The role of anti-semitism for the final solution essays

The role of anti-semitism for the final solution essays The stage was being set throughout Europe in the late 19th century with anti-Semitism running in the veins of most Germans and other European nations. This answer to the Jewish Question was to be addressed by Heydrich and Himmler at the Wannsee conference in their Final Solution. At the turn of the 19th century, much of the common outlook of Jews in populist Germany held the belief that all economic woes of the times were due to the prevalence of Jewish businesses. Many Germans held the belief that one day, the Jews will rise up and dominate Germany and cast out any traditional German values. One of the first anti-Semitic rises came out of rural Germany through Otto Boeckel who had believed that Jews were the blood enemies of Christ (Weiss p.99). Jews were the major moneylenders for many rural Germans who, during the 1870s, suffered through a depression. Many had lost their land and others had to go to Jews for loans with outlandishly high interest when banks would turn them away due to high risk. In cities, many independent retail establishment owners were big supporters of the anti-Semitic rallies. Jews started mass retail stores that could out sell and outbid many prices of family run businesses in Germany. This caused many family businesses t o go into bankruptcy. Glagau, Stoecker, Boeckel, and Marr were just some of the voices speaking for populist Germany. Nationalism and elections were the major concerns among the German elite in the late 1800s. It was a feeling within the German elite that Jews had other motives that did not include an allegiance to Germany. With so many international ties, how can Jews be true to the German culture? Anti-Semitism became an essential component of a German nationalist. Reversing the rights of Jews was a priority of Conservatives. Conservatives embraced and underscored anti-Semitism when it served them best. Conservatives found that...

Non-Member Countries of the United Nations

Non-Member Countries of the United Nations Although most of the worlds 196 countries have joined forces to tackle global issues like global warming, trade policy, and human rights and humanitarian issues through joined the United Nations as U.N. member states, two countries are not members of the U.N.: Palestine and the Holy See (Vatican City). Both, however, are considered Non-member States of the United Nations, which means they have permanent invitations to participate as observers of the General Assembly and are provided free access to documents of the United Nations. Although not specifically dictated in provisions of the United Nations, the non-member permanent observer status has been recognized as a matter of practice in the U.N. since 1946 when the Swiss Government was given the status by the Secretary-General. More often than not, permanent observers later join the United Nations as full members when their independence has been recognized by more members and their governments and economy have stabilized enough to be able to provide financial, military or humanitarian support for international initiatives of the United Nations. Palestine Palestine currently operates on a Permanent Observer Mission of the State of Palestine to the United Nations because of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict and its subsequent fight for independence. Until such a time as the conflict is resolved, though, the United Nations cannot allow Palestine to become a full member because of a conflict of interest with Israel, which is a member state. Unlike other conflicts in the past, namely Taiwan-China, the United Nations favors a two-state resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict wherein both states emerge from the battle as independent nations under a peaceful pact. If this does happen, Palestine would almost certainly be accepted as a full member of the United Nations, though that depends on member states votes during the next General Assembly. The Holy See (Vatican City) The independent papal state of 771 people (including the Pope) was created in 1929, but they have not chosen to become part of the international organization. Still, Vatican City currently operates in the United Nations as a Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See to the U.N. Essentially, this just means that the Holy See- which is separate from Vatican City State - has access to all parts of the United Nations but does not get to cast a vote in the General Assembly, largely because of the Popes preference to not immediately affect international policy. The Holy See is the only fully independent nation to choose not to be a member of the United Nations. States Without Non-member Observer Status Unlike the U.N.s official permanent observers, these states are not recognized by the U.N. However, they are recognized as independent states by some of the U.N.s members. Name Recognized By Kosovo 102 U.N. member states Western Sahara 44 U.N. member states Taiwan 16 U.N. member states South Ossetia 5 U.N. member states Abkhazia 5 U.N. member states Northern Cyprus 1 U.N. member state Kosovo Kosovo declared independence from Serbia  on February 17, 2008, but has not gained complete international recognition to allow it to become a member of the United Nations. Still, at least one member country of the U.N. recognizes Kosovo as capable of independence, though it technically still remains part of Serbia, acting as an independent province. However, Kosovo is not listed as an official non-member state of the United Nations, though it has joined the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, which are two other international communities focused more on international economy and global trade rather than geopolitical issues. Kosovo does hope to one day join the United Nations as a full member, but political unrest in the region, as well as the ongoing United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), have kept the country from political stability to the degree required to join as a functioning member state. Today, Kosovo is recognized by 102 U.N. members. Taiwan In 1971 the Peoples Republic of China (mainland China) replaced Taiwan (also known as the Republic of China) in the United Nations, and to this day the status of Taiwan remains in limbo because of political unrest between those claiming Taiwanese independence and PRCs insistence on control over the entire region. The General Assembly has not fully extended the non-member state status of Taiwan since 2012 because of this unrest. Unlike Palestine, however, the United Nations does not favor a two-state resolution and has subsequently not offered non-member status to Taiwan as to not offend the Peoples Republic of China, which is a member state. Today, Taiwan is recognized by 16 U.N. members.

