Stop the Massacre Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Stop the Massacre - Essay Example Palestinians only get to hear of the data regarding their fellow citizens who have passed due to the conflict. However, the reporting is also compromised by media houses that are rooting for a western perspective, which has labeled Palestinians as terrorists yet the majority of Gaza residents are peace-loving citizens and have no arms that threaten Israel’s peace and tranquillity. The Israel army claims that it is undertaking surgical strikes aimed at only killing Hamas fighters (Yaakov 1). However, the grim reality on the ground paints a different picture. Most of the dead are innocent civilians who include children, women and the elderly. The support of the western nations for the conflict points at the eroded moral values of the strongest nations, which ought to stand for the enforcement of human rights. The above story paints a bleak future for Gaza’s residents who have become used to the torrential blasts of Israel mortar. This is a story about the contrast in the lives of Israelis and Palestinians. On the onset of the operation dubbed protective edge, Israelis, in amusement, watched from cinemas and cliffs facing Gaza as their army bombarded Gaza from the air leading to the death of innocent people (Yaakov 1). The Israelis, whom the army claims to be protecting, were celebrating as it pounded and destroyed the lives of Palestinians. This was in contrast to the picture painted by Israel’s media, which claimed that its citizens live under the constant threats of rockets. The war against Gaza was based on a false premise publicized by the Western-backed media so that world can turn a blind eye on the atrocities that are occurring during the military incursion into Gaza. The result of this war is the creation of a modern-day concentration camp and the death of even the unborn babies in the wombs of Palestine’s women. Palestinians cannot leave Gaza since they will be exposed to attacks.  

The issues of politics and administration Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

The issues of politics and administration - Essay Example This paper will look into the issues of politics and administration. It will also discuss the possibility of separating politics from administration. Holding or having an opinion about such a view is very critical. It is, however, very easy to agree with all those who do not think that Wilson was right. The involvement of politics in the administration process is an everyday occurrence (Naidu, 2005). It has been there ever since the beginning, and it is here to stay. To try and stop the involvement of a higher, organized group of elite people who are out to benefit themselves is a very hard task. It is hard to hide the fact that these two are linked. It is very unlikely for any administration to make a decision without there being any outside influence. That mainly comes from the politics side of that administration. It is fair to say or point out that the dichotomy displayed by Wilson in today’s world is not applicable. The distinction is neither workable nor is it practical. Take, for example, a public school. A public school that gets its funding from the local government is usually very easy to fall prey to the involvement of politics. As the school administration wants to implement their policies, local politics comes into play. It is very easy for them to get side-lined. They get other policies to implement while being given ultimatums if they do not do as they are required (Sapru, 2006). Some of the advantages of this dichotomy would be the fact that, some policies that these administrations are forced to adopt may end up helping people. This is in line with the fact that incentives are always factors that are used to control these administrations, and the people around them. Another advantage would be the rise of more powerful individuals that may be able to run the administration. The recognition that politics gives to individuals is very appealing to many, and the fact that a politician is willing to spend time in the local areas would

Savil Building by Glen Howells Architects Essay

Savil Building by Glen Howells Architects - Essay Example In its design, its response to the site, the climate, the design requirement, it has surpassed the programme. That's what makes it unique, 'high architecture' or in plainer words an award winner! This essay investigates the architectural qualities of the Savill Building with specific reference to the following themes: Beauty or the aesthetic value of every building is an important feature of every structure established within certain locations. It is also closely related to the time and place of the architectural event. Thus, modernists like Philip Johnson see deconstructivism as 'warped' and the International Style as 'pure'. It is about the contrast between 'perfection and violated perfection'.1 The many trends in architecture after modernism suggest a pluralist society where too many issues are equally important. However, in the collective concern for the environment and attempts at conserving and reusing and generally trying to contain one's carbon footprint, we may have finally, the one world- religion that will generate an aesthetic that may be most persuasive of recent trends.2 And the Savill Building illustrates this beautifully both figuratively and literally. Through improving the landscape of the park, the building creates a profound experience for the visitors making them feel like they belong to the landscape itself. The dome shape of the roof creates an illusion that the entire building is one continuous structure that follows the dictates of the landforms so sensitively that it is difficult to perceive where building ends and landscape begins. It fits in with its surroundings hand-in-glove, not just in terms of building profile but also in terms of its material for construction that was judiciously selected and felled on site itself. Of all the other features of the complex, the structure of the building stands out as the chief characteristic of the complex. Being a part of the whole landscape works well for the Savill Building as it utilizes the natural beauty of the location where the structure is established. The complete building created not only for catering to its distinct functions it aims also to enhance the entire natural landscape of the site3. This capability of the structure to bring out the natural essence of the beauty that the location itself posses makes the complete conception a complimentary element to the landscape. 