Rapid Development of International Micro-finance

Rapid Development of International Micro-finance The Rapid Development of International Micro-finance Introduction One of the concepts of Finance that has continued to excel over the last two decades and to which numerous groups and institutions attribute their financial success in the various development projects is International Micro-finance. Though not so active, microfinance has been prevalent for centuries with savings and credit groups and numerous savings clubs all over the world offering financial services to the poor population that was often neglected by commercial banks. With the little profit that they made from these services, the various savings and credit developed further to form cooperatives and other development financial institutions such as micro credit organizations which provided small loans mainly to the poor people in the rural areas who could not meet the high collateral requirements of the existing commercial banks. The origin of global micro-finance institutions can be traced back to the mid -1970’s in Latin America and South Asia whereby various credit and savings groups merged to form more stable micro-finance institutions which paved the way for the international micro-finance industry that has proved to meet the numerous financial requirements of individuals and development of numerous projects on a global basis. Over the last two decades, the global micro-finance industry has been on an increased rate of growth taking up the international financial market by storm. Statistics indicate that the industry has expanded its limits and currently it can serve up to 200 million clients across the world’s geographical regions. For instance in Sub-Saharan Africa, the Micro-finance Institutions serve about seven million borrowers and records gross savings of nearly US$ 2.8 Billion with a total of about 17 million savers. Due to the numerous growth and prevalence of the micro-finance ind ustry in the region, gross loans portfolio together with savings growth has raised to 69% and 60 % respectively. A similar trend was evident in Europe whereby various types of large and more formal credit institutions came were formed. The micro-finance institutions established then primarily majored with rural and the urban poor population and were referred to as People’s Banks, Credit Unions as well as savings and Credit Co-operatives. This research paper will go further to discuss the development of micro-finance on the international level. The paper will address various aspects and trends of the International Micro-finance as well as the general state of the industry on a global base. This paper is divided into four subtopics which include: the Causes of the Rapid development of international Micro-finance; Constraints to the development of a fully-fledged micro-finance in developed Countries; the Impact of development of International Micro-finance in developing economies and the Role of Public Policy in the Development of International Micro-finance. Literature Review Causes of The rapid development of International Micro-finance Over the last two decades, the micro-finance industry has been on an expansive mission, taking over the financial and credit role over the various commercial banks and other related institutions. One of the main reasons behind the rapid growth of the micro-finance industry is the fact that there has been a high demand for capital among the poorest. The main goal of micro-finance is to generate and hold savings for future financial needs. These savings play such a significant role in that they protect against the seasonality of cash flows especially among the poor people in the rural areas and the urban poor (Robert, 2002). By so doing, they help to fulfil an insurance role in covering the financial needs of the clients. More so, the various Micro-finance institutions across the globe facilitate the building up of deposits which enable the yielding of significant collateral levels which enable them to serve as a source funding for their customers. The Micro-finance industry across the globe has been on endless mission to counter poverty especially in less developed countries. Moreover, the microfinance institutions help to speed up economic development in the developing countries by offering a viable source of finance to the masses of people who wish to in invest and build up their financial basis. Micro-finance institutions have also played a significant role by ensuring that their members are protected against financial shock that has seen their children remain in school despite the bad financial times such as inflation. There are two major factors why Microfinance compares favourably to other financial institutions and interventions. These include the cost-effectiveness and the prospects for sustainability. According to Colin (2007), microfinance is advantageous by the fact reason that their donor investments are usually reused or recycled over time which facilitates the principle of sustainability in the financial flow and credit provision. According to statistics and data collected from the comparisons made between microfinance and other lending institutions such as commercial banks, microfinance stands out as a more cost effective developmental tool compared to the available alternatives such as formal rural financial intermediation and the rural infrastructure development projects (Andrew, 2006). In addition to these benefits, costs incurred in the application of microfinance services tend to diminish with the range of the outreach of their services unlike other related interventions which add on their costs and chargers as they cover more people (Colin, 2007). The second significant factor that has added to the rapid development of International microfinance across the globe is the sustainability that comes along with microfinance services. Normally, most of other related developmental tools do not have the potential to remain sustainable after offering the first or the initial start-up grants. In most cases, after offering the initial start-up capital, these institutions find themselves in need of new inputs for each and every client who joins the organization or the union in future (Colin, 2007). Unlike these institutions, microfinance remains stable so that they don’t require their future clients to meet such barriers such as initial inputs and new inputs for the sustenance of their financial services and their lending endeavours. This is despite the fact that they there are no rigorous econometric models to substantiate its operations and capital requirements given the fact that their main target is usually the on clients who ar e not so well up financially. However, statistics and research have proven that Microfinance institutions that target poor customers are at a better place to achieve fairly considerable repayments rates compared to those institutions that major with richer clients (IAMFI, 2008). The other factor that has facilitated the rapid development of International Microfinance is the formation of microfinance networks in the regions across the globe. These microfinance networks act as umbrella organizations for the functioning and the welfare of multiple microfinance institutions, thus providing a viable avenue their cooperation which guarantees support for each other and a centre for sharing ideas, experiences as well as articulating solutions to the common challenges that face them in their daily functions. According to Colin (2007), microfinance networks have been instrumental in the development of the microfinance institutions, and I quote, â€Å"Country and regional microfinance networks have an additional focus on advocating local microfinance policies and help members transform into regulated deposit-taking financial intermediaries.† An ideal example of such one of the largest microfinance networks in the world that has facilitated the rapid development of international microfinance is Accion. This is an NGO which is based in the United States and offers technical and consultancy services to the various microfinance institutions under it leadership. The major services offered by the network is concerning the management of the institutions, investment as well as governance support and guidance all aimed at building the institutions’ capacity and financial strength so as to fully meet the needs of the low-income households across the globe (IAMFI, 2008). Constraints to the Development of a Fully-Fledged Micro Finance in Developing Countries In as much as there have been numerous expansion and growth of international microfinance, we must acknowledge the fact that the mission to achieve the excellence and development records has not been without some impediments. There are various constraints that the international microfinance industry faces in their bid to meet the financial needs of their clients. This is more evident in developing countries where most people turn to the services offered by the microfinance institutions due to their numerous financial needs occasioned by low capital endowment. The constraints or barriers that face the development of international microfinance can be analyzed in terms of their efficiency, their profitability as well