Catholic Church’s responses to Nazi antisemitism

Antisemitism refers to hatred or prejudice towards the Jews. The Nazi antisemitism started in 1933 and ended in 1945 marking a period of persecution and murder of Jews in Europe by the Nazis in Germany under Hitler's ruling regime (Poliakov, 8). Background information. Hatred against the Jews was prevalent in the modern era especially in the 19th and 20th century. This led to the origin of the word antisemitism which refers to the pogroms, violence and riots propelled by governments against the Jews (Falk, 10). Pogroms and violence against the Jews were initially instigated by false beliefs that the Jews were using blood from Christian children for their religious rituals. In the 19th century, the prejudice against the Jews intensified with the formation of antisemitic political parties in Germany, Austria and France. This marked the beginning of an international conspiracy against the Jews with the component of nationalism which treated Jews as disloyal and illegal citizens. In the late 19th century, a political party named as Voelkisch movement which comprised mainly of German philosophers promoted the notion that Jews were not a part of the Germandom. Eugenic theories based on racial anthropology helped to support this notion and from this pseudoscientific ideas, the Nazi party was founded in 1919. The Nazi party which was headed by Adolf Hitler helped to promote theories of racism and hatred towards the Jews which called for their removal out of Germany. In 1933, the Nazi party was elected to power and it immediately ordered for economic boycotts against the Jews with the introduction of anti-Jewish laws. In the beginning of 1935, the anti-Jewish laws called for a total separation between the Jews and the rest of the citizens thereby legalizing a hierarchy based purely on racism. In November 1938, antisemitic groups embarked on a mission to destroyed synagogues and business establishments owned by the Jews in Germany and Austria in what is now known as the Kristallnacht. This marked the beginning of an era of destruction and mass killing for the Jews. This period is known as Nazi antisemitism and it led to a holocaust which killed millions of Jews and destroyed many more (Learner, 128-134). The catholic church has in the past faced many rows over claims that it supported Hitler and the Nazis in the racial discrimination against the Jews (Doyle, 120). However, the Roman catholic has strongly denied these claims and in fact, it highly opposed such acts of hatred against the Jews. Though the church has admitted of having failed to do its best to end the war, it has evidently affirmed its opposing stand against Hitler's regime and acts of antisemitism. This paper seeks to establish the response of the catholic church towards the Nazi antisemitism. Biblical views on antisemitism. The bible and particularly the New Testament has been singled out as having strong hostility and antagonism towards the Jews. The Gospel of John has many antisemitic phrases and episodes which refer to the Jews in a derogatory way. In John 8: 37-40 is one such phrase where Jesus was speaking to the Pharisees of how the Jews were planning to persecute Him since they did not believe in what He spoke to them about God. The book of 1 Thessalonian 2:13-15 speaks of how Churches in Judea were suffering under the hands of those people people who persecuted Jesus. It also talks about how such acts by the Jews were displeasing to God and Christians. The New Testament also adds that while on trial, a Jewish guard struck Jesus on the face for uttering ill words against the Jewish high priest (John 18: 20). Moreover, the death of Jesus preceded by brutal mockery (Matt 27: 24-39) has been entirely blamed on the Jews who mocked and persecuted Him in life and on the cross. Some theology scholars have speculated that the unnamed people who mocked Jesus while on the cross were actually Jews and they have added that though Romans were the lead executors of the prosecution and crucification of Jesus, the Jews also played a great role in the events which led to His death. The chronological events which led to the death of Jesus as stated in the New Testament led to the anti-Judaism perception held by most Christians. After the death of Jesus, the New Testament indicates that the Jewish leaders living in Jerusalem became hostile towards the followers of Jesus forcing them to stop preaching the gospel or die. Stephen who was on of the Jesus disciples was stoned to death by the Jews for going against the Jewish laws and preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. In Acts 7: 51-58 just before his persecution, Stephen spoke to the Jews in an antisemitic way referring to them as â€Å"stiff necked, uncircumcised and opposers of the Holy Spirit. † All this instances show how the New Testament which was primarily written by the Jews who became Jesus followers contains many antisemitic passages which led to an anti-Judaism perception in the early Christian churches. The Roman Catholic Church which is one of the early churches had also had the anti-Judaism belief which has led to its association with antisemitic acts in the Nazi antisemitism. Catholic church and Nazi antisemitism. Throughout the 19th and the 20th century, the Roman Catholic Church still held on strongly to many antisemitic beliefs and the notion that the Jews led to the death of Jesus as indicated in the New Testament despite efforts to distinguish between anti-Judaism and racially instigated antisemitism. However in the early 20th century, the Catholic church made a clear distinction between good and bad antisemitism to all its followers. According to Kertzer (pp. 2-25), the bad type of antisemitism was unchristian as it advocated for hatred and racial bias against the Jews due to their background while the good type of antisemitism only served to criticize the Jewish conspiracies which sought to control all sectors of the economy in Germany for selfish wealth accumulation. At this time, many catholic bishops wrote articles criticizing such acts but when accused of being antisemitic, the bishops argued that they were strongly against any acts of hatred o r destruction plotted against the Jews. The church's response to Nazi antisemitism. Catholic church and the Christian community as a whole strongly despised the Nazi antisemitism. Kain in his popular book entitled Europe: Versailles to War-saw explains that the Nazis acts towards the Jews greatly offended Christians and led to protests by German army chaplains to Hitler in 1937 warning him of a future war in Germany due to his ungodly acts. The opposition by the catholic church response towards the Nazi antisemitism was quite straight-forward and emphatic. Catholic clergy was one of the first people who stood firmly to declare opposition towards the Nazis despite threats of persecution. Several Christians also stood firmly to oppose the Nazi antisemitism. For instance, Stauffenberg who was a devout catholic plotted Hitler's assassination in 1944 to depict his strong faith and opposition against the Jews' persecutions and killings. Stauffenberg was later killed by the Nazis after the attempts to assassinate Hitler failed. The catholic church believes on the Christian view of man made in the image and likeness of God and for this reason, every human being deserves enormous dignity regardless of race, state or background. According to Macrobio a professor at the Regina Pontifical University, Pope Pius XIII who was the leader of the Roman Catholic Church during the period of Nazi antisemitism was strongly opposed to the antisemitism and eugenic theories imposed against the Jews. A decree released by the Holy office in December 1940 by the Pope clearly condemned the killings and the racial laws put forward by Hitler and the Nazi party against the Jews. The decree stated that such killings were wrong and ungodly since they went against the natural law and all the divine precepts as defined by the Holy Bible. Throughout the war, Pius XII kept on pleading privately for a stop on the continued killings on behalf of the Jews and even after the war, he still condemned the Nazi antisemitism. In 1946 when speaking to a group of delegates in Palestine, the Pope affirmed the Church's stand on its opposition towards the persecutions carried out by Hitler and the Nazis against the Jews with no apologies. Why the church opposed Nazi antisemitism and eugenic theories. Eugenic theories are aimed at imposing discrimination to a certain group of people. For the catholic church, all men are equal in the eyes of God since humanity is not defined by neither external capabilities such as beauty nor internal characteristics such as knowledge. Every one be it a saint or a sinner is believed to be a son of God and only the father can judge whom to punish for their sins and whom to bless. Due to this fact, its wrong for the church to support the eugenic theories and antisemitic acts which seem to favor some individuals or racial groups over others. The catholic church further believes that discrimination of any kind is ungodly and unlawful regardless of whether it occurs in form of verbal racism or holocaust as in the case of the Nazi antisemitism as long as it threatens man's dignity and the church has an ultimate responsibility to oppose it by all means. Conclusion. The Pope's reactions towards the holocaust were quite complex but one clear indication is that the catholic church was against these antisemitism acts and it strongly condemned them (Schoenberg, 2). At times the Pope acted privately with attempts to help the Jews in their escapes out of Germany and he succeeded but on most occasions, the church just chose to remain quiet on issues surrounding the war with the aim of appealing neutral. The reason which might have led to continued silence by the Pope and the catholic church during the holocaust has been attributed to fear of Nazi reprisals, the notion that public speech would have had no significant effect on the war or the feeling that such speeches were likely to harm the Jews more. However, sources have shown that though the church did not directly support Nazi antisemitism, catholic anti-Judaism played a great role in fostering this hatred against the Jews. The false assumptions that most of the Nazis who participated in the killings and destruction of the Jews were Christians are unfounded and have no empirical evidence to support them. In conclusion, it can be said that the catholic church was strongly against the Nazi antisemitism but just like all other positions of power, there is still more that the church could have done to stop this war against the Jews.

The Brute

The drama essay â€Å"The Brute† by Anton Chekhov is typically referred to that subgenre of comedy known as the farce. What separates a farce from the more pedestrian and commonplace â€Å"comedy† is that it is infused with a sense of whimsy as well as a detachment from reality that, paradoxically, should serve to make it all the more realistic. In the case of The Bear the farcical elements are utilized to heighten the emotional intensity that is under normal circumstances subject to far too much control and restraint to allow it freedom in a work of drama as short as this play.The revelation that love and the realization of love is enough to make Smirnoff undergo the series of truly bizarre and unexpected changes in register could probably only be accomplished in a farce. The arguments that take place between Mrs. Popov and Smirnov serve both to provide the comic material for the play and as a foundation upon which to build Smirnov's growing realization that he succumb ing to the ultimate debt of love. Popov has retained her commitment to her husband long after his death has released her from that debt.Smirnov is a landowner who had lent money to Mr. Popov's husband before his death and who has now shown up to demand repayment because he, in turn, is facing down his own creditors. The cyclical nature of debt and repayment serves as a metaphor for relationships between men and women. The play proceeds from a point of Popov's refusal and Smirnov's reactions. It is the evolution of Smirnov's reactions that is the key to understanding his character.The progression of the play is through dialogue rather than action and the progression of the dialogue of Smirnov is one of self-assuredness-almost cockiness-to a sense of losing control, which ultimately leads Smirnov to realize he has fallen in love. Smirnov boasts that he has â€Å"refused twelve women and nine have refused† him. These are the words of a man still secure in his independence before a woman; an insecure man never admits that a woman has refused him, much less nine. The subject at hand is still the debt as the argument intensifies, but then Mrs.Popov takes it from the financial to the personal. She attacks his very humanity by crying out â€Å"You're nothing but a crude, bear! A brute! A monster! â€Å". Finally, things progress-as it seems it always must-to weapons being brought to bear. Mrs. Popov goes for her husband's pistols, essentially turning the argument into a full scale duel. There is only one problem: Mrs. Popov does not know how to fire the gun. At this point, she ceases to be a debtor and is well on her way to becoming a woman. Smirnov is lost.Smirnov's reactions to Mrs. Popov change considerably after weapons are introduced and since it is clear he has no real fear for his life, this change that comes over only can only be attributed to a death in his original feelings for the widow as his emotional trek comes to a rest a full one-hundred eight y degrees from where he started. Nothing in either his words or his actions could lead one to suppose that any element of truth is expressed when Smirnov asserts â€Å"If she fights I'll shoot her like a chicken! . One can well imagine the Smirnov who first entered Mrs. Popov's home at the beginning of the play actually entertaining this idea-if not actually going through with it-but the words ring empty and hollow by the point at which they are actually spoken. The Bear is a drama-perhaps even a tragedy if one cares to extrapolate what may happen to these two characters once the curtain comes down upon this small moment in their lives-masquerading as a farce. And, of course, it has to be that way.If the events that take place within the short period of time allotted in this short play were played straight and dramatically, Smirnov's strange, comedic odyssey from cold, heartless debt collector to overwhelmed object of love would draw even more laughs, albeit unintentionally. To sho w the absurdity of Smirnov's situation, indeed the absurdity of how any two people come to fall in love, the farce is the writer's best weapon. It provides a method of distancing the audience from realizing they too are characters in a real life farce every time they fall in love.

