US Supreme Court Decision Essay Example for Free

US Supreme Court Decision Essay An examination of the United States Supreme Court case Romer v. Evans, which was decided on May 20, 1996, is to be put forth in this paper. The case was argued on October 10, 1995. At issue was Amendment 2 to the State Constitution of Colorado â€Å"which precludes all legislative, executive, or judicial action at any level of state or local government designed to protect the status of persons based on their homosexual, lesbian or bisexual orientation, conduct, practices or relationships† (Romer v. Evans, 1995). The U. S. Supreme court held it violates the Equal Protection Clause. The opinion in favor was filed by Justice Kennedy, while the dissenting opinion was filed by Justice Scalia. The referendum, Article II sec 30b of the Colorado Constitution, read as follows: NO PROTECTED STATUS BASED ON HOMOSEXUAL, LESBIAN, OR BISEXUAL ORIENTATION. Neither the State of Colorado, through any of its branches or departments, nor any of its agencies, political subdivisions, municipalities or school districts, shall enact, adopt or enforce any statute, regulation, ordinance or policy whereby homosexual, lesbian or bisexual orientation, conduct, practices, or relationships shall constitute or otherwise be the basis of, or entitle any person or class of persons to have or claim any minority status, quota preferences, protected status or claim of discrimination. This Section of the Constitution shall be in all respects self-executing (Romer v. Evans, 1996). While many believed the law would prevent non-federal discrimination lawsuits based on sexual orientation as well as prevent the passage or the enforcing of existing laws prohibiting such discrimination, Amendment 2’s purpose was â€Å"generally inconsistent with mainstream American values† (Debbage Alexander, pg. 264). The State of Colorado argued the â€Å"measure does no more than deny homosexuals special rights† (Romer v. Evans, 1995). This is a decades old argument that right-wing Christian groups have used â€Å"to appeal to a wider, more secular audience by characterizing the gay rights movement as one aimed at getting special rights and protected status for gays and lesbians incorporated into civil rights law† (Debbage Alexander, pg. 273). Justice Kennedy writes in the opinion in favor, â€Å"The States principal argument that Amendment 2 puts gays and lesbians in the same position as all other persons by denying them special rights is rejected as implausible† (Romer v. Evans, 1995). Justice Kennedy further states how â€Å"Amendment 2 confounds this normal process of judicial review. It is at once too narrow and too broad. It identifies persons by a single trait and then denies them protection across the board† (Romer v. Evans, 1995). The final paragraph of Justice Kennedy’s opinion declares: â€Å"We must conclude that Amendment 2 classifies homosexuals not to further a proper legislative end but to make them unequal to everyone else. This Colorado cannot do. A State cannot so deem a class of persons a stranger to its laws. Amendment 2 violates the Equal Protection Clause, and the judgment of the Supreme Court of Colorado is affirmed† (Romer v. Evans, 1995). While Justice Scalia writes in his dissenting opinion, Amendment 2 is a â€Å"modest attempt by seemingly tolerant Coloradans to preserve traditional sexual mores against the efforts of a politically powerful minority to revise those mores through the use of the laws† (Romer v. Evans, 1995). While Justice Scalia has the right to his own personal beliefs regarding homosexuality and its validity as a protected class, many others do not share them. As Richard Mohr observes in Romer v. Evans: A Blow for Justice, â€Å"All or nearly all legal burdens on gays appeal directly or indirectly to prejudice†. His article goes on to describe how in 1996 this ruling should affect two major gay issues: gays in the military and gay marriage. When opponents cannot give logical reasons for their opposition it presupposes â€Å"strongly held beliefs for which one can offer no reasons or explanations are by definition prejudicial ones† (Mohr, para. 5). With the decision of the U.S. Supreme Court, Romer v. Evans â€Å"marked an immensely important day for the gay rights movement and a major setback for anti-gay rights activists of all persuasions† according to Sharon Debbage Alexander’s article in the Winter 2002 issue of Texas Forum on Civil Liberties Civil Rights. Furthermore, this case has become one of the most significant decisions issued by the U.S. Supreme Court in regards to gay rights. The majority of those who have analyzed Romer v. Evans purport the â€Å"fact that the case was won using a rational basis test adds to the strength of the decision for gay rights† (Debbage Alexander, pg. 297). Since the decision of Romer v. Evans, President Barack Obama has overturned the â€Å"Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell† policy within our Armed Forces and gay marriage is currently under consideration in two cases that have been heard at the U.S. Supreme Court. After winning Boy Scouts of America v. Dale in 2000 protecting the groups First Amendment expressive association rights, recently the governing body of the Boy Scouts of America voted to allow openly gay scouts within its membership, but not as Scout Leaders. The important issue of gay rights in America has finally reached the forefront of public policy and debate. As in Romer v. Evans, I hope that the United States Supreme Court will rule against the State of California’s Proposition 8 and DOMA, the Defense of Marriage Act, to find both laws unconstitutional. In so far as to bring equality for all to these United States of America.

