USA economy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

USA economy - Essay Example of the most important responsibilities of the Fed is to ensure monetary stability in the economy, which can be achieved through a combination of stable prices of goods and services across the economy coupled with a low inflation level and level of confidence of the investors in the currency of the country. The Fed comes out with monetary policy in order to ensure a certain key objectives like delivering price stability with a low inflation level coupled with an objective to support the Government’s economic objectives of growth and employment. To understand how the Fed monitors price related regulations to keep a check on inflation, we may consider a small example of the regulation of house and property prices. To take any decisions related to interest rates keeping in mind the ongoing inflation rate, the Fed must be thorough with the booming property prices and must take steps to ensure that the prices are not artificial. Government intervenes through its central bank to regulate the prices of many commodities, similarly it also regulates the prices of houses like any other important commodity. Fed has the responsibility to keep a check on asset prices including the prices of houses. There can be a number of reasons why the prices of houses may shoot up, like the simple rule of demand and supply has a definite impact. (Demand and Supply for Housing). The central bank sets a fixed interest rate at which it lends money to financial institutions and depending on this interest rate, individual banks and other financial institutions set up their own interest rates, which apply to the whole economy. This step is of indispensable importance to the economy, as this is very widely used to contain inflation. The only purpose behind such a step is just to contain undue inflationary levels prevailing in an economy. The point to be noted here is that, this interest rate set by the Bank of England is so effective and powerful that it chips in greatly to regulate the whole

