Monday, August 12, 2019
Fiscal condition of the federal government today Essay
Fiscal condition of the federal government today - Essay Example The US financial crisis threatens not only its constituent states but also the world at large. The crisis has been around for some time. It started slowly with fears of the worst since 2003. As the years progressed, the fears came to pass with the present financial status leaving more to be desired in the financial markets.The last six months have demonstrated financial volatility (not only in US but world over) that has never been witnessed may be since the great depression (O'Connor, 2001. pp.10-15). This paper seeks to evaluate the present fiscal condition of the US federal government with emphasis on the causes of the crisis and an exploration of the effects of the crisis on both the public and private domain. The federal government fiscal crisis is echoed by the serious struggle by the states and local governments through unfathomable and prolonged fiscal crisis which has since spread from the federal government to haunt them. The states', not mentioning the federal government's , revenues are declining sharply or if they are growing, then this growth is indeed very slow to be noticed. This is made worse by the federal government out spending its revenues. The crisis is likely to continue unless some quick and informed remedial measures are not taken.According to the 2002 financial year report, as at September 2003 the federal government had more than $1 trillion reported assets with slightly more than $8 trillion in liabilities leaving $7 trillion accumulated deficit with a reported $365 billion operating deficit and a $158 billion unified budget deficit. The projection by the general comptroller and CBO was that the situation was headed for worse with the unified budget deficits likely to hit $401 billion and $480 billion in 2003 and 2004 respectively. This means that there was no hope in 2002 and the situation was expected to worsen with time. 2008 was recorded the climax of the financial market redundancy and thus you can imagine the situation in 2008 i f it is worse than the figures projected for 2003 and 2004. The 2008 was marked with acute financial crisis with the financial market feared to be headed for a clash. The cause of the situation was immediately credited to the borrowers who were at the verge of insolvency and thus pulling down the lenders. These borrowers include the auto industry which has since received $15 billion bailout. Based on this insolvency, most lenders declined to lend thus affecting the mortgage industry and the stock market. Apart from the cause mentioned above, the other causes of this sticky financial crisis may be traced down to the weakening economy, the 1990's tax cut policies taken by the federal and state governments, sharp decline in stock markets, and the structural anomalies in the state and federal government tax systems among other seen and unseen causes. Focusing on policy, it is common knowledge how federal policy can impact state finances. Since the 1990's, the federal government set policies to provide subsidies to the state and local governments. The subsidies were to be provided because the federal government asked the states to reduce the cost of taxes on the taxpayers. This tax cut was later to haunt the federal government. The federal government also exempted interests on bonds from the federal taxation. Another tax policy is the fact that the federal government managed the entire estate tax and shared the tax revenues amongst the states. The 2003 Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconcili ation Act (JGTRRA) came with a counter- cyclical fiscal relief or subsidies for the states. The fiscal relief amounted to $20 billion over 2003 and 2004. The fiscal reliefs to cover the tax cuts instituted by the federal government ate significantly into the federal governments financial reserves. This together with the ever increasing demand for better Medicaid and Medicare funding thoroughly utilized the federal finances. The percentage allocation for Medicaid, Medicare and other social welfare programs increased to more than 60% raising concern
Sunday, August 11, 2019
Geology 3-8 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words
Geology 3-8 - Essay Example The motion of plates situated here is continuous and earthquakes occur frequently because California is located in the middle of a fault segment. This means that it is a Transform-Fault Plate type. A tsunami is defined as a strong ocean wave that is the result of mostly an earthquake or at times a volcanic eruption. ( Hamilton, 2005). The causes of Tsunamis are basically earthquakes that cause the sea floor to rise or fall. This happens when plates strike with each other again and again at the border of a plate. Tsunamis occur when the earth’s crust becomes deformed due to earthquakes and the original position of the plates gets disturbed ( Tankut, 2009). Plates try to overlap each other and the heavier ones move under the less dense ones again causing the lithosphere to deform. Other than that, when the sea floor gets elevated or misshaped, a tsunami can be created even then. The Great Pacific Garbage patch, as it name implies is a huge patch of garbage in the northern region of