How could pivotal events in America have turned out differently Argue Essay

How could pivotal events in America have turned out differently Argue for an alternate history into the present using evidence - Essay Example as popular with the troops in Korea, he believed that with his command of the UN forces, and US support, he had autonomy from the American government (Pak 42). Truman viewed the war as a war against North Korea while MacArthur observed it as a confrontation with both North Korea and China. By 1950, the General began contemplating of the notion of utilizing nuclear strikes because the Chinese kept their forces closely together and thus vulnerable to air strikes (Malkasian 5). The idea of utilizing A-Bombs would have resulted in the successful detonation of 28 atomic bombs and thus would have changed the course of history in reference to the war. With various regions in Korea bombarded by nuclear weapons, the Korean War would end as a result, for various reasons. During the war, Chinese forces were closely knit together, and an airstrike would alleviate any actions they had planned. In the 1950s, the Chinese government lacked the ability to develop nuclear weapons and thus did not possess any atomic bombs. Therefore, Communist China would surrender in view of preventing a nuclear strike in their homeland. The main concern for the American government would be the Soviet Union as they also developed nuclear weapons at the time, which had the potential to cause tremendous problems (Dijk, Ruud van et al. 37). Consequently, with United States and Soviet Union utilizing weapons of mass destruction, nuclear weapons would turn out to be conventional weapons of combat by numerous countries around the globe. Therefore, in a world where the Soviet Union developed atomic Bombs, such a pursuit of victory would have resulted in World War III due to the wide spread of atomic bombs. As nuclear weapons would play a significant role in the WWIII, traditional bombings, infantry matches and armor offenses would typify the warfare. The effects of the A-Bomb would have various ramifications of a political nature internationally and in the United States. The utilization of the atomic

The Business Cycle & Policy Response in France Coursework

The Business Cycle & Policy Response in France - Coursework Example In 2000, France growth was close to 3%, its unemployment fell twice, and when compared to Europe it was a 1.5-percentage decline for France versus 0.7-percentage in Europe. The introduction of the single currency marked the period of strong growth. From this, we conclude that, in the last twenty years, it is evident that the periods of falling unemployment always coincided with periods of strong economic growths (French Ministry of youth affairs, 2007:4). A fall in a country's GDP relates to contraction in the economy, when the country does not show any improvement in the GDP it may result in an economy recession. Reasons may be due to inflation, or massive unemployment in the country, a rise in the GDP conforms to an expansion, stability of a country s currency, a peak relates to a continuous rise in the country’s GDP (Trading Economics.com, 2005:4). All forces of supply and demand affect business cycle. The availability of capital does boost a healthy expansion a rise in the price of assets at this point leads to inflation, the stock market then rectifies this by creating fear and contraction(About.com, 2001:1). A rise in GDP signals an expansion in the business cycle whereas a fall in the GDP signals a contraction. Reports show that the GDP of France expanded 1.6%in the second quarter of 2011. Historically France annual GDP growth was1.9% its highest observed in 1988 at 4.9%, a record low was -3.90% in march 2009. Judging the country's  state  at this point of the cycle, it will be  right  to  say  France’s economy is in  contraction.  We look at France in 2009, where its GDP shrank by 1.2% in the first quarter, however, this  was counteracted  by a 3% in the third quarter, another  fall  was recorded  1.5% in the final quarter.  The  recession  observed when we experienced two quarters of negative growth. In 2008 president, Nicholas Sarkozy gave a speech in Toulon he thought that there was the need to rethink the  entire  world’s financial system in  connection  to the economic crisis that the world faced. The president stated that what France was facing at that time was an economic recession and that it was a long-term problem. According to the latest  data  the French economy contracted, a 0.3% in the 2nd quarter in the year 2008, from the  previous  data economists concluded that the two quarters recorded negative growths. These data raised fears of a further recession in the economy.  This recession resulted in the rise in unemployment and a  struggle  in households to try to beat the recession (France 24, 2008:1). We  further  look at the  fiscal  policy and how it functions in stabilizing the  economic  fluctuation. How this is a  solution  to the recession problem?  According to Weil,  fiscal  policy involves utilising of government

