History The American Civil War Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

History The American Civil War - Essay Example The Second Continental Congress adopted the Articles of Confederation on 15th Nov, 1777. At that point of time Congress was the sole federal governmental institution in the United States of America and final draft of the Articles empowered the Congress with various political capacities, including negotiation of diplomatic treaties, capacity of declaring war and power to solve various issues related to the Western Territories. However, the Articles of Confederation was not full proof and it just provided the Congress with highest level of legislative powers, but without any authority to execute them. The Federalists, or a group of reformers, who emerged from the American Revolutionary War, in this context, opined that the Articles were not perfect to form a powerful central state and lacked some of the most important provisions for complete governance. The biggest criticism against the Articles of Confederation was that, it did not give taxing authority to the government, rather in times of national emergency the government had to request for funds from the States. The Articles also failed to authorize government with the powers of uniform tariff imposition, granting lands and undertake the burden of unpaid debts. Another major criticism against these articles was that they did not have the balancing capacity between large and small states, when it came to legislative decision making process. Criticism of the Federalists soon proved to be true. The Treaty of Paris was signed in the year 1783 and United States gained its independence finally but the governmental structure of the newly formed nation was completely unsettled. Soon, in the aftermath period of signing the Treaty of Paris, the Revolution took place and it was followed by the collapse of continental dollar all over U.S, leading to the great economic depression. At the same time, due to its unsettled governmental structure, feasibility of the American Government was

Decision- making case study Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Decision- making case study - Essay Example The Informed Decisions Toolbox (IDT) was developed to assist managers in efficient use of six key steps in evidence-informed decision making. These steps include: framing the management question, finding sources of information, assessing the accuracy of information, assessing the applicability of information, determining the actionability of the evidence and determining whether the information is adequate. The IDT allows managers to take control of the decision making process to enhance the performance of their organizations (Rundall et al., 2007). The issue arising due to the budget cut at Medicaid requires decision making based on careful consideration. Using information from â€Å"Informed Decisions Toolbox: Tools for Knowledge Transfer and Performance Improvement† we can determine which tools would be the most appropriate to use for decision making at Medicaid. The decision making process for Medicaid would begin with framing the question. Medicaid requires selection of the most optimum mix of medical services within the prescribed budget. For this we need to understand which services yield most benefit to the stakeholders including employees, regulatory agencies, patients and payers affected by our decision, and which services are most critical for our operations and which ones can be disposed of without having a tremendous impact on the organization and its stakeholders. This step would set the foundation based on which we can proceed towards seeking the best possible solution for the problem and yield maximum benefits for all concerned. This step would provide a clear definition of the issue and also highlight what information needs to be collected. The second step would require us to find appropriate sources of information. For the situation under discussion it would be beneficial to extract useful information from sources both external and internal. This stage would

The Great Crew Change Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

The Great Crew Change - Research Paper Example This crisis which resulted into a significant gap in the workforce by both ages and experience was referred to as the great crew change. The great crew change has created major dilemmas to the oil industry as the baby boomers are currently approaching their retirement age leaving insufficient and less experienced workers to continue with the projects. This presents a possibility of losing the tribal knowledge in the sector, irrespective of how hard and vigorous the recruitment drive is done. This paper will therefore discuss the impacts of the great crew change, its scope of effect and the overall steps that have been made to mitigate the situation (Clark, Davidson, Guilford & Parry, 2006). The expected mass exodus of experienced petroleum engineers is expected to have impacts on various countries including but not excluded to the United States. The depression that affected the oil industry in the 80s and 90s affected major developed economies and this has been attributed to the experience gap that is currently witnessed in the industry. Companies operating in the oil and gas industries in different countries of the world are facing the great crew change according to a workforce forum conducted in cape town in 2008. Despite the fact that the United States statistics on workforce gap being available, the effects have been felt in other countries with some countries suffering from the knowledge gap most (Irgens, 2008). According to the Brazilian NOC petrobras, the 90s was occasioned by minimal recruitment of geoscientists and petroleum engineers. This resulted into a situation where the scientists in the company either have 10 years less experience or even more that 20 in some instances. The Indian economy and oil industry has also been affected by this phenomenon according to the Indian national oil company which believes that the perceptions that were created in the 80s and 90s pushed away potential engineers (Clark,

