The Cost Of The War On Drugs Philosophy Essay

The Cost Of The War On Drugs Philosophy Essay The War on Drugs was declared on June 17, 1971 by President Nixon, claiming at a press conference that drugs and their abuse are, public enemy number one in the United States (Frontline). Since that time, the War on Drugs has gone on to become the longest and most costly war in American history (Duke 15). The ever increasing expenditures, perceived infringement of constitutional rights, misinformation campaigns, imprisonments, and the seeming futility of the whole endeavor are leading many to question whether the War on Drugs is justifiable. This war is being waged against a concept and not an enemy, which guarantees unlimited funding and an unlimited time period with which to fight it. Not only is it unethical for the government to specify what chemicals citizens can and cannot place into their own bodies, the massive resources funneled into this futile operation would greatly benefit other areas of human society. 87 million people over the age of twelve have used illegal drugs, making this war on a concept virtually a war against the citizens of the United States (Cole, par. 14). The majority of resources devoted to the war on drugs are for law enforcement purposes, ignoring the underlying problems of addiction within the consumer culture in which we live. In the words of Thomas Jefferson, If people let the government decide what foods they eat and what medicines they take, their bodies will soon be a sorry state as are the souls of those who live under tyranny (Shulgin 28). Jack Cole is a retired New Jersey state police lieutenant who spent nearly fourteen years working as a narcotics officer. Over the course of his career, Jack evolved from a true believer in the War on Drugs into the co-founder of Law Enforcement Against Prohibition or LEAP. LEAP, as the name states, is an organization consisting of former police officers, judges, district attorneys, retired DEA, etc., who lobby for drug legalization (Cole, par. 1). Jack believes the War on Drugs is unjustly destroying millions of Americans lives every year and that the war itself is primarily responsible for many of the drug and drug related societal problems (par. 2). For example, by declaring certain drugs illegal one creates a black market and artificially inflates the price of these inherently non valuable products. Where there is demand there will be supply, especially for a ridiculous profit margin such as 17,000%, as Jack states (par. 7). These profits fund illegal organizations, such as Al Qaeda and organized crime, as well as contribute to local violence as seen in gang disputes over drug peddling territory (par. 7,20). Mr. Cole cites several compelling statistics. Tobacco kills 430,000 Americans per year, Alcohol 110,000, and all illegal drugs combined kill less than 12,000 people per year (par. 9). The US government spends 69 billion dollars per year in the War on Drugs and arrests 1.6 million on non-violent drug offenses (par. 9). Mr. Cole raises the valid question as to whether these monetary and human expenses are justified in combating illegal drugs while approximately 540,000 deaths are attributed yearly to legal alcohol and tobacco consumption (par. 9). A key question in considering the war on drugs is that of how much freedom an individual should have. John Stuart Mill addressed this question in his seminal work On Liberty. Mill was of the persuasion that the sole end for which mankind are warranted, individually or collectively, in interfering with the liberty of action of any of their number isà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ to prevent harm to others. His own good, whether physical or moral, is not a sufficient warrant (LaFollette 290). By this definition, the notion of victimless crime is moot. With no victim, there is no crime. This is a major point of contention among many because humans do not live their lives in a vacuum, virtually every action affects someone else in some way. Another important aspect to consider is the notion of harm. Who exactly is being harmed by drug use? If it is the drug user that is harmed, according to Mills views we have no right to prevent a rational human being from performing this action, even if the action itself is irrational. If there is sufficient evidence that drug use directly harms others, that is a justifiable reason to prohibit societys actions. Many in favor of prohibition cite many ways in which drug use harms others, such as drug use increases crime, child abuse, spousal neglect, accidents, and non-productiveness. The problem though, is that drug use does not directly cause these harms, rather it increases the risk of these harms. Rape and murder are always wrong because they always harm someone else by definition. Drug use is more slippery, not every user harms others and no user always harms others. We must decide if the likelihood of a few users to sometimes harm others is justifiable reason to ban all drug use. This is much like the decision we have already made concerning the risk of gun ownership. James Q. Wilson is an academic political scientist and President Nixons appointed chairman for the National Advisory Council for Drug Abuse Prevention (NACDAP), the forerunner to the modern DEA. Wilson is a firm supporter of the drug war, arguing that the expenses that would be incurred