Kants Moral Rationality Essay Example for Free

Kants Moral Rationality EssayIn Kants book, The Foundations of the Metaphysics of Morals, he believes that the good forget is only good in itself and that reason is what produces the goodness of the good will. According to Kant, to act stunned of a good will means to act out of duty, or doing something because you find it necessary to do. Also, good will is will that is in accordance with reason. He believes everyone has a moral obligation or duty to do actions and he backs his theory up by discussing his idea of the moral law. The moral law, according to Kant, is when one is to act in accordance with the demands of practical reason, or acting done solely out of respect of duty. He says that moral laws will study you will in a certain way and is not subject to something further. Moral laws apply to both rational being in all places at all times. Overall, he believes that morality is on a tail of a priori, or preceding experience.This type of moral law commands us to be truth ful from respect for the law and to do the right thing. Morality is virtually categorical commands that we ought to follow simply because it is the right thing to do. By categorical commands, or categorical imperative, it is supposed to provide us with a way to make moral judgments, which means it is a law. It is a way of coming up with the idea how any action dirty dog be rational. He means since all externals are taken from morality, moral commands must be categorical.In his book, Kant explains that he makes five things perfect clear 1. All moral concepts have their gillyflower solo a priori in reason. 2. Moral concepts cant be formed by abstraction from any empirical knowledge or, therefore, from anything contingent. 3. This purity or non-empiricalness of origin is what gives them the dignity of serving as supreme practical principles. 4. Any addition of something empirical takes away just that much of their influence and of the unqualified worth of actions performed in accor dance with them. 5. Not only is it necessary in developing a moral theory but also important in our practical lives that we occur the concepts and laws of morals from pure reason and present them pure and unmixed, determining the scope of this entire practical but pure rational knowledge. (Kant 17)Kant goes on to discuss a relationship between the moral law and reason. He says that moral philosophy cannot be merely an empirical inquiry, but that is must be a metaphysical inquiry, and that it must be establish on pure practical reason. Pure practical reason is the reason that drives actions without any sensible incentives. Kant also states that Morality is based neither on utility or nature, but on human reason. And this human reason tells us what we ought to do and when we obey this human reason, then we can say we are truly free.Finally, Kant discusses why he thinks that the moral is the rational. He believes that acting dutifully is the same as doing something because cause tell s you to do it. In dent three, he discusses how moral principles come from yourself, or your rationality. And how one should treat the idea of will of every rational being as a universal law. Thus, rationality requires us to be moral.

Sustainable Food Preparation Essay Example for Free

Sustainable Food Preparation EssayThrough out the world fare grooming has become more damaging to the world. In London, food creates 19 million tones of greenhouse gas emissions per year which is more than from all of Londons institutionalize and all of Londons houses. Sustainable food is safe, healthy and nutritious, for consumers in shops, restaurants, schools, and hospitals etc, and can meet the needs of the less well off people and provides a livable livelihood for farmers, processors and retailers, whose employees enjoy a safe and hygienic working environment whether in the Australiaor overseas. The main steps to have a full sustainable restaurant include 1) Providing local, organic and vegetarian menu options. 2) Choosing foods and other products with little or no packaging. 3) Using recyclable cutlery, cups, glasses, plates and platters. 4) Storing foods appropriately. 5) Reduce waste. 6) Reducing water consumption. 7) onerous to grow some of your own food. 8) Support ing fair trade. 9) Raising awareness. 10) Using smaller portions. 11) Using short cooking methods such as microwaving, stir frying and grilling.Although practices vary, farmers who grow sustainable food to avoid weed, disease and pest problems, get nitrogen from natural sources like green manure and compost, practice soil conservation, background soil erosion and eliminate or limit the contamination of water with agricultural chemicals. The strategies they use to control pests are not harmful to the farmer, the consumer or the stain and soil structure. In America, Ohio States dining services programs are actively committed to helping the earth.Initiatives such as local purchasing in Ohio, providing eco-friendly, biodegradable containers and utensils, offeringtray-less and bag-free service, work to support the local economy, reduce waste, and conserve water resources. Food waste is sent through the facilitys food pulper, shipped off-site and repurposed as compost or other byproduct . Used cooking oil is recycled and converted into bio-diesel fuel. They also convince Patrons can do their part in helping us reduce our environmental mpact by recycling their packaged products, purchasing one of our reusable bags or bringing their own, and visiting us with their reusable beverage containers. Customers who bring in their reusable mugs receive coffee for the price of a small. Sustainable food in both the commercial and home kitchen provides a much greener future and by taking time to use these methods for preparing food, you are able to create both a healthy meal and much healthier earth.

Review of a qualitative research article

Review of a qualitative interrogation articleThis essay is a review of a research article of how Local situation kindly workers make decisions when they are considering referrals of clawren. The title of the field of study is Threshold Decisions How Social Workers Prioritize Referrals of Child Concern by Dendy Platt (2008). I would attempt to critically assess this Qualitative journal article based on essential elements of the research which include the Title, Abstract, cornerstone, Method, Findings and Conclusion. The study examined how kindly workers make choices on individual cases of children concern referrals, if to rent give a agency a an initial Assessment i.e. Sect 17 of the Children mould 1989 or if to undertake the Child Protection Procedure under the Sect. 47 of the Children Act 1989. The major finding suggests that Social workers prioritize their referrals based on five key areas, Specificity, Severity, risk, parental responsibility and corroboration. It was re freshing to know that selective information were collected from Social workers and that Parents were also entangled.TitleIt is worth noting that the title adequately prepares the reader as it gives good insight into what the study is ab issue. The title of an article is very important as it exposes the reader to an article. The key words were appropriate and sufficient as they did retrieve the article upon typing the key words in the search engine. (According to Descombe 2008 p.88), a discipline needs to be a very much more narrowly defined area of its study.AbstractThe major finding in this article suggests that social workers evaluate referrals based on five key factors, specificity, severity, risk, parental responsibility and corroboration. It is worth noting the abstract did prepare a reader for this study. The abstract recognizely highlights that the lease of the study is to find out how social workers reach decision when to carry out an initial assessment (Sect 17 of child ren act 1989) or a affectionateness assessment, (Sect 47 of children Act 1989) when considering referrals about child concerns.The abstract clearly stated that the study chose a qualitative approach. According to (Punch 2000 p. 243), qualitative approach is often in the raw to context and process to lived experience and local groundedness, where the tec tries to get closer to what is being studied. Using qualitative method allows the researcher to find out a lot about the study. He went further to explain thatqualitative research methods are the surmount way we have of getting the insiders stance (Ibid)Qualitative method allows the researcher to generate new theoretical ideas. This happens because they are able to observe and speak to the people (person) being studied and allows them to come up with new ideas through out the study. Being bias is one of the limitations of qualitative research method because researchers can write their own view or even opinion on the matter. only as we can see that reaching difficult area is a great advantage to qualitative research method.)IntroductionLooking at the introduction, it seems clear that the problem that led to the research was that the interpretation of the developments of the refocusing initiative has contributed to a climate where social workers work often feel pulled and pushed in different directions by political and popular opinion.The introduction touched on relevant government policies and initiatives such as refocusing initiative which was initiated by the government in 1990 and the role model for Assessment of children in need.In my view, the author attempted to appraise the refocusing initiative policy which attempts to refocus social work practice and to initiate whatsoever necessary changes. I partly agree with this notion as the study may bring about positive changes in the child protection climate. still also the author needs to acknowledge where he points on that the climate of child protectio n is one of uncertainty, that social work itself is a profession amply of uncertainty.The researcher explained that the implication of the refocusing initiative is the rise in the threshold for acceptance of a child protection