Native American History Essay -- American Indian Culture

Popular culture has shaped our understanding and perception of Native American culture. From Disney to literature has given the picture of the â€Å"blood thirsty savage† of the beginning colonialism in the new world to the â€Å"Noble Savage,† a trait painted by non-native the West (Landsman and Lewis 184) and this has influenced many non native perceptions. What many outsiders do not see is the struggle Native American have on day to day bases. Each generation of Native American is on a struggle to keep their traditions alive, but to function in school and ultimately graduate. The long history between Native American and Europeans are a strained and bloody one. For the time of Columbus’s subsequent visits to the new world, native culture has been under a microscope. They were viewed in a scope of inferiority that caused Europeans to think that they needed them to teach them the correct way of life (Landsman and Lewis 184). The want for goods soon characterized interaction with settlers and the want for a stable trading relationship, becoming more apparent with the French Trappers (â€Å"How the Land†). The French were able to integrate into the Native society and understand with great respect, while the British only saw economic relationships with marriage (â€Å"How the Land†). The history of Native American were from a biased prospective and preventing the true nature Native American to be evident among white settlers. Many of whom welcomed white settlements for the prospect of new trade post and trading goods (â€Å"How the Landâ € ). Through the hardship and perseverance the education systems us still a struggle that many native people still have today. It is the history of the education through boarding schools that causes distrust for the current... ...cahy interview of Mary L. Wingerd. Minnesota Public Radio. 07 Sept. 2010. Web. 07 Oct. 2011 McCallum, Laura. â€Å"States Told to Improve American Indian Student Achievement.† Minnesota. Publicradio.org. Minnesota Public Radio, 16 May 2007. Web. 07 Oct. 2011. Landsman, Julie G., and Chance W. Lewis. White Teachers/ Diverse Classrooms. Sterling: Stylus, 2011. Print â€Å"Professor wants to Foster New Generation of Ojibwe Speakers.† Hosted by Kate Smith Interview of Anton Treuer. Minnesota Public Radio. 09 Sept. 2010. Web. 07 Oct. 2011. Robertson, Tom. â€Å"Red Lake Student Score Lower than Other Indian Kids on Standardized Test.† Minnesota.Publicradio.org. Minnesota Public Radio, 06 June 2004. Web. 07 Oct. 2011. Weber, Tom. â€Å"Study: Few Academic Gains for American Indian Students.† Minnesota. Publicradio.org. Minnesota Public Radio, 30 June 2010. Web. 07 Oct. 2011.

ANALYSIS OF RESULTS FROM AN EDUCATIONAL QUESTIONNAIRE

The followers is a elaborate analysis of the responses to the two different questionnaires. The full questionnaires and replies are summarized in tabular arraies in the appendix ( delight see appendix E and appendix F ) . The response rates to both questionnaires were comparatively good. From the parents, 6 out of 15 returned a completed questionnaire, giving a response rate of 40 % . From the instructors, healers and other school staff 13 out of 23 returned a completed questionnaire, giving a response rate of 56 %Background of parents and kidsAll 6 respondents to the parents ‘ questionnaire were the several female parents of the kids with autism ; no male parents, carers or other relations responded straight. The ages of their kids ranged between 9.2 and 10.7 old ages ( average = 9.9 ) and all except for one had merely one kid with particular demands. This peculiar female parent reported to hold another boy ( aged 13 old ages ) with autism and to boot terrible larning troubles every bit good as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ( ADHD ) . The parents heard about the school with an ABA programme from different beginnings. Two of them were referred by friends ; two found out about it on the World Wide Web, one was referred by a physician and one by a charity called PEACH ( Parents for the early intercession of autism in kids ) . The motives of the parents to direct their kid to the school were besides different: for four parents it was peculiarly because of the school-based ABA programme – one of these four even followed an ABA-program at place before while another one wanted to exchange to an Applied Behaviour Analysis-based intercession as she did n't experience that her autistic kid was doing any noticeable advancement at the Local Education Authority ( LEA ) school. Another parent had problem acquiring support for the coveted home-based ABA plan from her local council and so opted for a school-based attack ( which the local council agreed to fund ) , while the last respondent simply indicated that the school was â€Å" what she wanted † . The continuance of those 6 kids at school ranged from merely half a twelvemonth to over 5 old ages, giving an norm of 3.5 old ages and a median of 3.8 old ages.Teachers ‘ experience with and positions of ABAThe 13 teachers/school staff who participated in the questionnaire had really different degrees of experience. Experience degrees measured in old ages ranged from merely under 1 twelvemonth to 11 old ages with a median of 3 old ages demoing a really broad scattering of the consequences. The mean experience of instructors ‘ was 4.3 old ages. 12 out of the 13 school staff were existent instructors, 1 indicated to be â€Å" other school staff † . Asked about the restrictions and hazards of Applied Behaviour Analysis, instructors replied that ABA might non be suited to all kids with autism and that the chief hazard is that kids can go â€Å" prompt dependent † or dependant on one-on-one support, which may curtail their societal accomplishments development in the hereafter. Teachers besides noted that Applied Behaviour Analysis is a really stiff and intensive manner of learning which can be difficult to follow, seting a batch of emphasis on the households, and if non applied properly it could be damaging to a kid ‘s advancement. Other instructors / healers besides mentioned the deficiency of secondary proviso after the kid leaves the peculiar school ( which is primary merely ) and that the plan is really expensive. Unfortunately, merely 11 of the 13 instructors replied to this inquiry.Parents ‘ cognition of, experience and engagement with ABAFrom the six parents reacting the questionnaire, 5 described their c ognition as â€Å" really good † , while one felt that she had â€Å" some cognition † . Besides, 5 out of 6 had some old experience with Applied Behaviour Analysis rules, either through a home-based plan or another ABA-lead school. One parent besides applied different, more specialised signifiers of ABA before, such as â€Å" spring led † Applied Behaviour Analysis attack, independent Verbal Behaviour ( VB ) programme and Lovaas. Interestingly, the instructors ‘ responses to the inquiry sing parents ‘ cognition and experience is really different: instructors find that the cognition degree of parents varies a batch and on the border, parents have far excessively small apprehension of the ABA-approach. They see a direct relationship between the degree of involvement a parent shows to his or her degree of cognition and emphasis that the school is already offering a batch of information to parents in order to maintain them up to day of the month about their autistic kid ‘s behaviour programme. Teachers believe that the engagement of parents in their kid ‘s Applied Behaviour Analysis plan is really of import. The chief benefits in the eyes of the school staff are consistence and continuity in the manner the kid is worked with, particularly in the initial phases of the ABA-program execution. However, instructors complain that most parents are non involved plenty in their kid ‘s ABA pla n. Most suspect that the grounds for this are merely a deficiency of clip, involvement, cognition and in some instances besides their bad commandment of English. Some besides say that parents merely necessitate much more support. All of the parents have seen betterments in their autistic kid ‘s behavior since following the Applied Behaviour Analysis programme at school. Most parents saw betterments in the communicating of their kid, some to boot celebrated betterments in accomplishments, behavior and assurance. No troubles have been reported except for nail-biting in 2 out of the 6 instances.Use of ABA at placeTeachers believe that utilizing Applied Behaviour Analysis outside of school ( e.g. at place ) has a figure of advantages for a kid with autism. Chiefly it reinforces what the kid has earned at school but more significantly it provides consistence to the kid, allows him to generalise behaviors and potentially larn more behaviors and accomplishments. One instructor thought that it is non possible to generalise the advantages for all kids, another one idea that its good to follow ABA rules when covering with behaviors of the kid, but non utile to utilize in all state of affairss at place. However, the 11 out of 13 instructors besides identified a figure of hazards with utilizing