Biology and Ecosystems Education Admission/Application Essay

Biology and Ecosystems Education The paper "Biology and Ecosystems Education" is an outstanding example of an application/admission essay on English. The environment in which we live, the uniqueness of different creatures across diverse ecosystems, as well as, how a man gets along with them has been a question that has always fascinated me. The way in which the environment and ecosystem relate to the future of humankind has always been an intriguing subject for me. When I joined a junior school that was my first experience with nature and interaction with human life. It was here that I noticed I had an affinity for the environment and animals. Nothing excites me more than seeing plants and animals behaving the same way as I have learned in the classroom. Immediately, I get the urge to share what I know and observe with people around me, feeling that they need to realize and appreciate the wonders of nature around us. I usually feel in these situations that man has forgotten the wonders of nature in his pursuit for p rofit and wealth.Understanding the environment and ecosystems has aroused curiosity in me and taught me to view the world from a new point of view. This passion has propelled me to chose NYU and focus on biology. It is my belief that this will be the best institution to conduct experiments in biology, as well as to learn how to conduct research with regards to the ecosystem. In high school, I built up my knowledge of different ecosystems through my work with the wildlife club and cleaning up beach land. Three years of high school have firmed up my determination to pursue biology, and it is my belief that NYU is the best institution to do this. With the advanced opportunities of research and the working partnerships between NYU and other universities around the world, I believe that I can improve my knowledge in biology and ecosystems greatly. Thank you.

Legal Brief Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 2

Legal Brief - Assignment Example In addition, Sullivan accused four black ministers named in the advertisement of erroneously accusing the police actions on protesters in Alabama. The New York Times said the suit was a way of intimidating new publishing houses, and a way of averting them from exposing unlawful actions of workers in relation to the segregation. Sullivan won the case in the trial court. The famous case of New York Times vs. Sullivan was a cry of the black people about the segregation and liberty of speech. The laws state that ‘A municipal official litigating for libel must attest that the statement in question was made with actual malevolence, rather than ordinary sense of malicious intent’ (Justia.com). Assuming that Sullivan was acting on behalf of the Alabama state and the police department of Alabama, the key issue here is, ‘Does the suing of a newspaper and black ministers who are attempting to end segregation qualify for defamation suit? Additionally, a key issue here is, ‘What constitutes actual malice, and what are the standards of speech freedom or defamation? The court ruled in favor of the New York Times as the Alabama court laws were found to be deficient. This is because there was failure to provide confines to speech defamation and freedom (Justia.com). The United States Supreme Court states clearly that the facts provided by Alabama court, even if presented under the preserve of verbal communication, were still inefficient constitutionally in the case of Sullivan (Packard, 241). The law states’ proof of actual malice was necessary in order for compensation to be honored (Justia.com). There were no dissidents as all the judges were for the ruling in favor of New York Times. The consequences of the United States verdict in favor of New York Times led to new organizations writing and reporting freely about civil rights violations, and the

Marketing Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Marketing - Research Paper Example This plan deals with developing an online presence for Generation Y to create different marketing plans for the different brands within L’Oreal. Table of Contents Page No. 1. Introduction †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 3 2. Issue Problem †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 4 3. Analysis and Application †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 8 a. Australian Culture †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 9 b. Gender Role in Australia †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 9 c. Social Classes in Australia †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 10 d. Core Australian Values †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 11 e. Target Market †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 11 4. Application †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 13 5. Recommendations †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 14 6. References †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 16 Introduction L’Oreal is one of the largest Cosmetics and Beauty Products Company and offers a big range of hair and beauty products with 23 global brands. With headquarters located in the world fashion capital of Paris, L’Oreal enjoys a strong global presence in more than a hundred countries (L’Oreal, 2011). L’Oreal has made a division withi n its product according to their target market that is consumer products, luxury products, professional products and active cosmetics. These product ranges cater to different kinds of consumers depending on their specific needs. Issue/Problem After analyzing the marketing campaigns of L’Oreal, a few issues have been identified that could be improved so as it increase brand loyalty within the Australian market for L’Oreal. At this time, L’Oreal is a multinational product that has to compete with other cosmetic and beauty products that includes both international products and national products. With a cosmetics company, brand loyalty can be quite advantageous as consumers prefer to buy products from the same company that they are satisfied. They do not wish to invest in new brands where they are not aware of the quality of the product. The reason is because all kinds of people are conscious about their skin and the impact of cosmetics on their skin. For this reaso n, brand loyalty is imperative for cosmetics and beauty products companies and this can be developed by effectively using consumer behavior theories to bring consumers to buy a particular product (Ergin, Ozdemir and Pariliti, 2005). But for this we need to analyze the marketing problems that are apparent in L’Oreal’s marketing campaign. When brand enter into new markets, they often face certain barriers when communicating with the new consumers. The core values of these consumers are often different from that of the previous consumers and sometimes even clash with each other. For this reason, local marketers are hired for the promotion of the brand keeping in view the new consumers (Boone and Kurtz, 2011). In the case of L’Oreal, marketers in all countries follow the international pattern of marketing. The products are advertised in almost the same manner in every country. This alienates the brand as an international brand. The consumers are more confident in in vesting in brands that appear friendly and act as their friend. L’Oreal has alienated itself through its marketing. The following example shows L’Oreal advertising in two different countries, namely Australia and Japan. Though one can differentiate through the language but consumers want to see faces they can identify with. L’Oreal advertising Japan L’Oreal advertising Australia Though L’Oreal is an internationally active brand, its presence in Australia leaves a lot to be demanded. As Generation Y is increasing its

Equality and Diversity Policies Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Equality and Diversity Policies - Essay Example Although there are varied perceptions of diversity in concept and practice, one compact and comprehensive definition is provided by Esty, et al. (1995), where the authors state that:â€Å"Diversity is acknowledging, understanding, accepting, valuing, and celebrating differences among people with respect to age, class, ethnicity, gender, physical and mental ability, race, sexual orientation, spiritual practice, and public assistance status.†Diversity management, Foster and Harris (2005) opine, â€Å"Encourages innovative practices in human resource management that values employment relationship by addressing individual needs.† Potentially, employers see immense advantage in deploying demographically diverse workforce.Diversity, as opposed to equal opportunity, extends beyond legislation and focuses more on differences amongst individuals and groups. The liberal perspective has moved the diversity discourse from providing equal opportunities addressing social discriminati on to promoting and managing diversity for societal progress and advantages. Equal opportunities policies often promotes sameness in treatment of individuals; whereas, diversity focuses on managing individual differences for gaining competitive edge. Diversity connotes, gender, age, ethnic background, as well as, non-visible characteristics, like work experience and disability factors (Kersten, 2000). In this context, diverse workgroup is beginning to be recognized for its contributory value to meet organizational objectives, than merely to meet legal. and regulatory aspects. Laflà ¨che (2005) chooses a metaphor â€Å"head and heart† to emphasize the effect of diversity on the inner-workings of an organization. It is another way of saying that the entire enterprise must commit to the cause of diversity in order to make a convincing and lasting change in human resource and team management practices that is seen as consistent and

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 Assignment

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 - Assignment Example that led to escalating cost of health insurance, insufficient stress on disease prevention and lack of accessibility of medical services many Americans remained without any health insurance cover. The Medicare and Medicaid introduced in 1965 have been particular on those fitting for the medical cover and had no regard for quality or cost control (Shaw et al., 2014). The medical underwriting practices such as the use of experience rate to determine the premiums based on customer’s health and the exclusion wavers that disqualify certain common health conditions from insurance coverage put limits on accessibility of health insurance by the small business and individuals (Furchtgott-Roth & Banerjee, 2011). Furthermore, the preexisting condition clause empowered insurers’ to fails covering persons with certain medical conditions. Also, the huge service charge of administering insurance cover to individual resulted in higher premium charges than a single policy cover for a large business (Furchtgott-Roth & Banerjee, 2011). Therefore, the introduction of P.P.A.C.A. focused on reducing cost, extending insurance coverage to the uninsured Americans and controlling the gro wth of cost (Shaw et al., 2014). The main goal of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) of 2010 is to increase the accessibility of health insurance for individuals and small businesses by making it more affordable (Furchtgott-Roth & Banerjee, 2011). The affordable care act has various features that have led to increasing in expansion of insurance coverage to the citizens, limit cost growth and quality improvement of the health services. The Act has eliminated the barriers prohibiting persons with preexisting health conditions from paying higher insurance premiums or denial of access to health insurance cover and lifetime limits on coverage (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, 2013). The Act also limits the factors insurers can consider to determine premiums into four namely

Impact of Changes Brought by Rotterdam Rules Research Paper

Impact of Changes Brought by Rotterdam Rules - Research Paper Example Rotterdam Rules is the United Nations Convention for the International Carriage of Goods Wholly or Partly by Sea (Lannan). It was adopted on 11 December 2008 by the UN General Assembly and was signed on 23 September 2009 and was signed initially by 16 participating countries (Lannan). Later on, other countries also contributed to bringing the number up to a total of 21 (Lannan). Existing expansion to include door-to-door transport and extends the carriers responsibility for goods from the point of time when goods are received to the point of time when goods are delivered. (UN). The new Rotterdam Rules 2009 has a great impact on the carriers. This can be seen with respect to the changes in the provisions of liability and obligations. According to the Rotterdam Rules, the overall liability of the carrier has been increased exponentially. Under the convention, there will be a "uniform" liability regime instead of a "network" liability regime as long as there does not arise any conflict with any other international law. The various effects are discussed here as under. The convention has increased the maximum liability levels to 875 SDRs (...Imposition of liability on a carrier to ensure seaworthiness of vessel throughout the journey (UN). Increase in the limit of liability to 875 SDRs per package and 3 SDRs per kilogram (UN). Imposition of liability on carriers for a delay in delivery to an amount equal to "2.5 x the amount of freight of the cargo in question" (UN). Extension in the time to suit period by the cargo claimant against the carrier to 2 years (UN). Expansion of shipper's obligation and liability in terms of information available for hazardous cargo (UN). It supports widely the use of electronic commerce (UN). Containerization plays an important role in Rotterdam Rules and in-depth rules with details are provided (UN). Carrier's employees, agents, and independent contracts are allowed to have the same rights and obligations as enjoyed by the carrier as long as they are deemed to be "Maritime performing parties" (UN). We will now discuss the impact of this new convention with respect to the carriers, the performing parties, and the insurer. Impact on Carrier