from legalization far outweigh any expense of the current drug war (297). He claims that the notion of drug use being a victimless crime is absurd, that society is not, nor ever has been, composed of autonomous beings (297). In his view, drug use is wrong because it demoralizes people, is contrary to human goodness, and degrades society as a whole (297). Wilson is combining a form of cost-benefit analysis utilitarianism with his evaluation of the virtues of drug use. A counter to this point of view is seen in the writings of Thomas Szasz, a professor of psychiatry at the State University of New York. Szasz thinks that when the Declaration of Independence states all men, meaning rational adults, are entitled to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, this includes the liberty to self medicate with drugs (White 279). His view is reminiscent of Mills statement that Over himself, over his own body and mind, the individual is sovereign (LaFollette 290). The factors of addiction and danger are thought to have no bearing on the argument, that self harm is not a justifiable liberty limiting principle (White 279). Freedom is and always will be more valuable than safety. In the words of Benjamin Franklin, Those who can give up essential liberty to attain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety (ushistory.org). Speaking of liberty limiting principles, Szasz is speaking from a standpoint of the harm principle, or the idea that law may only rightly restrict an individuals actions if they directly harm another (Mackinnon 233). As mentioned previously, this originated with J.S. Mill. There are other liberty limiting principles to consider though, such as the social harm principle which claims that the law may prevent an individuals actions if they do harm to society itself (234). In a free market society, anything that erodes competition may be justly outlawed. This may partly provide reason for declaring marijuana illegal due to the fact that the top ten drug companies account for more than 50% of Fortune 500 profits and according to Dr. Claudia Jensen, a breast cancer specialist, 80% of prescription drugs could be replaced by cannabis (American Drug War). This would seriously erode the market because cannabis can be grown virtually anywhere as is seen today with its cultivation in areas rangi ng from backyards to bedroom closets. Another way in which drugs may violate the social harm principle is in their alleged degradation of the family. William J. Bennett, a former drug czar under the Bush Sr. administration, states that not only do drugs harm the users, but also hurt parents, they destroy families, they ruin friendships (Bender 52). If family structure is deemed to be an integral part of societal well being, this argument could stand up under the societal harm principle. There is a risk of committing the post hoc, ergo propter hoc fallacy if sufficient evidence of drug use directly harming the family unit is not produced. Viewing the subject of drugs through a deontological lens produces different ideas altogether on the subject. Firstly, the use of drugs for recreational purposes may very well be breaking Kants imperative not to use oneself as a means to an end. Second, the highest purpose of a human is to be a rational being and anything that impairs this ability must be inherently bad. Intoxication muddies ones ability to consider situations rationally, hampering ones ability to make a proper moral choice. One could also argue that drug use leading to addiction robs an individual of their autonomy, overriding their free will with a drive for consumption at all costs. Also, in relation to Kants maxim of universalizability, one could without contradiction will it to be a universal law that nobody injects heroin. I think this principle becomes a bit less clear when considering substances such as marijuana though. Virtue ethics are most famously associated with Aristotle and provide a refreshing perspective in relation to drug usage and its legislature. By not focusing on the act itself or the assumed consequences of the action, virtue ethics focuses on the character of the agent. Aristotle also does not distinguish between morality and politics because the two are intertwined (Christie 56). Politics are meant to populate society with citizens of good character (56). By employing the golden mean as mentioned in Aristotles Nichomachean Ethics, we can hope to arrive at a balance between two extremes. Additionally, Aristotle also takes into account contextual factors such as our willingness to do the right thing, to the right person, at the right time, and with the right motives. The two poles of our current situation in regard to drug usage are absolute prohibition and complete legalization. The associated virtues of these positions could be conservancy and liberalism. I think a strategy of legalization and control would best fit the situation as a golden mean. Can condoning drug use be a virtue though? It is virtuous to promote virtue and vicious to promote vice. Through prohibition we are greatly contributing to empires built on vice and adding to the already ample surplus of human suffering in the world. Maybe it is not condoning drug use, but having compassion for the suffering of others and seeking to minimize that suffering. In conclusion, after conducting my research I am still of the opinion that