Thursday, October 31, 2019

Vacation place Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Vacation place - Essay Example The setting rests as the best toured by most of the people from all over the world. Additionally, there lies a stately stone manse called Villa Milocer that lie on seaside estate adorned with beautiful olive trees and embraced by the ancient cedar and forests made of pine. Therefore, planning a vacation in Aman Svet Stefan is the best as it offers the beautiful views with pink sandy beaches. The pink sandy beaches receive many people travelling from all over the world bringing aboard the best for those who like to interact with the beautiful women. The place presents the best of its kind as statistics show that more women than men tour the site. It is the most admired by men that would like to check out for the fragrance embodied of the beautiful women the world over. Notwithstanding, this locale has the richest individuals offering the best deals for car hire for the preserve of comfort. Nevertheless, after an enjoyable day, the island provides the best for its visitors to rest, relax, and stay better the next day. It offers an extended selection of suites with collections of dining venues, entertainment, and wellness. In addition, the place has the best hotels that one can spend comfortably. The Sveti Stefan offers the most comfortable areas for sleep that are pocket-friendly while giving the best for the visitors. Thus, the Aman Svet Stefan stands out to be the best place to take your

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

Philosophy Trinity Essay Example for Free

Philosophy Trinity Essay Many philosophers have addressed and questioned the subject regarding the unity and trinity of God. Yahya Ibn Adi was a philosopher and a Monophysite scholar of the Arab Classical Period who has firmly given treatises of his own interpretation on this subject. This has caused manygfjkfgmngcccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccb scholars and other philosophers to critique his understandings and express their own viewpoints of Yahyah Ibn Adi’s philosophy on the unity and trinity of God. Emilio Platti in his article Yahya B. Adi And His Refutation Of Al-Warraq’s Treatise On The Trinity In Relation To His Other Works and Sidney H. Griffith in her article Commending Virtue And A Humane Polity In 10th Century Baghdad The Vision of Yahya Ibn Adi are two scholars who explored Yahya’s refutations. In their articles they discuss b a good indication to what Yahya’s belief was on the subject of unity of God. Many philosophers challenged his standpoints on the unity as well as the trinity resulting in Yahya to refute the situation. Two philosophers in particular who attributed Yahya’s treatises were Al-Kindi and and Al-Warraq. One of Al-Kindi’s reasoning for attributing Yahya’s treatise on the unity and trinity of vb the unity of God. Griffith explains how Yahya firmly asserts that â€Å" God is said to be ‘one’ in number in reference to his ‘substance, while in reference to his ‘quiddity’ or whatness’, which, according to Yahya, is essentially described as being ‘generous/good, ‘wise’, and ‘powereful’, he is ‘three’†4 In comparison with Griffith’s article, Emilio Pratti critiques how Yahya refutes to Al-Kindi’s attribution on treatise on the unity. Pratti believed that â€Å"To al Kindi, he underlies that the Christians say on the one hand, that the Creator is one, and that his quiddity is one, but they also say, on the other hand, that He is three, as far as He is good, wise and powerful.. †5 Pratti stresses that this is not a contradiction because we can use â€Å"one† in the sense of one in subject and many in definition. In Pratti’s conclusion, he raises the questions â€Å"b in different ways, based on what the Scriptures are saying to them? Why should God not be present in a human being, as we understand it from the Gospels? † Pratti closes his argument insisting that there is no indication that this would be impossible, he believes there are many indications that God can certainly expose himself as such Emilio Platti’s argued that when it came to Yahya’s refutations, he found his ideas to be offered in an unorganized and sometimes contradictory way. Platti also scolds how certain arguments by Yahya Ibn Adi’s may be given in a particular reply. In regards to how Yahya Ibn Adi responds to those who challenge his treatise, Pratti states that â€Å"†¦most of his apologetical works are written in the form of a rebuttal; he quotes, most probably in extensor, an already existing refutation of the Christians by a Muslim-or a refutation of the Jacobites by a Nesotrian – and replies paragraph by paragraph† (173) Pratti argues that this way of responding has several consequences. vcghaks about how Yahya replies to the philosopher Al-Kindi’s treatise on the unity. To al Kindi, he underlies that the Christians say on the one hand, that the Creator is one, and that his quiddity is one, but they also say, on the other hand, that He is three, as far as He is good, wise and powerful†¦.. Pratti asserts that this is not a contradiction for we Pratti raises the questions â€Å"Why should God not reveal Himself under the three aspects of his hypostases, designated by the Christians in different ways, based on what the Scriptures are saying to them? Why should God not be present in a human being, as we understand it from the Gospels? † Pratti concludes that there is no indication that this would be impossible, he believes there are many indications that God can certainly expose himself as such. Sidney H. Griffith discusses how Yahya refutes back to Al-Kindi†¦Griffith says â€Å"yahya ibn adi’s habit of quoting large portions of the texts of those with whose ideas he disagrees in his refutations of them that a significant portion of the lost work of an important comparative religionist in the early Islamic period, Abu Isa al-Warraq has survived, allowing a modern editor to bring out an edition of what he considers to be the major part of Abu Isa’s anti-Christian work. Griffith describes Yahya Ibn Adi’s unity of God to be.. Griffith describes how Yahyah Ibn Adi wrote a handful of apologetic texts of his own in the Kalam style defending the doctrine of Trinity. Griffith describes . yahya argues Al-Kindi challenged Yahyah Ibn Adi’s treatise as well. Yahya’s rebuttle was that â€Å"given the Muslim philosopher’s own description of God as simultaneously God as ‘one’ and as ‘substance, al-Kindi too faced a logical conundrum involving the notions of ‘one and ‘three’. †(89) Yahya further claims that Al-Kindi misused technical terms When it came to Yahya’s discussion of the Christian doctrinal formulae, he found that Al-Kindi misinterpreted and misused technical terms that were comprised in it. Yahya also clarifies that God is said to be ‘one’ in number in reference to his ‘substance’. Griffith goes forth to say that Yahya goes to considerable lengths to dispose of what he considers to be logically faulty definitions of the ‘one’. Yahya describes God of having three attributes which are goodness/generosity, wisdom, and power. When Yahya responds to other philosophers challenging his treatise, he speaks of the three divine attributes One philosopher in particular who challenged Yahya’s philosophy on the unity and trinity of God was al-Kindi. Al-Kindi’s reasoning for this was that he wanted to â€Å"challenge Christians for the unreasonableness of their al-talit on the foundation of â€Å"logic and philosophy, and more specifically on the grounds that their Trinitarian confession necessarlily involved the repulsive idea of introducing â€Å"composition (al-tarkib) into the God head† To sum up Al-Kindi’s response, he believed that the God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit were not eternal. Griffith then describes Yahya’s reaction to this by stating that â€Å"Yahya argues that given the Muslim philosopher’s own description of God as simultaneously God as ‘one’ and as ‘substance’, al –Kindi too faced a logical conundrum involving the notions of ‘one and three. ;† Griffith also affirms that Yahya further found that al-Kindi misinterpreted and misused technical terms that were comprised in his argument about the unity of God. Griffith explains that Yahya asserts that â€Å" God is said to be ‘one’ in number in reference to his ‘substance, while in reference to his ‘quiddity’ or whatness’, which, according to Yahya, is essentially described as being ‘generous/good, ‘wise’, and ‘powereful’, he is ‘three’† This paper will demonstrate how two critics have formed and expressed their own understandings of Yahya’s treatise on unity and trinity of God. How yahya responds to other scholars attributes on his treatise. Many philosophers challenged Yahya Ibn Adi on his treatise on the unity and trinity of God. In Emilio Platti’s article, he critques how Yahya refutes to others about their attributions to his own works. This paper will demonstrate how two critics have formed and expressed their own understandings of Yahya’s treatise on unity and trinity of God. How yahya responds to other scholars attributes on his treatise. Many philosophers challenged Yahya Ibn Adi on his treatise on the unity and trinity of God. In Emilio Platti’s article, he critques how Yahya refutes to others about their attributions to his own works. In conclusion, it is evident that there are many ways to interpret Yahya Ibn Adi’s treatises on the unity and trinity of God. There are also numerous ways one can interpret how Yahya refuted back to his own critiques. Griffith and Pratti are two critics who certainly had similar interpretations of Yahya’s refutations.

