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Fair Elections?, 2008.
A look at the procedures for voter registration and appropriate conduct on election day in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
3,309 words (approx. 13.2 pages), 13 sources, MLA, $ 94.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses how a democracy should weigh each vote equally, make the electoral process accessible to everyone, ensure that the legislative assembly accurately represents the will of the people, have cost-effective elections with no electoral fraud and allow people to feel secure when they cast their ballot. The paper then examines Canada, Mexico and the United States and considers to what extent each country has elections that provide a safe, ethical, well-administered and equitable electoral system. The paper looks at the remedies which can be applied in each nation to improve the current situation for future generations. The paper shows how Mexico in particular must do a better job of entrenching the rule of law as a staple of its political culture.
From the Paper
"At this juncture, it is appropriate to offer a brief contextual overview of the three countries' political systems inasmuch as, to the extent they are all rather similar and democratic, there is no reason why they cannot each develop an equitable and fair system for Election Day proceedings; in other words, Mexico is more like Canada than some people might suppose. Most notably, beyond also having a federal bicameral structure like Canada (and the United States) Mexico has shown a willingness to become more accommodating to a diversity of views in its representative assemblies (Schedler, 20-30). Unfortunately, the historic terrain of Mexican politics has been rough when it comes to meaningful reform and to the long-term sustainability of that reform (Schedler, 10; for a litany of "false starts" vis-a-vis reforming the Mexican democratic process, please see "Popular Choice and Electoral Politics," 125-126) and, lacking a tradition of fair voting representation (and a tradition of opposing ballot box fraud and coercion) its future as a democracy is uncertain."
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Healthcare in Canada, 2008.
This paper discusses why healthcare has become an important issue for Canadians.
785 words (approx. 3.1 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 27.95
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Abstract
In this article the writer notes that the issue of health care in Canada is an important one for debate because the country operates a health care system that is unique, particularly in comparison with systems of other developed countries. The writer points out that Canada's one-tier system based on publicly funded health care is in stark odds to the two-tier system (of both public and private health care) common to other advantaged countries, such as the United States and Australia. The writer maintains that this in itself has caused contention amongst Canadian proponents for system change even though a number of other issues also play a role in debating the validity and importance of Canada's healthcare system.
From the Paper
"Canada is unusual in that its health care system is wholly publicly funded, whilst the health care services are actually provided by private bodies. Healthcare is a hot issue in Canada, however; although the system appears to be a public one from the outside it is not in reality always so. In Canada, the health care system is paid for primarily by the government; however, at the other end of the spectrum, the government contributes so little to prescription drugs costs, and dental care, which is notoriously expensive.
"It is prudent for governments, researchers, critics and citizens to compare public national systems to those of other countries, not only as a basis for comparison but also in order to establish benefits of altering the existing system, if any positive changes are identified."
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Decriminalization of Marijuana, 2008.
This paper argues for the decriminalization of marijuana in the United States.
1,017 words (approx. 4.1 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 35.95
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Abstract
The paper maintains that marijuana laws are costly and ineffective and its decriminalization will allow for a more judicious allocation of funds. The paper argues that decriminalization will undermine the black market and will not precipitate the increased consumption of the narcotic by young people. The paper concludes that the positives of decriminalization certainly outweigh the negatives.
From the Paper
"To begin with, the marijuana laws in America are costly to enforce and inefficacious. For instance, a July 2005 report revealed that federal spending devoted to enforcing criminal sanctions against marijuana use runs to around $4 billion each year - and yet fails to make any perceptible impact upon the country's perception of, or use of, marijuana. What makes the matter more problematic is the fact that the federal government spends more on enforcing marijuana prohibition than it does on policy formulation or on treatment programs (Hemp Information, para.1). Suffice it to say, any laws which are costly and which have little impact upon a perceived problem should be dramatically altered in their scope and application - or struck down entirely."
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Culture and Immigration in Canada, 2008.
