Advocating The Death Penalty :: essays research papers fc

Advocating the Death Penalty Thousands of people will attack the death penalty. They will give emotional speeches about the one innocent man or woman who might accidentally get an execution sentence. However, all of these people are forgetting one crucial element. They are forgetting the thousands of victims who die every year by the hands of heartless murderers. There are more murderers out there than people who are wrongly convicted, and that is what we must remember. I, as well as many others, have total confidence in the death penalty. It is a very beneficial component of our justice system. The death penalty saves lives. It saves lives because it stops those who murder from ever murdering again. It also deters potential murderers from ever committing the crime. Unfortunately, the death penalty is currently used so rarely that it isn’t nearly as effective as it could be. In order for it to work, we must put it into practice more often. In recent years, crime in America has been on the rise, in particular, violent crime. This has led not only to an overcrowding of prisons in our country, but also to an increase in the number of death sentences handed down by the courts. Despite the fact that the number of inmates on death row is climbing, the number of death sentences actually carried out in any given year lags far behind. People simply aren’t fearful of the death penalty when it isn’t used the way it should be (Stewart 50). If the death penalty has been declared legal, then the federal and state governments must employ it to its fullest as a means of stopping previous murderers from recommitting their crimes. Since most of the prisoners on death row are there for murder, executing them would ensure that they would never kill again. Obsessive murderers, who know no alternative to killing, need to be executed to protect both prison guards and society. This view is perhaps best illustrated through the words of Judge Alfred J. Talley of New York who explained â€Å"If I as an individual have the right to kill in self defense, why has not the state, which is nothing more than an aggregation of individuals, the same right to defend itself against unjust aggression and unjust attack?† (Kaplan 28) About two and a half years ago, my dear cousin, Jaime, became the first victim of a serial killer named Brian Duffy.

19th Century American Imperialism & 20th Century War Essay

Captain Alfred Thayer Mahan couldn’t have said it any better, â€Å"No nation had ever become great without control of foreign markets and access to the natural resources of foreign countries† (Kinzer 33). Throughout the years, America has had an astonishing obsession with the idea of global imperialism. One can’t help but ask the following question: what sparked this sudden obsession with global imperialism? Even though there are many different factors that helped spark this sudden movement, the biggest single factor was the industrialization of the world’s major industrialist societies, such as England, United States, Japan, and Germany. The sudden explosion of industrialization sparked a huge consumption of the earth’s natural resources, and initiated the need for expansion. Throughout the late 19th century up until today, America has approached global imperialism in a number of different ways. Methods such as deception, intimidation, fear, and violence have all been used throughout the American conquest in order to expand this imperialistic society. America had to start expanding and had to take over weaker countries. See more: Homelessness as a social problem Essay Americans had to look to faraway countries, weak countries, countries that had large markets and rich resources but had not yet fallen under the sway of any great power† (Kinzer 34). This paper will primarily focus on the reasoning provided by Kinzer’s book Overthrow. America has become the imperialistic society it is today because of the rapid 19th century industrialization and the constant American hunger for natural resources, territory, and global domination. â€Å"Whether they will or no, Americans must now begin to look outward. The growing production of the country demands it† (Kinzer 33). During the late 19th century, America enjoyed a successful conquest of Hawaii, Cuba, Philippines, and Nicaragua. Hawaii, which has always embraced a history of tradition and culture, was faced with the issue of modernization. Throughout the years, Hawaii had slowly started to fall under white control. Hawaii has always been a huge producer of sugar, with one problem. The major market for sugar was in the United States, but the Hawaiians could not export as much as they would like because of the high tariffs imposed on imported sugar in the States. When the reciprocity treaty as signed in the summer of 1876, Americans started installing military and commercial bases in Hawaii. The renewed treaty however was what really displayed that Hawaii was falling under white influence. The renewed treaty gave United States control of Pearl Harbor, an extremely fine natural port. On January 14th 1893, Queen Liliuokalani made a disturbing announcement to her cabinet. She proclaimed a new constitution which stated only Hawaiian citizens had the right to vote. This meant that the Hawaiian population of Americans would no longer be able to vote. This move gave Lorrin