What could happen to the Middle East if oil were no longer a major and primary source of energy?

What could happen to the Middle East if oil were no longer a major and primary source of energy? What might the Middle East do to adapt to such a situation? In general, what can economies based on sources of energy do to adapt to changes caused by depletion of natural resources? There is no nation that can survive economically on only one source of income. The Middle East is no exception to this. Although according to Luthans and Doh,(2012) â€Å"Arab and central Asian countries rely almost exclusively on oil production†.Exclusive dependence on any one product would definitely result in economic demise. This would result in greater poverty and economic suffering in a nation where oil is no longer a major and primary resource. The Middle East would also be faced with political, cultural and religious issues in addition to the economic conditions that would result from the loss of income from oil production and sales. This is so because; the protection and aid the Middle East cu rrently enjoys from the United States in spite of its current policies and turmoil would no longer exist.This would result in greater economic hardship to its citizens. It is imperative that Middle Eastern countries look at other industries to develop for its economic survival. In a Forbes magazine article entitled, â€Å"What Happens When America No Longer Needs Middle East Oil? † Loren Thompson stated that the United States will be self sufficient in energy by 2030 because of new drilling technologies, alternative fuels and the reduction in the consumption of oil reducing the need for imported oil.Sustainable development is the only way the Middle East would be able to survive economically. According to Thompson some of the things the Middle East can look at are creating alternative sustainable energy such as solar and wind power, enhancing its infrastructures such as road and bridges as proper infrastructure is a very important for commerce to be realized. The Middle East could be compared to a Jamaica for example at one point sugar and bauxite was a major industry for that country.However the government did not have a plan for the economy when the bauxite or sugar industry was depleted. You can definitely see the impact it has and continues to have on the Jamaican economy. This might be an unfair comparison; because the Middle East is more economically viable than Jamaica has ever been but the end result can be the same or worst because of the religious and cultural differences if a plan is not put in place for the inevitable.The economies should develop and implement alternative energy sources for the country, because natural resources does not last forever especially if it is not been used efficiently. If our natural resources are not been used sensibly the impact will be great. Without resources there can be no economic growth and development. The depletion of natural resources is a global problem in some instances we use these resources faster t han they can be produced.

A Love Story in Boracay Essay

Philippines is a nation located at South-East of Asia, just east of Vietnam. It is surrounded by three different seas, namely, the Celebes Sea, the South China Sea, and the Philippine Sea. Comprising of 7, 107 islands, this country has a total area of 300, 000 sq km. Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao are the three islands that form the main island groups of the Philippines. There are numerous tourist attractions in the Philippines. One of them is the famous Boracay Island. This island has white, sandy beaches and luxurious resorts.   One day, I spent a lazy twilight just wading through the calm waters. The sea was very much alive yet it the air seemed romantic. I was pondering on important things when I saw a couple fighting. The woman was close to tears and the man was regretful. Something he said must have hurt the poor woman’s heart. The woman walked away, leaving the man confused and unsure of what to do.I thought, â€Å"Maybe love isn’t enough to keep relationships last.† I for one did not really believe in love. But I decided to approach the guy and offer a helping hand anyway. I asked him if he’s okay. He said, â€Å"I don’t know. It’s just that she’s too vulnerable. I don’t know how to handle her.† The man got something from his pocket. It was a little heart-shaped case that no doubt contained a ring. â€Å"I was supposed to ask her to marry me but she burst out crying even before I popped the question. I have no idea what’s wrong with her. Could it be that she loves someone else?†, he said. I shook my head. â€Å"No, she loves you. I saw the way she looked at you. It was a look of love but it had a hint of pain. Maybe you did something to cause that pain. You know, women are really sensitive.† â€Å"So what do you reckon I should do?† He looked at me with hopeful eyes. This man really loves her woman so I thought hard on helping them. We were sitting with our backs on a tree when something came up my mind.mâ€Å"I know!† I exclaimed. â€Å"You should treat like she’s the most beautiful girl in the planet.†Ã¢â‚¬Å"How?† The next day, he asked the woman for a date at a grandiose restaurant in Boracay. When the woman arrived at the place, she was lead into the balcony at the second floor. She couldn’t be more surprised to find that the whole place was closed or reserved just for the two of them. While they were eating, the favorite band of the lady was hired to provide music for that very special night. After eating, they open a bottle of Champagne and as soon as the guy had poured the Champagne into the wine glass, the woman noticed a diamond ring floating happily. She blushed and giggled. She was about to ask for an explanation from the guy when fireworks began to color the night sky. The scene was oh so breathtaking. When the fireworks display was almost over, up in the sky, written were the words: â€Å"I love you. Please marry me.† The two of them were married three months after that and I was really happy to have helped save their once-drowning relationship. Even now, when I think about Boracay, I remember those two persons who were madly in love with each other despite their differences. And, most importantly, I now believe in love. It was not the help that I gave that propelled their relationship into the right direction. It was their love that conquered everything; I just gave it a little push. Works Cited http://www.iexplore.com/dmap/Philippines/Where+to+Go. 2007. Online. May 23, 2007.

The Problem of Starbucks in Marketing Terms Research Paper

The Problem of Starbucks in Marketing Terms - Research Paper Example Starbucks suffers from being over-reliant on its US market in its generation of sales. The company has also launched new products which were not positively received by the market. It can also be recalled that the company has sometimes failed in its quest to conquer foreign markets. Industry analysts describe that the global arena is fast evolving into a hypercompetitive market. The speciality coffee industry, being still in the growth stage presents a lot of untapped opportunities including new product introduction and technological innovation to enhance customer value. The global market is also unsaturated giving lots of opportunities for expansion for Starbucks and other players. On the downside, there has been increasing competition in the industry due to the proliferation of other participants attracted by the prospects of high profit. Based on the analysis, it is recommended that Starbucks should look into offering new products and serving new markets. The company’s succe ss in venturing to new product areas has been heavily documented. However, Starbucks should also minimize the risk of launching products which are not warmly received by the market through the use of intensive and extensive marketing research to unveil the preferences of the customers. As the American market is also becoming saturated with some players, it is necessary that Starbuck s also look into the introduction of its products in other economies. China is a good target because of its size and rapid development.

Intellectual Property Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Intellectual Property - Coursework Example On the payment of profits to Raybok however, Reedbok has a cause to defend itself against the payment because it is not counterfeiting the shoes of Raybok with that same name but then producing the shoes under different name. This is in light of the law, which states that â€Å"a company must not use a trade name, trade mark and/or geographic indication belonging to another entity as its company name† (In the House Lawyer, 2010). Of course, the name Reedbok is not the same as Raybok. Consumer vigilance has never been the duty or responsibility of owners of companies or copyright holders of names of products. Consumers are liable for their own choices. For this reason if any consumer out of ignorance or carelessness refuses to critically examine the shoes and buys the shoes thinking they are Raybok instead of Reedbok, Reed would not be the one at fault here and so would not be held accountable to pay any earnings to Raybok.

Rain water harvesting Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Rain water harvesting - Essay Example The rainwater harvesting systems involves three main elements that are collection system, conveyance and storage system. The type of harvesting system rely on the magnitude as well as the nature of the catchment area. Simple roof water catchment is one of the collection systems used in many households whereby cistern, pipe and appurtenances are the materials used in roof water collection system. Second is the large systems that are made for the large institutions such as stadiums, schools among other facilities. The system appears complex as ground and roof water is preserved in underground reservoirs. Roof water systems for the higher buildings are another rainwater harvesting technique. In this system, roof water is often designed for collecting rainwater and the water is stored in a different cistern. Land surface catchments are regarded as the simplest way of harvesting runoff water as compared to rooftop catchment. Lastly, is the collection of storm water in urban areas whereby the storm water is subjected to various contaminants? In this catchment, maintaining the catchment clean is the central aim of the system and thus it entails consideration of water pollution control.The collection of the rainwater using gutters is determined by the material used in water harvesting that can affect the efficiency of the system. For example, the low-pitched roofs do not lose much water like steep-pitched roofs. The materials used in water harvesting and the location of the storage facility affect the efficiency of the system operation.

The Essence of Time Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

The Essence of Time Management - Essay Example I only had two days out of three months to complete the three projects. I was up and down, panicking as I rushed through my projects, I did not have enough time to conduct extensive research concerning critical details of the project. In addition, I also lacked some materials that could enable me to complete my project as well. I eventually got low marks on one of the projects it was because of the last minute rush. It is there advisable that one completes an assignment on time instead of waiting until the last minute The feeling of regret is what I experienced most. The feeling was not pleasing at all since I knew it was my entire fault considering that I had three months to complete the assignment but I did what was contrary. I experienced this feeling during the rush hour period and it demoralized me making me swerve from concentrating on my project. In addition, when the results of the project were out, I even regretted more upon realizing that I had underperformed in one of the three projects. I was affected more as I acknowledged the fact that I would have done better were it not for the procrastination. An article dwelling in procrastination and regrets claims that â€Å"†¦it is conclusive that in numerous studies, procrastination is shown to be associated with poor academic performance (Kuhnle, Hofer & Kilian 34)† and this explains my results. I had greater capabilities and I had failed to maximize them by choosing to do last minute rushes. Looking back, I agree that I made the wrong judgment when I assumed that the three months given to us was too long. This judgment was the root cause of everything as I ended up thinking that I still had more time to do the projects. It was a wrong judgment as I ended up failing in one of my projects since I did it without extensive research and without all necessary materials. It is a judgment I will not take again considering the effects it had on me.