as their levels of the overall outreach. One of the major constraints of the rapid development a fully fledged microfinance industry in developing countries is the establishment of inappropriate government regulations which affect the welfare and the functioning of the microfinance institutions in the various economies across the globe. The major issue with governments is the fact that the policy makers exhibit difficulties in formulating effective legal frameworks around facilitate the smooth operation of microfinance institutions operations (Robert, 2002). Countries which have taken the initiative to draft specialized microfinance laws in their economies have helped to enhance growth and innovation in the international microfinance industry. However, most economies around the globe formulate lenient policies on the microfinance frameworks thus creating environments that only lead to weak institutions which are undercapitalized. As such, they encounter numerous challenges and impediments in the development of their operations and scope of coverage. One of the most prevalent regulations which is more evident in various economies in Sub-Saharan Africa which undermine the global growth and development of the microfinance industry is the creation of interest rate ceilings; commonly referred to as usury laws, which limit the level of at which microfinance institutions can invest (Robert, 2002). The other major impediment of the development of fully-fledged international microfinance is the poor utilization of modern technologies in developing countries. This is more common with economies in regions such as Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa whereby there is underinvestment in the technology among the prevailing microfinance institutions in the regions. This effect can be attributed to the constrained resources of the Microfinance institutions as well as the failure of the responsible management team to recognize the significance of integrating technological advancements in the microfinance industry (Robert, 2002). More so, the system of management information systems forces is either absent and in the few economies which have adopted the system is not well managed. This in turn leads to poor loan-processing and poor record keeping by methods such as paper work and spreadsheets-based solutions which incapacitates the efficiency of the institutions to manage numerous numbers of clients across the globe thereby limiting the profitability and the growth potential of the microfinance institutions. In addition to the above impediments, the lack of transparency and consistency in lending activities among the various developing countries across the globe has amputated the rapid development of international microfinance. According to research findings on the consistency of lending activities of microfinance institutions in developing countries by Andrew (2007), and I quote, â€Å"Most microfinance institutions in developing countries display poor asset quality, with higher portfolio at risk metrics than other microfinance institutions in developed economies of the world.† This has mainly been caused by the lack of viable credit scoring methodologies among the institutions in the developing countries which have resulted in the inefficiency and the poor transparency in the management and their lending procedures. This in turn leads to increased costs incurred in funding for the microfinance institutions occasioned by the high risk involved in the investment due to inefficient management of the lending. Last but not the least of the constraints that limit the development of a fully-fledged International microfinance is the lack of early-stage funding among numerous institutions. One of the major problems that still face most microfinance institutions especially in the developing countries is the fact that the funding which should facilitate the growth of early-stage companies in developing economies remains limited (Colin, 2007). This has been the case despite the increasing recognition of the commercial viability that is attached to microfinance institutions. It has been a major challenge for the small institutions that are emerging to develop and to expand their scope due to the lack of access to affordable finance sources. This has been the case due to the fact that most investment in the microfinance activities in the developing economies is has been concentrated in only a few leading institutions which are fully developed (Andrew, 2007). Impact of Development of International Micro Finance in Developing Economies The impact and the significance of the rapid development of international Microfinance in developing countries cannot be over stated. The financial support offered by the microfinance institutions to the various development groups and individuals has brought positive change in the lifestyle of people across the globe in various ways. One of the most clear and evident impact of the development of international microfinance is the reduction of poverty and vulnerability especially among the low income earners in the developing economies and among the upcoming investors. According to findings by Robert (2002), and I quote, â€Å"Microfinance has also facilitated the trend of saving among numerous households. Consequently, this has made it possible to invest and plan their life such that their livelihood is not affected by some unexpected financial setbacks that they may face in life. Through such investments, people across the globe have been able to increase their levels of income. More so, people have benefited from the jobs created by the various microfinance institutions that have been established across various regions in the world. As such, households are able to cover their expenses and improve on their lifestyle in areas such as nutrition, housing and improved health care standards (Robert, 2002). More so, there has been a significant reduction in the rate at which harmful child labour take place especially in less developed countries. On a general note, reports indicate that there has been a significant improvement among the participants or members who have consistently invested their loans on long term basis in terms of their incomes, assets and their livelihood security. For instance report indicates that participants or members of the microfinance institutions in Vietnam recorded 50% increases in their income levels since 1996 when they joined the mic rofinance institutions in their country (Colin, 2007). More so, as Robert (2002) carefully notes, and I quote, â€Å"poverty reduction estimates based on consumption impacts of credit show about 5 percent of program participants can lift their families out of poverty each year by participating and borrowing from microfinance programs.† The other impact of the international microfinance has been experienced on the per capita expenditure especially among the women members of the institutions whereby women have been empowered and can manage their own development activities as well as their expenditure needs without having to rely on external support. More so, the net worth of the active members of the microfinance institutions has been significantly increased, with more changes being evident among women. In addition, the development of international microfinance has led to the creation of favourable economic environment in the various regions which have adopted the microcredit programs. These programs have been significant to help the members who are not only faced with financial problems but also with issues to do with worries of possible economic crisis, political instability as well as the occurrence of natural disasters. The savings invested in the institutions are normally given back to the members in the form of credit loans which they use to recover and correct their affected projects and to support their daily needs in case such problems take place. Last but not the least among the impact of the rapid development of international microfinance programs especially among the developing and the developed economies is the smoothening of consumption as well facilitating the reduction of the seasonality of labour supply. This is due the numerous employment opportunities that have been created by the numerous microfinance institutions across the globe and the fact that members have substantial amounts of capital to invest and create self employment through business ventures (Andrew, 2007). This way, the long-term members of the institutions are assured of regular in flow of income from the diversified investment projects that they have already initiated to facilitate alternative source of income. Role of Public Policy in the Development of International Micro Finance The implementation of some public policies in the various nations across the globe has also affected the rate of development of international microfinance across the globe in a number of ways. Some policies have had a positive impact on the rate of growth whereas others slow the rate of development of the international microfinance institutions by limiting their scope and interest rate levels thereby limiting their potential to grow into marginal financial institutions. One of the public policies that affect the development of microfinance