Abraham Lincoln (Sixteenth president) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Abraham Lincoln (Sixteenth president) - Essay Example Even though the great future speaker almost did not attend school he received a good self-taught education (BiographyShelf.com n.p.). During the Black Hawk War, Lincoln served as a captain in the U.S. army and later he tried himself at several political and business ventures (USA Presidents n.p.). Then he served four times in the Illinois State Legislature and was elected to Congress for two times in 1847 and 1849 (USA Presidents n.p.). During this period, Lincoln being a member of the U.S. House of Representatives he opposed the Mexican War (Marian n.p.) During the Presidential election of 1860, Lincoln took the post of the head of the country. Being born to parents who thought the slave trade despicable, the President issued the Emancipation proclamation in 1863 (USA Presidents n.p.). This proclamation excited rebellion in some states, in result of which there were enacted the 13th and 14th Amendments of the United States Constitution. Thus, Lincoln established the federal enforcement of civil rights and abolished slavery (USA Presidents n.p.). As a president, Abraham Lincoln was focused on the political and military dimensions of the war, showing tremendous leadership to the Union populace during the war (USA Presidents n.p.). Abraham Lincoln actively participated in the war and closely controlled the war effort (USA Presidents n.p.). Thus, he made the faithful decision to appoint an army commander General Ulysses S. Grant, who had applied his military skills and knowledge to bring about the close of the Civil War (USA Presidents n.p.). During the Civil War, the president held more power than any previous president did; he frequently imprisoned Southern spies without trial and suspended the writ of habeas corpus (USA Presidents n.p.). During Lincoln’s terms in office, he set up the Department of Agriculture and facilitated the setting up of agricultural and mechanical colleges in each state (Marian n.p. and BiographyShelf.com n.p). Also, Lincoln

Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing - Essay Example However, it is common sight for the law keepers to have a red light burn the moment they find unaccounted money getting passed down somewhere. Money laundering in today's world happens mostly through the banks. Banks were expected to tighten their money movement specifications. But with the wide open internet all around it becomes tougher for the banks to manage and monitor what is the nature of movement and who is sending what to whom. The following section identifies the various methods adopted by the banks to ensure fair movement of money. Three points were the money laundering and terrorism related monetary transactions can be identified and monitored are: 1) entry of cash into the financial system 2) transfers to and from financial system and 3) cross border flows of cash. The following processes are adopted by the banks in order to monitor these three and control them: 1. 'Know your customer' rule. This was brought in during the heights of terrorist bombings on the aircrafts that every customer should be known and identified by the financial institutions. This would ensure that the customers are monitored and they are known if there is an uncanny behavior in any it is identified and monitored for further action1. This is for the existing customers. 2. 2. Movement of any transaction over PDS 10000/- in UK and an equivalent in other countries are monitored and suspicious cases are reported to the legal authorities for further action. This is a statutory requirement in most countries and stipulated in UN charter for fighting drug and crime2. 3. For the new customers, a proper identification should be established before any transaction with the intended person is made by a financial institution3. This should be an official identification document like a passport, birth certificate or such other means of identification. If the person is acting on behalf of a company or another person, then the identity of this person on whose behalf the transaction is being done is to be clearly established and identified to the maximum extent possible by the financial institution. 4. All financial institutions and cash dealers should establish a clear internal and hierarchical reporting structure of such occurrences in their office or during the course of their business. This should be implemented and followed up on a daily basis. 5. Under no circumstances should a financial company or a cash dealer shall allow opening and operating of an account in a false name. Even if no offence was committed by the account operator, the financial institution has committed an offence according to the law. 6. Countries are coming in heavily on cash movement either for import or for export or for any other purpose. Countries have made it clear that cash handling beyond a specific value is not accepted and can be seized at any port or place. It is essential that all the financial institutions abide by these laws. Now UNODC (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime) has issued a comprehensive legal framework for the member countries to follow to counter crimes including terrorism. 3. Lacuna in Controls Whatever be the methods that are adopted by the banks to identify such variations in the transactions, it is always found that people committing the