Feminist political thought Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Feminist political thought - Essay Example Her removal of the women’s suffrage campaign, and her acrimonious opposition to the social transparency dogmas that influenced many feminist reformers, inspired many feminists to reject her as an enemy of women’s liberty and a man’s woman. This paper will focus on the Emma Goldman, and that in her own unique way, she was not only a radical feminist but one of the most deep-seated of her time. In all, this paper also focuses on Bell Hooks’ concept of transcendence and immanence from the Second Sex. The fact that Goldman was an avant-garde rather than a systematic theorist presents a problem for any discourse of her beliefs. Of course, she had specific ideas that were always evolving. It will also be imperative to depict the context in which her ideas were modeled, as unlike other feminist radicals, Goldman’s struggle for women was second to her struggle for equality for all. Further, this paper will also discourse Goldman’s early influences th at worked upon her consciousness and made her a dissident. Emma Goldman was born and raised in a Russian province of Kovno on 29th June 1869. In her memoirs entitled Living my Life she explains how she gleaned in the community around her demoralizing repercussions of erratic system where wives and children are beaten, Jews ostracized and peasant beaten, guidelines made and broken at the whim of those in power. There was no place for her where she could resort for refuge in her family. Her dictatorial father whom she refers to as the nightmare of my childhood picked her out as the object of his often rages, consequently making sure that from the starting point her advancement was largely in upheaval. In 1882 the family relocated to St. Petersburg, and after a year, the experienced changed everything in her whole life. The same year saw the bloody assassination of Tsar Alexander 11, which was the culmination of numerous decades of increasing radical activity focused towards the Tsaris t despotism. Further, Populism had originally arisen as response to the explosive European revolutions of 1848. For this case, nearly all the Russian affluence and authority were focused in the hands of tiny wealthy aristocracy, which clearly live off a wide-ranging subjugated populace of uneducated and underprivileged peasants. In repulsion against the mounting poverty and injustice around them, scholars such like Nikolai Chernyshevski and Alexander Herzen, somehow nurtured by far-reaching thought from Western Europe, started to evolve a particularly Russian prototype of socialism. They held that Russia could bypass capitalism in the walk toward socialism. At this rate, Emma Goldman started to read the outlawed tracts and censored novels that disseminated amid her sister’s students friends and mourn the insurgents, many of whom had been incinerated, exiled to Siberia or executed by the despotic government. With the books and tracts influencing her, she began questioning more and more the community in which she lived. The notions of the Populist openly inspiring her, she started falling prey later to anarchist notions. She chronicles this in her memoirs when she asserts â€Å"they had been my inspiration ever since I had first read of their lives.†(21) Further, the eminence of women in the Russian revolutionary crusade was an unusual phenomenon within the framework of the 19th century European left. The crusade was maybe the only environment in which women were treated as equals. The

Define And Discuss The Term Ethics From Your Own Perspective Coursework

Define And Discuss The Term Ethics From Your Own Perspective - Coursework Example al., 2012, p. 3). Acceptable behaviour is usually dictated by laws and religious norms. General perceptions are that persons who are ethical will usually conduct themselves according to norms dictating what is good and what is right and persons who are not ethical will act in ways that are not good and inherently evil. However, ethics is not merely concerned with acting in appropriate ways, but also concerned with omitting to act in ways that enable wrongdoing or is complicit in wrongdoing (Braswell, et. al., 2012). It would therefore appear that ethics not only demand that ethical individuals act in ethical or good ways, but that they also police unethical behavior. Whether or not this is realistic or fair, does not appear to be a concern. It does appear to be lofty goal for individuals to follow. However, when looked at within the parameters and operations of the criminal justice system the definition of ethics as a tool for moral responsibility and accountability makes sense. As Pollock (1993) informs, ethics in criminal justice studies ensures that those involved in the criminal justice system are able to identify â€Å"ethical issues†, gain empathy with others regardless of where they stand on an issue, and to â€Å"evaluate alternatives to dilemmas using ethical rather than legal or egotistic criteria† (Pollock, 1993, p. 377). Ethics permits all parts of the criminal justice system to be understood and supported as key components of the necessary machinery for engendering social order and social control in a free and open society. Ethics helps criminal justice actors to understand how all parts of the criminal justice system fit together in ordering of society (Pollock, 1993). Ethics in this regard is also important for individuals who make up parts of the social order and the social system. The individual’s ethics education begins at home and is branched out into the community in which we come into contact with others. Thus what we learn at home is inevitably taken into the larger community. Thus when both family and community values are ethical, crime and justice is not only understood but minimized via a collective sense of right and wrong and fairness and justice (Braswell, et. al, 2012). In this regard, ethics is directly connected to criminal behaviour and appropriate responses to criminal behavior. 2. Explain and Discuss Kant's categorical imperative. How appropriate are his views in today's criminal justice field? Kant was of the opinion that consequential theories in evaluating and explaining ethics did not pay enough attention to the issue of duty. Kant also took the position that these theories did not pay sufficient attention to the question of â€Å"basic morality† or â€Å"good will† or the intention to do good† (Braswell, et. al., 2012, p. 16). Thus Kant developed what is referred to as the categorical imperative which is contrasted with the â€Å"hypothetical imperativeâ €  (Braswell, et. al., 2012, p. 17). Hypothetical imperatives make allowances for a â€Å"command that begin with ‘if’† (Braswell, 2012, p. 17). For instance, a hypothetical imperative might function in the sense that an individual may decide that if he wanted to obtain a satisfactory academic outcome, the individual should be more academically prepared. Categorical imperatives are not hypothetical and therefore not prefaced by ‘ifs† (Braswell, 2012, p. 17). Kant formulated a number of aspects of categorical imperative. Two of those formulations are the universalizability

The Supply Chain Department of Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd Essay

The Supply Chain Department of Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd - Essay Example The company’s mission was to provide quality and innovative healthcare products for people and have a strong ethical stand culture in its business operations which help the company to give the maximum benefit to the stakeholders, shareholders and also to the society. Watson Pharmaceuticals is the major competitor for the company as they produce the similar products and also have a strong overall process. The company has shown a good growth rate in the previous few years and also has come up with new products launching them in the market (Ahmed, Tabassum and Hossain 2005:93). Supply chain management is a very strong and important part for the successful running of any company and mainly for companies which are in the pharmaceuticals business as they need to take care of all the members and also the information flow play a vital role in the market demand and changing trend in the market. It involves the overall flow and maintenance of the materials, information and the finance that is involved in the process which moves from the supplier to the company then to the retail and distributors from there to the end customers. The main objective of supply chain management is to reduce the inventory stock as a result reduces the additional cost of maintaining the stock. The company’s market share is 16.23% having a good growth rate of around 14.9% and in 2004 it had shown a growth rate of 11% in the country among all the competitors. The company’s market share is the highest among all other competitors and it enjoys the position of being a market leader. The company has enjoyed this position over the years because of the strong strategies that it has followed from last two decades which has got the company’s growth to go up in an exponential manner (Baligh 2006:56). The company has always maintained a strategy to provide good quality products to its customers and have a transparent medium in

Impacts of Cyber Vandalism on the Internet Essay

Impacts of Cyber Vandalism on the Internet - Essay Example With intent to discuss the issue, this paper will cover the associated terms like administrative discretion, cybersecurity threats, and statutory protections for public employees.   In the legal context, the term discretion indicates the power to decide or act according to one’s own judgment. Some legal systems like the US allow certain discretionary powers to administrative authorities. To illustrate, US law system has framed some broad limits within which an administrative authority can operate. For instance, a statute confers discretion if it is reasonable and is in public interest. To define, the administrative discretion is the expertise of professional expertise and judgment as opposed to strict adherence to regulations or statutes, in making a decision or performing official acts or duties (The Free Dictionary). In other words, when a legal system permits an administrative authority to practice discretion, it is called administrative discretion. The discretionary powers are given to an administrative authority by statute or delegation. It has observed that, generally, broad discretionary powers are given to administrative agencies in order to e ffectively exercise their administrative authority. However, it is held that the discretionary power must not be vague or arbitrary, but it has to be in accordance with legal requirements. US Supreme Court stated that â€Å"an administrative agency enjoys wide discretion in ascertaining the best way to handle related, yet discrete issues in terms of procedures and priorities† (USLegal). Although the law imposes certain regulations on the administrative authorities in exercising their discretionary powers, it is often seen that their functions are not in line with law requirements.