Sunday, October 27, 2019

History of Border Patrol in the US

History of Border Patrol in the US Introduction Turn on the television today and one of the stories popular in the media is President Trump’s border wall which is aimed at curbing crimes. One of the crimes in question is illegal immigration primarily along the southern border.   To members of Congress, Mexico presents a threat to the United States. Although, in a broad sense, this can be perceived as unfair, or even unjust; however, from a perspective of breaking U.S. immigration laws, there is a justifiable reason for the perception.   Every year the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) apprehends millions of individuals who enter the United States illegally. Of those â€Å"apprehensions 90% were made along the United States–Mexico border† (Guerette, & Clarke, 2005, p 161).   The Southern Border has been the focus of political debate for years. Since the early 90’s, border enforcement along the border has increased dramatically in terms of manpower, and budget. The amount of money spent on border patrol has the annual budget of the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol has increased from â€Å"$363 million to more than $3.8 billion† (The Cost, 2007, p. 1).   Ã‚  Operating with over sixty thousand employees, Customs and Border Patrol has the important task of securing the homeland by enforcing laws and depriving access of weapons and terrorists access to the U.S.   Impressively the agency can accomplish this mission without disrupting international travel and trade (About, 2018).   The following paper focuses on a brief history of Customs and Border Patrol and their role in diverting illegal immigration, and methods used to keep America safe. A Brief History Even though it was the early 1900’s, the United States still had an influx of immigration.   Men apart of the U.S. Immigration Service defended the border to deter unlawful border passing. This was not a permanent mission as patrols were only conducted when man power and assets were available (Border, 2017). Understanding something needed to be done to keep track of these individuals, Congress passed the 1907 Immigration Act.   This law required all immigrants and non-citizens to enter the United States at designated ports of entry. The law tightened down border measures by making it mandatory each person had to be inspected and receive authorization by a border inspector that they are clear to enter (Hernandez, 2010, p 1).   However, the very foundation of the Customs and Border Patrol began in the late 1700’s when Congress introduced several acts aimed at applying Tariffs.   The agency was authorized by the President to enforce health and quarantine laws in 17 96. In 1798, authorization was given to deport foreigners who were deemed dangerous. In 1819, all ships arriving into the United States were required to be inspected by customs officials called collector of customs. Immigration was rapidly evolving and customs services had to keep up.   In 1853, the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol to patrol by riding horses along the borders; primarily locating individuals who were trying to dodge custom collections or come into the country illegally.   With Congress increasing the number of tariffs it was evident that more people were required to enforce the laws (Timeline, 2018). Congress was passing new immigration laws at an increasing rate and needed them enforced at the border.   Spanning just a few decades, laws were passed to ban â€Å"lunatics, idiots, convicts, those liable to public charges† (Hernandez, 2010, p 36). A few years later, Congress deemed epileptics, anarchists, and women who were prostitutes were not to be admitte d into the United States. In 1917, Congress had banned all people of Asian descent from entering the United States. In In 1924, Congress decided with it was time to tighten the border security and created the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol. The agency was tasked with administering migration laws by averting unsanctioned boundary exploitations by patrolling designated regional limits. They were given law enforcement powers with the ability to detect and arrest people who were deemed to be illegal (Hernandez, 2010, p 2). The outfit was later renamed Bureau of Customs and held that name to the early 1970’s. It was then renamed Bureau of Customs and Border Patrol (1789, 2013).     Today their mission is much the same. They are responsible for securing the boundaries of the nation and upholding laws dealing with citizens and immigrants entering the United States. The mission of U.S. Customs and Border Patrols is never-ending.   Role in Immigration   When people think of immigration they tend to automatically think of illegal immigration. The Border Patrol plays a key role in both legal and illegal immigration.  Ã‚   To individuals who have not encountered, nor have experience with the U.S. immigration process, this can be daunting and confusing.   Foreign individuals can enter the U.S. for either short-term or long-term periods depending on visa status.   Border Patrol plays a crucial role in screening and determining if these foreign individuals may enter the U.S.   Each year there are over 200 million entries under the visa waiver program alone. Border Patrol must accomplish their mission of immigration screening without deterring tourism and future investors.   Border Patrol in 2017 alone, processed over four hundred million travellers’ through U.S. ports of entry. This equated to over two hundred million people by land; a hundred million by air; and eighteen million by sea. Interestingly, even if a visa has been issued to the individual, it is ultimately Border Patrols decision on whether to admit the individual.   In an average year, 8 million people with visas come to the United States; however, Border Patrol rejects around 2 million of these individuals (Aiden, 2012, p 111). Even with all these rejections, illegal immigration is a continuous and growing problem today that has been going on for years. The late 80’s was the time period in the United States that saw a vast increase in illegal immigration from Mexico, primarily fueled by an economic crisis that halted the growth of the economy and reduced the number of jobs available in their homeland.   (Alden, 2012, p. 110). Illegal immigration was so serious that apprehensions rose from â€Å"1 million annually in the 80’s to over 2 million at the end of the 90s† (Alden, 2012, p. 110). Initially the problem was just viewed as annoying; however, that perception quickly evolved into concern on the basis of security. States such as California were concerned with the increase in illegal immigrants and reached out to Congress for assistance.   This led states such as California, Arizona, and Texas to engage in an escalation of the force of armed personnel along the southern border (Alden, 2012, p. 110).  Ã‚   Of all the immigrants coming to the United States, over four hundred thousand individuals were caugh t trying to enter the country illegally outside the official port of entry (Immigration, 2015, p1).   Ã‚  These people who do not come in the official ports of entry give Border Patrol a run for their money. Border Patrol has a much harder job to perform as individuals who are not tracked slip under the radar.  Ã‚   According to Ngai (2010), â€Å"it is now estimated that over 12 million people in the United States, over a third of the foreign-born population, is not in legal immigration status† (pg. 93).  Ã‚   The United States has never been more proactive under the current administration in dealing with the problem with illegal immigration.   In 2017, over 700,000 Mexicans were deported from the U.S. This number is enormous and for good reason, as â€Å"one hundred thousand removals is the worldwide total† (Ngai, 2010, p 98).   Congress have prioritized this issue and increased Border Patrols budget immensely.   The spending alone has tripled from 2003-2006 with an annual budget of just under 4 billion dollars.   Honestly, the agency needs every cent as they are tasked with enforcing immigration laws and patrolling over 700 miles along the southern border. With the extra funding, drones have been utilized with infra-red and heat technologies.   The number of CBP agents has also tripled to a congressionally mandated 21, 500; the number of ports of entries increased by thousands, and the number of ICE agents has tripled since 2016 (Cost, 2017, p 2).   Ã‚  Unfortunately, even with all this attention to the southern border, it is not enough to deter immigration. On an average day, there is over 3 deaths along the border as a result of attempting to enter the U.S. illegally (The cost, 2017, p 1). Furthermore, congress has become more proactive in deportation and removal of illegal immigrants. So much that funding for the Customs Enforcement agency increased by eighty percent. With the increase in funding, more agents were added to the mission with â€Å"the number of apprehensions more than doubled and the number of interior removals increased by three-fold† (Amudeo and Lopez, 2017, p120). The increase in captures is identified as an increase in information sharing between apprehension and deportation of unauthorized immigrants which has since been a standard in every jurisdiction. One may ask why are so many people from Mexico attempting to risk everything and come to the United States? The answer is follow the money.   The wages in the United States are over four times high on average than those in Mexico.   Over the years, Border Patrol has changed immensely. As immigration laws change, they must adjust and enforce the new laws. As new Presidents come into office they also must accommodate their beliefs.   