Persuasive Letter to Hon Tony Clement Essay Example for Free

Persuasive Letter to Hon Tony Clement Essay Clearly, there are supporters and opposition concerning using human eggs for stem cell research. However, it is my opinion that when the donor does so of their own free will, this should be allowed by law. In fact, with minimal studies results indicate that stem cells are vital in the future cures of many diseases that plague our nation –and the world. Personally, I believe donating human eggs for stem cell research should be as common as giving blood. Women are permitted to donate eggs for in vitro-fertilization; therefore, I feel there is little to no difference in donating for stem cell research. If there is any indication of a difference it is in the number of lives that can be saved through this much needed research. Furthermore, there are no increased health risks poses to women who donate eggs, according to a report commissioned by the California Institute of Regenerative Medicine (Medical News Today, 2007). The Bedford Stem Cell Research Foundation has made available a large amount of information on the social, political and medical aspects of donation and research. However, when reviewing this information, I find the opposition most often base claims against stem cell research on the interference of egg use for other research needs (Romney, 2006). If more people would educate themselves on the positives of stem cell research, they would clearly see that egg donation is a gift. It is a gift that works in much the same way as organ or blood donation. In concluding, I ask that you think of those who are watching their loved ones suffer from ailments such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease. Imagine the differences such advancements can make in the lives of so many who would otherwise be facing turmoil and the end of their days. Is it not worth it to allow women to give freely of themselves to save the lives of others?

The Poweful Writing of Henry David Thoreau :: Biography

Why was Henry David Thoreau such a wonderful writer? He had many great qualities, but the most important were his devotion to nature and writing, his desire for independence, and his experiences he encountered throughout his life. Henry David Thoreau looked to nature as the basis of life and writing. He believed that nature is the reflection of inner spiritual reality. He spent his life in search of the essentials of reality and of experiences that would bring him close to these essentials. He lived in a hut for two years at Walden Pond to rid his body of inessential things. During Thoreau's stay, he completed his first book titled, A Week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers(1849). Here, he also filled his journals with materials for his most famous piece, Walden. After he left the hut, and after college, he became a literary apprentice by writing essays and poems and by helping edit the transcendentalist journal, The Dial. When success did not come, Thoreau remained dedicated to his program of "education" through intimacy with nature, and also through writing that would express this experience. It was his life in nature that was his great theme. In order for Thoreau to write so much on nature he had to be familiar with it. His knowledge of the woods and fields, of the rivers, the ponds, and swamps, of every plant and animal was outstanding. Emerson even stated, "His power of observation seemed to indicate additional senses." Thoureau wrote a book titled Walden(1854) in which the theme of it was the relationship to the order and beauty of nature in the human mind. This book consists of records of Thoreau's stay at Walden Pond. Thoreau's love and devotion to nature and his writing was a key to his excellence in writing. Henry David Thoreau also felt that individualism was a great necessity to his writing style. In his piece of literature titled "Civil Disobedience", he expressed his belief in the power and the obligation of the individual to determine right from wrong, independent of the dictates of society. Thoreau's friends agreed with his views, but few practiced it in their own lives as consistently as he. Thoreau demonstrated his idea of independence in many ways. He worked for pay intermittently, he made relationships with many of the towns outcasts, he never married, he signed off from the First Parish Church rather than be taxed automatically to support it every year, and he lived alone in the woods for two years, in seclusion. His nearest neighbor was at least a mile away. While he was living independently in the woods, he thought of many new The Poweful Writing of Henry David Thoreau :: Biography Why was Henry David Thoreau such a wonderful writer? He had many great qualities, but the most important were his devotion to nature and writing, his desire for independence, and his experiences he encountered throughout his life. Henry David Thoreau looked to nature as the basis of life and writing. He believed that nature is the reflection of inner spiritual reality. He spent his life in search of the essentials of reality and of experiences that would bring him close to these essentials. He lived in a hut for two years at Walden Pond to rid his body of inessential things. During Thoreau's stay, he completed his first book titled, A Week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers(1849). Here, he also filled his journals with materials for his most famous piece, Walden. After he left the hut, and after college, he became a literary apprentice by writing essays and poems and by helping edit the transcendentalist journal, The Dial. When success did not come, Thoreau remained dedicated to his program of "education" through intimacy with nature, and also through writing that would express this experience. It was his life in nature that was his great theme. In order for Thoreau to write so much on nature he had to be familiar with it. His knowledge of the woods and fields, of the rivers, the ponds, and swamps, of every plant and animal was outstanding. Emerson even stated, "His power of observation seemed to indicate additional senses." Thoureau wrote a book titled Walden(1854) in which the theme of it was the relationship to the order and beauty of nature in the human mind. This book consists of records of Thoreau's stay at Walden Pond. Thoreau's love and devotion to nature and his writing was a key to his excellence in writing. Henry David Thoreau also felt that individualism was a great necessity to his writing style. In his piece of literature titled "Civil Disobedience", he expressed his belief in the power and the obligation of the individual to determine right from wrong, independent of the dictates of society. Thoreau's friends agreed with his views, but few practiced it in their own lives as consistently as he. Thoreau demonstrated his idea of independence in many ways. He worked for pay intermittently, he made relationships with many of the towns outcasts, he never married, he signed off from the First Parish Church rather than be taxed automatically to support it every year, and he lived alone in the woods for two years, in seclusion. His nearest neighbor was at least a mile away. While he was living independently in the woods, he thought of many new