The Classical Realism In International Politics Essay

The Classical Realism In International Politics Essay Classical Realism is an important theory that defines the international politics relations. Realists see and study the world as it is, and not as how ought to be, as the idealist theory does. From a rational point of view the realists believe that the world is imperfect, as the base, is human nature, as Morgenthau stress is the result of forces inherent in human nature. (1985a:3) This negative human vision is expressed by Robert Gilpin  [1]  in The Richness of the Tradition of Political Realism: realism is founded on a pessimism regarding moral progress and human possibilities. (1986:304) The Realist theory has presented a fundamental unity of though across a span of nearly 2,500 years. Thucydides, Niccolà ² Machiavelli, Carl von Clausewitz, Gilpin and Hans Morgenthau present among others the main thoughts on Classical Realism. (Ned, 2007:53) For realists, states are the principal entities in the study of international political relations. Nation-states are defined according to Hans Morgenthau as an abstraction from a number of individuals who have certain characteristics in common. (1985f:117) This theory understands states are egoists and they only act under their own interests; an interest that is defined by Hans in terms of power. (198a5:5) In addition, this theory emphasizes all states coexist in a system so-called international where the main characteristic is the eternal fight for power due to states only seek their own goals. States reflect this struggle for power in their external policies where diplomacy  [2]  becomes an important manner to resolve conflicts as well as signatures of alliances. For this reason, order, justice and change are the central studies of their writings. (Ned, 2007:53) In the study of politics, Classical Realism accentuates the similarities between domestic and international relations, as the importance role of ethics and community in both fields. Also realists study the international system as principles of order where they help to actors to get their own interests through discourses and identities. According to Thucydides and Morgenthau when those discourses and identities changes, the system changes too, towards modernization and the consequence of this is hegemonic war. As we have seen states are the central subject for realist theory and the internal governments gathered by individuals convert states in rational actors. The authority of any state is leaded therefore, by human ration that will always follow self-interest. Thus national security becomes the biggest preoccupation states have rather it is on the top list of issues, as in the international sphere there is no authority to control other ´s interests. Power and military issues then shape world politics and become a decisive point on Realist theory. The national interest of peace-loving nation can be defined only in terms of national security, and national security must be defined as integrity of the national territory and of its institutions. National security, then, is the irreducible minimum that diplomacy must defend with adequate power without compromise. (Recchia, 2007:541) Furthermore, realists explain that states will act maximizing their own self interests, even if they have to use force. States seek power and they calculate their interests in terms of power, whether as end or as necessary means to a variety of other end. (Viotti and Kauppi, 1998:158) Hence, the struggle for power among states remains central in the international relations too, as Morgenthau stress international politics, like all politics, is a struggle for power (à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦) power is always the immediate aim. (Viotti and Kauppi, 1998:56-57) Definition of Realpolitik, thus acquire relevant importance for this theory as it refers to power and power politics among states. (Viotti and Kauppi, 1998:59) In fact in the sixteenth century, Machiavelli wrote about state security (that could be seen in terms of power as a way to keep the national power) in his important work, The Prince. However, some authors have criticized his thoughts as immoral, as he understands all acts of the Prince are justified by its ends which seek is to assure the national security: because it is often (for the prince) to operate against his own faith, as well as against charity and humanity, in order to preserve the state. (Recchia, 2007:533) This is the well known raison d ´Ãƒ ©tat where individuals answer to one moral and the sovereignty to another one. Therefore, ethics and politics go separately. By contrast, Morgenthau political theory is opposite to Machiavelli ´s raison d ´Ãƒ ©tat as, he believes in the existence of a universal moral code that ought to guide responsible statecraft. (Recchia, 2007:537) On the other hand, diplomacy is an essential instrument in the maintenance of security, as well as military capacities and power which become indispensable too. Therefore, those capacities are seen as high politics, while others as finance or economics will rest in lower politics. However not for that is less important, as economics moves power and foreign policies were determined by them. FOREIGN POLICY IN THE REALIST THEORY: Hans Morgenthau Hans Morgenthau, the father of the modern realism, in his work Politics among Nations analyzes the same subjects as realism theory does although he will center the attention on national interest and power. This essential book even if it was written during the Cold War  [3]  , is as present as any other work nowadays. Indeed he has been considered one of the most important thinkers in the twentieth century, and has had a big influence on the contemporary thoughts. We will use this work, Politics among Nations in this dissertation as is the principal key to understand the Spanish foreign policy during World War II. Morgenthau as realists do, sees the world as imperfect, where there are constant opponent interests between individuals, and because of this, the international system is in permanent conflict. States as main actors in this international system must be prepared to go to war. The author also, conceives