institutions and operations is the monetary and the taxation policy. Some taxation and monetary policies formulated and implemented by the respective governments may channel substantial amounts of capital or resources away from credit so that they are used in other investment instruments (Robert, 2002). This problem is more common in developing countries whereby the exchange rates as well as the interest rates are usually politicized so as to satisfy the selfish objectives of the politicians. More importantly, the formulation of poor monetary policies by the responsible financial bodies and the various governments such as inflation and economic instability usually reduce the level of savings for the low income earnings who happen to be the majority of the members of the various microfinance institutions across the globe. This consequently affects the group-based microcredit programs so that they are financially unstable to meet bigger projects of the various development groups and the financial requirements of their clients. Another policy that significantly affects the rate of development of the international microfinance institutions across the globe is the government regulation which reduces the capital available for the small businesses to lend their clients. This is due to the fact that the government values the stability of the banking system over the idea of widespread access as is the case with microfinance institutions. In other occasions, banks have shown their willingness to lend the microenterprises. Unfortunately, the policy regulators in these countries counter their efforts by initiating policies that inhibit such procedures. The other issue that affect the efficiency and the development of international microfinance operations is the numerous political interferences in the credit markets, which is more rampant in developing countries. In most cases, politicians have been known to divert development funds to moribund state-owned firms and political or worse off to a few wealthy and influential personalities (Robert, 2002). Rarely do these funds reach the hands of the poor people who seek credit to finance their developmental projects. This leaves the poor with a challenge to form their own credit system which is quite a hurdle given their low resource basis. Conclusion The topic of the rapid development of international microfinance is such a significant topic especially with the current need and challenge of the small scale entrepreneurs to engage in more viable financial development projects. This has been necessitated by the need to counter the high cost of living occasioned by the inflation and other economic challenges. It is important to acknowledge the role that the microfinance institutions play in the international economics welfare such as employment creation and the reduction of poverty among the poor people especially in the less developed and the developing countries. More so, the services rendered by these institutions such as microcredit lending and the mobilization of members’ savings has enhanced the income of the members especially those who have remained loyal to save on a long term basis. It is also important to acknowledge the fact that there are some constraints that hinder the full development and growth of the microfinance across the various economies in the world. Such constraints as lack of transparency in the lending of credit to the clients among others must be fully addressed in order to achieve the full growth and expansion of the scope of the microfinance institutions I across the globe. The active NGO’s and the various policy making bodies across the various economies must take upon themselves the responsibility of ensuring the formulation of favourable policies and viable procedures that enable the free operation and the rapid development of international microfinance across the globe. References Andrew M. (2006). Venture Capital and the Finance of Innovation. Wiley. Print. Robert F. (2002). Analysis of the Effects of Microfinance on Poverty Reduction. New York University, Paper no. 1014. Print. Colin S. (2007). Supporting Growth and Sustainability of the Microfinance Industry in Sub- Saharan Africa. Lehigh University-College of Business Economics. Print. IAMFI. (2008). International Association of Microfinance Investors. CGAP. Retrieved From: http://www.iamfi.com/MI_east-asia-pacific.html. Net.

Atomic Bombs On Hiroshima And Nagasaki - 844 Words

During World War II Americans dropped atomic bombs over the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki killing nearly 200,000 people. This resulted in Japans surrender in World War II. J. Samuel Walker analyzes this historical event in his book Prompt and Utter Destruction: Truman and the Use of Atomic Bombs. Over the past 70 years’ extensive research has been conducted and there is an understanding that Truman’s decision to drop the atomic bombs is inconclusive. It is impossible to determine that the use of the bomb was the quickest way to end the war. An analysis of President Truman’s decision to drop the atomic bomb reveals one challenge: was the decision to destroy Hiroshima and Nagasaki a show of good judgment. The most important question surrounding this issue is: should the United States have dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki during World War II? In his book Walker does not conclusively say if the use of atomic bombs was or was not necessary. On one hand it was necessary to save American troops lives and to end the war as quickly as possible. But, on the other hand if the United States did not drop the bomb they would have invaded Japan instead and that was all unnecessary because Japan was on the verge of surrender. While making this decision Truman had many advisors. One of them was Secretary of War, Henry L. Stimson. Stimson created the â€Å"Interim Committee† this group was comprised of military, business, and political leaders. The members of thisShow MoreRelatedThe Atomic Bomb Of Hiroshima And Nagasaki1302 Words   |  6 PagesAllies almost one week after being hit with two atomic bombs. On August 6, 1945 during World War II an American B-29 bomber dropped the world s first deployed atomic bomb over the Japanese city Hiroshima, wiping out 90 percent of the city and killing 80,000 people immediately. Three days later a second B-29 dropped another atomic bomb on the Japanese city Nagasaki, killing around 40,000 people. (The Bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki) The Hiroshima/Nagasaki bombings were necessary because it played aRead MoreThe Atomic Bomb Of Hiroshima And Nagasaki884 Words   |  4 PagesFearful cries spread through the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki as the atomic bombs were dropped. Thousands of people were killed instantly, with the rest left critically injured. Eventually, it was measured that 135,000 people were killed as a result of these bombs. We know that many people were killed. But how and why were the atomic bombs created? Who decided to use them? These questions all contribute to the fact that the atomic bombs impacted the world greatly. It all started when WorldRead MoreThe Atomic Bomb On Hiroshima And Nagasaki Essay1776 Words   |  8 PagesThe use of the atomic bomb on Hiroshima and Nagasaki at the end of World War II was a controversial decision that was made by President Truman. On August 6, 1945, President Truman decided to drop the atomic bomb on the Japanese city of Hiroshima and three days later a second atomic bomb on Nagasaki. It brought an end to the bloody war in the Pacific after 4 years. Making Japan surrender in the face of unimaginable force and significant destruction on Japan’s soil. Nevertheless, Truman’s decisionRead MoreThe Atomic Bomb Of Hiroshima And Nagasaki1515 Words   |  7 PagesResearch Question: Was it necessary for President Truman to drop the atomic bomb in Japan? Was it necessary for Truman to drop the Atomic Bombs on Japan in World War II? On August 6, 1945, the first atomic bomb was dropped by a US aircraft on Hiroshima. This atomic bomb was dropped to force Japan into surrender, this bomb alone destroyed Hiroshima and over 90,000 people were instantly killed in the explosion and an additional 100,000 people perished from burns and radiation sickness. Japan refusedRead MoreThe Atomic Bombs On Hiroshima And Nagasaki1764 Words   |  8 Pagesmake the decision to drop the bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki however, President Truman was ultimately the man who made the final decision to launch ‘Little Boy’ and destroy Hiroshima, Nagasaki and their civilians, thus forcing an end to the war. Although there were many alternatives presented to President Truman, it is unknown as to whether they would have actually succeeded in ending the war or producing less casualties. Truman made the decision to drop these bombs in the heat of war but h is justificationRead MoreThe Atomic Bomb Of Hiroshima And Nagasaki1364 Words   |  6 PagesOn the 6th of August 1945 America dropped the atomic bomb by the name of ‘Little Boy’ dropped by the plane ‘Enola Gay’ on the Japanese city, Hiroshima. Three days later on the 9th of August America dropped another bombed called, ‘Fat Man’ on the Japanese city of Nagasaki. A surrender was received and