Melodrama in British Cinema Essay

In studying melodrama as a genre we can note that this term has a link to cinematic â€Å"realism†. The term realism is used by many writers as a basis to which other cinematic forms can be compared or contrasted. This also includes melodrama. Moreover, what may constitute realism is somewhat recognizably associated to its historical background. Hollywood refers to it is ‘relationship films’. One can define cinematic realism as being the presentation of â€Å"a coherent reality in which individual identity is clear and in which characters’ actions are goal-oriented, motivating a formulaic plot pattern.† (Byars 1991: 107) Moreover, this coherence is aimed at creating an image of [clearness], with the intention of presenting film not as a constructed product, but as a believable recording of things are (ibid. : 27) This type of mood in British film was shown in wartime productions. Christine Gledhill, in her prominent book Home is Where the Hear is (1987), establishes the link between melodrama and the bourgeois revolutions during the 18th century. Primarily, the plays were meant to entertain the aristocrat elite as manifested in their defined dialogue that portrays the standards and ideas of the upper class. Soon after, their has been a growing urban audience, categorized by the ‘middle class’ including the industrial working-class, who equally insisted on the same amount of entertainment which later paved the way to the realization of ‘folk’ art and other popular traditions such as â€Å"dumb show, pantomime, harlequinade, ballets, spectacles, acrobatics, clowning, busking, the exhibition of animals and freaks, and, above all, musical accompaniment and song† (Glendhill 1987) Antonia Lant, a renowned writer for Women’s roles in Cinema, once stated that modern-day critics advocate British cinema improved and made use of a new form of realism in order to â€Å"produce films without false emotion or sentimental heroics† (1991: 14). He further suggested that there has been a widespread perception that British thoughts and ideas could be expressed and represented only by realism (ibid. : 34)Melodrama has been an important subject for film and media studies since it deals primarily with ‘popular culture’. This focus on what is popular suited the theme of the film against more traditional academic views of ‘high culture’. This is also associated more with the feminine rather than masculine issues. That is why the term â€Å"melodramatic† is often used in abusive form for it may relate to a dramatic movie scene or behaviour in real life. The discussion of this genre’s relation with women will be further discussed in this write-up. Melodrama deal mainly with emotional conflict, much of it focused around family and sexual relationships. Since most of the elements of melodrama are presented in almost all cinematic genres, melodrama as a stand-out type of cinema is quite hard to define in precision and accuracy. To understand this fully, it can be divided into several sub-genres. Raymond Henry Williams, a Welsh academic, novelist and critic, classifies melodrama within the genre; the â€Å"earlier and always numerically common ‘costume epic’, people by pirates, bandits, soldiers, and ‘historical’ figures of all kinds† (1983: 16). Conversely, family melodrama and romance are sub-genres that can be considered in these films. The emblematic forms of this type of drama have been the issue in the analysis and understanding of film studies. In some aspect, this is because of the feminist criticism to ‘reclaim’ the area of ‘women films’ which was once neglected and given less emphasis. The reproachful usage of that term among the male-dominated ‘critical brotherhood’ which Haskell states refers to â€Å"a term used by primarily male academia, it infers that women’s experience and emotions are â€Å"of minor significance†Ã¢â‚¬  (1987: 154). The perspective that the body of melodrama solely focuses on the experience and intended for an audience of women has strongly been discounted in within the patriarchal set-up. Further to note that this type of genre which is intended for female audience is of significance to various writers. One of the major concerns â€Å"is whether the films expose the contradictions of masculinity, dominant male society (Gledhill 1987: 10) and women’s roles and places in the society, or if â€Å"they merely reinforce the dominant ideology† (Lehman 1980: 2.) Byars points out that the â€Å"struggle over [the production of] gender films† must be evaluated; it is not solely a way of showing discourse to the dominant ideology or its creation with the influential patriarchal system, â€Å"serving solely to reinforce patriarchal patterns† (1991: 6). With this, it can be said that gender in all common understanding is an area of discussion, not merely perceiving it as either conforming or deviating to dominant ideological standpoints. Melodrama â€Å"provides a significant index to cultural aspirations, dreams, and fantasies† (Landy 1991: 189) especially shown in the films made by Gainsborough, a British film studio, where it is noted that they particularly â€Å"constitute a unique contribution to women’s representation† further stating that they also â€Å"touched on everyday conflicts concerning women’s experience† (ibid. : 195). Writer and researcher Marcia Landy also expressed on the manner with which â€Å"the form of the melodrama costume allows the expression of ideas that could not otherwise be raised in a cinema context. † (1991: 196) In a quote she made from Harper that says that the films’ â€Å"popularity can be in part explained by their representation of a female sexuality denied expression through conventional social forms and signifying systems† (Landy 1991: 196). Landy is noted for her work that discusses about historical films, films of empire, war films, melodrama, comedy, science fiction and social problem films; and changing attitudes towards class, national identity, sexuality, and gender (Princeton University Press). Although