Afghanistan and Iraq invasions by U.S. Essay Example for Free

Afghanistan and Iraq invasions by U.S. Essay In recent years, the United States of America president, George W. Bush has vowed to continue with his invasions in both Iraq and Afghanistan simultaneously. His administration has declined against United Nations objections to war on these two nations early this year. The United Nations has suggested that the United States has erred in underestimating the obligation of pacifying the two nations but instead rushed to fulfill the Bush Doctrine that was floundering (Roberts, 2003, pp. 37). Bush has therefore shown the unwillingness to swallow his pride and has persistently compromised the international community. Bush has demonstrated the same rigidity in attacking what he described as Osama Taliban allies in Afghanistan. This has led to slashing of Afghanistan prisoners openly and thus denying them the right accorded to combatants during war time. The war on these two nations has been considered unfair since US has produced an evidence that Iraq had the capability of producing biological and nuclear weapons in the near future but not now. It has also abandoned the claims that Iraq had introduced a nuclear program. This means the nations were not legitimate enemies (Roberts, 2003, pp. 27). Interesting enough, these attacks have been characterized by racial discrimination that seems to be deepening day in day out. Arabs and Muslims have been treated as the victims of the bigotry in Afghanistan. The reports that have been released by bodies that protect human rights indicate clearly that acts of discrimination against Arabs and Muslims have increased by a margin of 1700% since Bush announced the war on both of these countries (Cordesman, 1999, pp. 40). These two tribes have been discriminated in the lines of cultural discrimination that is concerned with hatred against crimes, discrimination in employment and perpetration from those who get misinformed about them through airwaves, street corners and schools of the United States of America. The other areas in which discrimination has been pronounced include the policies that have been enacted by America relating to the immigration control procedures and ethnic profiling. These policies have damaged and frustrated the lives of many Muslim and Arab families that were innocent (Cordesman, 1999, pp. 30). It is mostly viewed all over the world that America’s occupation of these two Muslim nations is a move to Americanize the zones culturally, politically and economically. This is the reason why all international organizations are crying foul upon America troops to leave these two nations alone. This call has however received a great resistant and harsh response from America. The occupation of these nations has led to freezing of charity assets and promoted anti Islam media campaign that has angered many Muslims. This behavior has made Muslims feel that they are treated as potential terrorists not as potential individuals. According to Bush, a good Muslim allows occupation of his land, freezing of financial assets, killing of his people and destruction of social fabric. These are not acts to curb violence and terrorism but driving the country to political and economic sabotage (Dale, 2004, pp. 34). According to Article 51, chapter VII of the United Nations Charter, the concept of the Right of Self Defense has been violated by Bush. This is because it states that a country should not be disrupted by force so long as it is willing and able to provide defense for itself. Occupation of these two countries has been treated as mayhem by their nationals because they feel that they should be left alone because they have the ability to protect their citizens and their assets.This is supported by the continuous attacks of US troops by their Muslim counterparts (Dale, 2004, pp. 35). Reference: Roberts Jeffery, 2003. The Origins of Conflicts in Afghanistan. Mahwah, NJ, Praeger Publishers, pp. 27, 37. Cordesman Antony, 1999. Iraq and the War of Sanctions: Conventional Threats and Weapons of Mass Destruction. Mahwah NJ, Praeger Publishers, pp. 30, 40. Dale Stephen, 2004. The Garden of the Eight Paradises: America and Afghanistan. Oxford, Oxford University Press, pp. 34, 45.

Preparedness Of Governments In Natural Disasters Environmental Sciences Essay

Preparedness Of Governments In Natural Disasters Environmental Sciences Essay Normal adjustments of the earth is hazardous to human. Internal and external process of the earth causes natural hazard that destroy human life and property. Natural hazards includes earthquakes, volcanoes, flood, drought, solar flare and asteroids impacts. Manmade emergenciess are caused due to human malpractices like bomb blasts, but the victims are always innocent people. The purpose of conducting the study is to analyses the nature of emergenciess happened in every now or then across the globe. The research objectives are documenting the effects of natural and human induced emergenciess in developed and developing countries and the preparedness by government of such countries. A methodology to produce forecasts of possible loss (of human life and property) caused by different emergenciess, in order to establish the cost-benefit of alternatives and ensure successful emergency preparedness policies and adequate economic resource allocation. McEntire et al.(2003a) had given several interrelated concern in theoretical developments in the field of emergency preparedness like definition of emergency , emergency management ,the variables that should be studied in acedemic research and the actors that should be employed in such studies along with the phases that require priority . so the theoritical aspects must retain: The findings from prior research in this field , continue to search for a acceptd definition of emergency. Seek an alternative name for the field of emergency management(like emergencies management, risk management , sustainable hazard management or emergenciesvulnerable management). Emergency management must also acknowledge all types of hazardsLike natural, technological or civil Establish a multi casual view about emergencies and complexity associated with it so that large number of variables can be studied Involvement of each and every factor associated with emergency wheather it is public, private or non profit sector Maintaining a reliance on the phase of emergencies i.e mitigation, preparedness, response or recovery Integrate research from each of the contributing discipline like haard and vulnerability analysis, land use planning, planning, training, exercising, community education, grant acquisition, budgeting and sheltering To reduce the effects of emergenciess, governments of every country incorporating various technologies that has developed now days.These technologies helps in finding places where emergencies can take place and with proper management and planning efforts are made to stop that emergencies before it happen or to reduce the vulnerability of such emergenciess.As this aspect is very closely related to people it require proper planning and effectiveness of government. For achieving the goal of making country emergencies free ;emergencies management has come in the