American Government In Contrast To Lao-Tzu And Machiavelli Essays

American Government In Contrast To Lao-Tzu And Machiavelli Peter Ryan Welch 382-92-3692 February 6, 2001 Dr. Allegra Blake, ENG 201 American Government in Contrast to Lao-Tzu and Machiavelli In comparing and contrasting the governmental philosophies of the great thinkers Lao-Tzu and Machiavelli, I have found a pleasant mix of both of their ideas would be the best for America today. Lao-Tzus laisse-faire attitude towards the economy, as well as his small scale military is appealing to my liberal side, while Machiavellis attitude towards miserliness which causes low taxes appeals to the right wing. These great thinkers contradict the popular saying all great thinkers think alike. They have several ideas, such as taxes, that are the same, while other ideas, like the involvement of government in citizens' everyday lives are totally opposite. I shall start with the ideas of Machiavelli, then move on to Lao-Tzus, and finally a comparison and application into American life. Niccolo Machiavelli believes in a strong government. The leader should be strong and feared. I believe he gets this idea from the fear of God; no one is supposed to question God because he is so feared, and in the same sense, no one should question a strong leader. Machiavelli realizes that the leader should be feared, but not hated. A hated leader will probably be killed in a rebellion. One also can not be loved. Any compassion towards your citizens will make them believe you are weak, and they will rebel. He thinks a very strong military is necessary at all times, and that powerful arms should be available and in hand. This idea is similar to that of right wing America and our friends, the National Rifle Association, who believe assault rifles are Americas pastime. The nation should always be prepared for war, and should always be searching for new lands to conquer. This is much like our cold war with the USSR and the new lands to conquer would be anything Communist. These wars sho uld go on without high taxes. High taxes as well cause rebellion. Case in point: the high taxes levied against America by the British, as well as other strong factors, led to the American revolution. He believes a government should be miserly with its own goods. That is not to say you cant steal the goods of conquered countries and be liberal with them. Try not to be too generous, however. A quote I once read says remember to pillage before you burn. This reminds me a lot of the ideas of Machiavelli. According to him, one should say one thing just to make the people happy, and do another. He believes one should only keep his word if it is for the benefit of the nation. Six words: read my lips, no new taxes, come to mind. George H.W. Bush said these words, but acted differently. Machiavellian? Maybe. Bush shortly after had the largest tax hike in the nation's history to try to save us from the worst recession since the Great Depression. I believe this is the sort of thing Machiavelli is talking about. Do whatever you can to keep the people happy, but when it comes down to it, what makes them happy may not be best for the state as a whole. He believes that people are generally bad and greedy, so they will take whatever you give them. Lao-Tzu is not exactly polar opposite of Machiavelli, although he is close. He believes that man in a state of nature is generally good and not greedy. What makes man greedy is overemphasis on material objects, and if you let a man go free in nature, he will be good. Lao-Tzu believes in a state of peace; war is not necessary. Lao-Tzu thinks decent men detest weapons. Weapons are only needed when entirely necessary, in a state of defense. This is sort of a liberal point of view of war. He states violence, even well intentioned, always rebounds upon itself, therefore, any attack upon another country will result in an attack upon yourself. As far as the scale of government, he is rather conservative and would side with the American Republican party, believing a smaller, more unnoticed government is better. When the Master

