Tax Reform Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Tax Reform - Essay Example The Bush tax cuts have not proven to be good for our economy. Although, we had a budget surplus our government jumped the gun with the tax cuts. These tax cuts will decrease the surplus extremely quickly and this money should be going towards most of the governmental run programs that usually are geared toward the moderate to low income people. Bush did not anticipate any future events that could lead us right back into a budget deficit and this has become the biggest problem our economy is facing today. Taxes are necessary for the administration and funding of governmental organizations, as well as construction and universal infrastructure services. Taxation presents positive and negative characteristics within an economic system. As history presents, most taxes have been geared toward the middle to lower classes with the upper classes receiving many tax breaks. With tax cuts for corporations, estates and the top one percent of high incomes all the little people will be left out in the cold. By demolishing the entire budget surplus, government programs, such as social security, will be neglected once the baby boomers begin retiring (Friedman, et al May, 2001, p 1). As Mark Breslow states, "The corporate income tax, which is relatively progressive, has been replaced by taxes that are a particular burden on people with moderate and low incomes. The cut of the alternative minimum tax has done nothing to help put money where it is needed, in the moderate to low income pockets. These people would definitely help stimulate the economy to help get us out of the recession we are falling into. John Miller points out, "that only two percent of estates are actually taxed and even the well off have little to worry about (Miller 2001 p 59.)." This still does not help the situation with the moderate to low income taxpayers. This group is being over taxed because they can never make enough money to meet the upper one percent of income that would be a benefit to them. This group also does not participate in the decision which does not help their situation. Robert S. McIntyre argues that, "The individual tax changes, which includes a ten percent decrease in capital gains taxes, are sharply tilted towards the wealthy (McIntyre, 2001 p. 1)." According to Joel Friedman, "some fifty-five percent of the stimulus package benefits are going to the wealthiest one percent of taxpayers (Friedman, et al November 2001 p. 1). This is very discouraging but it seems that if the people really cared about or was fully informed of the results of these tax cuts there would be severe rallying in the streets. Bush's tax cut, or stimulus package, has only been geared toward the upper class and this class has a very low marginal

Business Law Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 3

Business Law - Case Study Example (II) The federal statute to protect endangered bird species could be challenged in US District Court located in Minnesota, and the Missouri state statute about toxic-carrying vehicles could be challenged at the Circuit Court of Missouri, while the one dealing with interracial couples could be challenged at Circuit Court of Missouri (Family branch). (III) The argument against the Federal Statute to protect endangered birds would be that the State of Minnesota has not enacted any laws against using the area for construction purposes; the argument against Missouri state statutes would be that the US Constitution (which is the last legally binding documents for US citizens) doesn’t enforce such requirements. (I) Ralph can either lodge his case at Nevada Supreme Court or use the US District Court in Nevada. These two courts have the constitutional powers to hear the litigation instituted by Ralph against Drug-Free Enterprises for breaching the contractual agreement between them (Clarkson et al., 2008). (ii) Addressing the issue of jurisdiction authority, Nevada Supreme Court has the Constitutional authority to hear the case because Drug-Free Enterprises is incorporated in its jurisdiction. With similar reason, the US Constitution has statutes that handle the issue of breach of commercial contracts. And since all states in America are legally bound by the US Constitution (under the jurisdiction of the federal government), hence the US District Court in Nevada can hear this litigation against Drug-Free Enterprises (Clarkson et al., 2008). (iii) In order for Ralph to win this case, his argument must be presented strongly by invoking the statutes of the Federal Government and the state of Nevada that prohibit the act of contract-breaching. Such laws include Section 235 (2) of the Restatement Second of Contracts and comment (b) to Section 235, which states that inability to performance a contractual duty is a breach of the