scene. Planning for emergencies provides a mechanism for the functioning of various agencies for the management of natural and technological emergencies (Moin 2007). It provides a policy framework and outline for the action according to the type , nature and complexity of emergency . It develop a mechanism for determining roles and responsibilities of agencies at every level whether it is national, state or local(Moin 2007b). A s tandard operational procedure (SOP) is stated for all departments involves in emergency preparedness. Emergencies: Meaning, Nature and Scope Emergenciess and vulnerabilities includes various types so it is a vast topic of study .not only the whole world but also the universe is the span of area in which any type of emergencies can occur. Researchers and scientist of different fields are focusing on their particular area of study. They spread their knowledge and finding with others time to time to reduce these emergencies to happen. Their study and researches helps would-be victims on time through political and social groups. About emergenciess researchers with their own knowledge, past facts, figures, findings, experiments, surveys, discoveries create a new fact and findings and inform to different parts of world. A necessary knowledge of all emergenciess that happened in the past and their probable causes is essential to develop a theoretical framework of study and finding solutions of the problem under research. Emergencies is the group of two words dis means Bad and aster means Star. The word has roots from astrology which means that when the stars are in a bad position a bad event will happen. According to Encyclopedia Britannica emergencies means a natural and manmade hazard that negatively affects society or environment. According to IFRCRCS on an average every years the world is facing 220 calamities among which 70 are technological emergencies, and in a general survey we see each day 2 or 3 emergencies in emergency phase, 15-20 in their recovery phase almost dozen in progress. Emergencies are now very common feature of human life extreme events can happen any time. (Jeffery 1981) The definition given by Quarantille in his book (what is emergencies by Quarantille 1984) is varied and detailed and can be inferred as emergencies are social in character. Another researcher Gilbert defines it as a state of uncertainty. Fritz(1961)interpreted it as a state in which social life get disturbed become dysfunctional to a greater extent . Here the discussion on the topic arises that whether emergencies studies are art or science as sociologist define emergencies in social, economic, cultural aspects where geophysical scientist engineers give different perspectives of emergencies Classification of emergencies: 1) Potential: Emergencies which are Armed, it is a situation where the hazard is in the position to affect persons, property or environment. This type of hazard requires risk assessment at proper time. Active: hazard is certain to cause harm, as no intervention is possible before the incident occurs. 3) Mitigated: potential hazard that has been identified, but actions have been taken in order to ensure it does not become an incident. This may not be an absolute guarantee of no risk. Emergencies on land surface Earthquake: Sudden disturbances in the plates of earth surfaces is called earthquake. Lahar: It is a natural emergencies in which volcanic eruption releases vast amount of mud, rock and ash at a rapid pace that destroy entire towns in seconds. Landslide and mudflows Landslides caused by earthquakes and volcanic eruptions when heavy rainfalls causes loose soil or steep terrain to collapse and slide downwards called mudslides. It is mostly found in California. Sinkholes:A localized depression in the surface topography, usually caused by the collapse of a subterranean structure, such as cave. Large sinkholes that develop suddenly in populated areas can lead to the collapse of buildings and other structures. Hydrological Flood: Water bodies overflow due Prolonged rainfall ,rapid melting of snow that causes heavy damage to nearby areas , destructing manmade dams . 2. Liminic eruptions: It is a rare type of natural emergencies in which CO2 suddenly erupts from deep lake water, posing the threat of suffocating wildlife, livestock and humans. 3. Seiche: It is a standing wave in an enclosed or partially enclosed body of water like lakes, reservoirs, bays and seas causes heavy destruction. 4. Tsunami: A tsunami is a wave of water caused by the displacement of a body of water. The word comes from Japanese word meaning harbor and wave. Tsunami can be caused by undersea earthquakes as in the 2004 Indian Ocean Earthquake, or by landslides such as the one which occurred at Lituya Bay, Alaska. Metrotsunami are caused by Climatic 1. Blizzard: A severe winter storm condition characterized by low temperature, strong winds, and heavy blowing snow. 2. Drought: An abnormally dry period when there is not enough water to support agricultural, urban or environmentalwater needs. 3. Hailstorm: A hailstorm is a natural emergencies where a thunderstorm produces numerous hailstorms which damage the location in which they fall.hailstorm is devastating to farm fields , ruining crops and damaging equipmaents. 4. Heat wave: A heat wave is a emergencies characterized by heat which is considered extreme and unusual in the area in which it occurs. Heat waves are rare and require specific combinations of weather events to take place, and may include temperature, katabatic winds, or other phenomena. The worst heat wave in recent history was the European heat wave of 2003. There is also the potential for longer term events causing global warming, considered as the opposite to glacial ice age events, or through human induced climatic warming. 5. Hurricanes, Typhoons and tropical cyclones: A cyclonic storm system that forms over the oceans. it is caused evaporated water that comes off of the ocean and becomes a storm. The Coriolis Effect causes the storms to spin, and a hurricane is declared when this spinning mass of storms attains a wind speed of 100km/hr. 6. Ice Age: An ice age is a geologic period, but could also be viewed in the light of catastrophic natural emergencies, since in an ice age, the climate all over the world would change and places which were once considered habitable would then be too cold to permanently inhabit. A side effect of an ice age could possibly be a famine caused by world wide drought. 7. Tornado: A tornado are violent, rotating columns of air which can blow at speeds between 50 and 300 mph, and possibly higher. Tornadoes can occur one at a time, or can occur in large tornado outbreak in other large areas of thunderstorm development. Waterspouts are tornadoes occurring over tropical watersin light rain condition. Fire 1. Wildfire: An uncontrollable fire burning in wild land areas. Common causes include lightening and drought but wildfires may also be started by human negligence or arson. They can be a threat to those in rural areas and also wildlife. Health and diseases 1. Epidemic: An outbreak of contractible disease that spreads at a rapid rate through a human population. A pandemic is an epidemic whose spread is global. There have been many epidemics throughout history like swine flu. 2. Famine: A social and economic crisis causes widespread malnutrition, starvation, epidemic disease and increased mortality. Although some famines occur aggravated by natural factors, it can and often is a result of economic or military policy that deprives people of the food that they require to survive. Space 1. Impact event: An impact event is a natural emergencies in which an extraterrestrial piece of rock or other material collides with the Earth. The exact consequences of a direct Earth impact would vary greatly with size of the colliding object, although in cases of medium to large. 