accepted by America on the 15th of August and the war against Japan had ended. Harry S. Truman, the man responsible for dropping the bombs claims it ended the war more efficiently and was in fact theRead MoreThe Atomic Bomb Of Hiroshima And Nagasaki Essay1570 Words   |  7 PagesDespite the extreme devastation, the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki were necessary. The atomic bomb is a weapon unmatched in warfare, rapidly releasing nuclear energy by fission of atomic nuclei. Desperate times call for desperate measures, which is why America chose to unleash its most deadly weapon, the atomic bomb, on Japan. America, who had already fought in World War II for over four years, had no desire to perpetuate the war. When Japan refused to surrender, America was leftRead MoreAtomic Bombs On Hiroshima And Nagasaki1074 Words   |  5 PagesThere are many different ways in which WWII could have ended. Rather than taking the risk of dropping atomic bombs on Japan, many people believe that one of the alternative options would have been much more sensible. The variety of possible options the U.S. could have taken to finish the war have been analyzed for years. Though Truman’s decision to drop the atomic bombs over Hiroshima and Nagasaki is one of the most controversial and debated topics in history, this researcher believes that he madeRead MoreThe Atomic Bomb On Hiroshima And Nagasaki1998 Words   |  8 Pagesto drop the atomic bomb on Hiroshima and Nagasaki? Joon Jung 2/21/16 Word Count: 1848 Section A: Identification and Evaluation of Sources Research Question: Was it necessary for President Truman to drop the atomic bomb on Hiroshima and Nagasaki? Was it necessary for Truman to drop the Atomic Bombs on Japan in World War II? On August 6, 1945, the first atomic bomb was dropped by a US aircraft on Hiroshima. This atomic bomb was dropped to force Japan into surrender, this bomb alone destroyedRead MoreAtomic Bomb On Hiroshima And Nagasaki Essay1902 Words   |  8 Pagesthe United States dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima and three days later dropped another on Nagasaki. This was a significate point in history because there has never been a bomb of this magnitude being use in an urban industrial area. Ultimately the use of the atomic bomb resulted in Japan’s surrender, which aided the allies in drawing closer to ending the war against the Axis Powers. Due to the massive destruction industrially and urbanely the use of the atomic bomb has always been questioned.

Was the Reconstruction Period a Failure Free Essays

string(78) " medicine for the flow of refugees into the Department was almost impossible\." Was Reconstruction a failure? As the bloody Civil War drew to a close, the period of reconstruction began to take shape across the states. There were many questions aroused following the war regarding the physical re-building of the nation, demobilisation and most importantly what was to replace the pre-war norm of slavery? America’s position on the latter, was of course both vague, with differing opinions from the North to the South, these differences which should have been settled with the outcome of the Civil War meant the war on the battlefield had transgressed to one on a social and political level. However as Michael Les Benedict quite aptly states that ‘winning had been more important than figuring out what to do afterwards,’ which resulted in a sporadic reconstruction being forced by dissimilar motives. We will write a custom essay sample on Was the Reconstruction Period a Failure or any similar topic only for you Order Now When looking at how successful the Reconstruction period was in America one should consider the intentions behind such Reconstructing, this poses the question therefore of whether the period was one of rebuilding relations between the North and the South or between the slaves and citizens? This essay will look at therefore the attempt at creating an increasingly harmonious nation with the interruption of unstoppable de facto discrimination that made reconstruction a void period. When discussing the reconstruction some decide to begin with the Emancipation Proclamation where Lincoln addressed the nation on 1st January 1863; â€Å"I do order and declare that all persons held as slaves within said designated States, and parts of States, are, and henceforward shall be free. This of course was the primary leap into the unknown, however as this was not passed through Congress and there only being a few states state’s emancipated renders 1863 as an ineffectual starting date for the Reconstruction period. However what was important during this time was the role of African American’s in the war which shaped their position in post-war America. ‘By the wars end, some 180,000 blacks had served in the Union Army. ’ Although there was severe dissatisfacti on over conscription, the opportunities offered in the army was the foundation for the move towards equality. Primarily it was an opportunity for Afro-Americans to prove their capability and ability to be disciplined; this allowed them to be seen as equals, as equal as possible as the time. ‘Although slavery was still legally intact, in the summer of 1862 General Butler began substituting a system of compensated labour,’ Butler’s recognition of military status of black soldiers was an example of the positive outcome of the war, and what impact It had on integration even though ‘most of the soldiers spoke scornfully of ‘niggers’’ there was an un-admitted truth that the war could not have been won without the help of the Negros. Learning from the military integration and flowing the passing of the 13th Amendment in 1865 saw the true beginning of the reconstruction period and as a result there was an increase of active participation of African-Americans in society. ‘Local leaders played such a variety of roles in schools, churches, and fraternal organizations that were bridges to the larger world of politics. ’ The primary source of involvement was through the parishes however Afro-Americans were soon able to work their way further as in 1865 John S. Rock of Boston was the first black lawyer admitted to the bar of the Supreme Court, this showed that ‘slowly the North’s racial barriers began to fall. ’ This positive change not only saw the increased integration of black’s within the judicial branch, however also in the executive, ‘among the ablest were Robert B. Elliott of South Carolina and John R. Lynch of Mississippi. Both were speakers of their state House of Representatives and were members of the U. S. Congress. ’ However such was short lived due to the ever increasing violence from the Ku Klux Klan; this shows that the restoration was limited to the North. As previously mentioned the 13th Amendment was a milestone in the road to freedom or blacks, however ‘the amendment closed one question only to open a host of others. ’ This was because although freed on paper and equal under the law, Afro-Americans were not quite regarded as equal under the eyes of society. The federal government therefore set up a protective organisation; the Freedman’s Bureau which meant ‘there was a freer attitude towards supplying money for plantation equipment, clothing, and food, including salt, bacon, and other necessities for the Negros. The was a successful outcome of the Bureau, however there was obvious weaknesses within the Bureau, commenting on the organisation, a citizen expresses that ‘it would have been wise if our statesmen could have received, digested and acted upon the answers these men [blacks] gave to their questions. ’ This suggested the nonchalant attitude the bureau had towards the emancipated slaves, r endering the establishment of a new life increasingly difficult without federal aid. Further evidence of the federals restricted willingness to give aid can be seen through their attitude as ‘for a while northerners regarded the proposed Fourteenth Amendment as an incredibly lenient settlement of the Civil War. ’ Prior to this the Civil Rights Act had been passed in 1866 which declared that ‘every race and color, without regard to any previous condition of slavery or involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall have the same right. This shows that had the 14th amendment seen to be too radical then the importance of the Civil Rights Act had not been thoroughly enforced of accepted. ‘Years before the end of slavery, black abolitionist Charles L. Reason had predicted that emancipation would impose â€Å"severe trials† upon the freedman. ’ This prediction of course was one of great clarity as during the reconstruction period there was a general neglect of emancipated slaves and a re-establishment and maintenance of white supremacy. The neglect can be seen though the inefficiency to support the released slaves and their struggle during the reconstruction period, ‘finding employment and housing, food, clothes and medicine for the flow of refugees into the Department was almost impossible. You read "Was the Reconstruction Period a Failure" in category "Papers" ’ There was such little prospect for a freed slave that the result was to work practically how life had been previous to the 13th Amendment just without chains or to get involved with sharecropping which resulted in the