the portrayal of women in the movies are those that involved â€Å"rebellious females,† â€Å"conflicts over class and status, and, above all, the quest of the female characters for adventure† (Landy 1991: 196); it is also in these films that women are seen to be divided and bear clashes with one another. On the other hand, Landy generalizes that the men are oftentimes portrayed as antagonistic, cruel, or domineering. Women in Britain during those times were faced with various environmental factors that somehow contributed to the inspiration of the melodramatic films. Such factors are the employment of women where they were engaged in occupations ranging from factory and white-collar work (Bruley 1999: 101-102). Also, there has been some suggestions that although women did not gain a simplistic â€Å"liberation as a result of this work, a greater degree of liberation was achieved (ibid. : 93). Writer, Sue Bruley, further asserts that during this period sexuality became much more evident. Divorce was also an important issue; the hardships in this historical perspective suggested that women felt â€Å"a kind of yearning, a moment when [they] were desirous of greater freedom† (1996: 91) but unfortunately unable to satisfy. â€Å"There was however a large rise in the divorce rate at the end of the war† (Summerfield 1995: 314). European melodrama is concerned with expressing the struggles involving class, race, and gender issues. Melodrama has always appealed to the broad and diverse audiences, extending from the lower classes to all sectors of the middle class, and other times even the members of the aristocracy. On the contrary, as Sergej Baluchatyj implies, it invariably works with â€Å"any group of spectators whose hearts are open to such affecting emotional experience. † (Baluchatyj:00) He further adds, that such primitive spectators, constitute an extremely broad group, even their range of emotions is limited. Due to its wholesome aesthetic appeal as well as its origins in the â€Å"illegitimate† theater of post revolutionary France, melodrama is widely considered an inherent democratic genre (Gledhill 1987). Melodrama served as the genre of choice of the historical voiceless and with that has been the tool used to discuss problems involving class conflicts. It was also a diversion to the people to be entertained despite the chaos such as the economic problems of the Depression and other social conflicts. Like class, race, and ethnicity, gender also played role in the establishment of melodrama as a genre. Although it is said that melodrama must not often be related to a woman genre, but the centrality of emotion and feeling as shown for moral value continue to tie melodrama to the feminine realm. We may then be able to conclude that melodrama can be perceived as a genre vulnerable to breaking codes – not only of gender or sexual orientation, but also of ethnicity and social class. This has served as way for women to freely express emotions that are not privileged for the male counterpart. In conclusion, the decline of British melodrama has affected women in the sense that their once dominated genre no longer became the avenue where they can portray their dreams and aspirations. The statement of Landy suggested that the films were able to function as escapism; however they can still capture the â€Å"everyday conflicts concerning women’s experiences† (1991: 195). One major criterion of melodrama is on how the twist of the story and the ending would go. For the American cinema it revolves around a ‘happy ending’ in comparison to Europeans who are perceived to be ‘over sentimental’. The Japanese and Chinese melodrama projects their strict codes of honor and with the inevitability of defeat and destruction, in contrast to the ‘bittersweet’ taste of the Austrian stories. In Britain, however, there seem to be some ‘repressed emotion’ that lead to a sudden outburst from the usual restrained characters. But in the most basic level, melodrama is mainly concerned with only two features: expressive style, and concern in personal relationships. Melodrama is further considered as a form of facilitating the recognition of contemporary issues in most of their films. Overall, Landy’s other statement says that the narratives involved conflicts over class, status, and above all, the quest of the female characters for adventure (ibid. : 196). The melodrama films encompass conflicts on status, gender, and other social issues and thus this is a way of viewing the events in ones life through film. The dominant feeling of feeling of earlier times that marriage is more of exploitation than equality is very well represented in the melodramatic films that in some way they acquired the feeling of vindication just by knowing that filmmakers understand their predicament. To show that marriage is a thing to be escaped from, and avoided by the inexperienced. This movie theme can be perceived as link to the present discourse of divorce and the probability of women to gain independence. At that time British women are not privileged of a vote. Once they get married, their legal personalities were assumed into that of their husbands. Not many received education, and they were discriminated against and were underpaid in their workplace. All these contributed to the longing of wanting to be heard. Ironically in some cases, the show of emotions is restricted while they go about their daily lives. The cinema is then a way for all of these to surface. The culminating emotion that is normally felt in melodramatic movies is the one with a happy-ending especially to the romance narrative, wherein women are given the hope to strive for another day. It is not always hardships that they experience during those times, but since there is a great divide between the places of women and men in the society that these movies provided a channel for women to relay their circumstances. In some extent, these types of movies go beyond entertainment. They also played a role in the shaping of ones culture.

