U.S. Involvement In Nicaragua Essay Example For Students

U.S. Involvement In Nicaragua Essay U.S. Involvementin NicaraguaNot very many Americans know the truththat lies beneath the U.S. involvement in Nicaragua. Most wouldbe surprised to find out that U.S. armed forces and politicians violatedU.S. laws and deliberately sabotaged Nicaraguas stable government by payingthe dictators henchmen to kill Nicaraguan citizens. The United Statesis considered one of the major superpower nations in this world. It is highly influential to other countries and often takes responsibilityto intervene with other another countrys problems?especially when it dealswith the spreading of communism. When Nicaraguas dictatorship wasoverthrown by the popular Sandinistas, a communist regime was successfullyput in place. The U.S. immediately feared that Nicaraguas surroundingcountries would eventually become communist due to the Domino Theory. The negative impact of becoming further engaged in the Nicaraguan politicswas destructive to both the U.S. and Nicaragua. These actions destabilizedthe Nicaraguan economy, encouraged civil violence, and motivated membersof the American government to violate certain laws to continue their aidto the guerillas. We will write a custom essay on U.S. Involvement In Nicaragua specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now To fully comprehend the negative impactsof U.S. intervention in Nicaragua, one must be somewhat familiar with Nicaraguashistory. The period in which the Somoza family ruled Nicaragua startedon New Years Day in 1937, when Anastasio Somoza Garcia had himself electedpresident. The Somozas ran Nicaragua as their own private estate;all three Somozas were dictators who ran the affairs of their countryto their personal benefit and against the interests of the vast majorityof their countrymen (Walker 16). Under their dominion, life forthe Nicaraguan citizens was harsh, because they suffered from abject poverty. They lived in inadequate housing, ate and dressed poorly, and were overallextremely oppressed by their leaders corruption. When the peoplefinally realized that life wasnt going to get any better, they decidedto turn to their only other option, the communist Sandinista government. The U.S. were so anti-Communist that they began to send large sums of moneyto Somozas Guardsmen (who the leaders of the Contras) in order to sabotagethe Sandinista government. One of the goals the U.S. would like toachieve when dealing with Third World nations is to help them become moreindustrialized and economically stable. Unfortunately, the oppositeof this occurred in Nicaragua. Before U.S. involvement, Nicaraguaseconomy was reasonably sturdy in the sense that there was a consistentflow of money in and out of the country. With increasing investmentin Nicaragua, as a result of the Alliance for Progress, and the CentralAmerican Common Market, this was a period of unprecedented progress (Pastor,35). It is obvious that stronger nations would not invest their timeand money into a country that was economically declining, thus displayingthat at this time, Nicaragua was doing quite well for a Third World nation. With the correct equipment and help from richer nations, Nicaragua couldhave benefited from the high quality of its land and resources, which wouldraise the citizens yearly income and help with overcoming destitution. U.S. money for the reconstruction of Managua after the incredibly hugeChristmas Earthquake in 1972 never reached where it was most needed. Instead, Anastasio Somoza Debayle (the president of Nicaragua at the time)transformed a tragic national loss into a personal financial gain(Pastor, 36). Somozas greediness enticed him to pocket the moneyinstead of directing the funds where they were intended to go. Thusvery little was done to help the disaster victims and this is just anotherexample of how his dictatorship was oppressive to the people. Thisquandary could have been simply avoided if the U.S. had sent an officialto manage the money and secure its proper usage. .u2bd0b49220fabd14573282e6f23ae727 , .u2bd0b49220fabd14573282e6f23ae727 .postImageUrl , .u2bd0b49220fabd14573282e6f23ae727 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u2bd0b49220fabd14573282e6f23ae727 , .u2bd0b49220fabd14573282e6f23ae727:hover , .u2bd0b49220fabd14573282e6f23ae727:visited , .u2bd0b49220fabd14573282e6f23ae727:active { border:0!important; } .u2bd0b49220fabd14573282e6f23ae727 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u2bd0b49220fabd14573282e6f23ae727 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u2bd0b49220fabd14573282e6f23ae727:active , .u2bd0b49220fabd14573282e6f23ae727:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u2bd0b49220fabd14573282e6f23ae727 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u2bd0b49220fabd14573282e6f23ae727 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u2bd0b49220fabd14573282e6f23ae727 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u2bd0b49220fabd14573282e6f23ae727 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u2bd0b49220fabd14573282e6f23ae727:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u2bd0b49220fabd14573282e6f23ae727 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u2bd0b49220fabd14573282e6f23ae727 .u2bd0b49220fabd14573282e6f23ae727-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u2bd0b49220fabd14573282e6f23ae727:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Mailbox Rule EssayThrough the 1960s, Nicaragua receivedfrom the U.S. $92.5 million in economic aid, and $11 million in militaryaid. From 1971 to 1976, Nicaragua received three times that amountin economic aid but less in military. (Pastor, 43) From thesestatistics, it seems that Nicaraguas economy is being supported by U.S. funding more each year. It is fair to say Nicaraguas economy wasdependent on U.S. aid. When Somoza issued terror raids on his people,the U.S. chose to impose sanctions withdrawing all funding to Nicaragua. By advertising Somozas acts of human brutality, the U.S. was able to persuadeother countries to consider terminating their current aid to Nicaragua. Not only did Nicaraguan slip further into debt, but also the situationworsened for the poverty-stricken people. Nicaraguas economy hadfailed to attain its prerevolution level in 1983. Investment hadstagnated or declined, depending on the sector. The external debt,which was high at $1.5 billion in 1979, reached $3.8 billion in 1983. Agriculture?the dynamic center of the economy before the revolution?declinedmarkedly. As the war intensified, the economy sank even further(Pastor, 245). Nicaraguans were so focused on fighting that theydidnt realize that their land was being destroyed and that there werentenough people to farm the existing crops. Although the U.S. had intendedon using the sanctions as a way to promote human rights and to pressureSomoza to stop the killing, they exacerbated the failing economy. When the U.S. entered Nicaragua, it sentthe people mixed messages. They hoped that the violence would eventuallyend with the U.S. help, but the U.S. did not take an active part in resolvingthat violence. They did not walk away either. They carriedout their own agenda, which consisted of having a non-communist regime. They withdrew military aid from Somoza, because the American citizens disapprovedof Somozas brutal and tyrannical actions, but they would not support theSandinistas (the communist group trying to overthrow the Somoza dictatorship)either. Instead, the U.S. financed Somozas Guardsmen, the only institutioncapable of restraining the Sandinistas if they came into power. Theconstant fighting and bickering among the different groups in Nicaraguahad caused the people to become impatient with the U.S. You Americanshave the strength, the opportunity, but not the will. We want tostruggle, but it is dangerous to have friends like you Either helpus or leave us alone (Pastor, 259). The Nicaraguans were verycommitted to ending the civil war that has haunted their lives for so long. If the U.S. wasnt going to help them achieve this goal, they should stopwatching them over their shoulders. Around 50,00 lives, or approximatelytwo percent of the population had been lost, but the Nicaraguans claimedthat freedom, justice, and national dignity were sometimes worth sucha price (Walker, 20). When people feel strongly about changingsomething, they are willing to lose their valuables, pride, and sometimestheir lives to achieve it. By not letting the people know which sidethe U.S. opposed or supported, tension mounted between the groups, whichindubitably lead to a bloody massacre. The U.S. is not very knowledgeable. does not know how much blood, how many sacrifices, how much frustrationthat generations of Latin Americans have gone through (Pastor, 281). The U.S. worried so much about Nicaragua having a communist governmentthat they overlooked how many lives were lost in their effort to changethe government. If the U.S. had made it clear where they stood inthe situation, it would have resulted with in a lower death toll. When the Sandinistas overthrew the Somozaregime in 1979, they became the government of Nicaragua. The rebelsthen were the ex-Guardsmen (men from Somozas military), who were now runningthe contra-rebellion. Aid to the Contras had been prohibited by Congress (History). However, members of the ReaganAdministration and the CIA devised a scheme providing illegal funding underthe table. The plan was to sell shipments of arms to Iran via Israel. .uf4487743ad40b1ffbac51de91a52b2a9 , .uf4487743ad40b1ffbac51de91a52b2a9 .postImageUrl , .uf4487743ad40b1ffbac51de91a52b2a9 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .uf4487743ad40b1ffbac51de91a52b2a9 , .uf4487743ad40b1ffbac51de91a52b2a9:hover , .uf4487743ad40b1ffbac51de91a52b2a9:visited , .uf4487743ad40b1ffbac51de91a52b2a9:active { border:0!important; } .uf4487743ad40b1ffbac51de91a52b2a9 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .uf4487743ad40b1ffbac51de91a52b2a9 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .uf4487743ad40b1ffbac51de91a52b2a9:active , .uf4487743ad40b1ffbac51de91a52b2a9:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .uf4487743ad40b1ffbac51de91a52b2a9 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .uf4487743ad40b1ffbac51de91a52b2a9 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .uf4487743ad40b1ffbac51de91a52b2a9 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .uf4487743ad40b1ffbac51de91a52b2a9 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .uf4487743ad40b1ffbac51de91a52b2a9:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .uf4487743ad40b1ffbac51de91a52b2a9 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .uf4487743ad40b1ffbac51de91a52b2a9 .uf4487743ad40b1ffbac51de91a52b2a9-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .uf4487743ad40b1ffbac51de91a52b2a9:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Rethinking My High School Education EssayThe money paid was diverted to the Contras resistance force and was overseenby Lt. Colonel Oliver North. The transaction first took place in1985. (Jewish) The men indicted were: Secretary of Defense,Casper Weinberger; Head of the Sate Departments Latin American Bureau,Elliot Abrams; Reagans National Security Advisor, Robert C. McFarlane,among many others. (Men) The U.S. obsession with anti-Communistgroups brought a handful of its leaders to break congressional laws toprovide financial assistance to a group that had previously been engagedin a series of war crimes. They ignored the fact that the group ofmen they supported were ones t hat killed and abused Nicaraguan citizensduring the Somoza dictatorship. The only excuse that they were ableto use to uphold their actions in assisting the Contras was thatthey were in the process of destroying the Communist-backed Sandinistagovernment. The U.S. participation during Nicaraguastime of crisis caused its economy to become unstable, bolstered the civilwar, and inspired criminal activities by high level politicians and officialsin the U.S. Nicaraguas economy was at an all time high before theU.S. became immersed in it. As more aid was provided to the people,Nicaragua became more dependent upon the U.S. for financial support. This caused further problems when the U.S. decided to sanction Nicaragua. The people had expected the U.S. to stop the brutality when they enteredthe situation. Unfortunately, the U.S. chose not to do anything andmerely observed the circumstances. If the U.S. had let the Nicaraguansdeal with their problems their own way, more lives wouldve been saved. The U.S. feared that if communism were successful in Nicaragua, it wouldsoon diffuse to the surrounding nations. When Congress halted theaid to the Contras, many government officials illegally earned money tosend to them. The Nicaraguans are fully aware of the role the UnitedStates has played in Nicaragua and that the resentment against the Americangovernment is very deep. Although U.S. politicians were capableof covering up the truth to the American public, the people most effectedby these traumatizing experiences will remember the U.S. involvement foryears to come. A more productive action on the part of the U.S. wouldhave been to pick a side and support if or walk away and let the Sandinistagovernment rebuild Nicaragua on its own. Despite the U.S. effortsto help the dilemmas in Nicaragua, they were only able to worsen it.