increase of Tenant farming. Planters had no desire to further economic democracy, white or black, and no confidence that freedman could farm successfully independent of whites. ’ The lack of confidence in the freed man bears question to what it was really the Civil War was fought for. ‘In 1861, the restoration of the Union, not emancipation, was the cause that generated the widest support for the war effort,’ this supports the evidence that there was a lack of concern for the emancipated slaves, as this was not at the forefront of Americans objectives. Quite a profound contribution to the failure of the reconstruction period was none the less than the president at the time, Andrew Jackson. Following the assassination of Lincoln was the beginning of the end for the Reconstruction period as Jacksons interpretation of reconstruction was a reflection of his southern prejudices. Jackson excluded black’s from politics, in fact excluded numerous problems from his time in office; ‘Johnson had always believed in limited government and a strict construction of the Constitution. In Congress, he had moved to reduce the salaries of government workers, voted against aid to famine-stricken Ireland, and even opposed appropriations to pave Washington’s muddy streets. ’ This could either be described as laissez faire methods of rule or negligence. Although the Civil Rights Act did eventually get passed this was with no thanks to President Johnson, who during what was meant to be the restoration period vetoed it twice meaning its eventual passing through congress was due to an overall majority vote from his cabinet. The lack of the presidents intervention, or acceptance of the Sherman-Johnston agreement reflected the lenience accepted by the executive at the time as it was agreed that ‘the executive authority of the government of the United States not to disturb by reason of the late war so long as they live in peace and quiet. ’ This meant very liberal treatment of the ex-rebels of the Civil War. The leniency toward the de-mobilisation of the South meant it possible for ‘the same people, the same issues that had precipitated the great war to remain. This therefore making the restoration of slavery further possible, rather opposite to the original intentions of restoration, it was what Les Benedict described as the ‘death of the Confederate reconstruction. ’ ‘Laura Towne reported that the freedman would not believe that Lincoln was dead’ as he was the foundation for the emancipation of the slaves and one who had revolutionary visions at a time of prev alent discrimination. As previously mentioned, Afro-Americans were increasingly getting involved in positions and society; however this was not true to everyone and was definitely not on the increase. Cleveland County, North Carolina, counted 200 black members of biracial Methodist churches in 1860, ten in 1867, and none five years later. ’ There is a recurring trend of the laissez faire method of rule or negligence towards the Afro-Americans during the reconstruction period. Under President Ulysses S. Grant the state produced less forms of reconstructive policies to protect the black’s from a prejudice society. ‘He had won election in 1868 by urging, â€Å"let us have peace,† and he had not intervened in the South until Klan violence had forced his hand. This shows the executives turning a blind eye towards the violence and discrimination that prevailed throughout the reconstruction period. Not only was there negligence towards imposing protection for the emancipated slaves, but there were further restrictions implemented on their freedom such as the Black Codes; Sec. 3. ‘Every negro is required to be in the regular service of some white person, or former owner, who shall be held responsible for the conduct of said Negro. ’ This shows that although black slaves were meant to have been emancipated, there was always the clause of being emancipated under the control of the white man. The fact the white man had control over the emancipated slave made freed life sometimes harder than the days of slavery. Additionally although the 15th amendment was passed with the intention of enabling the emancipated the privilege of the vote, it was not long followed by the restrictive Jim Crow laws which had further implication into the post-Reconstruction period and into the twentieth century. The Crow laws not only made it impossible for makes to ascertain suffrage due to the Grandfather Clause, but enabled de facto segregation. The reconstruction period was not only a failure due to the legislation or lack of legislation, but the economic depression resulted in ‘the first great crisis of industrial capitalism permanently altering the nature of economic enterprise, and had profound political and ideological consequences. ’ This meant that due to economic hardship there was a decrease in sympathy towards the Negro who had nothing compared with the white man who had nothing. ‘By the end of 1874 nearly half the nation’s iron furnaces had suspended operation’ The reconstruction period was one that saw a plethora of legislative change, however not all for the better. There were many empty promises directed at the liberated slaves, however liberated is not the correct term to use. The emancipated slaves saw little to no improvement in their lives, and not only were the reconstruction a failure with regards improving relations between North and South; it was a failure with repairing relations between the slave and the citizen. The fact the reconstruction period was so short and its ending reverted back to previous times renders the reconstruction period a failure. There remained the underlying intentions, just lacked motivation to implement the reconstruction of the ‘United’ states. Additionally these intentions derived from a handful of just minded thinkers such as Lincoln, however there were too many, with great power who were not yet ready to accept the equality that was preached to clearly in the Declaration of Independence, the Emancipation Proclamation and the 13th amendment. Therefore as there was such little actual change when reflected against how much legislative change at Washington makes the Reconstruction period a failure as perception, treatment and understanding of a different race did not improve. How to cite Was the Reconstruction Period a Failure, Papers

Function of Music in Theatre Essay Example For Students

Function of Music in Theatre Essay Discuss the dramatic functions of music in two works of Music Theatre, including some consideration of the relationship between music and other elements of the performance event. Music and drama have the capability of not only integrating to create spectacular visual and aural events in theatre, but they have a distinct capacity to support each other to heighten one-another to innovative, intrepid and even excessive levels. These levels reached are rarely paralleled in real life, at least not as effortlessly as they are in musical theatre. It seems that in some cases, the two elements arent complete unless they form a relationship Just as hydrogen and oxygen bond to produce water. Music is created from sound as life is created from matter (Retie, 1961). Music in drama is somewhat a broad topic, as this communicates the infinite range of subtleties of music in drama, but the approach to evaluating this form of theatre is particularly important; is the focus upon the effect of the music upon the drama, or the drama upon the music? Is the focus upon the unity of the two, or their distinctions? This report will focus upon the use of music in theatre as an amplifier. The aim of this document is to hold a metaphorical magnifying glass over two individual pieces of drama: Lionel Barbs music in Oliver! and Elliot Goldenseal music in Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within. The two pieces of drama are poles apart when relating the plots, themes, settings and a great many others, but although the two works have over 30 years between them in production, there are particular conventions to be found within the composition of their music scores, which both illustrate the effectiveness of the basic yester in music to develop the drama, and the revolutions occurring in the new generation of drama for todays new generation of audience. Although the music analyzed in this report can be easily disregarded by the audience as backdrop music, there is a much deeper and arousing basis to the composers production of this music, which is there for much more than simply saying to the audience This is where the character is. The great composers were fully aware both of the thematic principle and of the technique through which they materialized it. Ret, 1961) The music used in these examples were not used simply for a pleasing auditory spanner in the works, but to achieve a new level of understanding especially from the point of view of particular characters. The music of the composers Bart and Goldenseal, successfully achieves a more intense portrayal of their characters featured, through the use of both subtlety and supplement. Function of Music in Theatre By Huckleberries pieces of drama can be analyzed chronologically. Oliver! is a musical interpretation of Charles Dickens Oliver Twist and is a tender