This paper discusses the different views of Himani Bannerji and Neil Bissoondath relating to the Canadian approach to immigration.
1,072 words (approx. 4.3 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 37.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer looks at the approaches taken by Himani Bannerji and Neil Bissoondath when discussing the Canadian model vis-a-vis immigration. In comparing and contrasting the two, the writer notes that it becomes evident that Bannerji, while she may very well have solid grounds for her vehement stance with regards to Canada and its treatment of new immigrants, is also guilty of being very selective in terms of how she defines the Canadian society of which she is a part. On the other hand, the writer points out that Bissoondath offers a rebuke that, because of its moderate tone and use of example strikes a chord with the reader; more than that, he explains how Canadian approaches to culture institutionalize incompetence and make race a criterion in matters where it should have no place. The writer maintains that in the end, Neil Bissoondath's belief that Canadian multiculturalism encourages omission and self-deception is a stirring critique that resonates.
From the Paper
"At this point, a number of things must be said. First of all, being designated a "visible minority" in Canada does not necessarily have the pejorative connotation Bannerji applies to it. For one thing, "visible minorities" are viewed favorably for affirmative action programs in both the workplace and in post-secondary institutions; secondly, given the aggressive, interventionist nature of Canadian multicultural policies (something Neil Bissoondath will discuss later), it is difficult to countenance the idea that being designated a minority in Canada makes one automatically marginalized - or subject to special "control" by the state. After all, Canada has some of the strongest anti-discrimination and workplace harassment laws in the world; therefore, if anything, being designated a "visible minority" grants someone protection from abuse and (if the wording of federal hiring policies is to be taken seriously) a "leg up" in the scramble for society's spoils."
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Public Choice Theory, 2008.
This paper discusses the issue of public choice theory and urban governance.
1,056 words (approx. 4.2 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 37.95
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Abstract
In this article the writer explores public choice theory and the argument that public choice theory provides a thoughtful assessment of what needs to be done if urban governments are to become efficacious and expeditious providers of services to their citizens. The paper briefly outlines the general argument presented by advocates of local government and then provides some of the compelling arguments raised by those who feel public choice theory does not offer a stalwart solution to the problems of local governance. In the end, the writer maintains that while it sounds superficially appealing, public choice theory does not have a lot of empirical data to support many of its key claims.
From the Paper
"Additionally, public choice theorists argue that municipal governments, because they are monopoly providers, are inefficient insofar as they have little incentive to lower their prices or be innovative. Public choice theorists thus argue that there needs to be a separation between the demand articulation role of government (the collective process whereby it is ascertained how and how much of something will be set aside for public use) and the supplier role of government. Simply put, when governments have to buy services for something, they tend to be exacting in determining the value given for the monies received. All in all, the public choice theorist cleaves to the view that local governance needs to be run as a business - and that government often falls short in its obligations to the general public because it does not separate the provider role and the production role involved in the delivery of a good or service, thereby creating costly inefficiency and waste."
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Health Care Delivery, 2008.
This paper discusses health care in the United States and Canada.
844 words (approx. 3.4 pages), 3 sources, APA, $ 30.95
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Abstract
In this article the writer notes that a comparison of health care in the United States and Canada demonstrates one significant fact above all others: Canada has a national health care system, while the United States does not. The writer points out that it is interesting to note that many within Canada believe that the delivery of health care services in the United States is considered superior, while there are those within the United States that believe that Canada's health care system should be the model of national health care that the United States should adopt. In general, however, the writer maintains that it is evident that both nations spend a significant amount on health care each year and that both nations still are plagued with health care concerns that have not been resolved despite their advanced knowledge about health care delivery.