ABA outside school – 2 of the instructors thought there were no hazards at all. The chief hazard identified was that parents would necessitate to be decently trained in order to use ABA right and systematically with the manner it is done at school. Otherwise, kids could acquire confused, possibly unlearn some of the good behavior and accomplishments that they have acquired at school and perchance even acquire frustrated. Teachers besides mentioned that kids could go easy â€Å" prompt-dependant † , that Applied Behaviour Analysis is non a natural manner to educate or handle kids and if applied throughout would make an unrealistically structured universe for the kid with autism. One instructor besides mentioned that utilizing ABA both inside and outside school could be excessively much for kids, as the plan is really intensive. Of the six parents take parting in the questionnaire, 5 presently use ABA rules at place. However the strength varies a batch between the households. One female parent indicated she used it 80 % of the clip, two moths use it in the eventides or on Saturday forenoon, one mainly for lavatory preparation and the 5th female parent gave no clear indicant of how much she used it but said that she would utilize it â€Å" to generalise what is taught at school † . Asked about whether they would see utilizing ABA more at place, parents ‘ sentiments seem to be divided: three replied that they would non utilize it more, or merely if a new debatable behaviour would emerge, while two said that they would wish to utilize it more, e.g. during school vacations. One of these two said that she would necessitate more support and preparation. The 6th female parent gave no response at all to this inquiry. Teachers and healers believe that the chief grounds why parents do non utilize Applied Behaviour Analysis at place are linked to a deficiency of the necessary clip and cognition. Some instructors besides believe that other household committednesss, e.g. other kids and spouse, and a deficiency of support play a function in it. One instructor suspects that some parents may differ with ABA and that there might non be adequate communicating and trust between the parents and the school. Asked about how parents could be encouraged to utilize ABA more at place, instructors believe that both preparation and place visits would be most of import. Two instructors besides think that a better communicating between the school and the parents would assist, while some suggest that parents should see the school more frequently and, for illustration, attend workshops or merely detect their kid in schoolroom. One instructor besides believes that more support is needed to acquire parents more involved in Applied Behaviour Analysis programmes at place. Finally, parents were asked about any other intercession techniques they used to handle their autistic kids. Two of them answered that they were utilizing the Relationship Development Intervention ( RDI ) , one tried the Son-Rise Programme and yet another female parent uses a gluten casein free and OT free diet. The two staying parents indicated that they were non utilizing any other intercessions.

Global Mobility Pyramid

Global Mobility Introduction Globalization is an essential part of business. Global markets, customers, and talent pools are fundamental to the growth plans of many, perhaps most, companies. Regardless of whether they operate in mature or rapidly developing markets, companies today have a critical need for speed and efficiency to move dozens, hundreds, or often thousands of professionals, technical specialists, managers, and executives around the world, far from their home offices.To prepare for and respond to opportunities in global production, research and development, and innovation, as well as to optimize customer sales, service, and growth, companies need the ability to get the right people to the right places at the right cost – quickly and efficiently. Companies also face an ever-increasing need to attract, develop, deploy, and retain employees and leaders who know how to think and operate globally. Global workforce and global mobility has become more important than eve r to companies. Global mobility and workforce strategyAn effective global mobility management requires a formal strategy that focuses on a company’s long-term global talent needs instead of simply reacting to individual opportunities as they arise. A company’s global mobility and workforce strategy should be integrated with its business strategy, talent strategy, and workforce planning efforts. It should include both short- and long-term assignments while balancing the business’ need for speci? c technical skills with its talent development needs for a more globally prepared workforce.The global mobility function should use its specialized knowledge and capabilities to help shape the mobility strategy and govern related investments and execution. An effective Global mobility program should address the following issues: 1. Global employee rewards Expatriate rewards should address the barriers to global mobility, and align with the actual value of each assignment. They should highlight career development and personal growth along with compensation and bene? ts.As far as is practical, expatriate rewards programs should be integrated with â€Å"regular† rewards programs and generally administered by HR as part of its ongoing operations. This would free up the global mobility function to use its specialized capabilities to help design expatriate rewards programs and customize rewards for a portfolio of international moves and situations. 2. Global mobility service delivery An effective global mobility program should be able to support businesses and assignees with high-quality service that is cost-effective and consistent.Integrating global mobility service delivery with a company’s broader HR processes and infrastructure – particularly in areas such as basic HR support and talent management – can reduce costs and produce greater business value. Given the scale and increasingly central role of global mobility as well as global HR and talent, the time has come to integrate global mobility with global HR and to leverage a global HR services platform where practical. Meanwhile, the global mobility function can use its specialized knowledge to provide business leaders and managers with focused advice on mobility strategies and key assignments. . Technology As global work and global mobility become a more common part of the workforce’s experience, HR information systems (HRISs) should incorporate support for these programs and activities as well as integrate global mobility and assignee data into the company’s general HR databases. Companies should be careful when creating specialized global mobility applications that are not integrated into the HR and talent work? ow and require signi? cant resources to operate and maintain. The global mobility function has historically been responsible for managing and administering every detail of an international assignment.But as global mobility b ecomes a standard business practice, this all-encompassing, stand-alone approach may not work. The good news is that widespread adoption of globally integrated HR service delivery models and technology has created an opportunity for the global mobility function to shift many of its routine administrative responsibilities to HR and talent operations. This will enable the global mobility function to focus on deploying global talent more strategically, helping the company make smarter moves.Most organizations segment international assignments based on duration: short-term, long-term, and permanent. BAI has three types of assignments; Long Term, Short Term and Commuter assignments. – A Long Term assignment is for a minimum of 12 months but no more than four years, on an accompanied basis – A Short Term assignment is for a minimum of 3 months and a maximum of 12 months, on a single unaccompanied basis. – A commuter assignment is for a minimum of 3 months to a maximum of four years, on an unaccompanied basis. Commuters live in one country but work primarily in anotherDeloitte design a framework, called Smart Moves, to categorize international assignment based on two key dimensions: business value and development value (See figure 1 below). This multi-dimensional can help companies in ensuring that the level of support it gives to an assignees is justified based on the expected business value of their assignment that is also categorised ad ‘Learning experience’, meaning that the assignee is expected to bear some of the costs associated with the move in exchange for valuable global experience and personal growth.In addition, the framework also identify ways to use global mobility to develop the next generation of leaders, thus helping the organization meet both its current and future talent needs. Companies have long used global mobility programs to move employees around the world, but never to the extent that is required today. For m any organizations, growth and even survival hinges on penetrating rapidly growing and emerging markets