referral as it was thought that the cost to family of child protection procedures were not acceptable in the cases where allegations are minor.In my view, the identification of spreading of knowledge shows that the problem has significance for social work practice and the research may positively inform practice. Interestingly, the researcher acknowledges and analyses previous work on the child protection field ( what is known) but also points out the knowledge gap as it demonstrates how application of these factors differs between cases of child concern and cases of child protection (What is desired to be known). I would argue that these reasons amount to sufficiently justification of this study. writings ReviewKnowledge gap was identified but author did not explain how his work would attempt to close the gap. Author made an effort to critically review the work of others and points out inconsistencies. The drive of the research is to examine ways social workers in England made decisions at the initial referral stage. It is my believe that since the author stubborn to collect information form social workers and families suggest that research is from a grounded theory approach.According to Punch (2000 p.163) Grounded theory is best defined as a research strategy whose purpose is to generate theory from data, To be grounded means basically the theory is generated from data. (ibid)My rational for asserting that a grounded theory approach was implemented is that the author made sense of the data through concepts primarily informed by social workers and the discovery of these concepts begins from the interviews with the social workers. (Somekh and Lewin 2006p.49) point out that grounded theory is best described as an integrated theoretical formulation that gives understanding about how organization experience and respond to events that occur. From this definition, it could be argued that grounded theory was the most effective way to approach this study.Researchers do bring perspective to the research, although these perspectives tend to guide the question and influence interpretation, but they dont drive the research. (ibid p.51).However one of the drawbacks from this approach is that research may be influenced by the researchers personal experiences and previous studies which thus disable the research in approaching the study with an open mind.FindingIn my view, the researcher study has a strong internal validity, the researcher made a good effort to eliminate the alternative explanations in his findings. The result however cannot be utilize beyond the sample. It would be clearly nave to believe that the findings reflect how social workers in the UK decision making.MethodThe Researcher implemented ethical principle s. The social workers involved have to be made aware of what they were getting into before deciding to collaborate. I would argue that appropriate procedures were implemented also the participant understood what the purpose of the research.The researcher effectively anonymised participants identities, which protected participants privacy. The likely outcome the research aim to achieve include possible changes in policy, examine practice issues for social workers carrying out initial assessment, where in the past, it would have been a child abuse investigation ( Sect 47 of the children Act 1989)One of the strengths of case study is that multiple methods and data sources can be used to explore and interrogate case study thereby leading to a good description of a research from the perspective of the participant (Someth and Lewin 2006 p.33). I do admire the fact that the research implemented the case study approach as this gives the reader a very voluminous description of the study and also gives a reader a good understanding on the issue.Reliability of the finding was promoted by the data collection from twain local authorities who have a very different procedures and practice, also All interviews were tape- recorded. According to (Silverman 2006p. 285), working with the audio and video recordings eliminates at one disaster many of the problems that researchers have with the unspecified accuracy of field notes and limited public access to themHowever the generalization of the research may not be possible. The impuissance of case study is that it is not possible to generalize statistically from a small number of cases to a population as a whole (Someth and Lewin 2006 p.34)ReferencesPunch, K.F. (2000) Introduction to Social Research Quantitative and Qualitative Approaches. London keen-witted Publication.Somekh, B. and Lewin, C. (2006) Research Methods in the Social Sciences. Sage Publication London.Silverman, D. (2006) 2nd Edition. Qualitative Research. Theory, Method and Practice. Sage Publication London.Denscombe, M. (2008) Ground Rules for Good Research, a 10 guide for social researchers. Open University Buckingham.

Use of Honey as Medicine in Wound Healing: Analysis

Use of Honey as Medicine in Wound Healing AnalysisThe ask of the assignment is to critique the enquiry article, Standardised antibacterial honey (medihoney) with standard therapy in bruise c ar randomized clinical trial (2009) by Robson, Dodd Thomas. The beast used for this is Step by Step Guide to Critiquing Research by Ryan, Coughlan Cronin (2007). Critique is an objective, critical, and balanced appraisal of a research sourceships various dimensions (Polit and Beck, 2004).The necessitate was on the use of honey as medicine in wound healing. The research was done in the United Kingdom by a group of registered nurses and statistical masters. The report was completed in the year 2007 and was published in the Journal of Advanced nursing (JAN). The study was based on the use of honey for wound dressing as an antibiotic and wound healing progressnt.Arguably, the article is well written as it is concise and it does not contain all addresss that are characterised to some(pr enominal) particular group and are grammatically correct. The layout of the study is good and are given in a good order and kept the academic expression of writing. Research reports are like stories, a story should be written in a way which catches the attention of the reader, like as research report should have a readable style. The authentic researches writing style is good, and is well understandable. No personal views are expressed in the study. The writer had omitted personal pronouns to hitch an ease in the reading.Credibility variables concentrate on how believable the take a crap appears and focus on the researchers qualification and ability to undertake and accurately present the study (Coughlan et al, 2007). The researchers were well qualified for the current study as their qualifications were stated in the article. Mostly nurses are eligible to do this type of study as they retire the effect of dressing a wound. Statisticians to a fault have a role in a research as in that location are so many a(prenominal) calculations which were as well include in the study. Methodology of a study is based on the credibility of the qualitative data and its subsequent call upings (Polit Hunger, 1999)The title of the article gave an bringing close together of the field that and what the study is related to. The title is accurate and clear, too longsighted or short titles can make the reader confusing (Coughlan et al, 2007). Too long or short titles can be confusing and misleading to the readers (Coughlan et al, 2007). In the study title is concise and is readable and has its dependableness, the title is short too. The title is not more than 10- 15 words.Abstract is a brief description or an outline of the entire article. The abstract should give a clear idea nigh the research and should include information regarding the purpose of the study, method, hear size and excerpt which is given clearly in the current article(Coughlan et al, 2007), And from the abstract the reader should able to find out the overall idea closely the study. They have also pointed out for foster research on this topic with some recommendations. The present study has an winning abstract which conveys idea about the study which is simple, clear and interesting for the readers. The abstract is not too long and also explains about the method, sample size and the selection method. The abstract gave an over view of the topic. The abstract also opens an end to further researches.The introduction of the study provide always be based on the research problem. Research problem is an enquiry which can be done through a disciplinary way (Polit and Beck, 2004). The purpose of a research superiorlights the overall outline of main arguments and theory of the germane(predicate) research (Polit Hungler, 1999). In the current research the purpose of the study is stated clearly and an overall idea of the study is been include in the introduction of the research. The research problem is identified and clearly stated in the study. The research was carried out in a tint by step process. The article has a flow and a have an ease in reading and all the links are clear.Critical summary of a topic which puts the topic or the research problem into a con schoolbook is called as the books critical review (Polit Beck, 2004). Literature review always points out to the previous studies of the current topic. The review should be logical and its critical depth psychology should be balanced (Cougllan et al, 2007). In the present study the literature review is clearly illustrated and it is logically presented. The literature review offers a critical analysis. The reviews are mostly positions which were proved by proceeds. A good literature review will always have a good introduction (Cougllan et al, 2007), which is followed in this by the writer.Frame work refers to the overall structure of a report which is based on a theory which was antecedently proved (Polit Hungler, 1999). Hypotheses are from a primary source and of an empirical nature. Theoretical frame work is what which is found confusing by a researcher. A metaphysical frame work is been identified in ethics. The abstractive frame work has been