politics as the way to obtain and to maintain power and the way to pursue it. Hence, power becomes the reason for existence, and the international system remains dangerous as states are in persistent conflict. Power is not understood in terms of military force, rather is focused on the psychological influence. There is a clear difference between power as political influence and power as material that could be military force or economics. We consider that his theory can be summarized on the first point of his six main principles: First, politics as society in general is governed by rational laws and they have their roots in human nature, therefore it is possible to develop a theory that could reflect those laws. Realism basically, explains facts and gives meaning to them inside the international sphere. The main indicator of Realism is the concept of interest which is defined in terms of power which is recognized universally and necessary in the study of international politics. (Morgenthau, 1985a:5) Behind states, statesmen will act under their own interests thinking with rationality therefore realism stresses rationality and objectivity. But the other face of interest is that it can control men: interests (material and ideal), not ideas, dominate directly the actions of men. (Morgenthau, 1985a:11) For international relations, the study of acts taken by statesmen is crucial. Therefore, international politics could be seen as the actions between states, understood as foreign policies. Morgenthau in the second principle understands as good foreign policy those that are made in the correct moment and with rationality. Foreign policy ought to be rational in view of its own moral and practical purposes. (Morgenthau, 1985a:10) It will be successful when the risks will be minimizes and maximizes the benefits. On the other hand, the concept of power is indispensable for international politics. Power is understood as, anything that establishes and maintains the control of man over man. (Morgenthau: 1985a:11) As we have seen before, nation-states will act in terms of power, in terms of domination. Therefore, balance of power is present in the international society, as states will act to change power or maintaining it. Another principle regards morality aware the international politics. It means that it can not be applied to states the same moral principles as it is done on humans. The individual may say for himself, fiat justitia, pereat mundus (let justice be done, even if the world perish), but the state has no right to say so in the name of those whose are in its care. (Morgenthau: 1985a:12) Hence, realism refuses to identify moral aspirations of one nation with moral universal principles. This German thinker understands as foreign policy the external actions states pursue in the international system where the core is the national self-interest and power. Below we will study the three main principles that Morgenthau wrote on his work considered essentials for this case-study. 2.1 National-Interest National interest is the key concept for Realism in the understanding of foreign policy. In the study of the national interest, Hans Morgenthau becomes one of the most important thinkers being the maxim authority in this subject, not only because he presents the main study with his work (cited before) also because he creates almost a scientific theory. According to him national interest refers to the essence of politics. The idea of interest is indeed of the essence of politics and is unaffected by the circumstances of time and place. Interest is the perennial standard by which political action must be judged. Yet the kind of interest determining political action in a particular period of history depends upon the political and cultural context within foreign policy is formulated. (1985a:8-9) Other authors as Osgood, defines national interest as a state of affairs valued solely for its benefits to the nation. (Gonzalez, 8) Contrary to realism, he defines this concept as an egoist behavior states normally take. For Frankel, national interest is defined as the general and permanent ends why a nation acts. (Rubio, 64) Also, Marshall says national interest refers to the political objectives upper internal and political controversies. It means the maintenance of peace, the preservation of security and the national protection in the international sphere. (Rubio, 64-65) Therefore, states will take foreign policies acting and thinking on their own objectives and on their own interests without having in consideration other states necessities. However nations will be limited in their actions by the behavior of the rest of states, the freedom of choice of any one state is limited by the actions of all the others. (Viotti and Kauppi, 1998:73). On the other hand, Thomas W. Robinson  [4]  does a classification about the different national interests exist through the analyses of Hans ´s Morgenthau work. (Gonzà ¡lez, 23) He says first, states will defend primary necessities: the physical, political and cultural identity of the nation, as well as, the survival of the state fronts any external aggression. The second interest refers to individuals and diplomats based on their protection and security. It is important to explain according to Hans, that the kind of interest will be determined by the political and cultural context. (Morgenthau, 1985a) 2.2 The importance of power Contrary to other thinkers, Morgenthau stresses states interest is in terms of power: The main signpost that helps political realism to find its way through the landscape of international politics is the concept of interest defined in terms of power.(Morgenthau, 1985a:5). Hence, power becomes the second essential key for Realism theory in the international field. States will act according their own interests as statesmen think and act in terms of interest defined as power. (Morgenthau, 1985a:5) Therefore, states leaded by statesmen pursue power. Hans will show in his work three ways for the struggle of power, but we will study only two: the maintenance of power and the increment of this. This importance of power will be essential to explain later the Spanish foreign policy during World War II.