Great Expectations 2 endings essays

Great Expectations 2 endings essays Great Expectations by Charles Dickens was a novel which has two different endings. Dickens wrote an original version for an ending, but changed it by the request of friends. Both endings involve the same characters Pip and Estella meeting after many years had passed in their lives. The first ending is bitter and dark Pip and Estella meet awkwardly and part, never to see each other again. The second ending, on the other hand, is more hopeful and forgiving Pip and Estella meet, and Pip saw no shadow of another parting from her. (Page 451) However, the new ending does not fit it with the book completely. Through the novel, Estella torments Pip, and constantly ends up ruining his life The entire novel was about Pip growing up as a gentleman, which includes his childish lust for Estella. Therefore, in Great Expectations by Charles Dickens, the original ending ties in with the story more, and is the better choice. The novel Great Expectations was all about Pip growing up as a gentleman, and leaving his childish desires behind. Estella was really a childish desire for him although he did love her later in his life, his desires began at childhood. If order for Pip to fully grow up, he must have left Estella in the past, and concentrated on his own life and future. The second ending, however, does just the opposite it has Pip and Estella meet and become friends, which shows that no matter how hard tries to give this desire up, he is never mature enough to do so. In the original ending, however, lets the two characters part, and Pip reaches an understanding that Estella had only caused him pain in the past. The original ending is able to accomplish one of the morals of the novel what you do to others will eventually come back to you - by having Estella suffer like Pip did. The original ending Pip says ...in her face and in her voice, and in her touch, she gave me the ...

Histories of Reconstruction Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Histories of Reconstruction - Essay Example DuBois 1910 essay Reconstruction and Its Benefits. The juxtaposition of these two stories demonstrates the extreme chasm that existed between the perception of whites and the realities of life for the blacks. By the 1890s, many white believed the only way to control the alleged savagery of blacks was through savagery itself. On the contrary, and as this study will demonstrate, whites used extremely brutal forms of violence against African Americans. The whites did not only control the alleged African Americans bestiality but also created a climate of fear so as to subjugate the blacks. Although not all white participated directly in violence against blacks, records from these stories point to that locals hardly made efforts to prevent the crimes. The film birth of a nation, convincingly conveyed the idea that Reconstruction failed because blacks were not the equals of white and were not civilized enough to participate in the democratic process. The narration of, Birth of a nation, is focused on the Klan families. It follows from the beginning of slavery through Reconstruction and how it affected the Klan. In the film, the Blacks take over the town in its politics and wreak havoc on the Klan, whites of the town. The characters are used to portray certain themes symbolically and stir up feelings related to this period in American history. The white men in the film are the heroes that exude the virtues of the old south. They also demonstrate the pro-Klan characters that are trying to establish order again. The Black Americans in the film are depicted as the villains in the Reconstruction South who is out to corrupt and control the White characters. However, Du Bois presented an entirely different view of Reconstruction. Unlike Griffith, Du Bois found the black American to the constitutional convention of 1867 to be very capable. These blacks were active in discussions at the convention and used their

A comparison argument (or contrast, but not both) between a limited Research Paper - 1