2. Nature Seen and Sensed The major features of the shapes and elements that make up the building actually create a more sophisticated presentation of nature. The carefully crafted design that mimics the entirety of scale and location highlights the abundance of nature creating an 'environment of seemingly untamed, ever-productive free growth'4. A curved glazed curtain wall allows the visitor to view the 'spectacular' landscape over the terrace.5 The glazing allows natural light to enter the building giving it better chances of being appropriately lit during the day right up to mid afternoon. The glazing 'frames' the scenic view of the natural landscape of the gardens for which the interiors of the building create a perfect foil. Hills and

Greenhouse gases Essay Example for Free

Greenhouse gases Essay â€Å"Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere are often called greenhouse gases† (Environmental Protection Agency, 1). Some greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, occur naturally and are emitted into the air through natural processes and human activity. Other greenhouse gases are emitted only through human activity. These include â€Å"carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and fluorinated gases† (Environmental Protection Agency, 1). Carbon dioxide is emitted through the burning of fossil fuels as well as through solid waste and tree and wood products. Methane is emitted during the transport of coal, natural gas and oil. Nitrous oxide is emitted during agricultural and industrial activities. Fluorinated gases are emitted through a variety of industrial processes (Environmental Protection Agency, 1). These are all dangerous emissions that have a serious impact on the integrity of the environment. However, there are many natural processes that can cause an emission of greenhouse gases and these get far less attention than those associated with human activity. â€Å"Cattle numbers have more than tripled in the last ten years† (Hao, et al, 376). An analysis of the greenhouse gas emissions of these increasing cattle herds as compared to automobiles and planes is offered. The Problem with Cattle â€Å"Associated with intensification of livestock operations in an increased amount of feedlot manure produced each year† (Hao, et al, 376). Typically, cattle manure is disposed of by applying it directly to fields. â€Å"However, this has created environmental concerns† (Hao, et al, 376). Composting manure before applying it to fields has been suggested as an alternative because it â€Å"reduces odor, pathogens, weeds and fly breeding potential† (Hao, et al, 376). However, it has also been shown that composting the manure before application â€Å"contributes to emissions of greenhouse gases† (Hao, et al, 376). The process of composting the manure results in an increase in several different gases including methane and carbon dioxide. As the manure is composted, â€Å"heat is generated and the temperature of the compost increases. † As the temperature increases, greenhouse gas emissions also increase (Hao, et al, 384). Finally, â€Å"composted manure can be trucked further distances† which also adds to the overall greenhouse gas emissions associated with cattle manure (Hao, et al, 376). It is the by products of the cattle that cause a large part of the overall greenhouse gas emissions related to the livestock trade. The chemical composition of the by products are what contribute to an increase in greenhouse gases. Therefore, as cattle herds increase so does their by products which, in turn, increases gas emissions. â€Å"Globally, methane emissions from cattle are five to six percent of total emissions while nitrogen emissions are seven percent of total emissions† (Hao, et al, 37). As the cattle herds grow the amount of manure that is produces also grows and this results in an increase in overall greenhouse gas emissions over time. When manure is composted it is required to remain in one place over a long period of time. As the manure composts its temperature increases which only adds to the greenhouse gas emissions that comes from the manure Therefore, it can be shown that greenhouse gas emissions from cattle are larger than greenhouse gas emissions from automobiles and planes, particularly as the global number of cattle herds increases so does global output of methane and nitrogen. These greenhouse gas emissions are far more dangerous than the emissions from automobiles and planes. While sustainable development has received global attention it has â€Å"limited influence on the transportation sector† (Bartle, 214). While people all over the world are attempting to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by also reducing their driving and/or purchasing more efficient vehicles, the United States air industry â€Å"is unsustainable and forecasted trends suggest that this problem will get worse† (Bartle, 214). Current pollution control policies do not adequately address the issues associated with greenhouse gas emissions and airplane use. However, there are many reforms and new policies being considered in order to make air travel more sustainable while also reducing total greenhouse gas emissions during flying. While automobile and airplane travel have the capacity and ability to find new and innovative ways to reduce their overall greenhouse gas emissions, this is much more difficult for the cattle industry given the rapid increases in cattle herd size as well as manure output. Further, livestock are a leading source of