or disruptive when others are working, taking care of communal property, and punctuality exhibition of normal courtesies expected by the society to be observed. The rules can be established by quite persistence and good example by the teacher. In essence, good discipline enables the sort of psychological need proposed by Maslow and others to be satisfied. This is because most disciplinary cases are as a result of unfulfilled basic needs. The teacher should look carefully at each level including the most basic psychological one of nutrition and ventilation. 2.9 Summary of the Reviewed Literature The chapter examined the concept of indiscipline as it derived from the word discipline. Discipline here means a mode of life in accordance with rules, subjected to control. Therefore, indiscipline means lack of control in the behaviour of a group of people. Relating the above to the school environment, indiscipline could be referred to as inability of a person to live in accordance with school rules and regulation; it is the breaking of rules and regulations of institution. Imperative and causes of indiscipline were discussed from the multi-dimensional perspective, which include cultism, indecent dressing, curriculum content, parental training, societal influence, corruption and rural-urban drift. Again, school indiscipline and academic achievement, which implies the control of a class to achieve desired behaviour was discussed. The chapter also examined school rules and regulations on discipline, which are drawn up to regulate school activities for the orderly conduct of the school affairs. The concept of in loco-parentis and its relationship to student discipline, which is the special relationship that exist between students and the school teacher regarding discipline, because the teacher is expected to stand in place of the parent in respect to students education and discipline. Finally, strategies of curbing indiscipline which include pedagogical, social and psychological techniques of curbing indiscipline in secondary school were proffered. CHAPTER THREE: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY This chapter presents the research methodology to be adopted for the study. It is organised under the following heading: Research Design, Population of the Study, Sample and Sampling Technique, Instrumentation, Validity of the Instrument, Administration of the Instrument, and Data Analysis Technique. 3.1 Research Design The research design adopted for this study is the descriptive survey research design, which is concerned with condition or relationships that exist and practices that prevail. Specifically, it is concerned with identified the problems of indiscipline in secondary schools in Abua/Odual Local Government Area. 3.2 Population of the Study The population of this study is 440 persons, who are teachers in the twenty-two (22) secondary schools in Abua/Odual Local Government Area. 3.3 Sample and Sampling Techniques A stratified random sampling technique was used for the study. Out of twenty-two (22) secondary schools in Abua/Odual Local Government Area, ten (10) were sampled out through the ballot system; this represents 46% of secondary schools in Abua/Odual Local Government. In each school, ten (10) teachers were randomly selected to give 100 teachers, which represent 52% of the total number of teachers in Abua/Odual Local Government Area. Thus, the sample for this study is made up of 100 respondents. 3.4 Development of Research Instrument The instrument for this study is questionnaire titled Questionnaire for Teachers on indiscipline problems (QTIP). It was developed for this study and addressed to various respondents with structured questions developed based on the objectives of the study and the literature reviewed. The instrument is divided into two (2) sections (A and B). Section A deals with the personal data of the respondents; section B sought responses to items on factors, which militate against the effective maintenance of discipline in secondary schools. The questionnaire adopted the 4-point Likert summated rating scale with values: Strongly Agree (SA) = 4; Agree (A) = 3; Disagree (D) = 2; and Strongly Disagree (SD) = 1. 3.5 Validity of the Instrument The instrument was given to the supervisor and senior lecturers in the department who are experts in educational management to examine and make corrections. They scrutinize item by item and decide its validity to elicit the necessary information needed to provide adequate answers to the research questions. The final draft of instrument was designed to reflect corrections of the experts in the department. Also the researcher ensured that the five interested research problem areas, which militate against the effective maintenance of discipline in secondary schools to ensure that it is adequate enough to measure, what is supposed to measure and ensuring that the desirable result is achieved. 3.6 Administration of the Instrument The instrument for this study was administered personally by the researcher. The completed copies were retrieved on the spot while the others were retrieved later. 3.7 Data Analysis Technique The responses was based on the 4-point Likert summated rating scale will be analysed and presented in table by means of percentages. A decision on the research questions was made to arrive at by dividing frequency of occurrence by the total number of respondents and multiplied the product by 100, that is: Frequency of occurrence x 100 Number of respondents 1 CHAPTER FOUR: PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS OF DATA In this chapter the data collected is presented and analysed as follows: Research question one: What factors are responsible for school indiscipline? Note: the following was used to analyze the work. Strongly Agree (SA) = 4 Agree (A) = 3 Disagree (D) = 2 Strongly Disagree (SD) = 1 Table 4.1 Factors of school indiscipline S/NO