The Role of a Strategic Leader in an Organization Essay Example for Free

The Role of a Strategic Leader in an Organization Essay Role of Indian Media in the New Age The following is the speech given by Shri Kapil Sibal, Minister of HRD and C IT, on the topic: Role of Indian Media in the New Ag, presiding as the Chief Guest for the Press Club Awards for Excellence in Journalism , on 5th May, 2012 at The NSCI, Worli, Mumbai. I am privileged to be here with you on a day the media celebrates its exceptional performers. I congratulate all those who have received awards and wish them continued success in their profession. The media has emerged as a pillar of the modern State. nbsp; The foundation of a modern democratic State lies in its ability to secure fundamental rights promised to its people, to deliver Justice and lead its people to economic and social progress. Democracy is defined by freedom of speech and expression. Media is an embodiment of these rights that define democracy. If we look back into history, the emergence of the modern nation-state where the sovereignty vested in its people is closely related to the spread of the printing press. Guttenberg ¤Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬ws Bible (the first printed book) was a precursor to the spread of emocracy and republican thought across the world. Rousseau was mild mannered, but his thoughts disseminated by the newspapers in the coffee houses of Paris resulted in the French Revolution. Liberty, Equality and Fraternity as the slogan for the Revolution owes much to the media of the day. The Indian media has been truly a pillar of the Indian State. Eternal vigilance is the price of freedom. The Indian media has indeed been vigilant and persuasive in protection of freedoms and awakening thought. If we have preserved our democracy in the midst of periodic lapses into ictatorships in our neighbourhood, the credit should go to our founding fathers who created robust institutions and to the media who kept a vigilant watch at preserving these institutions. However, the nature of media has also been changing over the last two decades. The emergence of the electronic media in India over two decades ago since the first war to be witnessed live by millions in the cosy comforts of their homes, brought the power of imagery to the forefront. The growing dominance of imagery over substance in an era where time is of the essence and competition is ntense, has brought about the need for stoking fires, beaming controversies and heated debates in the media. The divergence of approach between the print and the electronic media has been amply demonstrated in the events of the last year. Today ¤ es media does not provide much space for settling differences, it prefers to dog the protagonists forever reminding them of the past. There is a problem with this approach. We do not sufficiently celebrate our achievements, we do not appreciate the progress that we make. The spread of negative sentiment leads to despondency and inaction. Infact, today ¤Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬ws headline in a prominent newspaper speaks of the fear that stalks the corridors of bureaucracy. Despite the exhortation of the Prime Minister, the civil services today is afraid of action, for any action can be questioned. Faith and trust in all institutions are being eroded. Rampant mistrust, I believe, has slowed governance and if not corrected, can imperil the foundations of democracy. We have much to correct, but it is necessary for room for correction to be available. When there is a dispute in a family, the members retire to a place of seclusion to ettle eir tn ditterences. Today, there is no such place available due to the omnipotence of media. Competition spurs innovation, but unhealthy competition can lead to pandering. The rush for eyeballs in a crush of problems leads to extremes being aired rather than the moderate being heard. In such a situation, the responsibility of the media to the larger society gets diluted.    At the same time, I would for one strongly oppose attempts to impose responsibility through regulatory action. It is for the media to ponder and find solutions for itself. If the media fails to o so, Just as we are witnessing a clamour for Judicial accountability because the judiciary has not succeeded in inculcating responsibility within itself, a similar clamour for media accountability would grow. Another trend that has emerged in the recent years is the growth of the social media riding in the ICT revolution. Social interactions have exploded as never before, aided by the connecting power of the internet. The ability of thoughts to converge and congregate have multiplied manifold.