2. Solar flare: A solar flare is a phenomenon where the sun suddenly releases a great amount of solar radiation, much more than normal. It is theorized that these releases of radiation could cause a widespread failure of communications technology across the globe. The exact implications of such a failure are unknown. Other type of emergencies is unintended unplanned because of failure to recognize the emergencies on time plan to rescue. Research in the field of emergency preparedness is process rather than a outcome (Wisner et al. 2002). Dynes et al.(1978) describe it as a social pathology. The dynamics of research related to emergency preparedness exposes the reality of rehabilitation activities that started after any emergency. The concept of emergency preparedness emphasizes on creating places which are less vulnerable to natural and technological hazards and that are resilient to any risk (Mileti et al.1990). Sustainable hazards mitigation consists of 5 elements: environmental quality, quality of life , emergency resilience economic vitality and inter and intra -generational equity(Ronan et al.2006:91). For sustainable development of country; the public risk management schemes should work with communities . Risk reduction and mitigation are the core elements of emergency preparedness by governments . Emergency preparedness is a process of preparation before the occurrence of any emergency (e.g emergency evacuation, quarantine or mass removal of contaminants )(Quarantilli,1980). Emergency preparedness is aiming to develop preventive methods , management platforms and collision reduction in policies and practices . it can be separated in 4 groups namely Preparedness(prevention and recovery planning) Response(action before and during the emergency) Recovery(action taken after the hazard takes place) Mitigation(continuous action)(Godschalk,1991:142) Authorities elected for accomplishing the above task are best positioned to execute the planning process ;activities at individual, group or community level affects each others level but the one sided or the government response in emergency preparedness should be very effective as the matter is closely related to the security measures which is the prime responsibility of government. An efficient emergency preparedness relies on officials integrity that include honesty, sincerity, punctuality, justice, fairness, truthfulness along with their expertise, systematic knowledge and self control . Problem statement Preparedness for emergencies can be tested only in realistic environment where the integration, stamina and restorative powers of large scale system can be checked. The research will tackle two very important problems hampering the reduction of emergencies losses in developing countries: The lack of economically and rapidly produced inputs for risk (damage) assessment, preventing the cost-benefit implications of emergencies mitigation and prevention measures to be assessed. The lack of clarity related to the integration of risk assessments into the planning and management process. This research indirectly explores theme issues in emergency preparedness such as cultural attitude of people about constructions and development, political willingness to conduct project for peoples welfare, dangerous locations of constructions (Quarantelli et al. 1977); as it is Govt responsibility to systematically analyse risk related to the type of hazard, possible time, and a its planning to rescue people from potential emergency. Physical and social scientist have different answers of these questions sociologist find answers in the form , functions and mutation of social system ;where engineers have a rough , intuitive idea of physical forces like earthquakes ,explosions, crashes that require to cause heavy disruptions in social system. Their advice is often emphasizing on policy formulations whereas social scientist predict the consequences on human being. Although their methodologies are different to work on emergencies they work with common objectives and try to find solution to the problem and well being of people.Emergencies management like all other sociological and humanities subjects deals with people, their well being, growth. It focuses on making civil lives secure and safe. Emergency preparedness is a subject of arts as well as science: So far emergencies is defined mostly by sociologist economist. Emergencies phenomenon is multi aspect and the social economical conditions of world are changing continuously so parameters of defining emergencies are also changing. As the time changing it is now including other streams also like geophysical engineering, geography, anthropology, sociology, developmental studies, health science, social psychology. Emergency preparedness and role of governments National government is expected to take prior action for every possible emergency. There are several reasons to focus on government reactions on emergency preparedness: Government is responsible for implementing government policies (perry et al.1984) Government is most trusted body elected by people (Herman 1982) Transition of power from federal to local government (May , 1985) The comprehensive plans of emergency preparedness make it easy for all parties to co-operate with the federal , state and local governments.(Cigler , 1987) Governments has close involvement with hazards , as they control many effective tools to reduce vulnerability to hazards such as land use regulations and building codes enforcement(Prater,2000). Local government has more involvement along with armed forces on the social responsibility of state government. The governments willingness and capacity to meet new expectation is often lacking. Intergovernmental problems causes failure in implementation of plans (Cigler, 1987). Lack of investment in preparedness and response capabilities become quickly obvious at the time of an emergency (Davis, 2007). The dilemma of credibility and government commitment in deciding the best model to reconstruct infrastructure is one of the most challenging. (Davis 2007).Local government usually pays less attention to issues based on assumption that emergencies occurs rarely. Local government assumes that their responsibility in emergencies relief are limited like providing road repair or crime prevention. T he concept of preparedness planning is subsequently lost(ICMA 2003). The government should aware of the principle in any emergency that occurred on the crucial participation of affected communities ,how to provide income generation, rebuild social support networks, activities essential for