Narco-Terror: the United States, the Drug War, and the War on Terror

Narco-Terror: the United States, the Drug War, and the War on Terror Introduction The United States has had a long-standing policy of intervening in the affairs of other nations when the country has thought it within its best interests to do so. Since the 1970’s the United States has tried to impose its will on other nations to combat the most pressing political enemy of the day often linking the war on drugs to the matter to stoke support both domestically and abroad. In the times of the Cold War, this enemy was communism and the government tried to make the connection of the â€Å"Red Dope Menace† insinuating drug links with China, Castro’s Cuba, and the Sandinistas in Nicaragua. However, as the world has evolved and communism’s prominence has waned, there is a new enemy whose existence has become intertwined with the drug war. That enemy is terrorism. The connection has gone so far that politicians and journalists have coined a new term to describe the link calling this new problem of our time â€Å"Narco-terror.† This pa per will examine US efforts to control the drug trade and fight terrorism in Colombia, Peru, Afghanistan and the desired and often undesired consequences that have come about because of those efforts. Colombia Narcoterrorism has a long past in the history of Colombia, focusing mainly on the market development of one drug: cocaine. Colombia, with its arid tropical climate and lush land, is an ideal place for the sowing and reaping of the coca plant whose extracts are synthesized into the powder cocaine drug. As Colombian cocaine production skyrocketed in the 1970’s and 1980’s thanks to booming demand for the product in Americas, drug kingpins in Colombia began to wield immense power in the country. ... ... Connection Between Drugs and Terror.† June 20, 2002. 10. Sly, Liz â€Å"Opium Cash Fuels Terror†¦Ã¢â‚¬  February 9, 2004. 11. â€Å"Colombia’s Crimson Night.† 12. Gray, Mike. â€Å"Drugs and Terrorism.† 13. Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs. â€Å"Plan Colombia.† March 14, 2001. 14. Taylor, Robert â€Å"Peru: Sendero on the Offensive – in Court† April 2003. 15. â€Å"Sendero Luminoso Attacks.†

Jefferson vs Hamilton

Jefferson vs. Hamilton Democratic Republican vs. Federalist Jefferson Image Jefferson acted with democratic simplicity; he made his image plain and disliked people claiming positions that they didn’t deserve. He won the 1804 reelection easily Jefferson eliminated the feeling of majesty surrounding presidency Views He was a political genius, and worked as leader of his party to give the Republicans in Congress direction. Money Washington and Adams had increased national debt and taxation.Jefferson countered this in 1802 by having Congress get rid off all internal taxes, leaving only land sales and customs duties He also cut government spending, which resulted in cutting the debt in half. Military Jefferson scaled down the armed forces and the navy, because he feared limiting civilian freedoms and government. This also promoted overseas trade instead of agriculture. At same time, he established US Military Academy and built up the navy after threats by pasha of Tripoli (rulers i n Libya), which occurred because Jefferson’s end to paying ransom demanded by pirates.Social Composition Jeffersonians, for the most part, were artisans, shopkeepers, frontier settlers, or owners of small farms in the interior regions of the South and West. Government (Democratic Republican) Jeffersonians favored a form of government that was more democratic than that of England. Jeffersonians thought that the common people were capable of self-government. They wanted to establish a small property owner's democracy. Jeffersonians desired to increase the opportunities for the common people to participate in government by lowering voting qualifications.Jeffersonians favored a strict interpretation of the Constitution to limit the powers of the central government and conserve state rights. Jeffersonians wanted to reduce the number of federal officeholders. Hamiltonians Social Composition Hamiltonians, for the most part, were merchants, bankers, manufacturers, or professional men from New England and the Atlantic seaboard, along with some wealthy farmers and southern planters. Government (Federalists)Hamiltonians admired the English aristocracy and the English system of government and wished to see it used as a model. Hamiltonians considered the common people ignorant and incapable of self-government. Hamiltonians desired high voting qualifications, claiming that unfettered democracy was anarchy. Hamiltonians favored a broad interpretation of the Constitution to strengthen the central government at the expense of state's rights. Hamiltonians wanted an expanding bureaucracy. Hamiltonians, under certain circumstances, favored restrictions on speech and the press. Issue |Hamilton |Jefferson | |BUS ( Bank of the United States) |Yes |No | |Constitution Interpretation |Broad |Strict | |Tariff |Yes |No | |Region |North |South | |Federalism |Strong National Government |States | |Culture |Urban/Industrial |Farmers/Agrarian | |Whiskey Rebellion |Vote |Civil Disobedie nce | |Foreign Alliance (England/France) |England |France | |French Revolution |No |Yes |