greenhouse gas emissions but much more emphasis is placed on how to reduce emissions from automobiles and airplanes and much less focus is placed on how to reduce emissions within the livestock field (LA Times, 1). The cattle and livestock industry contributes more â€Å"silent and deadly emissions† than the â€Å"entire world transportation sector† (LA Times, 1). Many politicians and environmentalists do not realize the enormous problem that cattle emissions really are and often scoff at how much greenhouse gas they emit â€Å"but livestock emissions are no joke† (LA Times, 1). Further, much of the focus is placed on carbon dioxide and the majority of people do not realize the negative implications of methane and nitrous oxide – two major emissions from cattle. These two gases are more efficient at trapping heat in the environment than carbon dioxide is. Methane has â€Å"twenty-one times the potential for heat generation than carbon dioxide† does and cows can produce up to â€Å"one hundred thirty gallons† of methane per cow per day (LA Times, 1). Environmentalists tend to focus more on the greenhouse gas emissions from automobiles and planes which downplays the role of the livestock industry. At the same time, the public is not aware of the problem. Livestock, particularly cattle, are responsible for â€Å"eighteen percent of greenhouse gases worldwide – more than all the planes, trains and automobiles on the planet† (LA Times, 1). The problem appears to be getting worse. As previously mentioned the cattle herd sizes are increasing. Similarly, as living standards across the globe increase so does â€Å"a fondness for meat and dairy† (LA Times, 1). For example, meat consumption in the developing world doubled between 1980 and 2002 and it is expected to double again by 2050. â€Å"That means the environmental damage of ranching would have to be cut in half just to keep emissions at their current, dangerous level† (LA Times, 1). As more emphasis continues to be placed on the transportation sector, less emphasis is placed on the danger that the cattle emissions pose to the overall integrity of the environment. â€Å"The global livestock sector is growing faster than any other agricultural sub sector† (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, 1). â€Å"It provides livelihoods to about 1. 3 billion people and contributes about 40 percent to global agricultural output and is an important â€Å"source of renewable energy (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, 1). While this type of growth is certainly good for farmers and their bottom line, it has negative implications with regards to the overall integrity of the planet’s environment. As cattle herds continue to grow larger the problem is only going to get worse. Therefore, it is essential that the livestock industry be made aware of their contribution to greenhouse gas emissions so they are able to research and implement solutions that will help reduce their impact on the planet. Recommendations As mentioned previously, â€Å"the environmental costs per unit of livestock production must be cut by one half, just to avoid the level of damage worsening beyond its present level† (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, 1). Manure is the primary source of greenhouse gas emissions, specifically methane and nitrous oxide. The cattle industry â€Å"generates sixty-five percent of human related nitrous oxide† which has â€Å"two hundred ninety-six times the Global Warming Potential than carbon dioxide† (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, 1). The cattle industry also accounts for â€Å"thirty-seven percent of all human induced methane† which has â€Å"twenty-three times the Global Warming Potential than carbon dioxide† (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, 1). These high levels of greenhouse gas emissions from the cattle industry prove the importance of changes in order to reduce the impact that cattle has on the environment. The problem also takes much of the emphasis off of carbon dioxide and places it on methane and nitrous oxide since they have much more capability for damage. One suggestion is for human beings to begin â€Å"cutting back on read meat† as this would reduce the high demand for cattle and lower overall greenhouse gas emissions (LA Times, 1). A similar effect would be reached through a reduction in overall dairy consumption. However, for health reasons this is not a popular or feasible recommendation the way that reducing red meat consumption is. Further, politicians and lobbyists are reluctant to take on the cattle industry because â€Å"it is extremely hazardous for politicians to take on the U. S. beef industry† (LA Times, 1). Therefore, researchers are being forced to develop ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions even as the demand for meat and dairy continues to increase. Cows have â€Å"four stomachs† and the â€Å"first stomach is called the rumen† and this is where the methane problem lies (LA Times, 1). â€Å"The bacteria in the rumen produce methane† that is released through both ends of the cow (LA Times, 1). Scientists are currently working on a type of feed that are more â€Å"energy efficient and generate less methane† as well as experimenting in order to â€Å"produce a less gassy breed of cattle† (LA Times, 1). As mentioned in the beginning of the paper, researchers are also scrambling to devise ways to reduce the contribution of manure to the overall greenhouse gas emission problem such as â€Å"storage methods and temperature† (LA Times, 1). This correlates with the research studies presented in the beginning of the paper because this research supports the notion that finding better storage methods and controlling the overall temperature of the manure can have a positive effect on the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Conclusions The majority of attention has been placed on the role that automobiles and airplanes play in degrading the integrity of the environment. However, few people realize the negative impact that the livestock industry has on the overall quality of the environment. It is much harder to place blame on human activity associated with driving and flying and ignoring the impact that human activity with regards to eating has on the environment. As the demand for quality beef and dairy products continues to increase so will the greenhouse gases emitted by increasing numbers of cattle herds. Humans can help reduce this impact by cutting their red meat consumption and making more sustainable choices with regards to their eating habits. This can go a long way towards improving the situation while scientists work diligently towards creating a solution that will ensure that beef demands be met while also reducing overall impact on the earth. Bartle, John R. â€Å"The Sustainable Development of U. S. Air Travel. † Public Works Management and Policy 10. 