clearly stated step by step clearly. A sound theoretical frame work also identifies the various concepts universe studied and relationship between those concepts. The theory is true and the possibility is applicable for the study. Theoretical frame work tends to be better developing in experimental and quasi-experimental studies and often poorly developed or nonexistent in descriptive studies (Burns Grove, 1999).The purpose of the aims and objectives is to create a link between the initially stated purposes of the study or research problem (Coughlan et al, 2007). Aims and objectives are the observations or measurement that reflects on the physical reality which is understand by the individuals, and can be argued that even such observations may be open to subjectivity (Gerrish Lacey 2006). There is an aim for the study which is clearly stated in the abstract, introduction and also in the study. The hypothesis which is a statement or fact which can be tested or verified (Holloway Wheeler, 2002). The research questions and the hypothesis is clearly identified and stated in the study. The hypothesis and the research questions reflect on the literature review.The samples were chose with a great caution so as to understate the errors. Samples are the selected units from a population, and sampling is the process of selecting withdraw people from a population for the research (Wood Haber, 1994). The samples were chosen randomly from a group and were informed about the research and the procedures and the effect of the current procedure. The sample which was chose for the study was appropriate as they were patients who were having wounds. The size of the sample was also adequate as a small sample will not help in an appropriate conclusion. The size of the sample is also master(prenominal) in quantitative research as small samples are at gamble of being overly representative of small groups within the target population. There was no inclusion or exclusion for the study as they chose an appropriate sample with honorable consideration. The risk of sampling errors decrease as larger sample used (Coughlan et al, 2007).Autonomy infers that an individual has the right to freely solve to participate in a research study without fear of coercion and with the full knowledge of what is being investigated. Ethical committee or institutional review boards have to give approval before the research can be undertaken. There role is to determine the principles and to evaluate the validity of the research (Coughlan et al, 2007). There was ethical consideration for the data collection. All the participants of the study were fully informed about the research. All the participants were protected from all t ype of in case after effect, and were autonomous. Confidentiality of the subjects was censured by the researcher, and ensured the permission from an ethical committee.In a research study the researcher should ensure that the reader should understand what is meant by the terms and concepts which are used in the research. All the operational terms, theories and concepts in the current study has been clearly identified explained and illustrated in the study, and have given proper reference and citations for the rational and the explanations. The organisation, reduction and transmutation of the data of a study in order for a review are called as data analysis (Holloway Wheeler, 2002). The methodology or the research forge was clearly given to review the study. One of the main instruments in a study is methodology. The data gathering instruments of the methodology is cited in the study. The instrument used is appropriate as they could clearly get many results out of it. In the study 1 09 subjects participated in the research.The system of analysing the facts with the collected data from the research is called as data analysis (Polit Beck, 2004). Data analysis in quantitative research studies is often seen as a process which loses courage (Coughlan et al, 2007). Most of the data analysis is associated with complex language and statistical notations. The researcher should clearly identify what statistical tests were undertaken why these test was used and what were the results, which have been stated in the current article. In the current study analyse of the data is done in a better way. The strength and limitations of the study is also included in the study to revel the validity and reliability of the study.The countersign of a study should flow logically from the data and should be related to the literature review thus placing the study in context (Russell, 2002). In the discussion part of the research is linked back to the literature review. The discussion part contains the strength and limitations of the study which is referred to the previous study that are made on the same subjects. All the limitations are also generalizability discussed. The research also extends an open end for further research on different aspects of his study other recommendations are also given to the current study.When doing a research or a research critique it is ingrained to quote the source of the information obtained, that should be included as in text or end text reference. In a research study the significance of the purposes should be stated but these should be conceder within the overall strengths and limitations of the study (Polit Beck, 2006). The reference should help the writer to find the source as quickly as possible (Pears Shields). The copy of others idea is conceder as plagiarism which is serious offence. For the current study the researcher has used the Harvard referring system. The researcher has referred many books and research articles fo r his study and all the references have been quoted as in text and end text references. All the books referred for the study are appropriate as they are related to the subject or to the research vocabularies. The researcher was very untold cautious about the plagiarism.Evaluating the research article with the critiquing tool by Michael Coughlan and team members it was found that the study is arguable with credibility and reliability. The writers have carefully used the strategies in doing a research. The research is readable and understanding by lay men.Holistic Nurse Prescribing A incase StudyHolistic Nurse Prescribing A Case StudyIntroduction1 the patient and their presenting symptoms.Mr Pickles presents an interesting, complex and therapeutically challenging problem. In essence he is a gentleman with multisystem pathology who presents with an almost incidental finding which he was clearly reluctant to discuss.It is a common finding amongst experient health care professional s that in any consultation it is the last 30 seconds which is the most all important(p). As the patient stands up to go, there is the just while Im here moment when they can bring up an issue that really troubles them and may not be the real presented reason for the consultation. In this try on we shall discuss the various aspects of this situation and the measures we can take to try to help him. (Parker and Lawton 2003)2.a holistic assessment of the pt, including any germane(predicate) medical social and psychological issues.If we start with the initial presenting symptom under discussion the impotence it is easier to work backwards from that to discuss the possible pathophysiology that can be relevant.Impotence is said to occur whenever the male fails to get an erection when it is required. This, in itself is neither unusual nor necessarily pathological. It becomes a significant symptom when the male repeatedly fails to get an erection that is sufficient for talk. It is kin d of possible to get full spontaneous erections and yet still be impotent. This is one of the major diagnostic features that distinguishes the psychogenetic impotence from the purely physical. (Ackerman MD, Carey MP. 1995)There are a number of obvious physical causes of erectile dysfunction that are relevant to Mr Pickles (see on), but equally there are a number of possible psychogenic causes that may be either primary factors or possibly secondary contributory factors in the aetiology of his problems.The fact that he has recently undergone major cardiac surgery is a very relevant factor. Patients will frequently suffer from a major turn in body perception when they have come to a close realisation of their own mortality. If we add to this the fact that, as the major breadwinner in the family, it is in all probability that Mr Pickles would have felt a major blow to his self-esteem when he was made redundant from a responsible high esteem job and squeeze to become a taxi driver with long working hours. This is quite apart from the anxiety and fatigue that such a job would engender.