Thurston and John Colburn the reason they needed to initiate the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy, which would mark America’s first overthrow of a foreign government. The alarmed Thurston quickly wrote a letter to John L. Stevens, requesting military assistance for the overthrow of the queen’s regime. Soon after, on July 4th 1894, the Republic of Hawaii was proclaimed. During the Spanish colonization of Cuba in 1897, William McKinley was sworn in as president of the United States. McKinley did not like the idea of the Spanish in Cuba. However when talking about McKinley, Kinzer states â€Å"William McKinley believed that a self-governed Cuba would pose an extreme threat to the United States, for they might not do Washington’s bidding† (Kinzer 35). After all, the revolutionary leaders in Cuba were already talking about the social reforms and land redistribution they wanted to initiate. This greatly alarmed many American businessmen, for over $50 million was invested primarily in Cuba’s agriculture. McKinley had finally had enough and had decided it was time to use military force to end the Spanish regime in Cuba. On April 25th 1898, the Spanish-American War had officially begun. After the Spanish surrender, America started to kill Cuba’s dream of independence. In the 1898 Treaty of Paris, Spain gave up all rights to Cuba, surrendered Puerto Rico and Guam, and sold Philippines for $20 million to the United States. The Platt Amendment gave the US some economic and military control of Cuba. McKinley initially only wanted to build a naval base at Manila, Philippines. Later however, he decided he would embark on a journey of Christianizing the country. This was unnecessary however, for most Filipinos were already Catholic. On June 2nd 1899, the official Philippine-American War started. The United States would win the war, and dissolute the First Philippine Republic. At this point, the United States had obtained, by force, full sovereignty over the Philippines. With Cuba, Hawaii, Philippines, Guam, and Puerto Rico under its belt, America now had access to a wide array of natural resources and an assortment of markets. However, the conquest would not end there. In order for one to understand the takeover of Nicaragua, one must understand Central America in the late 19th century. The late 19th century proved to be a strong idealistic era for Central America. Ideas of both social and political reforms were sweeping many Central nations, ideas inspired by European philosophers. These ideas were absolutely despised by the American government, for these ideas called for change. These ideas were admired by Central Americans because they all desired change. Jose Santos Zelaya became president of Nicaragua in 1893. He adopted many revolutionary changes, such as importing the automobile and legalizing civil marriage. He also had a very strong emphasis on building and expanding the country’s infrastructure. At first Zelaya and America were on good terms, for there have been talks of building a canal through Nicaragua. Later however, Panama was chosen as the building site, temporarily ending American interest in Nicaragua. As historian John Ellis wrote â€Å"To the State Department, Nicaragua was no longer a country that needed to be coddled or cared for in preparation for future usefulness, rather, it was not a country that needed to be watched carefully and kept in line† (Kinzer 60). A very strong nationalist, Zelaya was giving some of the American business based in his country trouble, which didn’t appeal to the United States secretary of state Philander Knox. What angered Knox even more was that Zelaya went to European banks to borrow money for his railroad project, not American banks. This showed the Taft administration that Nicaragua was trying not to depend on the States as much as they used to, which of course cause congressional panic. After much trouble from Knox, Zelaya finally resigned in 1909. After the brief command of Jose Madriz, Juan Jose Estrada took over the country, and the new conservative government was much admired and supported by the United States. Estrada’s coming to power marks the conquest of Nicaragua, because of America’s strong influence on Estrada’s regime. As demonstrated, the United States has always obtained a hostile approach regarding takeovers and conquest. The first overthrow took place in Hawaii where the queen was relieved of her position. Cuba was later obtained from Spain with the help of brute force and intimidation. Philippines and Puerto Rico were also obtained in the same fashion. Nicaragua’s government fell victim to an American sponsored coup, and their government was taken over by the Americans. It seems like there has always been a recurring pattern throughout American history. If you try to stand up to the US government, you will go down. If you operate your country in a way that doesn’t appeal to the US government, you’re going down. If you just happen to be doing good for your country, there’s still a good chance you’re still going down. America has always been that big bully that beats on the little kids at school, because they are just too weak to defend themselves. America throughout the 19th century was a product of a heavily industrialized society, a society that must rely on domination of other markets and other countries’ resources in order to keep expanding and thriving.