maintaining cultural identities and reviving and conserving the often protective but vulnerable ecosystem(Johnston et al. 2001) The major concern is how to involve local people in preparations management of emergency situations. Each citizen should aware about public safety rights. One major inference that can be drawn from the history of emergencies that natural emergencies are happening from the day earth evolved but man made emergencies are born in 21st century. Some threats are perpetuated over time and across space creating a emergencies culture replete with unsustainable practices. Other like human induced threat like terrorism are equally complex as they are equally challenging to detect on time, warning response due to their adaptive nature means if terrorist detected they immediately change their target, location ,method of delivery or scale of attack. In such situation it is very difficult to access all the points of vulnerability even by modern technology. Research objectives Enlisting of probable natural and manmade emergenciess by analyze statistics related to emergencies. To find the root causes of emergenciess and Suggesting finding new methods, measures technologies so that root causes can be eliminated or reduced. To develop a methodology for providing timely and economically feasible inputs for assessing the emergencies that are risky to people and assets. To establish how to effectively incorporate risk assessment into the process of strategy formulation, with particular emphasis on its contribution to establishing the cost-benefit of mitigation measures. Obtaining inputs from National Emergencies Management Agency/other national /state institutes. Risk and vulnerability mapping. To evaluate the use of GIS as a tool for Data storage and integration interoperability. Identification of stakeholders convening meeting of stake holders. Exploring Technological and managerial methodologies for effective working of emergency preparedness cell to forecast emergencies rescue people in post emergencies period. Developing training information system features to increase people participation during such emergencies. Finding causes of failure of emergencies management network in some cases. Inter linkage of developmental programmes with emergency preparedness programmes. Evolving legal framework for emergencies mitigation. Coordination with civil society organization, corporates, etc. Media management plans. Emergencies are not equally distributed among all locations and social groups or we can easily infer after seeing the history of geographically distributed map of world that countries which are less developing in terms of economy are more threatened by natural emergencies in comparison to developed one. One reason may be that due to advance machinery, science, technology and fund sources natural emergencies are mitigated on proper time. Developed countries in present era are suffering from man made emergencies like terrorism, although developing countries are not away from such emergencies .but in developed countries such emergencies cause heavy to very heavy destruction to property and infrastructure that even shake the whole world in a minute where in developing countries mostly bomb blast are the common method of spreading terrorism which mainly causes loss of human life. For government, NGOs and local people some factors related to emergencies safety should be illustrated properly: Identification of risk or emergencies: every person concern should be aware about the risk associated with the area they exist whether it is residential or workplace. Then the root cause behind the risk. Why that risk can occur any time should be clear to every body associated. Decision making ability during emergencies: this can be achieved through training and simulation process. All that have threat of emergencies should know what to do when emergencies occur so minimum loss they suffer. Perception behavioural linkage: role of fear, emotions, trust, personal responsibility altruism in risk perception risk sharing emergencies response. Emergence convergence: role of emergent technologies, organizations, social groups in anticipatory planning for and response to emergencies, role of convergence in response and conditions that support adaptive behaviour during crisis. Universality replication: Through localized case studies after event analyses broader generalization of human response to environmental threats unexpected events are concluded. Thesis organisation The thesis is divided into six chapters: First Chapter describes the purpose of the study, the main problem to be addressed, the research objectives and the reasoning behind the selection of the case study. In terms of the purpose, the effects of natural and human induced emergenciess in developing and developed countries are documented. It addresses the need to produce forecasts of possible loss attributable to the different hazardous events that could take place, and their use for establishing the cost-benefit of alternatives to ensure successful urban policies and adequate economic resource allocation. Second Chapter, a general literature review is presented. The chapter begins with a review of the calls made by the various international organisations dealing with emergencies and issues on the subject of emergencies mitigation planning. The second part of this chapter presents studies conducted in this area and then the scope for improvent for better decision-making process in emergencies-prone areas should include Third Chapter explains Indian scenerio of emergency preparedness in terms of bye-lawa , policies and strategies. A set of guidelines for early warning sysrtem, mitigation, prevention and preparedness is documented. Four Chapter is devoted to reviewing current views and methodologies for population and building vulnerability and risk determination for emergenciess.A description of the methodology that will be utilized, as well as a description of the required data inputs The problems is analysed with proper datasets. Emergencies data collected and analysed across the Globe. Method of analysis is presented and approach adopted for emergencies management by government in developing and developed countries is described with risk modelling.The damage data to be used for testing the methodology in the case study will be described. Fifth Chapter presents 26th July 2005 flood in Mumbai city as a case of emergency preparedness by government of India and emergency preparedness policy is analysed and various relevant regulations are discussed. The stakeholders are identified and both their roles and responsibilities are analysed. Sixth Chapter has the results of the risk assessment and analyse the implications of these results for the formulation of planning, strategies and policies. The results of the research are presented along with recommendations for further research. Literature review Literature review Various researchers have worked on issues related to emergencies, hazards and risks etc. These issues are interdisciplinary and interdependent .In literature review chapter the objective is to know about their study and results they derived in this field. Efforts of institutions like United Nation and