unlocked by globalization. That’s a tough challenge, especially when the critical opportunities and critical talent re often not in the same country. To a large extent, future success for many companies will depend on how well they can connect their talent with their most pro? table and strategically important business opportunities, wherever they may be. To this end, the global mobility function is now being asked to do more than simply ? ll international positions. Companies are starting to view global mobility programs as a way to pursue key talent development goals.For example, organizations are sending promising leadership candidates abroad so they can develop the global experience and perspective necessary to lead in a global economy. In addition, employees themselves – especially those in the younger generations – increasingly expect employers to offer t hem opportunities to work outside their home country. To be effective, a company must ? nd ways to provide the kinds of international opportunities that harness its employees’ enthusiasm, enhance their engagement, build their skills, and deliver long-term business valueTo manage global mobility effectively, companies must master and integrate four essential building blocks: strategy, rewards, service delivery, and technology (Figure 2) [pic] (Fig2. Essential Building Blocks) Global mobility and workforce strategy Effective global mobility requires a formal strategy that focuses on a company’s long-term business needs and global talent priorities rather than simply reacting to individual opportunities as they arise. Global employee rewardsGlobal employee rewards should align with the value of each assignment, meet the needs of assignees, and help break down barriers to global mobility with programs that reflect the value of the many different possible types of assignmen ts. Also, they should focus on career development and personal growth, not just compensation and benefits for the duration of the assignment. An effective Global employee rewards should: ? Differentiate employee compensation, benefits, and support packages according to the value of each assignment type. Promote the value of learning and career development, not just compensation and benefits ? Harmonize rewards programs to reduce mobility barriers ? Apply innovative approaches to participants in state-sponsored and private benefits programs. ? Share the cost of global assignments and mobility between employees and employers Global mobility service delivery An effective global mobility program should be able to support the business and assignees with high-quality service that is cost-effective, consistent, and easy to use, manage, and administer.Technology Using technology effectively to support global moves can help reduce costs while improving service quality and compliance. It also enables business leaders to make better, more informed mobility decisions. International assignment Lifecycle Achieving the highest development value of an international assignment doesn’t happen automatically. It requires a deliberate and conscious effort to tailor a company’s talent management programs, strategies, and practices to the different needs of each participant.The key to achieving expected results is taking a holistic approach that spans the entire assignment lifecycle (Figure 3). The starting point is to help employees develop a clear career path. This should happen well in advance of any foreign assignment. [pic] (Fig. 3 Assignment lifecycle) Once an appropriate assignment has been found, the company must help the employee understand the objectives of the assignment and develop a strong support system if they don’t already have one in place.That means helping the employee create new connections in the host organization, while maintaining strong c onnections back home; providing customized mentoring services to help the employee be effective while on assignment; making sure the employee’s family is comfortable in the new environment; and, as the end of the assignment draws near, helping the employee find an appropriate position that takes advantage of newly acquired skills and experience.Conclusion In today’s increasingly global marketplace, companies can’t afford to treat global mobility as a niche activity that requires special handling. They need to develop standard global mobility capabilities that are fast, cost-efficient, effective, and repeatable. They also need to use international assignments as a way to develop their next generation of leaders. The traditional one-size-fits-all approach to global mobility is no longer good enough.Global businesses need a full range of options to address a variety of situations, from strategic assignments to commodity jobs – and everything in between. An e ffective global mobility program must offer services and options that fi t the needs of the business and its employees, delivering high value at a low cost. At the same time, it must address critical issues such as regulatory compliance and tax, which can prevent a business from using global mobility to its advantage.Going forward, global business will be the primary source of growth for many companies. Organizations will source talent from all over the world. And international assignments will be business as usual. To achieve desired results in this new environment, companies will need to dramatically improve their global mobility capabilities. Reference 1. Global Mobility by Deloitte. Available on http://www. deloitte. com/assets/Dcom-UnitedStates/Local%20Assets/Documents/IMOs/Talent/us_talent_SmarterMoves_062410. pdf. Accessed on 11/03/2013.

Causes and Effects of Government Shutdowns

Causes and Effects of Government Shutdowns Why would much of the U.S. federal government shut down and what happens when it does?   The Cause of Government Shutdowns The U.S. Constitution requires that all expenditures of federal funds be authorized by Congress with the approval of the President of the United States. The U.S. federal government and the federal budget process operate on a fiscal year cycle running from October 1 to midnight September 30. If Congress fails to pass all of the spending bills comprising the annual federal budget or continuing resolutions extending spending beyond the end of the fiscal year; or if the president fails to sign or vetoes any of the individual spending bills, certain non-essential functions of the government may be forced to cease due to a lack of congressionally-authorized funding. The result is a government shutdown. The Current Border Wall Shutdown of 2019 The most recent government shutdown, and the third of the Donald Trump presidency began on December 22, 2018, when Congress and the White House failed to agree on the inclusion in an annual spending bill of $5.7 billion requested by President Trump for the construction of an additional 234 miles of fencing to be added to the existing security barrier along the U.S. border with Mexico. On January 8, with no end to the impasse in sight, President Trump threatened to declare a national emergency empowering him to bypass to fund the border fencing. However, by January 12, what had become the longest lasting government shutdown in U.S. history had shuttered nine of the 15 federal executive branch agencies, and left over 800,000 federal workers- including Border Patrol officers, TSA agents, and air traffic controllers- either working without pay or sitting at home on furlough. Trash began piling up and visitor safety became an issue at national parks as park rangers had been sent home. Although Congress had passed a bill on January 11 providing eventual full back pay for the employees, the strain of missed paychecks became obvious.   In a televised address on January 19, President Trump offered a proposal he hoped would bring Democrats back to the bargaining table to negotiate on an immigration reform for border security deal that would end the then 29-day-long government shutdown. The president offered to back immigration policies Democrats and had long requested, including a three-year revival of the DACA- Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals- program in return for approval of a permanent $7 billion border security package, including $5.7 billion for the border wall. DACA is a currently expired immigration policy enacted by President Obama allowing eligible individuals who were brought to the United States illegally as children to receive a renewable two-year period of deferred action from deportation and become eligible for a work permit in the U.S. Less than an hour after the president’s address, Democrats rejected the bargain because it failed to offer permanent protection for the DACA immigrants and because it still included money for the border wall. Democrats again demanded that President Trump end the shutdown before negotiations continued. On January 24, Government Executive magazine reported that based on salary data from the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM), the then 34-day-long partial government was costing U.S. taxpayers more than $86 million a day in back pay promised to more than 800,000 