the War on Drugs is ethically wrong. I have learned many disturbing things involved with the prohibition of chemical substances. Prisons are being privatized, which is good for expense optimization but creates a profit motive to incarcerate people (American Drug War). Their stock is sold on wall street based on how many people are in jail (American Drug War). Almost half a million people are in prison or jail due to drug offenses (drugwarfacts.org). The private companies can also use inmates as private property to do work or produce goods the company profits from, which sounds a bit like slavery to me (American Drug War). The number of marijuana arrests is greater than the number of arrests for all violent crimes combined, meaning that if it were to be legalized, many powerful organizations would lose a great deal of money (skeptically.org). Many drugs were banned originally due to reasons of racism, empire bu ilding, and fear (Hooked). The CIA is alleged to have started the L.A. crack epidemic of the 1980s to finance Nicaraguan Contra efforts, with fairly compelling evidence (Webb). Money seems to control everything. The Partnership for a Drug Free Americas biggest funders were alcohol and tobacco companies until they were exposed, now they only accept from prescription drug manufacturers (Males par. 9). Marijuana is in the same DEA schedule as heroin, PCP, and methamphetamine, which is asinine (justice.gov). Cocaine is not physically addictive nor is MDMA (Eldredge 13). No one has ever died from a marijuana overdose (23). Alcohol withdrawal is on par with heroin, and both are awful (15). Drugs do not consume people, people consume drugs and sometimes allow them to take over. A peyote cactus, which has existed on this earth far longer than humans, is not an inherently bad thing yet it is a schedule I offense to grow one in your front yard. I do not think that drugs should be sold from vending machines on the street corner, but under prohibition they virtually are, except not from vending machines. By declaring these substances illegal we are ceding any amount of control we might be able to exert over a wide range of powerful and potentially dangerous chemicals. People will consume whether society says they can or not, in ever more innovative and industrious ways. The current era of synthetic drugs capable of being manufactured in a bathroom is due in part to prohibition of less harmful substances. It is cheaper and easier to make your own supply with stuff you bought from Walgreens and Home Depot. Seeking altered states of consciousness seems ingrained in the human ps yche. Our current efforts with this war against drugs have only served to amplify the negative effects drugs have on society. Legalization and control, much like we do with alcohol and tobacco, seems to me to be the golden mean of this situation. I do not think people should use heroin, but I also do not think I have a right to force them not to in the privacy of their own home nor that we are helping anyone by making it illegal. We should stop this madness now, there is an almost infinite variety of substances that exist now or are mere potentialities that will inebriate a human being. We are seeing this across America today with the rise in popularity of incense that has been sprayed with a synthetic cannabinoid agonist and sold for $20 a gram. We are like Don Quixote battling an enemy that does not exist while the real enemy is inside ourselves. If we devoted as many resources as we funnel into the drug war toward education, research, and endeavors to better understand ourselves and the world that surrounds us, society would without a doubt have a better tomorrow.

Noble :: essays research papers

â€Å"Are children noble savages, naturally pure and innately good, or are they just savages, lovable savages.† I think that Barbara Lerner argues that all children have some good and evil in them. It’s just to see who they grow up with and which crowd they hang around with, but sometimes its not the crowd they hang with it might be there parents, teachers, people at school. Evil is within us all. â€Å"The darkness is out there, not in us.† I don’t think thats really true in some cases. Children are a portal to our past, and through experience they become our present and future.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In the book The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne. Hester Prynne had an affair with Arthur Dimmesdale. Hester in result was pregnat with a baby girl whom she named Pearl. Pearl is the symbol of Hesters public punishment for her adultery. Which would be considered evil to the Puritan since she had some demon like traits. So she had evil traits does it really matter to me it doesn't matter at all cuz some people say THaet i m evil but really i m not so yea It's a good vs evil in this short paper. So hehehe hahaha I m evil I m the devil. â€Å"Are children noble savages, naturally pure and innately good, or are they just savages, lovable savages.† I think that Barbara Lerner argues that all children have some good and evil in them. It’s just to see who they grow up with and which crowd they hang around with, but sometimes its not the crowd they hang with it might be there parents, teachers, people at school. Evil is within us all. â€Å"The darkness is out there, not in us.† I don’t think thats really true in some cases.