The modernization of immigration enforcement has smart borders at the ports of entry in Canada and Mexico. Computers make life easier to include immigration enforcement. President Trump has a border wall on the table with Congress allocating over 2. 5 billion for border security to include construction of a physical wall which is seen as the most extreme version of an enforcement strategy to â€Å"to reduce illegal immigration in the United States† (Aiden, 2017, p 483).   Today the Border Patrol has close to sixty thousand agents along the southern border. With the recent approval by President Trump to deploy the National Guard to defend the southern border, the security of the nation is increased.   Deterrence has also played a valuable part in border security to thwart illegal immigration. With the U.S. ending the era of ‘catch and release’ it lets knows people who are considering committing the act that their actions can result in jail time and felony prosecutions. One argument however with the change in protocols and the multibillion-dollar wall is whether they will work, or if it’s even worth it. When the President approved the Consolidated Appropriation Act, construction of approximately 100 miles of new border were began. Even with the high-tech wall, its effectiveness is still challenged. Statistics have shown that Mexico â€Å"ceased to be the route of choice for those seeking to enter the United States and remain illegally. Increasingly, the easiest path into the country has been to arrive on a legal visa and then simply remain after the period of admission has expired.† (Aiden, 2017, p 487).   The main perpetrators of illegal immigration are in fact visa overstayers.   Employment in the United States of ille gal immigrants has been a sensitive issue with the citizens of this country. Big penalties exist for citizens who do not verify the eligibility of their workers. Congress has mandated the use of the networked database called E-Verify. Anyone who wants to work in the United States needs to have a background check and be entered in the E-Verify work authorization system by employers. This program confirms eligibility within minutes. Border Patrol after 9/11 On the morning of September, the 11th 2001, the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol functions were put to the ultimate test. In the midst of chaos, the organization stepped up with other federal agencies to secure the nation. Operation Safe Passage was formed requiring an increase in Customs officers at all important ports of entry. This was a daunting time. Agents were working over 18 hours a day. Seven days a week to inspect flights and cargo from ships coming into the United States.   Within days, things intensified with President Bush and Congress creating the Homeland Security office as well as the Homeland Security Act which required provided Border Patrol with more power to enforce customs, immigration and agricultural laws. The changes entailed seizing contraband, greater powers in determining admissibility, apprehending illegal immigrants, and â€Å"protecting our agricultural interests from pests and diseases and collecting duties and fees† (Remembering, 2017).   The Customs and Border Patrol is a multi-facet organization that constantly is on the lookout for child exploitation, goods and drugs smuggling, and the detection and prevention of terrorism. With any one of the millions of visitors coming to the United States each day, it seems like a relentless never-ending task.   Luckily for the citizens of the nation, Border Patrol is equipped with the manpower, technology and undying patriotism of defending the nation and constitution of the United States. Just months after the heinous terror attack, Border Patrol implemented the Container Security Initiative Program which focused on determining the safety of containers from foreign ports before they reached the United States. This was accomplished by sending Agents to host countries and working closely with foreign governments.   This program proved to be so successful that it now is operating at over 80 ports in multiple countries (CSI, 2014).   Ã‚  The Customs and Border Patrol has many hurdles to overcome. They have the unique job of staying vigilant while at the same time, appear welcoming. Challenges   Perhaps one of the biggest hurdles Customs and Border Patrol encounters is enforcing immigration laws, identifying threats and potential terrorists with minimal interruption to economic incentives. According to Stana (2003), â€Å"Achieving the balance between security and commercial needs is greatly affected by commercial and border and immigration control Workload† (p 1).   On any given day Border Patrol must select and examine any shipment deemed high risk; however, at the same time must clear the cargo in an efficient and timely manner. Time is money and when that money equates to trillions of dollars per year, Customs and Border Patrol has a very serious task indeed.  Ã‚   The continuous stress knowing that if they missed one weapon of mass destruction or let one individual who was able to perform grave damage is a realism the agents must face.   The Agents must be aware that their actions can disturb potential investors coming to the United States and affect tourism. They must be able to perform their vital task without disrupting the smooth influx of positive reinforcement to the nations delicate economy.  Ã‚   Arguably Trumps’ Border wall imposes such a restriction. If it is not done correctly, â€Å"it could result in a small investment in terror into massive disruption of daily life that has a clear and adverse effect on the U.S. and overall global economy† (Flynn, 2004). To offset some of these problems, Border Patrol partners with other agencies and private sector entities with the purpose of fortifying international supply chains. The increased trust between agencies also adds to the information sharing and reporting with PCII protections in place for the private sector.   With increased trust, comes increased reward and is the foundation of the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT) network. As discussed earlier, increased security and detection can slow down the economy. The CTPAT works on trust and strict provisions. Border Patrol enters an agreement with partners of the supply chain ultimately exposing security gaps and allowing for the implementation of corrections.   This program is essential as it significantly reduces the number of Customs and Border Patrol examinations, shortens the waiting times at the port of entry, and a plethora of rewards as being a trusted partner of the Customs and Border Patrol.  Ã‚   With over twenty thousand partners, this program has been an enormous success aiding in the U.S. economy at the same time as keeping the nation safe (CPAT, 2018). Before this program cargo was inspected upon arrival. With the creation of the Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Patrol is the lead agency to protect the nation from threats that may come into the ports.   Programs such as the ones mentioned positively affect the economy by streamlining processes.   By being more efficient helps bolster economic needs of the nation; however, there are other ways they help the economy. The U.S. Customs and Border Patrol are constantly on alert for people and goods smuggling. Smuggled goods enter the U.S. with no duties paid which allows for criminals to sell them at a much cheaper price. This lack of regulation leads to the loss of revenue to the government as no tax is paid. Legitimate business struggle to compete with knock off which ultimately leads to job loss.   Items such as medications which have not been FDA approved can be harmful to the population as their ingredients cannot be guaranteed. Smuggling is such a serious problem. In 2014, over 80 % of the 80,000 firearms seized in Mexico were from the United States. Furthermore, billions of dollars are smuggled across the border into Mexico which can depreciate the currency. U.S. Customs and Border Patrol are America’s front line on tackling this issue. Modernization   With the implementation of networks between agencies, and information sharing abilities, the U.S. Border security has become ‘smarter’.   Biometric technology which is comprised of retina and finger print scanners are being utilized at all ports of entry which confirms if an individual is legally allowed to enter the United States, and if they are a known threat.   With such technology in place, combined with increased border agents and drone technology; this all is an effort to divert anyone thinking of committing illegal immigration. Technology such as facial recognition is being introduced in pilot programs to test their effectiveness at ports of entry and even in moving vehicles. Kiosks assigned with passport scanning abilities are being implanted in some airports. When entering the port of entry into the United States, it is not uncommon to see individuals utilizing their smart phones with their electronic passport application opened.   U.S. Customs and Border Patrol also use an application themselves to detect illegal activity and improve the safety of officers (Powerful, 2018).    Conclusion   It can not be overstated the importance of the role the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol plays in the physical and economical safety of the nation. The agency has come along way from its horse patrolling days with only a few men; however, its mission has stayed the same- to protect the United States. When ever Congress deemed it necessary to create a new law, the Customs and Border Patrol were there to implement and regulate them.   