furloughed workers. A Temporary Agreement Reached On January 25, President Trump announced that an agreement had been reached between his office and Democratic leaders in Congress that would temporarily reopen the government until February 15 without the inclusion of any funding for construction of additional border fencing. The agreement also provided that all federal employees affected by the shutdown would receive full back pay. According to the President, the delay would allow for further negotiations on funding of the border wall, which he said remained a necessity to national security. Finally, the President stated that if funding for the border wall was not agreed to by February 15, he would either reinstate the government shutdown or declare a national emergency allowing him to reallocate existing fund for the purpose. However, on February 15, the president signed a compromise spending bill averting another shutdown. The same day, he issued a National Emergency Proclamation redirecting $3.5 billion from the Defense Department’s military construction budget to the construction of new border wall. Under the terms of the Antideficiency Act, the shutdown may not have been legal in the first place. Since the government had the $5.7 billion needed to build the border wall, the shutdown had been based on an issue of political ideology rather than an issue of economic necessity, as required by the law. The Ghosts of Shutdowns Past Between 1981 and 2019, there were five government shutdowns. While the first four went largely unnoticed by anybody but the federal employees affected, the American people shared the pain during the last one.   1981: President Reagan vetoed a continuing resolution, and 400,000 federal employees were sent home at lunch and told not to come back. A few hours later, President Reagan signed a new version of the continuing resolution and the workers were back at work the next morning. 1984: With no approved budget, 500,000 federal workers were sent home. An emergency spending bill had them all back at work the next day. 1990: With no budget or continuing resolution, the government shuts down during the entire three-day Columbus Day weekend. Most workers were off anyway and an emergency spending bill signed by President Bush over the weekend had them back at work Tuesday morning. 1995-1996: Two government shutdowns beginning on November 14, 1995, idled different functions of the federal government for various lengths of time until April of 1996. The most serious government shutdowns in the nations history resulted from a budget impasse between Democratic President Clinton and the Republican-controlled Congress over funding for Medicare, education, the environment, and public health. 2013: For 17 tedious days, from October 1 through October 16, the perennial disagreement between Republicans and Democrats in Congress over spending forced a partial shutdown that saw more than 800,000 federal employees furloughed, U.S veterans locked out of their own war memorials, and millions of visitors forced to leave national parks. Unable to pass a conventional annual budget, Congress considered a continuing resolution (CR) that would have maintained funding at current levels for six months. In the House, Tea Party Republicans attached amendments to the CR that would have delayed implementation of President Obama’s healthcare reform law–Obamacare–for one year. This amended CR had no chance of passing in the Democrat-controlled Senate. The Senate sent the House a â€Å"clean† CR with no amendments, but Speaker of the House John Boehner refused to allow the clean CR to come to a vote of the House. As a result of the impasse over Obamacare, no funding CR was passed by October 1- the end of the government’s 2013 fiscal year- and the shutdown began. As the shutdown drug on, public opinion of Republicans, Democrats and President Obama began to plummet and, to make matters worse, the U.S. was set to reach its debt limit on October 17. Failing to pass legislation raising the debt limit by the deadline could have forced the government to default on its debt for the first time in history, placing the payment of federal benefits in danger of being delayed. On October 16, faced with the debt limit crisis and increasing public disgust with Congress, Republicans and Democrats finally agreed on and passed a bill temporarily reopening the government and increasing the debt limit. Ironically, the bill- driven by the government’s need to reduce spending- also spent billions of dollars, including a tax-free gift of $174,000 to the widow of a deceased senator. The Costs of Government Shutdowns The first of the two government shutdowns in 1995-1996 lasted only six days, from November 14 to November 20. Following the six-day shutdown, the Clinton administration released an estimate of what the six days of an idled federal government had cost. Lost Dollars: The six-day shutdown cost taxpayers about $800 million, including $400 million to furloughed federal employees who were paid, but did not report to work and another $400 million in lost revenue in the four days that the IRS enforcement divisions were closed.Medicare: Some 400,000 newly eligible Medicare recipients were delayed in applying for the program.Social Security: Claims from 112,000 new Social Security applicants were not processed. 212,000 new or replacement Social Security cards were not issued. 360,000 office visits were denied. 800,000 toll-free calls for information were not answered.Healthcare: New patients were not accepted into clinical research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) clinical center. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ceased disease surveillance and hotline calls to NIH concerning diseases were not answered.Environment: Toxic waste clean-up work at 609 sites stopped as 2,400 Superfund workers were sent home.Law Enforcemen t and Public Safety: Delays occurred in the processing of alcohol, tobacco, firearms, and explosives applications by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms; work on more than 3,500 bankruptcy cases reportedly was suspended; cancellation of the recruitment and testing of federal law enforcement officials reportedly occurred, including the hiring of 400 border patrol agents; and delinquent child-support cases were delayed. US Veterans: Multiple veterans services were curtailed, ranging from health and welfare to finance and travel.Travel: 80,000 passport applications were delayed. 80,000 visas were delayed. The resulting postponement or cancellation of travel cost U.S. tourist industries and airlines millions of dollars.National Parks: 2 million visitors were turned away from the nations national parks resulting in the loss of millions in revenue.Government-Backed Loans: FHA mortgage loans worth more than $800 million to more than 10,000 low-and-moderate-income working families were delayed. How a Government Shutdown Might Affect You As directed by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), the federal agencies now maintain contingency plans for dealing with government shutdowns. The emphasis of those plans is to determine which functions should continue. Most notably, the Department of Homeland Security and its Transportation Security Administration (TSA) did not exist in 1995 when the last long-term government shutdown took place. Due to the critical nature of their function, it is highly likely that the TSA would continue to function normally during a government shutdown.Based on history, here is how a long-term government shutdown might impact some government-provided public services. Social Security: Benefit checks would probably keep coming, but no new applications would be accepted or processed.Income Tax: The IRS will probably stop processing paper tax returns and refunds.Border Patrol: Customs and Border Patrol functions will probably continue.Welfare: Again, the checks would probably continue, but new applications for food stamps might not be processed.Mail: The U.S. Postal Service supports itself, so mail deliveries would continue as usual.National Defense: All active duty members of all branches of all armed services would continue duty as usual, but might not get paid on time. More than half of the Defense Departments 860,000 civilian employees would also work, the others sent home.Justice System: Federal courts should remain open. Criminals will still be chased, caught, prosecuted and thrown in federal prisons, which would still be operating.Farms/USDA: Food safety inspections will probably continue, but rural development, and farm credit and loan progra ms will probably close down. Transportation: Air traffic control, TSA security personnel, and the Coast Guard will remain on the job. Applications for passports and visas may not be processed.National Parks/Tourism: Parks and forests will probably close and visitors told to leave. Visitor and interpretive centers will be closed. Non-volunteer rescue and fire control services might be shut down. National monuments and most historic sites will probably be closed. Parks police will probably continue their patrols.