Pearl as a Symbol in The Scarlet Letter :: Nathaniel Hawthorne, The Scarlet Letter

Pearl as a Symbol in The Scarlet Letter In Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter, Pearl, is a symbol of sin and adultery in the sense that she leads Dimmsdale and Hester to their confession and the acceptance of their sins. A beauitful daughter of the towns adulturist has somtimes demon like traits. She is also the only living symblol of the scarlet letter "A". In another way Pearl also makes a connection between Dimmsdale and Hester. Initially Pearl is the symbol of Hesters public punishment for her adultery. As the novel progresses and Pearl matures she symbolizes the deteriation of Hester's like by constantly asking her about the scarlet letter "A". Pearl in a sense wants her mother to live up to her sin and, she achieves this by constantly asking her about the scarlet letter. Another peice of evidence that shows how Pearl symbolizes the sin Hester has committed, is when the town government wants to take Pearl away from her Revrend Dimmsdale convinces the government that Pearl is a living reminder of her sin. This is essentialy true, Hester without Pearl is like having Hester without sin. Pearl is not only a symbol of Hester but also a symbol to Dimmsdale. Pearl will not let him into her life until he accepts his sin. She wants him as a father but will not let him until he will not hide his sin in public. Pearl knows that Dimmsdale will not be seen holding her hand in the public eye and this bothers her. She asks her mother, " wilt tho promise to hold my and thy mothers hand to-morrow?"(105) As we reach the finally of the story Dimmsdale confesses his sin and he has a sense of happness and self peace almost immedietly. Pearl has longed for his public love and affection and in the closing scenes she receives it. Pearl as a Symbol in The Scarlet Letter :: Nathaniel Hawthorne, The Scarlet Letter Pearl as a Symbol in The Scarlet Letter In Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter, Pearl, is a symbol of sin and adultery in the sense that she leads Dimmsdale and Hester to their confession and the acceptance of their sins. A beauitful daughter of the towns adulturist has somtimes demon like traits. She is also the only living symblol of the scarlet letter "A". In another way Pearl also makes a connection between Dimmsdale and Hester. Initially Pearl is the symbol of Hesters public punishment for her adultery. As the novel progresses and Pearl matures she symbolizes the deteriation of Hester's like by constantly asking her about the scarlet letter "A". Pearl in a sense wants her mother to live up to her sin and, she achieves this by constantly asking her about the scarlet letter. Another peice of evidence that shows how Pearl symbolizes the sin Hester has committed, is when the town government wants to take Pearl away from her Revrend Dimmsdale convinces the government that Pearl is a living reminder of her sin. This is essentialy true, Hester without Pearl is like having Hester without sin. Pearl is not only a symbol of Hester but also a symbol to Dimmsdale. Pearl will not let him into her life until he accepts his sin. She wants him as a father but will not let him until he will not hide his sin in public. Pearl knows that Dimmsdale will not be seen holding her hand in the public eye and this bothers her. She asks her mother, " wilt tho promise to hold my and thy mothers hand to-morrow?"(105) As we reach the finally of the story Dimmsdale confesses his sin and he has a sense of happness and self peace almost immedietly. Pearl has longed for his public love and affection and in the closing scenes she receives it.

Hybrid Cars :: essays research papers

Hybrid Cars There are two configurations for hybrid cars. The first configuration uses gasoline engine to run a generator. The generator supplies electricity to the motor, which drives the wheels, which allows the gasoline engine to run constantly while achieving optimum fuel efficiency. This thereby minimizes emissions owing to incomplete combustion. A hybrid car with parallel configurations uses both an engine and a motor to drive the wheels depending on driving conditions. "A hybrid car is an automotive equipped with two or more sources of motive energy" (http://www.howstuffworks.com/hybrid-car1.htm). Hybrid cars use both gas and electric. The gasoline engine is the primary source of power, while the electric motor is used at low speeds. Emissions levels are reduced because the gasoline engine shuts off at low speeds. An additional benefit of the parallel configuration is that no outside source of electric power is required because the engine itself generates the required electricity. A Hybrid Electric Vehicle known as HEV have several advantages over traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles: Regenerative braking capability, which helps minimize the energy lost when driving. Engine is sized to average load, not peak load, which reduces the weight of the engine. Fuel efficiency is greatly increased, while emissions are greatly decreased. HEVs can be operated using alternative fuels; therefore they need not be depended on fossil fuels (http://www.ott.doe.gov/hev/what.html#hev). Another great thing about these machines is the mpg; on the average, a hybrid car gets anywhe re from 55-70mpg on the hwy. This is what makes the car all worth having. Now all this sounds good, but there are some issues that must be addressed. First of all the prices must come down. The prices for hybrid cars are naturally higher because there are no existing facilities for mass production and both engine and electric motor must be installed. Another downfall is the lack of infrastructure for repair and maintenance. Many of the mechanical problems occurring with the hybrid cars may not be repairable at existing service stations.