Albert Camus The Outsider Meursault

Albert Camus The Outsider Meursault Statement of intent: This assignment is based on Albert Camus The Outsider. One of the classic examples of an existentialist novel, The Outsider tells the story of an unremarkable man, living a simple, bachelor existence in Algeria. He is unmoved by his mothers death, and a day after begins a love affair with Marie Cordona. He soon after becomes involved in a violent murder and is placed on trial. Because of his refusal to lie and give in to societys demands (pretending to feel grief and remorse), he eventually condemns himself and is put to death. In this assignment I wish to convey Marie Cordonas feelings about Meursault and her view of his case. Marie is a simple, uncomplicated girl who enjoys life, appears to fall in love easily, wants to marry Meursault and live a normal life. Though she is slightly shocked when Meursault tells her that his mother died only a day before their meeting at the pool, she does not rethink spending time with him or watching a comedy with him. Like Meursault, Marie takes pleasure in physical contact; she often kisses him and enjoys the act of sex. However, Meursaults affection for Marie is purely physical while her affection for him evokes a deeper sentimental and emotional attachment. At first she doesnt understand Meursaults character and is taken aback by his indifference of love: She asked me if I loved her. I told her that it didnt mean anything but that I didnt think so. She looked sad. When Meursault expresses the same attitude towards marriage, again she is confused However, though she may be disappointed, she never considers ending the relationship or does not rethink her desire to marry him and indeed, throughout the novel I believe she starts to gain an acceptance of his behaviour, an understanding perhaps. Her attraction towards him seems, in fact, to stem from the fact that she is intrigued by his persona, his strange behavior seems to be part of his appeal for her She mumbled that I was peculiar, that that was probably why she loved me but that one day I might disgust her for the very same reason. Marie remains loyal to Meursault when he is arrested and put on trial, she visits him in prison and writes him letters and then testifies in his favor during the court case. She remains faithful and hopeful and imagines a life once Meursault is let out: she was still smilingshe shouted again, Youll get out and well get married! Marie never expresses appall or anger towards Meursault or his actions, she never doubts that he is an innocent man and that the crime he committed does not reflect his true self: Marie burst into tears and said it wasnt like thatshe knew me and I hadnt done anything wrong However, because Marie stays hopeful throughout, she never reaches the understanding Meursault attains at the end. While Meursault realizes and accepts the indifference of the universe, Marie never understands the redemptive value of abandoning hope, and her hope is therefore shattered when Meursault is eventually put to death. For the purpose of this assignment, it has been imagined that there were some sort of funeral proceedings after Meursaults execution. After all, though his strange behaviour remained a mystery to most that surrounded him, many did not judge him and accepted him as he was, knowing that, despite his actions he was not an evil man, nor did he have a criminal mind. By assuming that there were funeral proceedings, a situation is created where a eulogy from the perspective of one of the people of Meursaults close entourage wouldve been spoken out. Marie, having been intimately involved with him and having been one of those who observed and tried to analyse him, seems to be an appropriate choice for this task. A eulogy should be personal; it shares happy memories, tells anecdotes and describes the persons character. It also aims to express the values that were important to the deceased, highlights accomplishments and career or educational merits. The aim of this assignment is therefore to do this from Maries point of view, about Meursault. The eulogy: I once asked Meursault if he loved me. It doesnt mean anything he replied, but I dont think so. One would naturally feel offended by such a response, and I wasat first. But I soon came to understand that this was Meursault. This was Meursault in his all his splendor and it is for this peculiar nature of his that I believe I was attracted to him, loved him even. I first met Meursault when I was working as a typist in the office where he worked. He had always struck me as handsome young man, charming and somewhat mysterious. We had connected and enjoyed each others company. However it was short lived as I soon found a job elsewhere and left the company. I had not seen him for several months when we bumped into each other at the bathing station at the port It is true that I wouldnt have thought for a single moment that his mother had died only a day earlier; we spent a wonderful afternoon swimming and enjoying the sun together, I was happy, he was happy, and we just felt so comfortable around each other that we engaged in a relationship that very day. I was slightly taken aback when he told me his mother had died the day before, and it didnt seem natural that he would he take me out to see a Fernandel film after such an event, but I must admit that I had soon forgotten about it. After all we were both just two young people, enjoying an easy life, a life that, for Meursault, in spite of everything had not really changed. So why were we to deprive ourselves? Meursault was an intelligent man, though not ambitious. He valued his simple yet exotic life, over a wealthier career opportunity in Paris. He enjoyed the simple pleasures in life; lazing on the beach, swimming in the sea, going to cinemas It is always something I loved about spending time with him, I always felt carefree, relaxed, beautiful. I could always be myself around him, he never judged or complained. Ill miss our beach excursions, our romantic nights to the cinema, and our playful adventures in the sea. Meursault was uninterested in grieving death, proposing marriage, loving even. But he had a passion for something I believe to be much more admirable. Honesty was what I valued most in him. He was an honest man, purely and sometimes painfully, and maybe he did not love me in the conventional sense of the word, but he was in love with something much greater, something our society today seems to value less and less; Meursault was stubbornly yet admirably in love with truth. I still remember visiting him at the prison; I was so full of hope and blind determination that when it would all be over, we would be married, and we would go swimming again, we would enjoy life together. Maybe I thought the jury would be able to see the man he really was, the man I knew, and would spare him. Yes, he did kill a man. Yes, he never showed grief for his mothers death. But he was no murderer. He was a criminal only to our societys rules and codes of conduct. Is it wrong not to pretend grief? Not to pretend remorse? Love? In this conventional society yes; pretending and lying would have saved Meursault. But he was true to himself, he refused to be a hypocrite and pretend to emotions he did not feel and for that I believe he cannot be blamed. Unfortunately it is for that reason that he was condemned and that he is no longer here with us today. But I hope that all of you gathered here now, think of him like I do, not as a murderer, not as a criminal, but as a man who, without any heroic pretensions, agreed to give his life for the truth. And for this I believe he deserves our respect and admiration. Meursault, je taime.