A Lesson Hard Learnt Essay Example for Free

A Lesson Hard Learnt Essay I cannot begin to explain the importance of a mother in the life of a child. A mother’s love is something no one can explain. It is made of deep care, sacrifice and enormous strength. She is the kind of person who would slaughter her own dreams for the dreams of her children. She is someone who would stay up all night when her child is unwell. She is someone who scolds you for the petty things but embraces you when you have failed to keep up with life’s lofty expectations. A mother is a woman who has many roles to play but she would always put her children first. I also had a mother, a mother who loved me with all her might. I failed to understand her intentions behind her scolding, to understand how much she’d done for me, to understand all the hardships she went through to get me where I am. I failed to understand the values and the morals she tried to instil in me to make me a whole woman, just like she was. It was a Friday afternoon. I had just got home from an exhausting day at school. Mum was not home as yet. I lingered around the house thinking that she would be stuck in traffic and I was hoping she would come home soon because I needed to be at a party later that evening. Time passed without me doing anything constructive. I only forced myself to do work when mum was home and so I was enjoying the alone time I had with myself. The phone rang. I picked up the receiver not knowing that this one phone call would change everything forever. A jagged and cold voice whispered the news of my mum’s accident to me. My mum had slipped into a coma and the chances of her surviving where close to impossible. After hearing about this I was left dumbstruck! The receiver slipped out of my vigorously shaking hand. A sharp pain penetrated my veins and spread like a hot burning fire through my body. The fire entered my heart and my heart sank in a pool of escalating anguish. My fingers felt numb and I was unable to move for a few seconds. Slowly my hurt began flowing down my blistering cheeks as tears. The tears were flowing uncontrollably. It has been six months since the accident. In these months I’ve realised the importance of my mum. I feel the emptiness in my life. I took all the things she did for me for granted. I never showed her love and affection that she deserved. When I look back I regret all the things I should have done for her. I regret each and every word that I spat to her in anger. I regret the times we fought. Most of all I regret not telling her I love her. This tormenting experience has taught me to love and appreciate the people who love me because I am incomplete without them. This was a hard lesson learnt.