Transformation of Gilgamesh - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 5 Words: 1510 Downloads: 3 Date added: 2019/06/24 Category History Essay Level High school Tags: Gilgamesh Essay Did you like this example? The Epic of Gilgamesh is a historical piece of literature that shaped history and has some impact on modern day literature as well. Perhaps one of the key reasons the Epic of Gilgamesh is so widespread and has continued to be such a great deal in literature for a long time, is because it gives an awareness and understanding of why some humans behave the way they do when emotions and feelings are involved. The lessons taught by this ancient work was relevant back then and is still appropriate today. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Transformation of Gilgamesh" essay for you Create order Some of the concerns and lessons seen throughout the book that are still relevant today are: the terror and fear that most individuals have in regard to death, having an overwhelming desire to escape death or be immortal, and the effects that a true friendship may have on a persons life. It does not take a great deal of insight into The Epic of Gilgamesh for a person to locate these themes in the story, and even less introspection to relate to them. The story itself encompasses life lessons that can be utilized daily. Gilgamesh, himself, who is two-thirds god, and one-third human possesses several unique qualities that are above average due to his god like abilities. It is through a tremendous expedition that Gilgamesh is able to present all these characteristics; however, during the story, we see Gilgamesh transform from a mean, chauvinistic king, to an individual who shows compassion and love for someone other than himself. The transformation that Gilgamesh experienced is what eve ntually molded him into the loving friend that he became. Transformed through the loss of a beloved friend, Gilgameshs terror rather than his humanity is what truly defines him and signifies him as a hero. Transformed through the loss of a beloved friend, Gilgameshs terror rather than his humanity is what truly defines him and signifies him as a hero. Two different beings brought together to even the unbalance within themselves somehow formed a bond, or a brotherhood that became strong, and very impactful. The loss of a best friend implies the loss of such a tremendous bond, and a true confidant which can cause anyones actions to change. This is exactly what happens to Gilgamesh as he witnesses death come over his friend as Enkidu. The goddess Ishtar cursed Enkidu to die of a sickness, and Gilgamesh has the burden to witness this. Enkidu, Gilgameshs better half, was the reason that Gilgamesh transformed from the arrogant selfish king into a heroic one who helps protect his city and stand victorious of several battles. The special bond between Enkidu and Gilgamesh brings about a change within Gilgamesh which allows him to connect with Enkidu in such a positive manner. This bond creates a positive influence within Gilgamesh that is shown throughout the end of the story. The loss of Gilgameshs best friend causes him to lose a part of himself. After Enkidus death, Gilgamesh questions his own life, Shall I not die too? Am I not like Enkidu? (Stephen, Book IX). With this mode of thinking, Gilgamesh sets out to seek immortality in hopes to escape a fate like Enkidus; this is the pivotal point in which Gilgamesh transforms into more of a human that that of his god like being. In The end of the journey: from Gilgamesh to Le citta invisibili. Annali dItalianistica, Cachey writes The didactic poem describes Gilgamesh transcending a stage of heroic adolescence. The death of his companion Enkidu brings home as never before the reality of the heros own mortality, which in turns classifies him as a true hero. (Cachey,71). In the pursuit for knowledge about obtaining immortality, Gilgamesh sets himself on a dangerous quest which clouds his judgement on the potential outcomes. During this journey, Gilgamesh shows that he is a man of action, rather than one who thinks about his actions before making them. According to Dastur, It seems therefore possible to argue that humanity does not achieve consciousness of itself except through confrontation with death. This is what is confirmed by one of the most ancient testimonies of human history, the Mesopotamian Epic of Gilgamesh (Dastur). Immortality as we all know is unattainable, but this does not stop Gilgamesh from seeking to find it. His virtue is displayed through his journey and its