Two separate survey Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Two separate survey - Research Paper Example For the most part, the participants are grouped together under a focus group, after having been selected from a previous quantitative survey. The major shortcoming of hybrid survey compared to mail surveys is that, it is more expensive. This is manly due to the fact that, hybrid survey involves a lot of coordination and organization, and hence requires quite a considerable amount of resources to administer. Furthermore, hybrid surveys require extensive time period for implementation. However, this form of survey is able to enhance quality than mail survey design, since it has a higher response rate, coupled with a superior response quality and validity (Ritter, 2007). For instance Wal-Mart conducts an initial online survey for most of its customers who log in to their survey portal. Subsequently, based on the answers they obtain from the participants, the company sends email and phone requests for them to participate in another structured survey. The initial survey is deliberated to obtain the participants feedback, concerning their latest shopping experience. The goal for Wal-Mart is to avoid repetition (Wal-Mart, 2011). Mail survey is a data collection technique, whereby respondents fill questionnaires in paper format and return them through mail (Zikmund & Babin, 2006). Mail surveys unlike hybrid online surveys, are not that expensive to manage. Furthermore, the same questionnaires are able to be sent to a wide number of individuals, and they are able to complete at their own expediency. However, it has the shortcoming whereby the response rates are regularly very low, especially when it comes to asking for comprehensive written responses. Notably, all entries are postmarked, and added to subsequent monthly entries (UPS, 2012). Then information and answers provided in the online surveys is used by Wal-Mart to assess and come up with possible changes that are conducive

Declaration of Independence Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Declaration of Independence - Essay Example Citizens have natural rights that the government cannot bestow or take away. The country was founded by people who believed this concept and wrote the Constitution to forever protect personal freedoms, a concept not reflective of attitudes toward freedom. To what extent personal freedom should be permitted is not the issue. Personal freedoms are an American birthright that is slowly but surely eroding over time. Whether or not the American people have the courage to protect and restore these freedoms is the real issue. The Founding Fathers displayed courage when they broke away from a tyrannical, oppressive King of England who ruled over the most powerful military at that time to establish a country where personal autonomy was considered the most precious commodity in a society. The seeds of the Founders’ concept of law and freedom emanated from Britain. The Constitution was inspired by the Magna Charta and British philosopher John Locke helped to lay the foundation for the Fo unders’ deep belief in personal freedoms. Locke defined each individual as having the right to â€Å"life, liberty and estate† (Locke, 1960 p. 448). These words have an almost identical mirror in the beginning paragraphs of the Declaration of Independence written nearly 70 years later: â€Å"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness† (â€Å"Declaration of Independence† 1776).

The Great Gatsby and a good man is hard to find Essay Example for Free

The Great Gatsby and a good man is hard to find Essay There are so many ways and means that man evolve himself into: his pursuits of his dreams, his conduct of his life as he sees it fit; his definition and interpretation of the other lives that revolve around his own life. The parallelism and yet paradoxically the extreme difference in the central characters of â€Å"The Great Gatsby† and â€Å"A Good Man is Hard to Find† – illustrate the variances and also the similarities in the lives of two different men. It is therefore necessary for man to be properly guided by his perspective in life to enable him gain his rightful place in society and in this life. The Great Gatsby: Stocks and bond became an intriguing business in the 20’s and thus it lured a curious, young, business neophyte – Nick Carraway. From his hometown in Minnesota, he moved to New York to pursue the burgeoning promise of wealth. Nick lived in a house he rents in Long Island New York in the area of the wealthy in West Egg district. He soon learned that his neighbors are all socially well connected and established with newfound wealth that makes them all aggressive, dreamy, gregarious and showy. One such neighbor is Jay Gatsby. In Gatsby’s magnificent mansion, fabulous parties and guests happen every time. And what unfolds to Nick are circumstances that mixes all the decadence there could be. Nick is distinctive from his West Egg neighbors because he is a Yale graduate and has nevertheless established connections with the high society of the East Egg district of Long Island. Nick has a cousin that lives in East Egg, Daisy Buchanan. Daisy is married to Tom, who was Nick’s former classmate in Yale University. During one visit of Nick to his cousin, Daisy and Tom introduced Nick to a beautiful young girl, Jordan Baker. Nick and Jordan become besotted, fell in love and carried a romantic affair. It was Jordan who confessed to Nick about the true state of the marriage of his cousin Daisy and Tom. It is because Tom is carrying an extra marital affair with a certain Myrtle Wilson. Myrtle lives in a not so impressive neighborhood in a dumping ground of industrial refuses that is located between New York City and West Egg District of Long Island, called the Valley of the Ashes. Indeed it has come to pass that Tom was audacious to invite Nick to join him and Myrtle to parties. The summer that came along, Nick got an invitation from Jay Gatsby for one of his famous parties. Nick attends and finds Jordan Baker already there. It was Jordan who formally introduced Nick Carraway to Jay Gatsby. Nick was impressed by Jay a someone who is extremely gregarious, pretentious, good looking, and has a very winsome smile. It was Jordan who told Nick that Jay Gatsby and Daisy Buchanan were friends way back their days in Louisville. Jay has been in love with Daisy from day one and still carries the torch to the present time. The reason why Jay pursued his dream, his social status, his wealth were all because of Daisy whom Jay wants to impress and win her love. Therefore, inviting Nick and meeting him was for purposes of Nick arranging for Jay to meet Daisy once again. It is because Jay learned from Jordan also that Nick is the cousin of Daisy. So, Nick found a way for Jay and Daisy to meet and talk. Daisy eventually got enamoured by Jay and thus the two has an affair. To which, Tom slowly became suspicious. Inspite of Tom’s infidelity, he still feels outraged that his wife has the gall to cheat on him. Tom confronts Jay and told him that he can never truly win Daisy’s heart because what they shared is something that Jay cannot out shine. Tom also confronts Daisy and told her that she is being blinded by Jay’s status, wealth and power because she does not know and will never know that what Jay Gatsby has are all from illegal businesses. Daisy eventually realizes that she loves Tom and feels she has to sustain her loyalty to her husband. A tragedy that transpired twisted all of their fate. Myrtle Wilson, the mistress of Tom was ran over by a car and died. The car is Jay Gatsby’s car and it was driven by Daisy. Gatsby could not take to heart that Daisy will be made responsible for Myrtle’s death. Gatsby decided that he will take the blame and claim that he was the one driving. Thus, it was such that Tom told George Wilson, the husband of Myrtle – that Gatsby was the one driving the car that killed Myrtle. George therefore suspected that Gatsby and Myrtle must be having an affair. George confronts Gatsby and shoots him to his death. Then George consequently shoots himself. Nick was the one who arranged for the final services for Jay Gatsby and buries him. Nick breaks off with Jordan and completely decided to leave behind the New York City life that he thought would make him pursue his dreams of wealth, prestige and power. It is because he found himself immersed in mind boggling misery of intrigue of decadent morals, greed and values. Nick concluded that there is really no such thing that can be emulated from Jay Gatsby as the epitome of an American dream fulfilled. A Good Man is Hard to Find: The family of Bailey is due for a holiday vacation and they planned to go to Florida. However, Bailey’s grandmother prefers to go to Tennessee. To win the debate, Grandmother pointed out to her son and his family that there is an escaped convict who has murdered to so many people and is on the loose. He is called The Misfit. The family was taken to the story of the Grandmother and they decided on Tennessee. On the road for their trip, the family did not know that Grandmother sneaked out her cat in a basket. She was seated at the back of the car, together with her grandson John West and her granddaughter June Star. Bailey and his wife were seated in front with their baby. Along the way, Grandmother remember at a certain section came to her recollection as the plantation that she used to live. She insisted to her son Bailey that they should stop for a while so she could visit. Grandmother enticed the family to abide by her wishes by telling her grandchildren that the house is mysterious for it has a secret panel that leads to somewhere yet to be discovered. The children got fussy and intrigued by the story and insisted that their father follows the wish of their Grandmother to visit that house in that plantation. The road was graveled and bumpy. As they all struggled thru the uncomfortable ride, Grandmother shifts her leg and it irritated the cat. The cat escaped from the basket and crawled at Bailey’s back. This caused the accident and the car turned over. However, no one is hurt. A car is seen to be soon driving by and they all waved for help. The car stops and three men approached the family of Bailey. The three men were carrying guns. And Grandmother recognizes one of man as The Misfit himself. The Misfit told the family that they have put themselves in trouble since they recognized him. The two other male companions were told to haul the entire family in the thick woods ahead of the road and kill them. Grandmother started begging The Misfit in all sorts of manner elucidating on the Christian principle that all men are good and that The Misfit does not actually have to be mean and bad. Grandmother was trying her best to convince The Misfit that he could even be her own son but nevertheless is loved by his own parents and family and God and he should be inspired by that. Grandmother assured The Misfit that he could find happiness in prayers. To it all, The Misfit nevertheless shot and killed Grandmother. The Theme: The Great Gatsby expounded on the realities of what it takes to reach ambition and goals in life. With the scenario of a prosperous decade of the 20’s the abundance of opportunities lured the Americans to pursue the heights of anything – no matter at what cost and what it takes. As Nick said in Chapter IX: â€Å"I see now that this has been a story of the West, after all—Tom and Gatsby, Daisy and Jordan and I, were all Westerners, and perhaps we possessed some deficiency in common which made us subtly unadaptable to Eastern life. † â€Å"A Good Man is Hard to Find ventures on the ethical values and faith to be generally in every human being. The conviction of the Grandmother that she could spare her family from the ire of The Misfit is based on such principle. She pleadingly tried to convince The Misfit when she said: â€Å"Listen, you shouldn’t call yourself The Misfit because I know you’re a good man at heart. I can just look at you and tell†. The Symbol: The Valley of the Ashes is the metaphorical representation in The Great Gatsby between being a success or a failure in one’s pursuit of your dreams. It is because that stretch of dumping ground separates the old rich constituents of East Egg and the place of struggle of their dreams which is New York City The cat buried deep in the basket that which eventually escaped symbolized the means that life can unfold to bring one’s fate to an undefineable track. Grandmother, with all her imaginary, fictionalized stories to earn all her whims was finally struck by the unforeseen way that the cat could bring her to her end, inspite of all the righteousness she beholds. She just has to have her way. As her granddaughter June Star said: â€Å"She wouldn’t stay at home to be queen for a day. † Works Cited O’Connor, Flannery. â€Å"A Good Man is Hard to Find†. 1993 Rutgers University Press Fitzgerald, F. Scott â€Å"The Great Gatsby†. Hayes Barton Press