Iran-Contra affair Essay Example for Free

Iran-Contra affair Essay The United States became a child of the enlightenment with the birth of its diplomacy in the modern world with an exceptionalist self perception. Its diplomacy was reinforced with a moral force owing to its messianic tendencies during its initial visions. The goals of the nation were unambiguously articulated in the early works of the States and the Republic. These writings formed the foundation of United States identity, making it stands out among the other nations of the world. By the principles upon which the nation was founded, high levels of integrity were to be observed among its citizens and officials. As such, transparency and accountability were meant to be the guiding principles of all public office holders. The role of the leaders was to act in the interest of the subjects and the interest of the nation. According to Ryan, the fundamental to democratic theory is the idea that the legitimacy of a government is founded on the consent of the governed. Practically, this was not extended to all the governed, but to the citizens, to those who had stakes in society. Even then, issues concerning policy must be agreed upon by the citizens through their representatives. The strength of the basic principles upon which the United States were founded has been tested ever since the birth of the nation. There have been significant constructions that have remained potent forces throughout the United States policy making in the twentieth century. The development of collective memories and ideological assumptions that form the reference points in United States diplomacy is among these forces. Again, the basis of a sphere of influence approach to policy making and the way in which the various universal ambitions are influenced by practical necessity or the incapability to further the sphere unchallenged also remained a potent force in United States policy making. It therefore comes as a surprise that the very principles that form the basis of the American strength are blatantly abused by the very individuals and officials meant to protect them. The Iran-Contra Affair is an example of this gross violation of the American principles. Background The relationship between the United States and Iran has not been good since the 1979 Iranian Revolution. As such, the relations have been anything but poor. It therefore comes as a surprise if claims begin to circulate to the effect that the two countries are having some form of arms deal. A Lebanese weekly, on November 3, 1986, reported that the United States had made a secret arms sale to Iran. Reports that followed suggested that the aim of the sales was to secure the release of American citizens that had been taken captive in Lebanon. The reports were difficult to believe as the Reagan administrations policy on arms sale especially to the Government of Khomeini of Iran was only rivaled by a few on strictness. Initially, the United States government denied the reports. However, the truth of the claims was revealed later in the month just as had been stated by the weekly. The United States had indeed sold weapons to Iran so as to secure the release of American hostages in Lebanon. As much as the weapons were sold to Iran, the number of American hostages in Lebanon remained the same. Three hostages were released and three more were taken captive during the period of the sales. The fact of the sale was proved even further when the Attorney General announced on November 25 that the proceeds from the Iran arms sale will be channeled to the Nicaraguan resistance. This happed at a time when the United States military aid to the Contras was prohibited. Iran and Nicaragua were thus brought together in a credibility crisis that posed serious questions about the adherence of Reagans administration to the constitutional process of the government. During the 1980s, Iran and Nicaragua had posed serious challenges to the United States foreign policy. The propriety and legality of the actions taken by the staff of the National Security Council and other government officers with regard to the sale of the arms and the secret assistance to the Contras raised deep concerns among the members of the Public and Congress. The United States assistance to the Contras was not a new issue as the Congress and the President had engaged in serious debate concerning the proper course of United States policy with Congress resolving to bar support of Contra military operation for almost two years. Senior government officials had also reiterated the administrations willingness to abide by the law. The United States foreign policy and the democratic rule of law came to be faced by such serious implications by the Iran-Contra Affair that the 100th Congress rooted to undertake its own investigation of the Affair. Origin The Iran-Contra Affair can be traced in two unrelated revolutions in Iran and Nicaragua. In 1979, the government of General Debayle in Nicaragua was overthrown and replaced by a government controlled by Sandinista leftists. During the same year in Iran, the pro-Western government of Pahlavi was overthrown by Islamic fundamentalists let by Ayatollah Khomeini. The Khomeini government allegedly became a supporter of terrorism against the citizens of United States. Following the revolution in Nicaragua, the United States policy towards the Sandinista government was such as to encourage it to keep its pledges of pluralism and democracy. However, this government became increasingly autocratic and anti-American. Nicaraguan government begun aiding a leftist insurgency in El Salvador, turned toward the communist countries of Cuba and Soviet Union for political, military and economic assistance. The United States, by December 1981, had started to support the Nicaraguan Contras. The CIA was the United states government agency that assisted the Contras, arming, feeding and clothing them in accordance with presidential decisions and funds appropriated by Congress. However, the contras failed to win widespread support or military victories despite this support. As much as the United States president continued to favor support of Contras, the majority of the public were opposed to it. Those who did not support Contras feared that the involvement of the United States with the Contras might lead it to a similar situation experienced in Vietnam. Its supporters on the other hand feared that the Soviets would have a dangerous hold in Central America without United states involvement. In 1983, Congress prohibited aid to contra for the purpose of overthrowing the Sandinista government. In 1984, it further limited aid to the Contras. The Congress later cut off all funds to the Contras following a disclosure that the CIA was involved in mining of the Nicaragua harbor without notifying Congress. The president however still felt strongly for the Contras and was therefore focused on keeping them alive . With this regard, he ordered his staff to device a way of keeping the Contras together which led to the NSC becoming operational entity that saw the secret running of the contra assistance effort, and later the Iran initiative. Having been denied funding from by the Congress, the president turned to private sources and third world countries. The president, together with the NSC secretly raised money from other countries to support the Contras. The Flaws Iran-Contra has two illusions at its heart. The first was that Iran would be easy to handle; and the second was that the Nicaraguan contras would save the United States from Communism. Both the illusions were destroyed in ways that showed how fragile the policies were and this occurred within a month of each other. At the beginning of the October 1986, a supply aircraft carrying weapons to the contras was shot down by the Sandinistas. On November 3, a Lebanese weekly magazine carried the story of United States dealings with Iran. With this revelation, it did not appear ordinary that the United States government was involved in either operation. However, the truth of the matter was that the United States was directly involved in both the events. It cannot be denied that the common characteristic of the Iran and Contra policies were deception, secrecy and contempt of the law. There existed a small clique of senior officials who believed that they were the only individuals who knew what was right. They conceived knowledge of their actions by other individuals in the government as a threat to their objectives. The American people, the Congress and the Secretary of State were not enlightened on the actions of these people. The official documents were destroyed when there was a threat to expose their plans. Cabinet officials, elected representatives in congress and the public were told lies. Key facts were also hidden to the president. The United States constitution is particular on the process by which laws and policy are to be made and executed. The essence of the American democracy is the constitutional process, which is also the foundation of its strength. Experience and common sense have shown that flawed process leads to bad results. The departure of Reagans administration from democratic process established the conditions for policy failure which resulted in contradictions that undermined United States credibility. United States went after two contradictory foreign policies simultaneously, a public and a secret one. The public policy was opposed to making any concessions for the release of hostages for fear of such concessions encouraging more hostage taking. At the same time, the United states was secretly trading weapons to secure the release of the hostages. The public policy was meant to ban the shipment of arms to Iran and to exhort other governments to observe this embargo. At the same time, the United States was secretly selling sophisticated missiles to Iran. The public policy was also meant to improve relations with Iraq. The United States was on the other hand shared intelligence on Iraq with Iran secretly. The public policy was also to encourage all governments to punish terrorism and to support the refusal of Kuwait to set free the Dawa prisoners convicted of terrorist acts. Senior officials at the same time secretly endorsed a Second-Hakim plan to allow Iran to secure the release of the prisoners. The letter and spirit of the Boland Amendment that barred military and paramilitary assistance to the contras was to be observed by the public policy. The NSC staff was secretly directed and funded the military efforts of contra. The administration was also meant to consult with the Congressional oversight committee with regard to covert activities in a â€Å"a new spirit of frankness and cooperation† . The CIA and the White House were on the other hand secretly withheld all information about the Iran initiative and contra support network from the committees. Covert operations were to be conducted mainly through the CIA or other organs of the intelligence community authorized by the president. However, even though the NSC was not authorized, its staff secretly became operational and employed private, non-accountable agents to account in covert activities. All these contradictions in policy resulted in policy failure. Iran was armed by the United States, together with its most radical elements. However, the United States neither attained a new relationship with Iran nor reduced the number of American hostages in Lebanon. The sale of the arms did not result in the moderation of Iranian policies. Iran up to the present moment still sponsors actions that are directed against the United States in the Persian Gulf. The United states made itself vulnerable to blackmail by adversaries who were likely to reveal the secret arms sale. The credibility of the United States with allies and friends was undermined by its position of opposing arms sale to Iran while doing the same herself in secret. An illicit funding was sought by the United States for the contras through profits from secret arms sale with the considerable amount ending up in the personal bank accounts of the private individuals who executed the sales. The Iran-Contra Affair also indicates a serious flaw in policymaking process. The highest level of the United States government was marked by confusion and disarray. Under total misapprehension, McFarlane set on a dangerous trip to Tehran . He assumed that the Iranians had promised to secure the release of the American hostages before the delivery of arms while on the contrary, they had only promised to seek the release of the hostages after the arms had arrived. Initially, the president told the Tower Board that he had approved the first Israeli shipments. He then denied then finally said that he did not know whether he had approved the arms shipment as his top advisors were not in agreement on the issue. He also claimed that he did not recall signing a Finding approving the shipment to Iran. However, Poindexters testimony was on the contrary. The American public was incorrectly assured by the president that the NSC staff was adhering to the law and that there was no connection between the government of the United States and the Hasenfus airplane. His staff was on the other hand conducting a covert operation to support the Contras. Another striking feature of the Iran-Contra Affair was that it was marked by pervasive dishonesty and excessive secrecy. The Congress and the American people were constantly and repeatedly told lies about the contra covert action and Iran arms sales. North admitted to altering and destroying official documents. Conclusion Any public official must work on behalf of the state and thus, any action must be directed towards furthering the ideals of the state. As such, the public must be informed of the whatever is going on. Democracy dictates that the representatives of the people must be involved in the decision making process. The nations foreign policy makers act on behalf of the state. Even then, the citizens must be made known the implications and goals of certain actions that are being taken by the state. The Iran-Contra affair, in the contrary, operated against this principle. The affair would have fallen under the broad foreign policy, which was however not the case as it was carried out in secret. As much as policy makers have an interest in maintaining and advancing their domestic political positions, they must also seek to advance the interest of the state internationally. However, the Reagan administration locked policy makers out of the affair which may have led to its failure. The fact is that the administration well knew the consequences of their action and went ahead to carry it out secretly. The administration knew it would lose favor among the citizens if they went ahead and carried out the operations even after Congress was opposed to it. Given the desire for political survival, the administration pretended to be concerned with the domestic impact of the various options that it had. Behind the scenes, it went ahead with its initial plans with no regard for the congress and the public. This in itself was a mockery of democracy.