(Beck J. 1995)It is possible that the medication that Mr Pickles is taking may have a bearing on his erectile dysfunction as the male erection is dependent on the hydrostatic draw of the birth for its maintenance. Any medication that reduces the average blood nip, will effectively reduce the capacity to acquire and maintain an erection. In addition to this the adrenergic beta-blocker group will also selectively block the sympathetic pathways that are vital to the neurovascular control of the mechanisms of erection.Pathophysiology of diabetes and impotenceBoth of these topics are huge subjects, so in this essay we will restrict out considerations to those aspects which are relevant to Mr Pickles and his problems.We know that Diabetes Mellitus affects about 2% of the UK population with a specifically higher incidence in both the Asian and Afro-Caribbean communities(Nathan 1998 ). There is also a marked genetic component in the tuition of Diabetes Mellitus.Mr Pickles has Type II diabetes mellitus which is associated with a number of factors including a high BMI and increasing age. At 56 yrs. old he is currently at the peak incidence age for Type II diabetes mellitus (Gregg et al. 2003).Diabetes Mellitus is known to be associated with a number of complications. The prevalence and incidence of the complications, in general, tends to increase with the length of time that the patient has been diabetic. There is also an independent variable for complications that is directly proportional to the gunpoint of control (as measured by the HbA1 levels). In general terms, the better the control the lower the incidence of complications (Kissebah et al. 1999)As far as Mr Pickles is concerned, there are devil major complications of Type II diabetes mellitus that are directly linked with impotence and they are cardio-(macro)vascular disease and neuropathy. (Wagner et a l. 1998)We can deduce that Mr Pickles has macrovascular disease by virtue of the fact that he his recovering from a CABG. And this may well be a very relevant factor in his erectile dysfunction but also there is the question of neuropathy which typically occurs in about 2.4% of the general population, but this figure rises to above 8% in the diabetic patient over the age of 60 yrs. ( Hughes 2002)Impotence tends to occur, in varying degrees, in about 10-15% of men under 40 yrs. Its incidence increases with age to the extent that 40% of men at the age of 40 yrs report a degree of impotence and this prevalence rises to 70% at the age of 70 yrs. (Gregoire 1999).If we add to this basic clinical externalise the fact that there are other factors such as hypertension, smoking, cardiac neurosis, loss of self-confidence, depression and iatrogenic causes (medication etc.) all of which may well be relevant to Mr Pickles, then it can be seen that there are a plethora of potential causes of his erectile dysfunction. (Barnes, DE. 2004)Both of the first two causes (hypertension and smoking) are independent risk factors for impotence, quite apart for the fact that they are also risk factors for the victimization of the macrovascular complications of Diabetes Mellitus (Bowering 2001)Mr Pickles diabetic state has been recently well controlled (HbA1 of 6.5%). This is important as the incidence of development of diabetic complications is reduced by between 34-76% (depending on the particular study) for every 10% reduction in the average HbA1 reading. (Bowering 2001).In addition to all of these considerations, coronary artery disease is also a major complication of Type II diabetes mellitus, which, presumably is relevant to Mr Pickles because of his CABG, and this may be a major factor in the development of his erectile dysfunction.Management plan 3.a plan/strategy based on critical understanding of physiological and pharmaceutical issues.Any management plan essential firstly b e based on an accurate diagnosis. At this point in time we do not have this luxury. As we have discussed, there are anyone of a huge number of possibilities in the aetiology of Mr Pickles erectile dysfunction problem.When confronted with a problem such as this, any experienced healthcare professional may reasonably chose to manage the problem by making a rational judgement of the probabilities of any one particular cause being relevant. Implicit in such a management strategy is the fact that there are some causes that my be correctable (iatrogenic, psychological, and life style related) and there are some that may not (macrovascular damage, neuropathy and atherosclerosis).It is reasonable, in such circumstances, to discuss the situation openly with Mr Pickles and discuss with him the various treatment options. Patient empowerment and gentility is a vital strategy to adopt in circumstances such as this as Mr Pickles is far more likely to comply and respond if he understands the rati onale behind the treatment plan.(Howe and Anderson 2003)We would suggest that an appropriate strategy would be to initially tackle the situation on two fronts. The psychological aspects of the erectile dysfunction are credibly best discussed with an experienced psychologist or councillor who has expertise in this particular area.This is important because there is a considerable skill in eliciting the relevant factors from the patient. Many patients are reticent about talking openly about their imitate sexual details and there has to be a careful build up of trust and empathy on both sides. Factors such as good eye contact and a non-judgemental body stance are essential on the part of the healthcare professional if the optimal result is to be obtainedNot only can the issues that are relevant be explored, but also any one of a number of psychological treatment techniques can be employed. This is a matter of considerable clinical judgement and skill and and then belike best done by a n experienced healthcare professional in that area.The pharmaceutical area can also be addressed as Atenolol is clearly not the best anti hypertensive to use as, not only will it reduce the blood pressure (which it clearly is important to do) but it also produces a counter productive beta-blockade which will not help the erectile dysfunction problem.The difficulty is that, after the CABG, Atenolol does have a degree of action on the suppression of ectopic electrophysiological foci in the myocardium which is a recognised complication of the procedure. It also is thought to have a cardioprotective effect post-myocardial infarction. It is probably a good idea to change his anti-hypertensive medication, but in the circumstances, it is probably better to seek the advice of the surgical team who performed the CABG. before making the transition.The question of sildenafil citrate has been raised by Mr Pickles. This is not as forthwith forward as it might initially appear. Viagra has been shown to work well in these circumstances. It has the downside that it allows sexual intercourse which is associated with increased peaks of blood pressure. As Mr Pickles is still in the postoperative recovery phase (16 weeks) it would again be sensible to consult with the surgical team as to their advice on the issue.The other problem with Viagra is that if it transpires that the long term aetiology is actually psychological rather than purely physical, then the prescription of Viagra will often breed a feeling of psychological dependence which may firstly be both inappropriate and unnecessary and secondly, very hard to break. It is probably therefore inappropriate to consider such options at this stage in the management.4.legal and professional accountability should be discussed.The legal and professional issues are largely cover in the making of a management plan. In any area of professional competence, the best defence against criticism or censure, is the fact that a healthcare professional works from a rational evidence-based plan. It is for this reason that we have set out the rational and reasoning for the plan that we have chosen to adopt. It is actually quite permissible (legally) for a healthcare professional to be wrong on any given issue, as long as they have come to a reasoned and rational decision based on the facts that were placed before them. And behaved in a way that the majority of their professional colleagues believe is reasonable in the circumstances. It is, of course, central to these considerations, that all actions are carefully and fully recorded in the patients notesPrescribing decisions5.a critical discussion of influences on prescribing decisions.The area of prescribing for Mr Pickles is clearly important. To some extent, we have cover the reasoning behind the change of prescription earlier in this essay. There is a common misconception amongst many members of the public (and indeed many of the less experienced healthcare professio nals) that the solution to every problem comes in the form of tablets on a prescription. The whole area of patient empowerment and education is often fill up with issues of lifestyle change, healthy living, self care and positive thinking which can frequently be more effective that simply giving the patient a prescription. (Boule NG et al. 2001)In the context of the NHS, it is a common observation that sometimes a prescription is given because it is the most expedient short-term measure in a given situation, (Dawes RM et al. 1974), however, time invested in an explanation to a patient as to why other measures might be equally as important is rarely time wasted., (Corrigan B. 1974)Future management 6.consider your future prescribing activity based on experience gained from this case study.In any professional area of activity, the author likes to use the mechanism of reflective practice to allow a critical assessment of a past course of action to modify future actions when face with a similar situation. (Gibbs, G 1988)On careful reflection of this case, I believe that I may have acted rather rashly in tenia the Atenolol as a first choice. On reflection, I believe that the Atenolol did need to be changed for any one of a number of other anti-hypertensive agents but I feel that, in retrospect, I would have been wiser to take advice from the surgical team before I made that decision.Further reflection and discussion with other healthcare professionals (Marks-Moran Rose 1996), suggested that another appropriate course of action would have been to stop the antihypertensive medication altogether for a short period.This is on the grounds that his hypertension was not severe and was hitherto well controlled. If the erectile dysfunction was simply a reflection of the fact that the medication was holding his blood pressure down to a level where erection could not easily occur, a few days off the medication may allow a transient increase in his blood pressure to the po int that erection could occur. As long as one was careful to monitor his blood pressure to ensure that it did not rise too far, I have been advised that this would represent a reasonable therapeutic trial to establish whether the underlying causes were in the main physical or physiological.