The Anatomy Of The Larynx And Its Role In Phonation

The Anatomy Of The Larynx And Its Role In Phonation Why are hoarseness and change to the pitch of the voice possible complications of thyroid surgery? Complications of thyroid surgery resulting in hoarseness and changes to the pitch of the voice are a result of injury to the laryngeal nerves. Laryngeal nerve damage can have an adverse effect on the muscles that move the vocal folds (cords), hence affecting the quality of voice. Although incidence of nerve injury during thyroid operations has decreased over the last two decades(*), appropriate precautions are routinely implemented during thyroid surgery, to minimise nerve damage. The thyroid vessels are closely associated with the laryngeal nerves. Therefore, an important consideration in achieving successful thyroid surgery is the detailed understanding of the anatomy and physiology (*) of the larynx and thyroid, coupled with the surgical approach itself. Anatomy of the larynx and its role in phonation The larynx is a highly intricate organ (Figure 1) which consists of a network of cartilage, intrinsic and extrinsic muscles, and connective tissue. It is situated in the anterior side of the neck in line with the third and sixth cervical vertebrae1. The cartilages found in the laryngeal wall are the single thyroid, epiglottis and cricoid cartilages, of which the thyroid is the largest cartilage; and the paired arytenoid, cuneiform and corniculate cartilages. The arytenoid cartilages have vocal process to provide the sites of attachment for the vocal ligament, thereby permitting opening and closing movement of the vocal folds in phonation. Thus the larynx plays an important role in phonation in speech. The vocal folds (true vocal cords) are the wedge-shaped structures that protrude from the lateral surfaces of the larynx, creating a narrow aperture across their air passage known as the rima glottidis. Sound is produced when the adductor muscles such as the cricoarytenoid muscle contract. The vocal folds are then brought closer together which closes the rima glottidis thereby providing high resistance to exhaled air from the lungs. Air is then forced through the bottom edge of the vocal cord followed by the upper edge. As air passes through the vocal folds the air pressure decreases producing a Bernouli Effect* which causes the lower edge to close followed by the upper edge and finally closing the vocal folds back together. Closure of the vocal folds produces smooth, regular vibrations that create sound. Sound is then converted to voice by vocal tract resonators which shape the sound to produce various resonances. Changes to the pitch of voice depend on the degree of tension and length of the vocal folds. Alterations to pitch are largely due to actions of intrinsic laryngeal muscles, namely the cricothyroid muscle. The cricothyroid muscle stretches the vocal ligaments by raising the arch of the cricoid cartilage and tilting the lamina backwards (*) and thereby increasing the tension and length of the vocal folds (*). Therefore, contraction of the cricothyroid muscle abducts the vocal folds so that when they vibrate, high pitched sound is produced. By contrast, production of lower pitch sounds require the vocal folds to adduct, narrowing the rima glottidis and thus decreasing vocal fold muscular tension. Nerve supply to the larynx relations to thyroid gland Below the larynx lies the thyroid gland which is one of the larger endocrine glands with an abundant vascular system. The thyroid gland descends to the anterior region of the neck located deep to the sternothyroid and sternohyoid muscles from the level of C5-T1 (*). It consists of two lateral lobes connected by the isthmus that lie on the left and right side of the trachea. There may also be a small pyramidal lobe which has its superior end ascending from the isthmus towards the oblique line. A thin fibrous capsule encompasses the thyroid gland which expands into deeper parenchyma (*) of the gland. The capsule combines with the cricoid cartilage by dense connective tissue forming the suspensory ligament of Berry. Once the ligament of Berry is formed, the RLN can gain access into the larynx (*). Innervation of the larynx is important in the transmission of nerve impulses to and from the brain. The vagus nerve innervates the larynx via the external and internal laryngeal nerves, which are collectively terminal branches of the superior laryngeal nerve (SLN), and via the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN). Most intrinsic laryngeal muscles are innervated by the RLN except for cricothyroid muscle which is supplied by the external LN. The external LN descends on the outer fascia of the inferior pharyngeal constrictor muscle (*) in close association with the superior thyroid artery. The external LN can in rare occasions (*) run beneath the sternothyroid muscle, in its course, towards the oblique line of the thyroid cartilage to innervate the cricothyroid muscle. Interestingly, the connection of the artery and nerve is highly variable and new variations have been documented(*): for example, Type 1 anatomy shows the nerve crosses the superior thyroid vessels equal to, or greater than one centimetre superior to the thyroid pole. The internal LN provides sensory fibres to the larynx and the laryngopharynx after penetrating the thyrohyoid membrane. The internal LN further divides into the superior, middle and inferior branches before entering the larynx. The RLN has close contact posterior laterally (*) with the lateral lobes of the thyroid gland. It is termed recurrent because it retrogrades in the chest and continues superiorly back into the neck (*). A close association exists between the superior region of the RLN and the inferior thyroid artery. Like the SLN and the superior artery, this relationship is highly variable. The RLN can be found anterior, posterior, or through the branches of the inferior thyroid artery. The course of the left and right recurrent laryngeal nerves of the RLN reaches the larynx through slightly different routes. The right recurrent LN reaches the larynx after looping around the right subclavian artery and ascending at an oblique angle in the tracheosophageal groove (*). The nerve pierces the inferior constrictor muscle of the pharynx before entering the larynx. The left RLN route differs by looping posteriorly around the aortic arch, but like the right RLN, it ascends in the tracheosophageal groove (*) until reaches the larynx via the inferior constrictor muscle. The two main divisions of the RLN are the anterior and posterior branches. The anterior branch supplies motor fibres to all the intrinsic laryngeal muscles with the exception of cricothyroid( which is supplied by the external LN). The posterior branch is predominantly sensory and transports the sensory fibres from the larynx and laryngopharynx(*). Injury to laryngeal nerves during thyroid surgery The laryngeal nerves carry a high risk for injury during thyroid surgery which manifests voice problems such as changes in pitch and hoarseness. It is well documented that thyroidectomy is the most common cause of injury to the external LN (*). The close relationship that exists between the external LN and the superior thyroid artery predisposes the external LN to injury when the artery is clamped during thyroid surgery. Injury to the external LN results in paralysis of the cricothyroid muscle, coordinator of the vocal folds. Patients with external LN damage lose the ability to forcefully project their voice and additionally lose their upper voice register. This is due to loss of function of the cricothyroid muscle to alter the tension of the vocal folds. Occasionally, the voice becomes monotonous in character. The effects of injury to the external LN are generally subtle and unnoticeable in patients except for those whose careers largely depend on the use of their normal voice such as professional singers and orators(*). Voice function returns to normal after a few months after surgery unless injury to the external LN is permanent. Recurrent laryngeal nerve injury is still of major concern in thyroid surgery, as it is the most frequent post-thyroidectomy complication (*). Injury to the RLN frequently results from common surgical techniques such as suturing, crushing and ligating the nerve and its neighbouring branches. The clamping of the RLN together with the inferior thyroid artery during surgery can severely damage the RLN due to the close proximity of the RLN to the inferior thyroid artery. Seeing as the main functions of the RLN is to innervate the laryngeal muscles and permit abduction and adduction of the vocal folds, injury of the nerve results in paralysis of the vocal fold. In unilateral RLN paralysis, where for example the RLN is completely transacted (*), the voice immediately becomes hoarse because the paralysed vocal fold assumes a paramedian position. The lack of nerve supply results in cord flaccidty in which the paralysed vocal fold gradually atrophies. In addition, the vocal fold is unable to adduct for phonation, and abduct for deep breathing causing inadequate closure of the rima glottidis. Therefore, air will escape during phonation thereby leading to dysphonia (hoarseness). Dysphonia may either stay permanent or decline over time (*).Bilateral lesion of the RLN, however, has more serious complications. The patient with bilateral paralysis have both vocal cords in a paramedian position (*) and cannot be abducted upon inspiration leading to airway obstruction. As a result the patient exhibits biphasic stridor (*) which causes a high-pitched voice and noisy breathing. In the rare occasions the vocal fold will remain permanently paralysed after thyroid surgery and patients may experience a complete loss of voice. Possible techniques to minimise nerve damage Preventing inadvertent injury to the SLN and RLN is crucial in achieving successful thyroid operations which maintains the patients quality of voice. Intraoperative neuromonitoring of the laryngeal nerves is a way of identifying and monitoring the course of the RLN and SLN and thus, preventing its iatrogenic injury during surgery. Patients with unilateral paralysis of the RLN can undergo ansa-RLN reinnervation. Reinnervation restores tone and bulk to the intrinsic laryngeal muscles and hence restores a relatively normal voice,without interfering with the vocal fold function or structure. Conclusion The laryngeal nerves are branches of the vagus nerve. With the exception of the cricothryoid muscle, the RLN innervates the laryngeal muscles which coordinate the vocal folds for phonation. Evidently, the relationship between the RLN and the SLN and the laryngeal muscles are of great importance because damage to the laryngeal nerves result in changes in voice quality. The close relationship between the thyroid vessels and the laryngeal nerves is a primary reason why meticulous techniques are essential in thyroid surgery, to minimise injury to the laryngeal nerves and prevent voice complications. Surgical management of the complications in thyroid surgery have recently experienced great improvements(*) which safely restore the patients normal voice improving their everday life. Fig.1 Anterior and posterior view of the larynx6 Fig2. (Left) anterior view of thyroid gland http://www.trifoundation.com/gfx/ Thyroid_Diagram.jpg REFERENCES Drake,R.L.,Vogl,W and Mitchell, A W M Grays Anatomy for medical students.Elsevier, Churchill, Livingstone 2005 Tortora, G.J., Derrickson,B, Prezbindowski,K.S. Learning guide: Principles of anatomy and physiology, eleventh edition , Wiley 2006 Bliss, R.D., Gauger, P.G and Delbridge, L.W. Surgeons approach to the thyroid gland: surgical anatomy and the importance of technique. World journal of Surgery 24 (8) 891-897, 2000 Chan,W.F.,Lang,B.H.H. and Lo,C.Y.The role of intraoperative neuromonitoring of recurrent laryngeal nerve during thyroidectomy: a comparative study on 1000 nerves at risk. Surgery 140 (6) 866-873,2006 Lee,W.T., Milstein,C.,Hicks,D.,Akst, L.M. and Esclamado, R.M. Results of ansa to recurrent laryngeal nerve innervation. Otolaryngology- Head and Neck Surgery, 136(5) 450-454, 2007 Moore,K.L and Dalley, A.F. Clinically orientated anatomy.5th edition Lippincott Williams Wilkins 2006 Gosling, J.A, Harris P.F., Whitemore, I, Willan P.L.T. Human anatomy color atlas and text,fourth edition, Mosby 2002 Kumar P, Clark M, Clinical Medicine, sixth edition, Elsevier Saunders 2005 Tenta,L.T, Keyes G.R., The otolaryngologic clinics of north America. Volume 13/Number 1, February 1980 www.blackwell-synergy.com http://www.gbmc.org/voice/anatomyphysiologyofthelarynx.cfm Braverman L.E, Utiger R.D , Werner Ingbars the thyroid : a fundamental and clinical text, 8th ed. c2000