Configure Basic Security Controls on a Fedora Linux Server Essay Example for Free

Configure Basic Security Controls on a Fedora Linux Server Essay 1. What is GRUB and why is it important to lock it down? a. GRUB is a bootloader. It is very important to lock this down because of the high access to the kernel and how important aspects can be modified on the fly at any time during the boot up process because it is unprotected by password. 2. Discuss the purpose of granting â€Å"sudo† access. Why is it a good idea not to log in as a root user? a. It gives the person access using the sudo access, superuser capability and allows them to run programs with the security privileges of such. This can cause instability of the kernel or in the hands of a skilled individual compromise the system. 3. If a file is set with the immutable flag, what security controls does this provide for the file? a. Immutable permissions designation prevents a file from being changed, even by someone with root level access. 4. Why do you get a blank window when trying to edit grub with â€Å"vi†? a. You need the correct permissions, or the file has been moved so it is loading nothing. 5. How do you know when you log in as root? a. Terminal prompt goes from [[emailprotected] ~]$ to [[emailprotected] username]# 6. What command do you need to use to install vim? a. apt-get install vim 7. What is iptables and how does this help harden the Fedora Linux Server? a. Iptables is like a rule set or chain of rules. You can use it to basically build a firewall. 8. Why is it important to configure and enable iptables on your Fedora Linux Server? a. To help secure a Linux server that is connected to the internet. 9. What is the difference between the commands ‘cat’ and ‘less’? a. The ‘cat’ command will list everything in a file and it has the capability to merge files. Less will view the contents of a file one page at a time waiting for the user to continue. 10. What is the difference between ‘setfacl’ and ‘getfacl’? How can â€Å"setfacl† help achieve security hardening? a. setfacl set file access control lists. getfacl get file access control lists. Setfacl is used to set up ACL (Access Control Lists). The usage of ACLs offers mechanisms for setting up per-user-permissions of single filesystem objects and provides fine-grained definitions of access restrictions.