Global Health and Issues in Disease Prevention

Global Health and Issues in Disease Prevention Application: The â€Å"Haves† and â€Å"Have Nots†: Why Are There Disparities? Bernard F. Richards Describe two health outcomes for which India and China have had different experiences in the last half century. It has long been an observation that socio-economic status influences health outcomes. Wilkinson and Pickett (2010) explain that the majority of health-related and social problems that plague nations and even sub-populations within nations are largely influenced by societal inequities (p. 173). Essentially, societies than have greater levels of inequity tend to have inferior health and social standings. This principle has been demonstrated by India and China which are nations with vast populations and shared influence from challenges brought on by globalization and urbanization. However, growing societal inequities in India served as the basis for recent dissimilarity in health status for citizens of said countries. The difference in health status of both countries can be seen in several health outcomes. According to Dummera and Cook (2008), both China and India experience similar infectious and chronic illnesses, the burden and prevalence of infectious maladies are significantly higher in India (p. 590). In India, the most common source of mortality is infectious and parasitic illnesses. Conversely, most deaths in China are secondary to chronic illnesses such as cancers. For every 1000 deaths in China, cancer is responsible for 119.7 of them. In India, this number lies at 71 out of every 1000 for cancers however, infectious causes of death lies at 420 out of every 1000 deaths (Dummera Cook, 2008, pp. 591-592). Chinese, both males and females, enjoy higher superior life expectancy at birth as compared to their Indian counterparts. In China, life expectancies for males and females in 2004 were 70.4 and 73.7 years respectively. On the other hand, that for Indian males and females was found to be male 63.3 and 64.8 years respectively. In general, China is found to be superior in almost all aspects of health-related demographics. China has better birth, mortality, fertility, and literacy rates. Additionally, there are more physicians and physical spaces within hospitals and other health facilities in China. This offers better service delivery and access to health services that are offered. These statistics suggests significant differences in policies and strategies to counteract sources of ill-health and brings to the fore the importance of social equality in ensuring population health (Dummera Cook, 2008, p. 592). Explain the reasons for the disparities noted. As previously mentioned previously, infectious diseases account for the vast majority of deaths in India as compared to chronic diseases in China. The contrast becomes even more apparent as infectious illnesses are general considered diseases of poverty. Chronic illnesses, on the other hand, are dubbed diseases of affluence. One explanation for this disparity between both nations is the difference in societal development. India has experienced less development which serves as a catalyst for population vulnerability. People live in more unhealthy environments which have been proved to increase the risk of communicable illnesses. China has experienced greater positive development which has diminished levels of social and health-related vulnerability. Chinese people are essentially living longer which predisposes to chronic conditions related to lifestyle behaviors and increased life expectancy. Additionally, the Chinese authorities have enforced strict limitations on reproduction and p opulation growth (Dummera Cook, 2008, pp. 590-592) Social division and inequality also accounts for health disparities in both countries. There is present in India a caste system called ‘jati’ which is based on segregation, marginalization and social stratification. At the summit of the social hierarchy is the Brahmins class (Priests) followed by the Kshatriyas (Warriors and rulers), Vaisyas (skilled workers, merchants, minor officials), Sudras (unskilled workers), and Pariah (outcasts, untouchables) in descending order. Hearne (2014) explains that as we progress down the caste hierarchy, social inequity and discrimination increases. An individual’s educational status, income and consequently health status are all dependent on the caste he is in. This system is culturally and historically entrenched in Indian way of life, society and even religion. This ‘legal’ segregation and discrimination has resulted in members of the society put at increased health risks as they lack the socio-economic wherewitha l to access health care and protect themselves against the negative social determinants of health. China’s people enjoy greater social equity which has been a major influence in decreasing health disparities in this territory. Describe the experience for those outcomes in Kerala and suggest reasons for why they are similar or different from the rest of India. The dynamic nature of health can be illustrated by Kerala which is a state in India. It is quite impressive to observe the wide disparity in this sub-population of India as compared to the country in general. Residents of Kerala experienced superior life expectancies when compared to the rest of the nation. Males and females in Kerala are expected to live for 71.67 years and 75.00 years respectively. In essence, Keralans live approximately 9 years more than the average Indian. Infant mortality rate is 68 per 1000 live births in the general Indian population while that for Kerala is 14 (Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, 2014). Mukherjee et al. (2011) further explains that Kerala demonstrates higher educational and income levels as well as birth, mortality, fertility, and literacy rates when compared to other Indian states (p. 2). According to Dilip (2002), Kerala has higher morbidity but less mortality rates when compared to other states. This phenomenon is due to higher life exp ectancies and increasing levels of chronic illnesses. Communicable diseases however, are found to be less prevalent than chronic illnesses in this sub-population. The differences in health outcomes when comparing Kerala to other Indian states is largely due to lower levels of inequality in educational attainment, health and social standing in spite of lower income levels (Mukherjee et al., 2011, p. 2). Although the caste system is present within Kerala, social discrimination is less pervasive. Kerala’s robust communist movement and policies directed to promote welfare has contributed. Greater social equity has resulted in greater access to health care and improved health statuses. This is evidence that removing social inequities has a positive influence on the social determinants of health. This lesson can undoubtedly benefit all nations as the world strives to achieve better health outcomes for this generation and those to come. References Dilip, T. R. (2002). Understanding levels of morbidity and hospitalization in Kerala, India. Retrieved from http://www.scielosp.org/scielo.php?pid=S0042-96862002000900012script=sci_arttext Dummera, T. J. B. Cook, I. G. (2008). Health in China and India: A cross-country comparison in a context of rapid globalization. Social Science Medicine, 67, 590–605 Hearne, T. (2014). Indias social justice minister says Christians do not deserve special caste. Retrieved from http://www.christiandaily.com/article/indias.social.justice.minister.says.christians.do.not.deserve.special.caste/49363.htm Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, India. (2014). Life expectancy and infant mortality rates for selected Indian states. Retrieved from http://infochangeindia.org/women/statistics/life-expectancy-and-infant-mortality-rates-for-selected-indian-states.html Mukherjee, S., Haddad, S. Narayana, D. (2011). Social class related inequalities in household health expenditure and economic burden: Evidence from Kerala, south India. International Journal for Equity in Health, 10(1), 1-13. Wilkinson, R., Pickett, K. (2010). The spirit level: Why greater equality makes societies stronger. New York, NY: Bloomsbury Press.