A comparison argument (or contrast, but not both) between a limited aspect of the Viet Nam Conflict and our Conflict in Afghanistan(you need to chose a limited aspect that you are intrested in) - Research Paper Example Although the Afghan war is still going on and for that reason, the consequences of the war cannot be completely compared; but since the end is predicted to come about in the near future, a comparison can be drawn with respect to the destruction and losses militarily and politically. This paper, while reflecting upon the background of the Vietnamese and Afghan wars, will draw comparisons between them and cover the causes and consequences that a gory war brings about with it. Initially, the United States had little interest in Vietnam. However, as it became clear that the post-World War II world would be dominated by the US and its allies as well as the Soviet Union and its fighting partners, isolating communist movements took an increased importance in America’s eyes. These concerns were ultimately shaped into the doctrine of containment and domino theory. The move towards containment identified that the goal of communism was to spread to capitalist states and according to America, the only way to stop it was to â€Å"contain† it within its present borders. Moreover, arising from containment was the concept of domino theory, which stated that if one state in a region were to fall to communism, then the surrounding states would inevitably fall as well. These concepts forced US to get involved in the Vietnam conflict. In 1950, to combat the spread of communism, the United States began supplying the French military in Vietnam with advisors an d funding its efforts against the â€Å"red† Viet Minh (Hickman). According to an American senior journalist, with the initial objective of vanquishing al- Qaeda largely achieved, and the latest goal of luring the Taliban into a power-sharing deal out of reach, the main reason the U.S. is still at war in Afghanistan is inertia, and not for logical reasons. This is because the American military brass wants to show that its counter-insurgency theories work and â€Å"they are impressive theories developed by impressive

Sociology and Biological Determinism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Sociology and Biological Determinism - Essay Example Before the hormones were found in the early 1920s, scientists believed that sex differences arose from physiologically active substances - the talented women had high level of masculine genes. If the early 20th century such assumptions were logical, today biological determinism fails both in terms of sociology and biology. Contemporary neuroendocrinologists disagree with the key assumptions of biological determinism and point out that the idea of sex hormones is completely misleading (Miller 2000). The characteristics the society attributed to masculinity and femininity are not reflections of biological processes. Gould noted that the critique of biological determinism is timeless and timely at the same time. It is timeless because biological determinism is based on deep errors. It is timely because the same arguments about biological determinism arise at all times (Gould 1999). The first problem with biological determinism as the explanation of social factors (in particular, differentiating between masculine and feminine features) is the misleading name. Biological concept can refer either to evolutionary psychology (brain being not the learning machine shaped by culture, but having the innate skills and predispositions endowed by natural selection. Further, biological determinism is focused on the large group of people (differences between men and women or between the races). Finally, biological determinism fails to address the question of individual genetic destiny - how much of intelligence are heritable and how much of phobias are shaped by the culture and experiences (Johnson 2002). The idea that we are a mix of nature and nurture would seem to be common sense by now. Beyond the basic support systems - breathing, excreting - human personalities are the product of social existence, arriving courtesy of parents, teachers, peer groups, media, dominant id eologies and cultural norms: the product, in other words, of history, both personal and public. Biological determinism limits the human mind purely to abstract learning machines. Sure, all people share the same body plan and probably might have similar DNA to chimpanzee, however, the human brain is another matter. "Natural selection works to homogenize a species into a standard overall design by concentrating the effective genes--the ones that build well-functioning organs--and winnowing out the ineffective ones. Just as we all have the same physical organs, we have the same mental organs" (Johnson 2002, p. 12). This is most obvious in the case of language, where every neurologically intact child is equipped to acquire any human language; but it is true of other parts of the mind as well. Discarding the blank slate has thrown far more light on the psychological unity of humankind than on any differences. Of course, some of the assumptions underlining the biological determinism theory can be referred to as logical. In particular, men might prove to be on average better mathematician than women, while women prove to be more accomplished at the social interactions. Nevertheless, it is important to remember that biological determinism is based on average assumptions: men on average are more prone to violence than women, but any given woman might well be more violent