From the Paper
"In relation to infant mortality, it is evident that the primary concern for both nations is poverty. In the United States, as well as in Canada, poverty is widespread and impacts the health of mothers and children through lack of nourishment, lack of housing and lack of ability to receive health care. Although Canada has a national health care system, it may be unavailable to some residents of the nation that live in remote locations and do not have access to transportation. In the United States, however, access to health care for the poor most often occurs by impoverished citizens visiting emergency rooms and taking advantage of the law that states that all people must be served in these facilities, regardless of their ability to pay. The problem is, however, is that most Americans in this situation do not enter an emergency room until the health issue has become severe. In addition, follow up care and prescription medications are generally not sought, creating ongoing health issues for much of the poor population."
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Prison Rape in the U.S., 2008.
This paper provides a perspective of rape in correctional institutions in the United States.
1,552 words (approx. 6.2 pages), 4 sources, APA, $ 50.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer examines the extent of rapes within the U.S. prison system, with some especial attention being given to the phenomenon of gang rapes. The writer notes that understanding the extent of the problem as well as the major associated risks is an important first step in formulating some procedures by which the number of rapes within corrections institutions can be significantly reduced. The writer points out that it is important to first note that eliminating the rape of prisoners will not come easily. In fact, it is unlikely that the problem will ever be completely eradicated. Nonetheless, the writer maintains that outlining a path that corrections institutions can take in the short-term and the long-term is crucial if any headway is going to be made against the problem.
From the Paper
"Attitudes regarding prison rape in the United States, unfortunately, are not conducive to reducing the incidence of prison rape. The public view the rape of men in prisons as a joke. Gags about dropping the soap in a prison shower are common and only reinforce the assumption that the rape of prisoners, at least men, is acceptable. Many have the attitude that prisoners somehow deserve what they get--after all, they did commit a crime and aren't in prison because they are fully innocent. Additionally, a culture of machismo in the United States contributes to the attitude that men who are raped aren't really men because they weren't able to fend off their attacker. Unfortunately for prisoners, these assumptions and attitudes only increase the possibility that they will have to face sexual assault without any social or institutional recourse. The fact is that victims of prison rape are rarely able to defend themselves, especially in cases of gang rape, when attackers are more numerous and are only too willing to resort to physical violence-even murder-to get what they want."
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Subsidies for Tenants or Landlords?, 2008.
This paper explores the effects of subsidizing tenants directly as opposed to subsidizing landlords to build more affordable rental housing.
778 words (approx. 3.1 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 27.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses how subsidizing landlords in British Columbia could lead to the development of housing which is still unaffordable for the city's poor. The paper relates that a property owner could use the subsidy to his or her own advantage and even if the owner builds a housing complex, it will only be useful to a handful of people. The paper maintains that for those in need to actually receive the benefits, the rental subsidies must go to the needy individuals themselves.
From the Paper
"In the case of either subsidizing tenants directly compared to subsidizing landlords in order to build more affordable rental housing units, one must inevitably side with subsidizing the tenants. This is primarily because subsidizing private landlords in BC is unwise owing to the province's particular rental situation. British Columbia is characterized by a "lack of affordable housing" (TRAC, "Tenants Group Warns..") and "private market rental housing (which) is only being built for the highest earning renters in the province" (ibid). The affect, therefore, is that subsidizing landlords in BC could very possibly lead to the development of housing which is still unaffordable for the city's poor. In order to ensure it is those in need of affordable rental housing who receive the benefit of subsidies, the subsidies must go to the individuals in need - not the governing owner who may use the subsidy to his or her own advantage."
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The International Monetary Fund, 2008.
An argument calling for the abolishment of the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
2,610 words (approx. 10.4 pages), 9 sources, MLA, $ 78.95
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Abstract
The paper examines the history and policies of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and contends that it has failed in promoting the conditions for economic growth in developing countries. The paper shows how flawed IMF policies have not promoted economic growth in Third World nations but instead have made economic growth virtually impossible. The paper asserts that organizations like the IMF should be abolished, for they are perpetuating the fundamental economic injustice inherent in a global economy where the powerful industrialized nations prosper by exploiting undeveloped ones.