White Collar And Its Impact On The Society Criminology Essay

White Collar And Its Impact On The Society Criminology Essay Sutherland defined white collar crime as a crime committed by a person of respectability and high social status in the course of his or her occupation (Benson, 2009). According to Siegel (2012), this definition and the subsequent works of Sutherland constitute great milestone in the history of criminology. However, he notes inadequacies in this scope since it focuses on corporate criminality with emphasis on the rich and powerful members of the society. As such, definition of white collar crimes has taken a much broader perspective of the society to include corporate titans and middle-income Americans. Today, white collar crimes include credit card fraud, bankruptcy o credit frauds among others. Forms of white collar crimes White-Collar Client Fraud Common white-collar frauds include Credit card fraud, bank fraud, Health care fraud and tax evasion. Credit card fraud involves any unauthorized use of a credit card to purchase merchandise or services. There are several ways a criminal can go about committing this crime. The thief can do it the old-fashioned way and pick someones pocket. Before the victim realizes his wallet is gone, the thief can buy thousands of dollars worth of merchandise number by sending a fake e-mail asking for it. Some thieves even go through garbage looking for carbon copies of credit card transactions, just to steal the number (Benson, 2009). Finally, a criminal could commit credit card fraud by obtaining a real credit card through false pretenses. The law allows those who are hopelessly in debt to be relieved of that debt by declaring bankruptcy, that is, an official promise not to borrow any more money for a set period of time. White-collar criminals can exploit these laws to get out of paying debts, and then change their identity so that new loans can be secured. According to Siegel (2009), bank fraud may include cheque forgery, check kitting, sale of stolen cheques, presentation of false statements on loan application and unauthorized use of ATMs. In the U.S, bank fraud attracts a penalty of $1 million fine or imprisonment of up to 30 years (Benson, 2009). Health care fraud occurs when people take advantage of health care providers, health insurance companies, or government health care programs, such as Medicaid and Medicare, to wrongfully gain money. The number-one type of health care fraud involves billing patterns. Doctors will perform a small task for a patient, such as treat them for a cold, but will bill the insurance company for some-thing more serious, such as setting a broken leg. In some billing fraud cases, every bill sent from the fraudulent doctors office to an insurance company was exaggerated in some way. Other types of health care fraud include kickbacks la sum of money paid illegally in exchange for favors), billing a premium rate for services performed by a person less qualified than the billing doctor, and billing for unnecessary equipment (Friedrich, 2010). Law enforcement has found significant health care fraud going on at all types of health care facilities: hospitals, doctors offices, ambulance services, laboratories, drug stores, medical equipment suppliers, and nursing homes. These frauds lead to misappropriate of government revenue resources and is likely to compromise health cover programs (Benson, 2009). Low income earners stand to suffer more in the event of collapse of such medical covers. The government may be forced to increase taxes to sustain the inflated health budgets this subjects a heavier tax burden to the public. Tax evasion is also another form of white collar client fraud in which errant taxpayers evades paying part or sum of taxes on the money earned. In this crime, the direct victim is the government while the general public is the indirect victim. According to Benson (2009), tax evasion is a challenging issue for criminological studies since many U.S citizens and organizations report cooked books of account. Unfortunately, it is difficult to draw a line between accountancy errors and tax evasion strategies. It is important to note that taxes collected by the government are used to finance public projects including education, health and infrastructure among others. Therefore, tax evasion has a long term impact on the general public as the government fails to collect enough or budgeted revenues to finance such projects. White-Collar Influence Peddling In this type of crime, individuals holding influential institutional positions sell their influence to outsiders who have interest in information about the institution or influencing the activities of the organization. Crimes in this category include organizational or government employees taking bribes from contractors in order to award them contracts they could have otherwise won on merit. Such practices compromise the quality of service delivered since in most cases, candidates unlikely to secure contracts on merit are awarded contracts. It is also compromises the ethical process of procurement in institutions (Benson, 2009). White-Collar Chiseling White-Collar chiseling involves deceit or deception by organizations or people. Chiseling schemes normally involve overcharging or billing for items never received by customers. For instance: a garage billing a customer for auto repairs that were never performed or required. It can also entail substituting cheap brand goods for expensive brands or altering product measurements with a motive of depriving customers. According to White (2008), chiseling schemes deny customers fair treatment by bending laws of familiar and reasonable business practice. For example; Robert Courtney, a Kansas City pharmacist sold diluted mixtures of cancer medication commonly used in treatment of AIDS related diseases, lung, pancreatic, advanced ovarian and breast cancers. His criminal activities had involved 98,000 prescriptions and harmed over 4,200 patients (Siegel, 2012). It is worrying that some individuals in very sensitive professions like Mr. Courtney can willfully sacrifice lives of patients for p ersonal gains. Corporate Crime Corporate crime is a form of white-collar crime in which large and influential organizations or their agents intentionally breach the laws that require them to do social good or restrain them from doing social harm. Siegel (2012) defines corporate crime as all those injurious acts committed by people in control of large companies to further their business interests. In this case, the perpetrator of the crime is a legal entity; the corporation, and as such, the law does not lift the corporate veil to hold its agents liable. Examples of crimes in this category include false claim advertising, deceptive pricing, illegal restraint of trade and worker safety violation. In false claim advertising, firms reveal certain appealing or unique information about their products or services with the purpose of luring customers in to buying them. Such firms may not reveal dangerous information about their products. In long run, the folly nature of consumers may lead to harm such as product side effects and death among others. In illegal restraint of trade, firms are involved in conspiracy with the purpose of stifling competition by creating monopolies or maintaining their set prices. In deceptive pricing, corporations communicate misleading information to potential buyers. Collectively, these malpractices enable such corporations to deprive large sums of money from the public (Siegel, 2012). Worker safety violation involves organizations poor or unsafe working conditions which are likely to harm employees. According to Benson (2009), it has been estimated that over 20 million people in the world are currently exposed to hazardous materials or work situations. Accordingly, averages of 4 million workers are injured and 4000 die on the job each year. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has played a central position in controlling workers safety by setting standards for use of dangerous chemicals such as lead, coke, benzene and arsenic among others. Violation of these standards amounts to criminal acts. White-collar swindles This form of crimes involves an individual (purportedly a criminal) using his or her ongoing business or institutional position to fraudulently trick other parties out of their property or money. Typical crimes in this category involve investment frauds in which some corporations engage in unethical investment practices to fraud the investors. For example: in the 1929 economic depression, allegedly caused by overpricing of stocks, led to collapse of the U.S stock market. Some days before the collapse of the stock market, top investor concealed the information and sold off their holdings. The collapse left masses of the American population in extreme poverty. Other investment schemes which affected economies include the Ponzi scheme, pyramid scheme and the Prime bank scheme among others (Siegel, 2012). Green Crime and its Impact on the Society and Environment According to Siegel (2012), definition of green crime can be approached from three perspectives including; legalistic, environmental justice and Bio-centric. From the legalistic perspective, environmental crimes entail all those activities that violate existing criminal laws designed to protect the environment and/or people. This stretches to include occupational health and safety, and environmental management crimes (Siegel, 2012). According to environmental justice perspective, some organizational or government activities may have a very great impact on the environment, yet such institutions may have substantial powers to manipulate environmental laws. Therefore, this approach advocates for a broader view of green crimes and not only the laws. Bio-centric view perceives environmental crime as any human activity that has the potential to disrupt a bio-system and /or destroy animal and plant life (Siegel, 2012). This is a more thorough approach since it would criminalize any human ac tivity whether as a result of negligent or intentional or manipulation that is likely to cause harm on the earths natural resources. Forms of Green Crime and their Impact Illegal logging This crime involves harvesting, processing and transporting wood products or timber in violation of existing treaties and laws. According to Siegel (2012), it is a universal activity in timber producing countries where law enforcement is lax; especially 3rd world countries. Violations in this category include evading export duties payable on transportation of logs, ignoring legally established logging quotas, processing logs without licenses and explored legally restricted forest quotas like national parks among others. These illegal logging practices generate huge profits than legally prescribed means (Cohen, 2002). According to Siegel (2012), illegal logging has a severe impact on the environment and the society. It destroys forests, which are habitats for wildlife and thus makes some animal and plant species extinct. For example: in central Africa, illegal logging has destroyed wildlife habitat and threatened wildlife including chimpanzees and Great apes. Destruction of forests leaves the surface bare. This condition is likely to result in landslides and flash floods which have in the past killed and displaced thousands of people around the worlds. Deforestation reduces the absorption rate of carbon emissions, thus significantly contributing to global warming. Illegal wildlife Exports This involves illicit movement of wildlife commodities and contrabands across national boundaries for trade purposes. Wildlife commodities include elephant ivory, rhino horns, tiger parts, exotic reptiles and birds and tiger parts among others. Wildlife contrabands include cultural artifacts, hunting trophies, traditional medicines, live pets and wild meat among others. Poaching endangers certain animal species and threatens their extinction. Illegal wildlife exports also present a risk of spreading pests and diseases to unaffected places. Non-native species can harm the receiving habitats. For instance; in Florida, non-native species imported as pets such as Pythons were abandoned in the wild and as a result, this specie has overrun its own Everglades (Gupta, 2012). In the US, the Endangered Species Act of 1973 and the Lacey Act are some of the laws that the congress passed to protect plant and animal life. These laws established criminal and civil penalties for violation involving illegal export of wildlife. The laws also established guidelines and authorities for wildlife trade inspection at entry ports (Cohen, 2002). Illegal fishing Unlicensed and illegal fishing practices are also another form of lucrative green crime. Illegal fishing may take the form of huge factory ships operating on seas, catching thousands of tons of fish or locally operated ships confined on national waters (Siegel, 2012). This crime occurs when such ships sign on their domestic rules but proceed to operate beyond the stipulated boundaries and scope, or operate without a permit in a countrys water. Illegal fishing evades regulatory bodies and consequently, it becomes difficult for a government to monitor consumption of certain species of fishes. Lack of required equipments such standard nets, and access prohibited zones can damage an ecosystem. Therefore, this practices places some species at risk of extinction. Illegal dumping Illegal dumping involves violation of federal, state or local restrictions on dumping hazardous material in the environment. These green-collar criminals dispose of dangerous wastes in illegal dump sites because they want to avoid disposal fees. Dumped materials may include construction site wastes, used motor, oil, used machinery and e-waste among others. According to Cohen (2002), chemical compounds contain in some of these wastes attracts higher disposal fees and therefore criminals look for alternative ways of disposals. Many organizations have found a way to dispose of such stocks by dumping them in developing countries for recycling. Within relatively shorter durations, such stocks become unusable and are dumped carelessly on the environment. The chemical compounds contained in these wastes such as lead and mercury, are extremely dangerous to human. Generally, such wastes degrade the environment and affect agriculture. Illegal pollution Illegal contamination of the environment involves negligent or intentional discharge of contaminated or toxic substances likely to affect the life or natural environment adversely, into a bio-system. Common dangerous chemical compounds include mercury, asbestos, Kepone, aerosols, vinyl chloride, hydro-chlorofluorocarbons, methane, nitrogen oxide refrigerants and chlorofluorocarbons among others. Water pollutants degrade the quality of water, making it inconsumable by human and animals or to affects plant life. The Gulf of Mexico and the Exxon Valdez oil disasters are good examples of illegal pollutions that greatly affected ecosystems. Hundredths of thousands of sea animals were killed besides impairing plant life (Gupta, 2012). Exposure of the aforementioned chemical compounds into the environment collectively contribute to the ozone problem and subsequent global warming which have had an impact on global weather patterns and further threatened human and plant life.