Appearance Versus Reality in Katharine Anne Porters He :: Katharine Anne Porter He Essays

Appearance Versus Reality in Katharine Anne Porter's He So many memories came to my mind while reading this story! I grew up in a family (or at least one side of that family) who always cared and worried about what other people thought! Most obviously, the short story, "He," by Katharine Anne Porter is about appearance vs. reality and living with a disabled child. But I also believe the story is about life, the hardships of life, poverty, the innocence of children, the trust children put into their parents, the gossip of small towns, the resentment and bitterness of the hardships of life, being a mother, rural life, denial, guilt, and compassion. Most importantly, however, I believe the story is mostly about the resentment of the hardships of life and appearance vs. reality. Edgar Allan Poe once said in his "Twice Told Tales" that a writer must give her "single effect," or thesis, in the first sentence of a story or they have made a mistake. So, I always look at the first sentence of a story when I read it to see what themes it provokes. The first sentence in "He" is: Life was very hard for the Whipples (324). Throughout the story, we get a building up of just how "hard life was for the Whipples." Through all these hardships, Mrs. Whipple seems to be resentful of every problem the family must overcome. Instead of supporting her husband and her children she complains about everything and seems to worry only about herself. For example, one of the first instances of Mrs. Whipple's true feelings of resentment of having a disabled child (and the burden that creates) comes when she butchers the pig. After she slits its throat, He runs away and Mrs. Whipple thinks to herself "with a stiff face": He'd eat it all if I didn't stop him. He'd eat up every mouthful from the other two if I'd let him (327). Here, I believe Mrs. Whipple's tone is very resentful that she has a disabled child that cannot think for or take care of himself. Mrs. Whipple must always take care of Him first before anyone else since he cannot fend for himself. She "gets tired trying to keep [Him] decent" (327). This scene also shows how resentful Mrs.

Rites Of Passage :: essays research papers fc

Rites of Passage When an individual experiences movement, or a change from an affixed position in society to another position, that individual can easily describe their change as a passage into a new realm of living. A new realm of living is the way in which the individual and society views, acknowledges, and proceeds with their life. Their changes are monumental not only for the individual, but for his/her society as well. Many changes take place during the span of a persons life. They become rites of passage and rituals of initiation-which are more than just simple changes. A plethora of come with these rites and are found in all corners of the globe. Going on vision quests, by the plains Indians of North America, to circumcision by certain Australian cultures, rites of passage present a vast table of religious comparisons(Eliade, p. 287-88). This essay will examine two rites of initiation, by comparing and contrasting their importance to each culture, and discussing how that importance affects that particular individual as well as their society. Finally, the essay will explore possible reasons as to why these initiation rites hold a deep meaning in their respective societies. The Kurnai of Australia have an initiation rite for the sons of married men in their perspective villages. Within a section by A. W. Howitt, in Eliade's book, From Primitives to Zen: A thematic Sourcebook of the History of Religions , a ceremony known as the "Showing the Grandfather" is described(Eliade, p. 288) In this initiation the Kurnai have a formal way of bringing a man's son into the highest, and most secret realm of their religion. By incorporating the use of the father and son relationship, this particular ritual involves the revelation of the central meaning, or "mystery" of their religion. The men and women are separated. Secrecy is one the most important traditions in this initiation. The initiation is not revealed to the women, or anyone else not of their society. The sons, or "novices" as Howitt calls them, are taught the proper religious traditions that they need to know for the ceremony, and for the rest of their lives, as this initiation will conclude their step into religious righteousness, and manhood. This all takes place the day before the ceremony, while other men, who have already been through the ceremony, prepare by hunting for food and arranging a site, not too far from the village, where the initiation will take place. The next morning, a new day at hand, the novices are taken to the site at which time the ceremony commences.