Cultural Differences in Midwifery Care

Cultural Differences in Midwifery Care Introduction The provision of holistic midwifery care is a fundamental role of the midwife (NMC, 2004). However, holistic care must encompass a wide range of practices, including care for the psychosocial and spiritual needs of the women and families within their caseload. One concept which arises within the general healthcare debate and within professional midwifery practice is the notion of cultural competence. This essay focuses on a critique of one article from the midwifery literature which addresses of the needs of one distinct religio-cultural group. Leishman (2004) demonstrates the complex nature of the provision of healthcare in a multi-cultural society. Inequalities exist in the provision of care to diverse ethnic and cultural groups (Salt, 1997). The article being critiqued addresses two issues – the provision of care to parents who have been bereaved, and specifically, the preferences, beliefs, behaviours and needs of one group of clients, those of the Muslim faith. It is publi shed in a midwifery journal and specifically deals with aspects of care which would come under the remit of the midwife within the UK, as specified by the NMC (2004). Discussion The title of the article is clear and simple, and defines the client group as religiously distinct (which also implies cultural distinction) and in a particular state of need due to bereavement. That the client group is defined as Islamic, however, does not take into account the different cultural and racial associations of those who practise Islam. A broad spectrum of cultures and races are associated with the Islamic, faith, suggesting that Islamic people are not a homogenous group. Conversely, it has also been argued that it is important to distinguish between culture (which has racial and religious overtones) and religion as a separate form of difference or identification (Eade, 1997). The failure of research on ethnic and racial or cultural lines to distinguish between religion and culture is notable (Eade, 1997), and it may be the intention of the authors of the critique article to ensure that the distinction is both clear and unequivocal. It may also be another example of the prioritisation of Islam over other social identities which is found so often in the literature (Eade, 1997). The authors further identify the group under consideration as those originating from migrants from the Indian Sub-Continent in the 1950s (Arshad et al, 2004). This group is limited to Asians (2nd and 3rd generation) originating directly or indirectly from this area (Arshad et al, 2004). Such a distinction may be important. Marks and Worboys (1997) discuss the fact that multiple meanings can be attached to the terminology surrounding discussions of culture and ethnicity, terms such as ‘migrant’ and also ‘minority.’ In order to attain cultural competence in the provision of healthcare, it is important to understand the distinctions between those terms utilised within the debate (Srivastava, 2007). Race is usually associated with biological, genetic and physical distinguishing characteristics (Srivastava, 2007). Ethnicity is associated with commonalities of birth, descent, kinship and cultural traditions (Srivastava, 2007). However, culture is harder to define, and includes racial, social, linguistic and other common patterns or characteristics within groups (Srivastava, 2007). This level of ambiguity within the debate does not help illuminate the current situation. By so clearly defining the focus of the client group in this article, the authors are claiming association with religious meaning (Islam) and racial and ethnic groupings (Asian, Indian Sub-Continent). They also support their focus with figures from the locality in question, thus establishing this group further as being of one predominant ethnic group, that of people of Pakistani origin (Arshad et al, 2004). This author can only question whether this adds to the understanding of the reader or further confuses the issue. The group are clearly defined, but what distinguishes them from other Muslims, or even from other ethnic groups from Asia, is not defined at all. Given the continued lack of understanding or awareness of cultural difference in the NHS in the UK (Le Var, 1998), further elucidating details might have been useful here. However, Cortis (2004) found that deficits exist in Registered Nurses knowledge about Pakistani patients in the United Kingdom, which might suggest that a greater understanding of this particularly group is necessary for all healthcare professionals. The Healthcare Commission (2006) found in their investigation of 10 maternal deaths in one hospital trust that women from minority ethnic groups are at higher risk of a pregnancy-related death. In this report, 9 out of the 10 women who died in the time period 2002 to 2005 were from minority ethnic groups, and seven out of these were from Asia (Healthcare Commission, 2006). This would suggest that the maternity care provided to women from these ethnic groups needs to be explored, evaluated and improved. This perhaps relates to the continued drive towards cultural competence in the healthcare services (Srivastava, 2007). It also suggests that there is a need for more specific information and evidence regarding distinct sub-groups within the ethnic mix of clients of the NHS. This article provides information, but its status as a form of evidence could be somewhat questionable. This is a descriptive article containing practical details for the maternity care professional to be able to provide culturally or religiously competent care for Muslims who experience the loss or death of a baby or fetus. Callister (2005) describes descriptive literature in this field as literature which identifies cultural practices to increase understanding of how nurses can more effectively provide culturally competent care for specific racial/ethnic and/or cultural groups of women and children. Establishing the client group’s distinctions early on, however, does not achieve much more than also establishing the authority of the authors in the writing of such an article, as it contains some references, but not as many as would be expected in a research-based article. There is no critical review of the literature, and very little critique or discussion, but rather a presentation of the (assumedly) accepted facts that relate to care for the family and dead infant. As such, th is is useful and informative, but the critical reader cannot but be aware of the lack of reliable evidence. The authority of the authors must be trusted here. Cortis (2003) suggests that culture furnishes the beliefs and values that give individuals a sense of identity, self-worth and belonging, as well as providing rules and guidelines or standards for behaviour. If we believe that culture is something commonly understood by those who share it (Srivastava, 2007), then it could be that a common understanding of Pakistani emigrant Muslim culture exists between the authors of the article, to such an extent that they fail to illuminate certain perhaps important details that would inform the general reader. This is a significant issue in the light of the continued debate about the nature and importance of culture in how people engage with healthcare services and each other. Recent views on culture, although not discarding the importance of a persons cultural inheritance of ideas, values, behaviour and practices, also acknowledge that culture can be affected dynamically by social transformation, social conflicts, power relationships and migrati on (Cortis, 2003). Yet there is no notion of that here, perhaps because the authors are dealing with the strictures of faith rather than culture. There is some statistical evidence of the rates of pregnancy loss infant death in the locality in question, but again, this is poorly related to the rest of the article and seems perhaps a token gesture towards relevance and importance of the information. Also, these statistics refer to White British, Pakistani and Other (Ashard et al, 2004), without making any further distinctions. Without such distinctions, the reader can only understand part of the picture. The ‘Other’ group might also contain people of the Muslim faith, as might the White British group. Again, the authors could have included more critical discussion here of ethnic mix. Some readers might consider that, having identified the group in question, the authors have gone far enough in setting the context of the paper. However, this author also feels that there is a degree of ambiguity in the presentation of this article. By distinguishing the client group to such a degree, it could be assumed that the customs, rites and beliefs referred to in the article are peculiar to this particular ethnic group who subscribe to the Muslim faith. However, it could also be that readers would assume that because the terms used in the article are more general, referring to Muslims as a religious group rather than making ethnic distinctions, these are guidelines to be applied to all Muslims. This ambiguity does not assist the reader in understanding how best to apply this information. Similarly, there is no real acknowledgement of the issue and dangers of stereotyping. Stereotyping has been described as a limiting and intellectually crude way of seeming to understand individuals (Schott and Henley, 1996). There is a tendency for people to stereotype those in groups that they do not belong to or know little about (Schott and Henley, 1996). Again, a critical reader could infer from this article that the authors have stereotyped the client group in question as being similar to all other Muslims. However, the article does raise some other issues which may not be explicit, including the importance and behaviours of family and friends in Islam during such a challenging time (Arshad et al, 2004). There is a clear undertone here that all Muslims behave in this manner because of their common faith. The article is referenced correctly but not very well referenced. Conversely, Leishman (2004) carries out a literature review which highlights some of the more topical issues surrounding the notion of culture and the needs of distinct diverse groups within the healthcare system. One issue that Lieshman (2004) raises is the fact that there is a need not only for health professionals to be aware of other cultures and belief systems, but also to be aware of their own. Addressing this issue, of understanding one’s own reaction to the beliefs and practices of others, might be raised in this article when discussing the practices and behaviours that are associated with Muslim clients following the death of a baby. This would be a useful and relevant practice point for midwives and other healthcare professionals to consider. Another point raised by Lieshman’s (2004) literature review is the need to take into account the past and experiences of ethnic groups, particularly those who, for example, have entered this country as asylum seekers. Similar issues have been raised by other literature (Maternity Alliance, 2004). The group in the critique article are not asylum seekers, but their parents, grandparents, family and friends may be, and the experiences and shared realities may affect their relationship with healthcare services and professionals. Such a potential is highlighted by a report by the Maternity Alliance (Maternity Alliance, 2004). Discounting this issue leaves out the level of detail midwives may require to fully understand and respond to the needs of diverse ‘minority’ groups, perhaps even promoting stereotyping rather than combating it. Thus it can be seen that another author, utilising a more critical and academic approach to the topic, can provide more of a discursive u nderstanding of relevant issues. Similarly, Callister (2005) reviews the literature on cultural competence in the care of women and children, and draws conclusions about the nature of that literature. Through this detailed examination the author is able to define and suggest potential outcomes for clinical care, for education of the professionals who deliver that care and for nursing research to properly explore the most important issues (Callister, 2005). Again, this article misses important opportunities to link the issues of concern to the current literature and to opportunities to develop better practice through educational development and research. For example, Callister (2005) suggests that studies are needed exploring organisational and work environment issues to better promote cultural competence. Simply being conversant with the basics of Islamic beliefs and practices surrounding death is not enough to promote true sensitivity and individualised care. Cultural sensitivity has been described as the attitudes, values, beliefs and personal insight of healthcare providers (Doorenbos et al, 2005). Such sensitivity involves acknowledgement of personal heritage and beliefs, openness to otherness, and respect for the complex ways in which cultural issues influence every aspect of healthcare (Doorenbos et al, 2005). However, the Arshad et al, (2004) article does not deal with the challenges of promoting cultural sensitivity, not does it distinguish between the different kinds of knowledge, understanding and skills necessary to provide care for this client group in these circumstances. A thorough, critical literature review, especially perhaps of any research or case studies that might illuminate the issues, would have considerably enhanced the paper. Doorenbos et al (2005) highlight and discuss existing models of cultural competence within healthcare, and evaluate one of the models used to assess one cultural competence assessment instrument. Application of such models to the situations described by Arshad et al (2004) might also have enhanced the quality of their argument and elevated their paper into the realms of evidence for practice rather than information for practice. Doorenbos et al (2005) describe cultural competence of healthcare providers as being central to the healthcare system’s ability to provide access to and provision of high-quality healthcare services, and link it to the drive to reduce health disparities. Srivastava (2007) links cultural competence to respect, knowledge and skills, and the ability to use them effectively in cross-cultural care situations. Some discussion of cultural competence in the Arshad et al (2004) article might also have perhaps allowed a more critical awareness of the subject. The conclusions the authors draw are that individuals have unique responses to grief and loss, regardless of religious