Thursday, October 31, 2019

Russia and Eastern Europe After Lenin Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Russia and Eastern Europe After Lenin - Essay Example Post war development in Russia under Stalinism influenced the economically and strategically forward European nations which had followed the system of Stalinism for a long time until the result of World War II brought drastic changes in the political and economic definitions across the world. This essay focuses on the development and decline of Stalinism in different countries across Central and Eastern Europe during the post-war period. During the time of developmental changes in Russia, Leninist followers identified the ratification possibilities of the state to approve the powers of capital investors over the working class of the country. Revolutionary leaders of Russia then framed actions and campaigns to direct the state administration to communism. The ideal principle of the movements of Leninists was the preference of revolution to evolution and social democracy to communism. However, the two leaders were guided by more less similar principle and were highly regarded as the leaders of the masses. According Foster (2007), both Lenin and Stalin were men of action and thought who have shown the example of coordination of theories and practices required for the realisation of daily needs of the masses of the country for achieving the desired outlook of socialism. By the end of Leninist era, Stalin emerged as a prime figure in the Republic of Russia with his principles of centralized administration and trust in th e employment of terror for power. The Stalinist invasion of Europe started with the agreement of Germany giving away the states of Baltic and part of Nazi dominant part of Poland to Russia (Western Civilization, 1997). Stalin’s foremost political identity was reflected by his distrust for the Western Europeans and the immediate lenience he showed to the supporting nations that stood along with his interest. The time of Churchill posed crucial protest