the Pacific Ocean. The size of the patch is still not very clear but it is in the northern portion of the Pacific Ocean. This is due to the fact that plastics do not get destroyed but get converted into harmful substances that keep polluting the air and water around them hence making it dangerous for people who live or travel from there. It has also been damaging submarine and under water equipment as well as wild life. Green House Effect is defined as a process related to physics that captures and traps heat in the atmosphere of the earth. It is a result of the interface between the atmosphere and the sunlight. Basically, the carbon dioxide that the atmosphere contains absorbs the heat which raises the temperature of the atmosphere. It is not a layer of carbon dioxide in the sky that reflects heat back down as it radiates from the Earths surface. Heat is absorbed by the
Saturday, August 10, 2019
HRA335; Mod. 8 - Case Study- Hiring FBI Agents Essay
HRA335; Mod. 8 - Case Study- Hiring FBI Agents - Essay Example The implementation of multiple hurdle approach is most pertinent when the training activities are considerably long and expensive owing to various types of complexities (Smith & Angie, 2011). In relation to the selection procedures in FBI, the implementation of an effective set of multiple hurdle approach can be considered as an effective technique to select and recruit appropriate as well as flawless applicants for the agent posts. With reference to case, it has been observed that the recruitment and selection of agents in FBI validates a series of assessment methods while making any hiring decisions. In this regard, the implementation of an effective multiple hurdle approach will enable the department to recruit successfully, as the job roles of the agent involves various types of uncertain situations associated with different criminal activities (Phillips & Gully, 2012). However, the implementation of the approach also identified to pose certain limitations, as applicants might not qualify in each step of the assessment consecutively. The lengthy process in the assessment approach may lead to create negative attitude and behavioral characteristics of applicants due to a number of hurdles in the selection process. The selection technique in the multiple hurdle assessment approach tends to involve a wide number of assessment activities. The primary objectives of the selection approach is to clearly identify the capability of applicants in terms of managing capabilities or their ability to make effective decisions concerning various types of uncertain situations. In this regard, the approach involves multiple phases in selection procedure prior to make final hiring decisions of the applicants for any specified job roles (Smith & Angie, 2011). According to the observation of the case, it can be ascertained that the selection process in FBI involves a number of stages
Friday, August 9, 2019
Glass Ceiling Still Unshattered question wether or not there are Assignment
Glass Ceiling Still Unshattered question wether or not there are barriers to womens advancement in the firm. Please see below - Assignment Example Meanwhile, Deontological ethics demonstrate the need to employ and hire people of all genders without discrimination, and it is the duty of employers not to exercise such unethical acts as discriminating other genders. According to Bohlander and Snell (2009) women roles, abilities and prohibition from informal networks is a barrier to the success of women in the company, because men think women lack significant management and experience due to their commitments and family responsibilities. The company guidelines and practices affect the way women are treatment and form barriers for their advancement in the business line. Most executives often take advantage of their top position and harass women sexually in cases of promotions and job opportunities. Recently the company has made a progress in employing qualified women in different positions, but they still have problems in developing and advancing them into positions of senior management; this necessitates drastic improvement. In conclusion, the Corporate American working environment for women in the different position in business should reflect development, but regrettably, this is not the case. Glass Ceiling prejudices and discrimination will always affect women, but the company should make policies that advocate changes for women to improve their career development in the company irrespective of their sexual
Thursday, August 8, 2019
An Analysis of Neologism Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words