background or belief systems (Arshad et al, 2004). This is no innovative or surprising finding, but the fact that they make no other conclusions is surprising. They also conclude that the resulting distress is often overwhelming (Arshad et al, 2004), another generalisation which is not new and does not really add anything to the debate. These conclusions do not really relate to the rest of the article, which is chiefly concerned with describing the beliefs and practices of Muslim people around the death of a child (Arshad et al, 2004). They also highlight that health professionals may not feel properly equipped or be well enough informed to support families of different faiths at such a time (Arshad et al, 2004). This is a fact well established by a range of other literature within healthcare and within midwifery (Srivastava, 2007; Marks and Worboys, 1997; Schott and Henley, 1996). The recommendations which are given are similarly brief and somewhat vague. Arshad et al (2004) suggest that an insight into religious beliefs and practices can only be beneficial when delivering care in the field of loss and bereavement. This is a rather sweeping statement, because while they do take into account the need to avoid generalisation, they have in fact generalised throughout the article and failed to provide any critical evaluation or insight into, for example, the differences in culture, race, background and practices that may exist between people who nevertheless subscribe to Islam. However, this may be this author’s own ethnocentrism surfacing – it could be that the expression of Islamic faith is universal and changes little between ethnic, racial or cultural groups. This article might be simply stemming from such a simple fact. The Maternity Alliance (2004) found that serious inequalities still exist in the provision of maternity care to women from minority ethnic groups, especially women who were asylum seekers. There is a need for more investigation of the reasons why staff are still improperly equipped to provide the highest standard of individualised care free of bias, prejudice or stereotyping. There is also a need to investigate the reasons for continued inequalities in access to and experience of healthcare, and any possible links between the two. There are a number of implications for midwifery practice, though these are not as explicitly stated within the article as they could be. The main and most useful implication is the need to provide correct and sensitive care for Muslim clients when they experience pregnancy loss or the death of an infant. This article is ideal to use to inform midwives of this. Other implications for midwifery practice are inherent in the article, and include, for example, implications for the practicalities of care provision in often busy maternity units within the NHS. The placing of the body so that it is facing Mecca, for example, is an important consideration for midwives who are usually the professionals who prepare the body of an infant or fetus following death. Another consideration is the fact that the whole of the body including the placenta and umbilical cord, should be buried (Arshad et al, 2004). It would be easy for a midwife to cause significant distress to a family by following usual hospital protocol for disposal of placenta, membranes and cord. There may also be issues of health and safety to be considered in the storage and transport of these tissues. If a midwife was aware of these particular religious practices, she might be able to discuss them with the client at an appropriate time and ensure that all their needs are met. Cortis (2003) suggests that nurses should appreciate how the domains of culture need to be used for data collection to identify specific cultural needs. It is through this process that important domains health beliefs, communication, spirituality, death and dying distinguish the needs of patients (Cortis, 2003). Cultural assessment also offers midwives and other healthcare professionals the opportunity for identifying potential differences between theirs and their patients’ value systems (Cortis, 2003). Chenowethm et al (2006) describes the common clash between healthcare professional’s perceptions of the professional responsibility to deliver care in a particular way, and the patient’s view of how they wish to be cared for. Such clashes are somewhat inevitable, but if anything can help t o overcome them or minimise them, it can only be of benefit to the midwifery profession. Chenowethm et al (2006) suggest one way to ensure cultural sensitivity is to access community resources appropriate to the cultural or ethnic group under consideration. This issue, however is not explicitly addressed in the Arshad et al (2004) article. More general issues for midwifery are those which apply to the broader, clinical governance spectrum of the maternity services as part of the healthcare services. The Department of Health (2007) in its operating framework for 2007-08 lay out core principles for the provision of care in the NHS. These include individualised care, partnership working, respecting dignity, reducing inequality and providing access to all based on need (DOH, 2007). Such a vision is nothing new, but does once again remind midwives of the need to provide both culturally sensitive and appropriate services. The information in this article may contribute to the development of such services, but it is the opinion of this author that it is still inadequate in addressing the complexity of the issues. However, Arshad et al (2007) do not address a range of other issues which can be found in the literature. For example, Park et al (2007) state that recruitment and retention efforts for non-white midwives, regular edu cation for cultural competence of midwives, and provision of culturally and linguistically appropriate care for women from ethnic minorities should be considered in future provision of maternity services. Neile (1995) also pinpoints education as important in supporting midwives gain a realistic insight into how the needs of the multiracial community may be met. There appears to be a need for a comprehensive programme of multicultural education for all midwifery professionals (Neile, 1996), a view which is echoed by Campinha-Bacote (2006) and Brathwaite and Majumdar (2006). If the Arshad et al (2004) article more directly targeted itself at professional education, it might have greater impact on the improvement of services. The Arshad et al (2004) article was published in the British Journal of Midwifery, which claims to be the leading clinical journal for midwives (BJM, 2007). This is well known as the pre-eminent peer-reviewed Journal for midwives in the United Kingdom, and the editorial board contains a range of the most senior and well respected midwives and midwifery academics in the country (BJM, 2007). The article is available by subscription online and in print, and is available in most Universities and Trust libraries. Contents, discussions and abstracts can also be found online, making this very accessible. This would give the article a degree of weight and authority, and as the BJM has such a large distribution – national and international – this adds further authority to the article. The writers themselves appear well qualified to write an article on this topic, in that it is written by two Muslim chaplains (one of whom is an Imam) and one bereavement support midwife. Thus the reader would be more inclined to accept and use their assertions in practice. This may explain why such a respected, peer-reviewed journal has accepted an article which is not related to research or a literature review. The authors do not appear to have published in other peer-reviewed journals but have contributed to the development of Trust policies and publications locally (Bradford NHS Trust, 2007). The rationale for the article seems sound. Arshad et al (2004) suggest that supporting parents who are bereaved following pregnancy loss can be complicated by a lack of knowledge and understanding of specific spiritual needs, leaving professionals feeling helpless and families feeling dissatisfied. The purpose, therefore, of their article is to provide information to address this issue (Arshad et al, 2004). This proposal seems reasonable and even necessary, given the need for improved understanding, knowledge, awareness and attitudes highlighted by the literature (Srivastava, 2007; Marks and Worboys, 1997; Schott and Henley, 1996). Cortis (2004) highlights the fact that there is a continued need for research into multi-cultural aspects of care. Through one research study, Cortis (2004) also identifies the danger of ethnocentrism in the health services, suggesting that it may contribute to racism, as ethnocentric practice fails to recognize significant cultural differences and their importance for the people concerned. If this is true, then such an article, informative and descriptive in nature, may contribute to the quality of care by informing those with ethnocentric tendencies of important details relating to this client group. However, in the provision of individualised care, this article may not supply the level of critical detail that the truly client-centred midwife would need to fully enhance their practice in this area. They also claim that the rituals and beliefs of Islam in these circumstances are complex and may appear strange to the uninitiated (Arshad et al, 2004). Conclusion As has been demonstrated, this article provides a descriptive, factual picture of the beliefs, practices and behaviours that Muslims experiencing pregnancy loss or infant death might display. It is of some use to midwives in an informative manner, but also does not seem to address the complex and challenging nature of the provision of care to a range of clients whose only common factor may be their Islamic faith. It does not address the issue of evidence-based care, and fails to engage in any real critique of the evidence base, literature or debate which does exist around this topic. It also fails to highlight some key terms of the current debate, including notions of cultural competence and cultural sensitivity, to any great degree. There are a range of issues which could have been highlighted such as education, communication and immigration. However, any truly client-centred midwife can only conclude that the information itself is vital to the provision of midwifery care to such cl ients and it also serves to highlight the notion of the great differences that exist in responses to and behaviours around pregnancy bereavement within different racial, ethnic and religious groups in society. Any such article has a place in the drive to improve care standards and quality, and should be incorporated into client-centred care. References Arshad, M., Horsfall, A., Yasin, R. () ‘Pregnancy loss- the Islamic perspective.’ British Journal of Midwifery 12 (8) 481-484. Bradford NHS Trust (2007) www.meded.bradfordhospitals.nhs.uk/DesktopModules/ViewDocument.aspx? Brathwaite, A.C. Majumdar, B. (2006) ‘Evaluation of a cultural competence educational programme.’ Journal of Advanced Nursing 53 (4) 470–479. British Journal of Midwifery (2007) http://www.britishjournalofmidwifery.com/ Accessed 6-5-07 Callister, L.C. () ‘What has the literature taught us about culturally competent care of women and children?’. Maternal Child Nursing 30 (6) 380-388. Campinha-Bacote, J. (2006) ‘Cultural competence in nursing curricula: how are we doing 20 years later?’ Journal of Nursing Education. 45(7) 243-4. Chenowethm, L., Jeony, H., Goff, M. Burke, C. (2006) ‘Cultural competency and nursing care: an Australian perspective. International Nursing Review 53 24-40. Cortis, J.D. (2004) ‘Meeting the needs of minority ethnic patients.’ Journal of Advanced Nursing . 48(1) 51-58. Cortis, J.D. (2003) ‘Managing societys difference and diversity’ Nursing Standard 18(14-15-16) 33-39. Dennis, S. (2004) ‘Transcultural nursing resources’ Nursing Standard 19(6) 25 Department of Health (2007) The NHS in England: the operating framework for 2007-08’ http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Consultations/Liveconsultations/DH_064732 Dimond, B. (2002) ‘Race relations and the law.’ British Journal of Midwifery 10 (9) 580-583. Doorenbos, A.Z., Schim, S.M., Benkert, R. and Borse, N.N. (2005) ‘Psychometric Evaluation of the Cultural Competence Assessment Instrument Among Healthcare Providers.’ Nursing Research 54 (5) 324-331 Eade, J. (1997) ‘The power of the experts: the plurality of beliefs and practices concerning health and illness among Bangladeshis in contemporary Tower Hamlets, London.’ In: Marks, L. Worboys, M. (1997) Migrants, Minorities and Health: historical and contemporary studies London: Routledge. Healthcare Commission (2006) Investigation into 10 maternal deaths at, or following delivery at, Northwick Park Hospital, North West London Hospitals NHS Trust, between April 2002 and April 2005. www.healthcarecommission.org.uk/_db/_documents/Northwick_tagged.pdf -. Accessed 6-5-07. Le Var, R.M. (1998) ‘Improving educational preparation for transcultural health care.’ Nurse Education Today. 18(7) 519-33 Lieshman, J. (2004) ‘Perspectives of cultural competence in health care. Nurisng Stanard. 19 (11) 33-38. Marks, L. Worboys, M. (1997) Migrants, Minorities and Health: historical and contemporary studies London: Routledge. Neale, E. (1996) ‘Investigating midwifery education in a multiracial and multicultural society.’ In: The art and science of midwifery gives birth to a better future. Proceedings of the International Confederation of Midwives 24th Triennial Congress, 26-31 May 1996, Oslo. London: International Confederation of Midwives. 1996, pp 171-175. Neale, E. (1995) ‘The maternity needs of the Chinese community.’ Nursing Times 1 (4) 34-35. Papadopoulos, I., Tilki, M. and Lees, S. (2004) Promoting cultural competence in healthcare through a research-based intervention in the UK. Diversity in Health Social Care. 1(2). Park, J-H., Vincent, D. and Hastings-Tolsma, M. (2007) ‘Disparity in prenatal care among women of colour in the USA.’ Midwifery 23 (1) 28-37. Salt, K. (1996) ‘African-American midwifery: past, present and future.’ Midwifery Today 38 25-27. Schott, J. Henley, A. (1996) Culture, Religion and Childbearing in a Multiracial Society: A handbook for health professionals Oxford: Butterworth-Heinemann. Srivastava, R.H. (2007) The Healthcare Professional’s Guide to Clinical Cultural competence Toronto: Mosby Elsevier. Weller, P., Feldman, A. and Purdam, K. (2001) Religious Discrimination in England and Wales: Home office Research Study 220. London: Home Office Research, Development and Statistics Directorate.