Cultures in the World Essay

To define culture is not easy because culture means different things to different people. Hence there many definitions of culture as there are many different cultures in the World. Anthropologists define culture as social behaviour of human beings. To others dance, music, theatre, artifacts and fashion constitute culture. On the other hand, fashion is a style characteristic of the social elite and is mainly associated with social class and is highly dynamic. Hence fashion should be in current mode for instance a garment. Fashion, style, vogue or even mode are used interchangeably to refer to a preferred type of dress, behaviour, adornment or a way of life at a given time span. In broadest terms fashion usually refers to conventions which are generally accepted by a society or by any culture or even a subculture. Style like mode often stresses the adherence to standards and elegance and should be socially accepted. For instance miniskirts were the mode in the late sixties. Vogue is applied to style or fashion that prevails widely but often suggests enthusiastic but short lived acceptance (The American heritage 2003). Wilson, further states that fashion is always in a continual change and sets the terms for all sartorial behaviour (Wilson 2003). The importance of fashion can never be overemphasized in the current world since fashion now is always around us from media to our daily lives in clothing and even automobile sector. Let it be clearly noted that fashion is for aesthetic as well as societal class, elegance and modesty. In the current years fashion has become a major factor affecting the psychosocial wellbeing of major cultures and subcultures in the world. This influences the life of people both in style and preferences and their economical sphere. The growth of fashion is linked with the development of cities and urban centres in the 14th century and the growing sophistication of the courts. But it is only in 15th and 16th centuries when people developed the culture of fashion and class such that they felt shameful to wear outdated clothes (Wilson 2003). The entrance of fashion led to increased spending on clothes and a clear cut class differences. The rise of bourgeoisie became so much crucial in the development of fashion and style. The poorest class received the cheapest clothing with the people in the highest level in class ladder wearing the most expensive clothes. With the rise of Industrial revolution came capitalism hence new markets for clothes in fashion and fashion became more and more important with the circulation of images in mass communication. GENDER AND FASHION In the current contemporary world, fashion has become the order of the day. Media houses and world class beauty and model centres have been developed all over the world especially in Europe and U. S. A. However, unlike the past where fashion was associated with female, this industry welcomes both genders nowadays. But because of the past skewed interest of ladies in the industry they are still the major players. Nevertheless, almost every one in the current society setting especially in urban areas appreciates fashion and style and is a product of the same in one way or another. People are more conscious when it comes to fashion and no one is willing to be left behind in the outdated world hence consumption of these fashion products has tremendously risen. ‘Dress is a practical negotiation between the fashion system, the social conditions of everyday life such as class and gender as well as rules or norm governing particular social situations. The outcome of this complex interaction cannot be known in advance precisely because the habitus will improvise and adapt to these conditions’. Thus dress is a personal attempt to orientate ourselves to particular circumstances and thus recognise the structural influences of the social world and the individual on the other (Entwistle 2000) FASHION AND MODERNITY Fashion has kept pace with modern life. It has followed every step the global world is making and is by itself part and parcel of the globalised world. From North to South, West to East fashion is seen to influence the global ways of life. However, this is bringing about similarity and extinction of cultures since fashion and culture are linked and the change of one leads to change of the other. Since fashion is dynamic it follows that the fashion of yester years is different from the fashion of today hence today’s fashion is new and can be termed as modern. Modern fashion has greatly been affected by the present technological advancement and the entrance of new marketing approach. For example, the use of internet has revolutionized this industry. It is not a wonder therefore what is considered modern in London today is even being used the following day in Washington. This has promoted customized fashion products to promote what many fashion stars look for in fashion; uniqueness and class. Fashion and style industry has in the recent decades been well established with increased sales as many people go for class and fashion. Also, the quality of the products has greatly developed thus fashion has become our way of life. FASHION, SUBCULTURAL & YOUTH STYLES It is important to distinguish between the concept of youth culture and youth subcultures. In general terms youth culture is more homogenous, doing similar things and being treated in the same way playing down aspects of differentiation. This idea was much popular with U. S sociologists in early 1960s. In modern youth culture emphasis is more on subcultures. Unlike the 20th c where fashion was highly linked with class, in 21st c the line of demarcation has narrowed and the mode of classification is not only on class lines but across a wide plane of social and cultural identities. Hence the youth even in ghettos are coming up with their modes of fashion. The issue of subcultures within the large framework of culture in a society is a major phenomenon. Hence these subcultures act as the seed bed for fashion that is embraced by the larger society. The link between class and identity is far less apparent in the 20th c, in particular since high fashion is democratised and not longer the prerogative of a small elite. In contemporary culture distinction does not run along class lines alone but across a wide plane of social identities. Thus, rather than being only imposed from the top, fashion is also ‘bubbling up’ from the street and youth cultures (Entwistle 2000). The use of style brings across clear identity within the youth and serves to sometimes oppose dominant values within the society. Youth tend to solve their problems of culture and fashion in their own unique understandable way hence they act against the main stream fashions of the old. However their fashions and style are dominantly affected by the media and celebrities entertainment industry. Fashion trends brought forward by top musicians come fast and go quickly. These fashions and styles linked with subcultures are known to be diverse as the youth are dynamic. Therefore the rate of change of any fashion within a subculture is higher than in the dominant cultures. The youth also customise fashions by either adding or removing some parts from the original fashion to create a different identity. And for sure youth have revolutionised the world of fashion and culture, in the contemporary world. Therefore fashion is regarded as a mode of identity by the youth and serves as the avenue through which the youth express themselves. EFFECTS OF FASHION ON CONSUMERISM The cycle of fashion in the modern times has been found to influence the level of consumerism in the current world. Fashion is fueled by change and conversion. Designers always persuade their customers that their new fashions are everything they need. In the next season the same designers convince their customers to bade farewell to outdated designs and instead embrace the new trends in their latest collections. Western society’s culture of mass consumerism has widely been influenced by the fashion cycle. Sociologist Stella C. (1993) likens fashion cycle with the rolling waves of the sea. As one fashion gains popularity and is outdated another style is gaining momentum and this change our modern culture. Today’s fashion is not only placed on the contest of youth, sexuality and historicism, but also previous culture movements and shows fashion reflects its surrounding, its subjects but ultimately itself. FASHION AND CLASS Fashion is known to influence lifestyle and how people relate within the society. However this relationship is both on the individual and societal levels. Fashion is a product of class division since many people want to be seen in a unique way within any given society and societies also show their class differences using fashion hence affecting the culture of present societies. CONCLUSION It is true that fashion and culture are highly interlinked. A culture that appreciates fashion is a culture that is dynamic and ready to follow where its fashion leads it to. Modern culture is hinged on the fashion of each passing day and unlike the past psychosocial behaviour is influenced by fashion on a larger scale. Youth subcultures promote their own form of fashion which may be interlinked with fashions within the larger sphere of culture. These fashions serve to show their rebellious identity. The cycle of fashion has seen unnecessary changes of fashion due to designers who look forward to make profits and are out to change fashions as quickly as practicably possible. Hence the world is supposed to be aware of these uncalled changes in fashions. Unethical issues are also related to fashion and culture. Therefore, some people see it like their religious and spiritual beliefs are affected by fashion. However on a global perspective fashion has promoted the entrance of more products in the world market leading to increased competitiveness. Modern global culture is a mirror of fashion and design. REFERENCES Bruzzi Stella, and Patricia Gibson, 2000, Fashion Cultures: Theories, Explorations, and Analysis. London; New York: Routledge. Craik, Jennifer, 1993, The Face of Fashion: Cultural Studies in Fashion. London; New York: Routledge. Entwistle, J. 2000, The Fashioned Body: Fashion, Dress and Modern Social Theory. Cambridge: Polity Press. Malossi, G. 2000, Material Man: Masculinity, Sexuality, Style. New York: H. N. Abrams. The American Heritage, 2003, Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition by Houghton Mifflin Company. U. S. A.