Mission Hill springs a fountain of youth By Rashawn Haynes :: Journalism Place Descriptive Essays

Mission Hill Springs a Fountain of Youth It’s 7 p.m. on a Friday night in Boston. Jake Hedstrom and his roommates are gearing up for another weekend on Mission Hill. Hedstrom attends Northeastern University where he is a music industry major currently in his third year. He lives in a four-bedroom apartment at 98 Hillside Street with three guys that he met during his freshmen year. The apartment cost them about $450 each a month and they have been living there since September of 2003. They have an occasional party at their apartment, but tonight they are going a few doors down to a friend’s party. The place where the party will take place is also home to a group of another four Northeastern Students. All over Mission Hill there are similar events taking place on this Friday night, Northeastern, Mass Art and Wentworth students all migrating to the hill for parties at various apartments. â€Å"From the time we were freshmen, we knew people who lived up on Mission Hill and we came up and partied sometimes, and it was always a good time. I love living on the hill now, it’s a lot cheaper than the dorms and everyone I know lives up here now also,† said Hedstrom. The picture is like a scene out of "Dawn of the Dead," where hoards of the undead take to the streets, groups of students fill down Hillside, Calumet, and St. Alphonsus Streets heading to their party destinations for a night of fun. Mission Hill is home to 19,196 people in an area that is only two and a half times the size of the Boston Commons yet it is home to a large variety of Boston’s population. Mission Hill was named after the Mission Church, which sits in the heart of the hill along Tremont Street. Mission Church, which was completed in 1869, serves as the neighborhoods defining landmark,and is one of only 43 minor basilicas in the United States. The Mission school which sits right behind the church was chartered in the 1920’s as an elementary for the residents of Mission Hill. Renamed Our Lady of Perpetual Help in the 1940’s by Pope Pius XII, the church has been home to thousands of followers in its 125-year history. The area, which was once home to many English and Irish settlers, is now one of the most diverse neighborhoods in the entire city.

Gangs of New York Essay -- Film Analysis

Picture Manhattan in 1860, a time before the city had been dolled up and gotten ready for the silver screen, before the glamour and allure took over. Amsterdam Vallan (DiCaprio) is a young Irish man that migrates to the USA at a young age. Amsterdam’s story takes place in Five Points District of New York, a filthy and dangerous part of the city before it was deleted form history. As a young boy Vallan witnessed his father’s murder at the hand of William Cutting or Bill the Butcher (Day-Lewis) during one of their many gang wars. As Amsterdam’s story progresses along side The Butcher they become inseparable, but Amsterdam had ulterior motive. Ultimately, Amsterdam attempts to betray his new found ally in order to avenge his father’s death. Historical accounts of events are almost always synthesized by the storyteller; in the case Gangs of New York Martin Scorsese tells of Five Points, The Dead Rabbits Riots, and The Draft Riots, but is his fictional story a ccurate through history? "This is the place; these narrow ways diverging to the right and left, and reeking everywhere with dirt and filth... Many of these pigs live here. Do they ever wonder why their masters walk upright instead of going on all fours, and why they talk instead of grunting?" (Dickens 61) The outlandish filth described by Charles Dickens was a first hand account of the intersection of Orange Street, Cross Street, Anthony Street, and Little Water Street, better known as Five Points New York. It became the setting for many of 17th century gangs, but the most prominent were the Bowery Boys and The Dead Rabbits. This wicked part of town was known for its depravity the crimes that flooded the streets, from mugging to murder. Clearly, the slums were the place for v... ...†¢ Burrows, Edwin G., and Mike Wallace. Gotham: A History of New York City to 1898. New York: Oxford UP, 1999. Print. †¢ Cocks, Jay, Steven Zaillian, and Kenneth Lonergan. "Gangs Of New York Final Script." Web. . †¢ Dickens, Charles, and Patricia Ingham. American Notes for General Circulation. London: Penguin, 2000. Print. †¢ Ellis, Edward Robb., and Jeanyee Wong. The Epic of New York City. New York, NY: Carroll & Graf, 2005. Print. †¢ "RIOTING AND BLOODSHED; THE FIGHT AT COW BAY†¦ THE CITY UNDER ARMS." The New York Times. 6 July 1857. Web. . †¢ Sifakis, Carl. The Encyclopedia of American Crime. New York: Facts on File, 2001. Print. †¢ Slayton, Robert A. Empire Statesman: The Rise and Redemption of Al Smith. New York: Free, 2001. Print.

Rastafari Culture The Extreme Ethiopian Rasta Vs. The Mellow Dallas Ras

Rastafari Culture The Extreme Ethiopian Rasta Vs. The Mellow Dallas Rasta Many people throughout the world have a hard time understanding what it means to be a Rasta. For some their troubles in understanding Rasta’s come because they look as Rastafari as only a religion. When one does this they run into many problems. This is because Rastafari is much more than a religion. It is a way of life, a social movement, as well as a mind set. Another reason why western people have a hard time understanding Rastafari is because the movement lacks the structure that the western world is use to. A lot of people’s understanding of Rasta’s only goes as far as to think that Rasta’s are people that live in Jamaica, smoke weed, and have Dreadlocks. These people do not begin to think what is behind the movement. The idea that Rastafari is strictly Jamaican is also very wrong. Since the origination of Rastafari, the Rasta movement has expanded far beyond the island of Jamaica. Rasta’s now live all over the world. There are Rasta cultures in all parts of Europe, Asia, New Zealand, United States, and especially Africa. This paper seeks to explain Rastafari and to show it’s expansion by exposing Rasta’s culture from it’s most holy form in Ethiopia to one of it’s least holy in Dallas Texas. The Development of Rastafari The Rastafari movement stems from the teachings of the great Jamaican leader and motivator of masses, Maces Garvey. Garvey told the African people of the world to unite and to return to African, the homeland. Garvey’s vision was for the â€Å"Blacks to overcome their feelings of inferiority and build upon their own unique and evolving culture, and ultimately return to Africa to redeem their homeland and to build a future... ...own That Rasatafarians Built.† Ethiopian World Federation June 1 2002 Dubb, Adjua. â€Å"Rastrari Way of Life† JahWorks.org Nicholas, Tracy. Rastafari A Way of Life (Pamphlet no other info given) Jones, Linda. â€Å"The Rasta Way – Dallas Rastafarian community steadfastly pratices an often misunderstood religion† 08/11/96 Niceup April 4 2002 Lewis, William. Soul Rebels The Rastafari. Prospect Heights: Waveland Press, Inc., 1993 â€Å"Rastafari Campaigner Taking Cannabis Case To African Commission† South African Press Association 20 March 2002

Socratic Seminar Questions

English 1-2 1984 Socratic Seminar Questions 3. Reading and writing for pleasure promotes independent thought, but it is not dangerous. It lets you express how you are really feeling inside. It is something private that you decide whether or not someone may look at it. In the beginning of the book 1984, Winston writes in his notebook. He hesitated about it for a while before he actually began writing. He let out what was going through his mind, it was going really well but then he suddenly stopped writing. The thought that he could get caught terrified him. Big Brother considers writing and reading for pleasure to be dangerous.If people were to read and write they would realize what has been going on, and this would bring an end to Big Brother. 4. Revisionism still exists today, and we have been victims of it without us even knowing. When we were younger we would learn about Christopher Columbus and how he sailed on three ships and how he reached the Americas were he kindly greeted th e Native Americans. But is this really what happened? What they didn’t tell us was how Columbus committed genocide. He deliberately slaughtered so many of these indigenous people. Him and his crew raped, tortured, burned, and killed these Natives.We have been victims of revisionist history. I do agree that knowledge of history is powerful. If you are able to control history, you control the past. In 1984 Winston works in the Ministry of Truth were he changes the history to make it seem like Big Brother is always right. That is why the people had a blind fold over their eyes. They couldn’t realize what was really going because of the rewriting of history. 6. Thought crime, according to the book 1984 is thinking of anything that the Thought Police and the Party says is illegal. Illegal is anything that creates individuality. Individuality for the party is not good.I do believe a form of â€Å"thoughtcrime† exists in our society today. We have our own way of thinki ng that might not go along with what society or the government believes. The government has laws that many people do not agree with. But we really can’t do anything about it. We have our own thoughts that the government may not like, but the government can’t do anything about that either. 5. In the book 1984 technology helps the Party control Oceania. Today technology functions through television, radio, phones, cameras, satellites, and the internet. I believe it is used for evil. Yes, technology an be very helpful, but is it really needed? Back in time people didn’t have much technology and they were still happy. Technology now a day is used for evil things. Many people cyber bully. Because of cyber bullying many children have committed suicide. This is what technology has led to. Music is also a big part in technology that is very influential in technology. The music we hear daily have messages behind them. Most of the music is about sex, revenge, getting drun k, doing drugs, and many other things. This is what our brain is recording, these messaged are in our head. That is why I think technology can be evil.