The threats in the world do not remain static, the agency knows this and adjusts accordingly. Modernization of techniques and technology have allowed the Customs and Border Patrol to stay vigilant and streamlined.   In 2018 alone, over 32, 000lbs of cocaine has been seized, 290,000lbs of marijuana, 360 gang members apprehended, and 289,000 people have been turned around at the border (CBP, 2018).   Considering that it is only 4 months into 2018, the agency has worked extremely hard this year alone.   As long as America is a prosperous nation it will be targeted by people who are in less fortunate situations. This reason alone is why it is doubtful illegal immigration will cease. The same logic can be applied to smuggling. People will always try to exploit the system. Fortunately for the law-abiding citizens of the country, the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol is there step up to the plate and protect the borders. References About CBP | U.S. Customs and Border Protection. (2018). Cbp.gov. Retrieved 13 April 2018, from https://www.cbp.gov/about Alden, E. (2012). Immigration And Border Control. Cato Journal, 32(1), 107-124. Retrieved from https://search-proquest-com.ezproxy1.apus.edu/docview/921128623?accountid=8289 Amuedo-Dorantes, C., & Lopez, M. J. (2017). The Hidden Educational Costs of Intensified   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Immigration Enforcement. Southern Economic Journal, 84(1), 120-154. doi:10.1002/soej.1220 Border Patrol History | U.S. Customs and Border Protection. (2018). Cbp.gov. Retrieved 14 April 2018, from https://www.cbp.gov/border-security/along-us-borders/history CBP Enforcement Statistics FY2018 | U.S. Customs and Border Protection. (2018). Cbp.gov.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Retrieved 14 April 2018, from https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/stats/cbp-enforcement-statistics CSI: Container Security Initiative | U.S. Customs and Border Protection. (2014). Cbp.gov.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Retrieved 14 April 2018, from https://www.cbp.gov/border-security/ports-entry/cargo-security/csi/csi-brief CTPAT: Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism | U.S. Customs and Border Protection. (2018). Cbp.gov. Retrieved 14 April 2018, from https://www.cbp.gov/border-security/ports-entry/cargo-security/ctpat Flynn. Stephen. E (2004). Rethinking the Role of the U.S. Mexican Border in the Post-9/11 World. (2018). Council on Foreign Relations. Retrieved 13 April 2018, from https://www.cfr.org/report/rethinking-role-us-mexican-border-post-911-world Guerette, R. T., & Clarke, R. V. (2005). Border enforcement, organized crime, and deaths of   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   smuggled migrants on the united states Mexico border. European Journal on Criminal Policy and Research, 11(2), 159-174. doi: http://dx.doi.org.ezproxy1.apus.edu/10.1007/s10609-005-6716-z Hernandez, K. L. (2010). Migra: a history of the u. s. border patrol. Retrieved from   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   https://ebookcentral-proquest-com.ezproxy1.apus.edu Immigration Enforcement Along U.S. Borders and at Ports of Entry: Federal, State, and Local Efforts. (2015). Pewtrusts.org. Retrieved 13 April 2018, from http://www.pewtrusts.org/en/research-and-analysis/issue-briefs/2015/02/immigration-enforcement-along-us-borders-and-at-ports-of-entry Ngai, M.   (2010). The civil rights origins of illegal immigration. International Labor and Working Class History, 78(1), 93-99. doi:http://dx.doi.org.ezproxy2.apus.edu/10.1017/S0147547910000141 Powerful app speeds detection, heightens awareness | U.S. Customs and Border Protection. (2018). Cbp.gov. Retrieved 14 April 2018, from https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/spotlights/powerful-app-speeds-detection-heightens-awareness Remembering Two 9/11s | U.S. Customs and Border Protection. (2018). Cbp.gov. Retrieved 13    April 2018, from https://www.cbp.gov/about/history/history-leads-to-the-present/remembering-two-911s Stana, Richard (2003). Homeland Security: Challenges Facing the Department of Homeland Gao.gov. Retrieved 13 April 2018, from https://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-03-902T The Cost of Immigration Enforcement and Border Security. (2017). American Immigration Council. Retrieved 13 April 2018, from https://www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/research/the-cost-of-immigration-  Ã‚  Ã‚   enforcement-and-border-security Timeline | U.S. Customs and Border Protection. (2018). Cbp.gov. Retrieved 13 April 2018, from   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   https://www.cbp.gov/about/history/timeline 1789: First Congress Provides for Customs Administration (2013) Cbp.gov. Retrieved 13 April    2018, from https://www.cbp.gov/about/history/1789-first-congress-provides-customs-  administration History of Border Patrol in the US History of Border Patrol in the US Introduction Turn on the television today and one of the stories popular in the media is President Trump’s border wall which is aimed at curbing crimes. One of the crimes in question is illegal immigration primarily along the southern border.   To members of Congress, Mexico presents a threat to the United States. Although, in a broad sense, this can be perceived as unfair, or even unjust; however, from a perspective of breaking U.S. immigration laws, there is a justifiable reason for the perception.   Every year the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) apprehends millions of individuals who enter the United States illegally. Of those â€Å"apprehensions 90% were made along the United States–Mexico border† (Guerette, & Clarke, 2005, p 161).   The Southern Border has been the focus of political debate for years. Since the early 90’s, border enforcement along the border has increased dramatically in terms of manpower, and budget. The amount of money spent on border patrol has the annual budget of the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol has increased from â€Å"$363 million to more than $3.8 billion† (The Cost, 2007, p. 1).   Ã‚  Operating with over sixty thousand employees, Customs and Border Patrol has the important task of securing the homeland by enforcing laws and depriving access of weapons and terrorists access to the U.S.   Impressively the agency can accomplish this mission without disrupting international travel and trade (About, 2018).   The following paper focuses on a brief history of Customs and Border Patrol and their role in diverting illegal immigration, and methods used to keep America safe. A Brief History Even though it was the early 1900’s, the United States still had an influx of immigration.   Men apart of the U.S. Immigration Service defended the border to deter unlawful border passing. This was not a permanent mission as patrols were only conducted when man power and assets were available (Border, 2017). Understanding something needed to be done to keep track of these individuals, Congress passed the 1907 Immigration Act.   This law required all immigrants and non-citizens to enter the United States at designated ports of entry. The law tightened down border measures by making it mandatory each person had to be inspected and receive authorization by a border inspector that they are clear to enter (Hernandez, 2010, p 1).   However, the very foundation of the Customs and Border Patrol began in the late 1700’s when Congress introduced several acts aimed at applying Tariffs.   The agency was authorized by the President to enforce health and quarantine laws in 17 96. In 1798, authorization was given to deport foreigners who were deemed dangerous. In 1819, all ships arriving into the United States were required to be inspected by customs officials called collector of customs. Immigration was rapidly evolving and customs services had to keep up.   In 1853, the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol to patrol by riding horses along the borders; primarily locating individuals who were trying to dodge custom collections or come into the country illegally.   With Congress increasing the number of tariffs it was evident that more people were required to enforce the laws (Timeline, 2018). Congress was passing new immigration laws at an increasing rate and needed them enforced at the border.   Spanning just a few decades, laws were passed to ban â€Å"lunatics, idiots, convicts, those liable to public charges† (Hernandez, 2010, p 36). A few years later, Congress deemed epileptics, anarchists, and women who were prostitutes were not to be admitte d into the United States. In 1917, Congress had banned all people of Asian descent from entering the United States. In In 1924, Congress decided with it was time to tighten the border security and created the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol. The agency was tasked with administering migration laws by averting unsanctioned boundary exploitations by patrolling designated regional limits. They were given law enforcement powers with the ability to detect and arrest people who were deemed to be illegal (Hernandez, 2010, p 2). The outfit was later renamed Bureau of Customs and held that name to the early 1970’s. It was then renamed Bureau of Customs and Border Patrol (1789, 2013).     Today their mission is much the same. They are responsible for securing the boundaries of the nation and upholding laws dealing with citizens and immigrants entering the United States. The mission of U.S. Customs and Border Patrols is never-ending.   Role in Immigration   When people think of immigration they tend to automatically think of illegal immigration. The Border Patrol plays a key role in both legal and illegal immigration.  