3 (2006): 214 – 224. Environmental Protection Agency. â€Å"Greenhouse Gas Emissions. † 2009. 27 April 2009 http://www. epa. gov/climatechange/emissions/index. html. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. â€Å"Livestock a Major Threat to Environment. 29 Nov 2006. 27 April 2009 http://www. fao. org/newsroom/en/news/2006/1000448/index. html. Hao, Xiying; Chang, Chi; Larney, Francis J. â€Å"Carbon, Nitrogen Balances and Greenhouse Gas Emission During Cattle Feedlot Manure Composting. † Journal of Environmental Quality 33. 1 (2004): 37 – 45. Hao, Xiying; Chang, Chi; Larney, Francis J. Travis, Greg R. â€Å"Greenhouse Gas Emissions during Cattle Feedlot Manure Composting. † Journal of Environmental Quality 30. 2 (2001): 376 – 387. LA Times. â€Å"Killer Cow Emissions. † LA Times 15 Oct 2007. 27 April 2009 http://articles. latimes. com/2007/oct/15/opinion/ed-methane15.

Cultures And Values In Human Society

Cultures And Values In Human Society Culture is the essential part of the humans society. Every person is spending his or her life within a certain cultural community. It frequently defines what kinds of person a man or woman is and what values will they have. Does the cultural environment have a direct effect on the values within a community for anthropology, psychology and sociology? Let us discuss this topic step by step. To understand it better, we can at first define what the cultural environment is and what influence it has on people within it. The very nature of the cultural environment is cultural and social aspects. It is could also be called a social context and sometimes milieu. It is a culture of a society or a group where a certain person is living or getting an education; it is institutions and people who interact with a certain human. By interaction we can mean not only different types of personal communication (like on a workplace, in class, with neighbors etc.); people could also communicate with each other by means of different communicational media (like phone, internet, newspapers, television etc). In spite of non personal type of the communication, people whom a man or a woman meets in internet can have an influence on his or her values and point of view. Also television and other mass media form our perception of life and other people little by little. This type of interaction we c an call one way or anonymous. It does not always imply the equality of the social status. Thus, the concept of a social environment is wider that the concept of a social circle or a social class. Nevertheless, it is common that those people who have the same social environment start having a sense of solidarity. They easily help and trust each other; also they tend to create a social group. As a result, those people will always have a similar way of thinking and similar patterns even if they make different conclusions. It shows us that people depend on society and culture around them very much whether they recognize this fact or not. Let us briefly define what culture itself is. It is going to help us understand what kind of effect it has on the values within a community for anthropology, psychology and sociology. There is plenty of information about culture and different consequences of it. It is impossible to transmit a culture through genealogy. Culture is not something innate; culture is something that everybody should learn. Different facets of it are interrelated; a culture is spread by those people within a group. Nowadays different cultures could easily exist within a country side by side (like it commonly happens in African countries). According to Hoebel (1960), the definition of a culture is following: The integrated sum total of learned behavioral traits that are manifest and shared by members of society. According Lawton (1975), culture includes age grading, religious rituals and athletic sport. According to Frow (1995) there are traditional differences in task and doing business were breaking down and this meant that standardization rather than adaptation is becoming increasingly prevalent. Probably, a culture is one of the most significant environmental variables that should be considered within a global marketing. Often a culture could not be freely overlooked; it often hiding from a view. Culture consists of some elements; they are language, aesthetics, religion, values and attitudes, education, social organization and material culture. It is necessary to discuss briefly every element of it. Material culture includes communications, power, transportations and others. Language is the next aspect of culture. It is a reflection of the values and nature of a certain society group. It could be sub-cultural languages, for example, dialects; in some countries it could be two or even more languages. Aesthetics includes art, dancing, arts-music. It concerns good taste, beauty, form and color of it. Education, as it is easy to see, includes the transmission of ideas, attitudes, skills and training in certain disciplines as well. Moreover, education serves as a transmitter of cultural and social values. Sometimes a child was introduced to the cultural value by school or later by university. Religion gives the humans behavior the best insight and as well it helps us to