Chiang Kai-shek :: Essays Papers

Chiang Kai-shek Chiang Kai-shek, also known as Chiang Chung-cheng, was the son of a middle-class wine merchant who lived in the village of Chikow in Chekiang Province. When he was fourteen years old, following the Chinese custom of that time, he was arranged to be marry by his mother (the bride’s name is not mentioned). His bride and he did not see each other until his walk down the aisle. He did this without complaints only to please his mother. Once he was married he met his bride’s parents, as was tradition. Due to Chiang’s bad temper, the meeting ended in arguments between Chiang and his bride’s father. Once home he tried to keep his mind off of the marriage and concentrated more on what kind of man he wanted to become. He dreamed of becoming a soldier. He saw adventure in a military career and felt comfortable with the demand for authority, order, and strength. Though his family objected and hoped for him to study law, he went off to Tokyo Military Staff College i n 1907. There he became a follower of the revolutionary leader Dr. Sun Yat-sen. This encouraged him in 1911 to take part in the revolt that established the Chinese Republic. In 1917 when Sun established the Guangzhou government, Chiang was his military aide. Sun sent him to the USSR to study Russia military methods and was more than willing to go. He got a good response from the people there. Not only did they give him advice but they also sent thirty or so military men as help. One of these men, named Michael Borodin suggested that they start a military academy in China. They placed it in Whampoa and named it the Whampoa Military Academy. Their main goal was to demand and deserve respect. Once opened they received 1,500 applicants. It planned to register only 300. Sun began to encourage Chiang’s participation in the Nationalist party. After Sun died in 1925, Chiang became a powerful figure in the it and in 1926 took command of the Nationalist army. This was called the Northern Expedition, entering into Shanghai, Hankou, and Nanjing. Chiang initiated the long civil war between the Nationalist government and the Communists.. This was ended in 1936 by General Chang Hsueh-liang who hoped to unite in defense of the approaching Japanese. Many felt that unity could not be achieved unless Chiang were removed as commander-in-chief even before the expedition was completed.

Safe Alternative to Toxic Chemicals Used in Agriculture :: Environment Environmental Pollution Preservation

Safe Alternative to Toxic Chemicals Used in Agriculture    "Let the earth bring forth vegetation: every kind of plant that bears seed and every kind of fruit tree on earth that bears fruit with its seed in it. ‘And so it happened: the earth brought forth every kind of plant that bears seed and every kind of fruit tree on earth that bears fruit with its seed in it. God saw how good it was’" (Genesis 1:11-12). The world once consisted of a "Garden of Eden" where all was good and pure. Weather or not you believe in the Catholocists theory of how the earth was created is irrelevant. What we do know from research, technology, and tradition among cultures is that there was a period of time, in the beginning of time, where productivity did not rely on the "necessities" of a modern world. Although the world of technology has improved many aspects of the lives of humans and other fortunate creatures on this earth, it is also causing the destruction and extinction of other entities. The good earth that once occupied the land of this existing world is one of the unfortunate recipients of tragedy caused by the advancements of the improving world we live in. We live in an environment that is altered in every way by man. Every piece of material used each day is contaminated from humans trying to "improve" the normal lifestyle. This community we live in is no longer a natural one due to the products being used and the food being processed. Through the destruction of man, by man, an increase of deaths by serious illness has expanded. Humans should have reason to question the causes of these fatalities. The solution to this problem needs to be sought. It is pertinent that we educate ourselves and take interest in what is happening to the earth in order to ensure our future. The first goal that needs to be met is to determine and evaluate the chemicals that exist in the agricultural environment. Certain criteria such as evaluating statistics of illness and death caused by these chemicals, how government officials are regulating pesticidal use, and establishing alternative methods of living need to be included when evaluating this dilemma. The Industrial Revolution although a time of immense prosperity for the United States brought such inventions and chemicals to society that changed the world forever. The chemical and pesticide use on crops after World War I also contributed to the decline of the quality of