Ã‚   To individuals who have not encountered, nor have experience with the U.S. immigration process, this can be daunting and confusing.   Foreign individuals can enter the U.S. for either short-term or long-term periods depending on visa status.   Border Patrol plays a crucial role in screening and determining if these foreign individuals may enter the U.S.   Each year there are over 200 million entries under the visa waiver program alone. Border Patrol must accomplish their mission of immigration screening without deterring tourism and future investors.   Border Patrol in 2017 alone, processed over four hundred million travellers’ through U.S. ports of entry. This equated to over two hundred million people by land; a hundred million by air; and eighteen million by sea. Interestingly, even if a visa has been issued to the individual, it is ultimately Border Patrols decision on whether to admit the individual.   In an average year, 8 million people with visas come to the United States; however, Border Patrol rejects around 2 million of these individuals (Aiden, 2012, p 111). Even with all these rejections, illegal immigration is a continuous and growing problem today that has been going on for years. The late 80’s was the time period in the United States that saw a vast increase in illegal immigration from Mexico, primarily fueled by an economic crisis that halted the growth of the economy and reduced the number of jobs available in their homeland.   (Alden, 2012, p. 110). Illegal immigration was so serious that apprehensions rose from â€Å"1 million annually in the 80’s to over 2 million at the end of the 90s† (Alden, 2012, p. 110). Initially the problem was just viewed as annoying; however, that perception quickly evolved into concern on the basis of security. States such as California were concerned with the increase in illegal immigrants and reached out to Congress for assistance.   This led states such as California, Arizona, and Texas to engage in an escalation of the force of armed personnel along the southern border (Alden, 2012, p. 110).  Ã‚   Of all the immigrants coming to the United States, over four hundred thousand individuals were caugh t trying to enter the country illegally outside the official port of entry (Immigration, 2015, p1).   Ã‚  These people who do not come in the official ports of entry give Border Patrol a run for their money. Border Patrol has a much harder job to perform as individuals who are not tracked slip under the radar.  Ã‚   According to Ngai (2010), â€Å"it is now estimated that over 12 million people in the United States, over a third of the foreign-born population, is not in legal immigration status† (pg. 93).  Ã‚   The United States has never been more proactive under the current administration in dealing with the problem with illegal immigration.   In 2017, over 700,000 Mexicans were deported from the U.S. This number is enormous and for good reason, as â€Å"one hundred thousand removals is the worldwide total† (Ngai, 2010, p 98).   Congress have prioritized this issue and increased Border Patrols budget immensely.   The spending alone has tripled from 2003-2006 with an annual budget of just under 4 billion dollars.   Honestly, the agency needs every cent as they are tasked with enforcing immigration laws and patrolling over 700 miles along the southern border. With the extra funding, drones have been utilized with infra-red and heat technologies.   The number of CBP agents has also tripled to a congressionally mandated 21, 500; the number of ports of entries increased by thousands, and the number of ICE agents has tripled since 2016 (Cost, 2017, p 2).   Ã‚  Unfortunately, even with all this attention to the southern border, it is not enough to deter immigration. On an average day, there is over 3 deaths along the border as a result of attempting to enter the U.S. illegally (The cost, 2017, p 1). Furthermore, congress has become more proactive in deportation and removal of illegal immigrants. So much that funding for the Customs Enforcement agency increased by eighty percent. With the increase in funding, more agents were added to the mission with â€Å"the number of apprehensions more than doubled and the number of interior removals increased by three-fold† (Amudeo and Lopez, 2017, p120). The increase in captures is identified as an increase in information sharing between apprehension and deportation of unauthorized immigrants which has since been a standard in every jurisdiction. One may ask why are so many people from Mexico attempting to risk everything and come to the United States? The answer is follow the money.   The wages in the United States are over four times high on average than those in Mexico.   Over the years, Border Patrol has changed immensely. As immigration laws change, they must adjust and enforce the new laws. As new Presidents come into office they also must accommodate their beliefs.   The modernization of immigration enforcement has smart borders at the ports of entry in Canada and Mexico. Computers make life easier to include immigration enforcement. President Trump has a border wall on the table with Congress allocating over 2. 5 billion for border security to include construction of a physical wall which is seen as the most extreme version of an enforcement strategy to â€Å"to reduce illegal immigration in the United States† (Aiden, 2017, p 483).   Today the Border Patrol has close to sixty thousand agents along the southern border. With the recent approval by President Trump to deploy the National Guard to defend the southern border, the security of the nation is increased.   Deterrence has also played a valuable part in border security to thwart illegal immigration. With the U.S. ending the era of ‘catch and release’ it lets knows people who are considering committing the act that their actions can result in jail time and felony prosecutions. One argument however with the change in protocols and the multibillion-dollar wall is whether they will work, or if it’s even worth it. When the President approved the Consolidated Appropriation Act, construction of approximately 100 miles of new border were began. Even with the high-tech wall, its effectiveness is still challenged. Statistics have shown that Mexico â€Å"ceased to be the route of choice for those seeking to enter the United States and remain illegally. Increasingly, the easiest path into the country has been to arrive on a legal visa and then simply remain after the period of admission has expired.† (Aiden, 2017, p 487).   The main perpetrators of illegal immigration are in fact visa overstayers.   Employment in the United States of ille gal immigrants has been a sensitive issue with the citizens of this country. Big penalties exist for citizens who do not verify the eligibility of their workers. Congress has mandated the use of the networked database called E-Verify. Anyone who wants to work in the United States needs to have a background check and be entered in the E-Verify work authorization system by employers. This program confirms eligibility within minutes. Border Patrol after 9/11 On the morning of September, the 11th 2001, the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol functions were put to the ultimate test. In the midst of chaos, the organization stepped up with other federal agencies to secure the nation. Operation Safe Passage was formed requiring an increase in Customs officers at all important ports of entry. This was a daunting time. Agents were working over 18 hours a day. Seven days a week to inspect flights and cargo from ships coming into the United States.   Within days, things intensified with President Bush and Congress creating the Homeland Security office as well as the Homeland Security Act which required provided Border Patrol with more power to enforce customs, immigration and agricultural laws. The changes entailed seizing contraband, greater powers in determining admissibility, apprehending illegal immigrants, and â€Å"protecting our agricultural interests from pests and diseases and collecting duties and fees† (Remembering, 2017).   The Customs and Border Patrol is a multi-facet organization that constantly is on the lookout for child exploitation, goods and drugs smuggling, and the detection and prevention of terrorism. With any one of the millions of visitors coming to the United States each day, it seems like a relentless never-ending task.   Luckily for the citizens of the nation, Border Patrol is equipped with the manpower, technology and undying patriotism of defending the nation and constitution of the United States. Just months after the heinous terror attack, Border Patrol implemented the Container Security Initiative Program which focused on determining the safety of containers from foreign ports before they reached the United States. This was accomplished by sending Agents to host countries and working closely with foreign governments.   This program proved to be so successful that it now is operating at over 80 ports in multiple countries (CSI, 2014).   Ã‚  The Customs and Border Patrol has many hurdles to overcome. They have the unique job of staying vigilant while at the same time, appear welcoming. Challenges   Perhaps one of the biggest hurdles Customs and Border Patrol encounters is enforcing immigration laws, identifying threats and potential terrorists with minimal interruption to economic incentives. According to Stana (2003), â€Å"Achieving the balance between security and commercial needs is greatly affected by commercial and border and immigration control Workload† (p 1).   On any given day Border Patrol must select and examine any shipment deemed high risk; however, at the same time must clear the cargo in an efficient and timely manner. Time is money and when that money equates to trillions of dollars per year, Customs and Border Patrol has a very serious task indeed.  