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

The Last Picture Show by Larry McMurty Essay Example for Free

The Last Picture Show by Larry McMurty Essay The Last Picture Show is a story of isolation and dysfunction. Death is also a prevailing theme – death of a town, of friendships, of marriages and of friends. It is a story full of characters that can seem larger than life one moment and inconsequential the next moment. As different as they all appear to be, they all share traits in common and these are that they all feel separated from the rest of the world, they all seem to want more out of life than they currently have, and most feel an emptiness that loneliness and desire do not quite give full explanation or understanding of. The story covers a time span of one year in the town of small Thalia, Texas in the 1950s, a dusty and desolate place where everybody knows not only everybody else in town, but everybody knows everybody else’s business and secrets may not always be exposed, but also they are almost always known. Thalia is a place where the undersized population appears to have settled into their unsatisfactory existences even while they often make blundering mistakes in efforts to burst out of their current lives. McMurty’s story has an unusually large cast. Sonny Crawford, a high school senior and football player, is the story’s protagonist. An all-American genuinely nice young man full of deep sadness and quiet thoughts, Sonny lives in a rooming house with his best friend Dwayne, also a high school senior and football player. Duane, a main character, is a little rougher around the edges than Sonny. He is quicker to lose his temper and though he appears as unsatisfied as other characters he does not acknowledge his feelings as profoundly as others. Jacy Farrow is another main character. The beautiful rich girl of Thalia, Jacy is a young woman whose unhappiness with her life, her family, and her fear of the future feeds the fuel of her wild side and unleashes her inhibitions.   The town of Thalia itself is also main character and an absolutely vital part of the story. Thalia, which in the beginning of the story is an old town clinging to life with its unchanging reliability, undergoes metamorphosis’s which parallel and oppose the lives of the characters within it. As the story progresses The Last Picture Show highlights Thalia’s own slow death with the changes it must face. There are many lesser characters, which the story relies on to bring it depth and reinforce and are intricate to the themes of McMurty’s tale. These additional characters also allow the author to show very personal aspects of the main characters as they intermingle with each other. The story centers on these three young adults as they search for something beyond their own existence. The reader follows them through their ordinary lives as they date, dream, and push against internal and external barriers. The story exposes these characters weaknesses as they journey through monotonous days of loneliness where they end up betraying each other and themselves to varying degrees. The story also shows human strength in continuing on during the bleakest of times. Family dysfunction is a constant theme of this story. Sonny’s mother is dead and his relationship with is father is strained and shallow. His real family is Sam, a local businessman who runs the pool hall that is Sonny’s second home, and a handicapped boy, Billy, with no family of his own. Sonny lives in a rooming house with his best friend while his father lives in a hotel in town. Sonny does not like his own girlfriend and he covets his best friend’s girl. Without planning, Sonny because the lover of his coaches’ wife. The coach is hinted to be a closet homosexual with a mean streak a mile wide. Ruth, his wife, has almost given up of finding any happiness in life. Sonny feels sorry for Ruth and their relationship develops into more than Sonny can handle. Duane has no family and his father figure is a callous roughneck, Abilene, who sleeps with Duane’s girlfriend and his boss’s wife who happens to also be the love of his best friends’ life. Jacy is showered with material items from her family but is neglected by her parents emotionally and is filled with unfeeling and despondent advise from her mother. Jacy uses her body to get what she wants and uses people with as little thought as well. Her mother is an unsatisfied woman that cheats on her husband whose focus in life is on making money in a town on its last legs. The family dysfunction is critical to the story because it emphasizes the frailty of the characters and explains the needs they face as well as the choices they make. The town and the characters are supposed to inspired by the real life experiences of the author. How close to accurate portrayals The Last Picture Show is to his reality is unknown to this reader, but McMurty was able to create a life within his pages, which felt like it could have been real. He created visual images that really give off one of the main themes of the story, which is isolation. The town is isolated and seem as far removed from the rest of the world even though it is only a short distance to the much larger Fort Worth. Most of the characters are isolated because the dysfunction of their family situations does not easily lead them to trust others or openly show their true feelings. The characters are isolated too because as much as they want change, especially the younger characters, they are fearful of as well. There are some humorous moments in the story and these brief moments provide necessary alleviation of the overall melancholy, but the most memorable moments in the story are the poignant ones. One instance is when the boys return from Mexico, thrilled to be able to boast about their great adventure, but even more excited to be back in Thalia. They were grateful then, for the same things that often despised, the sameness of the town – they were happy then for the monotony of their Thalia. But that happiness was too brief because it is only minutes after their return that that they learn Sam has died during their time away. Another very moving section is at the very end of the book. After Billy’s death Sonny is numb and in a great deal of pain. Duane has left town, Sam is dead, he feels guilty about Billy, and he knows Jacy is not an option for him. Instinctually, Sonny heads to Ruth.   Her own pain is all too obvious as well. And in their pain they are able to comfort each other in a very touching way. The Last Picture Show is a cheerless story. There is no pat happy ending to be had for any of the characters. But, this book is one I would certainly recommend to others because it is an American story which carries a ring of truth to it; life is not always perfect, happy, or fulfilling and fairytale endings are not realist and would not have fit the tone of this story. The realist qualities and the powerfully accurate believability McMurty is able to generate enable the characters to come to life and produces profound feelings in the reader. The reader has become so involved in the lives of the characters that for those characters left at the end of the story the reader possesses intense hope for their future. When an author can bring into being these qualities they present a book incredibly worth reading.