(Wagner G et al 1998). On the face of it, this does seem reasonable but I believe that I would have to take further advice before I was fully comfortable with that decision.It follows from what has already been discussed, that I also feel that I may have been too quick to consider the pharmacologic interventions before making a complete holistic assessment of the patient. There are clearly a number of lifestyle adjustments that may be relevant here such as weight loss and increasing exercise and looking for a new focus in life (to minimise any element of depression) which would be comparatively easy to achieve with appropriate empowerment and education of the patient. (Funnell R et al 2004)All i n all, this is not a straight forward case. There are many elements which require careful and considered assessment. I believe that it is one of those cases that helps to point out that although there is a huge stress to be placed on modern scientific understanding and application of medical principles, there is also a very large element of homophile understanding and caring that is so very important to the successful management of patients such as Mr Pickles (Waterlow J. 1998)ReferencesAckerman MD, Carey MP. 1995Psychologys role in the assessment of erectile dysfunction diachronic precedents, current knowledge and methods.J Consult Clin Psychol 1995 63 862-87Barnes, Darryl E. 2004Action Plan for DiabetesCopyright 2004 ISBN 0736054596 Pub. Human Kinetics Illinois USABeck J. 1995Hypoactive sexual desire overthrow an overview.J Consult Clin Psychol 1995 63 915-927.Boule NG, Haddad E, Kenny GP, et al. 2001Effects of exercise on glycemic control and body mass in type 2 diabetes mell itus a meta-analysis of controlled clinical trials.JAMA 20012861218-27Bowering (2001)Diabetic foot ulcers. Pathophysiology, assessment, and therapy. Can Fam Physician. 2001 May471007-16.Dawes RM, Corrigan B. 1974Linear models in decision making.Psychol Bull 19748195-106.Funnell, and Robert M. Anderson, (2004)Empowerment and Self-Management of DiabetesClinical Diabetes 22123-127, 2004Gibbs, G (1988) discipline by doing A guide to Teaching and Learning methods EMU Oxford Brookes University, Oxford. 1988Gregg, R. B. Gerzoff, C. J. Caspersen, D. F. Williamson, and K. M. V. Narayan (2003)Relationship of Walking to Mortality Among US Adults With DiabetesArchives of Internal Medicine, June 23, 2003 163(12) 1440 1447.Gregoire 1999 ABC of sexual health Assessing and managing male sexual problems BMJ, January 30, 1999 318(7179) 315 317.Howe and Anderson 2003 Involving patients in medical education BMJ, Aug 2003 327 326 328.Hughes RAC. 2002 Regular review Peripheral neuropathy BMJ, Feb 2002 324 466 469.Kissebah AH, Freedman DS, Peiris AN. 1999wellness risks of obesity.Med Clin North Am 1999 73 111-138Marks-Moran Rose 1996Reconstructing Nursing Beyond Art and ScienceLondon Balliere Tindall October, 1996Nathan D. (1998)Some answers, more controversy, from UKPDS.Lancet 1998 352 832-833.Parker and Lawton 2003 Psychological contribution to the understanding of adverse events in health care Qual. Saf. Health Care, Dec 2003 12 453 457.Wagner G, Seanz de Tejada I. 1998Update on male erectile dysfunction.BMJ 1998 316 678-682Waterlow J. (1998)Prevention is better than cure.Nurs Times 1988 84 69-70Appendix

Causes of State Failure in Sub-Saharan Africa

Causes of State Failure in Sub-Saharan AfricaAbstractThis project sets push through to poll the causes of the failure of the state in sub-Saharan Africa. Since the introduction of nation in the sub-continent in the early 1990s, the process has been a slow and cumber s empty-headedly, casting doubts on the contingency of instituting genuine democracy on the sub-continent. The governmental crisis gave room for autocrats who were the fomenters of the problem to eternalize themselves in power in the name of avoiding kick upstairs conflicts or problems. They accommodate travel a whole range of distinct problems as the cause of this crisis where as the problem lies in the absence of a democratic stopping point or the befitting controling of it.In the words of the great Africanist, the late Professor Ake Claude, the sub-continents problems is but matchless of leadership crisis. As this dawns on us at a snatch when democratic regimes are a necessity in the radical global conte xt, how do we solve the problems which beat st altogethered the institution this overmuch cherished democracy? The process the thesis states lies in the institutionalization of democracy.IntroductionThe quest for inviolable governments in Africa has been a high-pitched priority item on the agenda of African and world politicians for advantageously over half a century. The African continent for some(prenominal) decades now has been replete with ills such as low living standards, a stagnant economic system, and high rates of unemployment, poverty, low infrastructural suppuration, a violent semi policy-making environment, dictatorships, ethnic clashes and above all a general disregard of the fundamental rights of the people. It still grapples with these semipolitical uncertainties, economic adversities, and social inequalities today (Chazan, 1999). There is so a need to device the best means possible by which the state can be nonionic and empowered so that it deals adequ ately with these problems.Democracys ability to organize society, ensuring the respect of the rights and liberties of the people, pressing for accountable leadership, ensuring effective crashicipation, a transparent prudence and a just and equitable social order, in essence ensuring the socio-economic and political prosperity of a nation, which in summary are Africas biggest problems, makes it the best possible closure to the problems Africa faces today. As a result, the quest for democracy in Africa has been seen as vital if Africa has to set up a harmonized alliance that bequeath develop and couple up with the demands of the ever globalizing world.The story of instituting democracy in Sub-Saharan Africa has been a long drawn one, with many highs and lows several events have made it seem in truth(prenominal) probable and promising, but also on that point have been on the other hand other very challenging events which have questioned the possibility of democracys survival. A s a result, several debates have ensued amongst Africanist, who have foc utilise on a cock-a-hoop part on the prospects of democracy on the continent, some logical argument that it is doomed to fail and other optimist who believe that a genuine democratic ashes can and will emerge in sub-Saharan Africa. Their focus then have been how democracy can be properly instituted, its challenges and how the inherent problems it faces can be adequately resolved so that Africa will benefit from good politics schemes.There have been several events starting with the legitimation of political parties and the return to multiparty elections in the late 1980s which suggested that democracy was well under route on the continent. But as it was being instituted it faced several challenges which resorted to disorderliness throwing back the move to democracy new forms of electoral authoritarianism, return to military and in some extreme cases gruesome civil wars stone-broke out on the sub-continen t. This has left many critics of African democracy to question the possibility of instituting genuine democracy on the continent, disdain it being the choice of the people.Apologist of African democracy have since argued that Africas political crisis were as a result of an imposition of a westerly culture or style of administration which is non compatible with the African society. They consider democracy alien and in violation to the African culture (Ake, 1991). This fit in to them has been the reason for the failure of democracy. They rather pledge the one party dictatorial style governance, which they claim is the best means by which the continent can meld to develop (Busia, 1961).Another school of thought which emerged after the transition period, the modernist, advanced reasons for the failure of democracy in Africa, blaming the superficial nature of the state, and its failure to penetrate the African society adequately, calling the state a weak leviathan (Chabal Daloz, 1 999). This same school and notably Patrick Chabal tick off that Africas economic crisis does not favor the successful executing of democracy on the continent. Democracy he argues is underpinned by capitalism, a uniquely dynamic and productive system, in its absence therefore there is doubt that democracy can be successfully instituted on the African sub-continent. This view has also back up the point that democracy is an imposition on Africa and gum olibanum will forever fail the aspirations of those who seek to implement it on the continent.This thesis therefore sets out to answer some of this cynicism and provide a possible solution for the problems democracy in the African sub-continent faces. If anything democracy has not failed Africa, but Africa as come outn by the poor actions of its leader, has failed to grasp the concept of democracy. It sets out nerve-racking to systematically bring out how through its political evolution, it is the failure to properly institute de mocracy during the second wave democratisation process which has brought about the political crisis the sub-continent is facing. Secondly if neo-patrimonialism exists and survives today it is because leaders have twisted democratic tenets to suit their whims and caprices, thus legitimizing such authoritative regimes.The set backs it faced during the mid-1990 did not spell doom for democracy, but rather served as an pump opener for Africa. The democratic struggle is a gradual process which will emerge from baffle and improvisation as it continues to struggle states professor Claude Ake, who believes that Africas experience will develop the best suited type of democracy that will solve its problems (Ake, 1993). Democracy can survive in Africa, but the players and fomenters must cod several factors into consideration, like picking up more democratic ethics and tenets and developing a strong united civil society, showing more good will and respect towards their people and the state as opposed to the selfish and greedy attitude which has been far-famed to be the norm on the sub-continent.With time as adequate steps like institutionalization and consolidation are taken, democracy will be a success story in Africa. This view is also supported by Larry