Liberal Party of Canada Essay Example

Liberal Party of Canada Essay Example Liberal Party of Canada Paper Liberal Party of Canada Paper What does the Liberal Party have to offer to Canadians? In the fall of 2002 Jean Chrà ©tien, Prime Mister and leader of the Liberal Party announced that he was planning to step down. The catch was he was going to step down after he had tidied up Canada. In the Speech of the Throne he set numerous goals, to accomplish before his resignation. His three main goals were to modernize health care, boost funding to the military and ratify the Kyoto Protocol. Chrà ©tien and the Liberals offer an active and positive change and an increase in spending on important issues. Chrà ©tien’s first initiative is to ratify the Kyoto Protocol. The Kyoto Protocol calls for a dramatic reduction of smog emissions. All Chrà ©tien is asking for is for Canadians to insulate their homes, change their driving habits and turn off the lights when they leave the room. His suggestion for improvements on cars was to use gasohol which burns more slowly, coolly, and completely. This results in reduced emissions of carbon dioxide and other emissions. Vehicles with a hybrid engine are another alternative; they run half on gas and half on electricity and are self charging. Solar powered houses can even make money for you if you can generate more power than you use. Home owners can switch to halogen or fluorescent light bulbs, turn off their VCRs, use front load washing machines and insulate their windows. As encouragement some provincial governments have issued rewards for home owners who can cut their emissions. Also the federal government is offering compensation to businesses that are hurt the most. These small things will help Canada reduce its emissions. Chrà ©tien has so far been known to cut funding in the military. He has cut a lot of funding and transferred it to other departments. Meanwhile the number of missions has almost tripled. Between 1990 and 2002 Canada’s military has had 79 missions, yet in the 41 years between 1948 and 1989 it only had 24 missions. Currently Canada is spending 12 billion dollars on the military per year. But the military still has out of date equipment, not enough men to operate the equipment safely and poorly funded training. Take Canada’s aging Sea King fleet, it has become a hazard to the people who use them. To fix this mess Chrà ©tien has formed a committee to examine possible places to get the money from and how to spend it. He is also spending 20 percent of the budget to repair aging equipment and he wants to buy new helicopters to replace the Sea Kings by February 2004. Chrà ©tien is expected to make our military a special unit task force instead of an all-purpose unit. Chrà ©tien has renewed his interest in improving Canada’s military and will soon invest more money each year to it. Another department Chrà ©tien plans to spend more on is health care. Health care is really a provincial issue but the Canadian government has stepped in and has helped support the service. The current problem in our health care system is the long line ups and the shortage of nurses and beds. The federal government used to split the funding of health care evenly with the provinces but it has pulled out and currently pays for 16% of the total cost. The provinces, especially Ontario have been pushing for the government to reinvest in health care and once again split the cost 50-50. Chrà ©tien has agreed to invest up to 5 billion dollars in the health care system. Our system is very effective compared to the amount we pay for it. In 1999 we paid half as much money on health care as the United States and we were still ranked 7 spots above them in an assessment of the world’s health care systems. The Americans are even desperate enough to come to Canada just to buy over the counter drugs. Chrà ©tien is against private health care but he is optimistic about home care. Roy Romanow has already expressed his support in home care and agrees it would help the system. Home care is cheap and it is less stressful on the patient. It is cheaper because the government is not paying for food, the family is. It is also beneficial for the patient because they can be around their personnel belongings. In Toronto there are only two companies that provide home care, Chrà ©tien plans to expand the service to all of Toronto and other cities. Another bonus to the home care plan is that it will reduce dependency on the hospitals and reduce line ups. Chrà ©tien will release his final plan in the February budget after consulting Senator Kirby’s and Roy Romanow’s reports. Chrà ©tien and the Liberals offer an active and direct increase in funding to the key problems currently facing Canada. The Liberals have pushed forward in negotiations to ratify the Kyoto Protocol. They plan to ratify it in December and give rewards to home owners and compensation to businesses that are hard hit. They have reinvested in the military and are planning to upgrade outdated equipment and increase the number of soldiers. Chrà ©tien also plans to give an increased amount of money each year to the health care system. He is expected to enlarge the home care system to more areas in Canada’s major cities. This will reduce costs, patients stress and line ups in hospitals. With these changes Chrà ©tien will bring major improvements to Canada.