Fault Lines, Raghuram Rajan, 2011 Essays

Fault Lines, Raghuram Rajan, 2011 Essays Fault Lines, Raghuram Rajan, 2011 Essay Fault Lines, Raghuram Rajan, 2011 Essay Fault Lines, Raghuram Rajan, 2011 Name: Course: Instructor: : Institution: Date: Fault Lines, Raghuram Rajan, 2011 CHAPTER FOUR: A Weak Safety Net 83 This chapter begins with the narration about a student, Badri, who came to the United States more than 25 years ago (Rajan, 2010). After obtaining some degrees and a PhD, he found himself employment at in Washington DC making chips for a German –American firm. He was tasked with the responsibility of ensuring that the fabrication line was up to date and functioning well with the aim of reducing the production of defective chips in this production line. His knowledge was well used by the entity for troubleshooting in the production processes to a point of working seventy-hour weeks (Rajan, 2010). However, the firm later split from a joint venture between the two partners, America and Germans into individual ventures. Badri was able to retain his job and specialized in fabrication of memory card chips leading to the production of smaller memory chips. In addition, the declining production processes also resulted in the reduction of the entity size (Rajan, 2010). The transformation was evident form a large partnership to an eventually smaller farm with increasing debts in an industry, which could be simply termed as capital intensive because of the presence of identical firms with larger capital bases for support in low revenues periods, as the market was usually unpredictable. Following the 2008 financial crisis the organization decided to lay off all of its workers in the United States because of the need to preserve resources. In addition, the organization had already increased its capital bases. Hence, it was under pressure whether to close either the German or the American plant. Badri was laid off and had to survive on meager savings coupled by the costs of living, insurance, and mortgage. In addition, the company was unable to pay for his retirement as it had been declared bankrupt (Rajan, 2010). According to the author, the United States is under what could be described a weak safety net all due to the asset bubble which instigated the financial crisis of the year 2008 whose effects the world is still reeling from today. A weak safety net is unhealthy for any given economy as evidenced by the American economy where peoples especially the unemployed. Hence it is difficult for individuals to survive this era without jobs coupled by the presence of expensive healthcare instead of provision of adequate and affordable services to such brackets of the economy and enable them get through the difficult times awaiting the economy to get back to normalcy (Rajan, 2010). From Badri’s situation, it is evident of the effects of the financial crisis of 2008. Firms were forced to forego operations and close their plants due to the lack of adequate funds or entire lack of funds for operations. In addition, this crisis was also attributed due to increased costs of operations for entities coupled by low returns by organizations. Hence, it was difficult to maintain operations without the presence of adequate funds for survival through this period. Only the strongest entities, which had adequate financial reserves and sound financial and economic policies, were bale to withstand the crisis. Some shopped for bargains in the collapsed entities with the aim of acquisition of equipment at low prices for use within their individual companies (Rajan, 2010). As the title suggests, a safety net is important for low incomes earners as well as for those who have inadequate finances to sustain their survival. This is evidenced in Badri’s situation as he lacks adequate funds for survival given that he has a potential medical condition that could easily turn into diabetes. The lack of affordable insurance could easily lead to diabetes as he lacks cove3r for any ailments for himself and his financially vulnerable family. His ability to access private insurance due to its costs and the criteria for selection of eligible members is an indication of the inequality within the American health system in terms of the ability to access medical insurance. From the author’s narration, it becomes evident of disparities, which are present between those who could be considered as financially well off in comparison to financially vulnerable individuals whose numbers increased due to the loss of employment as specifically the global financial cr isis (Rajan, 2010). In essence, the author provides a vivid elaboration of the lack of a strong safety net to caution vulnerable individuals such as Badri from the tough economic pressures such as expensive health insurance, costly mortgages given the presence of inadequate finances or the utter lack of the same. Furthermore, the lack of proper safety shows the weaknesses of government in terms of provision of equal services to all. This is evidenced by the vast differences in terms of costs of health insurance, private and organizational or public insurance (Rajan, 2010). In conclusion, the author seems to emphasis the failure of the government to caution the lower bracket of its citizens form the financial crisis all of which was due to greed for profits by large business, which were considered as too large to fail. In addition, the failure to provide security and a secure safety net by the government eventually led to the generation of disproportionate monetary and fiscal policies, which led to escalation of the financial crisis (Rajan, 2010). New concepts The term safety net is used to imply to policies implemented by the government with the aim of cautioning vulnerable and poor people from socioeconomic shocks, as evidenced by the finance crisis of 2008, which led to foreclosure of numerous homes, loss of jobs, expensive healthcare or inaccessible health insurance (Rajan, 2010). CHAPTER FIVE: From Bubble to Bubble 101 The author describes Ben Bernanke’s word where he was of the view that â€Å"fluctuations of output and inflation had steadily decreased from the 1980’s to the year 2004 (Rajan, 2010). His claims were made on the presumption that the economic policies were sound given the presence of steady growth, lack of high inflation, booms, and busts. Such good economic growth could be attributed to three various factors: the presence of luck given economic setbacks such as increase in oil prices, and wars. Secondly, the rapid evolution of the economic world as industries and corporations become efficient in making production decision due to the ability to obtain and process sales information. The ability of such improvements could be attributed to the ability of countries and firm’s ability to evade recessions as in the past. Thirdly, the improvement educational systems enabled production of good economists with relevant knowledge on the effects of economic policies on the production processes and actual output by economies (Rajan, 2010). In addition, the Bernanke also considers that current economists were furnished with better skills in the formulation of better monetary policies in comparison to the predecessors who were driven by mere intuition and unfounded economic beliefs on the relationship between monetary polices and economic output. However, his view on economic policies was strained after the 2008 occurrence of the financial crisis. He appealed to congress to rescue the financial markets and entities for man imminent collapse of the economy, which could easily turn, into a depression. Congress was supposed to provide adequate bailout for the entities in financial crisis. His plea for help is an indication of the flaws, which were present in the monetary policies used by the Federal government (Rajan, 2010). The author is of the opinion that the financial crisis was due to the Federal Reserve’s mistakes. The initial mistake occurred in the year 2001 when the first recession took place and prompted the Federal Reserve to keep interest rates relatively low (Rajan, 2010). This led to increase in funds in circulation, in the United States, as well as other countries around the world. Given the influence of politics and economics, the Federal Reserve rates were influenced to the favor of some few. The second mistake was the indication of the Federal Reserve encouraged large investments by the low rates and showed indications of supporting these investors in the event of a bubble burst. This was the inception of risk taking given the presence of low interest rates given it was an attempt to create growth in the employment market (Rajan, 2010). The author uses this chapter to give an implicit indication of the role of the Federal Reserve in the financial crisis of 2008. In addition, the inability of the Federal Reserve was the inception towards the creation of a monster, which eventually grew into a great recession. In essence, the beginning of the financial crisis was set off by the setting of the interest rates. The Federal Reserve is mandated with setting, of which largely through short-term interest rates, which allow flexibility in terms of formulation of these rates as well as monetary policies. The relationship between long-term and short-term interest rates is identical as setting of long-term interest rates as identical to those of short term interest rates. Hence, if long-term interest rates are low then the short term interest rates are expected to be low (Rajan, 2010). Hence, the Federal Reserve failed in setting adequate or considerable interest for the populace to benefit and the eventual growth of the economy. In addition, the Federal Reserve short term interest rates had a great role to play in the economic activities which led up to the financial crisis of 2008. Short-term interest rates determine economic activity such as actual borrowing by the banks and mortgages (Rajan, 2010). Long-term interest rates, on the other hand, have a role in the determination of the returns by assets such as bonds, equity and houses, which are determined, by the returns accrued by interest rates. Inadequacy of the Federal Reserve is exhibited by the ignorance to heed to the call for adjustments as evidenced by the sharp increases in asset prices, which were driven by non-conventional forces such as increased risk, foreign funds and expansion of credit to unhealthy levels. This should have prompted the increase in rates to curb this unhealthy growth or asset bubb le, which eventually burst under the watch of the Federal Reserve due to their failure to act in order to drive growth. Low short-interest rates prompted investors to undertake more risk with the promise of more returns. In addition, foreign funds flowed into the United States, which is an illustration of the widespread of the financial