Sona Of Pnoy Essay Example for Free

Sona Of Pnoy Essay This is my sixth SONA. Once again, I face Congress and our countrymen to report on the state of our nation. More than five years have passed since we put a stop to the culture of wang-wang, not only in our streets, but in society at large; since we formally took an oath to fight corruption to eradicate poverty; and since the Filipino people, our bosses, learned how to hope once more. My bosses, this is the story of our journey along the Straight Path. Just last Friday, we inaugurated the Muntinlupa-Cavite Expressway. This is the first Public-Private Partnership project that we approved, and the first such PPP project opened to the public under our administration. Under the previous administrations: It was as if the government had to beg the private sector just to gain their participation. Now, companies are the ones seemingly courting the government-for MCX in particular, we were paid a premium of P925 million just so that our private partner could have the privilege of building the infrastructure we need. In fact, they are so confident that this project will earn them a profit, that they said the first month of toll operations at MCX is free. We have indeed come so far. And, in order for us to appreciate just how far we have travelled, let us recall where we started. When we came into office, we found a citizenry that had grown desensitized to the many allegations of lying, cheating, and stealing in government. Those in power boasted of the country having enough classrooms. In truth: classes had to be held in four shifts. Students went to school while it was still dark, and others would go home long after the dark of night had well and truly fallen. All of them were left in the dark because they were not accorded sufficient time in the classroom for learning. Our predecessor took pride in uninterrupted growth during her last SONA. Scrutinize what she said, however, and you would realize that a significant portion of this growth was fueled by remittances from Filipinos who had lost hope in our country. As they say: People were voting with their feet. If I were to imitate that style of governance, I would be loath to claim a success borne of forcing my countrymen to escape our shores. As the 2004 elections approached, more than 700 million pesos were allegedly used to buy fertilizer that was not suitable for crops; the endeavor was costly; and in many instances, the farmers who should have received the farming supplements never saw it. We ask: Who was nourished by such fertilizers? Definitely neither the farmers nor their crops. Perhaps  you also remember the NBN-ZTE scandal. We investigated this in the Senate; someone said there was an attempt to bribe him. When we undertook an inquiry, this person did not want to testify; he claimed executive privilege. Of course, we couldnt summon the sitting President-hence, the only one we could question was her henchman accused of bribery. Naturally, he denied the accusation. During those times, even children became familiar with the word scam. You might also remember Hello Garci, to which the answer was a mere I am sorry. The genuine bank accounts of the nonexistent Jose Pidal. The attempt to convene a Constitutional Assembly, so that they could stay in power for the rest of their lives. There was Executive Order 464, which tried to stifle the truth. The declaration of a State of Emergency, in order to do away with the checks and balances for Martial Law as enshrined in the 1987 Constitution. There were midnight appointments. The policy known as Calibrated Preemptive Response, which was used against protesters. Even on the level of grammar, this is wrong. How could a response come before anything else? Its like saying you replied to someone who never texted you. These were the headlines that greeted us every time we had breakfast in the years before we came into office. The moment we assumed the presidency, we began to unearth anomaly after anomaly. In my previous SONAs, I have already mentioned some of them: In the National Food Authority, they allowed the debt to bloat from P12.3 billion pesos in 2001, to P176.8 billion in June 2010. Even worse: they continued to import rice, only to have it rot in warehouses. In PAGCOR, a billion pesos went to coffee. In the MWSS: excessive bonuses, one on top of the other. For the Laguna Lake: an attempt to waste over P18 billion just to play with mud. Indeed: I could not comprehend how those behind such controversies could willingly benefit from the suffering of our countrymen. Every government official takes an oath to do right by our countrymen and to uphold the law. But it was clear: our predecessor did precisely the opposite. We were all witnesses to the most appalling example, when 58 Filipinos were massacred in Maguindanao in November 2009. To think about committing such a crime was already heinous. To do it, which they did, was even worse. The worst offense of all: Their belief that they could get away with it, because they were in power-which is why they carried out their plans in the first place. These are only a few examples; there are many others. With this kind of situation,  can we really blame our countrymen for losing sight of hope, and consequently, leaving our country? Like you, the thought of giving up had crossed my mind. When my mother died, my confidence diminished further; our familys leader and inspiration to pursue change was gone. At her wake, someone approached me and suggested that I run for the presidency. My immediate response: I am not a masochist. I was one of the people calling for an end to impunity and wrongdoing; I understood just how dire the situation was. I was also certain they had deliberately hidden details from us, and the real problems were bigger than what we knew. When you called me to serve, my question was: If I am unable to solve these problems quickly, how long will it take before my bosses lose their patience, and instead direct all their anger at me? One of those who convinced me to run was Alex Lacson. He said: To simply put an end to all the abuse would suffice. To stop the hemorrhaging would be enough. Let us listen to him: Translated transcript of Testimonial of Alex Lacson In 2008, our country was ranked by the World Bank as one of the most corrupt in the world. Our self-confidence and morale as a people was very low. At the time, many of my friends and I were looking for a good man, not just a good politician to be our president in 2010. Then, President Cory passed away, and Senator Noynoy spoke at her funeral. That is when we truly saw him. My friends encouraged me to lead the public call to urge Senator Noynoy to run for president. My friends and I went to the house of Senator Noynoy in Times Street. We brought a yellow drum and we encouraged the public to write letters. Within 24 hours there was an outpouring of public support for Senator Noynoy to run for public office. I did not expect him to be superman and solve all our problems in the country; we expected him only to begin reform. Mr. President, thank you for heeding the call of the people in 2010, and thank you, too, for respecting my beliefs, even as we disagreed on a number of issues. Mr. President, continue to lead our country on the right path. [Applause] From the start, we already knew that corruption was the root of all our peoples suffering. Thus, our battlecry: where there is no corruption, there will be no poverty. Tremendous perseverance, courage, political will, and  faith in God and in our fellowmen were needed in order to breathe life into this ideal. Of course, the masterminds of the old system were not meek lambs, willing to see the end of their opportunity to take advantage of others. They used, and continue to use, their influence and wealth to fight our agenda of change. They also used their power to prepare life preservers for when the time of judgment came. The Ombudsman who should have been appointed to guard against corruption allegedly played blind to all the scandals of the past administration. She was impeached in the House of Representatives, and resigned from her post before she could be tried in the Senate. The Chief Justice who seemed to have a bias for the one who appointed him, was proven to have hidden we alth and properties not disclosed in his SALN. He was impeached in the House and convicted in the Senate. To replace them, we appointed men and women with integrity and independent minds. The new Ombudsman: Conchita Carpio-Morales. The new Chief Justice: Ma. Lourdes Sereno. Now, she has sufficient time to implement reform in the Judiciary. [Applause] Even in other agencies, we appointed honest and fearless leaders. We immediately placed Chairperson Grace Pulido-Tan in the COA. In the Executive, we likewise appointed uncompromising persons: Commissioner Kim Henares in the BIR and Secretary Leila de Lima [applause] in the Department of Justice. They did not back down from any challenge in fulfilling their mandates. To all of you, I give my heartfelt thanks. Whether in the top, middle, or bottom of the bureaucracy, so many have been suspended, removed from their positions, made accountable through cases filed against them, or even imprisoned. If there is anyone who still doubts that justice is blind in the Philippines, it would be best if they turned their attention to the three senators currently detained, or to a former president still under hospital arrest. There are some who say we should move on. Personally, I believe in what George Santayana said: Those who forget the mistakes of the past are condemned to repeat it. Just take a look at the actions of those who have wronged us. They will first work to ensure we forget what they have done. After this, they will say, Have pity on us. They already took advantage of us; now they are trying to take advantage of the Filipinos innate penchant for forgiveness, in order to escape accountability. The next step: they will find a way to return to power. Isnt that their master plan-so that they can continue to take advantage of  us? I learned from my parents, from the church, and from the processes of our laws: Whatever reconciliation must come from the confession and repentance of those who have committed wrong. Can you remember an instance in which anyone said, Im sorry I stole from you and abused you; I am ready to change? For my part: We can only move on once justice has been attained. [Applause] We continued to reform our institutions, in order to refocus them towards their true mandates. For example: Government Owned and Controlled Corporations. Appointees to GOCCs swore to safeguard our peoples money. The sad fact is, even when the GOCCs were mired in debt, they showered themselves with benefits and incentives left and right. If we liken their institutions to cattle, theyd just as soon butcher the cow for meat, even as they milk it. This is why in the past administration, dividends collected over nine and a half years only amounted to P84.18 billion. Under our administration: the number of GOCCs has already been reduced by shutting down those deemed irrelevant, and yet because of improved management: the dividends we have collected in the five years we have been in office have now reached P131.86 billion. [Applause] It isnt unlikely that, before we step down from office, we will be able to double the dividends collected by our predecessor who had much more time to accumulate these funds. [Applause] This is the same commitment we have shown in the BIR, which is the biggest revenue-generating agency of the government. When we stepped in, the highest collection on record was in 2008, at P778.6 billion. We surpassed this by leaps and bounds. In 2012, the BIR collected P1.06 trillion-the first time in our history we have breached the 1 trillion mark for collections. [Applause] Last year, the number went up to P1.3 trillion; this 2015, we will collect up to P1.5 trillion. [Applause] We only needed five years to match, surpass, and almost double our predecessors record high-and we did this without imposing new taxes, as promised, apart from Sin Tax Reform. [Applause] How did we do this? It was simple. I believe that Commissioner Kim Henares is a kind person, but those against whom she filed cases might have a different opinion. Commissioner Kim Henares spared no tax evader. [Applause] 380 cases have already been filed against those who attempted to evade taxes. She also made the system for tax payment more efficient, and made