Hinduism and Mahabharata

Reflections From The Mahabharata Jeremy Bartel The Mahabharata is one long detailed epic, it is one of the oldest books the world has. However The Mahabharata is more than just collection of verses and poems, it illustrates beliefs and religious views of this ancient society. Some of the major themes are,ethics of right and wrong,and wrestling with ones place and how to act accordingly in their caste system,and of course at the end trying to figure what our purpose is in life not just individually but universally.All of these examples suggests and leads one to believe without a doubt that the epic was written with intent of reflecting on the social, and religious beliefs at that time. So how does the Mahabharata reflect on the religious and social values of this ancient society that created it? The Mahabharata has one overarching theme that sums up the whole epic, that being the theme of fulfilling your sacred duty. This is known throughout the hindu culture as dharma, and according to their law everyone is assigned to a role within the caste system.The Mahabharata is all about achieving your sacred duty, or suffering the consequences of failing to accomplish your task. One specific example of this is when Arjuna is struggling with attacking and killing who he considers close friends and family during the war. However Krishna is there remind him that it is his dharma to carry out his role as a warrior. Most of the main characters belong to this warrior caste and all must carry out their duties of honor and bravery in accordance to that caste.This theme of dharma goes way beyond just the book but it is a main focal point in hindu religion and thinking. Which most likely why it was such a huge factor in the book, because to the people who created this book that was highest goal to achieve. During this great speech given to Arjuna by Krishna he discusses what it means to seek renunciation, and relinquishment. Krishna tells Arjuna that renunciation is â€Å"giving up those works which are prompted by desire. † Krishna also explains what is meant by relinquishment, which means â€Å"the abandonment of fruits of all works. The message he is teaching Arjuna goes back to his role or duties within his caste. Arjuna must not think that he is destroying anyone or killing them but simply sending them to heaven, because every soul is immortal and simply takes a new form. So because of this Arjuna must rise up and fulfill his Ksatriya or warrior role and destroy his enemies because that his is caste in life. These ideals are very similar to that of the hindu religion in regards of reincarnation, where a soul is immortal and does not perish but comes back to take a different form in a new caste.Evidence like this only suggests that religion was a major factor in writing this epic, and was the main themes of the hindu religion are seen as main themes throughout this composition of literature. The other major evidence that points towards this text reflecting the religious and social values of the society that created it was the question of purpose in life after the war. Once the war was over Yudhishthira, decides that he does not want to rule over this land because of all the violence and losses of men.He is saddened at the thought of so many dead he says â€Å"I caused the destruction of my kinsman and the cause of extermination of my own race. † The message of duty completing ones sacred duty is heard again, this time it is Bhima who is reassuring the king that his deeds were necessary. This idea dharma is illustrated yet again which shows just how important it is to the people who created this story. They would not have continually brought up the cultural belief of dharma if it was not an integral part of their society and religious beliefs.To seek a purification for all his sins Yudhishthira performs a sacrifice of a horse, which would purge him of all his wrongdoings. Once this ceremony was over did he go back in to the city to rule. This part of the Mahabharata is a lot like the vedas we discussed in class which was a normal practice of the people who were living in this time period. Vedas were ritual sacrifices used for reasons much like that of Yudhishthira to purify oneself and it yet again more proof that the Mahabharata reflects greatly on social and religious values of that society.Many years go by and after the death of other characters Yudhishthira embarks on an asceticism journey which after 36 years leads him to the gates of heaven. The group he began with as all perished along the way, all except his dog who makes it to the top of the mountain with him. Once at the gate he must past a series of tests, the first being he can only enter heaven if he leaves the dog. He refuses however because the dog was so faithful throughout his journey, he passes that test because the dog was the god Dharma in disguise. The next one he learns his family is in hell and he chooses to join his loved ones in hell, e passes that last test and his allowed into heaven with his loved ones. This idea of passing tests also is evidence for the case that the Mahabharata used the religious and social values of the ancient society, because in that cultural ones actions whether good or bad determined if one was to make it to heaven. Heave was also not a permanent place because of the never ending cycle of life. All of these themes and examples are solid evidence in supporting the claim that the Mahabharata was in fact very reflective of religious and social culture and values of the ancient people that wrote the epic.Time and time again there is evidence sprinkled throughout the entire book that shows the inspiration of the idea for this book, came directly from the ideas and beliefs that were held with the most regard back in those days. Which were fulfilling your dharma, and if you live within your caste system then by that nature you have done good deeds and are worthy of heaven reward . ——————————————– [ 1 ]. Narasimhan, Mahabharata,1997),124 [ 2 ]. Narasimhan, Mahabharata,1997), 124 [ 4 ]. Narasimhan, Mahabharata,1997),194 [ 3 ]. Narasimhan, Mahabharata, 1997, 190 [ 5 ]. Narasimhan, Mahabharata,1997),212