crisis. Investors from countries like Japan and German sought the prominent mortgage-backed securities, which were on high demand. These fueled the growth of the securities and hunger for the seemingly low risk investments such as mortgages (Rajan, 2010). In addition, there was also expansion of credit, which also led up to the financial crisis. The rise in asset prices enabled individuals and entities as well the needed collateral to seek loans. In addition, the low-income individuals who sought borrowing and were financed with loans to make payments for their individual needs, as they possessed adequate collateral given the high asset prices. In addition, the same was coupled by the presumption that the foreseeable future would have adequate liquidity hence banks were of the view that long-term financing on risky loans would be â€Å"safe† when that was not the case (Rajan, 2010). It is evident of the effects of monetary policies in the leaning against asset price rises. This is because monetary policies have a significant role in the financial stability of a country and specifically of its economy. In addition, the Federal Reserve could have regulated the markets instead of acting as a spectator while the asset prices increased dramatically. In addition, banks were in search of investors for their loans given the presence of high liquidity within the economy. Hence, lack of action in setting interest rates in relation to the market conditions, which were present-rapid growth in assets prices, easy access to loans, and low inflation-resulted in the eventual near collapse of the economy and specifically the financial markets. Hence, inadequacy in terms of acting by the Federal Reserve was the sole reason for ht bubble and the eventual burst of the bubble (Rajan, 2010). New concepts Philip’s curve-is described as the inverse relationship between the unemployment rate and that of inflation (Rajan, 2010). Expectation Hypothesis- is described as expectation that long-term rates within a market are predetermined by the market expectation of the short-term rates added to constant risk premiums (Rajan, 2010). CHAPTER SIX: When Money Is the Measure of All Worth 120 The French monarchy was among the first to introduce the use of annuities with the aim of raising funds when it did not have adequate cash to fund operations. This form of investment to the rich nobles was very prominent as it guaranteed individuals consistent receipt of payments until death. People were able to reap benefits from this form of payments if they were able to live for longer periods in comparison to their annuity payments (Rajan, 2010). However, this form of investment was flawed as it lacked security. This is evidenced by the Geneva bankers who took up thirty young girls and paid annuity for them form the french government. Because of the high returns from the government, more investors were attracted to this form of investment on the presumption of huge earnings. However after the french revolution in 1789, things were disrupted, and payment of the annuities was done with a currency which wads simply termed as undervalued given the economic situation. Hence, this group of bankers was prompted to default given that they were unable to pay back the Swiss investors with undervalued currency given that they had invested in highly valued Swiss currency (Rajan, 2010). From the historical crisis, there are various lessons, which can be drawn from the situation. The initial lesson is the utter disconnect of society and bakers because of their ability to identify opportunities to make quick and easy money. In addition, it is also evident of the urge to make money by the bakers in comparison to other businesspeople (Rajan, 2010). Furthermore, their knowledge in money matters is an added advantage as they are able to use such information for actual applications in making investments. Hence, from the keen eye of bakers innocent and small ventures can result in great and risky investments given the lack of securities. In addition, the numbers of the bakers ensured that they received compensation and payments from the new government after the revolution. Hence, in relation to the financial crisis, the numbers of the banking community and other investors ensured that they would receive intervention, bailout or funds invested from the government of their in vestments. In essence, the banking sector actions were as a result of the government’s aim to provide its citizenry with adequate and cheap housing coupled by the presence of foreign demand for high debt securities (Rajan, 2010). As evidenced by the events of the United States financial markets, slight changes in prices are bound to distort the markets in entirety. In essence, the private sector acted in a predictable, looking for bargains and making quick money provided the signs of making money are favorable, despite the presence of high risk in such an investment. In addition, such deals according to the author could be described as arms-length agreements as they do not have any consideration for the smaller party as they are driven by the need to make profits (Rajan, 2010). From this chapter, it is evident of the effects of inadequate and proper regulation within any financial system. The financial crisis of 2008 was because of what could be described as cause-effect in terms of the actions by the Federal Reserve and the financial market players. The lack of control and restrictions by the Federal Reserve gave the lenders and indication of the ability to invest in the risky investments given the high returns, which were possible within such investments. In addition, from a moral perspective it becomes evident of the lack of good business practice by the banks and the entire private sector (Rajan, 2010). In addition, the financial sector illustrated to the world that, without adequate and proper regulation, the sector would head for self-destruction bringing down with the entire economy. International and foreign banks had a great role in the housing market burst and the eventual financial crisis. Foreign central banks were presented with large dollar inflows given the increase in exports to the United States whereas the United States investors sought international markets for better returns on their investments given the low interest rates in the United States (Rajan, 2010). Brokers also had a significant role to play in the events up to the financial crisis of 2008. Mortgage brokers were responsible for seeking customers for the housing loans and processing of the same. From the acts of the brokers, they were driven by the need to make money via attracting more customers to their â€Å"attractive† mortgage payments where they persuaded customers with claims that they would get better value when they enrolled with the various brokers, which was subsequently false after various customers indicated hefty increases in their monthly mortgage payments (Rajan, 2010). This is an indication of the entry of malpractices into the banking sector and housing sector as the brokers held no regard for the customers. In addition, it is evident of lack of regulation in terms of the appropriate conduct of the brokers. In addition, the brokerage firms did not hold their workers liable for selling substandard loans given that they were merely driven by enrollment of new customers without any regard for the quality of the loans (Rajan, 2010). In conclusion, regulation on brokers would have ensured that they did not engage in bad business practices to their customers. In addition, the erosion of moral conduct in business has a large role to play in the lack of appropriate conduct in the housing market burst. The mere drive to cash in on the housing market was the drive for the brokers, the banks and the investors given the lack of securities and the favorable exchange rates (Rajan, 2010). New terms and concepts Unintentional guidance-this is guidance towards unwarranted behavior by actions or market forces (Rajan, 2010). CHAPTER SEVEN: Betting the Bank 134 The author begins with an indication that the qualities of nearly 60% of all mortgages were rated as AAA, which means they were without any doubt of the highest quality. In contrast, only less than all corporate bonds in the markets are usually rated as AAA. Normal relations or correlation of defaults in mortgages is usually extremely low as the presence of unavoidable circumstances such as ill health or loss of jobs. Hence, there were no forecasts in terms of the correlation between the mortgages and default by the homeowners (Rajan, 2010). In addition, the AAA rated securities were lucrative because they offered higher returns in comparison to the corporate securities. The agencies did not anticipate the correlation between the defaults and mortgages as indicated by their ratings. In addition, the increase in mortgages led to a pool of flooded with identical packages of mortgages. Furthermore, the similarities in terms of the pools of mortgages increased the rate or possibility of default by the customers of the mortgages. This is because any signs of problems in the market would result in a collective pullout by the banks leading to spread of the problems across the country. In addition, the AAA mortgage backed securities were disguised by the presence of high ratings and their high and lucrative returns (Rajan, 2010). Some entities such as AIG were among the biggest losers in the financial crisis. The entity sold insurance through credit evasion swaps, which were valued on asset-backed securities, which were worth billions of dollars inclusive of AAA rated mortgage-backed securities (Rajan, 2010). However, the values of the asset backed bonds provided by AIG reduced significantly in value as the economy went into a recession. In addition, the defaults on mortgages proved larger than expected given the numbers of banks involved and the numbers of issued mortgages. The events led to losses of billions of dollars as the AIG’s liability in relation to the swaps increased forcing the entity to mark down its portfolio. Due to the increased liabilities, parties who had invested in the firm sought legal remedies to ensure that AIG would honor payment of the swap liabilities. The entity become the largest recipient of bailout funds amounting to more than $150billion dollars after it was unable to re pay the liabilities (Rajan, 2010). From this chapter, it is evident that the banks, which churned out these risky investments to the markets, still held on these risky investments given that these securities had an AAA rating. In essence, these risky investments proved very lucrative especially for the large banks. The risks, which were associated with these ventures, were regarded as unlikely; hence, banks sought after them with ample zeal as they promised high returns given the