The Symbolism of Hester Prynnes Appearance in The Scarlet Letter :: Essays Papers

The Symbolism of Hester Prynnes Appearance in The Scarlet Letter Throughout The Scarlet Letter, the author Nathaniel Hawthorne uses many literal and figurative items to illustrate the significance of various characters or themes. Coupled with the tangible evidence given, the reader can make many miscellaneous assumptions of the importance of these items to directly and indirectly contribute to the issues of the novel. One cryptic item that symbolizes more than it seems to is the appearance of one of the main characters, Hester Prynne. Hester Prynne's appearance and hair signify the levels of will and determination she possesses at the moment. The first example of this implication occurs at the beginning of the novel, during and before the first scaffold scene. Hester's hair is let down, shining and "so glossy that it threw off the sunshine with a gleam." This hair compliments an elegant, beautiful woman standing tall and proud. During this time, Hester's emotions, at full integrity, mirroring her appearance. When Hester is being questioned upon the scaffold, her virtue shines through when she refuses to name the partner of her sin. In the next example, Hester's pride and stature both seem to dwindle in accordance to her appearance. Within the next seven years, Hester has gone through a change both physically and emotionally. The book describes the scarlet letter to have absorbed all the rebellious and fiery qualities of Hester, leaving a cold and lonely woman, her tenderness "crushed so deeply into her heart that it can never show itself more." At the same time, Hester started "hiding" her beautiful rich hair in a cap, therefore practically eliminating her beauty and femininity. As Hester becomes less passionate internally, she becomes less passionate externally as well. The last example takes place during Hester's talk with Arthur Dimmesdale in the forest. During their emotional conversation, Hester regains her previous composure, and tries to prove to Arthur that the past can be erased. With the literal simple gestures of pulling off her scarlet letter and taking off her cap, she figuratively obliterated all that had happened before she was forced to wear the scarlet letter. Her womanliness and pride came rushing back as her hair fell back to her shoulders, becoming as she was before the scarlet letter took over her life. The Symbolism of Hester Prynnes Appearance in The Scarlet Letter :: Essays Papers The Symbolism of Hester Prynnes Appearance in The Scarlet Letter Throughout The Scarlet Letter, the author Nathaniel Hawthorne uses many literal and figurative items to illustrate the significance of various characters or themes. Coupled with the tangible evidence given, the reader can make many miscellaneous assumptions of the importance of these items to directly and indirectly contribute to the issues of the novel. One cryptic item that symbolizes more than it seems to is the appearance of one of the main characters, Hester Prynne. Hester Prynne's appearance and hair signify the levels of will and determination she possesses at the moment. The first example of this implication occurs at the beginning of the novel, during and before the first scaffold scene. Hester's hair is let down, shining and "so glossy that it threw off the sunshine with a gleam." This hair compliments an elegant, beautiful woman standing tall and proud. During this time, Hester's emotions, at full integrity, mirroring her appearance. When Hester is being questioned upon the scaffold, her virtue shines through when she refuses to name the partner of her sin. In the next example, Hester's pride and stature both seem to dwindle in accordance to her appearance. Within the next seven years, Hester has gone through a change both physically and emotionally. The book describes the scarlet letter to have absorbed all the rebellious and fiery qualities of Hester, leaving a cold and lonely woman, her tenderness "crushed so deeply into her heart that it can never show itself more." At the same time, Hester started "hiding" her beautiful rich hair in a cap, therefore practically eliminating her beauty and femininity. As Hester becomes less passionate internally, she becomes less passionate externally as well. The last example takes place during Hester's talk with Arthur Dimmesdale in the forest. During their emotional conversation, Hester regains her previous composure, and tries to prove to Arthur that the past can be erased. With the literal simple gestures of pulling off her scarlet letter and taking off her cap, she figuratively obliterated all that had happened before she was forced to wear the scarlet letter. Her womanliness and pride came rushing back as her hair fell back to her shoulders, becoming as she was before the scarlet letter took over her life.