answer different questions, for example, why people behave n this way and not in another. We can see that culture is a complicate conception; it includes different aspects. What can we say about values conception? What is commonly meant by values? Shortly, by values a person may mean something that is really matter to him or her. It is beliefs and ideas somebody holds as special. Social and cultural environment forms ones values. Home, church school there are just some places where people could study values that are common for everybody within their cultural environment. Teachers, friends, parents are forming our personal system of values from day to day. As a result we have personal values. Arts et al. (2003) summarized that they consist of something that we accepted from people around as and that part that came with our own life experience. It is too compulsory to accept everything a person is hearing around him or her; nevertheless, values of cultural environment around us has its strong influence on our own system of values. Now, when we recognize what values, culture and cultural environment commonly mean we can examine the direct effect that the cultural environment has on the values within a community for anthropology, psychology and sociology. Before discussing the influence of a cultural environment on a person according to anthropology let us briefly mention the definition of the science. Saying shortly anthropology is the inquiry of humanity. Its origins throw back in the social sciences, natural science and humanities. The term itself is taken from the ancient Greek language and has two parts: man and study or discourse. The matters of anthropology are how do people behave, what are their physical traits, why we can see differences and variations between groups of people, and finally who was the ancestor of the modern humans. Anthropology is commonly divided in to four fields; they are cultural, or social, anthropology, linguistic anthropology, archaeology and biological, or physical, anthropology. We can see that anthropology itself is the science that studies social and cultural values, differences, origins, roots etc. Thus, it is important to talk about the influence of culture environment according to this certain science. According to anthropology, a culture could be seated deeply; unprepared person could take some type of a culture like something senseless, strange and even cruel. Let us give an example. According to the Muslim culture a woman must cover her face with yashmak and hide herself from any alien. Nilaweera Wijetunga (2005) emphasized that this custom could appear strange and senseless to any person from Europe, United States or numeral other countries where people flaunt a womans form openly. Here is another example of the opposite culture. In some African countries (like Congo, Kenya etc) women do not wear top cloths. Oyeshile (2004) explained this fact that according to their culture, their traditions and according to their hot climate they do not consider the top of the female body something that they should cover or hide. There are many other different examples of things and customs that are unacceptable and even criminal in one part of the world; at the same time at another part of it people consider it the culture and commonly do it. Summarizing this short extract we can see that cultural environment have a direct effect on the values within a community for anthropology. Continue the two examples above, a woman from the African country where there is not common or compulsory to cover her body with upper wear have values that are different from the values that are precious for a woman from a Muslim country. If those women could try to explain themselves their culture, values and reasons why they are keeping those culture values they would hardly understand each other. It is common that Muslim people condemn women from Europe and America. For them even the most modest and restrained American female seems to be a woman without culture values because she shows certain part of her body What can we say about the influence of the social environment on personal values for psychology? What is psychology? It is the science of the humans behavior and mind. This science is an attempt to understand humanity by exploring certain specific cases and by discovering some general principles as well. One of the main goals of psychology is to benefit the society. Scientists who involved in it we can divide in to some groups: cognitive scientists, social scientists and behavioral scientists. Among others, social behavior is among different subjects of psychology. The science of psychology explores following concepts: emotion, cognition, phenomenology, perception, attention, brain functioning, behavior, motivation, personality, unconscious mind and interpersonal relationships. As anthropology, the science of psychology is a social science and it has a strong connection with social environment. According to psychology, some type of behavior could be considered normal and other type c ould be considered abnormal. Commonly, humanity has the same nature. For example, murdering and cruelty is considered abnormal in every social group and community. Nevertheless, within some cultures the conception of cruelty may vary. Let us give an example. In American and European countries violation in any form is unacceptable even within a family. Thus people who keep doing it to others would consider psychologically abnormal. According to the culture of some eastern countries, especially countries with Muslim culture, a husband can beat his wife or punish her or in any other way if she does not satisfy him. What kind of misdeed could a wife do? She may cook a food that her husband does not like; she may say a word that her husband could consider unacceptable. People within the community with such culture are considered psychologically normal even if they commit violence every day. According to their culture cruelty is acceptable. A woman is expecting for it and she has no even right to