Sunday, October 27, 2019

standard operating procedures

standard operating procedures SOPs Standard Operating Procedures A General Overview Aim This document is not meant to be all encompassing but is designed to give readers an overview as to what should be in a SOP and what a SOP might look like. Background It was common in the past for to be photocopied from a book and notes/scribbles to be added to a method to adapt it to a Laboratorys specific needs. This resulted in analysts using different versions of the same method and obtaining different results. It also hindered the communication of improvements that an individual analyst had made to a method, as it was not known how many copies of a method existed and whether they had all been updated to include the improved method. A way to improve this chaos is to ensure that all methods and procedures shall be documented to the extent necessary to ensure proper implementation and consistency of application. Hence the introduction of the concept of SOPs Standard Operating Procedures. It is sometimes not practical for laboratories to use an SOP which is fully documented specifying each type and individual test procedure. For example, analysis of soil samples for polyaromatic hydrocarbons. It is simpler to write an SOP on the preparation of soil extracts for analysis by gas chromatography and another SOP of a more general nature regarding the analysis of extracts by gas chromatography. Information required for all SOPs All SOPs should contain the following information Authorised by (Someone in the organisation needs to approve the SOP before it can be used)  ·Copy number (A record of the number of copies of an SOP needs to be kept each individual copy has its own number identifies if there are any illicit versions in use ) Page x of y (e.g. Page 1 of 6 appears at the bottom of each page identifies if there are pages missing from a method) Other information may include when the method should be reviewed, individual reference numbers for when an organisation has many SOPs, Issue numbers to identify new versions of a method from old versions of a method which have been withdrawn. To help explain some of the terms below, parts of an SOP involving the analysis of nitrite in water have been reproduced in boxes like this. THESE WILL ONLY BE EXAMPLES AND ARE NOT COMPREHENSIVE. Title Determination of A analyte(s)or measurand(s)}, in C {matrix} using D {principle} Determination of nitrite in water by UV/Visible spectrophotometry Scope Enables a user to see quickly whether the method is appropriate for a desired application (see also the Annex- method validation and measurement uncertainty). the analyte (measurand) which can be determined by the method, the sample matrix from which the analyte (measurand) may be determined, the technique used in the method, the minimum sample size, known interferences which prevent or limit the working of the method, the concentration range of the method.  · The amount of nitrite in an aqueous sample can be determined.  · The detection limit is 0.01 mg dm-3 for a 30 cm3 sample.  · There is a maximum limit of 0.25 mg dm-3 for a 30 cm3 sample. Dilutions can be carried out on the sample to extend the range of analysis.  · Type of sample: Raw and potable waters and sewage effluents.  · Samples that are highly coloured or turbid can cause interference*. * If the alkalinity of the sample is high, such that a pH value of 1.9  ± 0.1 is not attained after the addition of the sulphanilamide reagent (.) then the formation of the azo-dye is affected. *It may be more appropriate to have a separate section for interferences. Warning Safety Precautions handling the samples handling or preparing solvents, reagents, standards, or other materials operation of equipment requirements for special handling environments, e.g. fume cupboards  · N-1-naphthylethylenediamine dihydrochloride should be regarded as a special hazard. Skin contact with the solid and solution containing it should be avoided.  · Disposable gloves should be worn when handling effluent or sewage samples. Normal precautions to avoid skin contact and/or ingestion should be taken in the handling of all reagents. Definitions Define any unusual terms, use ISO definitions wherever possible. Quote sources. Include chemical formulae/structures if appropriate. Principle Outline the principle by which the analytical technique operates. This section should be written so that a summary of how the method works can be seen quickly. The method is based on the diazotisation of sulphanilamide by nitrite in the presence of phosphoric acid, at pH 1.9, and the subsequent formation of an azo dye with N-1-naphthylethylenediamine. The absorbance of this dye is measured at 540 nm and is related to the nitrite concentration by means of a calibration curve. Reactions Where appropriate to clarifying the working of the method or calculations, include details of any relevant chemical reactions. This may be relevant, e.g. where derivatisation is involved, titrimetry etc.. Reagents Materials List all of the reagents materials, blanks, QC samples and standards and certified reference materials required for the analytical process, identified by letter or number. List: details of any associated hazards including instructions for disposal, appropriate grade of reagent/chemical, specialist suppliers for rare chemicals, need for calibration and QC materials, details of preparation, including need to prepare in advance, containment and storage requirements, shelf life of raw material and prepared reagent, required concentration, noting whether w/v, w/w or v/v, labelling requirements. a. All reagents should be of at least analytical reagent grade. b. Water : In all cases demineralised water shall be used. c. Nitrite Stock forStandard Solution, 1000 mg dm-3 NO2: Weigh out 1.5000 g  ± 0.0050 g of sodium nitrite, (previously dried overnight at 105  ± 5 ° C and stored in a desiccator desiccant silica gel) and transfer