Research paper about Marijuana Essay

Marijuana marijuana or marihuana, drug obtained from the flowering tops, stems, and leaves of the hemp plant, Cannabis sativa (see hemp) or C. indica; the latter species can withstand colder climates. It is one of the most commonly used drugs in the world, following only caffeine, nicotine, and alcoholic beverages in popularity. In the United States, where it is usually smoked, it also has been called weed, grass, pot, or reefer. The Plant C. sativa grows as a common weed in many parts of the world, and drug preparations vary widely in potency according to climate, cultivation, and method of preparation. Mexico, Paraguay, and the United States are the top marijuana-producing nations worldwide. C. indica is a shorter, hardier variety with rounded blue-green leaves, grown in Afghanistan for hashish. Most marijuanas grown in the United States since the late 1980s are hybrids of the two and yield a much more potent product than the marijuana of the past. The resin found on flower clusters and top leaves of the female plant is the most potent drug source and is used to prepare hashish, the highest grade of cannabis. The bud of the female plant, called sinsemilla, is the part most often smoked as marijuana. The Drug The effects of marijuana vary with its strength and dosage and with the state of mind of the user. Typically, small doses result in a feeling of well-being. The intoxication lasts two to three hours, but accompanying effects on motor control last much longer. High doses can cause tachycardia, paranoia, and delusions. Although it produces some of the same effects as hallucinogens like LSD and mescaline (heightened sensitivity to colors, shapes, music, and other stimuli and distortion of the sense of time), marijuana differs chemically and pharmacologically. The primary active component of marijuana is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), although other cannabinol derivatives are also thought to be  intoxicating. In 1988 scientists discovered receptors that bind THC on the membranes of nerve cells. They reasoned that the body must make its own THC-like substance. The substance, named anandamide, was isolated from pig brains in 1992 by an American pharmacologist, William A. Devane. Marijuana lowers testosterone levels and sperm counts in men and raises testosterone levels in women. In pregnant women it affects the fetus and results in developmental difficulties in the child. There is evidence that marijuana affects normal maturation of preadolescent and adolescent users and that it affects short-term memory and comprehension. Heavy smokers often sustain lung damage from the smoke and contaminants. Regular use can result in dependence. The Legalization Question With the increase in the number of middle-class users in the 1960s and 1970s, there came a somewhat greater acceptance of the view that marijuana should not be considered in the same class as narcotics and that U.S. marijuana laws should be relaxed. The Drug Abuse Prevention Act of 1970 eased federal penalties somewhat, and 11 states decriminalized possession. However, in the late 1980s many states rewrote their drug laws and imposed stricter penalties. Beginning in 1996, however, a series of states began enacting medical marijuana laws (two fifths of the states now have one), and in 2012 voters in the states of Colorado and Washington approved the legalization of marijuana. Opponents of easing marijuana laws have asserted that it is an intoxicant less controllable than alcohol, that our drug-using society does not need another widely used intoxicant, and that the United States should not act to weaken UN policies, which are opposed to the use of marijuana for other than possible med ical purposes. In 2013, Uruguay became the first nation to legalize the growing, selling, and use of marijuana, a move it undertook in part in an attempt to undermine drug cartels. Uruguay’s legalization, which was a source of controversy in the country, also was critized by international authorities for contravening treaties to which Uruguay was a party. Medical Uses Controversy surrounds the medical use of marijuana, with proponents saying it is useful for treating pain and the nausea and vomiting that are side effects of cancer chemotherapy and for restoring the appetite in people with AIDS. Its active ingredient, THC, was synthesized in 1966 and approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 1985; synthetic THC is available by prescription in pill form as dronabinol (Marinol) and nabilone (Cesamet). Proponents of medical marijuana say it is not as effective as the herb and is more expensive. In addition to THC, another cannibis derivative (or cannabinoid), cannabidiol (CDB), is an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant and also moderates THC’s psychoactive effects. A 1999 U.S.-government-sponsored study by the Institute of Medicine found that marijuana appeared beneficial for certain medical conditions, such as nausea caused by chemotherapy and wasting caused by AIDS. Because of the toxicity of marijuana smoke, however, it was hoped that further research might lead to development of new delivery systems, such as bronchial inhalers. A number of studies since 1999 have shown that smoked marijuana has pain-reducing effects when compared with marijuana stripped of its cannabinoids. The Office of National Drug Control Policy has opposed legalization of the medical use of marijuana, citing law enforcement issues and the possibility that some would use it as a pretext to sell marijuana for nonmedical use, and the FDA said in 2006 that, despite the 1999 report, that marijuana â€Å"has no accepted or proven use in the United States.† Proponents, disregarding the law, have set up networks for the distribution of the drug to people who they judge will be helped by it and continue to lobby for its legalization for medical use. In 1996 California enacted the first state law permitting the use of marijuana for medical reasons, and about one third of the states now have some sort of medical marijuana legislation. As a result of a Supreme Court ruling in 2005, however, these laws do not protect medical users with a prescription from federal prosecution. In 2009 Attorney General Eric Holder ordered that federal prosecutors not focus on persons who  clearly comply with state medical marijuana laws, but federal law enforcement officials have moved to close many so-called marijuana dispensaries despite compliance, arguing in part that many prescriptions for marijuana are not justified medically. Another, lower court ruling permits doctors to discuss medical use of marijuana with their patients but forbids them to help patients obtain the drug. A number of countries, including Canada, permit the medicinal use of the drug. History of Marijuana Use Marijuana has been used as an agent for achieving euphoria since ancient times; it was described in a Chinese medical compendium traditionally considered to date from 2737 BC It also has a long history of use as a medicinal herb. Its use spread from China to India and then to N Africa and reached Europe at least as early as AD 500. A major crop in colonial North America, marijuana (hemp) was grown as a source of fiber. It was extensively cultivated during World War II, when Asian sources of hemp were cut off. Marijuana was listed in the United States Pharmacopeia from 1850 until 1942 and was prescribed for various conditions including labor pains, nausea, and rheumatism. Its use as an intoxicant was also commonplace from the 1850s to the 1930s. A campaign conducted in the 1930s by the U.S. Federal Bureau of Narcotics (now the Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs) sought to portray marijuana as a powerful, addicting substance that would lead users into narcotics addiction. It is still considered a â€Å"gateway† drug by some authorities. In the 1950s it was an accessory of the beat generation; in the 1960s it was used by college students and â€Å"hippies† and became a symbol of rebellion against authority. The Controlled Substances Act of 1970 classified marijuana along with heroin and LSD as a Schedule I drug, i.e., having the relatively highest abuse potential and no accepted medical use. Most marijuana at that time came from Mexico, but in 1975 the Mexican government agreed to eradicate the crop by spraying it with the herbicide paraquat, raising fears of toxic side effects. Colombia then became the main supplier. The â€Å"zero tolerance†Ã‚  climate of the Reagan and Bush administrations (1981–93) resulted in passage of strict laws and mandatory sentences for possession of marijuana and in heightened vigilance against smuggling at the southern borders. The â€Å"war on drugs† thus brought with it a shift from reliance on imported supplies to domestic cultivation (particularly in Hawaii and California). Beginning in 1982 the Drug Enforcement Administration turned increased attention to marijuana farms in the United States, and there was a shift to the indoor gro wing of plants specially developed for small size and high yield. After over a decade of decreasing use, marijuana smoking began an upward trend once more in the early 1990s, especially among teenagers, but by the end of the decade this upswing had leveled off well below former peaks of use.