account of an orphan boy who runs way from the orphanage and Journeys to London. He endeavors to pick-a-pocket-or- two for his new lodger Fagin, but gets caught. As Fagin tries to save him, Oliver decides that all he wants now is go to his newly discovered uncle, and live a good life. Oliver premiered on Broadway in January of 1963 and ran for 774 performances. It was converted into a film later that decade and subsequently won 6 academy awards including best picture for 1968. Throughout the duration of the Musical, the audience is drawn into Olivers world hauled into his story through the use of melody and Eng. The initial scene where Oliver Twist first enters London is a defining component of the Musical, where (in film version) you see him gaze adoringly out at the clock tower above from underneath a dozen cabbages the symphony slowly building as he pulls together the impulse to Jump out form the basket and then stumble out into the middle of the street to view this living, breathing city before him. The music now escalates at this point and creates a strong resonance whilst he gawks with innocence and naivety at every moving spectacle around him. .u75051824d813438020555261b008e449 , .u75051824d813438020555261b008e449 .postImageUrl , .u75051824d813438020555261b008e449 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u75051824d813438020555261b008e449 , .u75051824d813438020555261b008e449:hover , .u75051824d813438020555261b008e449:visited , .u75051824d813438020555261b008e449:active { border:0!important; } .u75051824d813438020555261b008e449 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u75051824d813438020555261b008e449 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u75051824d813438020555261b008e449:active , .u75051824d813438020555261b008e449:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u75051824d813438020555261b008e449 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u75051824d813438020555261b008e449 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u75051824d813438020555261b008e449 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u75051824d813438020555261b008e449 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u75051824d813438020555261b008e449:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u75051824d813438020555261b008e449 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u75051824d813438020555261b008e449 .u75051824d813438020555261b008e449-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u75051824d813438020555261b008e449:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Music Paper EssayA brass fanfare erupts n unison with Olivers eruption from the basket and strongly accompanies the other sounds of the city such as the hustle and bustle of loaded carriages, trains blasting their whistles, people rich and poor alike scurrying about busily like ants oblivious to the music unlike Oliver. This scene captures almost every conceivable aspect of the city from Olivers eyes and packs it tightly into song with The Artful Dodgers swift introduction, reception and invitation in the song Consider Yourself, at which point he takes Oliver on an excursion around the busy city. A humorous contrast is provided here in this scene here Dodger sings the lines Consider yourself at home, consider yourself one of the family whilst at the same time, both he and Oliver are being scrutinized by policemen and chased by merchants as they weave and bob their way through the immeasurable stream of dancing butchers, grocers, paperboys, fishmongers, etc. Soon after this scene, Fagin gives Oliver a lesson on how to Pick a Pocket or Two. The music in this scene is lighthearted and comedic but offers many subtleties to be investigated, such as the deep brass used to convey the sense of danger, the sense of future or discovery, but the underscore of flutes happily tooting away at Olivers new found conception that the art of thievery is all Just a game not something evil or punishable at least. This is evident in the very first scene of the film where the audience is introduced to Kaki, when she is having her repeated dream. The introduction of the accompanying piece is led by the sound of a glass harmonica to convey the potential sensitivity and fragility of Sakis character. She wakes from the dream and finds herself on her spacecraft, revolving across the surface of the earth. In the next scene, she descends to earth accompanied by an almost military fanfare of brass and strings coming together on a strong Be chord, giving a feeling of purpose and decision to this descent. Her ship touches down on he desolate, empty streets of New York, and the music instantly stops in a parallel with the apocalyptic emptiness of the long-dead city. Further on in the movie, Sakis love interest Gray Edwards becomes critically infected by one of the aliens and is given only a matter of minutes to live unless treated immediately. Kaki is forced to work against time in an attempt to save Gray, The dramatic tension in this scene is heightened by Goldenseal Score Code Red, composed basically of intense strings and strong percussion symbolizing a clock, and also signifying the value and importance of time. The music steadily builds in pitch, volume and intensity as the timer next to the operating table nears 0:00, but the tempo remains the same due to the fact that the time on the clock cannot speed up or slow down. At the climax of the scene, Kaki saves Gray with only seconds to spare and as soon as the operation finishes the music abruptly ends, leaving the audience somewhat temporarily suspended in a moment of heightened tension. In a later scene, Gray and Kaki are engaged in a private conversation where Kaki speaks this scene where Kaki reveals her emotional vulnerability for the first time, Goldenseal hose for this to be the first moment in the film where a piano is used. He decided on this due to the fact that the characters are so far away from any type of home in a desolate land, instead of going high-tech, a more earthy instrument is needed, something not basic, but elementary in musical design. The piano in this scene reminds the audience of home and connects the animated characters with images of a soft and sympathetic reality. .uea6f3b7086d24566d3ea2c64925d8ab1 , .uea6f3b7086d24566d3ea2c64925d8ab1 .postImageUrl , .uea6f3b7086d24566d3ea2c64925d8ab1 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .uea6f3b7086d24566d3ea2c64925d8ab1 , .uea6f3b7086d24566d3ea2c64925d8ab1:hover , .uea6f3b7086d24566d3ea2c64925d8ab1:visited , .uea6f3b7086d24566d3ea2c64925d8ab1:active { border:0!important; } .uea6f3b7086d24566d3ea2c64925d8ab1 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .uea6f3b7086d24566d3ea2c64925d8ab1 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .uea6f3b7086d24566d3ea2c64925d8ab1:active , .uea6f3b7086d24566d3ea2c64925d8ab1:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .uea6f3b7086d24566d3ea2c64925d8ab1 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .uea6f3b7086d24566d3ea2c64925d8ab1 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .uea6f3b7086d24566d3ea2c64925d8ab1 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .uea6f3b7086d24566d3ea2c64925d8ab1 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .uea6f3b7086d24566d3ea2c64925d8ab1:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .uea6f3b7086d24566d3ea2c64925d8ab1 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .uea6f3b7086d24566d3ea2c64925d8ab1 .uea6f3b7086d24566d3ea2c64925d8ab1-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .uea6f3b7086d24566d3ea2c64925d8ab1:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Music Technology EssayA scene later in the film shows General Hein, (the villain of the film) in his office speaking of how his wife and child were killed by the aliens. Throughout the earlier scenes of the movie, the General is composed in a gloomy light, but in this particular scene, he is viewed musically in a sympathetic light. The music is tender and wistful as he unconsciously shows why his contempt for the aliens proves to cloud his judgment. There is a reference in the music that although there is compassion within this character, it is somewhat suppressed to an almost dormant state, overshadowed by hate and resentment. We must always rely on the music as our guide toward our understanding of the composers conception of the text. It is this conception, not the bare text itself that is authoritative in defining the ultimate meaning of the work. (German, 1989). The function of this music being strategically used in drama is for the benefit of the audience not only because it has the ability to paint a scene, but it also opens up the dialogue and opens up the characters and lets the audience see what is going on inside of them. The function is to supply certain kinds of meaning to the drama, meanings that enrich immeasurably, and enrich dramatically, and that cannot be presented in any other way (German, 1989). Drama alone can hopelessly attempt to convey some of the aspects of life that music can convey in Just a few notes, and music can ridiculously hope to fulfill all the needs of a script without any real actions or dialogue, but in the end, the two combined provide an infinite array of possibilities and interpretations to be searched.