quantitativelyto a 1 dm3 Grade A volumetric flask containing approximately 500 cm3 of water (b). Make up to the mark with water (b) and stopper. Shake until all the solid dissolves. Transfer to an appropriately labelled glass bottle and store in the refrigerator. The solution is stable for 1 month. d. Orthophophosphoric acid 85% w/w: e. 2 mg dm-3 Nitrite Standard: Using a Grade A glass pipette, pipette 2 cm3 of 1000 mg dm-3 stock nitrite solution (c) into a 1 dm3 Grade A volumetric flask and make up to volume with water (b). Stopper and shake to mix. Transfer to an appropriately labelled glass bottle, stopper and store in a refrigerator. The solution is stable for 1 week. f. Nitrite Stock for Quality Control Solution 1000 mg dm3 NO2: Ideally the sodium nitrite should be obtained from a different source to that used for the standard. Weigh out 1.5000 g  ± 0.0050 g of sodium nitrite g. Sulphanilamide Reagent: Using a 100 cm3 measuring cylinder, add 50 cm3 of 85% orthophosphoric acid (d) to a 500 cm3 beaker containing 250 cm3 of water (b). Weigh out 20.00 g  ± 0.25 g of sulphanilamide and quantitatively transfer to the beaker. Stir with a glass rod until the solid dissolves. Weigh out 1.00 g  ± 0.10 g of N- 1-naphthylethylenediamine dihydrochloride and quantitatively transfer to the beaker. Stir with a glass rod until the solid dissolves. Quantitatively transfer the solution to a 500 cm3 volumetric flask and make up to volume with water (b). Stopper the flask and shake to mix. Transfer to an appropriately labelled amber glass bottle and store in the refrigerator. The solution is stable for 1 month. NB Immediately before use, this solution should be brought to room temperature. Points to note from example: Each reagent is uniquely identified so as to avoid confusion. Weigh 20.00 g Indicates that a balance capable of weighing to 2 decimal places is required. 20.00 g  ± 0.25 g Tells the analyst that he needs to be between 19.75 g and 20.25 g. Using a 50 cm3 measuring cylinder Indicates accuracy required for this procedure. Quantitatively transfer Indicates that you need to transfer all the solid with washings to the beaker. Appropriately labelled This might include: Name of reagent, Concentration of reagent, Date reagent made, Expiry date of reagent, Name of analyst who prepared the reagent Most computer systems can be used to produce sheets of labels that suits an individuals and/or organisations needs. Apparatus Equipment Describe in sufficient detail the individual pieces of equipment and how they are connected to enable unambiguous set-up. For glassware include grade where applicable. Include environmental requirements (fume cupboards etc.). a. A {Manufacturers name/model number} UV/Visible spectrophotometer with 10 mm glass cells is used. b. The instrument should be switched on for a minimum of half an hour before the analysis. Set the wavelength to 540 nm. Details of operation of the instrument are given in the instruction manual for the instrument. It may be appropriate to reproduce the relevant parts of the instruction manual in the SOP i.e. how to set up and use the spectrophotometer. This will depend on how easy it is to get access to the manual. Sampling Sample Preparation Include sufficient detail to describe how the test portion is obtained from the sample as received by the laboratory. All information on the precautions to be taken to minimise the risk of contamination of the samples needs to be included. Include information regarding the storage, conditioning and disposal of samples. Many laboratories will write a separate document about the receipt, labelling, storage and disposal of samples to save having to duplicate this information on individual SOPs. Environmental Control List any special environmental conditions and cross reference to safety section, e.g. temperature control. Calibration Identify the critical parts of the analytical process. These will have to be controlled by careful operation and calibration. Cross reference to the relevant sections above. It may be easier to incorporate this section with the analytical procedure section. Include calibration of equipment what needs to be calibrated, how, with what, and how often? It is normally easier to write separate documents to cover the calibration of balances, automatic pipettes, thermometers, refrigerators, freezers and spectrophotometers to save having to put all this information into each SOP. Quality Control Explain the quality control procedures, frequency of quality control checks during batch analysis, pass/fail criteria, action to take in the event of a failure. It may be appropriate to incorporate this section in the analytical procedure section. Analytical Procedure Describe the analytical procedure, cross referencing previous sections as appropriate including reagents (with the appropriate identifier), apparatus and instrumentation. Indicate at which point in the analytical procedure the quality control, and calibration procedures should be performed.  · Use a 50 cm3 measuring cylinder to transfer 30 cm3 of either sample, blank water (.), standard or QC solution to appropriately labelled test tubes. For each batch of samples, one sample should be replicated.  · For effluent samples or samples which are likely to contain significant levels of nitrite, using a glass pipette, pipette 3 cm3 of sample into a 50 cm3 measuring cylinder containing 27 cm3 of water.  · If any of the samples are highly coloured or turbid, prepare a sample blank by transferring 30 cm3 of the appropriate sample to an appropriately labelled test tube and add 1 cm3 of 10% orthophosphoric acid (). Treat as an ordinary sample except that water () is added instead of sulphanilamide reagent (.).  · Using an automatic pipette add 0.75 cm3 of sulphanilamide solution (.) to each tube. Mix immediately by swirling, and allow to stand for at least 30 minutes but no longer than two hours.  · Measure the absorbance of the blank (.) and the standard (.)  · Enter the relevant information in the spectrophotometeric logbook* and check that the absorbance of the standard is within the specified range detailed in the log book. If the absorbance falls outside this range, consult a senior officer before proceeding further.  · Determine the nitrite concentration of the QC solution () and the samples. Plot the concentration recorded for the QC solution (.) on the appropriate quality control chart , together with the date and your initials. If the point does not fall within the set limits, the senior officer in charge must be informed. * Any samples that give concentrations greater than 0.25 mg dm3, must be discarded and the analysis repeated using a diluted sample. Points to note: If any of the samples are highly coloured or turbid. Guidelines on how to handle difficult samples Using an automatic pipette Defines the accuracy that the reagent has to be measured to For effluent samples or samples which are likely to contain significant levels of nitrite Guidelines on how to handle samples whose nitrite concentration will probably exceed the range for the method. Leave the colour to develop for 30 to 60 minutes This implies that the colour development time is important. You will have needed to carry out some checks to show that these times are satisfactory. Any samples that give concentrations greater than 0.25 mg dm-3, must be discarded and the analysis repeated using a diluted sample Only concentrations in the working range of the method should be reported. Consult a senior officer There will always be times when the analyst encounters problems or unknown situations the analyst should be encouraged to seek help from an experienced member of staff. Log Books Information to be recorded in the log book associated with spectrophotometer might include serial number, service dates, calibration checks (e.g. wavelength), repairs (e.g. new lamp). On a daily basis information recorded might include date, name of analyst, analysis (e.g. nitrite), wavelength used, absorbance of blank, concentration and absorbance of standard. At the front of the log book should be sufficient information regarding the nitrite analysis for the operator to determine if there is a problem, e.g. nitrite analysis, wavelength 540 nm, acceptable absorbances of (a) blank 0.000  ± 0.005, (b) 0.25 mg dm-3 nitrite standard 0.250  ± 0.010. Repeatability measurement on the same solution  ± 0.003. Log Books; points to note: Use of a standard, quality control and blank and a replicate sample and recording the information in a log book means that you can demonstrate with reasonable certainty that (a) the reagents were made up correctly, (b) the standards were made up correctly, (c) there was no contamination present, (d) the spectrophotometer was set up correctly and (e) the analysis can be repeated and give a result to within the expected limit. Calculation Lay out the formulae for calculating the results ensuring all terms are clearly defined and derived. Specify requirements for checking, cross reference to QC requirements and indicate how corrections should be dealt with. Reporting Procedures Including Expression Of Results Indicate how results should be reported, including; rounding of numbers; final units. It may be appropriate to indicate the level of associated with the method.  · Results are reported to two significant figures as mg dm-3 Nitrite (NO2) except where the customer has asked for the results to be reported as mg dm-3 Nitrogen in which case the analytical results are multiplied by 14/46. * Where significant dilutions have to be made then a comment about the dilution used should be put on the sheet used to report the results. Precision , accuracy and detection limits  · Spectrophotometric measurements on the same solution must have an absorbance range no greater than  ± 0.003.  · A significant absorbance for a sample is 0.010 (after correction for the blank). A detection limit of 0.01 mg dm-3 (equivalent to an absorbance of approximately 0.010) is quoted for a 30 cm3 sample. This becomes 0.1 mg dm-3 for an effluent sample where the amount of sample taken is 3 cm3.  · Where typical absorbances readings (as listed in the log book) cannot be obtained for the standard, quality control and the blank, then further investigations must be carried out until the cause of the problem is found. * The results obtained for replicate analysis should be monitored, any significant difference ( ± 0.010 mg dm-3 ) should be investigated Literature References References may include operating manuals as well as published methods and standards. This method is based on Method H in the Department of the Environment Standing Committee of Analysts booklet Oxidised Nitrogen in Waters 1981. Annex Method Validation and Measurement Uncertainty Methods should be supported by experimental data providing information on accuracy, precision and selectivity . The major sources of uncertainty, relating to the method should be identified and the assigned values listed. The overall uncertainty should be listed together with an explanation of how it was derived. In the case of the nitrite method that was based on a published method, the validation work involved: Reproducibility showing comparable results were obtained. Repeatability showing in the results obtained for a known sample measured five times on the same day. Making up a set of 5 standards to show that the calibration was linear for the range 0.01 to 0.25 mg dm-3 NO2. Checking the detection limit using spiked samples . Checking that the time interval quoted for the colour development time was correct and non-critical within the stated range. We also looked at the method to identify major causes of variation in results e.g. measuring the sample volume with a measuring cylinder. We found that the biggest variation was in different analysts making up the same standard solutions hence the need to define an acceptable absorbance range for the standard.