Law of International Trade Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3750 words

Law of International Trade - Essay Example The background of the case is as follows: Ythan limited or 'Ythan' as called here are ship owners who claimed damages through this case against bills of holder Primetrade after the ship/vessel was lost. The loss of the vessel has been allegedly due to shipping of dangerous cargo that is a breach or violation of contract signed by the lading holders Primetrade against a dangerous cargo warranty. The vessel was chartered under contract of affreightment by Primetrade to charterers Phoenix Bulk Carriers Ltd referred as Phoenix and thus two sets of bills were issued via contractual incorporation. The cargo was shipped by Orinoco Iron CA also known as Orinoco and they agreed to sell the cargo to Primetrade. Primetrade sold the cargo to Orient Prosperity or Orient in Jingtang China. The cargo was insured through insurance brokers Marsh and McLennan group (Marsh) and was financed through bankers UBS with a credit agreement governed by Swiss law. Orinoco then presented shipping documents to bank for payment and the bank forwarded the documents to UBS. The vessel however was lost at this point and Primetrade and Orient agreed to cancel the on-sale contract and letters of credit and Primetrade sought to make a claim on insurance policy for loss of cargo. The loss of vessel occurred as on February 28, 2004 a disastrous explosion occurred on board the bulk carrier or vessel the Ythan which resulted in death of crew and the cargo of 33, 760 MT was also completely lost. It was shipped from Venezuela for discharge at Jingtang Port, China. The shippers were Orinoco and they were to sell to Primetrade, a Swiss company and they wanted to sell the same quantity of the commodity to Orient Prosperity to China, so the contract showed end user in China. There was a settlement that Primetrade would be paid with release of the bills despite discrepancies in the documents. Primetrade complied with duty of contracts, and secured rights against time limitations and placed shipowners on notice for losses and consequences of casualty. The dispute on payment of bills and claim for losses were referred before arbitrators in London judiciary. The arbitration held that Primetrade were holders of the bills for a short time until the insurance claim was paid . Primetrade made a claim due to threat of arrest and also appealed to the decision of arbitrators bringing forth new evidence and objections for appeals. The new objection and evidence as also the question whether Primetrade was the holder of bills were as important as Primetrade's claim under contract of carriage against carrier. The explosion and loss of cargo on board made it possible for the owners to appeal under section 67 of

Human Resource Management & Information Management (MBA) pro 4 Essay

Human Resource Management & Information Management (MBA) pro 4 - Essay Example The company has to align its business to n effective IS response giving it significant ground in the market. The IS that Brady Corporation was currently operating on did not support its business model since it made use of antique systems that were unable to communicate. As such, the IS response taken for the greater good of the business was to undertake a complete overhaul of the entire business processes of the company on a global scale, as well as, enabling them digitally. The results were phenomenal, with an annual revenue growth of 15%, a 2% reduction in operating expense, and an increase in internet orders by 50%. The roll out was successful because both the managers and employees had prior knowledge over its importance. Furthermore, the best people got the privilege of spearheading the change process, whereby all the processes mapped with their experts and owners. As such, this spectacular achievement answered the authors question on whether Brady Corporation could redesign its systems for success. The change from old processes to new processes enabled the corporation to revamp its profitability, as well as, re-establish its position in the