Ã‚   The continuous stress knowing that if they missed one weapon of mass destruction or let one individual who was able to perform grave damage is a realism the agents must face.   The Agents must be aware that their actions can disturb potential investors coming to the United States and affect tourism. They must be able to perform their vital task without disrupting the smooth influx of positive reinforcement to the nations delicate economy.  Ã‚   Arguably Trumps’ Border wall imposes such a restriction. If it is not done correctly, â€Å"it could result in a small investment in terror into massive disruption of daily life that has a clear and adverse effect on the U.S. and overall global economy† (Flynn, 2004). To offset some of these problems, Border Patrol partners with other agencies and private sector entities with the purpose of fortifying international supply chains. The increased trust between agencies also adds to the information sharing and reporting with PCII protections in place for the private sector.   With increased trust, comes increased reward and is the foundation of the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT) network. As discussed earlier, increased security and detection can slow down the economy. The CTPAT works on trust and strict provisions. Border Patrol enters an agreement with partners of the supply chain ultimately exposing security gaps and allowing for the implementation of corrections.   This program is essential as it significantly reduces the number of Customs and Border Patrol examinations, shortens the waiting times at the port of entry, and a plethora of rewards as being a trusted partner of the Customs and Border Patrol.  Ã‚   With over twenty thousand partners, this program has been an enormous success aiding in the U.S. economy at the same time as keeping the nation safe (CPAT, 2018). Before this program cargo was inspected upon arrival. With the creation of the Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Patrol is the lead agency to protect the nation from threats that may come into the ports.   Programs such as the ones mentioned positively affect the economy by streamlining processes.   By being more efficient helps bolster economic needs of the nation; however, there are other ways they help the economy. The U.S. Customs and Border Patrol are constantly on alert for people and goods smuggling. Smuggled goods enter the U.S. with no duties paid which allows for criminals to sell them at a much cheaper price. This lack of regulation leads to the loss of revenue to the government as no tax is paid. Legitimate business struggle to compete with knock off which ultimately leads to job loss.   Items such as medications which have not been FDA approved can be harmful to the population as their ingredients cannot be guaranteed. Smuggling is such a serious problem. In 2014, over 80 % of the 80,000 firearms seized in Mexico were from the United States. Furthermore, billions of dollars are smuggled across the border into Mexico which can depreciate the currency. U.S. Customs and Border Patrol are America’s front line on tackling this issue. Modernization   With the implementation of networks between agencies, and information sharing abilities, the U.S. Border security has become ‘smarter’.   Biometric technology which is comprised of retina and finger print scanners are being utilized at all ports of entry which confirms if an individual is legally allowed to enter the United States, and if they are a known threat.   With such technology in place, combined with increased border agents and drone technology; this all is an effort to divert anyone thinking of committing illegal immigration. Technology such as facial recognition is being introduced in pilot programs to test their effectiveness at ports of entry and even in moving vehicles. Kiosks assigned with passport scanning abilities are being implanted in some airports. When entering the port of entry into the United States, it is not uncommon to see individuals utilizing their smart phones with their electronic passport application opened.   U.S. Customs and Border Patrol also use an application themselves to detect illegal activity and improve the safety of officers (Powerful, 2018).    Conclusion   It can not be overstated the importance of the role the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol plays in the physical and economical safety of the nation. The agency has come along way from its horse patrolling days with only a few men; however, its mission has stayed the same- to protect the United States. When ever Congress deemed it necessary to create a new law, the Customs and Border Patrol were there to implement and regulate them.   The threats in the world do not remain static, the agency knows this and adjusts accordingly. Modernization of techniques and technology have allowed the Customs and Border Patrol to stay vigilant and streamlined.   In 2018 alone, over 32, 000lbs of cocaine has been seized, 290,000lbs of marijuana, 360 gang members apprehended, and 289,000 people have been turned around at the border (CBP, 2018).   Considering that it is only 4 months into 2018, the agency has worked extremely hard this year alone.   As long as America is a prosperous nation it will be targeted by people who are in less fortunate situations. This reason alone is why it is doubtful illegal immigration will cease. The same logic can be applied to smuggling. People will always try to exploit the system. Fortunately for the law-abiding citizens of the country, the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol is there step up to the plate and protect the borders. References About CBP | U.S. Customs and Border Protection. (2018). Cbp.gov. Retrieved 13 April 2018, from https://www.cbp.gov/about Alden, E. (2012). Immigration And Border Control. Cato Journal, 32(1), 107-124. Retrieved from https://search-proquest-com.ezproxy1.apus.edu/docview/921128623?accountid=8289 Amuedo-Dorantes, C., & Lopez, M. J. (2017). The Hidden Educational Costs of Intensified   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Immigration Enforcement. Southern Economic Journal, 84(1), 120-154. doi:10.1002/soej.1220 Border Patrol History | U.S. Customs and Border Protection. (2018). Cbp.gov. Retrieved 14 April 2018, from https://www.cbp.gov/border-security/along-us-borders/history CBP Enforcement Statistics FY2018 | U.S. Customs and Border Protection. (2018). Cbp.gov.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Retrieved 14 April 2018, from https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/stats/cbp-enforcement-statistics CSI: Container Security Initiative | U.S. Customs and Border Protection. (2014). Cbp.gov.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Retrieved 14 April 2018, from https://www.cbp.gov/border-security/ports-entry/cargo-security/csi/csi-brief CTPAT: Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism | U.S. Customs and Border Protection. (2018). Cbp.gov. Retrieved 14 April 2018, from https://www.cbp.gov/border-security/ports-entry/cargo-security/ctpat Flynn. Stephen. E (2004). Rethinking the Role of the U.S. Mexican Border in the Post-9/11 World. (2018). Council on Foreign Relations. Retrieved 13 April 2018, from https://www.cfr.org/report/rethinking-role-us-mexican-border-post-911-world Guerette, R. T., & Clarke, R. V. (2005). Border enforcement, organized crime, and deaths of   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   smuggled migrants on the united states Mexico border. European Journal on Criminal Policy and Research, 11(2), 159-174. doi: http://dx.doi.org.ezproxy1.apus.edu/10.1007/s10609-005-6716-z Hernandez, K. L. (2010). Migra: a history of the u. s. border patrol. Retrieved from   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   https://ebookcentral-proquest-com.ezproxy1.apus.edu Immigration Enforcement Along U.S. Borders and at Ports of Entry: Federal, State, and Local Efforts. (2015). Pewtrusts.org. Retrieved 13 April 2018, from http://www.pewtrusts.org/en/research-and-analysis/issue-briefs/2015/02/immigration-enforcement-along-us-borders-and-at-ports-of-entry Ngai, M.   (2010). The civil rights origins of illegal immigration. International Labor and Working Class History, 78(1), 93-99. doi:http://dx.doi.org.ezproxy2.apus.edu/10.1017/S0147547910000141 Powerful app speeds detection, heightens awareness | U.S. Customs and Border Protection. (2018). Cbp.gov. Retrieved 14 April 2018, from https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/spotlights/powerful-app-speeds-detection-heightens-awareness Remembering Two 9/11s | U.S. Customs and Border Protection. (2018). Cbp.gov. Retrieved 13    April 2018, from https://www.cbp.gov/about/history/history-leads-to-the-present/remembering-two-911s Stana, Richard (2003). Homeland Security: Challenges Facing the Department of Homeland Gao.gov. Retrieved 13 April 2018, from https://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-03-902T The Cost of Immigration Enforcement and Border Security. (2017). American Immigration Council. Retrieved 13 April 2018, from https://www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/research/the-cost-of-immigration-  Ã‚  Ã‚   enforcement-and-border-security Timeline | U.S. Customs and Border Protection. (2018). Cbp.gov. Retrieved 13 April 2018, from   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   https://www.cbp.gov/about/history/timeline 1789: First Congress Provides for Customs Administration (2013) Cbp.gov. Retrieved 13 April    2018, from https://www.cbp.gov/about/history/1789-first-congress-provides-customs-  administration