complain. According to the example above we can see that psychological situation within a community could have a strong negative effect on personal values of a human. A person can look at low values of members of the community around him or her and subconsciously this person could understate those values that he or she had before. Psychologically people inclined to depend on society. That is why we can state that the cultural environment have a direct effect on the values within a community for psychology. Sociology is the last science that we are going to discuss. It studies the society using different methods of critical analysis and empirical investigations. This science refines and develops knowledge about the activity of human society. One of the aims of sociology is to achieve the social welfare with the mean of the knowledge. Mancheno-Smoak et al. (2009) stated that the field of interests in sociology varies from the micro level of interaction and agency to the macro level of social structures and systems. It is a very broad conception that is focused traditionally on social class, religion, social stratification, social mobility, secularization, deviance and law. It includes all spheres of peoples activity. It is interesting that sociology studies different types of interactions between people. We are living in the age of the world wide globalization when the whole planet is becoming one big house. Different cultural and social communities are not staying separate from each oth er like it was some hundreds years ago. People are moving, migrating and spreading their culture and different values among other societies. Why can we state that according to sociology, the cultural environment have a direct effect on the values within a community? First reason is that people like to communicate with each other. It means that they getting some new knowledge and values. Roniger (1995) declared that when representatives of different cultures are staying in contact for some time they will get used to new values. It will stop being new for them. New cultural values will become common and according to sociology people will start accepting it in their lives. In some time they would not remember that one or another culture or value was not imparted to them. And it is the second reason why the cultural environment has an effect on values of people for sociology. In other words, when people move from one place to another they create a new social group with mixed culture and values. In conclusion of all factors and aspects that we discussed above we can see that anthropology, sociology and psychology are connected between each other. These three sciences are all about the human nature, culture and community. They are examining interactions and cooperation between different people; we can state that the cultural environment have a direct effect on the values within a community for anthropology, psychology and sociology because according to these sciences it is up to peoples nature to take something new from others. According to religion, human society was created as one big family. Let us agree that this statement is right; thus, we need to accept that people within a social community have a direct effect on each other in the same way in which members within an ordinary family have. Every science that we discussed has one main aim to make our society better. We need to remember that it is up to everybody to help in achievement of this aim.

Sumner - Brooks Incident :: essays research papers

Preston Brooks was born in Edgefield District, South Carolina on August 5th, 1819. He graduated from South Carolina College (now known as the University of South Carolina), in 1839, and after he graduated he studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1845. Brooks also served in the Mexican-American War with the Palmetto Regiment. After he had returned from the war, Brooks fought a duel with future Texas Senator Louis T. Wigfall. In the duel, Brooks was shot in the hip, forcing him to use a walking cane for the rest of his life. In 1853, Brooks was elected to the 33rd Congress as a member of the Democratic Party. While in office, Brooks had met an anti-slavery campaigning Senator named Charles Sumner. Charles Sumner was born in Boston, Massachusetts, and graduated from Harvard law school in 1830. He edited a law review, the American Jurist, and served as a reporter for the United States Circuit Court. Sumner also lectured on constitutional and international law at Harvard ’s law school for three winter terms. Sumner first became a politician in 1845, while the Mexican-American War was in dispute. In an Independence Day speech before city officials in Boston, Sumner denounced the use of war for settling international disputes and promoted arbitration instead. He also opposed the annexation of Texas and criticized the institution of slavery. From these speeches, Sumner was known as a keen and favored public speaker. In 1848, Sumner abandoned the Whig party in support of Martin Van Buren’s unsucc essful Free-Soil campaign for presidency. In 1851, a Democratic-Free-Soil coalition in the Massachusetts legislature chose Sumner to fill the U.S. Senate seat of Daniel Webster, who had resigned to become Secretary of State. While Sumner was in the Senate, he became a leader of the anti-slavery-forces. During the debates on slavery in Kansas in May 1856, Sumner delivered a two-day oration called "The Crime against Kansas", that brutally defamed Southern expansion of slavery. When Sumner gave this speech, Congressman Preston Brooks of South Carolina believed that Sumner had insulted his uncle, Senator Andrew Butler. Brooks backfired and used his cane to beat Sumner, who was seated at his desk on the Senate floor, until he was unconscious. Sumner, bleeding profusely, had to be carried out of the room. Sumner’s injuries from the beating kept him out of office for three years. The severe beating on the Senate floor helped escalate the tensions that led to the Civil War and became a huge symbol for both the North and South.