Windows 95 or NT :: essays research papers

Windows 95 or NT When one asks himself or another, Which Operating system will better fill my needs as an operating system Windows 95 or Windows NT version 3.51. I will look at both operating systems and compare the qualities of each one in price, performance, stability and ease of use. The final results will give one a clear view to the superior operating system for years to come.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  As one already knows, that if you keep up with the computer industry, that Microsoft Windows has been around for a long time. The Majority of all PC users use some type of windows for their working environment. Microsoft has spent a great deal of time trying to make the supreme operating system. In doing so they have created two of the most debated systems available to the general public in this day and age. However, in doing so each one of these operating systems has there good side and there bad side.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Windows NT 3.51 was originally created for business use, but has ended up being more widely available for the average PC user in ones home. Windows 95 was developed for the sole purpose as an alternative to Windows NT. But has ended up in the work place more then the home. Windows 95 carries an average price of ninety-five dollars in stores. Which makes it an expensive system worth the money. On the other hand Windows NT 3.51 carries a price tag of three-hundred and forty nine dollars. Making this software very expensive but also worth every penny.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Windows 95 is much easier to use then Windows NT. It was designed to make the PC user have more of an easier time navigating through its complex tasks. This is one of the main reasons why people would rather buy the more less expensive operating system. Rather then the more expensive system Windows NT. Another one the reasons that Windows 95 is more popular is for its simple graphic user interface otherwise known as the GUI. Windows also carries a option that Windows NT does not carry. That option is called PnP or Plug and Play, This is where the operating system will install the hardware and new hardware that could be added at a later date in time, Windows NT does not carry this very useful feature. If one has ever tried to install a new peripheral to ones computer it can be a headache alone trying to decipher the instruction manual that comes along with the device. Windows 95 will do this on its own, one of the downfalls to it is the fact that it can be only a device that is less