An Analysis of Neologism - Research Paper Example On February 1, 2004, the American television station CBS aired the event which culminates every season of the National Football League (NFL), the Super Bowl. Broadcast to 90 million people, the Super Bowl has a nationwide audience of viewers of all ages and backgrounds. During this game, the halftime show entertainment featured a duet between pop music entertainers Justin Timberlake and Janet Jackson. At the end of their song, Timberlake completed a choreographed move where he tore at Jackson’s clothing. This motion caused an unexpected and actual tear of her costume thus causing a few seconds where her breast was exposed to the audience. Nearly instantly, public outrage ensued over the broadcast nudity, which resulted in Jackson now famously blaming the incident on a wardrobe malfunction. As Joe Flint of the LA Times wrote, this example of neologism represents â€Å"a phrase that became part of the lexicon†almost instantly. Upon Jackson’s description of this in cident of a wardrobe malfunction, this phrase has infused into all aspects of common usage as it now describes any clothing slip-up. The latest example of a wardrobe malfunction in action was seen at the 2011 Oscars where actress and singer Jennifer Lopez accidentally exposed her breast while wearing a dress with a very low cut, revealing neckline. With the background and origin of the neologism term â€Å"wardrobe malfunction†established, this paper can now progress to discuss how the research on this topic was completed. Key Words Upon choosing the term â€Å"wardrobe malfunction†for this assignment, it was necessary to develop a list of key words for the purpose of research. Given the recent origin of this term, the key words used for this search include specific incidents as well as government regulations on the topic itself. The key words searched included: - wardrobe malfunction - federal communications commission (FCC) - CBS - indecency - broadcast regulations - Super Bowl 2004 - Janet Jackson interview - Justin Timberlake and Janet Jackson duet - 2004 Super Bowl halftime show - FCC regulati ons With the understanding that the term â€Å"wardrobe malfunction†was created as a result of a pop culture event, it seemed most pertinent to conduct research within the scope of pop culture publications in an effort to document the reactions to this event as they happened, in a sense. In order to ensure that the research found is from sources that are considered to be ethical and have a high sense of integrity, I searched for news sources that had covered stories which featured my key words in the topics. I chose well-known and established newspapers, government policies and court coverage. The bibliography at the end of the assignment lists the six sources used for this assignment in addition to how they are featured in the text. Directions for Future Research Along with the bibliography of references and background information on the neologism term of â€Å"wardrobe malfunction,†the choice of sources allows for the continued monitoring of how this concept is use d in popular culture. The importance of following the use of this term is to determine what the lasting effects of this example of neologism will have on society. It is also worth nothing that
Gay and Lesbian Rights Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words
Gay and Lesbian Rights - Assignment Example While homosexuality did not have anything to do with communism, the power of the US was related to gender with homosexuality being seen as a surrender of one’s masculinity (Adam 56). At around this time, there was already the feeling among the political reactionaries that homosexuality would destroy the American society. This led to its repression in federal, state, and local governments across the US with authorities arresting homosexuals in gay bars. This reactionary activity meted out on homosexuals had an immense impact on homosexuals as they were fired and taken to mental institutions by the end of the 40s (Adam 57). In the 50s, gays and lesbians allied themselves to other minorities with the aim of having a liberal society, initially taking a cautious approach with the aim of ensuring survival and a reduction of hostility (Adam 60). The war had opened up increased opportunities at employment for gay people, whereas also allowing them to meet other gay people and experien ce gay culture at port cities when they were deployed. However, the end of the war brought with it a clamor for a return to the original social order that did not have a place for gay people. The tensions that arose from this reactionary attitude led to the rise of a homophile movement, especially among working class women and men who had been demobilized from the army. The most important of these movements was the Mattachine Society in 1951 in LA. The main aim of this society was to unify gays and lesbians who had been isolated from one another, education of all people on the probability of an ethical homosexual community; and assist those gays and lesbians under oppression. However, the movement reversed its objectives under pressure in 1953 to a low-key movement looking for accommodation. The homophile movement was again revamped with the entry of the Daughters of Bilitis (DOB) in 1955 (Adam 64). However, it was also more inclined to fighting for accommodation until the terror fr om the reactionaries subsided. By the 1960s, the homophile movement, had become part of the larger social upheaval and was not satisfied with simple accommodation and assimilation (Adam 68). The Beats movement of the 60s gave rise to cultural dissident zones in New York and San Francisco, including gays and lesbians. This increased the boldness of the DOB and Mattachine movements, which expanded to major cities across the US, only to be met with resistance again, especially politically. However, taking a leaf from the Civil Rights Movement, gays, and lesbians also began to call for their acceptance