Diamond, who stated inter alia if progress is to be made towards developing democratic governance, it is likely to be gradual messy, fitful and slow, with many imperfections along the way (Diamond, 1989, p.24). Thus this piece looks at how these imperfections were created and how certain responses will set the sub-continent on track to democratic governance.This thesis starts forth by looking at the development of democracy on the African sub-continent in the 1990s. Chapter one will therefore start off looking at why the third wave started, how it happened and why it was believed to have been the new way for Africa. The case of post independent African politics was very elusive of the masses. The one party patrim onial state had prove to be disastrous, the military regimes which later emerged, preaching immediate exploitation and development also failed the aspirations of the people and so there was a general move by the people towards democracy. This was in addition to the external obliges that existed at the moment. Thus there was a general surge towards democratic elections in the sub continent, with several parties legalized and the political animateness of the sub-continent in different countries.Chapter two looks at the break d receive in the drive towards democracy. Why the democratic frenzy was short lived, solo registering control success across Sub-Saharan Africa. As the concepts of multiparty elections were applied across the sub continent, there were different outcomes with each case being very unique to the different nations. Generally democracy failed to take root. It was cosmetic and a virtual democracy as described by Richard Joseph. It will consider the reasons why thi s was the case. Given that or so all the countries in the sub-continent held elections of different kinds, did this imply they were all democracies? We will look at the new classifications of African regimes. Considering that they were all at this point considered transitionary.Chapter trinity starts off by considering the complex nature of democracy. It brings out a list of factors which qualify a state as a democracy or not. It then looks at the regimes on the sub-continent and categorizes them per the 2006 Freedom House Review. These are democracies (11), Hybrid regimes (23) and autocracies (14). Since our focus is on the failing state we shall look at the commonalities and differences in the midst of the hybrid and failed/unreformed regimes. In that light we shall bring out the common or popular concern for democracy in Africa which is the misconception democracy suffers and the need for institutionalization.Chapter four now looks at the problems African democracies have face d since inception. Considering the very broad nature and tone the thesis has taken this far, it will consider a case study on the Republic of Cameroon, a country in the Central African region of Africa, which has failed to properly institute democracy till date. It is considered an electoral autocracy and serves as a perfect lesson of how Africa, fails democracy. The problems this state faces are in effect what most of the states of the Sub-Saharan region face, certain outcomes may differ, but essentially the issues or problems are the same.This study will provide the perfect opportunity of putting into context all the issues that I have raised this far to buttress the point of the thesis, which is that it is the failure to fully understand and properly grasp the concept of democracy that has caused democracy to fail in this country and the sub-continent as a whole. These areas include the formation of political parties, to the electoral process, the limit political field, constra ined civil society, absence of civility, politicized violence and the international support for dictatorships. These points were adequately discussed by Professor Celestin Monga.Chapter five shall be the conclusion to this project in which we shall be looking at possible solutions to the problems raised above. It shall first suggest solutions to the problems duly raised and also consider effective institutionalization through the strengthening of the three tiers of government namely the executive, legislative and judiciary so that there is a balance in power amongst these three. By applying these solutions in the Cameroonian context and eventually on the sub-continent, the African sub-continent will be brought closer to the mark of consolidated democracies.The Rebirth of Democracy (1990-1993)The period 1989-1993 was considered to be the break point for Africa. This is the period during which Africa witnessed a wave of regime changes. Hitherto to this period, single party, military regimes and presidents for life was the norm in most African states. Competitive politics was considered a luxury by most African leaders who stated that it was neither necessary nor affordable for Africans (Decalo, 1992). This belief was aptly described in the words of sierra Leonean president at the time Siaka Stevens when he said of democracy and I quote it is a system of institutionalized tribal ethnic quiquennial warfare euphemistically known as elections which is an open invitation to anarchy and disunity (Decalo, 1992) a view which was endorsed by Tanzanias Julius Nyerere who also stated that democracy was stronger with a one party state rule which coordinated the country.To back up this system of administration, it was claimed that Africa had its own unique history and tradition thus the introduction of democracy was a violation of the integrity of the African culture (Ake, 1991). The African traditional system in its own right, they further argued, was infused with democra cy with standards of accountability considered to be stricter than the west, though invariably patrimonial, thus it possessed signs of a democracy-hence a democracy (Ake, 1991).A second argument put forward was the social composition of African states. Because of its plural nature, the introduction of liberal democracy could possibly raise up ethnic rivalries which will result in political disintegration. Democracy they argued was a distraction to what was important for society. It was a thing for elites and the educated masses and ended on paper, it did not provide or cater for the pressing needs of the rural masses. This one party protagonists concluded that a patrimonial system was going to unite and direct all positive energy towards economic development (Ake, 1991).Thus African style democracy as it came to be termed of one party politics was considered the best option for Africa given its complex social context, endorsed by most westmostern governments as shown by their coop eration with them. This ideology was even back in cases by the World Bank as noted by their remark that with weak states, only a bureaucratic authoritarian regime could acquit fissiparous tensions and lead to a free market economy (Decalo, 1992). Africans believed so much in this style of administration Samuel Decalo talks of Mugabe during a state subvert to the United States of America in the 80s, who recommended to the American congress, the one party state system as an option they should consider (Decalo, 1992).A point to note here is the hypocrisy of this political ideology. Despite preaching governments of national unity and socio-economic development, the opposite was being figured and witnessed in most countries. The presidency and administration became the monomania of whatever ethnic group held the presidency. Nepotism was rife and groups were rather occupied with gaining a greater share of the existing pie than working for equitable development (Decalo, 1992). This pol itical practice as a result accentuated the tribal and ethnic divide which existed within the many African states and fuelled anti-government sentiments amongst the population as we shall see below.A change to this political scenario though requisite, was least expected to occur by scholars, in a continent which had shown signs of defiance to a more liberal democracy by gummy to its own developed and formulated ideology of Afro-Marxism (Decalo, 1992). There were strong calls both from within and without for a change to the system that was failing to provide adequately for their needs. This dictum mass demonstrations, rallies and civil disobedience all calling for the return of democracy and for regime change. This was spawned by the stifling political authoritarianism and economic decay, further triggered by the spectacle of the fall of titans in East Europe (Decalo, 1992).The one party state had yielded a form of presidential authoritarianism, through which the state economy was plundered, there was a disdain for civic and human rights, and little or no attention was paid to the plight of the rural population (Decalo, 1992). Economic projects were failing to materialize there was the absence of infrastructural development needed for this growth and above all a high rate of unemployment. The military regimes which took over power in certain instances to frustrate clean the state failed to return power back to civilian rule and fell into the same predicament by falling short of the efficiency mark.These regimes were thus fundamentally unaccountable, personalized and patrimonial (Decalo, 1992). There were the failures of these regimes that could be considered the primary cause of the call to democracy and multipartyism. The growing urbanization and education of Africans made sensitive to the belligerent political and economic environment being created by their leaders, thus they desired liberty and the respect of their rights which had been usurped and abuse d by this dictatorial one party system. They cherished their grievances listened to and solved by a regime that had been removed from the people, blind and deaf to their problems. The only way to do this was by mass protest against such regimes and seeking to over throw them.Economic related reasons, mainly externally influenced, could be said to be the greatest factors which led to this drive in re-democratization. Africa relied for a large part on international aid and loans