Professional Practice With Children Families And Carers Social Work Essay

Professional Practice With Children Families And Carers Social Work Essay As a result of the 2011 riots seen in the United Kingdom, Louise Casey (2012) was commissioned by the coalition government to write a report entitled Listening to Troubled Families. This essay will critique the report and consider if government austerity measures could impact in social care provision and outcomes for service users. It will discuss the narrative of one family identified in the report whom require intervention and support in order to safeguard their children (Casey 2012). It will give an outline of the development and impact of legislation and policy guidance on social work practice for children, families and carers. Furthermore it will consider academic research and theories that inform social work practice when working with such families; for instance; ecological theories, assessment, life span models of development, professional power and attachment theory. This essay will also discuss the skills necessary for contemporary social work practitioners to engage effecti vely with children and families. It will argue that inter-professional, anti-oppressive, multi-professional and reflective practice is paramount to successful outcomes for families who require support from services. The term troubled families was first used by David Cameron (Cameron, 2011), and later defined by the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) as households having serious problems and chaotic personal histories. Cameron (2012) intends to ensure those identified in the report as troubled 120,000 families, turn their lives around. These families are characterised as; having no adult in employment, children who do not attend school and family members partaking in anti-social behaviour and criminal activities. By reducing costs and improving outcomes, the results based funding scheme aims to change service delivery for families (Cameron, 2011). Welshman (2012), states that this policy agenda is the latest reconstruction of the underclass debate. Giddens (1973, cited in Haralambos and Holborn, 2002) claims that Britain has an underclass of people who are disadvantaged on the labour market because they lack qualifications and skills, and may face discrimination, prejudice and marginalisation in society. The New Labour Government (1997-2010) linked disorderly behaviour to problem families and focussed on individual deficiencies rather than an acknowledgment of structural constraints, for instance; the effects of poverty on family relationships and parenting (Hill and Wright, 2003; Gillies, 2005, in Parr, 2009). New Labour implemented Family Intervention Projects (FIP) that were framed from the Respect Action Plan in 2006. This was criticized by a parental and family support organisation Parentline Plus (2006), as threats of punishments to parents would impact negatively on families, and parents could be less willing to seek support before they reached crisis (BBC News, 2006). Initiatives like Signpost, provided intensive levels of support and understanding of multidimensional complexities, comprising of effective intervention for children and families within their communities (Dillane et al 2001, cited in Parr, 2009 ). Featherstone (2006) maintains this initiative was within the context of the social investment state, encouraging investment in human capital as opposed to direct economic provision provided by the state in the form of welfare payments. Postle, (2002 cited in Parr, 2009) argues that Signpost intervention was social work at its best allowing social workers time for effective co mmunication and partnership working rather than the policing of families. Levitas (2012) argued against research methodology used in the Casey Report (2012) and of the idea of multi-disadvantaged families being the source of societys ills. Levitas (2012) claims; that the figure of 120,000 was founded on data from a secondary analysis of a Children and Families Report (2004). Literature suggests the figure of 120,000 families is underestimated, the number of multi-disadvantaged families is significantly greater (Levitas, 2012; Hern, 2012). The initial 2004 study found no evidence to indicate that the families were trouble makers as proposed but did find that they were families in trouble. As a result of changes in taxation, welfare benefits, spending cuts and the continuing effects of the economic downturn (Levitas, 2012). Welshman (2012) advocates that history provides important lessons for policymakers and addressing both structural and behavioural causes of poverty is likely to be more effective than counting and defining such families. He believes there is little knowledge regarding reasons for behaviours and calls for research for combating problems that these families encounter. Casey (2012) has given an insight by using service users narratives and received positive responses from interviewees. However, her research does have further limitations; a small sample of sixteen families, all of whom were at crisis point when they accepted working with the FIP (Casey 2012). Soloman (2012) claims that vast number of vulnerable families are being left without any support. Casey (2012) made no reference to ethnicity and culture of the families, therefore giving no insight into diversity (Clifford and Burke, 2009). Bailey (2012) believes that the report breaches ethical standards for social research, the f amilies interviewed are participants in the FIP and therefore had a power of sanction over them, therefore it may have been difficult for the families to decline from the study. No written information on the risks of participation was provided; he also suggests that ethical approval was not applied for. Bailey, (2012) believes that there is a risk of identifying these families. Casey (2012) acknowledged that the information was not representative of 120,000 families but claims that it provides a sound basis for policy. Nevertheless, Bailey (2012) argues that there is no place for unethical research in public policy making. Comparative studies were not conducted on families with similar economic and social circumstances who are not described as troubled. Casey (2012) discussed intergenerational cycles of abuse, violence, alcohol and drug misuse as well as worklessness being reasons for troubled families placing the oneness on individuals (Levitas, 2012). Kelly (2012) welcomes the Governments commitment to aid families. He proposes that most parents on low incomes are good parents and believes that it is naive to conflate illness, inadequate housing and poverty with substance misuse and crime. Kelly (2012) also argues that many families involved with Family Action are socially isolated, invisible to support services who struggle on low incomes rather than displaying anti-social behaviours. The case studies gave the parents perspective, however, the voice and opinion of the child was unheard. Ofsted (2010) found practitioners concentrated too much on the needs of the parents and overlooked the implication s for the child. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child Article 12 declares, the views of the child must be respected, Article 3 states that the childs best interests must be a primary concern (Unicef, 1992). This essay will now discuss social work practice in relation to one of the families identified in Louise Caseys Report (2012) Chris and Julie (appendix 1). In the past, adults like Chris and Julie who had learning disabilities may have been prevented from becoming parents, eugenic theories dominated, with the aim to ensure children with similar disabilities were not procreated (Cleaver and Nicholson 2007). However, in recent years attitudes are changing in favour of people with learning disabilities giving them the same rights as other citizens regarding sexuality and family life. An increased number of people with learning difficulties now have wider opportunities for independent living. According to Haavik and Menninger (1981 cited in Booth and Booth, 1993, p 203) deinstitutionalization enabled many people with learning disabilities to participate in their community. Duffy (2006, cited in Thompson et al 2008), states that self-determination is a core principle in attaining citizens hip in western society. The shift in opinions and principles is evident in government legislation and guidance thus impacting on social work practice, for instance; Valuing People: a new strategy for learning disability for the 21st century (2001), (DoH 2001) and Valuing People Now: The Delivery Plan (20102011) Making it happen for everyone gives guidance for all professionals supporting people with learning disabilities living in the community (DoH 2011). In relation to the case scenario, Article 8 of The Human Rights Act 1998 (.1) provides Chris and Julie with à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ a right to respect for private and family life, his home and correspondence; however, any interference with this right must be necessary and lawful with regard to public safety, national security, prevention of public disorders and crime, or for the protection of rights and freedoms of others. Both Julie and Chris have a protected characteristic of disability and therefore under the Equality Act (2010) should be protected from direct and indirect discrimination from service providers. However, childrens rights are paramount and override those of their parents or carers (DoH, 1998). Access to learning disability services in England was governed by Fair Access to Care Services (FACS) (DoH, 2003), until it was superseded by Putting People First (2007) and highlighted the need for a personalised Adult Social Care System (DoH, 2007). Emerson et al (2005) found one in fifteen adults with learning disabilities living in England were parents and this research emphasised that approximately half of children born to parents with learning disabilities are at risk from abuse and twenty five per cent no longer lived with their parents (McGaw,2000). Further research indicates that the majority of services are as yet inadequate in meeting the needs of families with learning disabilities (McGaw 2000). McInnis et al (2011) similarly found complexities in determining eligibility for service users. They indicated that decisions regarding eligibility are not only determined by assessment results but by local government resources. They advocate equality and argue that changes in assessment tools are necessary when working with families with learning difficulties. Chris and Julie reflect these findings as they only received intervention when they faced difficulties caring for their children. The parental skills model would be advantageous for practitioners as it is designed to assist the assessment process when working with Chris and Julie. The model focuses on life skills, familial history and access to support services. McGaw and Sturmey (1994) found that if difficulties arise for parents in any of the three areas it Service users maybe uncooperative and reluctant to engage with services, perhaps due to anxieties and fear of consequences. For example; their children being removed from their care and their own childhood experiences. Cultural awareness and age appropriate interventions are necessary to enable partnership working (Egan, 2007 cited in Martin, 2010). Horwath (2011) found that although some social workers faced barriers to the Child-focused Assessment Framework, due to heavy workloads, time restrictions, performance targets and limited training opportunities. Others found that additional bureaucracy gave them a security in their practice. Smale, et al. (1993 ) highlighted the following models of assessment; questioning, procedural, and exchange model. The latter may be beneficial when working in partnership with this family as the service users are viewed as experts and aids their potential for working together towards goals. When working with families communication can be complex; effective communication would include active listening skills, person centred planning and intervention, also avoiding the use of professional jargon (Anning et al, 2006). The worker should be aware of non-verbal communication and power imbalances in their working relationship (DoH, DfES, 2007). It may be advisable for this family to access advocacy services to promote equality, social inclusion and social justice (actionforadvocacy.org.uk, 2012). According to Yuill and Gibson (2011), advocacy promotes anti-oppressive practice. Horwath (2010) suggests positive relationships are built on trust. This echoes the person centred principles of Rogers (1961, cited in Thompson et al, 2008) enabling the practitioner to observe realistic emotional, somatic and behavioural responses from the child and family, that are essential for effective information gathering for assessments (DoH 2006). Martin (2010) argues in order to ensure an understanding of the service user narrative within a multi-professional context the practitioner should reflect and summarise and make accurate recordings. Information should be stored in accordance to the Data Protection Act, 1989 (legislation.gov.uk) and also be shared effectively between multi-agencies and safeguarding departments (Laming, 2003). Numerous children have died from abuse and neglect in the United Kingdom (Brandon et al, 2005). In 2000, Victoria Climbie was subjected to cruelty by her aunt and her partner which resulted in her loss of life. Laming (2003) describes Victorias death as a gross failure of the system and inexcusable and recommended reforms (1.18 p.3). In England, the government published the Framework for the Assessment of Children in Need and their Families (DoH et al 2000) and additional policy guidance came about in Every Child Matters: Change for Children (2003) that made all professionals accountable for safeguarding, child development, focusing on early intervention, joint sense of responsibility and information sharing with integrated front line services and an emphasis on