From the Paper
"Numerous Congressional hearings have confirmed this assessment, for Congress has harshly criticized the International Monetary Fund, and added fuel to the firestorm of controversy that has surrounded the IMF since its mishandling of the Asian financial crisis. Public disputes over the leadership of the institution are intensifying, and massive demonstrations such as occurred in Seattle are demonstrating that the IMF is under siege as it has never been before in all of its fifty-six-year history."
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Art as Propaganda, 2008.
This paper discusses the use of art in politics within the American society.
2,938 words (approx. 11.8 pages), 8 sources, MLA, $ 86.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer discusses that art and politics often go hand in hand, though usually artists seek to expose the hypocrisy of ruling elites and so produce art that deliberately fails to meet with the approval of the leaders. The writer notes that at times, governments make use of art and artists for propaganda purposes, a process known from the various posters used by the Nazis and the Communists to promote their ideas. The American government has made use of art in a similar way, including art that otherwise would not find official approval. The writer concludes that the history of the way art has been used by the government suggests that the art itself is viewed in terms of its usefulness more than its actual content or any aesthetic base it may have, and primarily modern art has been used to counter the more staid and more politicized art in support of enemy ideologies.
Outline:
Introduction
Modern Art
Art and Politics
Art and American Taste
Art and Ideology
Conclusion
From the Paper
"The modern art movement diverged from the more accepted representational art preferred by most political leaders, and even though much modern art was considered too opaque to be understood and in some ways decadent, it was embraced as a propaganda tool by the U.S. government through agencies such as the CIA during the Cold War period. Most Americans are unaware of the way this process was undertaken and used and might be surprised by it, given the more prosaic attitude taken toward art by political leaders to this day. Analysts point out that many of these programs were conducted quite openly just the same, though even observers aware of the program might wonder why modern art was chosen and how it was used to benefit American interests."
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Counter-Terrorism Office, 2008.
This paper examines the Counter-terrorism Office of the United States Government - an office which goes by the title, Office of the Coordinator for Counter-Terrorism.
2,468 words (approx. 9.9 pages), 10 sources, APA, $ 75.95
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Abstract
This paper looks at the directives which guide the actions of the Office of the Coordinator for Counter-Terrorism, as well as its strategies and tactics, its various functions and programs and how the office is organized. The paper highlights how much changed in America after 9/11, especially for a government branch devoted to intelligence-gathering and to security. The paper discusses how the Counter-terrorism Office has grown, with its associations with other government agencies, increasingly complex and involved.
From the Paper
"Whatever the criticisms leveled against the Bush Administration's "War on Terror" by its critics, few can dispute that the United States must pursue a forceful policy against terrorist activities if it is to secure its safety at home and abroad. Certainly, recent years have seen a dramatic increase in the attention granted to anti-terror measures and institutions in light of the fact that 9/11 proved, once and for all, that America too is vulnerable to terror assaults. In addition to the heightened interest surrounding the anti-terror tools America had in place prior to 9/11, the last five-and-a-half years has borne witness to the creation of new institutions geared expressly to fighting terrorism - the National Counter-Terrorism Center chief among them."
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Nursing Recruitment and Retention Initiatives, 2008.
An analysis of the organizational and government policies to improve nursing recruitment and retention.
1,720 words (approx. 6.9 pages), 8 sources, APA, $ 55.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the health care policies that could support recruitment and retention initiatives for nurses. It discusses this at organizational and government levels. The paper specifically examines proposed government policies, as well the assessment of and solutions for the issue of retention and recruitment that are provided in the literature.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Currently, the government and health organizations are involved in seeking to maintain quality care during a critical time. Both the literature and the various levels of government agree about the causes and proposed policies that are needed to address the issue of nursing retention and recruitment. The government needs to invest substantial funding and implement legislation that will ensure nursing has a higher status. The nurse indeed comprises the frontline worker and patient well-being depends on nursing. The priorities are to create more full-time jobs for new nursing graduates as well as to provide them with greater incentives to stay in the country. Nurses need better compensation and more power. Perhaps the best option would be for Canada to imitate the United States to the extent of creating an environment that is fully supportive of Canadian nurses."