How successful was Henry VIII’s foreign policy? Essay

Henry VIII was a young king with many aims for England. His foreign policies mainly focused peace and security as expected by most kings however he choose to achieve this through war. Wolsey however wanted it through many peace agreements. Henry VII’s foreign policy can therefore be split in to aims he tried to achieve. These were: to please the pope, to increase security, to maintain the ‘balance of power’ to increase his prestige and finally for the image of a glorious kingship or his own reputation. Henry had to try and please the pope as the pope was god’s voice on earth and people were very religious including Henry in his youth. If the pope was an ally of Henry’s he could gain more prestige and increase security. In 1521 Henry proved his loyalty to the Catholic Church by writing his book called defiance of 7 sacraments. This he wrote this after Martin Luther started Protestantism. This gave Henry the title of ‘Fidei defensor’ (defender of the faith) which the monarch still has today. Although pope Paul III did try to take this title away in 1530 after Henry being excommunicated from the church, however in 1544 the English parliament declared through an act it to be reinstated. In 1512 Henry was invited in to the Holy league which was a group headed by Pope Julius II. The group was England, the Holy Roman Empire, Spain and the pope all against France. However in 1525 the king wanted his marriage to Catherine annulled. This was a problem as he had to get permission to marry her as she was her brother’s widow. No pope should ever overturn any decision of another since they are god’s voice on earth so what they say god says and if 1 pope says another is wrong that means god was wrong. Henry could therefore not marry Anne Boleyn while he was a member of the Catholic Church. So he left it and England became protestant. He was also then excommunicated which is being kicked out of the church but he already left. Another bad foreign policy was the Avignon project which was Wolsey saying he would step in as pope why the actual pope was in captivity by the holy roman emperor. This was bad as people saw this as Wolsey only wanting to be the pope. In summary it was a short term success hence Henry being given the title by the pope and him being invited into the holy league. On the other hand it was a massive failure in the long term as he quits the religion and then is excommunicating leaving England a country with no allies and no democratic significance. Due to Henry being a young king he would also be seen as a weak one. This would then put security as a big aim of his. The treaty of London in 1518 increased security massively as it called a cease fire across Europe. However was also seen as a failure since it collapsed with the uprising of Charles V in 1519. The field of the cloth of gold also increased security as it cemented the friendship between France and England using competitive sports. This replaced violent confrontation with peaceful competition. On the other hand the treaty of Cambrai in 1529 was made by French, pope and Charles to exclude Henry from forefront affairs making him very isolated. In conclusion it was a short term success as the treaty of London did stop any wars for a short time however it collapsed but it was due to Henry so could still be a success because he could not stop Charles becoming powerful so could not stop the collapse. Also Henry was never invaded so in the long term it was still a success. Henry had to maintain a balance of power because if one country was to get too much power it would risk his security. The holy league and treaty of London are examples of were nations have got together to maintain a balance of power. Although Charles did stop the treaty and upsetting the balance more by becoming a super power in Europe. The league of cognac in 1526 was though set up by pope, France, Venice, Florence and England against Charles to maintain a balance. An argument against the success would be that he went to war with France upsetting the balance furthermore. To sum up it was a success until Charles V arrived then he upset the balance of power to much. Prestige was important in Europe as England has never been seen as a major country compared to Spain or France any king especially Henry wants to be better then both countries. The field of the cloth of gold helps this showing a strong relationship with a strong ally. The battle of Flodden in 1513 is also a good example because James IV dies along with many of his nobles weakening Scotland. However it could be seen as a mockery towards Henry as Catherine is the person who led the fighting why he is fighting in France. Also the treaty of Noyon showed a friendship between France and Spain forming which meant no need for Henry to be the middle man weakening his prestige. In summary this was a failure as it was not Henry at Flodden although it did increase the countries prestige it lessened Henry’s personal prestige. Finally Glorious kingship was Henry wanting to be remembered throughout history as a great king. He also wanted to increase his own reputation in Europe. The war in France increased the image as a glorious king according to Henry as he seed the best way to gain it by going to war and winning which is what he did at the battle of spurs in 1513 where he gained Tournai and Therouanne in northern France. Henry did not want to use treaties to gain the image as Wolsey suggested he should do. Treaty of more in august 1525 was therefore seen as a failure because Henry had to give back the land he had in France which he just spent time, money and men capturing for his annual pension to be resumed. In conclusion this was a short time success as the wars did give him a great image but the treaties to follow did not. On the other hand Henry is still remembered today but not as a glorious king but as a fat king with many wives. Overall henry’s foreign policy was very successful but only in the short time. The treaty of London possible the best thing he did. However once Charles came to the scene everything went bad and his foreign policy did not work. Finally leaving the church left him very isolated and without support since all the big powers in Europe were catholic and he was not.