Report on Prime Bank

CHAPTER-SIX SERVICES OFFERED BY FOREIGN EXCHANGE DIVISION 5. 1 Meaning of Foreign Exchange Foreign Exchange means exchange foreign currency between two countries. If we consider ‘Foreign Exchange’ as a subject, then it means all kind of transactions related to foreign currency. In other wards foreign exchange deals with foreign financial transactions. H. E. Evitt defined â€Å"Foreign Exchange† as the means and methods by which rights to wealth expressed in terms of the currency of one country are converted into rights to wealth in terms of the currency of another country 5. 2-Activities of foreign exchange: There are three kinds of foreign exchange transactions: Import. Export. Remittance. 5. 3 Local Regulations for foreign exchange. Foreign exchange transactions are being controlled by the following rules & regulations: ? Foreign Exchange regulation act 1947. ? Bangladesh Bank issues foreign exchange circular from time to time to control the export, import & remittance business. ? Ministries of commerce issues export & import policy giving basic formalities for import & export business. ? Sometime CCI&E issues public notice for any kind of change in foreign exchange transaction. Bangladesh bank published two volumes in 1996. This is compilation of the instructions to be followed by the authorized dealers in transitions related to foreign exchange. 5. 4 Parties involved in Documentary Credit: The parties are: ? The Issuing Bank, ? The Confirming Bank, if any, and ? The Beneficiary. ? The Applicant, ? The Advising Bank, ? The Nominated Paying/ Accepting Bank, and ? The Transferring Bank, if any. i. Importer – Buyer Who applies for opening the L/C. ii. Issuing Bank – It is the bank which opens/issues a L/C on behalf of the importer. ii. Confirming Bank – It is the bank, which adds its confirmation to the credit and it is done at the request of issuing bank. Confirming bank may or may not be advising bank. iv. Advising / Notifying Bank – is the bank through which the L/C is advised to the exporters. This bank is actually situated in exporters country. It may also assume the role of confirming and / or negotiating bank depending upon the condition of the credit. v. Negotiating Bank – is the bank, which negotiates the bill and pays the amount of the beneficiary. The advising bank and the negotiating bank may or may not be the same. Sometimes it can also be confirming bank. vi. Paying / Accepting Bank – is the bank on which the bill will be drawn (as per condition of the credit). Usually it is the issuing bank. vii. Reimbursing bank – is the bank, which would reimburse the negotiating bank after getting payment – instructions from issuing bank. 5. 5 IMPORT: Under the import policy of Bangladesh the Importer has get the valid Import Registration Certificate (IRC) from the Chief Control of Import & Export (CCI&E). 5. 5. 1- Letter of credit: Letter of Credit means any arrangement whereby a Bank (the issuing Bank) is committed (on behalf of the buyer/applicant) to pay certain amount at the seller’s disposal under some agreed conditions. 5. 5. 2 – Types of documentary credit: Documentary credit may be of three types. †¢ Revocable credit. †¢ Irrevocable credit. †¢ Add confirmed credit. Revocable credit: This type of credit can be cancelled or amended at any time by the issuing Bank without prior notice to the seller. It is not now in use. Irrevocable credit: This type of credit can’t be cancelled or amended by the issuing Bank without the agreement of parties concerned thereto. All the credits issued in our country are of irrevocable nature. Add confirmed credit: When a third Bank provides guarantee to the beneficiary to make payment, if issuing Bank fail to make payment, the L/C is called confirmed L/C. In case of a confirmed L/C a third Bank adds their confirmation to the beneficiary, to make payment, in addition to that of issuing Bank. Confirmed L/C gives the beneficiary a double assurance of payment. 5. 5. 3 Special documentary credit. There are some other special documentary credits that are given below: †¢ Revolving credit. †¢ Transferable credit. Back- to- Back credit. Revolving credit: Which provides for restoring the credit to the original amount after it has been utilized. Transferable credit: If the word ‘Transferable’ incorporated in an L/C, then the L/C is transferable. The first beneficiary can transfer transferable L/C to second beneficiary. But second beneficiary cannot transfer it further to another beneficiary. Back -To- Back credit: The Back To Back is a new credit opened on the bases of an original credit in favor of other beneficiary; under this concept the seller of the first credit offers it as security to the issuing Bank for the assurance of the second credit. The beneficiary of the back-to-back credit may be located inside or outside the original beneficiary’s country. 5. 5. 4 Operations of Documentary Letters of Credit: The following five major steps are involved in the operation of a documentary letter of credit: ? Opening. ? Advising. ? Amendment. ? Presentation. ? Settlement. Opening of Letter of Credit: Opening of letter of credit means, at the request of the applicant (importer) issuance of a L/C in favour of the beneficiary (exporter) by a Bank. The Bank, which open or issue L/C opening Bank or issuing Bank. L/C Advising: Advising through a Bank is a proof of evident authenticity of the credit to the seller. The process of advising a credit consists of forwarding the original credit to the beneficiary to whom it is addressed. Before forwarding the advising Bank verify the signature (s) of the officer (s) of the issuing Bank & ensure that the terms & condition are not in violation of existing exchange control regulation & the other regulation relating to export. If credit is transmitted via telex, advising Bank will match the test used in the telex. Amendment of Credit: Parties involved in a L/C, particularly the seller and the buyer, cannot always satisfy the terms and conditions in full as expected due to some obvious and genuine reasons. In such a situation, the credit should be amended. Presentation of Document: The seller being satisfied with the terms and conditions of the credit proceeds to dispatch the required goods the buyer and after that, has to present the documents evidencing dispatching of goods to the negotiating bank on or before the stipulated expiry date of the credit. After receiving the entire document, the negotiating bank then checks the documents against the credit. If the documents are found in order, the bank will pay, accept or negotiate to the issuing bank. The issuing bank also checks the documents and if they are found as per credit requirements, either effects payment, or reimburse in the pre-agreed manner. Lodgment: If import documents found in order, it to be made entry in the bill register and necessary voucher to be passed, putting bill number on the documents, these processes is called lodgment of the bill. Since the documents stay at this stage for a temporary period i. . up to retirement of the documents, the process is called lodgment. Bank must lodge the documents immediate after receipt of the dame, not exceeding seven (7) Banking days, following the day of receipt of the documents. Retirement of Import documents: When the importer releases the import document from the Bank by acceptance/cash payment or under post import Bank finance it is known as retirement of the import document. Refusal Notice: After examination, if the documents become discrepant, issuing Bank will through the refusal notice to the negotiating Bank with seven Banking days. Settlement: Settlement means fulfilling the commitment of issuing Bank in regard to effecting payment subject to satisfying the credit terms fully. This settlement may be done three separate arrangements as stipulated in the credit. 5. 6 Import Financing: The post import finance extends the import credit in the following forms: ? PAD (Payment against documents). ? LTR (Loan against trust receipt). ? LIM (Loan against import merchandise) 5. 6. 1 Payment Against Document (PAD): PAD Loan is created upon lodgment of import documents. This Loan is created for 21 days -the time being the tolerance for taking documents for the importer. If after 21 days the documents are not taken by the importer, the Bank may sell the imported goods to recover the given amount. 5. 6. 2 Loan Against Trust Receipt (L. T. R): Under this, Loan is allowed only to first class importers. Here only on the basis of trust without paying the Bank anything or a partial amount, the importer takes the documents. Then importer is allowed 60-90 days time to make payment. 5. 6. 3. Loan Against Imported Merchandise (LIM): Advance (Loan) against the security of merchandise imported through the Bank may be allowed either on pledge or hypothecation of goods, retaining margin prescribed on their Landed Cost, depending on their categories and Credit Restriction imposed by the Bangladesh Bank. Bank shall also obtain a letter of undertaking and indemnity from the parties, before getting the goods cleared through LIM Account. 5. 7 Export Under the export policy of Bangladesh, the exporter has to get the valid export registration certificate (ERC) from chief controller of export & import (CCI&E). The ERC is required to renew every year. The ERC number is to be incorporated on export Form & other paper connected with exports. 5. 7. 1-Receiving the letter of credit: After getting contract for sale, exporter should ask the buyer for L/C clearly stating terms & condition of export & payment. 5. 7. 2 – Procuring the materials: After knowing that the L/C has opened in his favor, the next step for the exporter is to set about the task of procuring or manufacturing the contracted merchandise. If the exporter has to procure the raw materials from another supplier (local or abroad) he has to open Back-to-Back L/C. 5. . 3 -Back-to-Back L/C: Back-to-Back L/C is one type of L/C, which is opened against lien on a valid export L/C. It is opened for inland & abroad as well. Bank will supply the following papers/documents for opening a Back-to-Back L/C: ? L/C application form. ? LCA form. ? IMP form. ? Charge document papers. The above papers must be completed, filled & signed by the party thereto. The party will submit the e ntire filled document along with application in printed form of the designated Bank. Which is also an agreement between applicant & the Bank. Procuring the materials: After making the deal & on having the L/C opened in his favor, the next step for the exporter is to set about the task of procuring or manufacturing the contracted merchandise. 5. 8 Export Financing An exporter is one who exports the goods to another customer whether in domestic country or in abroad. In exporting the stipulated goods he may require financing. So export financing may be required at two stages. Pre shipment credit. Post shipment credit 5. 8. 1 Pre shipment credit: Pre shipment credit is the credit, which is given to finance the export activities of an exporter for the actual shipment of goods. The purpose of each credit is to meet the working capital needs from the procuring of raw materials to the transportation of goods for the export the foreign country. Before sanctioning of that credit the Bank takes into consideration the credit worthiness, export performance of the exporters together worthiness all other information required for sanctioning the credit in accordance with the existing rules & regulations. Pre shipment credit takes the following forms: ? Export cash credit (Hypothecation). ? Export cash credit (Pledge). ? Export packing credit. ? Back-to-Back letter of credit. Export cash credit (Hypothecation): Under this arrangement the Bank sanction the Loan to the first class exporter because there is no security against this Loan. The letter of hypothecation creates a charge against the merchandise in favor of the Bank but neither the ownership not the possession is passed to it ( Export cash credit (Pledge): Under this arrangement the Bank advance Loan to exporte r against pledge of raw materials or exportable goods. The exporter surrenders the physical possession of goods under Bank’s effective control till the payment of dues to the Bank as security. If the exporter does not able to pay the Loan the Bank can sell the exportable goods to recover the amount. ( Packing credit: Under this arrangement credit facilities are extended against security of Railway receipt/Steamer receipt/Truck receipt/Vessel receipt, evidencing transportation of goods to the port for shipment of the goods in addition to the usual charge documents & lien of export letter of credit. This type of credit is sanctioned for transitional period from dispatch of goods to negotiations of export documents. It is mainly given for payment of factory salary & wages. ( Back to back letter of credit: Under this arrangement the Bank Finances export business by opening a letter of credit on behalf of the exporter who has received a letter of credit from the overseas buyer but not the actual manufacturer or producer of these exportable goods. Since the second letter of credit is opened on the strength of & backed by another letter of credit, it is called â€Å"Back to back† credit. The need for a back-to-back letter of credit arises because the beneficiary of the original letter of credit may have to procure the goods from actual producer who may not supply the goods unless the Bank guarantees its payment. . 