Friday, October 25, 2019

Essay on Shirley Jacksons The Lottery - Blind Obedience Exposed

Blind Obedience Exposed in The Lottery    The annual ritualistic stoning of a villager in Shirley Jackson's "The Lottery" parallels tradition in American culture.   This paper will inform the reader of the effect tradition has on characters in the short story "The Lottery" and how traditions still strongly influence people's lives in america.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Christian weddings hold many traditions and superstitions that seemingly defy logic.   Although most couples no longer have arranged marriages or dowries, fathers still give their daughters away during the services.   The bride and groom do not see each other before the ceremony, fearing that bad luck might come their way.   A friend scolded me because I had originally planned to marry at the top of the hour, and told me I should change it "just to be safe".   Society continues to hold these traditions and superstitions very dear because of cultural influences and the possibility of bad things happening.   In Shirley Jackson's short story "The Lottery", the annual ritualistic stoning of a villager parallels the traditions inherent in American culture.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The black box is a source symbol of tradition for the townspeople. The original box wore out many years ago, and a new box was built from pieces of the old.   This reflects customs in our own society.   For exam... ... time.   It is possible that they were simply afraid of what would happen to them if they changed or stopped the lottery.   Maybe they just went through the motions of the lottery without questioning why, or really giving it much thought.   Whatever the real reason, the tradition of the lottery continued.   I will also continue to uphold traditions at my wedding one-month from now when my father will give me away at half past the hour, and I will take great pains not to see my fiancà © before.      Work Cited: Jackson, Shirley.   "The Lottery."   Literature Reading, Reacting, Writing.   4th Ed. Ed. Camille Adkins. Orlando: Harcourt College Publishers, 2001. 315-322

Thursday, October 24, 2019

If u forget me †Pablo Neruda Essay

â€Å"If you forget me† is one of the most famous poems by Pablo Neruda. Despite it was written around a century ago, the poem is still very popular nowadays. As love is a never ending topic, â€Å"If you forget me† with the main themes of passionate love and sacrifaction has become a living moral for many people. The sentimental sonnet is the confession of a man to his lover, saying how much he loves her and willing to sacrifice for her. The poem opens with a very short stanza of two lines. The use of punctuation immediately creates a dearing atmosphere and brings the audience closer to the speaker. A list of evocative objects follows in the second stanza. â€Å"Silver moon†, â€Å"red branch†, â€Å"slow autumn† bring up a sense of peace and calm. â€Å"Fire†, â€Å"impalpable ash†, â€Å"wrinkle log† evoke something passionate and strong, yet soft and tender. All of them remind the speaker of his love, all of them just to show how much he loves her: â€Å"As if everything that exists/ Aromas, light, metal/ Were little boats/ That sail/ Toward those isles of yours that wait for me†. Pablo uses metaphor to describe his lover. She is referred to as â€Å"isles† that are waiting for him. He hopes that she loves him just as he does and will always be there for him. Describing the speaker’s feelings as â€Å"little boats† that are floating toward her isles, Pabblo has created a beautiful and unique imagery. The rhyme of the poem suddenly changes at the beginning of the third stanza, creates a swift in tone of the speaker. â€Å"If† is repeated at the beginning of the next three stanzas, followed by presuppositions about his girlfriend not loving him anymore, then his reaction will be definitive. If she stops loving him, he will do the same. If she forgets him, he will forget her first. If she leaves him, he will has left already. It might sound apathetic at first, but decoding the use of metaphor in the sixth stanza reveils how much his love is for her, underlying within his bitter tone. He himself is described as a tree. In the heart are his roots. All the love will go there and he is living from it and because of it. Without this love he wouldn’t be himself. The last metaphor is that he is describing other girls, potential girlfriends, as another land. He will seek there if his present girlfriend will forget him. this is significant because the hardest thing to do is to let the person you love go and face the truth. The speaker, promising himself to move on, has shown that his love for her is stronger than any spoken words. The last stanza is probably the most important one, where his deepfelt sentiment is shown clearest. Very short lines are put at the beginning of the stanza. Punctuation once again has immediate impacts on the tone and mood. Despite his lover’s betrayal, at any moment if she changes her mind, he will always be willing to take her back again, as if they have never been detached. Determination is expressed by the quick pace, whereas love and caring is shown in longer lines. Pablo Neruda has composed a stunning piece of his most sincere confessions. A variety of language techniques is used throughout the poem. Imagery, connotation and metaphor are the key devices that contribute to the success of â€Å"If you forget me†. The poem leaves the audience a lingering feeling after they have long finished reading it.

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Oedipus the King and Alienation