Henchard and farfrae contrast

Henchard and farfrae contrast Henchard and Farfrae contrast each other, both by the states of their characters, and by the ideas they evoke. Farfrae is testament to the power of modernity and change and, in Casterbridge, an actual impetus of it. He implements new farming and harvesting techniques. Henchard, however, is representative of tradition and unprogressive stability; while Henchard is Mayor the town merely survives, while under Farfrae it flourishes. Unlike the contrast that is presented between Henchard and Farfrae, Henchard and Lucetta are presented as compliments. They are very much alike: inclined to strong, irrational passions, characterized by willful, independent natures, and compelled by love as well as ambition. However, Lucetta is not a woman of character. Unlike Henchard, Lucettas primarily obligation is to her own happiness, whereas Henchards is to a higher sense of interpersonal responsibility and the moral amendment of past mistakes. This commitment to the right-course is what both compels Henchard to improve his moral and material condition and what prevents him from taking possession of his happiness. Farfrae and Elizabeth-Jane are also presented as compliments to each other. They are both emotionally moderate, not excited into extremes of emotion the way that Henchard and Lucetta are (although Farfraes infatuation for Lucetta was rather impulsive). I think that Elizabeth-Jane is truly the most admirable character in the book. She seems to have a subtle, unobtrusive beauty and reserved manner that I find more compelling than Lucettas sophisticated prettiness and flirtatious demeanor. Lucetta is not a deep or especially intelligent woman; we get the sense that Elizabeth-Jane is very much is both of those things. She is kind, compassionate, empathetic and beautiful; yet she is not, however, a one-dimensional doormat the way Tamsin is in The Return of the Native. Although Farfrae and Elizabeth-Jane are presented as similar characters, I think Elizabeth-Jane is still more admirable. Farfrae is ambitious, smart, successful, and very kind, yet Elizabeth-Jane seems to exude a greater deg ree of profound empathy, perhaps because she has suffered so much herself. The tone of this novel is both very much like Hardys other novels and somewhat different. There is a strong sense of determinism in the novel; I sense that the lives of these characters are almost predestined- their life-courses are inevitable, it is only the emotions that they feel that are subject to the change. I think that Hardy suggests that the natural world, fate, time, and chance are not antagonist to human life, but rather somewhat indifferent to it- for individual people are so inconsequential amidst the greater profundity of Life itself. This gives the book a somewhat melancholy, but not necessary pessimistic tone. Ultimately, Hardy suggests that the novel is like life itself: ambiguous, neither good nor bad, triumphant or self-defeating.

Chivalry :: essays research papers

It is apparent in today’s society that the definition and application of chivalry has changed through history. During the Middle Ages, chivalry was a code of brave and courteous conduct for knights. According to this system of morals and manners, a knight was to remain faithful to God, loyal to his king, true to his lady-love, and helpful to their less fortunate kinsmen. Chivalry is still alive today but to a lesser extent than in the Middle Ages. I think chivalry will exist in the future, but only time will tell.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The legend of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table molded chivalrous conduct. The Knights of the Round Table possessed many aspects of chivalry, but each of them had flaws. Sir Lancelot, for example, wasn’t entirely loyal to King Arthur because of his desire for Guenevere. He remedied the situation by fighting for his king in the battle against Sir Modred. While the chivalry of the Middle Ages is thought by most to have been reserved for royalty, this was not the case. Common folk also exhibited chivalrous conduct, though in less glamorous ways.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Chivalry has greatly diminished since the Middle Ages. Respect, courtesy, and honesty have little meaning to today’s youth. There are exceptions to this. Helping the elderly, family, and friends are just a few things young people can do to resurrect chivalry. I don’t think it’s possible to be as chivalrous as the knights in the Middle Ages were because our lifestyles have changed so drastically.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  As of now, the future of chivalry looks bleak. If society doesn’t change its ways soon, the quality of life and chivalrous behavior will continue to decline.