children fulfilling their potential (dcsf.gov.uk 2012). The following year the Children Act (2004) Section 11 (DfES, 2005) gave clear guidance on multi-agency working and states that safeguarding children is everyones busines s. The Children Act 1989 (DoH,1989) and the Children Act 2004 (DoH,2004a) currently underpin child welfare practice in England. The former Act considers the concept of a child in need (section 17) and accentuates the importance family support services who both promote the childs welfare and help safeguard and assist parents in their role. In addition Working Together to Safeguard Children (2010) gives extensive guidance on collaborative working and defines roles and responsibilities of professionals (HM. Government 2010). This guidance is presently being revised and reduced to alleviate bureaucracy for professionals, however Mansuri (2012, cited in McGregor 2012) argues that the real safeguarding concerns are unmanageable caseloads, plummeting moral and cuts to support staff and criticises the government for failing to consult more practitioners regarding these changes. An example for effective working together that may benefit the family in the case scenario is Team around the Family (TAF) intervention. This encourages effective, early identification of additional need, it assesses strengths and is restorative in approach that provides the family opportunities for change and enhances multi-agency collaboration (cheshirewestandchester,2012). Family mentoring services may also be useful in this case (catch-22.2012). Childrens Services in England and Wales adhere to The Framework for the Assessment of Children in Need and their Families (DoH et al 2000). The Assessment Framework provides an ecological approach of the childs developmental needs, parenting capacity, family and environmental factors. This ecological approach was championed by Bronfenbrenner, (1979, cited Martin, 2010) found that by incorporating the microsystem, exosystem and macrosystem benefited both practitioners and service users by enabling wider societies influences of culture and economic circumstances to be considered in assessment (Wilson et al, 2011). This evidenced- based framework aims to ensure that the childs welfare is both promoted and protected (Cleaver et al, 2004). This framework provides a consistent method of collating and analysing information, thus giving practitioners a more coherent understanding of the childs developmental needs, the capacity of their parents and the influence of the extended family and other environmental factors that impact on the family (DoH al, 2000). However, Garrett (2003; Rose, 2002 in Crisp et al, 2007) believe that the underpinning evidence for the Framework for the Assessment of Children in Need and their Families (2000) is problematic. Howarth (2002 in Crisp et al, 2007) suggests that accompanying specific guidance for children from black and ethnic minorities are less widely circulated than the framework document. Katz (1997, cited in Crisp et al, 2007) accuses the framework as being mechanistic checklists used by inexperienced staff as data collection tools and loosing focus on identifying and meeting the needs of children (Horwath, 2002 cited in Crisp et al 2007). Likewise, Munro (2011) challenged all professionals to ensure that our child protection system is centred on the child or young person, as she believes the system has lost its focus on the childs needs and experiences and has been too focused on rules, time-frames in assessment and procedures. At present an initial assessment is carried out ten days from referral and a core assessment must be completed within thirty-five days of an Initial Assessment, and would be undertaken to initiate child protection enquires (DoH et al, 2000). Practitioners use twin tracking and pursue other possibilities for the family (scie-socialcareonline.org.uk). This may be ethically and emotionally difficult for practitioners; they should ensure supervision and adhere to their professional standards of proficiency and ethics (HCPC, 2012). Munro (2011) urges the government to value professional expertise and revise statutory guidance on service intervention and delivery and calls for more focus on understanding the underlying issues that influenced professional practice that resulted in Serious Case Reviews. Munro (2011) also calls for reforming social work training and placement provision for students. The government accepted Munros recommendations and changes to the system will be implemented in 2012 (DfE 2011). Damien (see appendix 1) meets the threshold criteria for intervention under section17 (10) of The Children Act (1989) as his health or development may be significantly impaired without support services. At present he does not appear to be at risk of significant harm, however a core assessment may be beneficial in determining the appropriate support services (HM Government, 2010), examples include Youth Offending Teams (YOT) who deliver crime prevention programmes (youth-offending-team, 2012), Special Educational Needs Coordinators (SENCO) and learning mentors provide support in educational settings (Good schools guide,2012). It is vital throughout the assessment process that practitioners are non-judgmental and use reflective practice and have an awareness of transference and counter-transference to disperse any negative responses and feelings (DoH, 2000; Wilson et al, 2008). The practitioner should draw on theories of human development through the lifespan as well as sociological, biological, psychological and psychosocial theories. For example; biological theory would consider genetic influences, physical development and instinctual behaviours whereas the sociological perspective would emphasise the importance of social factors (Horwath, 2010). It may be that the family are living in poverty and had have not been in receipt of full benefit entitlements or support services; it would be advisable to contact relevant welfare agencies and seek professional assistance for financial support to aid this family (family-action, 2012). The Children Act (1989) states that for the majority of children their family is the most appropriate place for them to live. However, the local authority has a duty of care and Madison (see appendix 1) needs to be accommodated under section 20 of the Children Act (1989), as she is a child in need (section 17) or a child at risk of significant harm (section 47). Chris and Julie have parental responsibility for their children until they are adopted (D of H, 1989; 2000; HM Government, 2010). When assessing families the practitioner should have an understanding of theories that inform practice. In relation to Eriksons (1982) theory of psychosocial stages of development, it could be suggested that Madison is in the fifth stage of development known as; Identity and Repudiation versus Identity diffusion. This stage usually will occur between ages 12-18. Throughout adolescence children are becoming more independent and developing a sense of self. Madison could experience