programmes launched in this field are also documented in this chapter. Samuel princes doctoral dissertation in 1920 , in which he invested the response to the 1917 Halifax shipping explosion , has had an enormous impact on emergency research (Scanlon, 1988;Scanlon et al. 2001). In 1942 the first theoretical research was done by Pitrim Sorokin in Man and society in calamity. Sorokin found a promising direction for resolving crisis in a calamity situation by developing integral knowledge and values culture into personal and collective action in social organistion (Ford et al. 1996) Classical notions were contributed by : Fritz in 1961 (restorative community: a collaborative effort with a mission to build the capacity and sustainability of organisations, initiatives and networks); Thompson et al. in 1962 (artificial community: accidentally come together for short time); Thompson et al. in 1962 (mass assault: a violent onset or attack on a community by physical means); Barton in 1969 (unselfish community: deliberate pursuit of the interests or welfare of others or the public interest); Taylor et al. in 1970 (the utopian community: an ideal community or society); Parr in 1970 (emergence: the act of emerging a disaster response structure); Bardo in 1978 (emergent behaviour: communities operate in an environment, forming more complex behaviours as a collective). Meaning of disaster According to Encyclopedia Britannica, Disaster is the group of two words dis means Bad and aster means Star. This means disaster caused when stars comes in bad position. Disaster means a natural and manmade hazard that negatively affects society or environment. Jeffery 1981 Disasters are now very common feature of human life extreme events can happen any time. The definition given by Quarantille in his book (what is disaster by Quarantille 1984) is varied and detailed and can be inferred as disaster are social in character. Another researcher Gilbert defines it as a state of uncertainty. Fritz (1961) interpreted it as a state in which social life get disturbed Sociologist define disaster in social, economic, cultural aspects whereas geophysical scientist engineers give different perspectives of disasters According to  Leo Buscaglia Normal adjustments of earth are hazardous to human. Internal and external process of the earth causes natural hazard that destroy human, wildlife and property. Natural hazards include earthquakes, volcanoes, flood, drought, solar flare and asteroids impacts. On These two big forces, we have very little control over external forces. What really matters is the internal force. How do we respond to them? Centre for research on the Epidemiology of Disasters defines a disaster as a situation or event, which overwhelms local capacity, need arises for national or international assistance; an unforeseen and often sudden event that causes great damage, destruction and human suffering. Studies conducted in this area The United Nations launched a study program to aware people to get prepared against emergencies. The study stated that: To increase the capacity to mitigate the emergencies of every country, with special attention being given to assisting developing countries in assessing disaster damage potential, and in establishing early warning systems and disaster-resistant structures. To apply scientific and technology for preparing strategies considering the cultural and economic diversity of the country. To encourage scientific and engineering endeavor aimed at addressing gaps in knowledge so that loss of life and assets get reduce. To spread latest and existing technical information related to measures for assessing, predicting and mitigating natural disasters. Transfer of technology, demonstration of projects, education and training, and to evaluate the effectiveness of those programmes is another important aspect of emergency preparedness. In 1994 the member countries of the United Nations launched a program for Strategy and action plan for a Safer World, which provided the guidelines for disaster prevention, preparedness and mitigation. The Yokohama strategy emphasizes the following issues: Human and institutional capacity-building for quick response during disaster Compilation and sharing of information via networking at regional, national and international level Risk assessment as well as the monitoring and communication of forecasts should be done at appropriate time Sub-regional, regional and international cooperation is essential Efficient mobilization of resources is necessary United Nations initiatives and in the context of the American continent, the Organization of American States (OAS, 1991) has made a report stating: In the integrated development process projects for emergency preparedness is one of the priorities of governments. Policies for risk reduction in evaluating investment projects Expenditure for prevention activities relating to rehabilitation, relocation and reconstruction are increased. United Nations Disaster Relief Co-coordinator (1991) stressed that, To some extent, the task of government of hazard prone countries relates to gathering, processing and presenting data to allow a series of questions to be answered so that decision-makers can formulate successful strategies. United Nations definitions (1991) to explain how risk is assessed are provided and a summary is made regarding the disciplines concerned: H Rs Rt V v E Conceptual Flowchart of Risk Assessment Natural hazard (H) determination includes the estimation of the possibility of occurrence of a potential natural hazard. The disciplines concerned are earth and atmospheric science. Vulnerability (V) determination involves the estimation of the degree of loss suffered by a set of element at risk , caused because of occurrence of a emergency of a given magnitude and expressed on a scale from 0 (no damage) to 1 (total damage). The disciplines concerned are human geography, construction engineering, etc. The Elements at risk (E) include the people, infrastructure, public services, other as

Apoxyomenos and the Role of Athletics in Ancient Greek Culture :: Essays Papers

Apoxyomenos and the Role of Athletics in Ancient Greek Culture According to Marilyn Stokstad, "the visual arts are among the most sophisticated forms of human communication, at once shaping and being shaped by their social context (xxxviii)." As this quote implies, artistic pieces invariably are a reflection of the culture in which they were created. Thus, art is a potent means of deciphering the values and belief systems of ancient societies. Apoxyomenos (330 BCE), or The Scraper, created by the sculptor Lysippos, is an enduring testament to the importance ascribed to athletics by the citizens of ancient Greece. Artistically, Apoxyomenos deviates from the standard Classical representation of male athletes. The majority of Classical sculptors portrayed athletes actively engaged in competition. However, this figure is gazing into the distance while removing oil and dirt from his body using a strigil (Stokstad, 165). This practice was commonly associated with athletes in ancient Greece and, thereby, communicated to the viewer that this was a piece pertaining to athletics. Athletics were an expression of the philosophical, religious