Is Money the root of Evil

In our world today there is one item that controls us and influences us all, money; the thing that makes us who we are or who we want to be. However, money is not necessarily the root of all evil. If money is used appropriately, money has the influence of benefiting those around us, yet at the same time it can bring out the worst in many people. Money also controls society where it can cause substantial problems in politics, the government as well corrupt cities. Lastly, although money is indeed the root of everything, we cannot live with money because of our economic society. Everything has its pros and cons and whatever it may be there is always an outcome. Money however, is not necessarily the root of all evil. Money can definitely help many people. Through my experiences, I've learned that money can make a huge impact for those around us. For instance, every year I stock a shoebox with toys and goods for the yearly event of Operation Christmas Child. Knowing that a child from around the world is receiving my shoebox, I can understand that a little money can bring happiness for those who are in need. However, anyone can use money, even well off citizens; it doesn't matter if you are poor, wealthy or rich. You can spend money on whatever you like; whether its computer games, food, entertainment, or even gambling. The problem with money is that everyone would like an abundance of it, but not everyone has the opportunity to have it at their disposal. When too many people are longing for the same thing and there is not enough to go around, people start creating their own ways on how to get their own share. Soon enough, crime becomes a factor and humans lose their morality and start stealing from one another. When I was in grade 10, my parents bought me a brand new IPod; nevertheless, it was stolen because someone wanted it as well. Money also can cause significant damage to once a stable political society to become spiteful and greedy. The United States is the perfect example. President Bush has always had a strong desire to lead his country. However, the decisions that he made only benefited what he believed was best and not what the country believed. In 2001, President Bush made the decision of declaring war in Afghanistan. The main purpose of the war was to capture Bin Laden as well as to destroy Al-Queda. Nevertheless, the mission became into trying to control Afghanistan itself. Over 20,000 troops were sent to insure control. In order to pay for the enormous project and mission, cuts were made and state entities had to be closed; many workers lost their jobs. President Bush Mayor found that the war was more important than the country itself. In turn, the country has to find its own ways to pay for its own necessities; which only will result in depreciation. We also see on a regular basis of other federal government cases that centre on embezzlement with government funds when all the while more important issues can be solved with the money being cheated by our leaders and superiors. Eventually, the focal point becomes on money and not the important issues such as the homeless and crime. People in general love money; we love to own nice things and are excited when we are able to purchase that item we once dreamed about having one day. There are some, though, that have problems using it in the proper way. Instead of saving money, I purchase useless items that are not necessary. Last March break, I went snowboarding with my friends in Banff with my brand new fast snowboard rather than paying off the debt I owed to my parents. In reality, we place money at the top of everything; it is the first and foremost on the minds of people. We dream constantly of what would make our lives better; if we need the money desperately, if we need to satisfy our desires, or even to try and fulfill our dreams. A Homeless man on the street needs money to buy food, a mother needs money to take care of her child, and a father needs money to pay his home mortgage payment. We would all like to â€Å"have it all. † I dream of living in the perfect world; where I live in the perfect community, drive the fastest car and owning the newest entertainment systems. It all comes down to how we place the importance of our wants and needs. I always desire what my friends have, but by what means will I go to get it? Will I get another job? Or ultimately even choosing the negative outcome by stealing? Money is surely the root of everything, good and evil. Money controls the world that we live in. It's something that we need to survive with and it's one of the most manipulative objects that can control us. Money is the root of everything, good and evil. In our society today, we cannot walk out the door without seeing something that involves money. It is up to us on how we manipulate it and how we use it in our daily lives. I've learned that with money comes discernment. What type of discernment will I use when I want to have something? The Parable of the lost son in the bible tells the story of a young man who wants his share of his father's inheritance. Not long after that, the young son took off to a distant country and squandered his wealth in wild living. After he had spent everything, he had nothing, and continued by living by working on a farm and eating what the pigs ate. The lesson of the story is that we need to use money wisely and to have the right discernment. So ask yourself, how do you spend money? Do you use it wisely? Or spend it foolishly?

Cost of Health Care Essay Example

Cost of Health Care Essay Example Cost of Health Care Paper Cost of Health Care Paper Cost of Health Care   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Among developed countries, the U.S. spends the most for health care with over-all government and per capita spending steadily rising within the past years to reach $2.0 trillion in 2005 translated to $6,697 per person (ACP, 2008). The cost of health care is the amount the government through its programs such as Medicare and Medicaid and individual consumers as well, spend for health care. It can also be seen in the rapidly increasing expenses for drugs, treatments, technologies and health insurance premiums. Health care spending is estimated to double by 2015 and will drain Medicare funds (ACP, 2008).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   High spending for health care has not translated into a healthier populace, however. The higher rates of insurance premiums have led employers to cut down on their costs for this benefit and have passed on a larger portion or even the entire costs to their employees. This has led to the increase in the uninsured and underinsured who, having limited finances for out-of-the-pocket health expenses, give up preventive or maintenance treatments until their medical conditions worsen (Colliver, 2004). They then end up in hospital emergency rooms where the costs for their care are mainly shouldered by government.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   There are also other factors that contribute to the rising costs of health care such as lack of government regulation on the health care industry and the prices of health services and products, the aggressive use of treatments by physicians to include various tests or procedures that are not medically necessary but would serve to protect doctors from malpractice and the expenses for the health care bureaucracy, such as hospital administrative costs, passed on to consumers (Colliver, 2004).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     In order to mitigate the high costs of health care, (1) the government should attempt regulation of the health care industry in order to put a cap on prices of related goods such as health insurance and medicines and (2) the government should provide for universal access to health care which could be achieved using different strategies in order to decrease the number of underinsured or uninsured and prevent the kind of negative health practices they adopt (ACP, 2008 and Colliver, 2004). List of References ACP (American College of Physicians) (2008). â€Å"Achieving a High-Performance Health Care   Ã‚  Ã‚   System with Universal Access: What the U.S. Can Learn from Other Countries†.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Annals of Internal Medicine, 148(1). Retrieved 28 April 28, 2008 from   Ã‚  Ã‚   annals.org/cgi/content/full/0000605-200801010-00196v1. Colliver, V. (2004). â€Å"In Critical Condition: Health Care in America, How the Health Care   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   System is Failing and Why it’s Hard to Fix†. The San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   28 April 2008 from sfgate.com/cgi-  Ã‚   bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2004/10/11/MNGII96CVP1.DTL.