clear to everyone their civic duty to contribute to the development of our country. For the National Budget: under the previous administration, the  budget was always reenacted, whether partially or fully. In 2007, for example, it was almost April when the General Appropriations Act (GAA) was approved. It was already worrying that projects that had been completed received funding once more. Even worse: Even the Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses, including salaries, were included in this reenacted budget. What this means: funds were allotted again for salaries-even if all had already received what was due them for the first three months of 2007. I wonder: Where did the excess funds that were allotted and requested for go? What we have proven: if the Executive proposes a reasonable budget, the dialogue with the members of Congress will go smoothly. The faster the GAA is passed, the quicker services will reach our countrymen, and the sooner will we be able to alleviate their suffering. The message was clear: We are serious about change; the playing field is level. The result: Confidence in our economy. When we began, I did not think that we would immediately win back the global communitys confidence in the Philippines. I only thought of fixing the crooked system to prevent our people from sinking deeper into poverty. Let me ask you: Did it ever occur to you that we would continue rising in global competitiveness rankings, and that we would be recognized for the speed with which our economy has grown? In fact, the Philippines is now being called Asias Rising Tiger, Asias Rising Star, and Asias Bright Spot. [Applause] Now, for the first time in history, we are unanimously deemed investment grade by the most prominent credit rating agencies. This is a signal to businessmen that it is worthwhile to invest in the Philippines. The risks of doing business here have decreased. Now, with lower interest rates and more flexible debt payment schedules, more investors are finding it attractive to bet on the Philippines. Through the institution and expansion of businesses, commerce becomes more lively, competition strengthens, and even more opportunities are created. All this has been a direct result of reforms we made along the Straight Path. [Applause] Just look: back in 2010, net foreign direct investment i n our country was at $1.07 billion. In 2014, net foreign direct investments reached $6.2 billion. [Applause] This is the highest ever recorded in our entire history. The numbers for domestic investments are likewise impressive; now, Filipinos are betting on their fellow Filipinos. Let us compare: from the time this was first measured back in 2003 until 2010, the  amount of approved domestic investments totaled just P1.24 trillion. Under our watch, from the third quarter of 2010 until the end of 2014, the amount invested by our countrymen in the market reached P2.09 trillion. [Applause] In manufacturing: I admit, during my first year in office, one of the things furthest from my mind was the idea that we could reinvigorate this sector. The industry faced many challenges: electricity, for one, was both expensive and unreliable. It was also no small feat to establish facilities here, because of the large investment involved in buying machines and training employees. This is why, back then, we had to import even low-tech electric fans. Thanks to the reforms that have restored confidence in our nation, manufacturing growth has accelerated-from 3 percent annually between 2001 and 2009, to 8 percent from 2010 to 2014. [Applause] It is clear: The Filipino can compete. In the past, our only selling point was low wages. Now, investors are bringing to our country factories that produce hi-tech equipment: from aircraft components, electric tricycles, printers, and other digital media products, to high-quality medical devices like aortic catheters and devices for in vitro diagnostics and hemodialysis treatment. Let us listen to a businessman who will tell us of the new business climate in the Philippines: Translated transcript of Testimonial of Peter Perfecto, Makati Business Club One of the most important things this administration has accomplished was reversing the corruption trends of the previous administration. Without the rule of law, the advantage went to corporations that were complicit with the systemic bribery and a faulty tax system. President Aquino has walked the talk. He has delivered on his promises. They arrested the former president, the three senators, and ousted a Chief Justice who were all once thought to be untouchable. The strong message has been sent. Because of the rule of law and the commitment to good governance this administration has made, our foreign direct investments rose from P2 billion to P6.2 billion. We have made a huge leap forward: jumping 33 places in the rankings set by the world Economic Forum; and according to them, this is a result of this administrations anti-corruption agenda-all because of the changes that this government has enacted. It is the responsibility of each Filipino to learn from these recent achievements and ensure that we continue moving forward with the coming administration. [Applause] We all know that the primary measure of economic improvement for the common Filipino is the creation of jobs. Let us look at what weve achieved in this area. Every year, around 80,000 new entrants join our labor force. Now, consider the fact that there are reports of overseas Filipinos returning home. In 2011, our Department of Foreign Affairs reported that there were around 9.51 million overseas Filipinos. Based on the latest estimates in December 2014, that number went down to 9.07 million. It is reasonable to say that a good number of the estimated 400,000 Filipinos represented by that decrease came home and were able to find work. [Applause] Despite the fact that there are new entrants, returnees, and previously unemployed Filipinos, our unemployment rate still dropped to 6.8 percent last year. This is the lowest recorded in a decade. [Applause] Let me be clear: We created permanent jobs; we did not hire an abundance of street sweepers during the period the labor survey was condu cted, just to boost results. Together with creating real jobs, we are also fostering a good relationship between labor and management throughout the country. Let us compare. In the nine and a half years of the previous administration, the number of strikes that occurred were 199, or roughly 21 strikes for each year. In our five years in office, the total strikes were only 15. [Applause] In fact, in 2013, there was only a single strike recorded in the country. This is the lowest recorded in the history of DOLE. [Applause] It is because of this that we are truly impressed with Secretary Linda Baldoz and our labor and management sector. [Applause] To Sec. Linda: you are not only efficient; you are also very positive which makes you the type of colleague who is a pleasure to work with. That is why you are considered the Pastor of the Cabinet. Thank you, very much, for all your efforts, Linda. [Applause] The transformation has indeed been vast. Before, the signs we would always see proclaimed, No Vacancy, didnt they? Today, announcements that say, For Immediate Hiring are scattered everywhere; you need only open a newspaper to see classified ads from many companies who are hiring. Some of them have even been getting creative with incentives. Theres this one company that says: just come in for an interview and your breakfast is on them. Once youre hired, theyll cover your treat to friends and family to celebrate your new job. Some businessmen have even mentioned to me that they are  finding it difficult to hire accountants. I remember when I was younger, a lot of people were taking up BS Commerce, Major in Accountancy. When I visited Bicol University, I mentioned this to their president. I had to ask: Am I correct in the knowledge that your university has an accountancy program? Their reply: Yes, but even we are having trouble filling our accounting department. Why? Their president said that their students, even in their t hird year of college, are already being recruited by accounting and auditing firms. [Applause] This is happening precisely because we have worked to address what is called the job-skills mismatch. In the past, so many of our countrymen were saying that they had no jobs, even when there were so many unfilled positions listed in the PhilJob-Net website. The simple reason: the skillset of our countrymen did not match what the market needed. The solution to this was also simple: Talk to prospective employers and ask them what skills are demanded by the positions they are opening. Now, it is in these skills that we train Filipinos, so that they can maximize opportunities. The principle behind our strategy of governance: instead of giving our countrymen fish, we will teach them how to fish. We are ensuring that the progress we have made and the opportunities that have been created can be maximized by our fellowmen. We cannot wait for the benefits of growth to trickle down to the poorest Filipinos; we cannot leave it to chance, or hope for the best. Our commitment: Inclusive growth. The agenda: assistance, knowledge, skills training, and health, to ensure that no one is left behind. One of our mechanisms: the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program. We have vastly expanded the scope of this program. Now, more than 4.4 million households are feeling the benefits of this program. [Applause] This is extremely far from the 786,523 households covered by the program when we entered office. This year, 333,673 graduated from high school; they are part of the first batch of beneficiaries under the expanded Pantawid Pamilya. 13,469 of these youth graduated with honors and a variety of awards. [Applause] In fact, the two beneficiaries I met were accepted into Civil Engineering, a quota course in the University of the Philippines. All of these beneficiaries will gain important knowledge; instead of entering menial jobs once they graduate, it is almost certain that they will find jobs that will pay them a decent salary. Their income tax alone will repay the states investment, and we will be able to continue the cycle of  empowering those in need. The brighter future that awaits the honor students the program assisted is just an added bonus. Let us listen to one of those assisted by Pantawid Pamilya. Translated transcript of Testimonial of Alyannah, CCT beneficiary I work much harder now. I knew the trials my family faced because of poverty. When we were enrolled in the Conditional Cash Transfer program, I saw that people wanted to help us. I knew they wanted nothing in return-but, for me, the only way I could repay their kindness was through my studies. The money we get from the government was never wasted. We were able to finance all of my school expenses. I was so happy when I got into my dream school, the University of the Philippines. The CCT program gave me a chance to get a good education, which helped me finish high school; and now Im on my way to college. I know this program is on the receiving end of a lot of criticism, but I want to tell President Benigno Aquino that they need only to look at me-at us. We are proof that the money set aside by the government for this program is not a dole-out. The money goes towards a worthy pursuit, which I know one day will help uplif t the entire country. [Applause] Under Pantawid Pamilya, in exchange for assistance, the primary focus of beneficiaries must be the education of their children. This has already borne early fruit: according to studies conducted by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies, in 2008, there were 2.9 million out-of-school children in the country. The years passed and our population grew, but in 2013, only 1.2 million out-of-school children remained. Let me emphasize the difference: 1.7 million. [Applause] Its as if we filled around 42,500 empty classrooms with students. Of course, apart from the Pantawid Pamilya, the Alternative Learning System also helped to ensure that even indigenous peoples and street children are not left behind. And yet, there are still some who ask: Where are the results of Pantawid Pamilya? Our answer: Oh come on. They seem to think that Pantawid Pamilya is like a magic tablet that, once taken by a child in kindergarten, turns that child into a college graduate after only a few hours. [La ughter and