Every Grain of sand Essays -- essays research papers

poem tells a story within its words, even if it is not directly stated. Nearly every word and phrase in a poem, and even its punctuation has a meaning and a message that the author is trying to send across to the reading or listening audience. Not always is it easy to immediately understand what the poet is trying to say, but within the words and punctuation, over time and with analysis, interpretation is possible. Poetry is a group of so many words that a poet carefully chooses to show certain meaning. The song â€Å" Every Grain of Sand† that is written by Bob Dylan deserves to be called poetry because of his careful use of tone, symbolism, allusion, simile and enjambments. Tone is an important part of poetry. It sets the mood of the piece and gives the audience a sense of what is going on and how the narrator feels. In â€Å" Every Grain of Sand† the tone is one of sadness and depression. There is a certain desperate tone in the poem, as the narrator looks for help in â€Å"the hour of [their] deepest need.† This is evident in the first and second lines of the first stanza when it is written †In the time of my confession, in the hour of my deepest need / When pool of tears beneath my feet flood every newborn seed.† The â€Å"time of confession† sets a solemn tone, for when a person is confessing it is usually a quiet, personal, and regretful time. This sad emotion that the tone sets is further emphasized when the author uses words and phrases like â€Å"sorrow of Night,† â€Å"violence†, â€Å"chill†, â€Å"bitter†, â€Å"loneliness† and â€Å"broken mirror of innocence.† These all set a mood of sadness, anger, bitterness, hatred and darkness that the narrator feels in his hour of need, as they carry the burden, or the â€Å"chains,† of their past mistakes. Although most of the poem keeps with a sad tone, the tone shifts slightly. Line fifteen says â€Å" Then onward on my journey I come to understand...† This line shows that he is slowly on his way, realizing things he perhaps did not at first. Symbolism is another important poetic device that is used throughout this poem. One’s entire understanding of the poem relies upon their understanding of the symbols applied. Bob Dylan uses symbolism on numerous occasions throughout his song â€Å" Every Grain of Sand†. In the line â€Å" When the pool of tears beneath my feet flood every newborn seed,†(1. 2) Dylan uses the flooding of the newborn seed to represent how the tears ... ...f Sand† create a feeling of searching for something, especially at the beginning. The first enjambment is in the first three lines of the poem, where the speaker is just trying to explain how he feels, and continues talking, without taking any breaths. The second stanza also includes enjambment, showing that there was a little bit of a realization that is some one to help in times of need, or a thought going on. In the fifth stanza there are not any enjambments. This shows that the speaker is thinking about each thing that he has experienced, the punctuation shows him pausing after each thought. Having enjambments in a poem gives a new feeling and possibly a new meaning. Bob Dylan’s use of effective tone, symbolism, allusion, similes, and enjambments in his song â€Å"Every Grain of Sand† is reason enough for it to be considered poetic. Although it is rhythmic, the piece flows for the many other reasons we’ve explored. It has deep and hidden meanings that are left to the audience’s interpretation, and it uses expressive language to tell its story. Songs, therefore, can be poetic if they include all the right elements. work Cited http:// www.findlyrics.com/song/d/Dylan_Bob/10766.html

Book Review – Simply Jesus

We can go about Sunday after Sunday worshipping the Lord Jesus and praying out to him in our own ways but at the end of the day, are we ready to deal with the challenges of the â€Å"real life†? Would we question ourselves on the reality of Jesus' existence? â€Å"With Jesus, Its easy to be complicated and hard to be simple†, described the author. And it is so true that with our Limited ability to fully comprehend the works of Christ Jesus, he becomes rather â€Å"under-utilized†, grossly under-valued with Its full potential nowhere near realized. The gospels, like his computer, have every right to feel restated, says the author.Jesus, though he was actually king, did not come fully recognizable as â€Å"the king†, so that his believers need to â€Å"exercise faith† in believing that Jesus is indeed the real king through all his miraculous works! Jesus is unavoidable. But he is also deeply mysterious. While we know so much about Jesus, yet there Is only so little that we really understood of him. Jesus puzzled people then, and he puzzles us till this day! Firstly, we know that Jesus' world was a strange, foreign country. Those days the people then thought differently. They coked at the world differently in cultural habits, practices and lifestyle.Secondly, Jesus' God seem to strange to us! There are so many â€Å"gods† from some of the world's great religions that it is not sufficient Just to ask, â€Å"Do you believe? † but to also ask, â€Å"Which god dowdy believe In? â€Å". We need to get Inside Jesus' world and try to catch a glimpse of what he meant when he spoke of God. Only then, we can begin to look Into think you were allowed to do, and he explained them by saying he had the right to do them! Of course, with all that said, Jesus didn't have â€Å"authority' over us. Nevertheless, the right to â€Å"choose† still lies in our hands today.