Human Development Late Adulthood and End of Life

Human Development Late Adulthood and End of Life Right from conception to the day of death, a humans life is constantly developing and changing. However, most of these changes and developments are solely caused by the diverse stages we go through as human beings. The development stages are purely determined by biological and sociological heritage encountered by human beings. There are various developmental stages in the life of a human being which need to be addressed with great care so as to mitigate the negative effects associated with aging. As we age, there are various advancements that occur in us. For instance, we are able to properly use our bodies, develop relationships, communicate and work as well as experience love. The importance of possessing adequate knowledge on ageism and stereotypes associated with it cannot be overemphasized. This is due to the fact that the unfolding of human development lifespan is the base of our problems in life. There have been widespread views on death of human beings during various points o f development. As such, religious and cultural perspectives have had different views about human development and death. Nevertheless, human life can be likened to journey where one moves from one point to another, facing various challenges and moments of joy distinct from others. Promoting health and wellness in old age Promoting health and wellness during late adulthood can be very helpful in the mitigation against negative impacts of aging. It is considered that late adulthood starts at the age of 65 years. According to experts, this stage of life can be made a lively one if individuals obtain satisfaction and meaning in life rather than disillusionment and bitterness (Miller, 2008). Similarly, people within this age bracket are advised to develop a resolution between integrity versus despair which is always in conflicts throughout ones life. Statistics has shown that about 20% of the American population is composed of people aged 65 years and above. Moreover, further studies have demonstrated that with the improved modern medical technology, there is likelihood that longer lives can be attained artificially. Furthermore, it has been proved that longevity of life is not always associated with physical and mental deterioration. Psychologists have developed various ways through which individuals can eliminate the negative consequences of aging. For example, there are two theories that have been associated with successful aging: activity theory and disengagement theory. The former relates to the fact that as people age, their involvement in the normal societal activities is advisable due to the relief from difficult responsibilities. Consequently, opportunities are opened up for the younger people leading to better benefits to the society (Miller, 2008). The latter theory contradicts the former. It emphasizes that for better adjustment to aging, earlier activities of life should be maintained. Moreover, the proponents of the theory argue that being active ensures maintenance of the normal quality of life. In addition, maintenance of activity of a complete whole: physical, mental and social, prevents negative impacts of aging. Ageism and old age stereotypes Ageism is discrimination based on age. This form of discrimination is apparent in all ages but mostly applies towards the older people. Due to this kind of prejudice, older people are compelled to retire even though they still feel fit to continue working. Ageism is associated with various stereotypes about older people. There is no particular truth associated with stereotypes and ageism. For instance, when a person makes a remark such as, He drives like a little old lady, they are making a stereotype that may not have reasonable truth. While it may be true for an elderly lady to do most of her things slowly, there are others that do not have issues with speed. In fact, they may be faster than most of people several years younger (Nelson, 2004). Scientists have proved that the peak of ones physical strength as well as endurance is attained during the twenties. Thereafter, a decline ensues though at different rates depending on individuals. When one attains the late adulthood age, diverse physiological alterations may occur. Additionally, some level of brain atrophy may occur coupled with decreased neural process rates. Other numerous body changes such as decreased efficiency of the circulatory and respiratory rates and change of the gastrointestinal system occur during old age and they have profound impacts. Similarly, diminish of the bone mass particularly on women may lead to complications like osteoporosis. Other myths and stereotypes on aging include the believe that older people are senile, that the five senses are repressed during old age, that older people have no capacity and interest in sex, that most older people have a feeling of misery most often, that about 10% of aged live in long-stay institutions, that there is tendency towards being religious during old age, that old people are poor learners and during old age illnesses are bound to increase. The number of myths and stereotypes is somewhat inexhaustible. However, the fact is that these myths do not apply on all old people (Nelson, 2004). The concept of death dying Death and dying during different levels of human development have diverse views. Immense interest has always been associated with death and dying (Corr Nabe, 2005). Innumerable views have been given by different people on the concept of death and dying. However, the society has played a central role in shaping the perceptions of the people towards death and dying during different stages of human development. From time to time, there have been changing attitudes about death. Besides the usual attitude of fear concerning death, other attitudes have emerged in the recent times. During the process of human development, changes occur on the view of death and dying. For instance, during birth, one does not have an idea of what death is. However, this changes as one advance in age. Similarly, views concerning death are varied during different stages of human development. For instance, death of a child may be regarded very inappropriate due to the loss of an unexploited human being (Corr N abe, 2005). Similarly, if one dies during the Middle Ages, it may be regarded as an intense loss due to the resources used on the person who does not benefit the society. Finally, when a person dies during old age, it may not be regarded as intense as the society has derived some benefits from them. Different cultures have varied views about death and dying. According to philosophers, understanding the reality of death and the impacts on mans life; comprehension of the fears associated with death, enables people to live their lives fully. However, the American society does not believe in the reality of death; leading to confusion among people on issues of death. During the medieval days, people are said to have had a natural approach on death. This is contrary to the todays technology age where the western people have been separated from the reality of their biology. Consequently, there has been an obscurity of death realities. Different cultural perspectives about death and dying relate to care accorded to the dead, the life after and body disposal (Corr Nabe, 2005). There are rituals performed during these times depending on culture such as cremation as in Hindu, sky burial as in Tibet and mummification in other cultures. Conclusion Humans go through various stages during their lifetime. Various developments are attained before old age. Old age can be made more interesting though maintenance of proper focus on health and wellness. Myths and stereotypes about old age lead to prejudice on the old. Cultural variability has led to diversity on concepts of death and dying.