applause] Perhaps, they did not have enough time to study during their time; let us help them count: K to 12 lasts 13 years, while my term only lasts for six. Now we see  whos trying to deceive us. There are even some who had the guts to raise an outcry and shout: There are leakages in Pantawid Pamilya. Then we discovered they used data from 2009, just to have something to criticize. Let me remind them: I became President halfway through 2010; perhaps you should be asking another president to explain the alleged leakage. [Applause] I guarantee that, when the time comes that the beneficiaries of this program are contributing to the economy, those who are criticizing it today will be falling over themselves to proclaim that they are the father or mother of the expanded Pantawid Pamilya. Now, in the sector of education: we are making sure that the deficits of the past are erased and the needs of the present are addressed, even as we prepare for the future. In just our first two years in office, we were able to close the backlogs we inherited of 61.7 million textbooks and 2.5 million school chairs. In 2013, the backlog of 66,800 classrooms was finally eliminated and the backlog of 145,827 teachers was likewise addressed, with the help of our LGU partners. [Applause] According to the estimates of DepEd, from 2010 up to 2017, the total amount of new students: 4.7 million. This is because of the increase of enrollees and the implementation of the K to 12 program. In order to meet this vast increase, we need to add an estimated 118,000 classrooms to what we already have. 33,608 of these have already been constructed. This year, we are slated to construct more than 41,000 more. Funds for the remaining 43,000 classrooms have already been included in the proposed 2016 budget that we will pass tomorrow, which we hope you will approve. [Applause] The number of teachers we will need are estimated at 130,000. In 2014, we have already hired 29,444. This year, the total number of teachers we target to hire: 39,000. The remaining 60,000 positions will be covered in the proposed 2016 budget, which we hope you will approve as well. [Applause] According to Bro. Armin, the sum total of the classrooms our administration has constructed and the teachers we have hired exceeds the cumulative total of classrooms built and teachers hired in the past twenty years before we came into office. We have already turned over 73.9 million textbooks that will be followed by an addition 88.7 million this year. In 2015 as well, 1.6 million school seats were delivered to schools, and we will add another 1.6 million before the en d of the year. After eliminating the existing backlog in classrooms, we constructed or continue to construct 33,621 classrooms, while  allotting funds for the construction of 41,728 more. For teachers: 39,000 are already being hired by DepEd for this school year alone. Tomorrow, we will submit the budget for 2016; included in it are funds for an additional 103.2 million textbooks, 4.4 million school seats, 43,000 classrooms, and 60,000 new teaching positions. Everyone can see: we will not leave further sources of headaches for those who will succeed us. [Applause] Let me be clear: We implemented K to 12 because it is not practical to cram learning in a 10-year basic education cycle. May I remind you, that we are one of the three countries left in the world with a 10-year basic education cycle. The credentials of our countrymen working overseas are already being questioned; there are also some who have been demoted because our diplomas are supposedly not proof of sufficient knowledge. If the past educational system can be likened to a mango induced to ripen under artificial circumstances; now, we are ensuring that the abilities of our students are fully developed, so that they can take hold of their futures. Let us listen to a story that is proof of this: Translated transcript of Testimonial of Rezia Joy Jianoran My father has been a jeepney driver all my life. When I was in my second year of high school, my mom suffered a stroke. I didnt ask, but I knew that they couldnt afford to send me to college. Instead of dropping out of school, I decided to continue my studies under the K to 12 program. My chosen track of specialization was the Drafting Technology course. Part of the K to 12 program is the career immersion. I was assigned to CLP Metal, a metal fabrication company. I was tasked to design machines. This machine was designed to de-hair pigs. Once a pig is processed, after several seconds, it comes out without any hair. A machine like this can only be bought abroad. Because of the design by CLP, were able to adjust to the budget restrictions of our customers. Im extremely proud because when you think about it: how many 19-year olds can say they have designed a machine? Im proud that Im a K to 12 graduate because I can now support my family. And Im learning while Im earning. [Applause] Should these graduates choose to go into tech-voc, the programs we enhanced are already waiting for them. 7.8 million have already graduated from the  different courses of the Technical Vocational Education and Training overseen by TESDA. Under the Training for Work Scholarship Program alone, the number of graduates have already reached 821,962. Perhaps you are wondering: what is their situation today? According to studies, 71.9 percent of graduates were able to find employment right away, compared to the 28.5 percent recorded before. There are even some industries breaking records: for example, the employment rate for the entire semiconductors and electronics industry has already reached 91.26 percent-just a little more, and well be at 100 percent. [Applause] Secretary Joel Villanueva told us before of an OFW forced to return home; she thought there was no hope to improve her lot in life. Then, she studied hilot wellness massage in TESDA; now, her spa already has 4 branches. In my last SONA, I also told you of a PWD who was once a barker; he is now an escalation supervisor in a BPO. [Applause] A success story from the Sari-sari Store Training and Access to Resources Program, or STAR: there was a sari-sari store owner who used to earn 800 pesos a day; now, her daily earnings have reached 4,000 pesos. If you sum everything up, her earnings are more or less equivalent to my salary, even if we do not experience the same type of stress. [Laughter] How did this happen? She was trained in bookkeeping, inventory management, accounting, and other disciplines. Whats extremely impressive: the STAR program even teaches students how to ensure that their profits are maximized. Let us listen to one of those who benefited from TESDAs program: Translated transcript of Testimonial of Ma. Theresa Tomaro, TESDA Star Program trainee My husband and I were both unemployed when we started training with the STAR program. We were taught how to manage and grow a business. When we started our sari-sari store, it was made out of bamboo. Now, its walls are made of concrete. This not only helps us, but also our children. We are able to give them good lives. Ive been able to sell a lot of things. My income has doubled since then. Id like to thank Secretary Joel Villanueva because of their program, I was able to have the opportunity to show my ability to run my own business. [Applause] Now, on the sector of health. To many Filipinos, falling ill poses a serious challenge to the fulfillment of their dreams. Families climbing the ladder of progress, return back to zero once they are struck by illness. Not only  are their savings emptied, they also fall deep into debt. When we came into office, only 47 million Filipinos were beneficiaries of PhilHealth. We have almost doubled this number: just this past June, PhilHealth coverage has reached 89.4 million Filipinos. [Applause] The transformation we wrought: Before, during elections, new PhilHealth beneficiaries seemed to sprout up like mushrooms. Instead of the basis for membership being the interest of Filipinos, it became manipulated to serve the electoral candidates interest. Now, we have corrected that system. There is more good news in the sector of health. In 2012, we announced: If your family is part of the lowest quintile, or the poorest 20 percent of our population, and you are seeking treatment in public hospitals, then we guarantee that you will not have to pay a single centavo. Beginning in 2014, this has expanded to cover the next quintile of our society. This means that for the poorest 40 percent of the population, treatment in public hospitals is free. This is the care that some have called inefficient and uncaring. The only thing I have to say to them, as Aiza Seguerra said back in the day: I thank you, bow. [Applause] Now, let us hear some of the results of the improved PhilHealth program: Translated transcript of Testimonial of Danilo Espiritu, PhilHealth beneficiary I was diagnosed with quadruple clogs in the coronary area. We didnt know how we could afford the operation. The first hospital we went to said the operation would cost 300,000 pesos. At [the Philippine General Hospital], it would cost 700,000 pesos. At UST hospital, they said it was 800,000 pesos. But when one of the doctors learned that my wife was covered by PhilHealth, he said our case qualified under the Z-Package, and we could push through with the operation. We just stood up then and went to fix the paperwork, and I was provided the opportunity to extend my life. The service I got at the hospital was comparable to that received by a private hospital patient. I wasnt considered a charity case. I was a full-fledged paying patient, and PhilHealth paid for my operation. To be honest, I didnt pay for anything. The little money that we did save, we were able to use for the post-operation expenses. Im thankful for PhilHealth and our government for implementing these kinds of projects, which genuinely help people in need. ____________________ Translated transcript of Testimonial of Governor Lilia Pineda Sin Tax should have been implemented earlier; its the answer to our goal of providing universal healthcare. It was a big help to the province of Pampanga: in the past, the Capitol spent over 400 million pesos a year in health aid. But when the Sin Tax Law was implemented, those who needed healthcare were covered by PhilHealth. We are truly grateful to President Aquino because the project provided a huge relief for Pampanga. The money saved was used to fund other important projects. The proceeds of the Sin Tax also went towards the construction of a birthing station, hospital renovations, and the construction of health centers. Were so thankful to the President for caring for the poor who suffer sickness. [Applause] Let us again return to the story of the past five years. We went after the corrupt and we cleaned the systems, which redounded to confidence in our markets. Businesses came into the country, opportunities expanded, all while we empowered Filipinos to gain decent employment. They patronized these businesses, which, having recognized that the playing field is level, know they can profit without having to resort to illegal activities. They then expand their operations, and employ even more people. This is a cycle: justice, trust, economic growth, the creation of opportunities, progress. Boss, this is the very spirit of, Where there is no corruption, there is no poverty. [Applause] And we did not just achieve change. The transformation we are experiencing today has already exceeded the expectations we had in the beginning. The Cadastral Survey, which was started in 1913, has been completed by us. It took almost a century for those who came before us to complete 46 percent of this survey. The more than half left to be done, we finished in just five years in government. This Cadastral Survey identifies the boundaries of the land covered by each city, municipality, and province in the Philippines. In ARMM, for example, it was as if the land gave birth to more land: according to the maps, there are only 1.2 million hectares belonging to the region, but if we were to add up all the lands being claimed, they would reach a total of 3.7 million hectares. Now, because we have fixed the land record system through the Cadastral Survey, no new land will be birthed in ARMM. In 2011, we conducted an inventory of sitios, and we identified those that were still without electricity. Through the Sitio  Electrification Program, we were able to bring light to 25,257 communities identified through this inventory. On