feminist art in 1970s essays

feminist art in 1970s essays Although womens art has been present throughout the whole history of art, feminist art as a political and art movement has emerged in late 1960s and established itself in 1970s. Several countercultural movements arose simultaneously with feminism in the 1960s as part of postmodernism. At this time the United States has experienced social upheaval coming with the Civil Rights Movement, the Vietnam War, economic prosperity, the arrival of oral contraceptives, reforms in the Catholic Church, assassination of the president John F. Kennedy, and experimentation with psychotropic drugs. Political, scientific, and cultural tumult has greatly influenced the emergence of feminist movement, thus feminist artists. Social politics have been a great part and a reason for art. The key principle was consciousness raising, defined by womens movement theorists as a method of using ones own experience as the most valid way of formulating political analysis (Bronde). Feminist artists point out that thro ughout most of recorded history males have imposed patriarchal social systems in which they have dominated females. The goal of feminism, said early spokeswoman, was to change the nature of art itself, to transform the culture in sweeping and permanent ways by introducing into it heretofore suppressed perspective of women (Bronde). Feminism created a new theoretical position and a new aesthetic category-the position of female experience. Feminists felt that not only women artists, but women as an audience have been neglected for ages as well because audience responds to art with whose maker they share common beliefs or experience. By the early 1970s feminism has engendered a recognized art movement. Throughout Europe and United States feminists came together to organize women-only exhibitions and formed groups dedicated to consciousness raising, activism, and research. The first womens liberation movement group exhibition was held...