to fund most of its activities. The administrative sector was the biggest employer in most countries, thus the money aid they received was used almost entirely on salary payments and carry out government businesses, rather than invest in lucrative businesses which could eventually pay back. Civil servants in the higher echelon were corrupt and embezzled these state funds to fund their luxurious lives. The growth registered within the economy was good but this was not sustainable growth and did not guarantee a future for the economy.Most corporations were state owned and private businesses were not promoted or were largely absent. As a result of all these, donor countries through the IMF and World Bank suggested certain adjustments be made with the governance system if they were to continue offering this aid and loans. This came to be known as the Structural Adjustment Program (SAP) which called for African governments to privatize state owned corporations, cut down on its public sector and above all to change as conditions to receive aid. This provided a lee way for the dissenting voices of nationals who wanted change. They were joined by civil servants who suffered huge pay cuts and in extreme cases confounded their jobs. This situation was further aggravated by the fall in commodity prices in the international markets meaning that African states were pretty much at the leniency of international donors, who wanted change with the regimes.Finally the demise of communism and the end o f the Cold War also had an immense impact on the political life of African states. First of all it diverted the attention of investors to the newly liberalized and potential economies of Eastern Europe, thus reducing the amount of capital investments which flowed to the continent, affecting the African economy adversely. Secondly the West no longer supported the dictatorial regimes in Africa as it did during the Cold War days. They withdrew support from these regimes (example of Angola and Togo where they had supported antagonized sectarian groups) asking them to democratise as a condition for continuous aid and loans (Decalo, 1992).This was especially true of France who had since independence maintained a close link with Francophone African states and signed several military accords with African states offering them (military) support when they needed it the case of Central Africa and the support they offered Idriss Deby against Bedel Bokassa 1990, one authoritarian regime for ano ther. The Apartheid regime of sulfur Africa also did not receive any more support from the West, who had pursued half hearted sanctions against this repressive regime. As soon as the Cold War came to an end, the Apartheid regime under pressure yielded and released Mandela, introducing reforms, forcing other African states to follow suit, who had used this regime to propagate a repressive rule against their citizens. They were thus forced to change.The first shots of democracy in Africa were noted in Benin, when in early 1990, students, civil servants and the whole community took to the streets denouncing the rule of then president, Mathieu Kerekou and calling for what they termed a national sovereign conference of all ready forces (Richard Joseph, 1991). This sovereign national conference was to bring together representatives of the different sectors and works of life in a voice of national unity to address the problems of society. In the case of Benin, it resulted in the removal of President Mathieu Kerekous control of public policy and the establishment of a transitional government (Richard Joseph, 1991).The outcome of this was received with much delight in other African states and they later began calling for national conferences in their respective countries. This was the case in Togo, Zaire, Congo, Gabon and Cameroon. The out come was not necessarily the same as in the case of Benin, because not all the presidents yielded to such demands, they resisted these popular calls and tried making substantive concessions to the ohmic resistance (Richard Joseph, 1991). All in all it marked the beginning of change on the continent as a result of popular demand (democratic will, the voice of the people).All this pressure resulted in the democratization of Africa as noted by the re-legalization of political parties, restored freedoms of association, assembly and expression and also in the reform of constitutions which led to multiparty elections in most sub-Sahara n states (Richard Joseph, 1998). Over the abbreviated period of 1990-1994, 54 competitive elections were held in 29 countries with 30 of the electoral outcomes welcomed by the electorates and the process ruled as free and fair by observers (Bratton, 1998). atomic number 53 party rule was noted to have been re hardened with more open and participatory competitive democracy.With the influx of these political parties, they were quick at pointing out the short comings of government, its administrative inefficiency, political corruption, economic mismanagement, and social decay (El-Khawas, 2001). Notably between 1990 and 1993, twenty five countries held elections with eleven opposition parties winning and coming to power. Though very commendable, the legalization of opposition parties did not necessarily mean democracy for African countries (Diamond, 1994). Even those who saw regime change sooner than later faced crisis thus call into question the durability of democracy in Africa, be cause certain cracks were noted in the firmament of this nascent African democracy.Looking at the above, democracy was not brought about by conditions of the west, but rather it was the desire and commitment of the people for accountability and meaningful development from their respective governments, further fuelled by the economic conditions and effects of the SAP, which only came to show how poorly the state was being managed. On the contrary the west could be accused of complacency. As earlier mentioned they had supported these authoritative regimes and cooperated with them.Even after conditions were placed on leverage, they never followed them up or pressed this dictatorial regimes to democratize as in the case of Kenya, Cameroon and Togo just to name a few, to which the international community still offered loans and did not question the actions of these governments like human rights abuse, which drew a lot of criticism from the press and public (Ake, 1991). Therefore the call for democracy was only emboldened by economic factors which brought change at the time to some countries (Benin ousting of Kerekou, Liberia, fall of Samuel Doe) but failed to change regimes in others (Cameroon, Nigeria, Kenya) and can not be said to be the main factor but a mix of both (Ake, 1991).Chapter Three The Democratic Dark DaysFollowing this run of political liberalization was a period of political violence, wars and crisis in a number of African countries that sent ripples down the nascent democracy in Africa. A precise look at the outcome of the first set of elections organized in the sub-continent drew a lot of criticism from pundits who considered the process as cosmetic and as failing in its objectives. What seemed to have been created on the African sub-continent was a virtual democracy as noted by Richard Joseph (Richard Joseph, 1993). This could be explained by the fact that in a number of African states, the incumbents managed to hang on to power after elections i n their states, despite the mass demonstrations against their administrations and rule.It is necessary to remind ourselves here of the popular support democracy enjoyed in the different African states it was not an orchestration or ploy of an elitist few, but a genuine request by all for change, thus a lot was expected in the form of regime changes across the continent. Despite this, a few countries (11 of the 25 countries that held competitive elections during the period of 1992-1993) and notably Zambia and South Africa managed to see a democratic change in leadership (El-Khawas, 2001). Thus the much anticipated democracy in sub-Saharan Africa was failing to take root.Regimes failed to be changed in Cameroon, Gabon, Congo, Kenya and Ghana just to name a few, despite mass protest and popular support the opposition in these countries enjoyed. Elections were noted to be carried out in a politically tensed atmosphere, characterized by intimidation (house arrest and states of emergency) , massive vote rigging and general violence. The experienced leaders with all the powers they wielded profaned the rules of the country with impunity and after enjoying the booty they had siphoned from the economy, had every intention of staying in power and as a result did all to ensure their stay in power. ).As a matter of fact, the biblical adage of old wine in new wine skins held true here since there seemed to be nothing new to the political order in a number of states that witnessed elections. The story of ousted leaders on the continent during the military coup days of the 1960s had not been an greedy one as such they would do anything to preserve power in the event where they had been very reckless with power (Young, 1996 De Walle, 2001). This is what Professor Ake Claude termed the leadership crisis of the continent fit in to the professor the African political crisis resulted from the absence of true statesmen, but rather the prominence of those with every intention of e nsuring their stay in power or having their own share of the national cake (Ake, 1996). This assertion has been supported by Richard Joseph, who holds that a prebendal system is set up, with entrenched corruption, and the leaders work only for the benefit of themselves and their clients, deviation the locals to their own devices for survival (Joseph, 2003).As such, these leaders organized charades in the name of elections, given that they controlled the judiciary and legislative and with this centralization of power they were able to corner the large number of opposition parties they had legalized as a disorganizing technique of the opposition (Young, 1996). As such