top of this, because of the use of solar energy and other technology, even far-flung and isolated areas that would be difficult to connect to the grid already have electricity. Now, around 93 percent of sitios in the Philippines have already been energized; the DOE has guaranteed that, before we step down from office, all the rest of the sitios from the 2011 tally will have electricity. [Applause] Now, let us watch a farmer who has benefited from our Sitio Electrification Program. Translated transcript It was difficult when we didnt have electricity; you just had to bear with it. We could only power our homes with fuel sources. We first got electricity this July, and we were so happy when switched on the lights here at home for the very first time. We can now watch movie tapes or listen to good music. The children are now able to study at night. Im even able to work at night because now I can charge my spotlight during the day, and because Im more productive, I earn more. Our lives have changed for the better now that we finally have access to electricity. Were able to be more efficient-an example would be our weaving. With sewing machines, we can create more beautiful designs, which we can sell at a better price. Food processing needs equipment, which runs on electricity. Students can use the Internet for research. Electricity has brought good things to Bauko. Congratulations to our President for making Bauko a better place to live in. [Applause] In the sector of aviation, there has also been a steady stream of good news: in 2013, the International Civil Aviation Organization lifted the significant safety concerns it had imposed on our country back in 2009. In the same year, the European Union allowed our flag carrier to resume its flights to Europe. The following year saw another local carrier receiving approval from the European Union, while the US Federal Aviation Administration upgraded us to Category 1, from the Category 2 downgrade we had received in 2008. Because of these developments, incoming and outgoing flights are increasing, and it is also becoming easier for tourists to fly around the Philippines. Even better news: just this June, the EU Air Safety  Committee removed its ban on all our air carriers-the first time that it has lifted its ban on the entire civil aviation sector of a country. Now, all our airlines will be able to fly directly to the United Kingdom, Italy, and other countries part of the EU. In seafaring: in 2006, the European Maritime Safety Agency or EMSA was already questioning our compliance to the Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers. Because of this, there was a threat that the EU would no longer recognize our maritime education certificates. If we did not act, there would have been the chance that an estimated 80,000 Filipino seafarers working on European boats would be out of jobs. MARINA and the DOTC went to work quickly in order to match our maritime education certificates to global standards. To this day, the EU continues to recognize our certifications. Come EMSAs next audit, which will begin in October, MARINA guarantees: We will definitely pass. [Applause] To Sec. Jun Abaya: May you not waver in your resolve, even when it seems that some have forgotten all that you have done for our sailors, ICAOs lifting of the significant safety concerns it had imposed on our sector, the European Unions lifting of the ban on our airplanes, and the Federal Aviation [Administration] upgrading us to Category 1. It was also you who banned boats from setting out to see during typhoons, which helped to keep passengers away from danger. It is now rare for us to receive news about ships sinking during typhoons. All of these achievements have seemingly been cast aside, because of the complicated challenges in the public transport sector. The biggest example of this is the MRT. Few mention that we have partners from the private sector in this endeavor, who remember their entitlements, but seem to have forgotten their obligations. This partner of ours is supposed to be in charge of maintenance. In 2008, there should have been a general overhaul of the MRT, but upon DOTCs inspection, only token cosmetic changes were undertaken. This lack of care practically guaranteed the breakdown of our trains. Is it not in the interest of all companies to make sure that they get their moneys worth from their investment? Yet, they allowed the situation to deteriorate, to the point where, at very short notice, they just passed the job of improving the MRT onto us. When we made moves to undertake improvements, suddenly, they wanted to take back the responsibility of maintenance. However, their proposal was significantly more expensive than  hours. This would, of course, translate to added expense and aggravation for our people. We did not agree to this, and began the process of obtaining new train coaches. But because the MRTC was adamant, they were able to obtain a TRO on the procurement. That is why the MRT situation has come to this. Sec. Jun: You, I, and the entire population of Metro Manila are not pleased with what is happening. The private sector relegated their responsibility to us; when we made moves to provide a solution, they blocked us. It is clear that our agenda and that of the MRTC will never meet. Now, we are taking steps to buy out the corporation. Once this is fixed, the state will be the sole decisionmaker. While we are undertaking this process, we are already implementing immediate maintenance work. Bigger, more long-term solutions are also set to arrive. Next month, we can expect the delivery of the prototype for new coaches; once this passes scrutiny, beginning in January, three coaches will be delivered every month until our order of 48 coaches has been completed. The process to obtain new rails is underway, together with the upgrading of the signaling and automatic fare collecting systems; all this, we expect to be completed before we step down from office. The power supply of our trains will be upgraded before the end of 2016. There are 12 escalators that will be fixed before the end of the year, while the procurement for the rehabilitation of 34 more escalators and 32 elevators is ongoing. Let me remind everyone: When it comes to these matters, we cannot take shortcuts in the processes; we do not want our measures to be hampered by lawsuits left and right. There are some who say that I wear blinders, when it comes to those who have long been my companions on the Straight Path. Me? I see the good things, but I also see the bad. Am I the one with blinders? Or is it those who insist on seeing only the bad things? On our Armed Forces: Back in November 2010, tensions arose once more between North and South Korea; there were fears that war would break out in the peninsula. We needed a plan to evacuate the 46,000 Filipinos in South Korea, as well as the eight Filipinos in North Korea. When I asked the AFP about the assets we could use in an evacuation, they said that the Air Force has a lone C-130. The shortest duration for a round trip? 10 hours. The capacity: around 100 people. I made some calculations: We needed to move 46,000 Filipinos away from conflict, which meant that, under the most ideal conditions, we would need 460 round trips, which would take 4,600 hours each. This is equivalent  to 200 days of travel. No one can count on an old C-130 to cope with such heavy usage. If we deployed ships, each could carry 1,000 people at a time, but we would be lucky if each round trip could be completed within 10 days. Should further conflict break out, there was the chance that the entire situation would have been over by the time we evacuated of our people. We took immediate action to address these limitations. Now, from one functional C-130, we now have three at our disposal, and we are planning to acquire two more. There are others to accompany them: The first of three C-295 medium lift transports has arrived, with the other two arriving within the year. We also expect the delivery of two more light lift transports before the end of 2015. [Applause] If we ever encounter another spate of problems like what happened in 2013, we are going to need more assets. When Yolanda struck, our docks were destroyed, and our ability to deliver aid was hampered. In s uch situations, landing craft utilities are invaluable because of their ability to dock on any shore. Now, we have increased the number of our landing craft utilities from four to ten. There is the BRP Tagbanua. By next week, two Landing Craft Heavy will arrive from Australia; the turnover of these vessels was very generous: they even came with spare parts and generators. We plan on buying three more; once all the paperwork has been put in order, the processes to procure them will begin. These vessels will reduce our dependence on the kindness of other nations; we will be able to accelerate delivery to different parts of the Philippines, and more promptly send aid, supplies, and other heavy equipment such as bulldozers, which are needed for clearing and relief operations. [Applause] To better watch over our territory, we have also acquired 12 FA-50 fighters to replace our F5 fighter jets that were retired in 2005. The first two units will arrive in December, and the rest of the deliveries will be completed by 2017. We have also acquired war ships such as the BRP Gregorio del Pilar and the Ramon Alcaraz, seven of 13 AW-109 helicopters, six of eight Bell-412 helicopters, 617 troop carrier trucks, and 50,629 assault rifles. Our target is to obtain two more frigates, six Close Air Support Aircrafts, 142 armored personnel carriers, and other new items such as 49,135 units of force protection equipment, 2,884 grenade launchers, and an additional 23,622 assault rifles. [Applause] In total, we have completed 56 projects for modernization, and I have approved 30 more. Compare this to the 45 projects completed by the three  administrations that came before us combined. Let us listen to one of our servicemen from the Air Force: Translated transcript of Testimonial of Jun Perry, member of the Philippine Air Force For the record, Sir, our Air Force now has actual force. There was a joke or stigma back then that the Air Force was all air and no force. Ive only recently joined the Philippine Air Force, but I spent four years in the Philippine Military Academy, where we learned of the value of air power and air defense. During those four years, we found that the Philippine Air Force was losing its strength. But luckily the long wait is over. In December of 2012, President Aquino signed RA 10349. Now, the Philippine Air Force is receiving adequate advancement. It boosts morale. Ive heard confirmation from our Army classmates themselves. One of them even said: Mistah, when I heard the sound of the chopper taking flight, I was so inspired. This is a dream that has slowly, but surely turned into a reality. [Applause] As for our police, for the first time in our history, each of our policemen has his or her own firearm. Furthermore, to improve the capacity of our police force to shoot, scoot, and communicate, we have distributed 302 patrol jeeps, which are only part of the 2,523 that we have procured. We have also distributed 179 of 577 new utility vehicles, as well as 12,399 handheld radios. We are likewise procuring 30,136 long firearms, 3,328 investigative kits, and another 16,867 radios. Let us listen to some of our policemen, who talk about how these efforts have helped them in their work: Translated transcript of Testimonial of Melvin Velasquez When I entered the police service in 2003, I was issued a .38 revolver. Sometimes some of the criminals we encountered were equipped with high-powered weapons. The .38 revolver paled in comparison to the ones used by criminals. In fact, I had to buy my own gun. It is difficult for us law enforcers when we encounter situations where we really have to risk our lives. It was a big change when all policemen were finally given their own guns. We know that we can depend on the firearms issued by the government to us. Those of us in the service dream of owning our own house and lot; it was only during this administration that such a dream was realized. As a  low-ranking law enforcer, I really feel the reforms instituted by our President-one of which is the value accorded to the national police. The only way we can possibly repay all these good things is by fulfilling our duties in the correct and right way-even if it means sacrificing my life.