Friday, October 25, 2019

Sylvias Struggle in The Lesson by Toni Cade Bambara Essay -- Sylvia’s

Toni Cade Bambara’s "The Lesson" revolves around a young black girl’s struggle to come to terms with the role that economic injustice, and the larger social injustice that it constitutes, plays in her life. Sylvia, the story’s protagonist, initially is reluctant to acknowledge that she is a victim of poverty. Far from being oblivious of the disparity between the rich and the poor, however, one might say that on some subconscious level, she is in fact aware of the inequity that permeates society and which contributes to her inexorably disadvantaged economic situation. That she relates poverty to shame—"But I feel funny, shame. But what I got to be shamed about? Got as much right to go in as anybody" (Bambara 604)—offers an indication as to why she is so hard-pressed to concede her substandard socioeconomic standing in the larger scheme of things. Sylvia is forced to finally address the true state of her place in society, however, when she observes fi rsthand the stark contrast between the rich and the poor at a fancy toy store in Manhattan. Initially furious about the blinding disparity, her emotionally charged reaction ultimately culminates in her acceptance of the real state of things, and this acceptance in turn cultivates her resolve to take action against the socioeconomic inequality that verily afflicts her, ensuring that "ain’t nobody gonna beat me at nuthin" (606). "The Lesson" posits that far from being insurmountable, economic and social injustice can be risen above, but it is necessary that we first acknowledge the role that it plays in our lives, and then determine to take action against it; indifference, and the inaction that it breeds, can only serve to perpetuate such injustices. Sylvia’s languid regard for Miss Mo... ... The "unprecedented access to higher education and employment" (African American np) that African Americans have been party to since the Civil Rights Movement speaks strongly to the opportunities for change that this country affords its citizens. However, the value of the struggle cannot be lost on us. We must recognize that such fundamental change does not manifest itself overnight: it is achievable only where a lasting commitment to it is available. Change is not beyond us. Action, however, is its necessary predecessor. Works Cited Bambara, Toni, Cade. The Lesson. New York: The Continuum Publishing Corporation, 1972. Cartwright, Jerome. â€Å"Bambara’s ‘The Lesson.’ The Explicator 47.3 (Spring 1989): 61-64. Literature Resource Center. Web. 27 Nov. 2014. "African American" Web. 27 Nov. 2014. http://www.statemaster.com/encyclopedia/African_American