Free Essays on Product Of Society

In today’s society, short and often simple sayings are exhibited freely and boldly in order to pronounce an individual’s firm opinion. The ever so common comedic bumper stickers have been widely replaced by slogans reflecting strong views or status. Individuality, endless opportunity, and independence have sparked a variety of new slogans into the picture. Progressing controversial issues such as abortion and feminism clutter the backs of cars with arguments like, â€Å"Pro-family and Pro-choice† and â€Å"A woman with out a man is like a fish without a bicycle.† Materialistic values are often exploited with sayings such as â€Å"Whoever dies with the most toys, wins.† These overwhelming and rigid statements are products of the time and will enhance already determined beliefs or will remain fruitless for disbelievers. During the most recent years abortion has plagued our country with a substantial amount of arguments from both pro-choice and pro-life activists. Abortion being the most debatable argument has several opposing views, which disagree with a mother’s right to choose. The catchphrase claiming â€Å"Pro-family and Pro-choice† has a different standpoint on abortion. Pro-family gives a conservative aspect, which favors abortion as the right choice to promote healthy family life under certain circumstances. Although it does not promote abortion it gives the unprepared mother an alternative. In some conditions choosing birth may be a dysfunctional, irresponsible, and even a cruel descion. Unprepared situations such as rape, insecest, and age of mother may encourage a decision such as abortion. Acknowledging that single parent homes are not always the most ideal situations it promotes a substitute to giving birth and supports middle class family values instead of forcing a n unwanted child into an unjust situation. Responsibility, stability, and values are needed to exist in order to have a model home for a child. ... Free Essays on Product Of Society Free Essays on Product Of Society In today’s society, short and often simple sayings are exhibited freely and boldly in order to pronounce an individual’s firm opinion. The ever so common comedic bumper stickers have been widely replaced by slogans reflecting strong views or status. Individuality, endless opportunity, and independence have sparked a variety of new slogans into the picture. Progressing controversial issues such as abortion and feminism clutter the backs of cars with arguments like, â€Å"Pro-family and Pro-choice† and â€Å"A woman with out a man is like a fish without a bicycle.† Materialistic values are often exploited with sayings such as â€Å"Whoever dies with the most toys, wins.† These overwhelming and rigid statements are products of the time and will enhance already determined beliefs or will remain fruitless for disbelievers. During the most recent years abortion has plagued our country with a substantial amount of arguments from both pro-choice and pro-life activists. Abortion being the most debatable argument has several opposing views, which disagree with a mother’s right to choose. The catchphrase claiming â€Å"Pro-family and Pro-choice† has a different standpoint on abortion. Pro-family gives a conservative aspect, which favors abortion as the right choice to promote healthy family life under certain circumstances. Although it does not promote abortion it gives the unprepared mother an alternative. In some conditions choosing birth may be a dysfunctional, irresponsible, and even a cruel descion. Unprepared situations such as rape, insecest, and age of mother may encourage a decision such as abortion. Acknowledging that single parent homes are not always the most ideal situations it promotes a substitute to giving birth and supports middle class family values instead of forcing a n unwanted child into an unjust situation. Responsibility, stability, and values are needed to exist in order to have a model home for a child. ...