confusion in this stage as she has spent time in kinship and residential care. Erikson (1982) believes with encouragement, reinforcement, and through personal exploration adolescents can leave this stage with a strong identity and direction in life. If Madison fails to pass through this stage successfully she will be insecure about herself and her future (Erikson, 1982 cited in Wilson et al 2008). Hamachek (1988) suggests this theory is ambiguous in identifying behaviours of an individuals psychological growt h throughout different stages of development. Chris and Julie have had one child adopted and have been unable to parent eight of their nine children. During assessment practitioners should have an understanding of attachment categories and relating behaviours; it could be that some of Chris and Julies children developed anxious-ambivalent attachments. Role reversal may have taken place, thus resulting in the children becoming angry about the unreliability of the carer and possibly the reason for them displaying anti-social behaviours Ainsworth (et al., 1978 cited in Becket and Taylor, 2010). Early attachment theory was criticized for denying women equality in the workplace by implying that the risk of mothers leaving their children would be detrimental to their childrens development (Beckett and Taylor, 2010). With regard to Julie and Chris, the local authority could undertake a pre-birth assessment and multi-professional case conference under (section 47) of the Children Act (1989) to evaluate parenting capacity, family and env ironment, and their ability to sustain parenting to meet the childs developing and changing needs (Department of Health 1989; Department of Health, 2010). Specialist assessment tools for parents with learning disabilities would assist the couple in their understanding and partnership planning (McGaw, 2000; cited in Wallbridge, 2012). Both Chris and Julie have completed a parenting course and this is positive as they had not done so previously (Casey 2012). Wallbridge (2012) claims successful support packages offer intensive, continuous training for parenting, for example group work and life skills in the home, both parents feeling valued are often positive catalysts of change. A recent government report (2012) however, identified the child protection system as being reactive rather than proactive with regard to young people accessing services. It warned that professionals gave the parents numerous changes to improve their parenting skills and children were left to live with neglectful parents (publications.parliament.uk, 2012) This essay has critiqued the report Listening to Troubled Families by Louise Casey (2012) and found limitations in the methodology. It considered the needs of a family identified and critiqued the role and skills of a social worker in safeguarding. It has argued the importance of effective multi-professional collaboration, knowledge of contemporary legislation, practice and theories with regard to implementing partnership working to support children, families and carers. It also identified external explanations ; poverty, isolation and late intervention can impact on these families. Munro (2011) urges the government to value professional judgements and change statutory guidance in order to help safeguard children. Bibliography Action for Advocacy (2012) Available at: http://www.actionforadvocacy.org.uk/ [Accessed 25th October 2012] Anning, A. Cottrell, D. Frost, F. Green, J. Robinson, M (2006) Developing Multi-professional Teamwork for Integrated Childrens Services. England. Open University Press. Bailey, N (2012) The Listening to Troubled Families report is an ethical failure. The Guardian, [online] 25th October 2012 Available at: http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2012/oct/25/listening-to-troubled-families-report [Accessed 5th November, 2012] BBC News (2006) Eviction threat in respect plan. BBC News [online] 10th January 2006 Available at: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/4595788.stm [Accessed 5th November, 2012] Beckett, C., and Taylor. (2010) Human Growth and Development, Second Edition. London. SAGE Publications Ltd. Booth, T and Booth, W. 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(1999) Motherhood, Intellectual Disability and Child Protection: Characteristics of a Court Sample. Journal of Intellectual and Developmental Disabil

The Philosophy of Simone Weil Essay -- Philosopher Simone Weil Essays

The Philosophy of Simone Weil In the final entry to her London notebooks, Simone Weil writes "Philosophy is exclusively an affair of action and practice. That is why it is so difficult to write about. Difficult in the same way as a treatise on tennis or running, but much more so." (Allen, p. 157) In these next few pages I will try to relay the basic ideas contained in Simone Weil's works. Because of the extensiveness and complexity of her work, I will be using her words exactly, as often as possible. Simone Weil was a trained philosopher and a teacher of philosophy. She was a political theorist and activist, a revolutionary, a laborer in the French fields and factories and toward the end of he life, she was a mystic. She believed in the transcendent powers of God. Much of her writing dealt with the ways in which God touches our lives, and the ways we can "find" or open ourselves to him. In her works, she spent a good deal of time defining and describing terms such as beauty and affliction, and describing solutions to social ills. First and foremost it is important to understand the relationship the Weil had with God. She had many mystical experiences in her life in which she walked and talked with God. One of these experiences in particular is described in volume two of her notebooks in a brief essay called "Come With Me." In this essay she recounts a story in which God comes and visit her. He takes her up to the attic of a church where they live for three days, eating only bread and drinking only water. But she had interesting notions about him and his existence; not notions that would seem consistent with having met with him. She explains that God is "everything that we are not" (Little, p. 57 ). But she goes on to ... ...egin. I suppose this is an issue Gardner faced in the beginning of his search as well; the abyss of the unknown. But it is an area I am interested in, even more so that the other frames we have studied, and I look forward to thinking in these terms as I further my studies in philosophy and spirituality. Works Cited: Allen, Diogenes and Springsted, Eric O. Spirit, Nature and Community. State University of New York Press. Albany, New York. 1994. Indinoplulos, Thomas A. and Knoppzadorsky, Josephine. Mysticism, Nihilism, Feminism. Institute of Social Sciences and Arts. Johnson City, Tennessee. 1984. Little, J.P. Simone Weil. St. Martin's Press. New York, New York. 1988. McFarland, Dorothy Tuck. Simone Weil. Fredrick Unger Publishing Co. New York, New York. 1983. Panichas, George A. (ed.) Simone Weil Reader. Moyer Bell Limited. Mt Kisco, New York.1977.