Galatians Bible Argument Essay -- Religion, Bible, Paul

I. Introduction 1:1-9 In this opening chapter, Paul begins with a formal introduction of himself. He asserts the source from whom he obtained his apostolic call and ministry from- the risen Christ and â€Å"God the Father† (v.1). He follows with a stern rebuke of the Galatian Christians who have allowed themselves to be duped into to embracing the heretical teachings promulgated by the Judaizers. A. Salutation 1:1-5 Paul establishes his credentials forthrightly and formally. This was crucial in terms of validating the ensuing message of the epistle. His readership, as well as his critics (the Judaizers), needed to be reminded of his apostolic authority as he attacked the heresy that had taken foothold in the Galatian Christian community. Denunciation 1:6-10 For Paul, the subversive teaching of the Judaizers warranted the pronouncement of a curse (i.e., anathema). The fact that Paul repeats the â€Å"anathema† in v.9 speaks to the seriousness of the offense. Clearly, this was a situation that required more than a mere reprimand. Thus, the apostle is not concerned with being socially lauded, esteemed, etc. The transgression was egregious and the consequences should be as well. II. Personal: Paul’s Credentials 1:11-2-2:21 Paul reasserts the authenticity and authority of his apostleship in this section. He does so by describing the unique manner by which he was called to into the Lord’s service (cf. Acts 9:1- 18). Years subsequent to the apostle’s special call (i.e., 3 and 14 years, respectively), he met some of the other apostles (i.e., Peter, James). It was crucial that Paul reassert and defend his divine appointment so that his message to the deceived Galatian believers would be regarded as legitimately apostolic and thus authorative. ... ...cerning the intent of the Law, sonship vs. slave status, the Law vs. liberty in Christ, and the practical manifestation of justification evidenced in the production of spiritual fruit as the believer â€Å"walks by the Spirit†. Perhaps the passage that best represents the message of this theologically robust epistle is Gal. 2:16a which reads, â€Å"nevertheless knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the Law but through faith in Christ Jesus†. This is the message that Paul asserts from his introductory comments in chapter one to his closing comments in chapter six. Moreover, Christians today will avoid the mistake of the Galatian Christians provided that we continue standing firm in the grace of our Lord Jesus. We must always be mindful of the fact that it is Jesus who is the author of our salvation (Heb 2:10)- the author and perfector of faith (Heb. 12:2).