demand for adequate housing. This is what the author considers as tail risk given the low probability of occurrence of these risks. However, to their dismay the risks led to one of the most devastating financial crises in the United States. In addition, such risks would be evidenced by the countrywide scare within the housing market leading to countrywide defaults on the housing mortgages. Another aspect was the gravity of these risks, which is their eventuality of occurrence, would prove as very costly for investors and the banks in general (Rajan, 2010). Bankers were forced to take on these kinds of risks due to several factors. Risk-return relationship was one of the most significant factors, which led up to the uptake of these risky investments by the banks on the promise of higher returns. This is because risky investments are lowly priced but tend to produce higher returns. In essence, the onset of these risky investments was marked by high returns as evidenced by AIG Bear Stearns, Citigroup, and Lehman Brothers and other large entities, which realized higher returns before the onset of the recession. These entities were swallowed up by the recession, as they did not have adequate reserves to enable them pay up their liabilities. This is because they thought the risks as having the lowest probability of occurrence (Rajan, 2010). Furthermore, entities were driven by the need to make profits given that those who object these risky investments were laid off by the top management in order to pave the way for the realization of higher profits through further investments in these highly risky investments. From this chapter, it is clear that the bankers and the investors ignored the growth and occurrence of the tail risks all due to the mere drive to make huge profits. From this chapter, it is evident that top management within the financial institutions lacked good risk management skills and the mitigation for the same. This is because any risks despite its minuteness should be evaluated for its cause-effect relationship on the company (Rajan, 2010). In conclusion, this is an indication of inadequacy of risk management within these entities. This is because, despite the presence of tail risks, the financial sector used money as the measure of all things. This is evidenced by measure of risks by the returns from making such a risk investment. Despite higher risks, higher returns make an investment in view of the bankers as a healthy investment. In addition, the market’s health was measured in relation to the presence of liquidity. Hence, the high liquidity in the market in the view of the bankers and investors was all due to the notion by these banking organization and investors of the ability of the government to bail them out in the event of defaults in the market. In addition, this notion was due to the ability of government to intervene in such issues. Hence, the government should institute adequate reforms to ensure that financial sector players refrain from taking advantage of investments with tail risks as identified by the author in this chapter (Rajan, 2010). New terms and concepts Alpha-Excess returns in a market for an entity all due to high-risk taking (Rajan, 2010). Tail Risks- are risks, which are considered to occur on rare occasions (Rajan, 2010). Unintentional guidance-this is guidance towards unwarranted behavior by actions or market forces (Rajan, 2010). CHAPTER EIGHT: Reforming Finance 154 The previous chapters have been helpful in the establishment of reasons for the occurrence of the recession and eventual effects of the same. Financial markets around the world have been brought back from the near collapse by their governments through government guarantees, new capital and additional lending. The scenario is unfathomable because banks were able to borrow at almost zero interest rates but charged hefty interests for any borrowing and gave their savers meager returns with consideration of the amounts borrowed. It is paramount according to the author, for the political class to instigate reform within the financial sector to seal what he had described as the â€Å"fault lines† with an aim of averting severe consequences and a reoccurrence of identical events (Rajan, 2010). These reforms have to be actualized despite the presence of doubt within the public domain as they view the system as favoring a few. This according to the author has been fueled by the huge bonus payments issued by these banks given that they are still struggling to meet their expenses and are surviving on bailout funds. The author is of the view that the private sector, government intervention and Federal inadequacy to give proper regulation to the financial sector had a big role to play in the eventual financial crisis of 2008. In addition, politicians were also to blame for their great support for capitalism, which eventually collapsed. In addition, entities will endure the financial crisis prompting the market players to look for remedies for this situation in other markets. Furthermore, the free-enterprise capitalism described, according to the author, should undergo extensive reform with an aim of preventing recurrence of identical events. Democratization or debt describes the choices individuals were posed in terms of making a financial decision, which had the potency to affect the society at large. Democracy the need to take up huge loans is a controversial issue because the loans resulted in huge countrywide defaults. Hence, democracy in terms of making a financial decision should be restricted as great freedom in the financial sector was among the reasons individuals were able to take up the great risks without regard for the potential consequences that they would bestow on themselves as well as the society. Thus, it is paramount to establish the best financing activities, which are aimed drawing utmost good within the new reforms with an aim of minimization of risks and the increasing the benefits of such for the majority of the citizens (Rajan, 2010). Reforms are a priority for the recuperation of the financial markets, the economy and the entities, as well. Competition was among the main aspects, which instigated the Great Depression of the 1930’s (Rajan, 2010). The author states the widespread effects of the financial crisis is attributable to a herd behavior by the banks who took up identical risks resulting in systemic losses after there were defaults. This was further fueled by the competitiveness by the banks who tried to outdo each other by taking up huge loans to compete against each other. From this chapter, it is evident of the need to limit innovation and some elements of competition because of the systemic risk associated with collective competition as evidenced by these banks (Rajan, 2010). It is also paramount for the internal functions of the banks to be analyzed and reformed because they under-priced risk due to breakdown in their internal governance. Another reform that is needed within the market is to do away the notion that an eventual crisis after taking on tail risks by entities would result in government intervention would be important as it would enable the entities to become responsible for their actions. In addition, some entities enjoyed implicit protection from the government, which enabled to conduct their operations without any care in the world for taking huge risks. Thus, it is paramount to ensure that no entity enjoys any kind of protection or favoritism from the government (Rajan, 2010). New reforms should be cycle proof as stated within this chapter. Hence, they should be â€Å"comprehensive, nondiscretionary, contingent, and cost-effective† (Rajan, 2010). This ensures that all the financial institutions are included within this kind of reforms and that none is given preference of favor over the others. In addition, the entities, which took up the risks, which were thought as immaterial or tail risks, but later materialized, should be penalized and made responsible for their actions. Alteration of incentive issued to the top management should be implemented to ensure that the bonuses due to them are spread out over the future years. This ensures that they are able to look at long-term strategies and effects of the decisions to the organization in the future (Rajan, 2010). In conclusion, it is also paramount to ensure that organizations do not engage in excessive risk taking while still maintaining basic financial freedoms. The financial crisis emanated from the friction between the government interference and the private sector, which could be termed as the location of the â€Å"fault lines† (Rajan, 2010). Hence, to tackle this crisis government intervention should be restricted with an aim of withdrawing expectations that, in similar events, the private sector would draw similar intervention in the form of bailouts, guarantees and incentives. CHAPTER NINE: Improving Access to Opportunity in America 183 The author argues that not all forms of inequality in terms of incomes or fiances are harmful to the economy. Disparities in terms of wages are used to indicate to the populace such as the young individuals of the fields in need of their skills and as a means of encouraging hardworking. However, society has a distorted means of achieving high wages, which includes, cheating, theft, birth or luck. The first reform according to the author would be to reform the schools and universities, as well as other tertiary institutions (Rajan, 2010). Educational reform is paramount as it forms the foundation of intelligence and relation of an individual with the society in the future stages of development. Hence, initial education such as elementary schooling could be reformed to ensure that a child is able to feel comfortable and enjoy the learning processes at an early stage. In addition, education should also include out of school education such as a discipline and determination to excel in life. Hence, good schools articulate self-discipline, urge to learn and good morals In tertiary institutions are usually considered as a preserve for those who posses adequate finances or come from well of families. In equality in terms of incomes has a great role to play in achievement of tertiary education as some individuals from lower classes find it difficult to continue with tertiary education because of lack of adequate funds for schooling. Human capital according to the author is the greatest driver of growth as the skills acquired are used for creation of new opportunities and overall economic growth. Such after tertiary education can be enhanced through on-the job training. Apprentice ship according to the author enhances the skills acquired through schooling by an individual. Given the high Labour turnover, it is easy for entities in the United States to give skilled and trained individuals the