Existentialism and Theatre :: Existentialism

Existentialism and Theatre Existentialism is a concept that became popular during the second World War in France, and just after it. French playrights have often used the stage to express their views, and these views came to surface even during a Nazi occupation. Bernard Shaw got his play "Saint Joan" past the German censors because it appeared to be very Anti-British. French audiences however immediately understood the real meaning of the play, and replaced the British with the Germans. Those sorts of "hidden meanings" were common throughout the period so that plays would be able to pass censorship. Existentialism proposes that man is full of anxiety and despair with no meaning in his life, just simply existing, until he made decisive choice about his own future. That is the way to achieve dignity as a human being. Existentialists felt that adopting a social or political cause was one way of giving purpose to a life. Sartre is well known for the "Theatre engage" or Theatre 'committed', which is supposedly committed to social and/or political action. On of the major playwrights during this period was Jean-Paul Sartre. Sartre had been imprisoned in Germany in 1940 but managed to escape, and become one of the leaders of the Existential movement. Other popular playwrights were Albert Camus, and Jean Anouilh. Just like Anouilh, Camus accidentally became the spokesman for the French Underground when he wrote his famous essay, "Le Mythe de Sisyphe" or "The Myth of Sisyphus". Sisyphus was the man condemned by the gods to roll a rock to the top of a mountain, only to have it roll back down again. For Camus, this related heavily to everyday life, and he saw Sisyphus an "absurd" hero, with a pointless existence. Camus felt that it was necessary to wonder what the meaning of life was, and that the human being longed for some sense of clarity in the world, since "if the world were clear, art would not exist". "The Myth of Sisyphus" became a prototype for existentialism in the theatre, and eventually The Theatre of the Absurd. Right after the Second World War, Paris became the theatre capital of the west, and popularized a new form of surrealistic theatre called "Theatre of the Absurd". Many historians contribute the sudden popularity of absurdism in France to the gruesome revelations of gas chambers and war

All The Shah’s Men by Stephen Kinzer Essay -- All The Shah’s Men, Step

In the novel All The Shah’s Men we are introduced to Iran, and the many struggles and hardships associated with the history of this troubled country. The Iranian coup is discussed in depth throughout the novel, and whether the Untied States made the right decision to enter into Iran and provide assistance with the British. If I were to travel back to 1952 and take a position in the CIA (Central Intelligence Agency) for the sole purpose of examining the American Foreign Intelligence, I would have to conclude that the United States should have examined their options more thoroughly, and decided not to intervene with Iran and Mossadegh. I have taken this position after great analysis, which is something that Eisenhower and his staff never did. By discussing the history of Iran, the Anglo-Iranian oil company, and Document NSC-68 I will try to prove once and for all that going through with the coup in Iran was a terrible mistake made by the United States.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  There were many aspects concerning the history of Iran that showed that the coup was a bad idea. The role of religion played a very influential part in the history of Iran. Many people living in Iran still to this day believe in the Zoroastrian religion. The beliefs associated with this religion may account for many of the uprisings and political protests aimed at the Shah and his power. This religion taught Iranians that they â€Å"have an inalienable right to enlightened leadership and that the duty of subjects is not simply to obey wise kings but also to rise up against those who are wicked† (20). Many thought that the Shah was a terrible leader, and that he would continue to sell out his country to foreigners for the right amount of money. I believe that Mossadegh also believed this, and that he used this Zoroastrian belief to do so. The Shah did not have farr, because he did not act or behave morally. Even Shiism, which came about long after the religi on of Zoroastrian, believes that rulers may hold the power of a country only as long as they are just. By looking over the history of Iranian religion, this alone should have set of alarms in the government that this coup may not be the right way to get Mossadegh out of power.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Not only did the religious history play a large role in Iran’s beliefs but also foreign invaders have been imposing their power on the Iranian region for thousands of years. Iran... ...n, instead of the coup. Instead of rushing into the coup like the Unite States did, it should have sat down, and laid out all of the possible options, and then chose the best course of action.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In All The Shah’s Men there seems to be a very strong hatred for all foreign powers, including the United States, taken by the citizens of Iran. I believe that this ultimately occurred because of the impatience of certain government officials in Washington D.C., and also in Great Britain. If only there could have been better communication between countries, I feel that there would have been a solution reached. The stubbornness of the British for the most part, led to many lives being lost, and a feeling of perpetual disgust being shown towards the United States for their involvement. Although the British were our allies and we did have an extreme fear of communism taking over the free world, this coup was disorganized, forced along too quickly, and put forth without any guidance or strong evidence, which in the end proved to completely defy what the United States was trying to impose on the world, and what Mossadegh was trying to give his people; freedom an d democracy.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  

Cognitive Interventions Essay