and civic values that were at the very heart of Greek culture. In the world of the ancient Greeks, well-educated individuals were expected to be balanced mentally, spiritually, and physically (http://www.mediaconcero.com/olympic/olympia/ideal_o.php, September 27, 2004). It was felt that athletics aided in the creation of such an individual. Athletic events during this period were not simply displays of physical prowess, but an integration of the facets of Greek culture. Education and intellectual discourse were accessories to athletic events. During competitions, spectators would engage in lectures and philosophic conversations concerning current events and other scholarly subjects. In fact, the Greek word for "gymnasium" was the same as the Greek word for "school (http://www.mediaconcerto.com/olympic/olympia/ideal_o.php, September 27, 2004)." Athletic events became a center of learning and exchange of ideas in Greek civilization. Athletic events at this time were also closely related to the religious beliefs and practices of the Greek citizens. Each competition was devoted to a specific pagan god. For example, the patron of the Olympics was Zeus. The Greeks believed that the physical strength and ability of athletes was a direct gift from the gods (http://www.meiaconcerto.com/olympic/olympia/ideal_o.php, September 27, 2004). Therefore, each athlete competed not only in honor of his city-state, but also in honor of the gods. Civic implications were also apparent in ancient Greek athletics. The ancient world was one of constant conflict and political turmoil, and it was necessary for each city-state to possess a strong military in order to preserve their autonomy. Apoxyomenos and the Role of Athletics in Ancient Greek Culture :: Essays Papers Apoxyomenos and the Role of Athletics in Ancient Greek Culture According to Marilyn Stokstad, "the visual arts are among the most sophisticated forms of human communication, at once shaping and being shaped by their social context (xxxviii)." As this quote implies, artistic pieces invariably are a reflection of the culture in which they were created. Thus, art is a potent means of deciphering the values and belief systems of ancient societies. Apoxyomenos (330 BCE), or The Scraper, created by the sculptor Lysippos, is an enduring testament to the importance ascribed to athletics by the citizens of ancient Greece. Artistically, Apoxyomenos deviates from the standard Classical representation of male athletes. The majority of Classical sculptors portrayed athletes actively engaged in competition. However, this figure is gazing into the distance while removing oil and dirt from his body using a strigil (Stokstad, 165). This practice was commonly associated with athletes in ancient Greece and, thereby, communicated to the viewer that this was a piece pertaining to athletics. Athletics were an expression of the philosophical, religious and civic values that were at the very heart of Greek culture. In the world of the ancient Greeks, well-educated individuals were expected to be balanced mentally, spiritually, and physically (http://www.mediaconcero.com/olympic/olympia/ideal_o.php, September 27, 2004). It was felt that athletics aided in the creation of such an individual. Athletic events during this period were not simply displays of physical prowess, but an integration of the facets of Greek culture. Education and intellectual discourse were accessories to athletic events. During competitions, spectators would engage in lectures and philosophic conversations concerning current events and other scholarly subjects. In fact, the Greek word for "gymnasium" was the same as the Greek word for "school (http://www.mediaconcerto.com/olympic/olympia/ideal_o.php, September 27, 2004)." Athletic events became a center of learning and exchange of ideas in Greek civilization. Athletic events at this time were also closely related to the religious beliefs and practices of the Greek citizens. Each competition was devoted to a specific pagan god. For example, the patron of the Olympics was Zeus. The Greeks believed that the physical strength and ability of athletes was a direct gift from the gods (http://www.meiaconcerto.com/olympic/olympia/ideal_o.php, September 27, 2004). Therefore, each athlete competed not only in honor of his city-state, but also in honor of the gods. Civic implications were also apparent in ancient Greek athletics. The ancient world was one of constant conflict and political turmoil, and it was necessary for each city-state to possess a strong military in order to preserve their autonomy.

To Legalize, or Not to Legalize Gay Marriage Essay -- Homosexuality

Since the beginning of time, Homo sapiens have discriminated against people with differences such as color of skin, religion, politics, and more. Over the years, society has changed to accept these differences, yet Americans still ostracize the gay community as if they were less than human. Currently one specific controversy comes to mind in consideration of gays, and that is gay marriage. The controversies surrounding gay marriage include the legal, religious, and philosophical problems that allowing gay marriage could cause. The United States currently does not recognize gay partnerships as legal marriages, and therefore when gay partners file for a tax refund both partners must mark single for the type of relationship. Though the United States federally does not allow homosexual marriages, states like Connecticut, Vermont, Massachusetts, Washington, Iowa, New York, and New Hampshire allow such marriages, and even more states recognize civil unions such as Illinois California, Co lorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Nevada, New Jersey, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington and Wisconsin. With these states bringing more attention to gay marriage, the debate over this right has come to the forefront of the 2012 presidential campaign. The definition of marriage is traditionally between a man and a woman which is why the anti-gay marriage groups protest the concept of having two men or two women marry. Research shows that those opposed to gay marriage have used the costs associated with benefits, as well as religious and secular philosophical concerns as points on their flawed platform. When the opposition cites their platform, the legal aspect, including money, is one of the points. The opposition cites a study done in New York ... .... PinkNews, 7 Mar. 2012. Web. 15 May 2012. . "Homosexuality and Buddhism." - ReligionFacts. ReligionFacts. Web. 15 May 2012. Leviticus. Leviticus Chapter 18. King James Bible Online, 2012. Web. 16 May 2012. Mustanski, Brian. "The Sexual Continuum." Why Not Allow Gay Marriage? Sussex Directories, Inc., 28 Nov. 2008. Web. 15 May 2012. Peters, Jeremy W. "Would Gay Marriage Help the State Economy?" City Room. NYtimes.com, 26 Mar. 2009. Web. 15 May 2012. Sterling, Toby. "The Global View Of Gay Marriage." CBSNews. CBS Interactive, 05 Dec. 2007. Web. 15 May 2012. "Suicide Prevention." Warning Signs of Suicide. The Trevor Project. Web. 15 May 2012. "The Catholic Church, Homosexuality and Gay Marriage." The Catholic Church, Homosexuality and Gay Marriage. Catholic News Service. Web. 15 May 2012.