as full equals (Adam 72). In Making History: the Very Mad Scientist: Frank Kameny, the author also discusses the effects of the end of WWII on gays and lesbians, especially after they were fired from government and military positions. One of the people who suffered from this action was Frank Kameny, who grew up in New York before moving to Washington D.C. after completing Ph.D. studies at Harvard. The U.S. Army Map Service soon employed him before being fired in 1957 (Marcus 94). After attempting to get his job back for three years by himself, he finally decided to join up with other gay and lesbian movements. He joined Jack Nichols in 1961 to form the Washington D.C. Mattachine Society, which brought him to the attention of the FBI. Frank was soon to take part in protests, become involved in court cases, confrontations, and a constant subject of FBI surveillance. In 1957, he was called back from an assignment and accused of being gay, which was visible from his frequent visits to gay bars. This resulted in his being served with notice that he was to be fired for being a
Wednesday, August 7, 2019
Psychological Abuse Essay Example for Free
Psychological Abuse Essay Psychological abuse refers to â€Å"abuse that damages the psyche, or the mind. Psychological abuse happens when one person attempts to gain power and control over another.†It involves the deliberate infliction of pain or anguish to another person through verbal or nonverbal conduct designed to humiliate or threaten another person (National Committee for the Prevention of Elder Abuse). Psychological abuse if quite prevalent in the United States. Most of its victims are women. Indeed, it is estimated that about 1.5 million women get psychologically abused each year. Psychological abuse often leads to physical abuse, as well as domination of the relationship and isolation from friends and family (PsychAbuse.info, 2006).            Psychological abuse is dangerous because it poses many risks on the victim, such as acute stress, post traumatic stress disorder, and depression (PsychAbuse.info, 2006). The many documented effects of psychological maltreatment include: Other possible consequences of psychological abuse are emotional instability, low social competency, anxiety, and low academic achievement (Canadian Health Network, 2004).            Given the effects and signs of psychological abuse, the common victims are those who have no emotional or social support from family and friends. On the other hand, people who often have contact with vulnerable people are sometimes the ones who perpetrate psychological abuse. This group may include caregivers and even family members of the victim (National Committee for the Prevention of Elder Abuse).            One important issue on psychological abuse involves neglect, particularly on children. Neglect involves the omission of protection and care needed by a child, which could lead to adverse consequences such as juvenile delinquency, aggressive behavior, and child deaths (Canadian Health Network, 2004). In this connection, the fact that many children become victims of psychological abuse is a very alarming issue, particularly because of the tender age of the victims. Moreover, it is observed that may victims of child psychological abuse are emotionally disturbed, mentally retarded, or physically handicapped, although the onset of these conditions may differ as to time (Wall, 1975).            Another important issue with psychological abuse is the fact that it is believed to be the â€Å"most under-reported form of abuse.†Thus, the prevalence rates reported periodically may not be accurate since they only include those incidences that have been reported (Canadian Health Network, 2004).            Another critical issue on psychological abuse is its pervasiveness in dating relationships. It is estimated that abuse during the courtship ranges from 20 to 50 percent of men and women. There is also another concern about the increased risk of abuse in a dating relationship due to the tendency of couples to prolong the dating relationship before marriage (Burke, Stets  Pirog-Good, 1988).            All of these issues are worth exploring. Women and children appear to be at special risk given their vulnerability. Another vulnerable group is the aged, who have no support systems to rely on. References Burke, P. J., Stets, J. E.  Pirog-Good, M. A. (1988). Gender Identity, Self-Esteem,   and Physical and Sexual Abuse in Dating Relationships. Social Psychology       Quarterly 51(3), 272-285. Canadian Health Network. (2004). What is psychological maltreatment? Retrieved       February 24, 2008, from http://www.canadian-health- network.ca/servlet/ContentServer?cid=1069439898222pagename=CHN- RCS%2FCHNResource%2FFAQCHNResourceTemplatec=CHNResourcelan        g=En National Committee for the Prevention of Elder Abuse. Psychological Abuse. Retrieved            February 24, 2008, from   http://www.preventelderabuse.org/elderabuse/psychological.html PsychAbuse.info. (2006). Frequently Asked Questions. Retrieved February 24, 2008,  from http://www.psychabuse.info/Psychological_Abuse_FAQ.htm Wall, C. M. (1975). Child Abuse: A Societal Problem with Educational Implications.      Peabody Journal of Education 52(3), 222-225.
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