The only thing that tells everyone apart from everyone else is each person’s genetic make-up. And there is only one exception and that would identical twins, because no two people are the same. This can be said true about the way we all think. There is no one person that thinks the same as the next person. People believe that we are all born innocent and that we are pure in thoughts and in behavior. There are many different factors that can and sometimes do influence how a person is controlled by his/her cognitive ability to think before acting. There are people who do a better than others can. There are people who have certain psychological problems that seek out help from a therapist to get a handle on their problems. One of most popular therapy would be cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). The base of this theory is that some of the behaviors are caused by a person’s inner thoughts or by mental inability to deal with problems or events in our lives. In this paper, I will summarize the article â€Å"Abuse-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Child Physical Abuse,† that describe Abuse-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (AF-CBT) and the use of AF-CBT in adolescent anger management. Article Summary Childhood anger can be tiger by many different factors, thoughts or even events during a child early life. A young child is not able to express their feels in a correct way, so they have problems in dealing with their anger. This could also be that they were never taught by his/her parents how to handle their emotions. A good example would be a friend of mine that has a child with some deep rooted problems, When Sam get angry he will not able to express how he feels so he acts out towards anyone that is near him. At Christmas time I brought him a soccer ball that he wanted and when he opened it he just threw it to one side, so he was punishment, sent to his room, when he came out the looks in his eyes just plain scared me. I have seen that look in a person who just committed a murder. Cold and dark look is what this child has. Most children with this type of problems, it could be a result of abuse in the home by one or both parents, and the type of abuse could be physical or sexual. At the time of the abuse the child may feel that they could not fight off the person who is abusing him or they are so scared to tell anyone. When this time of situation has occurred the child is not able to handle so they will out and get into trouble. They may start getting into trouble at school, start handling out with the wrong crowds and getting into serious trouble with the law. The child may become involved with sex, alcohol and drugs, sometimes the child could turn out to be an abuser also. Children will do this to get away from their home life and the pain. If the abuse was discover at an early age, and then the child can be remove from the home and has a better chance to get therapy and could turn out to normal. This way the hate and anger can be redirected to a more positive avenue. It difficult for a child to understand why things happened to them and but to be able to speak to someone that can be able to help them understand that it was no their fault and help them heal their emotional wounds. Unfortunately, the affective of the abuse may follow the person throughout their life in many different forms. It can affect their children and even their partners. They may became have problems like becoming overweight so they will not be attractive to men. They also can be very sexually active. Being in therapy as a child they can be with other children that have been threw the same as the child and could help to release their anger, it could also help them from staying away from trouble and from hanging out with the wrong people. This would help the child to focus more on school and what is important to the child. The cognitive behavior theory is known to help child that are victims of abuse cases whether it is physical or sexual and the parents that are the abusers, that may help them to reestablish a relationship between parents and children. Abuse-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy  The main usage of the Abuse-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (AF-CBT) is working with children and their families that have suffered sexual or physical abuse; the environment is very hostile, the child may be subject coercion and are aggression when the family is present. AF-CBT is also used for children with behavioral problems such as Conduct Disorder and Oppositional Defiant Disorder. AF-CBT is right for children who are the ages of 5-15, who exhibit some level of behavioral or emotional dysfunction and for parents or caregivers who may resort to uncomfortable or unsafe levels of physical punishment. The goal of this therapy is to reduce the level of physical abuse risk factors of the caregiver or family and to reduce the consequences of these experiences for the children. The primary focus is behavior management, social skills, training, cognitive restructuring, problem-solving skills, and communications skills for the caregiver’s level of anger and promote nonaggressive discipline strategies, to enhance a child’s coping skills, and encourage problem-solving and communication. There are three stages of AF-CBT process, each of the steps consisting in multiple steps that involve the child and the parent(s) separately and jointly. This type of treatment would be taken place as outpatient or in a setting that ongoing contact with the caregiver and the child. The treatment should take place twice a week for approximately three to six months. Abuse-Focus Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in an Adolescent Anger-Management, the important part is to be able know how to control anger. Everyone can control their anger and being angry is a normal part of life. Just like everyone else, adolescent are no exception. The only exception is that adolescent can take their anger to the extreme and their action may not be called normal when angered. There is one way to help the adolescent to control their anger is by cognitive therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy can occur in many different ways, the most common is the one-to-one talk with the adolescents. Once the problem is out in the open, the therapist may give the adolescent advice and to show how to control or redirected their anger. It is a success when one discovers the problem using the cognitive behavioral therapy. Now that the adolescent is able to control their anger it more benefit for those who are around the adolescent, it does benefit both parties. With aggressive or violent behavior the AF-CBT will target in three ways in which people can deal with the situations: 1) Cognition (thinking), 2) Affect (feeling), and 3) Behavior (doing). AF-CBT use many different techniques that are used by practitioners, such as behavior and anger management, problem solving, social skills training, and cognitive restructuring. All programs require proper training in different areas, especially with psychological skills so that enhancing interpersonal effectiveness and self-control is maintained. Conclusion The article explains to us how to deal with child and adolescent in dealing with their anger due to physical or sexual abuse to them and to be able overcome their anger and to deal with feelings as well as their families. The primary goal of AF-CBT is to reduce other behavioral problems in children and adolescent when they grow-up.