Osim swot analysis Essay

Introduction to the segment of holistic lifestyle products and their need in today’s market Short intro to brand osim and its heritage A short study on what has been osim’s market standing in asia (this will help ease the swot analysis in the essay) Introducing what the essay will be about – will & How osim can survive in the market Starting with strength Asia’s no.1 preferred healthy lifestyle brand Since it already has top of the mind recall and customer trust (and loyalty) behind it, it can position itself in America just as it positions itself in the Asian markets. It can position itself as an Asian holistic brand in the American markets. Given its already numero uno status in asia – osim can increase its sales by changing up its method of advertising (tvc, print and more outdoor) and creating more brand awareness. Weakness & opportunity Luxury brand – expensive turn around and introduce a need to make it seem as a medically beneficial product needed by one and all It’s main weakness is that it is priced as a luxury product which ensures that biggest consumer base of middle class looks at it as a luxury rather than a necessity. To take care of this, osim can price itself competitively and concentrate on its product placements (example, residential areas – lobby’s) it can also try the free product use for a limited period, so people can first hand see the benefits of the product. Given its business model (u.s) osim can also innovate its products to suit the needs of the American consumer. Threats Cheap products which make use of the same technology that osim uses Less priced local products Any competitor who will sell the same array of products at a lower price. Long shelf life of its products (no one will buy a massage chair everyday) threatens the business model itself. Introduce the big question, whether or not you think osim will survive? Answer : yes, it will. Why? Because it places innovation and global market domination as one of its mission statements. A breakaway from the traditional advertising will suit its needs. Expansion of the brand will help with its evolution. OSIM – EXPANSION IS THE KEY TO SURVIVAL Technology ushered in the 21st century and with it came countless innovations and products aimed at our well being. With long working hours and even longer waking hours, the health of the average individual has been on a constant decline. This has resulted in a huge market opportunity for many health-based brands, world over, as people today want the comforts of the gym in their homes. And given the lack of products or brands that cover this field extensively has resulted in certain brands having a monopoly over this segment. But as we know, monopoly is no guarantee for a long shelf life in a constantly changing consumer market, so what do these leading brands do in order to survive and extend their brand life is highly imperative. A brand facing these very questions is OSIM – Asia’s leading health and lifestyle product brand. With monopoly over the health-based product markets in China, Osim rapidly captured markets all over major nations in Asia and established itself as a leading brand in the segment of holistic healthcare. Founded in the year 1980 by Ron Sim, it grew rapidly from its humble beginnings as an electric and household appliances company to a hugely successful health and lifestyle brand as we know it today. The brand underwent a lot of changes initially when founder Ron Sim having discovered the enormous untapped potential of health and lifestyle products in the Asian market, decided to abandon the original electrical and household appliance route of Osim and dove headlong into the health and lifestyle market in Asia. Consumers were very accepting of Osim’s product offerings and the stock of Osim rose very rapidly in this initial period. But as every coin has two sides to it, Osim’s business model is in itself a threat to its survival! With health and lifestyle based products having a long shelf life, people are unwilling to buy Osim’s product offerings repeatedly. An apt example of the same would be the signature massage chairs that they are renowned for, while this product is their no. 1 seller, it also has the longest shelf life, making the time period between a repurchase really long. Other similar weaknesses that threaten the brand’s very survival are market saturation. As other local products flood the market using Osim’s innovative technology, consumers are bound to be swayed by the promise of cheap price and good technology. While these problems are unavoidable and run parallel to the brand’s very nature there is a bigger problem that threatens Osim – limited market reach. As mentioned before, Osim leads brand markets all over Asia, especially in China. Enjoying a top of the mind recall value as being â€Å"Asia’s no.1 health and lifestyle brand†, Osim has all but saturated its own expansion opportunities within the Asian Continent. This fact coupled with the long shelf life of its products and a high price bracket make international expansion the only long term and viable solution for Osim to ensure its survival in the long run. Ironically, Osim recognized this very problem and they had also made a move to correct the very problem in 2005 when they acquired American national level specialty retailer Brookstone such brand is OSIM, asia’s leading health and lifestyle brand. Founded in the year 1980 by Ron Sim, it grew rapidly from its humble beginnings as an electric and household appliances company to a hugely successful health and lifestyle brand as we know it today. The brand underwent a lot of changes initially with Founder Ron Sim having discovered the enormous untapped potential of health and lifestyle products in the Asian market saw a huge reversal in Osim’s sales and revenues as people started buying Osim’s unique health based products. Based on this performance and the market’s reaction to his brand, Ron Osim officially launched brand OSIM in the year 1993. Riding high on its initial success, brand Osim opened up 60 new point of sale product distribution outlets within Asia. Further reaching out it opened up stores across Malaysia and Indonesia too. This aggressive expansion strategy combined with its business model saw brand OSIM garner the top spot in the Asian markets within a short period of time.