What You Need to Know About Changing Careers With Expert Norine Dagliano

What You Need to Know About Changing Careers With Expert Norine Dagliano If you’re looking for a job, you probably already know about Norine Dagliano. A coach and hiring expert who writes  on  ekm Inspirations, Norine shared with us some insight into how to find a job and use job boards to help. What are some common motivations you see among people changing careers?I’ve worked with thousands of career changers; some are motivated by ambition, others by circumstances.Divorce, death of a spouse, changes in health, company lay-offs, or other life circumstances â€Å"motivate† people to examine where they are and decide to pursue another path.On a more positive note, there are professionals who retire, but are not ready to quit working. They  want to step back from a high-power career to move into an area with fewer pressures or pursue an earlier dream that got pushed to the back-burner. Veterans leaving a career in the military find themselves asking, â€Å"Now what?†- many military occupations do not translate to the privat e sector, so clearly a career change is in order.Then there are those who are motivated by sheer ambition and a belief that anything is possible- these are the job seekers that embrace change and go after it with gusto. Some have decided to go back to school and pursue a degree in a new field. Others have never let go of their dreams to work for themselves and have the confidence and support- emotional and sometimes monetary- to proactively plan a change and chart a course to make it happen.What’s the future of the career? Will we stick to one job still, or is the future in multiple careers?The career ladder is no longer a reality, nor  is the notion that one will have one job and one employer until he or she retires. Careers no longer follow straight lines; instead, they zig and zag, stop and start, step back and then forward.Forecasters predict that the average 21-year-old entering the workforce will make three to five career changes before leaving the workforce. Factor i n the reality that dozens of new occupations are introduced each year, and it only stands to reason that what one is doing now may not even be around in a few years or may take on a whole new look. Employers who are not willing to embrace this new workforce and recognize that knowledge, skills, and abilities often outweigh experience will overlook valuable talent and, in turn, fail to thrive.

Strengths and Shortcomings of REBT Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Strengths and Shortcomings of REBT - Essay Example Human beings are dynamic beings and there does not seem to be a simple way they become emotionally disturbed, and there does not seem to be a simple way for them to be helped from feeling defeated (Ellis, n.d). The psychological issues which come up often arise from a client’s misperceptions, including his emotional underreactions or overreactions to unusual events or circumstances; and his dysfunctional patterns of behaviour also lead him towards repeating responses even if he knows he is behaving poorly (Ellis, n.d). The framework or model for the REBT is based on the ABC model where A=the activating event; B=the belief; and C=the consequent emotion which may include anxiety or depression (Philippe, 2010). The process may extend to include letters D and E which refer to disputing of irrational beliefs and effect (Stolear, n.d). REBT is based on the premise that our reactions are based on our unconscious interpretations and philosophies. We feel anxious or sad because we strongly believe that it is terrible for us to fail or be rejected (Ellis, n.d). We also feel hostile or angry towards other people because we believe that people behave unfairly towards us. For therapists in this field of practice, they often use the first few sessions with the client in order to place a finger on the main irrational philosophies which the client passionately adheres to. Afterwards, they attempt to show to the clients how these philosophies lead to emotional problems and inevitably, to clinical symptoms (Ellis, n.d). The goal of the therapist, in this case, is to uproot the client from such set philosophies and to try to replace them with more rational theories and hypotheses about themselves and the world around them; and eventually, to conceptualize how such rational theories can be used to understand the world and to de al with their issues (Ellis, n.d). There

(whatever you feel good) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

(whatever you feel good) - Essay Example However, since there is always a close relationship between the public and the celebrity therefore there arise a question always as to whether the personal lives of those celebrities revealed to the general public or not. Personal characteristics of celebrities also include their sexual orientation therefore question arise as to whether the celebrity’s sexual orientation should be revealed to the public and who should reveal it. As discussed above that celebrities being the most famous among the masses tend to have two different life styles where mostly their real and private life style is not revealed to the public in most of the cases. â€Å"Celebrities are asked all the time about their personal lives, including their romances, so it’s perfectly fair for the media to ask â€Å"the question† of public figures and then let the person have their say. If they choose a non-answer, like Foster, Cooper and the other glass closet occupants, then so be it. Report the answer and let people think (and say) what they may.† (Crain). This quote clearly defines how the media should be projecting the personal lives of the celebrities including their sexual orientation. However, the ethical practices of the profession are not very often practiced therefore there remains always a strong probability that media may not behave the way it should have. The issue of disclosing the sexual orientation of the celebrities needs to be viewed on two different counts. First whether the public at large is willing to know about this fact and secondly if yes how Media should report this fact? What should be the ethical parameters under which this fact can be revealed to the public? This question also need to be viewed within the social connotation of celebrities also as revealing sexual orientation of a celebrity in India might bring entirely different reaction as compared to