Pakistan Textile Industry

Compiled By: Mirza Rohail B http://economicpakistan. wordpress. com/2008/02/06/textile-industry/ Historically, Pakistan’s textile industry and clothing sector has always been a major contributor to the foreign exchange earner and still contributes about 55% to the total export proceeds. The Economist reports that Pakistan is the 4th largest producer of cotton in the world and the 6th largest importer of raw cotton, the 3rd largest consumer of cotton, and the 1st largest exporter of cotton yarn. Over 1. 3 million farmers, out of total of 5 million are involved in cultivation of this crop. Textile exports in 1999 were $5. 2 billion and rose to become $10. 5 billion by 2007. Textile exports managed to increase at a very decent growth of 16% in 2006. In the period July 2007 – June 2008, textile exports were US$ 10. 62 Billion. Textile exports share in total export of Pakistan has declined from 67% in 1997 to 55% in 2008, as exports of other non-textile sectors grew. UN reports 102 countries import textile and apparel products and 104 countries export these products. Global trade in textile and apparel products account for an approximately $440 billion. Pakistan is bogged down in the 5% textile requirement of the world, by dedicating 62% of its GDP share for textile. An anti-dumping of 5. 8% has been imposed by the European Union, which has put Pakistan in a desperate position to match competitiveness posed by Bangladesh, India, China, Sri-Lanka and Vietnam. The top buyers of Pakistani textile goods are: USA, EU, Gulf region, UK, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Saudi Arabia, Italy, Turkey, Germany, Norway, France, Canada, Sweden, Australia, etc. Government vision 2005-2010 To overcome global competition, the Pakistani government in 2006 approved a â€Å"Technology-based Industrial vision and strategy for socio-economic† which called for technology up-gradation, human resource development, and establishment of a fully integrated chemical industry in the country. Investment Policy & Incentives for Vision 2005-2010:  · Whole of textile sector is included in list of value added industries.  · 5% custom duty on imported machinery if not manufactured locally.  · Tax relief: Initial Depreciation allowance (IDA) at 50% of machinery & equipment cost. Export plan 2006-13 seeks to increase textile and garment’s sector exports to $24. 36 billion. There is a need to engage young qualified generation as roving ambassadors of marketing caliber, diplomacy and professional approach. Pakistan commerce intelligence may chalk out plans to reach every region bloc with in-depth study of regional trade bloc. 2009-10 Performance The share of textile exports in total exports of the country shrunk to 55 percent so far in the current financial year from well above 60 percent in the past years. As the overall export volume remained stagnant in the first seven months of the current financial year, the shrinking share of textile goods in exports has been adversely impacting the export sector. During July-January 2009-10, total exports came to $10. 870 billion as against $10. 820 billion in the corresponding period of last year. In the months under review, textile export proceeds totalled to $5. 981 billion over $5. 849 billion in the same months of previous year. 2008-09 Performance According to data by Federal Bureau of Statistics, Textile exports during the first eight months of current financial registered negative growth of 5. 6% as against the exports recorded corresponding period of the last financial year. Exports during July-February (2008-09) totaled $ 6. 47 billion against the exports of $6. 85 billion recorded during July-February (2007-08). [Link] During the time under review, the highest negative growth of 51. 24 percent was recorded in the exports of yarn (other than cotton yarn) while exports of art, silk and synthetic textile were decreased by 23. 5 percent. Similarly, exports of cotton yarn declined by 15. 28 percent, cotton (carded or combed) by 13. 81 percent, knitwear by 2. 66 percent, bed wear by 10. 44 percent, tents, canvas and tarpaulin by 21. 18 percent, readymade garments by 12. 43 percent, made up articles by 0. 3 percent while the exports of other textile materials declined by 15. 28 percent during the period. However, the exports of raw cotton witnessed increase of 154. 5 percent during the time under review while exports of cotton cloth increase by 5. 57 percent and towels by 10. 02 percent. Textile Machinery Imports According to official statistics released by Federal Bureau of Statistics (FBS), country’s total textile machinery imports declined to $438. 270 million during the last fiscal year of 2008, over the import of $502. 898 million in fiscal year 2007, depicting a decrease of $64. 6 million in the fiscal year 2008. [Link] Imports of textile machinery in the month of June 2008 alone also indicated a decline of 22 percent, as compared to the month June 2007. In June 2008, the industrialists and textile manufacturers have imported textile machinery worth $32. 101 million as compared to $41. 7 million during the corresponding period fiscal year 2007, which depicted a decrease of $9 million only in June 2008. Industry – Spindles, Rotors and Looms In 1999-00: Units 443 and Spindles 8,477,000 and Rotors 149,780 and Looms 9944. In 2003-04: Units 456 and Spindles 9,590,000 and Rotors 146,640 and Looms 10,646. In 2005-06: Units 461 and Spindles 10,437,000 and Rotors 155,104 and Looms 8747. In 2006-07: Mills 567 and Spindles 11,809,000 and Rotors —– and Looms 9000. The least developed sector is weaving which mostly comprises of smaller, fragmented and inefficient units. These units are called inefficient as they mostly use power looms, which are capable of producing narrower width fabric s and mostly use coarse counts of yarn. Therefore, the quality is much inferior to fabrics produced on shuttle-less looms. For decades, the government continued to charge import duty at fabulous rates on shuttle-less looms. Income from power looms was tax exempt but income of units using shuttle-less looms was taxable. The knitwear segment of Pakistan has always focused on achieving higher volume rather than concentrating on quality, price and terms of delivery. A spinning unit of 14,400 spindles employs around 100 persons. Global financial crisis As the economies in the US and Europe slow down, Pakistan’s key exports of textiles and leather products are experiencing a slowdown in growth as well. According to APTMA, textile exports have declined by about 20 percent in 2008. The industry is bracing for more trouble ahead with continuing crises of electricity and gas, international market access, global economic slow-down, and adverse travel advisories. Pakistan’s share of the US textile market is dropping. China tops the US market with a share of 36 per cent followed by Bangladesh 21 per cent, India 18 per cent, Morocco 19 per cent and Pakistan 13 per cent. South Korea has lost 20 per cent of the US market. In the European market, China tops again with a share of 29 per cent, Vietnam 28 per cent, India 19 per cent and Pakistan only 1. 5 per cent while the Philippines had lost 11 per cent of the market. WestPoint Stevens and Dan River were two American companies which were negotiating a $200 million deal with a Karachi-based textile group in Karachi. It has been put on halt. Setbacks for Pakistan Textile Industry  · Recently, the government has also abolished research and development (RandD) support program for the textile sector from July 1 2008. [Link]  · The Pakistani government had recently proposed to implement 18 percent Value Added Tax (VAT) on the textile sector in the upcoming budget. [Link]  · Decline in the machinery imports, is also due to the enhanced interest rates on loans, which have not been decreased by the new State Bank governor. Recent substantial hike in gas tariff also hurt the growth of the textile industry.