Thursday, October 24, 2019

Business, a Practical Introduction Essay

1. Scarcity increases the demand for a product, and increases the price that consumers are willing to pay for it. Scarcity of an item allows a seller to raise prices, while a surplus of an item means prices will decrease. 2. Macroeconomists would be concerned with issues such as job growth and unemployment, growth in industrial production, and the consumer price index. 3. Under a socialist economic system, businesses and industries can be state-owned or privately owned, depending on the country. 4. A downside to capitalism is the issue of income inequality. There is a considerable difference between the highest and lowest incomes, as indicated by the 2010 income information reported in the textbook for this course. Median pay for a chief executive of a company whose stock was listed on Standard and Poor’s index was $9 million. Median pay for private sector workers was $40,500. 5. The model of perfect competition was created by Adam Smith. According to Smith, in perfect competition, the market has many small sellers who sell interchangeable products to many informed buyers, and no seller is large enough to dictate the price of the product. 6. The term consumer sovereignty is the idea that consumers influence the marketplace through the decisions of which products they choose to buy or not to buy. 7. The business cycle runs through a pattern of expansion, peak, contraction, and trough. Expansion, when economic activity speeds up, is triggered by a rise in investment spending, government spending, or exports. 8. Deflation is defined as a general decline in the prices of most goods and services. 9. An economic bubble is a situation in which prices for securities, especially stocks, rise far above their actual value. 10. TARP is the Troubled Assets Relief Program, signed into law in October 2008. This $700 billion program was created to purchase bank assets in order to strengthen the financial sector. This was outgoing President Bush’s last â€Å"screw you† to the people of America. It might have worked to stabilize the banks if the amount was double, and if it offered relief to businesses as well.

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

orld Trade Organization Essay

On November 30, 1999, major governments met at a World Trade Organization (WTO), ministerial meeting at the Washington State Convention and Trade Center in Seattle, Washington. During this meeting an enormous public protest took place in the streets of Seattle. The protestors were representing human rights groups, students, environmental groups, religious leaders, labor rights activists and members of numerous other groups. The groups were not only from the United States, but had come from all over the world. All of these people were peacefully protesting the practices of the WTO in the name of free trade. The protestors stated that the WTO upheld trade practices that allowed child labor, low wages and environmental destruction. The WTO justified these practices in the name of free trade. Tens of thousands of people were in Seattle to protest peacefully, and the protests did start peacefully, but they did not end that way. A small number of anarchist groups were in Seattle to cause civil disobedience and acts of vandalism and property damage. These groups conducted deliberate acts of vandalism on corporate offices in Seattle. The Seattle Police Department did not have the number of officers, even with help from other departments, to handle the number of protestors. The officers used pepper spray, tear gas, stun grenades and eventually rubber bullets to try to unblock congested city streets. Some of the anarchists fought back by breaking windows and vandalizing storefronts. Dumpsters were pushed out into intersections and they were lit on fire and tires on police cars were deflated. The National Guard was finally called in, but did not get to Seattle until the next morning. Once the WTO packed up and went home, the protestors packed up and went on their way. When the meeting finished, businesses had suffered millions of dollars in damage and lost sales, over 500 people were arrested. No deaths were attributed to the protest and no one was seriously injured. There was controversy over city response and the Seattle police chief resigned. The anarchist protestors felt the protest was a success. Before the Seattle Protest, there was almost no mention of anti-globalization in the U. S. media but the protest had forced the media to report on why anyone would oppose the WTO. Good or bad, the message of the protestors was broadcast to the world.