opportunities to actualize their knowledge gained form the tertiary institutions. Such would have a long-term effect on the Labour sector in the United States as i t enhances the use of skills for growth in the field of training. The aim of redistribution of income is to reduce the numbers of people in need of a strong safety income due to poverty, low finances and inadequate education and skills to support themselves. The insufficiency of a good safety net in the United States after the occurrence of the financial crisis led to widespread anxiety leading to the formation of appropriate fiscal and monetary policies. In addition, to create a better safety net, better incomes enable people to save for unforeseeable future circumstances such that they do not have to rely on government intervention. In addition, the author is of the opinion that insurance requires adequate reform. This is because reform would ensure that the country as a whole would benefit from a better and predetermined extension of unemployment insurance (Rajan, 2010). Healthcare is another field, which needs adequate reform. This is because the populace is full of anxiety about their loss of health insurance for themselves and their families, which were initially provided for by their employers. Healthcare reform should also include organizational reform within the hospitals and sharing of information between the hospitals for better management of the hospitals and their finances. In addition, equality in terms of access to healthcare should be instituted (Rajan, 2010). Government capacity in terms of expenditure should be restored. Such can be achieved by increasing spending in areas such as Medicare and Medicaid, which have been under-funded as indicated by the increasing liabilities for the government in healthcare. In addition, increasing government expenditures have also been a source of anxiety for the populace because of the view that increased spending would result in higher taxes to cater for such expenses. However, increased taxes is a sure way of restoration of the government coffer preferably if the increase is executed in an equal and proper way. In essence, from this chapter, for the country to pick itself up again from the effects of the financial crisis from which the economy is still reeling from, reform is inevitable. The consumption in the united sates was driven by the inequalities among the populace all of which is due to the presence of polices which seemed to favor inequality. Despite the negatives posed by the government intervention after the financial crisis, which the private sector expected, it is paramount for the government to intervene further for the adequate recovery of the economy. This is because inaction by the government is detrimental to the economy in comparison to further intervention, which however ha s negative effects. This is because the private sector feeds on the notion provided, that the government would always intervene in the event of any financial crisis as was evidenced by the financial crisis of 2008 (Rajan, 2010). In conclusion, from this chapter reform comes as a priority for the government for eventual recovery of a slumped economy. In addition, adequate, proper and reformed education sectors would ensure the development of competent and divers human capital in the United States. Skilled labor is a drive of economic growth in any economy. This would ensure that those whoa able to penetrate within the walls of education are able to acquire adequate and relevant employment. This would ensure that those who work hard are bale to accrue greater benefits. Hence, educational institutions should uphold high levels of moral standard sin execution of tasks. The financial crisis could also be attributed to lack or inadequacy of morals in the private sector, which is driven by the mere need to accrue supernormal profits (Rajan, 2010). References Rajan, R. (2010). Fault lines: How hidden fractures still threaten the world economy. Princeton: Princeton University Press.

Journal 5 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Journal 5 - Essay Example Mobile technologies have revolutionized the educational system by allowing greater opportunities and greater exposure to new forms of learning which can be beneficial to not only traditional students, but also those returning to school to earn their degree. From a historical context, the development of mobile technologies such as the Internet has been slow. Text messaging and email would have been looked at as science fiction about a hundred years ago. The first type of â€Å"e-mail† was done through Morse code. Research was done in the library by reading over many journals and papers. The smallest computers would take up entire buildings. Compared to the cell phones and palm pilots we have today, the original cell phones were often so big they would have to be carried in a bag. The rudimentary internet technology could only be accessed with minimal functions. The development of all these technologies has increased exponentially over the last century. Greater communication tec hnology and development of technology in general has lead to a more diverse educational experience. Now, many lectures and lessons that are done in traditional schooling, both at the elementary and higher education levels, are all technology enhanced. In particular, this allows schools which have limited academic resources the chance to have access to resources and notes from other schools/institutions. Also, technology allows greater diversity in learning, which in children can be essential because children respond to many different types of learning. Mobile technologies also add to the flexibility of learners, especially in non-traditional students who are returning to school. It allows them to access and submit assignments from phones or computers rather than the traditional handing in hard copies because many of these people work full time jobs and have families. Additional developments in this technology and in data processing has allowed for greater cooperation and communicati on in politics, research, education, and in many other areas as well. Personally, this technology has greatly affected my life. In my short time in society, I have seen the growth and expansion of technology, specifically in the last few years. The internet has revolutionized the way I study for school. I can now research topics on multiple databases as well as type up reports. Mobile media and streaming videos/music has also served an entertainment purpose. If I miss an episode of my favorite show or want to download the new top song, I can access it not only from my computer, but also from my cell phone. The most important part in the development of mobile technology is the ability for me to stay connected with everyone. Not only can I call my parents and friends, but I can also send them text messages from my phone. Social networking sites also allow me to keep up with all my friends. Even though the development of this technology has the greatest effect on learning and education , I believe that it has mostly impacted my social life. Even though we are able to use and function with the technologies we have today, in the next few years they will become obsolete as better and more efficient technologies take their place. To every side of the coin, there are benefits and consequences to the development and uses of more advanced technologies. There is a greater benefit in this development. Our technology is what allows for society to communicate and cooperate with each other.

Application of Middle Range Theory to Problem Research Paper

Application of Middle Range Theory to Problem - Research Paper Example This research will begin with the statement that middle range theory is a theory which is inclusive, organized and abstract and has a limited scope. It mainly focuses on the concepts of pain, grief, hope, comfort, and quality of life to patients.   In addition, mid-range theory focuses on the relationship between nursing and the patients’ environment. This theory was pioneered by Florence Nightingale. She was born in Florence Italy on 12 May 1820. Florence was a second daughter of William and Frances, who was very wealthy.   And that made her mother, Frances, to want her to be married to a rich man, however, Florence a devout Christian at age 17 and realized that God called her to serve Him so she could not get married to the man. Even though could not make out how God wanted her to serve him, she, however, discovered it in 1944 and started nursing the sick. This really horrified her parents because by that time nursing was not a respectable job since nurses were often dru nk coupled with dreadful conditions of the hospitals. The family really tried to stop her, but she was determined to sacrifice herself even though she had no nursing experience. This made her go to Kaiserwerth in Germany in 1851 to learn. In 1853, Nightingale was offered her first post of reorganizing a small hospital in Harvey Street, London was known as the Institution for the Care of Sick Gentlewomen in Distressed Circumstances.   While here, she did an excellent job of reorganizing the hospital.... In 1860, she opened the Nightingale Training School for Nurses at St Thomas Hospital. Nightingale greatly raised the nursing standards. In her old age, Florence suffered from ill health and therefore she went blind and therefore become invalid by the mid-1890s. In 1907, she was awarded the Order of Merit. She died on 13 August 1910 (Nightingale & Valle?e, 2001). She is viewed as a mother the mother of modern nursing because she developed modern nursing by synthesizing the information she gathered in many of her life experiences. She realized that the major component of nursing care is the manipulation of the physical environment (Nightingale & Valle?e, 2001). Nightingale identified that the major areas of the environment that the nurse could control is light, cleanliness of rooms, ventilation and warmth, variety, noise, bed and beddings, walls and nutrition. For the client to counter the environmental stress in case one or more aspects are out of balance, he/she must use increased en ergy. In her theory, Florence advocated the two essential behaviors by the nurse. Firstly, a nurse should ask what the client needed or wanted for instance asking what the patient believe that is wrong. Secondly, she advocated the use of observation. Nightingale used precise observations that concern all aspects of the patient’s environment and physical health. She outlined that the main role of nurses is to place their patients in the best position so that the nature can act upon him, therefore, encouraging healing (Nightingale & Valle?e, 2001). This is the main application of Nightingale's theory in practice. It was the nurses’ responsibility to assist