Decision-Making Process Paper Essay

My name is Jovon Roberson, I will be discussing my decision making process. I will try to supply research supporting my ideas. The paper will describe some steps of my process. I will compare some similarity to the text, and explain how some of the steps might be different. Most decisions people make in their life time will definitely be easy and some maybe very difficult. I truly believe that each individual is in control of their own destiny and in complete control of the decisions they have to make in their life time. My decision to start school was clearly decided right after I was terminated from my job. I was ill at the time and desperately needed to file for the family medical leave of absence so my job would not be in jeopardy, but that was a total loss. Once terminated I clearly had to make some important decisions about the future of my son and I, while thinking long and hard about how I was going to make ends meet. I had a discussion with one of my best friends and I came to the grips that I needed more than what I was getting and this really was my only option going to school. My steps are somewhat different from the ones in the text, but it is clear they there were important steps to take while making my decision to go back to school and I really believe it was one of the best decision I could have made. My decisions would have been different very different but in reality the the steps in the text provided more proper steps and they would have been a more thought out process for me butat the same time my decision would have been the same. It would have been precise, more thought out some plans would have been setup, and short term goals would have been set, long term goals would have been into play and set as well. More thought would have been there to back everything up not just the goals set in my head they would have been on paper in black and white. I would have been better prepared for all my future intents. People gather and evaluate information when they face major decisions or milestones in their lives. The internet has become a more important source of information as people gain experience and as they embrace broadband (Copyright 2012 Pew Internet & American Life Project). In this paper I have discussed some similarity to the text, and explain how some of the steps might be different. The decisions people make in their life time will definitely be easy and some maybe very difficult and how I truly believe that each individual is in control of their own destiny and in complete control of the decisions they have to make in their life time. I hope I have covered everything in this paper that you have asked for. I thank you for your attention and your time. References: Copyright 2012 Pew Internet & American Life Project http://pewinternet.org/Topics/Activities-and-Pursuits/Decision-Making.aspx?typeFilter=5