Mill on Liberty

John Stuart Mill’s On Liberty is an intellectual discussion on just how far society’s reach can influence and direct the actions of individuals. Mills required several criteria to evaluate the discussion of cigarette advertising, its impact, and whether it is a health issue. His work can be summarized into the following points:1. An individual has the right to act as he wants as long as their actions do not harm others.2. Society has no right to intervene if the individual is only directing his actions upon himself.3. Children and those less civilized would be exempt. (In other words these two groups are deemed to require guidance).4. Everyone is entitled to free speech regardless if that speech is erroneous.5.   Debate is necessary to find truth.6.   We must protect the ability to choose.Mills would have no issue with cigarette advertising. Under his philosophy the manufacturers of cigarettes and those advertising for cigarettes would be entitled to do so. What Mil ls would argue is that although these companies have the right to free speech they would have to tell what the health costs of cigarette consumption as documented by every major health agency. Mills would propose that cigarettes be taxed and the individual be warned of associated health issues from cigarette consumption.If the individual is properly educated about the risks and still decides to purchase and consume cigarettes, according to Mills the individual will have assumed all the risk because the individual has  been educated about the risks of cigarette consumption and has still decided to pursue that action in spite of that knowledge.Mills’ decision would not solely be based upon whether the issue is health related or an issue of free speech regarding cigarette manufacturer’s ability to have their product advertised. Mills would take into account all aspects and produce a judgment. His utilitarian philosophy is never separate from any of his decisions and is expressed, â€Å"†¦ one must always act so as to produce the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people (Mill 59-74).†Following this logic cigarette advertising would be accepted; the cigarette advertising would have constraints such as proper disclosure of the health risks associated with cigarette consumption – in other words no deceptions. If, in spite of this information regarding cigarettes, the individual still makes a decision to use cigarettes, Mills would conclude that it is within the individuals’ power to control their actions, so if anything detrimental happened to them, they were fully aware of the consequences.What Mills would argue is that it would be wrong to influence children and others not qualified to properly take care of themselves. Constraints such as cigarette tax, proof of age would be acceptable as constraints because they do not infringe upon an individuals right to choose. The production of proof would be viewed as an i ndication that the individual understands the risks and willing to assume the risks associated with cigarette consumption.The cigarette producer requests that cigarettes be advertised. The advertisement would conform and give the risks inherent with cigarette consumption. In recognition of the risks, certain constraints such as requirement of understanding the health risks and proof that one is of legal age to understand these risks, Mills would have no issue.Mills would have issue if the individual wasn’t told of the health risks in the cigarette advertising. Mills would have issue if the cigarette manufacturers and cigarette advertisers forced individuals to consume cigarettes. Mills would have further issue if the individual was told he couldn’t  choose or would have a choice either way – to choose to use cigarettes or to choose not to use cigarettes based upon advertising.Mills would advocate that if cigarette manufacturers, advertisers did not provide the means (information, education, relevant disclosure) they should be punished. Applicable laws, fines and imprisonment would be considered.  These judgments would be considered because the manufacturer and advertiser would knowingly be inflicting pain upon the individual by not disclosing the health risks associated from consuming cigarettes and the advertising of the product.Simply, â€Å"†¦ the only purpose for which power can be rightfully exercised over any member of a civilized community, against his will, is to prevent harm to others (68).† Because harm would come to the individual without proper information, the prevailing judgment would be to enforce a law so as to cause other manufacturers of cigarettes and their advertisers to rightfully inform the individual. Also, â€Å"†¦ each is the proper guardian of his own health, whether bodily, or mental or spiritual (71-72).†The process of discussing the effects and how cigarettes affected the individual would be rigorously encouraged by Mills. â€Å"We can never be sure that the opinion we are endeavouring to stifle is a false opinion; and if we were sure, stifling it would be an evil still (76-77).† Further, Mills would argue that the opinion regarding cigarettes couldn’t be suppressed anyway because others’ opinions around the world would exist.Cigarette advertising would be viewed rather positively. The advertising would pose a forum to discuss the benefits and risks – whether physical, mental or spiritual. The reason would be many areas of argument would be heard, and out of this an ability to judge for one’s own self would become evident. As further proof and evidence would become clear, the benefits and risks would also become clear. The individual then would be able to decide ultimately for himself.As it is known the health effects of cigarette consumption, Mills would impose a tax based upon utility. That is, cigarette consumption is used by some. Since some derive some benefit from cigarettes  they should be allowed to do so. Indeed, Mills would view the attempt to prevent an individual from whether to choose to consume cigarettes, even with the health risks explained as an attempt to prevent the ability to choose. Mills would take into account these health risks and place a tax on the product. This tax in turn could further the education about cigarette consumption and quite possibly be put to further the research into cigarettes.The health issue of cigarettes would provide a great forum for debate because through debate the raw essence of truth would surface. The raw truth, not society’s truth, your neighbor’s truth or another form of spoon-fed truth, but the raw truth would reveal itself. It is this raw proof through debate that Mills would have humanity embrace. It is through the, â€Å"†¦ Complete liberty of contradicting and disproving our opinion, is the very condition which justifies us in assuming its truth for purposes of action; and on no other means can a being with human faculties have any rational assurance of being right (79).