Medical Marijuana Essays (1081 words) - , Term Papers

Medical Marijuana Politics of Marijuana Legalization Marijuana in its natural form is one of the safest therapeutically active substances known to man. By any measure of rational analyses marijuana can be safely used within the supervised routine of medical care. (Young). -Francis L. Young; DEA Administrative Law September 6, 1988. For a DEA official to want to take marijuana out of scheduled I and put it into scheduled II or lower class in the Controlled Substance Act of 1970 is without reproach. Over the years marijuana has become more socially acceptable, but is America ready for the legalization and legal repercussions that come with this major change? This paper will examine the long history of marijuana in America, prohibition of marijuana, law reforms, civil liberties, and unjust and spotty enforcement of marijuana laws. Marijuana was first documented in America when settlers from England in the 17th century brought the plant to Jamestown, Virginia (Medical Marijuana Policy in the United States). The plant was used for medicinal purposes along with creating fabrics, ropes, sails and clothing. In 1619 the Virginia Assembly passed legislation requiring that every farmer produce hemp. This allowed the colonist to use the plant as a legal tender. In the 1930s due to the Great Depression, mass unemployment was attributed with the escalating number of Mexican immigrants, in return led to outlandish claims linking the use of marijuana to criminal behaviors primarily in racially inferior or underclass communities due to the fact that the Mexican immigrants introduced the recreational use of marijuana to the American public. Thus Reefer Madness was born and the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937 was passed by congress indefinitely criminalizing the plant in medicinal and personal uses along with industrial (Marijuana Time Line). During the 1940s in WWII the government coined the phrase Hemp for Victory to get as many farmers they could to grow hemp for clothing, marine cordage and military necessities, even going far as offering draft deferments to the farmers who could grow hemp. In the 1960s and 1970s the counterculture was embracing marijuana and going against the mold of the country. The Controlled Substance Act was passed in 1970 that is Title II of the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act. This Act created 5 classifications, although congress passed the Act they had the FDA and DEA decide what should be added and removed from this classification scale. Therefore, removing or changing a scheduled substance to another, or removing a substance all together does not require the passage of the law, instead in the case of marijuana a rescheduling hearing can be called upon to review any previous laws such as an appellant court would. In 1989 President George Sr. Bush televised his War on Drugs speech, where he is asking congress for a 2.2 billion dollar increase on the Drug Budget (Bush). During the Ronald Regan administration he enacted the mandatory sentencing act and three strikes to the Comprehensive Crime Control Act of 1984 creating the sentencing commission. The Anti-Drug Abuse act of 1986 reinstated all mandatory sentences including large-scale cannabis distribution. Later an amendment was added to introduce the three strikes law meaning 25 years for consecutive crimes. In 1996 California voters passed Proposition 215 which legalized medical marijuana 55% for it and 44% against. In November of 2012 legalization was a big topic in Colorado and Washington State. The polls that night showed how ready Americans are for the ratification of our marijuana laws. Amendment 64 was passed with 55% and 44% against (Amendment 64). Washington States Initiative 502 was passed with 55% of the voters for the legalization and 44% of them opposed. In American society today we shouldnt have to ask why marijuana should be legal but that burden is on the government to show why it shouldnt and none of the explanations are especially convincing with little to zero scientific facts aiding their stance. Civil liberties is a big issue within the legalization of marijuana, many people feel that it is our fundamental civil right, something mature adults can consume at their leisure or for medicinal purposes. Even conservative republicans such as Pat Robertson, and libertarians like Ron Paul notice that marijuana prohibition is an

Free Essays on Sumerian

By: jason E-mail: jason211@hotmail.com Sumerian vs Egyptian Deities The Sumerian and Egyptian cultures developed a rich and detailed mythology over the thousands of years of their existence. Each culture developed its own complex, polytheistic system of deities and worship. There are many aspects of both of these two culture's gods that are similar, but for one to truly understand the relationship between these two cultures one must delve deeper and look at the differences. The Sumerians had four leading deities known as creating gods. These gods were An, the god of heaven; Ki (Kiki), the goddess of earth; Enlil, the god of air; and Enki (who later became Ea), the god of water. Like these "creator gods", most Sumerian gods are the personification of local elements and natural forces. (Kramer) The Sumerian gods were grouped into three levels indicating their importance and power. The highest level was that of the primary deities or creator gods who were created for creating all life on earth life. The next level of gods we re known as "The Seven Who Decreed Fate". This group not only consisted of the four primary deities but also included Nanna, his son Utu, the sun god and a god of justice, and Nanna's daughter, Inanna, goddess of love and war. Most of the gods were in the next level that was known as the fifty "great gods" or the Anunna. The bottom level consisted of lower gods, demigods, and in some cases heros. Sumerians believed humans were created as labor saving devises for the gods. Each family and town had a patron god that might interven in troubled times to help the people. Most towns also had a ziggurat in which they worshiped that city's god. The ziggurat also served as the home of the high priest. The high priest was considered divine and it was his job to tell the people the other gods' will. This was usually done by reading sheep or goat entrails.(Siren) One myth known as the "creation myth" sums up a lot about how t... Free Essays on Sumerian Free Essays on Sumerian By: jason E-mail: jason211@hotmail.com Sumerian vs Egyptian Deities The Sumerian and Egyptian cultures developed a rich and detailed mythology over the thousands of years of their existence. Each culture developed its own complex, polytheistic system of deities and worship. There are many aspects of both of these two culture's gods that are similar, but for one to truly understand the relationship between these two cultures one must delve deeper and look at the differences. The Sumerians had four leading deities known as creating gods. These gods were An, the god of heaven; Ki (Kiki), the goddess of earth; Enlil, the god of air; and Enki (who later became Ea), the god of water. Like these "creator gods", most Sumerian gods are the personification of local elements and natural forces. (Kramer) The Sumerian gods were grouped into three levels indicating their importance and power. The highest level was that of the primary deities or creator gods who were created for creating all life on earth life. The next level of gods we re known as "The Seven Who Decreed Fate". This group not only consisted of the four primary deities but also included Nanna, his son Utu, the sun god and a god of justice, and Nanna's daughter, Inanna, goddess of love and war. Most of the gods were in the next level that was known as the fifty "great gods" or the Anunna. The bottom level consisted of lower gods, demigods, and in some cases heros. Sumerians believed humans were created as labor saving devises for the gods. Each family and town had a patron god that might interven in troubled times to help the people. Most towns also had a ziggurat in which they worshiped that city's god. The ziggurat also served as the home of the high priest. The high priest was considered divine and it was his job to tell the people the other gods' will. This was usually done by reading sheep or goat entrails.(Siren) One myth known as the "creation myth" sums up a lot about how t...