Rubenstein-Taybi Syndrome Research Paper

Rubinstein- Taybi Syndrome: A Physical and Educational Perspective Rubinstein- Taybi Syndrome: A Physical and Educational Perspective When speaking of terms of diseases of a rare nature, Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome is a definite mention. According to Joseph G. Morelli, MD, Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome is characterized as, â€Å"a genetic disease that involves broad thumbs and toes, short stature, distinctive facial features, and varying degrees of intellectual disability† (2007). The condition itself is so rare that is occurs only about 1 in 125, 000 newborn babies (Rubinstein, 2012).The cause of Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome can be attributed to a defect in the CREBBP and EP300 genes. The CREBBP gene provides instructions for making a protein that helps control the activity of many other genes. This protein, called CREB, plays an important role in regulating cell growth and division and is essential for normal fetal development. If just one copy of the CREBBP gene is deleted or change d, cells make only half of the normal amount of CREB binding protein (Rubinstein, 2012). The EP300 gene, unlike the CREBBP gene, controls protein development before and after the birth.In many of the cases of Rubenstein-Taybi Syndrome, no mutation is detected in either the CREBBP or the EP300 gene. In these cases, the case is unknown, but it is suspected that another unknown gene is responsible. Diagnosis of Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome can create a serious disadvantage for a student in the classroom, for which a teacher must be willing to accommodate. Immediately after birth, the symptoms of Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome can be present. Some of the more recognizable symptoms at birth include broadening of the thumbs and big toes.Although these are a few of the symptoms, the symptoms appear on a large spectrum, ranging from constipation to an absent kidney. Over 80% of children with Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome have some type of eye abnormality including crossed eyes, cataracts, and tear duct obstruction. Glaucoma may be present at birth or in early life, which can result in blindness if left undetected (Rubinstein, 2012). Later throughout more developmental stages, parents may begin to notice short stature. Once the child begins schooling, the symptoms become slightly more obvious, demonstrating slow development of cognitive skills.Once a child begins to perform tasks such as drawing, coloring, and using scissors, teachers and parents will begin to notice slow development of motor skills accompanied by low muscle tone (Morelli, 2012). These symptoms are also a bit more noticeable because due to RTS, the thumbs and toes on an affected child will broaden beyond normal size, complicating everyday tasks. This will severely limit to what extent a child suffering from RTS will be able to perform in the classroom. Rubenstein-Taybi Syndrome is not inherited by the parents or caused by anything the parents did or did not do while pregnant.Most cases are caused by a single mutat ion in one gene. Rubenstein-Taybi Syndrome almost always occurs in cases where there is no family history of Rubenstein-Taybi Syndrome showing that family history and heredity is not a factor in contracting Rubenstein-Taybi syndrome. Most cases are sporadic and likely due to a new genetic defect that occurs while the baby grows in the womb, which was not passed on by either parent (Morelli, 2012). Consequently, parents with a child with a new mutation generally do not have an increased risk of having another child with the disorder.However, the new genetic mutation will be hereditary and an adult with this mutation risks passing on the mutated gene to his/her children. However, it is unusual for people with the syndrome to become parents. There is no specific treatment for RTS that has been discovered as of yet. Because the disease is genetic, it is impossible for doctors to pinpoint just one area of the body to treat, especially because the disease comes with so many other symptoms . This however, does not mean that modern medical science cannot ease the way of life for a person with RTS.Surgery to repair the bones in the thumbs or toes can sometimes improve grasp or relieve discomfort (Morelli, 2012). With all being said, it is incredible to imagine the difficulty that a student suffering with RTS may face in the classroom. A 1977 case study by Goots and Liemohn compared three children (aged seven to ten) with the syndrome to 15 counterparts with mixed mental retardation (Galera & Taupiac, 2009). In the study, it was found that children with RTS were friendly and more readily social. In addition, the students with RTS were more emotional and excitable.Nightmares were seen more frequently, and the students were more likely to pout. Demonstrating lack of focus in the classroom, the students affected by RTS had short attention spans. Important in development at these ages, the students with RTS faced more difficulties in planning motor acts (Galera & Taupiac, 20 09). Speech problems are present in a large percentage of students. Most individuals have speech delay, but others also have articulation problems. It is not unusual as well, to discover that some students with RTS use sign language as their primary form of communication.Unfortunately for students with RTS, they often times confused with autistic students. References Galera, C. , & Taupiac,, E. (2009). Socio-Behavioral Characteristics of Children with Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome [Abstract]. Journal of Autism & Developmental Disorders, 39(9), 1252-1260. doi: 10. 1007/s10803-009-0733-4 Morelli, J. G. (2007). Disorders of the Nails. In Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics (18th ed. , p. Chap 662). Phildelphia, PA: Saunders Elsevier. Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome. (2012, February 27). Genetics Home Reference. Retrieved March 6, 2012, from http://ghr. nlm. nih. gov/condition/rubinstein-taybi-syndrome

Romanticism in Friedrich’s “The Monk by the Sea”