despite their inefficiencies, the leaders found themselves in power with very vindictive policies against opposition strongholds. This was the case in Kenya, Cameroon, Gabon and Ivory Coast, where particular regions and tribes were subject to marginalization and vengeance of the leader.In Kenya, Arap Moi and his cohort s fomented tribal conflicts that led to the death of about 1500 and displaced a further 350,000 in the rift valley area, in Cameroon the Anglophone West Cameroon was massively under represented in the government that was formed following the presidential elections of 1992. Millions of dollars which were funds for other projects were embezzled to ensure such electoral successes and thus their stay in power (Diamond, 2008 Young, 1996). These leaders were also noted by the international community as having been endorsed by the people, and as a result the West continued its support of these corrupt regimes with poor human right records, and with incumbents who had every intention to continue pillaging the economy as before.The situation generally speaking looked bleak for the African Sub-continent which had received the third wave with such enthusiasm. The democratic quest was dealt further blows when civil wars and genocides broke out in some of the sub-Saharan countries there was a re turn of the military to power in others. This period is considered to be the dark moments of African political development. The Congo Basin has been noted as one of the main trouble spots on the continent owing to the manner in which the wars which emanated from this region disperse across, affecting all the countries sharing borders. Zaire for starters was under the tight grip of the dictator Mobuto Sese Seko, who did not give into the pressures for democratization.He refused convening a national conference, blaming it on technicalities of representation owing to the ethnic diversity and broadness of Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo-DRC). Thus democracy did not effectively take root there, despite calls for the democratization by the masses. Armed conflicts broke out first in Burundi following the overthrow of the newly elected president Melchior Ndadaye, by Tutsi officers, trying to reinstate Tutsi control over the Tutsi dominated state. In neighboring Rwanda, the Hutu rule came to a halt when following elections in 1994 the Hutu president Juvenal Habyarimana had to form a coalescency regime with the Tutsi minority, but was assassinated during the process, giving room to extremist Hutus to launch a genocidal raid against the Tutsis.These two wars led to the death and displacement of millions further enshrining the problems rocking this continent. The National Resistant Movement (NRM) initiated by Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, an arm movement against dictators in the Central-East of Africa and enjoying the support of western powers and international donors promoted more of the armed conflicts faced by this part of Africa. It supported rebels against the Kabila regime who had earlier ejected Mobuto from power in 1997 (following the wars in Rwanda which gave the rebels led by Kabila the impetus to fight Mobuto) following a fall out between the rebels and Kabila, leading to the Congo war lasting from 1998-2003 Young, 1996 Richard Joseph, 1998).The stor y of armed conflicts in the wake of an era of democratic elections is numerous on the African continent. One very interesting case to site here is that of Congo-Brazzaville, where democratic tides were considerably reversed following the forceful return to power by Denis Sassou-Nguesso who had earlier been defeated in elections in 1993 (Young, 1996). This was accomplished with the support of France and Angola in front of a dumb struck international community that only muttered on the events that were ravaging the continent. The Liberian and Sierra Leonean cases could also be sited, but given these it is good enough to make our analysis of the democratic struggle in Sub-Saharan continent.These crises resulted in the deaths of millions, refugee problems, food shortages and famines, poverty, a poor economy and low rate of development not only in countries involved, but affected the economy of other states in general as it stalled possible investments in this part of the world. Internat ional investors feared investing in a place which did not guarantee the safety of their businesses they rather invested in the newly democratized states of West Europe. African investors themselves were fleeing with whatever capital they had leading to massive capital flights and brain drain as whole families sought new places and beginnings.This far Africa was not providing a perfect home for Africans. If anything these moments looked to be supporting the claims of some African democratic skeptics and proponents of African socialism (and thus one party style democracy) that democracy let alone libe

Rigidity of Puritanism Exposed in Hawthornes Young Goodman Brown Essay

Rigidity of Puritanism Exposed in Young Goodman Brown Proverbs 1028 implies the idea of the universality of sin in saying The prospect of the sound is joy, but the desires of the wicked come to nothing. In Young Goodman Brown, Nathaniel Hawthorne illustrates this through Browns actions. When Brown lives a righteous life with good faith, his thoughts remain pure and happy. He has a wonderful wife, and he enjoys the presence of everyone. As he takes his walk into the quality and into evil meanss, his hopes and faith disappear. He no longer loves his wife in the same way, and he despises everyone whom people consider were holy. When he loses his faith, he loses his happiness. To regain his happiness, Brown must find his righteousness again. Puritans believe there is no hope for a sinner. Hawthorne uses a variety of writing techniques to condemn the rigidity of Puritanism. For example, Hawthorne uses a wide variety of diction to create a mystical and hopeless mood. As Brown walks into the dreary forest, an uncertain feeling comes over him as he looks ahead to the gloom awaiting him. The forest is very dark and dreary and these words help oneself create the eerie mood. These words create an insecure and unsure feeling in the readers mind. The reader feels as if he stands right there on the outskirts of the forest along with Brown. That type of feeling scares even the bravest of men. Hawthorne also describes the events taking place in the forest as devilish, horrid, and evil. Evil completely surrounds Brown in the forest. It puts a thought in him which drives him crazy. These words give a v... ...ands before him with the guilt of sin. He can never remember these people in the same way in which he wants to. His views on the righteousness of humanity change from good to bad. Hence, Brown loses his comradery with his neighbors, and he dies a lonely death with no aspirant verse on his tombstone. Works Cited Benoit, Raymond. Young Goodman Br own The Second Time Around. The Nathaniel Hawthorne Review 19 (Spring 1993) 18-21. Hawthorne, Nathaniel. The Complete Short Stories of Nathaniel Hawthorne. New York Doubleday and Co., Inc.,1959. James, Henry. Hawthorne. Ithaca, NY Cornell University Press, 1997. Martin, Terence. Nathaniel Hawthorne. New York Twayne Publishers Inc., 1965. Wagenknecht, Edward. Nathaniel Hawthorne - The Man, His Tales and Romances. New York Continuum Publishing Co., 1989.

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Globalization Jobs How Foreign Laborers Can Affect the U.S. EconomyThe economy is becoming increasingly global. Business face knotty decisions when conducting operations, as business boundaries atomic number 18 no longer stated in national call, but instead in global terms. For instance, management for companies ranging from medical info technology to software engineering must ask questions, such as From what company should our company purchase input parts for our latest medical symptomatic equipment? Or should we source our manufacturing process for laptop computers overseas? Or how will globalization affect return to our investors for our latest software development subsidiary? Outsourcing is among star of the economic decisions businesses of all sizes must face. U.S. Corporations have high incentive to outsource job functions to foreign markets, as the wages of a foreign worker are a fraction of the domestic counterpart. The incentive is especially high to outsource to emer ging markets such as China and India. According to a study conducted by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2010, a production worker in India would work for an average of 92 cents an hour as compared to a U.S. worker who would not be able to legally obtain employment for any less than the U.S. minimum wage of $7.25 an hour (U.S. BLS, 2010). At that time, India labor cost just 13% of U.S. labor. Imagine a U.S. corporation competing with businesses that incur labor costs that are only 13% of the U.S. equivalent in order for that business to remain profitable, they would outsource as many functions as possible. Outsourcing trends are unlikely to change, at least in the short-term future(a). Historically, outsourcing has occurred in labor intensive indust... ...oduct, is a formula that economists engross to measure economic growth. GDP in China has grown at an average ___, whereas U.S. GDP has grown at ___ for the same period of ___. A footing behind this phenomenon is that dev eloping countries typically grow at a faster economic pace than more industrialized nations. When the United States economy was industrializing, GDP grew at a pace of. Modern economic theory demonstrates that some developing nations will eventually approach the economic wealth of more developed nations. In may not happen for at least fifty years, but eventually wage differences will substantially lessen, at least in terms of national boundaries. Foreign labor cost is currently a factor that aids firms in achieving an advantage in the market place. In the far future it is unlikely that the price of labor will be much different across national boundaries.