Political Profile of President Barack Obama

Political Profile of President Barack Obama On November 4, 2008, 47-year-old Barack Obama was elected to be the 44th President of the United States, after a hard-fought two-year presidential campaign. He was sworn in as president on January 20, 2009. Fast Facts: Barack Obama Full Name: Barack Hussein Obama, IIKnown For: 44th President of the United States, in office January 20, 2009- January 20, 2017Born: August 4, 1961 in Honolulu, HawaiiParents: Barack Obama Sr. and Ann DunhamSpouse: Married on October 18, 1992 to Michelle Robinson, an attorney and Chicago nativeChildren: Malia and SashaEducation: B.A. in international relations, 1983, Columbia University. J.D. from Harvard Law School, where he was the first black Editor of the Harvard Law ReviewMajor Accomplishments: First African American president, Nobel Peace Price (2009), Profile in Courage Award (2017), best-selling authorFun Fact: Obama is a Chicago White Sox and Chicago Bears fan, and an avid basketball player Early Life Born Barack Hussein Obama, Jr, his father was a Kenya-born Harvard-educated economist and his mother was Ann Dunham, a caucasian anthropologist. He was 2 years old when his father left the family. His father (deceased in 1982) returned to Kenya, and only saw his son once more. His mother remarried, and moved Barack to Indonesia. He returned to Hawaii at age 10 to live with his maternal grandparents. He graduated from the respected Punahou School with honors. As a teenager, he scooped ice cream at Baskin-Robbins, and has admitted to dabbling in marijuana and cocaine. His mother died of cancer in 1995. Political Timeline Before entering politics, Obama worked as a community organizer and a civil rights attorney. In addition, Obama was a Senior Lecturer in Constitutional Law at University of Chicago Law School. In the early 90s, he aggressively organized one of the largest voter registration drives in Chicago history to help Bill Clintons 1992 election. Obama (D-IL) was elected to the U.S. Senate on November 2, 2004, after serving 7 years as an Illinois state senator. In 2004, Sen. Obama also signed a $1.9 million deal to author 3 books. The first, The Audacity of Hope, discusses his political convictions. His 1995 autobiography was a bestseller. Barack Obamas voting record and stances as US Senator and Illinois State Senator reflect a practical, common sense progressive thinker who emphasizes increased support for teachers, college affordability, and restoration of meaningful federal support of veterans. As a Senator, Obamas areas of special legislative interest were in support for working families, public education, health care, economic growth and jobs creation, and ending the Iraq War. As an Illinois state senator, he worked passionately for ethics reforms and criminal justice reform. Obama first rose to national prominence when he delivered an inspiring keynote speech at the 2004 Democratic National Convention. On February 10, 2007, Barack Obama declared his candidacy for the 2008 Democratic nomination for the presidency. On June 3, 2008, Obama accumulated enough Democratic convention delegates votes to become the presumptive party nominee for the presidential race. On October 9, 2009, the Nobel Committee announced that President Barack Obama had been awarded the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize. The Obama Persona Barack Obama is a independent-minded leader with an even-keel temperament, charismatic speaking skills and a knack for consensus-building. Hes also a talented, introspective writer. His values are strongly shaped by his expertise as a Constitutional law professor and civil rights attorney, and by Christianity. While private by nature, Obama mingles easily with others, but is most comfortable addressing large crowds. He is known for being unafraid to speak and hear hard truths when necessary. Obama was named by Time magazine in 2005, 2007 and 2008 as one of the 100 most influential people in the world. Memorable Quotes You cant have No Child Left Behind if you leave the money behind. I do agree that the Democrats have been intellectually lazy in failing to take the core ideals of the Democratic Party and adapting them to circumstances.... Its not just a matter of sticking in a quote from the Bible into a stock speech. There has yet to be a serious conversation about health care on the floor of the United States Senate. ...as parents, we need to find the time and the energy to step in and find ways to help our kids love reading. We can read to them, talk to them about what theyre reading and make time for this by turning off the TV ourselves. Libraries can help parents with this. Knowing the constraints we face from busy schedules and a TV culture, we need to think outside the box here - to dream big like we always have in America. Right now, children come home from their first doctors appointment with an extra bottle of formula. But imagine if they came home with their first library card or their first copy of Goodnight Moon? What if it was as easy to get a book as it is to rent a DVD or pick up McDonalds? What if instead of a toy in every Happy Meal, there was a book? What if there were portable libraries that rolled through parks and playgrounds like ice cream trucks? Or kiosks in stores where you could borrow books? What if during the summer, when kids often lose much of the reading progress theyve made during the year, every child had a list of books they had to read and talk about and an invitation to a summer reading club at the local library? Libraries have a special role to play in our knowledge economy. - June 27, 2005 Speech to the American Library Association