The Skating Party

The short story â€Å"The Skating Party† by Merna Summers is about a love triangle conveying the theme that it is essential for individuals to make rational decisions because they will have to endure the consequences for the rest of their lives. Having been raised on a farm in Willow Bunch, Nathan Singleton aspired to become a farmer with a devoted wife. Contrary to his goal, he left his home and relocated to the city to become a teacher. Then, he ultimately returned to Willow Bunch to focus on his farming career. â€Å"In some ways it seemed as if he had never really left Willow Bunch†¦I found it hard to imagine him as I knew he must be in his classroom: wearing a suit, chalk dust on his sleeve, putting seat work on the blackboard. He didn't even talk like a teacher. † (Summers 187-188) The significance of character revelation in this quote highlights Nathan's personality traits that are reminiscent of a stereotypical farmer. This justifies why Maida found it diff icult to visualize Nathan possessing personality traits pertaining to a stereotypical teacher. With further inference, it can be concluded that his specific traits didn't effectively complement his teaching career.This incompatibility influenced him to return to Willow Bunch, where his childhood aspiration almost came to fruition when he became engaged with Eunice Lathem. Though unfortunately, he receded to teaching in the city once again after her demise. Nathan's indecisive demeanour regarding his career is symbolized by engraving a tattoo on your body. The consequence was the absence of occupational stability in his life, a reminder which is symbolized by the fact that a tattoo is permanently etched onto your skin.Secondly, the theme of â€Å"The Skating Party† is reinforced through Delia's decision to skate with Nathan at the skating party. Due to the lengthy duration of time they spent together, Eunice became infuriated because she detected intimacy. Delia then agreed to skate with Eunice in order to calm her down. Eventually, they both fell through the ice; Eunice's death was the price for Delia's survival. â€Å"Eunice Lathem's sister, whose name was Delia Sykes, moved away from Willow Bunch right after the accident. † (Summers 191) This quote represents Delia's character development.From a very extroverted, flamboyant character, she confined herself in a shell due to the torment caused by the outcome of her decision and its role in Eunice's death. This categorizes her as a dynamic character. She then left Willow Bunch, believing that isolating herself from her friends and family would be the only way to atone for her mistake. Delia made an irrational decision to skate with Nathan which is symbolized by choosing to have a tattoo drawn onto your skin. Her decision indirectly resulted in Eunice's death, a traumatizing experience she endured for the rest of her life that is symbolized by the adherence of a tattoo.It will always be with her; o ne glance at it will remind her of the skating party. Lastly, the theme of â€Å"The Skating Party† is accentuated through Nathan's decision to save Delia instead of Eunice. â€Å"The one pair of arms had white fur around them. And I reached for the other pair† (Summers 199) This quote revealed Nathan's true desire and who he valued the most in his life. It also implies the inner conflict he experiences, such as reflecting on the credibility of his decision and evaluating possible outcomes if he acted differently.Such thoughts prevent him from achieving tranquility. Like a tattoo, the remorse Nathan's burdened with will stay for the remainder of his life as a result of choosing to save Delia and allowing Eunice to perish. Nathan's inability to choose a career, Delia's decision to skate with Nathan, and Nathan's decision to save Delia instead of Eunice emphasizes the theme of â€Å"The Skating Party†: it is necessary to make decisions rationally in order to avoid regrets and live a satisfying life.