8. 2- Post Shipment Credit: There is a time gap between export of the goods and realization of the proceeds. So exporter may require finance in that period to continue his business. So Bank may finance against export documents ensuring the following: 1. Export documents comply the credit terms. 2. Party’s past performance is satisfactory. 3. Any other security in c ase of export under contract. 5. 9 Foreign Remittance Foreign remittance means remittance of foreign currencies from one place/person to another place/person. In broad sense, foreign remittance includes all sale and purchase of foreign currencies on account of Import, Export, Travel and other purposes. However, specifically foreign remittance means sale & purchase of foreign currencies for the purposes other than export and import. PBL performs the remittance function with different countries. It maintains the foreign remittance in the following form: Foreign Demand Draft. Inward Outward. 5. 9. 1 – Foreign Demand Draft (FDD): A foreign demand draft is a negotiable instrument issued by a Bank drawn on ther Bank with another country the instruction to pay a certain amount to the beneficiary on demand. Remittance through demand draft may be inward or outward. 5. 9. 2 – Inward Remittance Inward remittance refers to the extent where the Bank makes payment to the client against foreign demand draft. Bank will make payment to the client by verifying the, test number, and signature of the authorized officer. Two forms as prescribed b y Bangladesh Bank are used for purchase of Foreign Currencies such as. EXP Form: Remittances received against exports of goods from Bangladesh are done by form EXP. Form C: Inward remittances equivalent to US$2000/- and above are done by Form† C†. However, declaration in Form C is not required in case of remittances by Bangladesh Nationals working abroad. 5. 9. 3 – Outward Remittance It refers to the extent where by the Bank issues foreign demand draft. The Bank charges TK. 300 per Demand Draft. Two forms are used for Outward remittance: IMP Form: All outward remittance on account of Imports is done by form IMP. T. M. Form: For all other outward remittances form T. M. is used. 5. 9. 4 -Collection of foreign currency instruments: To collect proceed of Foreign Instrument following procedures to be maintained: 1. Receive instrument with deposit slip. 2. Affix crossing stamp of the Bank. 3. Entry in the register putting IBCA number. 4. Affix endorsement â€Å"pay to the order of any Bank or trust company, prior endorsement guaranteed†. 5. Instrument to be sent to adjacent correspondents. 5. 9. 5 Miscellaneous Services given by this Department: |Student |Students who are desirous to study abroad can open file in the bank. By opening this file, bank assures the | |File |remittance of funds in abroad for study. |NRIT |‘Non –resident Investors’ Taka Account is an account by which Non-resident Bangladeshi can deposit foreign | |Account |currency for | | |investment in security of stock exchanges. For such accountholders, 5% of primary shares are reserved. | |F. C. |Foreign Currency accounts are opened in the names of Bangladeshi nationals or persons of Bangladeshi origin | |Account |workin g or self-employed in abroad and are maintained as long as the account holders’ desire. |NFCD |Stands for Non-resident Foreign Currency Deposit Eligible | | |Persons may open such accounts even after their return to Bangladesh, within six months of their arrival. | |RFCD |Stands for Resident Foreign Currency Accounts Persons ordinarily resident in Bangladesh may maintain foreign | |Accounts |currency accounts with foreign exchange brought in at the time of their return to Bangladesh from visit | | |abroad. Balance of such accounts is freely remittable to abroad. CHAPTER-SEVEN PROBLEMS & OPPORTUNITIES Problems and opportunities of prime bank limited are discussed through the sowt analysis which is given below: SOWT Analysis: By analysing the Bank’s performance, I get the following Strength opportunity, weakness and threat (SOWT). Strength: It has well reputation in the market Not engaged in unfair business practice. Officers are highly educated. Executives are highly qu alified and experienced. Bank has many attractive deposit schemes. Well-furnished and Air-conditioned Bank. Efficient management practice in the Bank. Faster (T24) software is under implementation. In Singapore there is a PRIME EXCHANGE HOUSE. In CAMEL rating Bank achieved as No. 1 Bank. Percentage of bad loss is very significant (prox. 2%) Membership with SWIFT. Good Banker-customer relationship. Weakness: Deposit is lower than advance. Long-term credit is not sufficient. Small market shares in Banking-business. In present time Bank facing liquidity problem. Daily basis interest on deposit offered by other banks. Existing PCB software does not fulfill all requirement Opportunities: Can increase the credit scheme. Can increase the advertising of the Bank. Private Banks becomes more reliable to local public. Govt. as banned some ‘Jatiya Sanchaya patra’. Threat: There are many competitors in the market. Competitors have more deposit. Govt. imposes tax and VAT on profile. Govt. pressures to reduce interest rate. CHAPTER –EIGHT CONCLUSION & RECOMMENDATION Conclusion: Bank is the largest organization of mobilizing surplus domestic savings. Attractive Savings Sche mes are offered by PBL such as Contributory Savings Scheme, Monthly Benefit Deposit Scheme, Special Deposit Scheme, Education Savings Scheme, Fixed Deposit Scheme, Prime Bank Money Scheme, Prime Bank Insured Fixed Deposit Scheme as well as different accounts to save money. Schemes are designed concentrating in different purposes to help the fixed income group people to help in need. Bank-Officials are also whole-hearted and dedicated to serve their customer with utmost care. Credit Management policies and techniques used in PBL at present no doubt is comparable to international standards. The officials follow the policy very strictly. They are choosy and conservative in sanctioning loan. The proposal is thoroughly scrutinized by the loan sanctioning authority. The total function of the credit division is monitored periodically. The bank’s classified loan to the total Advance is very low. Management and others related to Prime Bank are trying to formulate new services and products. PBL always try to increase foreign exchange through import, export and remittance. This bank always conceives amicable behaviour with exporters and helps them in their business activities as a trustee friend. It encourage importer to import goods in legal procedure and provide financial assistance for doing business smoothly. This bank contribute to our economy in a great deal by transacting remittance from different countries. Keeping this thought in the management’s mind they made different deed with several foreign banks in abroad to collect money from our service holders and remit it to our country through this bank. In Singapore bank open a â€Å"PRIME EXCHANGE HOUSE† to help our people who employed in that country. Recommendation: Prime Bank Ltd. is one of the most potential Banks in the banking sector. It has a large portfolio with huge assets to meet up its liabilities and the management of this bank is equipped with the expert bankers and managers in all level of management. So it is not an easy job to find out the drawbacks of this branch. I would rather feel like producing my personal opinion about the ongoing practices in Motijheel Branch. For the improvement of the service the following measures should be taken: ? Providing more industrial loans: It seemed to me that the bank having a large amount of deposit is not encouraging the large scale producers that much of long term industrial loans to accelerate the economy as well as to help the economy to solve unemployment problem. ? Ensure Proper Division of manpower In The Desk: There is lack of division of manpower in the branch. Therefore every body has to handle every type of banking services. This decreases the level of performance of the personnel, though it reduces monotonousness. But lack of division of manpower hampers the discipline of working environment. So customers are to wait for some time for the desired service, which is contrary to the Baking’s objective. ? Development of Human Resources: Human resource is another sector for the branch to be developed urgently. Human resources, in the branch, need to be equipped with adequate banking knowledge. Majority of the human resources must be having basic knowledge regarding money, banking, finance and accounting. Without proper knowledge in these subjects, efficiency cannot be optimised. Bank can arrange training program on these subjects. ? Ensure Proper Maintenance of Files: Prime Bank Ltd. gives personalized services. All the officers have to give concentration to the customers, while doing this they cannot properly maintain the customer files. In many cases, application forms are not properly filled up and documents are not properly filed. Every staff should try to reduce these irregularities. ? Ensure Proper Maintenance of Office Premises: Motijheel Br. is supposed to be very neat and clean and well decorated. But sometimes it loses its glamour. The facility staffs are not regular in their duties and files and papers are kept here and there by the officers during the busy hour. This habit must be changed. Moreover, the sitting arrangement is very insufficient comparing with the number of customers. So Motijheel Br. Of PBL must pay attention to this issue. ? Ensure Proper Communication System and Maintenance of Machineries: Most of the time the branch’s computers remain out of order and it is also true for the photocopiers. Attention should be given on proper maintenance of phone, computer, fax machine and photocopier. Ensure Sufficient Forms and Brochures: There are always shortages of application forms, brochures, etc. in the branch. These Forms and Brochures must be maintained in sufficient quantity. Otherwise, customer service will be hampered ? Offer Some Loan and Deposit Scheme Exclusively for The Premium Customers: All the lending and savings packages offered to the Premium cu stomers are same as offered to the general customers, excepting the waiver of service charges for Premium Ones. Prime Bank Limited should try to introduce more attractive lending and savings scheme to its Premium customers to create more business for the Bank. The Bank can pay more attention to this segment of customers, as it is the most solvent group from which income can be generated if the package is designed properly. ? Implement T24 software more quickly: Bank’s implementation of T24 software and data migration activities should continue more quickly because day to day overhead cost increases for that purpose. ? More Gifts and Discounts for The Marginal Customers: Premium Customer should be offered occasional gifts and discounts, which can make the Premium Service more attractive and keep consumer delight. The interest rates on several loan and deposit schemes should be differentiated for the Premium customers Reference By: Peter Rose. By: L. R. Chowdhury. Consultation with the Following Persons ? Iftekher Uddin, SAVP and In-Charge of General Banking Division Motijheel Br. PBL. ? Mohammad Faruq, SAVP and In-Charge of Foreign Exchange Division. Motijheel Br. PBL. ? A. K. M. Jan-e ALAM,AVP; and In-Charge of Credit Division Motijheel Br. PBL. ? Hafizur Rahman Mollik, FAVP; Supervisor of L/C opening. Motijheel Br. PBL. ? Afzalun-Nnhar,FAVP. General Banking Division,Motijheel Br. PBL. Arif Hasan Khan, EO, Credit Division, motijheel Br. PBL. ? Mohammad Abdul Matin; Principal Officer, Credit division, Head office ,PBL. ? Masum Mahmud Baqui, Principal Officer, Corporate Banking, Head Office, PBL. ? Fahmida Sultana, Officer; General Banking Division, Motijheel Br. PBL. ? MD. Rashedul Hasan Khan, Joiner Officer, General Banking Division. Motijheel Br. PBL. ? Khaleda Farhana, Jonier Officer, Gene ral Banking Division; Motijheel Br. PBL. ? Zahid Hasan; Junior Officer; Accounts Section; Motijheel Branch; PBL. ———————– Issuing Bank (Bangladesh) Advising Bank (India) Reimbursing Bank (Japan) Negotiating Bank (India)