Darkness, emotions, and mysticism—these are just some of the terms that can be used to describe Friedrich’s â€Å"The Monk by the Sea. † Produced in 1809, this oil on canvass ideally characterizes the period to which the artist belongs: the Romanticism. With its subject, color, style, and theme, the artist successfully evokes the main tenets common during the Romantic Age. Formalist and thematic analyses of the work can lead modern viewers to a better understanding of the work and the message that the artist wants to convey. Brief Background Caspar David Friedrich was a German painter born in 1774 in Greifswald, Germany. Despite poverty, the artist received formal art study from artist Johann Gottfried Quistorp, who conducted art sessions outdoors. Exposure to the local color and environment thus helped the artist master the art of landscape. His paintings, which generally reveal tenets of the Romantic Age, make him â€Å"one of the most important artists during his time. † (Vaughan, 1972, 65). Particularly, as Murray (2004, 338) notes, his landscapes direct â€Å"the viewer's gaze towards†¦ metaphysical dimension†. His seascape titled, â€Å"Monk by the Sea† won admiration even from the 15-year-old King Frederick III Wilhelm of Prussia, whose purchase in 1810 declared the artist’s work as his masterpiece. Analysis of Form A formalist analysis of the painting suggests the artist’s overall craftsmanship. Minimalism best defines the style that the artist employed in his work. Basically, the image of the monk, which appears very minimal and solitary, helps achieve emphasis on the subject. The minimalist use of a variety of colors for the whole background readily implies the contrast between darkness and light that the artist wants to portray. Specifically, the submission of darkness to light or vice versa narrows down the color and texture of the painting. This minimalism of color and structure thus allows the author to present some characteristics ideal to Romantic art. The whole image can be divided horizontally into three different parts, namely, the sky, the sea, and the land. The great expanse of the sky, which covers at least â€Å"five-sixths of the canvass† (Web Gallery of Art, n. d. ), attracts attention considering the light it sheds on the whole image. Through devoting much space to the sky, the artist achieves artistic drama, which is very typical of the Romantic Movement. Specifically, the center clouds where a rich combination of colors is applied, capture the motion of light breaking into the darkness and at the same time the darkness eating up the light. Such drama found in nature suggests some Romantic thoughts that draw out sentimentality from the audience. Depicting the sea with great darkness, Friedrich made it a point to limit this part to at least one-eights of the canvass. This allows the other images, such as the sky, the land, and the monk to take form, while it allows the purpose of showing the location of the monk at the same time. On the one hand, the element of darkness suggests the artist’s tendency to contemplate on the darkness of nature and its mystery. On the other, it also suggests the themes of death and the obscure, which other painters similarly dealt on during this time (i. e. Goya, Delaroix). The monk standing by the sea seems lost and forlorn, thus unable to see the great storm coming. In a description by Marie von Kugelgen, one of Friedrich’s followers, the lady wrote to her friend Friederike Volkmann: â€Å"A vast endless expanse of sky †¦ still, no wind, no moon, no storm – indeed a storm would have been some consolation for then one would at least see life and movement†¦ On the unending sea there is no boat, no ship, not even a sea monster, [which] make the loneliness even more desolate and horrible† (Web Gallery of Art). This clearly shows the initial attention that the work garnered from the public. Widely recognized for the great landscapes he formerly depicted, the artist must have surprised his followers with the dark portrayal of the sea coupled by the view of the monk who seems to submit himself unrelentingly to the vast rupturing sky and the deep dark sea in front of him. Nevertheless, the purchase of King Frederick III Wilhelm helped the work gain much favor it deserved. Later on, Clemens Brentano’s description of the work suggests the acceptance of the work by the public. From the horrible experience the work evoked in Kugelgen, Brentano notes the splendid, infinite loneliness of the monk by the shore (Held, 2003). This shows the public’s appreciation of the work, following its acceptance by the king. In Brentano’s critique, we may note the contemporary viewer’s appreciation of the work, despite the loneliness it presents. This also shows the ability of the viewer to relate to the monk’s experience, thus reflecting the positive attitude toward the theme of death, which other Romantic artists and writers demonstrate in their works. Further to the thematic analysis of the work, one can perceive the artist’s idea of communing with nature. The idea of the monk leaving the monastery in order to enjoy or contemplate the quietness and simplicity of nature strongly suggests a Romantic attitude. However, aside from portraying the greatness of nature, the view also shows that while the Romanticists regard nature as beautiful and powerful, they also view it with â€Å"sensuous nuance. † The dark colors of the sky and the sea imply the coming of a destructive storm. This reflects Friedrich’s attempt to break the usual concept of a beautiful sky at midday. Anticipating the great storm, the audience may feel a certain concern for the monk, some anxiety that destructs quiet contemplation. In addition, the combination of darkness and light yields the artist’s spontaneity and freedom. Since the monk is the only figure meant to appear at vertical angle, the rest of the image appears to be painted with free hand and brushstrokes that conjure at some point with a vanishing effect in the light colors of the sky. Furthermore, the solitariness of the monk asserts the Romantic idea of individualism. Using the monk as subject reveals Friedrich’s attempt to explore on the thoughts and emotions of a common man. Normally looked upon for their wisdom and strength, the image of the monk amid the darkness and light somehow distracts the idea of perfection among the religious members of the society. This characteristic adheres to the Romantic Age by the artist’s â€Å"rejection of traditional values of social structure and religion. (Worldwide Art Resources Web Site, n. d. ) Through the use of nature, the artist reveals