†Mills would state further that the validity of health issues associated with cigarette consumption would stand the test of time. That is regardless of who said what, evidence to support the health risks associated with cigarette consumption would be consistent regardless of who wants to test the validity. The testers would find the same evidence and would come to the same conclusions. There would be no reason to inflict one’s will to assume the truth. The government would not need to intervene because the individual would be aware and educated to what the benefits or risks of cigarettes and cigarette advertising.Mills would also justify that if cigarettes were advertised and sold to minors or those who are not yet old enough to form an opinion that the sellers of cigarettes would be punished under the law. The reason is t hat he would view this as a form of slavery – slavery or imprisonment of one’s ability to be properly educated and the ability to freely choose. Mills would argue those minors or those not yet old enough or have sufficient maturity are not quite capable of making a strong mental decision.Therefore, the cigarette manufacturers’ and their advertisers would be in violation of not disclosing what they know, that is the associated health risks of cigarettes.  Mills would also view those who consumed cigarettes in the presence of others who didn’t consume cigarettes equally unjustifiable. Mills would state that the happiness of the individual who did not consume cigarettes as being infringed upon and his ability to choose whether to be around another individual and knowing or not knowing the consequences of such action would not nullify the existence of those actions and thus infringe upon that individuals ability to remove himself from possible health risks. Mills would further argue because another individual inflicted harm upon another then certain fines or other punishment would be enforced. This would also involve cigarette manufacturers and their advertisers. Mills would include fine, imprisonment or other penalties if those parties did not disclose information that they had available that was relevant and affected the individual.Mills methodical approach would be applied to every situation. He would ask the same questions regarding any problem. As applied to cigarette advertising Mills would ask, ‘Who does this affect?’ If this affects individuals negatively, he would say, â€Å"This is bad for the good of individuals so the cigarette advertisers should be fined or imprisoned because they are harming others (119).†If cigarette advertisers were to publicly announce that cigarettes are horrible and pose numerous health risks and the individual still chose to consume cigarettes, then that is the individuals choice and society should not intervene The reason is simple: the individual armed with the knowledge that cigarette consumption poses health risks and is dangerous and still continues to pursue this task, then that individual has been warned. Since that individual has been warned they take and assume all responsibility for their actions.Mills’ logic would not stop there. Mills would require that the individual who consumes cigarettes, as a result of cigarette advertising, be truly and wholeheartedly aware of what consequences this course of action may bring. Further, if those individuals were not mature or mentally aware, fines  or imprisonment against cigarette advertisers’ and their manufacturers would be at the core of justifiable punishment.Mills was concerned with the ability of the individual to choose. If the individual was not able to choose regardless of whether that choice was considered wrong then that individual’s liberty would be taken away. As such, s ociety would impress upon the individual its choice and deny that individual any means of exploring that option for themselves.At heart of this ability to choose is necessary debate. Debate and intellectual discussion at its core would disclose assumptions and get at raw truth. The truth has to be, â€Å"†¦fully, frequently, and fearlessly discussed (96-97).† Or else it would not be,†Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ a living truth (97).†No one from society to other individuals including the individuals themselves should impose any thought or action that would deprive them of their freedom. Freedom in the sense that the â€Å"†¦individual can pursue their own good in their own way (71-72)†, and not â€Å"†¦attempt to deprive others of theirs, or impede their efforts to obtain it (71-72).†Mills would view cigarette advertising from all positions. It would not be sufficient to just argue on point and then conclude that to be the truth. Mills would argue that if c igarette advertisers and their manufacturers did not disclose any relevant risks associated with the consumption of cigarettes then they should face penalties because those agencies would be denying individuals necessary information that affects their well-being.Mills also would view any issue of health as a matter of disclosure. Inevitably some individuals would say they benefit from cigarette consumption. Mills would say those individuals are willing to take the risks and also say they benefit from cigarettes. Society should not impose any restrictions on their ability to choose. However, since cigarettes and cigarette advertising have health risks, they needto be taxed. Taxation would not be viewed as a prohibitive measure on an individual’s ability to choose rather as a means to ensure that those who manufacturer and advertise cigarettes understand their role in providing the individual with proper disclosure. Payment through taxation would be a means to accomplish this t ask.Utilitarianism is considered at every step of the decision making process. Utilitarianism would not be viewed as a separate thought process or as a separate means at arriving at a decision. Utilitarianism would state that the taxation imposed upon cigarettes is not prohibitive to the individual. Rather it is prohibitive to the manufacturer in that it forces them to disclose the health risks or face further penalties outside of taxation.Regardless of the argument presented – if cigarette advertising is wrong, it wouldn’t only be a matter of free speech, a health issue or would utility help in explaining, Mills would state that it is the argument that enables the truth to be told. It is with constant debate that this truth would finally be realized.Not the truth as we would want it, imagine it, think it or have it told to us; pure truth. It is the freedom to be able to discuss that truth, to be able to think through the steps to arrive at that truth, and the ability after the truth is found not to enforce that truth on anyone unless that individual intended to harm another with that truth. It is with this truth that we as human beings can be better and achieve great things.Works CitedMill, J.S. On Liberty. London: Penguin Books Ltd., 1974.