My Family: A Subculture :: Sociology Sociological Papers

My Family: A Subculture Everyone in the world belongs to a subculture. Each subculture has its own sets of traditions, relics, and artifacts. Relics and artifacts are symbolic, material possessions important to one's subculture. Relics are from the past; artifacts are from the present. These traditions, relics, and artifacts help shape the personalities of individuals and how they relate with others. Individuals know about these items through storytelling in the subculture. Families are good examples of subcultures. My family, a middle-class suburban Detroit family of Eastern European heritage, has helped shape who I am through story telling about traditions, artifacts, and relics. Throughout my life, I've heard many different stories about my family. Because of these stories, I know about my background, and they have helped form my identity. Randall Bass, professor of English at Georgetown University, agrees that stories help shape people's identities. Bass states that, "Individuals derive their sense of identity from their culture, and cultures are systems of belief that determine how people live their lives" (Bass 1). Cultural stories about family history, religion, nationality, and heritage help influence people's behavior and beliefs. Identities of different people come from their cultures. Story telling begins at home. Stories help connect people to their systems of beliefs. They sculpt people's lives by giving them a model of how to live. People receive their earliest knowledge from different stories.(Bass) One great story my family has told me is my family's history. My maternal grandmother's parents came to the United States from Ukraine by boat around 1906 or 1907. They initially settled in Export, PA, because they had relatives and friends living there. My grandmother was born in 1921 and was the seventh of eight children. A year after she was born, they moved to Warren, OH, where they stayed until my grandmother graduated from high school. The family's religion was Ukrainian Orthodox. My grandmother grew up speaking Ukrainian and English. Ukrainian was spoken in the home, and English was spoken at school. My grandmother started kindergarten at the age five knowing no English. She picked up the English language from her classmates. My grandmother's family did not own a car. Every Easter, they walked about seven miles to go to church. My grandmother grew up during the depression. She was the only girl in her family to own a doll from a store. All of her sister's dolls were homemade.

Master’s Degree and Medical Science Essay

I am writing to you because I want you to know that I admire your school and your teachings. I am seeking admission to your Master Degree Program in Medical Science, which is provided by the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill. My passion and dedication for helping others in our community has strongly influenced my decision to gain admission to your university. Another reason why I want to attend your university is my grandpa. He is the one person who inspired me the most to apply to your school because he wants me to achieve the highest education possible at one of the top schools in North Carolina. My main goals are to help and provide care for our community in North Carolina. I feel that your program in Medical Science at the University of North Carolina- Chapel Hill is an excellent institution for the career skills I seek. The major I want to complete is Masters in Science (medical) in becoming a Physician Assistant. I looked into your program deeper and the university has six programs that can assist me in becoming a Physician Assistant. I truly feel that my calling in life is to help people in the medical field. I understand that in order to achieve my goal of a Master’s Degree requires hard work and being focused. That is why I choose to take the transfer program before applying to a university such as yours. I wanted to make sure that this is the course I wanted to pursue before diving into the fast pace life of a big university. If I had to describe myself in word it would be focused; because I want to achieve my Master’s in Medical science. I am a moldable person and my quest of learning all that can be taught would aid any professor’s in teaching and  helping me achieve my major. I am a student that wants to learn the lecture. Hard working is another good skill of mine because I have to work hard if I want to excel in my classes and in my career. Professors would want to teach me because they are helping me further my education and helping me in following my dreams. Plus I am excited to learn about new subjects and knowledge that will help out in the real world. Student life on campus would be new to me. I currently stay at home and attend Sandhills Community College transfer program. I am eager to spread my wings and soak in the â€Å"campus life.† I am not a disruptive individual in the classroom or outside of class. I would enjoy the atmosphere of the classes and the diverse group that attend these classes with me. I am very respectful of other people and would not treat anyone how I would not want to be treated. My mom installed in me years earlier the saying â€Å"Don’t start nothing and there won’t be nothing.† I understand that in some courses that you just have a need for study groups. These groups are beneficial to everyone that attends them. A different prospective on subjects are important to realizing all there is to that particular subject. I understand that when you attend this level of school the hand holding by teachers is over. It is your job to attend classes, pay attention and do the material that is required by that professor. If accepted into the master’s program at UNC I fully intend to participate in school functions that are asked of me. Also, attend those that have special meaning to me. I am fully prepared to give a 100% effort in making UNC better in any way possible. Being able to say that I achieved my master’s degree from UNC is a source of great pride and I wouldn’t do anything to tarnish that or the school. I am looking forward to the day when I look out over the crowd, while being handed my degree, and seeing the smiles of my family. That would be a proud moment for me, my family and the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. The fact that you help prepare another student by teaching and securing the most up to date knowledge provided in that field of study; then in turn that student working, studying and passing the curriculum. The reward being a Master’s Degree in Medical Science, I can’t wait!