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Plato and Media Bias, 2008.
This philosophical study analyzes Plato's "Cave Allegory" in relation to the conservative modern media.
1,567 words (approx. 6.3 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 51.95
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Abstract
The paper explains how Plato's cave allegory in "The Republic" provides a symbolic view of the way media distorts the truth. The paper discusses how the neo-conservative religious values of American journalism are often far from the truth. The paper shows how this reveals a politically subjective media elite system that generates information benefiting fundamentalist American elites.
From the Paper
"In the Republic, Plato's Cave Allegory is a lesson in the fundamental principles of perception and knowledge that Plato imparts on the reader. In the first stage, the prisoners in the story have been chained to a cave since birth, and have no idea as to what is real and what is not. Behind the prisoners there are fires that project shadows on the wall of the cave, which represent a mere replica of reality. In the second stage, the prisoner was to escape and see the fire, he or she would be blinded. Furthermore, if the prisoner was taken up to the sunlight, they would also be blinded by the "truth" that would be invariably too bright for them to survive. The third stage has the prisoner returning to the cave simply because he or she cannot possibly comprehend the absolute "truth" because it is incomprehensible to the human mind and its faculties."
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Marxist, Feminist and Liberal Approaches, 2008.
This paper provides a comparison of Marxist, feminist and liberal approaches to social policy in Canada from the First Nations period to the present
1,465 words (approx. 5.9 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 48.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that Marxist, liberal, and feminist approaches share a pivotal characteristic in common in that all three are concerned with the needs of the oppressed. However, the writer discusses that although these approaches are similar in certain respects, they are basically quite distinct in their identification of which social and economic needs are to be given priority, their proposed solutions to social problems, and in implementation of solutions. The writer points out that the liberal approach is especially distinct from the other two approaches since the term 'oppressed' does not so adequately fit. This paper focuses on the socioeconomic context and salient issues in New France in order to apply and illustrate those three approaches.
From the Paper
"The Marxist approach would also maintain that the state operates as a means for social control and that it serves he purposes of emerging commercial capitalism. In addition, creating a program of social services may be somewhat empowering but it also oppresses people. Another Marxist criticism of the liberal approach would be that the liberal goals of social security would impose a severe burden on habitants who were already paying a tithe to the Church. As far as the Marxist approach is concerned, the work by religious orders and especially by nuns served to promote and reinforce the class system. Nuns' origins ranged from the nobility to wealthy backgrounds, and class differences were also observed in school programs which conformed to a social hierarchy."
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Medicare and Medicaid, 2008.
This paper looks at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS), the largest health care service provider in the United States.
1,239 words (approx. 5.0 pages), 5 sources, APA, $ 42.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses the beginnings of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS). The paper describes the agencies' significant role and function in relation to public health. The paper discusses how every citizen of the United States has the right to apply for Medicare or Medicaid. The paper looks at the structure of the organization and provides a breakdown of the financial disbursement of funds in the CMS. The paper also offers a diagram that represents the communication between federal, state and local levels of the government in connection with the CMS.
From the Paper
"The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) is the largest health care service provider in the United States. Since its beginnings the reliance on CMS by the American public has continued to grow, especially since the majority of Americans do not possess health insurance in the country. As the President and Congress continue to add programs to the CMS the significance of the agency continues to impact American society. Because of its multifunctional nature there are many throughout the United States that believe that the CMS should evolve into a national health care program, ending the concern for a national health care system in the country. However, the structure of the organization has suggested that there is not sufficient control of accountability and that the CMS would have to be restructured in order for it to meet the demands of such an alteration in its existence."
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Successful Social Programs, 2008.