Alienation is the process of becoming a separate part of the society; this is connected to the social side of life. It leaves one with a feeling of loneliness, which can either be mental or physical. As a result, characters in this instance become alienated from the world they live in. Three examples of characters who suffer from alienation are Oedipus from the play Oedipus the King, â€Å"the monster† from the novel Frankenstein, and Hamlet in the play Hamlet. These three characters go through the several stages of alienation to relieve themselves from the feeling of loneliness.The stages of alienation include initiation, journey, suffering, and reconciliation. Initiation is an examination of oneself to decide the steps of changing out of alienation. Journey is the process in which the alienated one goes through different steps, mentally or emotionally, from one experience to the next. Suffering is the pain or distress that alienation causes. Reconciliation is the last step i n alienation that reunites the alienated one with their society, peers, or even loved ones.In the play Oedipus the King, by Sophocles, Oedipus is alienated from the city of Thebes because he kills his own father and commits incest with his own mother. The city of Thebes was under a plague until the murderer of King Laius was found. Oedipus becomes the new King after the death of Laius and begins his search for the murderer. Oedipus searches for Tiresias, the blind prophet. When he gets to Tiresias he asks him what he knows about the murder. Tiresias responds by telling Oedipus the truth brings him nothing except pain.He continues to refuse to tell Oedipus what he sees. Oedipus gets mad at the old prophet and begins to accuse him of the murder of the King. This angers Tiresias and he tells the truth that he has discovered that Oedipus himself is the murderer of Laius. Tiresias says â€Å"he'll be revealed a brother and a father to his children in his house, husband and son to her wh o gave him birth; wife-sharer and the killer of his father† (Sophocles 74). Oedipus of course denies these accusations against him and in return he accuses Tiresias and Creon of plotting against him and leaves them.Oedipus ends up finding out from a shepherd that his real parents are not his biological parents. The original shepherd who took Oedipus in as a child, learned of his fate, that Oedipus would kill his father and marry his mother. He decided it was best to pass the young boy onto another shepherd in the next city over, Corinth. He expected if Oedipus was in a foreign city that his fate would not come true. Oedipus realizes who he is and who his parents are. The last words Oedipus mother says to him were â€Å"to live where time allows, and have a better life than the man who fathered you† (Sophocles 89).His mother ends up killing herself and Oedipus takes the pins from her robes and stabs his eyes out, he then is alienated from the city of Thebes. Oedipus is v ery much alienated from his society, friends, and family. Oedipus initiation is himself trying to find out the real story behind the murder of the King. His journey is the steps he learns along the way that build up to him discovering who he actually is. It was a long journey for Oedipus in which his fate caught up to him just like Tiresias says, â€Å"Oedipus' cloud of darkness is inescapable, unspeakable, unstoppable, driven by cruel winds† (Sophocles 49).Oedipus suffers from the fact that he not only killed his father, but married his own mother. He also looks like a liar to the entire city of Thebes, as they trusted him to find the murderer so they could be saved. At the end, Oedipus is reconciled with the truth and decides to stab his eyes. Oedipus is the classical example of a tragic hero who also shows the reality of fate and alienation. In the novel Frankenstein, by Mary Shelley the monster is alienated from the world. The story begins with Captain Robert Walton saili ng to the North Pole. His boat gets stuck hundreds of miles from land in sheets of ice.He decides to write a letter to his sister back in England and he talks about how he wants a male friend to keep him company on the boat. Walton then runs into Victor, a very strange man to say the least. Victor talks about his life to Walton and explains about this creature he made out of human corpses. Back in Geneva, Victor’s hometown, his brother is murdered. The house servant, Justine, is accused of the murder of William. Victor realizes the monster he made is the murderer and Justine is in fact innocent. Victor decides to go on a trip to the Swiss Alps to sleep and relax.Victor ends up running into the monster. The monster tells him a sad story about how he was alienated from the world and how he killed the boy out of revenge. The monster is mad that he was made alone and has no friends. He talks about how he has a miserable life. The monster says â€Å"I, the miserable and the aband oned, am an abortion, to be spurned at, and kicked, and trampled on† (Shelley 67). He explains a story about how a family of cottagers gave him hope that he would soon find compassion. They ended up deserting him and driving him away and this was his last chance to connect with society.â€Å"I am alone and miserable: man will not associate with me; but one as deformed and horrible as myself would not deny herself to me. My companion must be of the same species and have the same defects. This being you must create† (Shelley 143). The monster asks Victor to create a female friend for him. After a lot of convincing, Victor decides to do it. Victor ends up killing his attempt at a monster figuring that the first monster is tricking him so that they can destroy man kind. Victor returns to Geneva to marry Elizabeth and he then remembers the promise of how the monster wanted to be with him on his wedding night.The night of the wedding the monster ends up killing Elizabeth and Victor's father passes away from all of the grief. The monster wanted the revenge on Victor for not creating him a companion. Victor ends up chasing the monster down but the story ends with Victor dying and the monster crying over Victor's dead body. The monster then says he has nothing to live for and goes off to die. Before he goes off, the monster says â€Å"Was there no injustice in this? Am I to be thought the only criminal, when all human kind sinned against me† (Shelley 197).The monster suffers alienation because his maker left him alone with a miserable life. He has no compassion for anything and has no companion to spend his time with. The monster tries to get over alienation by getting revenge on the people who do not help him. His initiation is explaining his story and loneliness to Victor. The monsters journey is the story of his life without compassion, a companion, or anyone to look out for him. He suffers from being lied to a lot and gets revenge by killing peo ple. At the end he realized Victor was the best thing going for him and regrets revenging him, this is the monsters reconciliation.In the play Hamlet, by Shakespeare, Hamlet is alienated from society, but more importantly from his own family. Hamlet returns home from college to discover that his father, who is also the King, has been murdered. Hamlet’s mother and uncle are now dating, just a few days after his father’s death. I believe the first person to alienate Hamlet is Gertrude. The one person Hamlet would least ever expect to do this to him, his own mother. She has not grieved at all over her husband’s death and has completely ignored Hamlet's feelings about the situation. She ends up marrying Claudius, who was her husband’s brother, and soon to be found murderer.Since Claudius marries Gertrude he is the new King, this strongly angers Hamlet. Gertrude does not even see why her son is so angry about the situation. These are two examples that show how Hamlet's family members alienated him. Then Hamlet catches Claudius and Polonius spying on him, this frustrates Hamlet extremely. Claudius murdered Hamlet's father and Hamlet is out to prove it. Procrastination stops Hamlet from taking actions into his own hands towards Claudius and this causes problems within the family. Hamlets own two best friends, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, are even sent just to spy on him and watch him for Claudius.Hamlet does not know who to tell about the murder so thoughts of suicide posses his mind. He says â€Å"I am myself indifferent honest, but yet I could accuse me of such things that it were better my mother had not borne me† (Shakespeare 146). Hamlet is feeling helpless and unaware of what to do about his father’s murder. It only makes it worse on him that he has no parents to talk to about the situation. He has thoughts of killing Claudius but he can not tell his mother, Claudius, Polonius, or Ophelia about his plot to kill Claudiu s.Hamlet feels like he is trapped, he says â€Å"Denmark's a prison† (Shakespeare 112). He can speak to no one just as if he were a prisoner in jail. Not having the ability of talking to others for help about situations leaves one with a feeling of alienation. Ophelia also experiences alienation. She experiences hers through Hamlet. Ophelia ends up killing herself though, unlike Hamlet. Gertrude blames Ophelia for the way Hamlet was acting and and says: â€Å"For your part, Ophelia, I do wish that your good beauties be the happy cause for Hamlet's madness† (Shakespeare 140).The queen has a guilt complex and always has to blame someone; she rests the guilt of Hamlets madness on the shoulders of Ophelia. Hamlet and Ophelia both suffer from alienation. Hamlet has no one to talk to about his whole situation and is forced to feel alienated about it all. He has to figure everything out himself and prove himself right. He is a very strong character and makes it through to pro ve his point. Hamlet and Ophelia suffer from alienation throughout Shakespeare's play, Hamlet. Hamlet and Laertes are spied on by Claudius and Polonius so that Claudius is kept safe.Gertrude also blames Ophelia for Hamlet's insanity and as a result of the alienation; Hamlet and Ophelia meet a tragic end. These three characters discussed, Oedipus, the monster, and Hamlet, all suffer from various forms of character alienation. All three of them suffer through the stages of alienation: initiation, journey, suffering and reconciliation. In this sense, they are all similar. They also differ in their alienations. Oedipus is not alienated until then end, until his fate unfolds. The monster has been alienated his whole entire life and therefore takes it out by revenging on people.Hamlet is alienated when he comes home from college and discovers his father has been murdered. Over time Hamlet reconciles and proves himself right, reviving from alienation. Oedipus and the monster never recover from alienation. All of these are examples of characters who have been alienated by different ways. In the end though, fate will always catch up rather it be positive, in Hamlets case, or negative, in Oedipus'. These characters initiated, went for the journey, suffered the pain and they reconciled, all because of alienation.