Reason for Facebooks Age Limit

Reason for Facebook's Age Limit Have you ever tried to create a Facebook account and gotten this error message: You are ineligible to sign up for Facebook? If so, its very likely you dont meet Facebooks age limit. Facebook and other online social media sites and email services are prohibited by federal law from allowing children under 13 create accounts without the consent of their parents or legal guardians. If you were baffled after being turned away by Facebooks age limit, theres a clause right there in the Statement of Rights and Responsibilities you accept when you create a Facebook account: You will not use Facebook if you are under 13. Age Limit for Gmail and Yahoo! The same goes for web-based email services including Googles Gmail and Yahoo! Mail.​ If youre not 13 years old, youll get this message when trying to sign up for a Gmail account: Google could not create your account. In order to have a Google Account, you must meet certain age requirements. If youre under the age of 13 and try to sign up for a Yahoo! Mail account, youll also be turned away with this message: Yahoo! is concerned about the safety and privacy of all its users, particularly children. For this reason, parents of children under the age of 13 who wish to allow their children access to the Yahoo! Services must create a Yahoo! Family Account. Federal Law Sets Age Limit So why do Facebook, Gmail, and Yahoo! ban users under 13 without parental consent? Theyre required to under the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act, a federal law passed in 1998. The Childrens Online Privacy Protection Act has been updated since it was signed into law, including revisions that attempt to address the increased use of mobile devices such as iPhones and iPads and social networking services including Facebook and Google. Among the updates was a requirement that website and social media services cannot collect geolocation information, photographs or videos from users under the age of 13 without notifying and receiving consent from parents or guardians. How Some Youths Get Around the Age Limit Despite Facebooks age requirement and federal law, millions of underage users are known to have created accounts and maintain Facebook profiles. They do so by lying about their age, often times with full knowledge of their parents. In 2012, published reports estimated some 7.5 million children had Facebook accounts of the 900 million people who were using the social network at the time. Facebook said the number of underage users highlighted just how difficult it is to enforce age restrictions on the Internet, especially when parents want their children to access online content and services. Facebook allows users to report children under the age of 13. Note that well promptly delete the account of any child under the age of 13 thats reported to us through this form, the company states. Facebook is also working on a system that would allow children under 13 to create an account that would be linked to those held by their parents. Is the Childrens Online Privacy Protection Act Effective? Congress intended the Childrens Online Privacy Protection Act to protect youths from predatory marketing as well as stalking and kidnapping, both of which became more prevalent as access to the Internet and personal computers grew, according to the Federal Trade Commission, which is responsible for enforcing the law. But many companies have merely limited their marketing efforts toward users age 13 and older, meaning that children who lie about their age are very to be subjected to such campaigns and the use of their personal information. In 2010, a Pew Internet survey found that: Teens continue to be avid users of social networking websites – as of September 2009, 73% of online American teens ages 12 to 17 used an online social network website, a statistic that has continued to climb upwards from 55% in November 2006 and 65% in February 2008.

An International Relations - The Soviet Unions Invasion Case Essay

An International Relations - The Soviet Unions Invasion Case - Essay Example Despite the harshness of its land and its multi ethnic society, it is one of the most historically attractive land for conquest purposes.   It had been invaded by armies from Persia, Greece, Macedonia under Alexander the Great, Arab hordes, the Mongols and other warriors from central Asia.   In the 19th century, Great Britain and Russia competed for control of Afghanistan with Britain successfully invading it in 1839-42 and in 1878. Despite the harshness of its land and its multi ethnic society, it is one of the most historically attractive land for conquest purposes.   It had been invaded by armies from Persia, Greece, Macedonia under Alexander the Great, Arab hordes, the Mongols and other warriors from central Asia.   In the 19th century, Great Britain and Russia competed for control of Afghanistan with Britain successfully invading it in 1839-42 and in 1878. But it was in late 1979 that a significant event occurred and various countries’ interests in Afghanistanâ₠¬â€some overt and some covert—took hold. The situation began on December 27, 1979 with Russia’s invasion of Afghanistan. This was to set off a chain reaction that would involve dozens of other countries, both American and Russian cold war proxies. Afghanistan would effectively become Russia’s Vietnam—but Russia would pay a higher price than the United States. Throughout the war, from 1979 to 1989, countries such as the USA, Great Britain, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Pakistan, China and Egypt were drawn to the conflict.