Border Patrol in Arizona

Alexa Ibarra English 102 Mrs. Nowotny-Young April 7th, 2010 What can we do to mitigate the affects of drug smuggling in Arizona? According to the Office of National Drug Control Policy there were 5,225 juvenile and 24,145 adult drug arrests in Arizona during 2006. The state of Arizona is a state of high intensity drug trafficking, which has therefore lead Arizona to be a state of great danger. The crime dealt with locals, the location of how easily accessible the border is and the networking that has become so large and causes immense crime in Arizona.What can be done to mitigate the affects of drug smuggling in Arizona? For those who are neighbors to the border, they are very influenced by the drugs, crime and risk their lives daily because of the positioning of their home. For most who live near the border it is a matter of culture and heritage. Payan demonstrates a â€Å"birds eye view† and how officials disregard the opinions and thoughts of those who live in the bordering areas. Apparently, they believe that the government should come up with a new approach, which could provide citizens with more privacy and more security in their neighborhoods due to high crime.Another big problem is that because these areas by the borders are so poor, locals feel pressured to become involved in these illicit activities in the drug smuggling business. The newspaper article by Eckholm demonstrates specific drug smuggling in Sells, Arizona. Tribes in Sells have been feeling as though they are being put in the middle, and that security is not strong enough too protect them from the dangers of drug smugglers. Residents of neighborhoods of bordering towns of Mexico those who believe that security in bordering towns must be more secure and refined.The purpose of the article is to give readers a taste of how it is to live in such an area, and that residents are in great danger because of the drug smuggling corruption. Many residents are often times afraid to leave their h omes because of the violence and mischief they deal with at nighttime when serious crime is done. Many think this is unfair due to the government’s lack of support to the locals, which would benefit them and put them in less harm and danger. â€Å"The smuggling of people and drugs across their backyards is something residents here have dealt with for decades.But, they say the killing of Krentz cements a disturbing evolution that began a few years ago – illegal border activity has gone from irritating to deadly dangerous. †(Mccombs 1) the killing of Robert Krentz 58 was killed by a suspected illegal immigrant. Most residents here say they believe the killer was a Mexican drug smuggler. â€Å"Many blame the U. S. government for ignoring their warnings about the increased criminal activity and for failing to protect them. The Krentz family says it holds no malice toward Mexican people. They say political forces in U. S and Mexico are accountable for the death. (Mc Comb 1) Arizona shares a 370-mile border with Mexico. This border area, a large portion of which is open and sparsely populated, cannot be continuously monitored by border enforcement agencies and is used extensively by drug trafficking organizations to smuggle illicit drugs into the United States. Significant quantities of methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, and marijuana are smuggled from Mexico into Arizona. Federal-wide Drug Seizure System data indicate that Arizona ranked second in the country behind Texas in the total quantity of illicit drugs seized in 2002.Arizona is a national-level distribution center for illicit drugs, largely due to its multifaceted transportation infrastructure. Drug traffickers commonly use private vehicles and commercial trucks to smuggle illicit drugs into and through the state. Couriers traveling aboard commercial aircraft, commercial buses, and passenger railcars and package delivery services also are used by traffickers, but to a lesser extent. DTOs and criminal groups generally use Interstates 8, 10, 17, 19, and 40 as well as U. S. Highways 85 and 86 as primary routes for transporting drugs throughout Arizona and from Arizona to other regions of the country.Interstate 8 extends from San Diego through Yuma and terminates at I-10, approximately midway between Phoenix and Tucson. Interstate 10 spans the entire country, connecting Arizona, particularly Phoenix and Tucson, with the West Coast at Los Angeles and the East Coast at Jacksonville, Florida. Interstate 17 connects Phoenix to Flagstaff and provides access to eastern and western states via I-40. Interstate 19 connects Nogales on the U. S. -Mexico border with I-10 at Tucson. Interstate 40 originates at I-15 in Barstow, California, passes through Arizona, and terminates at Wilmington, North Carolina.US 85 begin at the U. S. -Mexico border and ends in the Phoenix metropolitan area. US 86 split from US 85 and extend eastward to Tucson. The Obama administration would like to in vest in an â€Å"invisible fence† which would take up to 672 million dollars in costs to create. The Bush administration launched the project in 2005 to help secure the border against illegal immigrants, drug smugglers and other intruders. It was conceived as another layer of protection, in addition to thousands of Border Patrol agents and 650 miles of real fences.The system was supposed to let a small number of dispatchers watch the border on a computer monitor, zoom in with cameras to see people crossing and decide whether to send Border Patrol agents to the scene. Although there are sensors, cameras and radar at many points along the border, they are not connected to cover large expanses. Originally, the virtual fence was supposed to be completed by 2011 but due to technical problems it has been changed to 2014. â€Å"Among other things, the radar system had trouble distinguishing between vegetation and people when it was windy.Also, the satellite communication system too k too long to relay information in the field to a command center. By the time an operator moved a camera to take a closer look at a spot, whatever had raised suspicion was gone. † (Billeaud 1) The technical issues that follow the virtual fence, along with funding problems keep delaying the creation of the virtual fence. According to Jorg Raab he explains that networking can often lead to crime. Networking is being negatively used for drug trade and putting many people in danger because of it.Raab focus is directed to those who view networking as a negative action, and believes that these networks should be confronted if western democracies wish to deal with terrorism, drug smuggling and manifolds pathologies that confront failed states. The Minutemen group has been created through a voluntary group, which is dedicated to preventing illegal crossings of the Unites States border. Arguing that the government is insufficiently concerned with securing the U. S. border they have org anized several state chapters, with the intention of providing law enforcement agencies with evidence of immigration law violations.Minutemen are a positive volunteer group but because they are risking their lives with no pay this puts the minutemen at very low numbered group members. The drug smuggling problem has become huge in Arizona. Whether it may affecting the locals, its relative closeness and easily navigable location or that networks have completely taken over the streets drug smuggling is something important and extremely important to understand in order to affectively change it. Some believe that the key to keeping danger away is to focus less on illegal immigration and focus more on drug traffickers who are creating danger to citizens of the border.The Obama administration is hoping to assess an invisible fence, which would keep illegal immigration and drug smuggling out of the United States, but with funding this, may take years to process. The minutemen system has bee n effective but the fact that it is voluntary puts the volunteers in dangerous situations, which can be misleading. Overall the drug smuggling problem in Arizona has brought much crime and danger to citizens and must be taken care of before drug smugglers expand and put more neighborhoods at harm. Works Cited Billeaud, Jacques. â€Å"Invisible fence at U. S. -Mexico border in real trouble. † The Commercial Appeal.N. p. , Jan. -Feb. 2010. Web. 7 Apr. 2010. Eckholm, Erik. â€Å"In Drug War, Tribe Feels Invaded By Both Sides. † The New York Times 24 Jan. 2010: n. pag. Web. 14 Mar. 2010. McCombs, Brady. â€Å"Chiricahua neighbors fearful as never before. † Arizona Daily Star 3 Apr. 2010: n. pag. AZstarnet. Web. 7 Apr. 2010. Payan, Tony. The three U. S. -Mexico border wars: drugs, immigration, and Homeland Security. Westport: Praeger Security International, 2006. N. Print. Raab, Jorg, and H Brinton Milward. â€Å"Dark Networks as Problems. † Journal of Public Administration Research and Theory 13. 4 (2003): 413-439. Web. 14 Mar. 2010.