This paper looks at L. Schorr's ideas in "Common Purpose: Stengthening Families and Neighborhoods to Rebuild America," about effective social programs in light of the government's response to Hurricane Katrina.
916 words (approx. 3.7 pages), 5 sources, APA, $ 32.95
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Abstract
The paper explains Schorr's belief that when committed workers strive to meet their objectives regardless of the obstacles and provide services that are specific to the population, they will be successful. The paper applies this to the situation of New Orleans in the aftermath of Katrina and the response of the federal government to aid the citizens of the city. The paper discusses how the government developed a plan of action that was procedurally correct, but that did not consider the full depth of issues that were affecting the people, effectively ignoring the original goal of rebuilding once monetary support was created. The paper shows how the situation has led to public unrest and a multitude of failed programs that serve no one.
From the Paper
"Schorr (1997), author of Common purpose: Stengthening families and neighborhoods to rebuild America, discusses the issue of societal programs and the factors that must be addressed in order for those programs to be successful. Schorr (1997) includes in the work two ideas that are significant in the strength of community programs. First, Schorr (1997) challenges readers to consider the concept that "successful programs deal with families as part of neighborhoods and communities" (p. 7). Second, Schorr (1997) contends that programs that thrive have workers that are committed to the people that they serve and the founding purpose of the program (p. 2). These two issues are important because they call on society to reflect on the function of community based programs and the reason that those programs were initially created."
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The Strategic Defense Initiative, 2008.
An analysis of the failings of the strategic defense initiative and the promises for absolute security in the U.S.
2,749 words (approx. 11.0 pages), 15 sources, MLA, $ 82.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the mythical proportions of the strategic defense initiative (SDI). It discusses the promises of technology and absolute security and how the SDI failed on both counts. The paper analyzes why the mythical promise of the SDI allowed the U.S. to believe that threats to its own security could be surmounted and controlled and then describes the problems with this promise.
From the Paper
"In other words, Reagan's dream of an absolutely defended nation endures because the value of the SDI and its successors has almost nothing to do with their ability to deliver on their respective promises of security. It is enough that they can lay claim to those promises, that they can presume to provide the myth of security via technology. Without understanding the feasibility of such a system or the science (or lack thereof) behind it, the U.S. has allowed the SDI to persist for more than twenty years because it fulfills a need in the hearts of the people and its leaders. It allows us to believe that sometime soon, maybe this year or the next, we will be able to create a foolproof technological wonder that will absolutely protect the nation and its citizens from threat of attack or danger of death or destruction. As threats to the United States and its interests seem to crop up on a daily basis, it is no wonder that many in the government, military, and in the nation have embraced tightly the vision of an absolutely protected nation safeguarded under a missile shield."
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Swift, Blake and Social Hegemony, 2008.
This paper discusses challenges to social hegemony in the works "A Modest Proposal" by Jonathan Swift and "London" by William Blake.
1,381 words (approx. 5.5 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 46.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer maintains that the argument that the "purpose of good literature" is not - as Sir Philip Sidney argued - "to teach, to delight" and "move to virtuous action" but to challenge social hegemony by destabilizing its core values is a controversial one. This essay argues the thesis, with reference to Jonathan Swift's "A Modest Proposal" and William Blake's "London", that while literary works are not simply political statement or social criticism, good literary works nonetheless engage with their cultural context in a critical and complex way. As is seen, while both Swift's and Blake's works have clear political and social dimensions, it is their literary qualities that give them their potency as powerful social critiques.
From the Paper
"This being said, it may be argued that this view of literature is simplistic and limited in many respects. Literary works are not created in a vacuum but instead, capture their audiences by their engagement with the social contexts in which they are created. However, unlike political tracts or social critiques which are rarely remembered beyond the immediate circumstances in which they were created, good literature resonates beyond its immediate context - even when it has a clear political or social purpose - due to the power of its writing. This power allows these works to transcend the particulars of the social order they criticize or destabilize, and reflect something of the universal in humanity's social constructions."
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