the monk’s seeming confusion and loneliness as he casts view at the sea. Although the audience may have different perceptions of the experience that the monk undergoes, the image nevertheless suggests the imperfection in the life of a monk, the loneliness that they undergo, and the need to take part in the usual activity of nature. Centering on a single hero, the w ork portrays the individual struggle of every monk. By making the monk turn his back from the audience, the artist portrays his contemplation. More importantly, however, this portrayal makes the monk anonymous. Depicting a monk in this way makes his experience—his struggles and loneliness—universal in nature. It also suggests the commonness of the place, the scenery, and the emotion, to which viewers can possibly relate. Brentano’s description of the work reflects the artist’s successful attempt to make the meaning universal. According to the author, the scenery allows the viewers to relate to the scene, making one feel that â€Å"one has gone there, that one must return, that one would like to cross over†¦Ã¢â‚¬  This implies that despite the centrality of the work to the image of the monk, the audience can still relate to the contemplative experience that Friedrich depicts. The universality of the subject and the surroundings makes one long to reflect on a similar struggle the audience may have had at certain points in their lives. Another Romantic characteristic that the work reflects is the artist’s interest in the mystical aspect of life, which he portrays through the mysterious and vast skies and the dark sea. As Brentano claims, these evoke mixed feelings, â€Å"from the horror of one viewer, comes a grayness of the other† (Held, 2003, 84). Such combination of emotions that the artist draws from the audience signifies its successful portrayal of the mystical motifs in life, such as the union between darkness and light, the Apocalyptic view of the skies, and the solitude that such a view creates in everyone who witnesses it. Showing the figure of the monk amid the chaotic tendency of nature suggests the mystic relation among God’s creation. Overall, the structure and theme that Friedrich employs in his work consistently reflect valuable characteristics of Romantic art. Up to now, the darkness, emotions, and mysticism that the artist projects through his choice of subject, color combination, tone and structure still provide the modern audience with the same experience that viewers of the painting had in 1809.

Records Management

Both ministry of Education and school generates information on a daily business that plays a role in the daily operation of an institute that are referred to as records. This information generated is also use for projecting and planning purposes. (Managing records at school level). Managing and organization student’s records into a cohesive and efficient might seem like an impossible task, but it depends how much effort is placed in it, that makes it possible. School that properly manages their records meets its legislation responsibilities, aids its administrative processes and ensures that records are stored when needed and destroyed when permissible. As a result, all schools should have records management system in place. Having already note that records are information, there are ten categories of information. Firstly, Action information which would be files that requires immediate response. In an institution, this information would be letters and request transfers. More than likely, action information is one that will benefit the institution so it should be brought to attention very quickly. Therefore, it is normally requested that action information be marked with an urgent sticker. Non- Action information is another category of information. Unlike Action information, Non-Action information is the type that does not require immediate action, but they do require an action. For example, if a new Minister of Education was assigned, then the school receives a letter of this action, there is no need for it to have an immediate response. It is important to note that non-action information is no less important than any other information. Therefore due to protocol and respect, it should be acknowledged. The third category of information is reoccurring information which can be described as data which is based on activities or event that reoccur in intervals. Examples of reoccurring information would be student’s attendance, accounting, assessment results and inventories. On the other hand, another category of information is non-reoccurring which refers to matters that may not recur on a regular basis during the life span of an organization. The fifth category of information is internal information that is generated within the organization. The purpose of internal communication is to enhance communication amongst colleagues so that work can be produce, managed and handle with confidentiality. When a school holds a meeting, this information may use for the bettering of the school. For example, letters from the head of the department to all staff concerning who should and should not be accepted in class for safety purposes. The complete opposite category of information which will be external will be for the use of outside communication. Next, Historical information is data that relates to past events and activities and is usually non action information. Also, future information is data that concern with events to come or take place. The two final categories of information are documented information that refers to information entered onto permanent records and non-documented information which is oral. Records are the evidence of what an organization does externally and internally. (ARMA 1) According to research records can also be defined as a documented proof of a transaction or activity. This may include business activities, contracts negotiations, and business and personnel file. Records are categorized into four categories. Firstly, the most important records which are classified as vital records includes will include a deed for property, contract sales, or budgets of the organization. Next, important records management will include board meeting minutes, financial and operating reports. Third, Useful Records can include product change letter and the least important type of records which is classified as non-essential will include memos like