Best Years of Our Lives

Best Years of Our Lives Homer Parrish is a character in the movie â€Å"Best years of our lives†. The movie chronicles the lives of three soldiers returning from the war. Homer Parrish is returning from the war with severe injuries that have resulted in both his arms being amputated. Therefore, Homer has to adjust to both the civilian life and his disability. Other characters in the movie are Al Stephenson a middle-aged family man who worked as a loan officer, and a scarred Fred Derry who served in the Air force.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Best Years of Our Lives specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Homer’s personality is well highlighted throughout the movie. For instance, his numerous encounters with other characters especially his fiancà © give great insight into his personality. The first trait in his personality is extroversion. Right from the beginning, Homer’s character is outgoing, talkative, energetic, and en thusiastic. All these traits are synonymous with extroversion. For example, in the scene where Mr. Mollett approaches him with a question, his answer is riddled with humour and sarcasm. This conversation is just one among many in which Homer uses skilled humour. Homer’s character is also very talkative. He is not intimidated by any of the people he encounters. Even when he is trying to cut his girlfriend loose, he still does it talkatively. Another trait that points towards Homer being an extrovert is his use of gestures and facial expressions. His personal warmth is what makes his friend Fred volunteer to be the best man at his wedding. Following these examples, it can be speculated that Homer has an extroverted personality. Another trait used in determining a person’s personality is one’s agreeableness. This trait shapes a person’s trust, forgivingness, generosity, and kindness. Homer’s agreeableness is mostly on the negative side. When he gets i nto an argument with a customer at the soda store, the confrontation ends in a physical altercation. This incident points towards lack of agreeability. Another manifestation of this trait is his distrust towards his girlfriend Wilma. While Wilma insists that she is okay with Homer’s condition, Homer takes a long time to believe her. Homer also has a neurotic personality. This personality trait is highlighted in various instances. At the beginning of the video, there are several instances when Homer pities himself. In another incident, he compares himself to a baby. This self-pitying is synonymous with neurotic personalities.Advertising Looking for essay on art and design? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More It is also clear that from the way he answers people self defensively, he has neurotic tendencies. Fluctuating moods are also associated with neurotic persons. During most of his conversations with Wilma, this trait is evident. A neurotic personality is also susceptible to depression, hostility, and anxiety. Homer’s personality is mostly open. The openness is witnessed in various incidences. For instance, there is a scene where he insightfully explains to Wilma why they should not be together. This openness is also portrayed by Homer’s unusual thought process. His mind seems to wander off in unusual thoughts. Homer is a Conscientious person. This is why after coming back from the war he decides not to carry on with his marriage to Wilma because of his disability. When the plane is landing in their hometown, Homer takes the moment in and has high aspirations. All these scenes portray Homer as a Conscientious person. Homer acts as the main protagonist in the film. However, all his actions are motivated by things that happened either before or after his military accident. These same actions are also pivotal in shaping Homer’s personality. Right from the beginning, it see ms like Homer is going to have the hardest time readjusting owing to his age and disability. However, Homer seems upbeat about his chances even with his artificial arms. When explaining what led to the loss of his arms, he says he had no idea a shell was coming their way. This indicates that one of the things that motivate him is the knowledge that his disability was not because of his mistake. According to him, his disability was just an unfortunate incident. Another thing that motivates Homer is the fact that even though both his arms were burnt off, his prosthetics work just fine. In the bar, he even shows Mollette that he can scoop ice cream with them. This gives him motivation as he feels he is lucky for the second chance. Before the war, Homer was a young and energetic young man. At that time, he was engaged to Wilma. In school, he played football in the enviable position of a quarter back. He also lived with his parents as a contributing member of the family. These issues con tributed to his later development.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Best Years of Our Lives specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More As a football player, he learnt how to put up a fight and capitalize on the chances he got. This possibly explains why he is not about to give up on his ambitions now that he is disabled. He also understands that one of the reasons Wilma was attracted to him was because of his abilities. This fact motivates him to abandon his relationship with Wilma. When Homer is touching ground at his hometown, he is upbeat about everything else in his life except for his relationship with Wilma. He is convinced that his fiancà © will feel differently about him now that he is disabled. In response to this threat, he becomes withdrawn and hostile towards Wilma. No matter how much she tries to make it work with him, he is resolute about ending this relationship. In a final attempt to convince himself that she is still not comfortable with his condition, he unhooks his hands in front of her. When this gesture does not perturb her, he becomes convinced that she really cares for him. Homer’s is not easily threatened even when he faces probable defeat. This is why in the drug store he stands up against the arrogant customer. He is also not moved when Wilma threatens to move to another town. Homer is an outgoing person and has several acquaintances. Most of his relationships are cordial. However, his condition puts a strain on most of his relationships. Before his accident, Homer had a good romantic relationship with Wilma. However, after the accident the relationship becomes one-sided. Homer lives with his parents and other siblings. Before he became disabled, they all considered him an able-bodied young man and a great asset to the family. After the accident, the relationship becomes dominated by pity and curiosity. For instance, at one time his sister gathers her friends and they al l spy on how Homer is coping with his new hands. His relationships with fellow veterans are more stable because most of them understand his condition. Fred even volunteers to be the best man at his wedding.

What is Heathy Eating Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

What is Heathy Eating - Essay Example Most people feed on everything and anything in the market without taking into consideration the effects that come along with these foods. Therefore, it is very important to eat healthy as there are many benefits related to a healthy diet. Many nutritionists and food experts have come up with ways to give information about healthy eating. Information is widely accessible in form of; books, talk shows, magazines, journals and programs. However, most people are ignorant and only take time to access this information when they are in need, especially in cases where one is sick. This should not be the case as healthy eating should be more of a routine to all for healthy living. People of all ages are to feed healthily. Healthy eating involves a variety of things to consume. Water is one of the major components of good diet. Nutritionists recommend eight to ten glasses of water per day for everyone. Water lacks calories and thus the body does not need to digest it, rather it absorbs and kee ps the body clean. It reduces sugar levels and washes off toxics found in the body. We all need water for the body to carry out its metabolic processes and other bodily processes. Other main aspects of healthy foods are vitamins, proteins and carbohydrates. Vitamins mainly include fruits and vegetables. Vegetables contain fiber that makes it easy for the body to digest bulk. Vegetables ought to be included on a daily basis. Examples of essential vegetables include spinach, carrots, lettuce, cabbages, cauliflower and broccoli. Fruits contain most of the vitamins required in the body. People need fruits daily as they too boost digestion of other foods. Examples of fruits include lemons, watermelons, pineapples and mangoes. Proteins are necessary for building the body. Most anorexic people suffer from lack of proteins. Therefore, it is vital for people to ensure there is protein in their diet for growth. Both animals and plants yield protein products. The main proteins recommended by f ood experts include beef, cheese, eggs, beans, peas, chicken and milk. Carbohydrates are the main source of energy in the body. The consumption of carbohydrates greatly contributes to the general energy amounts in the body. Examples of highly consumed carbohydrates include bread, maize, sugar, rice and pasta. A healthy diet includes three meals a day with water included. Nutritionists recommend a heavy breakfast inclusive of all the main types of food. This is because the body needs energy to run during the day’s activities. A glass of fresh juice or fruits, cereals, bread, needs to be part of people’s morning meal. The mid day meal needs to light to boost energy for the rest of the remaining hours of the day before dinner. Dinner includes foods that provide energy and nourishment and time taken being two to three hours before retiring to bed. Gottlieb, Robert, and Anupama Joshi. Food Justice. Cambridge, Mass: MIT Press, 2010. Print. This scholarly book attempts to por tray the path that has led to Americans eating fast foods instead of natural wholesome foods that are healthier. Just like most health books and journals, this book focuses on every individual and their eating culture. The book explains why most Americans eat junk and they feel bothered when the junk is not available. Convenience of these fast foods contributes to their wide market and high demand. People claim to be too busy to find time to shop for healthy foods and cook. The book also tells on how farmers who grow the healthy foods lack market as the whole society is turning to the fast food way of eating. The book fits in the topic of healthy eating because people actually know of the healthy foods but choose otherwise. Healthy eating is not common and everyone has the

Ethics in Medicine Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Ethics in Medicine - Research Paper Example Subsequently, an analysis of womens rights to their bodies is outlined in this paper. This will be achieved in this paper through the identification of a point of argument relative to womens rights to their bodies, an elucidation of the logical strengths and weaknesses of the issue as well as how it is approached, and also through a determination on whether the issue attempts to overreach into personal liberty. Krieger postulates the fact that the history of womens fight for the right to their bodies runs back to the 1970s. This began when women established movements geared towards the protection of their rights to "access safe, legal abortion and contraception in North America and Europe and soon afterwards Latin America and the Caribbean, Asia, and Africa" (p. 726). During this period, women fought for their right to make their own decisions in regard to what point at their lives to have children, as well as the method or technique to be used when giving birth not considering their ethnic background, age, abilities, and also their social and economic status. Womens rights to their bodies became an issue when countries all over the world started creating and implementing plans of action aimed towards denying women their rights. For instance, this became an issue in India when the government enforced rules that required women to undergo sterilization and also insert hormonal implants in their bodies. Similarly, womens rights to their bodies became an issue in the Philippines and South American countries as a result of imposed strategies supported by the religious organizations disallowing or making illegal birth control methods and termination of pregnancies. In some African countries such as Egypt and Nigeria, womens rights to their bodies became an issue based on the governments disregard to dangerous and harmful cultural practices such as female circumcision (Krieger