Comparison of Techniques in Acne Scar Treatment

Comparison of Techniques in Acne Scar Treatment Punch excision techniques are utilized for depressed scars such as ice pick and boxcar scars. According to the diameter of the scar, a biopsy punch of appropriate size is used to excise the scar. If the scar is > 3.5 mm in size, it is excised and sutured after undermining, in a direction parallel to the relaxed skin tension lines. Procedure: Surgical preparation is done. Local anaesthesia infiltration and marking of the scar is done. Initial undermining of the scar is done. Based on the diameter of the scar, a biopsy punch of appropriate size is inserted till the subcutaneous fat layer and the punch graft is removed and discarded. After removal of the plug, the area becomes elliptical. Undermining with an artery forceps is done and is followed by suturing with 6-0 prolene. (Illustration 33.5) A linear scar ensues lying along the RSTL. Dressing is done. Antibiotics and NSAIDs are administered for 7 days. Depressed pitted ice pick scars up to 4 mm in diameter, are excised and replaced with an autologous, full-thickness punch graft. The donor site is commonly the post-auricular region or the gluteal region. Care should be taken to avoid cobblestoning, which is a common complication. Procedure: Surgical preparation is done. Local anaesthesia infiltration and marking of the scar is done. Initial undermining of the scar is done. Based on the diameter of the scar, a biopsy punch of appropriate size is inserted till the subcutaneous fat layer and the punch graft is removed and discarded. From the donor site, a full thickness punch graft> 0.5 mm than the excised scar is taken. This is then fit into the recipient area( Area of excised scar), if needed it is trimmed. Sutures or surgical glue is applied. (Illustration 33.6) Dressing is done. Antibiotics and NSAIDs are administered for 7 days. All the punch techniques require a postoperative follow up after 1 week to check for the donor/ recipient site and removal of sutures, if required. In selected cases, when scarring is linear and extensive, scar revision techniques such as Z, M and Y plasty may be useful. These need to be performed by a dermatosurgeon properly trained in performing these procedures. [41, 42] Various techniques such as microneedling, threadlifts are being used in atrophic acne scars. Intralesional steroids and cytotoxics along with silicone sheets are the mainstay for hypertrophic scars. Skin needling, also called â€Å"collagen induction therapy† or â€Å"needle dermabrasion† is the technique of rolling a device composed of a barrel studded with hundreds of needles, which create thousands of micropunctures in the skin to the level of the papillary to mid-dermis. [ 43] The optimal scars to treat with skin lesion are the same as fractional laser resurfacing— rolling acne scars, superficial boxcar scars, or erythematous or hypopigmented macular scars. A dermaroller device is used with needles of length 1.5 to 2.5mm is rolled across the skin with pressure in multiple directions until the area demonstrates uniform pinpoint bleeding through thousands of micropuncture sites. One study describes rolling the device four times in four different directions (horizontally, vertically, and diagonally right and left) for a total of 16 passes. [44] In the author’s experience, the number of passes required to achieve uniform pinpoint bleeding of the treat ment area is variable and is inversely proportional to the density of the needles on the rolling barrel. Usually, three or more treatments are required to achieve optimal clinical benefit, separated by four-week intervals. Figure 33.6 shows good results with dermaroller microneedling. Microneedling with fractional radiofrequency (MFR) technology is now being used for acne scars. MFR is useful for distensible scars and non- distensible scars with associated volume loss. The procedural details and clinical studies have been detailed in Chapter 10. Non-surgical face lifts with threads are also being used for acne scar treatment. Polydioxanone (PDO) threads are used for lifting and tissue tightening and scar resurfacing; it stimulates production of collagen and fibroblasts in response to its implantation. Threadlift with PDO is indicated in patients of scars who cannot come repeatedly for multiple number of sittings for derma roller, or do not want to undergo laser/ lights or radiofrequency treatments. Evidence based studies are lacking with this technique. The procedure has been detailed in chapter 15. Intralesional triamcinolone 10-40 mg/mL with or without cytotoxics, like 5-fluorouracil, is indicated for the treatment of hypertrophic scars and keloids. These are repeated at 3-4 weekly intervals until resolution; care is taken to avoid atrophy. [45, 46, 47, 48] Administration of fluorouracil (5-FU) or bleomycin into the scars, results in gradual flattening of the scars. [49, 50, 51] 5-FU inhibits rapidly proliferating fibroblasts found in dermal wounds. [52]The therapy is efficacious for facial acne scars as monotherapy, [53, 54] and in combination with intralesional corticosteroids and a 585 nm pulsed dye laser. [50 ] Studies with 5-FU use a concentration of 50 mg/mL with a total dose per session ranging from 50 mg to 150 mg and can be given multiple times a week to increase treatment efficacy. Bleomycin is another antineoplastic agent that inhibits collagen synthesis through cytotoxic effects on rapidly dividing fibroblasts. [55, 56] Silicone dressings are chemically and biologically inert; silicon sheets or gels are found to be useful in flattening keloids and hypertrophic scars, reducing discoloration and making scars cosmetically acceptable. [57, 58] Scarring in areas which are subjected to repeated movements (chin, marionette lines) are prone to become more obvious with aging. The synergistic combination of botulinum toxin and fillers may prove to be a useful modality in these scars. Botulinum toxin relaxes the muscles and hence decreases the tensile forces surrounding the scar. [20] Combining 2 or 3 modalities of acne scar treatment in a single session or sequential planning of the procedure can prove advantageous to a monotherapy. Various combination therapies are practiced. Combination of different interventions can result in satisfactory improvement of acne scarring. It is useful to combine subcision with various modalities. Subscision treatments followed by microneedling performed immediately the day after and TCA 15% peel done a fortnight later was found to improve the grade of scar. [59] Another sequential combination therapy is TCA peeling, subcision, and subsequent fractional laser irradiation. Dot peeling and subcision is done twice at an interval of 2-3 weeks and fractional laser irradiation is done every 3-4 weeks. The duration of therapy is 12 months. A marked decrease in acne scar severity was noted. [60] Combination of PRP with microneedling, fractional CO2 and erbium YAG also constitutes an effective alternative that produces synergistic benefits with fewer adverse effects. [61, 62, 63] The aim of good postoperative care is to prevent or minimize complications and ensure early recovery. Preventive actions must be taken promptly to avert complications, which may lead to unacceptable aesthetic or functional result. This is most important in ablative resurfacing procedures, particularly in darker skinned patients, where pigmentary alterations are common. Supportive medical therapy and a careful maintenance program are essential to maintain results of surgical treatment in most patients. Complications related to individual procedures are discussed in details in respective chapters. In general, the complications include conditions such as active herpes simplex, immunosuppressive conditions, which may predispose to infection and delayed healing. Post inflammatory hyperpigmentation is a common and dreaded complication of acne surgery, especially in dark skinned patients. Patients with unrealistic expectations or uncooperative patients who do not follow treatment regimens are more prone to develop complications. Adequate counselling, priming the skin and supportive medical therapy, apart from good intra- and postoperative care are essential for satisfactory surgical outcomes. The tips for management based on the author’s experience are outlined in Box 33.4 Box 33.4: Pearls and Pitfalls Procedural treatment in acne provides gratifying results. These are an adjunct treatment in active acne, however post acne scarring is being better managed with the advent of various procedural interventions. Fractional resurfacing lasers have proven to be one of the most beneficial technologies for post acne scarring. Judicious use of combination therapies in a single or sequential sessions have a synergistic role and are increasingly being used in clinical practice. Appropriate patient selection and a good understanding of patient expectations are vital to achieve an optimal therapeutic outcome. Acne surgery involves the use of appropriate surgical interventions for treatment of active acne as well as improving cosmetic outcomes in postacne scarring. In active acne, surgical intervention is used as an adjunctive to medical therapy. The treatment of post acne scars involves a multimodal approach as different types of scars may exist in an individual. Each scar and each patient must be evaluated and treated accordingly. The main goal of treatment is to achieve maximal improvement rather than perfection. The procedures can be classified as resurfacing, lifting, excisional modalities.For superficial scars, non-invasive or minimally invasive techniques such as microdermabrasion, superficial chemical peels or the newer non ablative lasers, are better treatment options. For deeper scars, a combined approach with subcision, punch excision techniques in conjunction with resurfacing procedures, are essential to achieve optimum results. Many complications can be prevented by thorough p reoperative evaluation, sound surgical technique, and careful follow-up care. Good patient rapport and effective communication with patients are invaluable.

the new guinea cargo plane cult from a socialogicle perspective :: essays research papers

The New Guinea cargo plane cult from a functionalist perspective stresses that the un-industrialization of the cult is due to the developed world not sharing technological advances with the tribe (cult). The tribe leader’s ability to explain the purpose of the cargo planes and the tribe’s inability to succeed with riches like that of the white man had a large affect on the tribe’s belief system. The tribes simple way of life was disturbed by the discovery of cargo planes in the sky, shocking whatever beliefs the tribe had prior to that discovery. It was the conclusion of the leaders or elders of the community that the planes where gifts from there ancestors and that their inability to succeed like other cultures was do to the white man coxing the plane to land in their fields, therefore stealing the riches that the cults ancestors sent to them. The manifest function of the leaders needing to explain what was happening was do to the culture shock the tribe received when the first saw the planes, while however the latent function of the of this was to keep the tribe unified through ignorance. It was the only way to keep a small community of confused people together do to the fact that people do not like to be separated from the people whom they’ve become familiar with. Though the manifest functions of adoring the cargo planes proves to be a shift of blame from the tribe leaders to the white man, the latent function has proved to unify the tribe in faith and in their daily walk of life. Solidarity is their shining light of hope in a world that has left them, however to analyze a group of people from a sociological perspective one must provide more than one perspective. Karl Marx developed the conflict theory and concluded that â€Å"the key to human history is class struggle. In every society, some small group controls the means of production and exploits those who are not in control (Henslin,2004 pg.15)†. According to Karl Marx â€Å"authority that people consider legitimate permeates society on every level.† People whom are in positions of authority will always try to enforce conformity within a community. In the case of the cargo plane cult the people of the community consider the priest as their legitimate authority, authorities that have come to realization that the discovery of the planes questions the knowledge of the priest and could in fact end their position as leaders in their community.