birthday parties and department newsletter. In addition to that, records come in many formats which comprises of physical paper, electronic, media and various databases. Not having a proper system to manage records of a company, business or institution can have a vast on its production. As a result, the world has been modernized with what is known as records management. Records Management can be defined as a systematic control of records throughout their lifestyle. (ARMA 1). The ISO 15489 also described records management as â€Å"the field of management that is responsible for the efficient and systematic control of the creation, receipt, maintenance, use and disposition or records, including process for capturing and maintaining evidence of and information about business activities and transaction in the orm of records. † (ISO 15489). Records Management includes setting policies and standards, assigning responsibilities and authorities, and integrating records management into business systems and processes. Records management in general plays an important role because records are information and assets that holds value for organization. Organization and institutions alike are given a responsibility to manage records to maximize profits, control cost, provide confidentiality, teach effective, and learn efficiently. At the end of the day, effective records management is required to ensure that information needed is retrievable, authentic and accurate. Just like all other business, companies and organization learning institutions are one of the most needed places for a proper and effective management system because they have task of teaching and providing a learning institutions. School records are reproductions of written records than relates to the school itself or students of the institution and they are records that should be kept under strict confidentiality. School records comprises of registers, school’s budget, students medical files, test scores and other valuable data about Administrators, teachers and students that are a part of the day to day running. Some benefits of an effective management are records are more easily identified and protected. An effective management improves storage and retrieval system as well. Next an effective records management increases productivity within the organization and it reduces cost for equipment, space and personnel’s. In the educational facilities specifically, an effective records management can first of all help save lives. Taking a look at the United States for example in a journal article that states evidence is mounting that food allergy and anaphylaxis have been increasing in school age children. It also stated that 16 % of these children have a reaction in school. It has been proven that an allergic reaction can sometimes result in death. If a record of these students health is kept, the school can be alert. Also, if so many children are starting to have this allergic reaction and the statistics continue growing, vendors can be asked to stop providing it. School records can also assist in taking caution with one education. If on a regular basis a child is evaluated for what seem to be a disorder or down syndromes, this child can be given the treatment he or she need to learn effectively. In addition to that, it is also important to manage school records effectively because the majority of the times, school records serve as the historical source. In order words, school records tell the history of the school. School records also supply information needed for outside communication such as school districts or Ministry of Education to process the planning and decision making by heads to facilitate school, staffs and students. Last but least, school records facilitates continuity in the administration of the school which can all be labeled as managing records from an administrative perspective. Though administrators keep more vital records, teachers and staff must also keep records to result in an effective, efficient and productive classroom. Teachers should keep record of parent’s communication, attendance, behavior and students portfolio. If a teacher don’t plan purposes and set up a system that will easier track grades and other important data, retrieving the information when needed will not be easy. Accurate records don’t happen unless they are properly recorded, files, stored, transfer and retrieved. In a classroom to manage records a teacher need three things. This includes a grade book, an attendance log, a student portfolio and a time management plan folder. Good and accurate records management shows when a teacher classes are faring and progress can be seen in children individual progress. Take for example, a record recording a student’s behaving that is evaluated and then sent down to the councilor. The councilor would deal with the matter and progress can be seen in the child’s behavior which will then show in their academic performance. Accurate and good records management in the classroom also makes the pupils aware of the teacher’s productivity and expectations. For example, children will be less likely to accuse the teacher of losing their work, because they witness good records management. Another positive trait of good records management from a teachers aspect is ensuring security for the child which is done by taking a classroom register. This will asses whether the child is attending school regularly and is sometimes used to keep track on compulsory education. In situations like this, a child parent can be called in or forwarded to The police department or social sevices if a child often misses school. Maintaining records is tiring and very time consuming, yet teachers are always left with this burden. Taking note of the vast amount of paperwork they have to deal with, it is sometimes relevant for them to create a simple filing system, to store and make retrieval of valuable document less difficult. There are three mean types of filing sytem use. They are alphacbetic , numerical and subject filing. According to research â€Å"the key element in making records management filing rules effective are consistency and documentation. † (ARMA Records management Quarterly 1) Consistency means rules stay the same from day to day and person to person. When different people use the same records but under different rules or procedures, consistency is said to be evaluated.