Berkelium Element Facts - Atomic Number 97 or Bk

Berkelium Element Facts - Atomic Number 97 or Bk Berkelium is one of the radioactive synthetic elements made in the cyclotron at Berkeley, California and the one that honors the work of this lab by bearing its name. It was the fifth transuranium element discovered (following neptunium, plutonium, curium, and americium). Heres a collection of facts about element 97 or Bk, including its history and properties: Element Name Berkelium Atomic Number 97 Element Symbol Bk Atomic Weight 247.0703 Berkelium Discovery Glenn T. Seaborg, Stanley G. Thompson, Kenneth Street, Jr., and Albert Ghiorso produced berkelium in December, 1949 at the University of California, Berkeley (United States). The scientists bombarded americium-241 with alpha particles in a cyclotron to yield berkelium-243 and two free neutrons. Berkelium Properties Such a small quantity of this element has been produced that very little is known about its properties. Most of the available information is based on predicted properties, based on the elements location on the periodic table. It is a paramagnetic metal and has one of the lowest bulk modulus  values of the actinides. Bk3 ions are fluorescent at 652 nanometers (red) and 742 nanometers (deep red). Under ordinary conditions, berkelium metal assumes hexagonal symmetry, transforming to a face-centered cubic structure under pressure at room temperature, and an orthorhombic structure upon compression to 25 GPa. Electron Configuration [Rn] 5f9  7s2 Element Classification Berkelium is a member of the actinide element group or transuranium element series. Berkelium Name Origin Berkelium is pronounced as  BURK-lee-em. The element is named after Berkeley, California, where it was discovered. The element californium is also named for this lab. Density 13.25 g/cc Appearance Berkelium has a traditional shiny, metallic appearance. It is a soft, radioactive solid at room temperature. Melting Point The melting point of berkelium metal is  986  Ã‚ °C. This value is below that of neighbor element curium  (1340  Ã‚ °C), but higher than that of californium  (900  Ã‚ °C). Isotopes All of the isotopes of berkelium are radioactive. Berkelium-243 was the first isotope to be produced. The most stable isotope is berkelium-247, which has a half-life of 1380 years, eventually decaying into americium-243 via alpha decay. About 20 isotopes of berkelium are known. Pauling Negativity Number 1.3 First Ionizing Energy The first ionizing energy is predicted to be about 600 kJ/mol. Oxidation States The most common oxidation states of berkelium are 4 and 3. Berkelium Compounds Berkelium chloride (BkCl3) was the first Bk compound produced in sufficient quantity to be visible. The compound was synthesized in 1962 and weighed approximately 3 billionths of a gram. Other compounds which have been produced and studied using x-ray diffraction include berkelium oxychloride, berkelium fluoride (BkF3), berkelium dioxide (BkO2), and berkelium trioxide (BkO3). Berkelium Uses Since so little berkelium has ever been produced, there are no known uses of the element at this time aside from scientific research. Most of this research goes toward synthesis of heavier elements. A 22-milligram sample of berkelium was synthesized at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and was used to make element 117 for the first time, by bombarding the berkelium-249 with calcium-48 ions at the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research in Russia. The element does not occur naturally, so additional samples must be produced in a lab. Since 1967, just over 1 gram of berkelium has been produced, in total! Berkelium Toxicity The toxicity of berkelium has not been well-studied, but its safe to assume it presents a health hazard if ingested or inhaled, due to its radioactivity. Berkelium-249 emits low-energy electrons and is reasonably safe to handle. It decays in alpha-emitting californium-249, which remains relatively safe for handling, but does result in free-radical production and self-heating of the sample. Berkelium Fast Facts Element Name: BerkeliumElement Symbol: BkAtomic Number: 97Appearance: Silvery metalElement Category: ActinideDiscovery: Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (1949) Sources Emsley, John (2011). Natures Building Blocks: An A-Z Guide to the Elements. New York, NY: Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0-19-960563-7.Peterson, J. R.; Fahey, J. A.; Baybarz, R. D. (1971). The crystal structures and lattice parameters of berkelium metal. J. Inorg. Nucl. Chem. 33 (10): 3345–51. doi:10.1016/0022-1902(71)80656-5Thompson, S.; Ghiorso, A.; Seaborg, G. (1950). The New Element Berkelium (Atomic Number 97). Physical Review. 80 (5): 781. doi:10.1103/PhysRev.80.781Thompson, Stanley G.; Seaborg, Glenn T. (1950). Chemical Properties of Berkelium. OSTI Technical Report doi:10.2172/932812

Movements that had an impact on colonial Americas dev. essays

Movements that had an impact on colonial America's dev. essays There were several movements that had an impact on colonial America. Some of these movements were the Mayflower Compact, mercantilism, the enslavement of Africans, and the first Great Awakening. Each of these movements had a great impact on the development of colonial America, and helped to create what America is today. The Mayflower Compact was a document signed by 41 male passengers on the Mayflower before landing at Plymouth. Concerned that some members might leave to form their own colonies, William Bradford and others drafted the compact to bind the group into a political body and pledge members to abide by any laws that would be established. The document adapted a church covenant to a civil situation and was the basis of the colonys government. The settlers elected a governor and at first made all decisions for the colony at town meetings. Before the Mayflower Compact was drafted, the Pilgrims suffered problems with disease, neighboring Indians, and an unfamiliar climate. Under the leadership of William Bradford and William Brewster, the colony slowly recovered from the losses of the first year and by 1630 had a population of about 400 people. Within a few years, the colony had reached, and passed, 1,000 inhabitants. This compact was the first attempt at self-governing by the colonists. They were not ordered by the King to create this; they did it of their own accord in order to survive. This compact served as an example for other colonies, and they soon created their own governments as well. This trend of self-governing led to a greater independence of the colonies from the motherland, and it ultimately led to the American Revolution. Mercantilism also had a great impact on colonial America. England, France, Holland, and Spain all restricted their colonies foreign trade. Subsidies and other assistance was employed to encourage the colonies to produce raw materials, while their right to pro...