purpose. The journey that Gilgamesh sets out on is a purposeful one; for he is determined to escape the physical and mental limitations of man, despite the fact that he is less man than god. Gilgameshs desire and determination to defy death, is what allows him to exceed all expectations, and successfully complete all obstacles presented before him. When Gilgamesh reaches Utanapishtim, he has so many questions in regard to mortality. When Gilgamesh insists that he be permitted to live eternal life, Utnapishtim states If you think you can stay alive for eternity, surely you can stay awake for a week. (Stephens, Book XI). When Gilgamesh fails the test, he thinks that it is over. Just as Gilgamesh is prepared to return to Uruk, Utanapishtims wife tells him that there is a plant that has the ability to return someone back to their youthful years. In pursuit of his goal, Gilgamesh is determined to find the plant. Despite all the obstacles Gilgamesh overcame, unfortunately, his chance at immortalit y was taken from him by a snake. Even though he failed to attain immortality, Gilgamesh by far was not a failure. Ultimately, Gilgamesh returns back home to Uruk where he presents himself as a totally different king. He now is a king of virtuous status, and of moral being. These are qualities that he did not possess in the beginning of his reign. With this, Gilgamesh is truly a hero amongst his people of Uruk. Gilgameshs mysticism, however, also shows a different side of the goals that Gilgamesh had set for himself. A man two-thirds god and one-third man sets himself apart from all others. In her book, Gilgamesh the Hero, Geraldine McCaughrean, describe the condition of Gilgamesh in saying: Gilgamesh wants to escape human limitations, to get answers to questions not available to his contemporaries, and perhaps most importantly, he wants to overcome mortality both for himself and others. But ultimately his story shows us that, despite his extraordinary talents, in these matters he is not different from other humans. Thus, we see that it is precisely his human limitations that make him truly heroic. (82-83). With Gilgameshs divine lineage, he is able to complete some enormous and astonishing obstacles. His obsession with attaining immortality, and seeking the knowledge on how to achieve it, set him apart from his old self. Looking at the effort and drive that Gilgamesh puts towards attaining immortality, this lets us know that he is not only doing this for himself, but potentially for those he loved. Mortality is inescapable, no matter the genetic makeup of an individual however, this did not stop Gilgameshs pursuit to reach his goal. No matter how amazing a person may be, that doesnt matter when evaluating human life, for all humans must die, as in the unfortunate fate of Enkidu. For any individual that is only human, that person will have limitations on the things that they can and cannot do; thus, it is not Gilgameshs divinity but his humanity that truly defines him and signifies him as a hero in the eyes of the people of Uruk. The lesson that one should take from Gilgamesh is to never give up on accomplishing a goal, even if the pathway to reach them seems impossible. This message that Stephen Mitchell demonstrated throughout the epic in combination with the presentation of morality, well-being, and virtue all display lessons that were shown through an epic poem that has endured centuries. From conquering battles with fierce beasts, to watching his best friend die, to embarking on a journey to attain immortality, The Epic of Gilgamesh is amusing while also displaying segments of a harsh reality. Losing the rejuvenation plant to a snake appeared to be a defeat, until Gilgamesh witnesses the change that has transformed within himself while on his journey. To go from being hated by his people to becoming a hero in their eyes, Gilgameshs character change was prevalent; however, without the unfortunate death of his friend, none of this would have happened. In the article Death, Lessick wrote the theme of death and heroism is seen regularly. In Gilgamesh, the ancient epic of Mesopotamia, heroism is clearly illustrated through relationships, responding to the deaths of loved ones, and war. (Vol. 3). With his failure to achieve immortality, and his transformation Gilgamesh is truly now a hero, because he has discovered how to be humane despite being more god. In Looking at the other Gilgamesh, Dickson wrote The One Who Saw has now become the One Who is Seen and, even more tellingly, the one seen not as the acme of heroism or the standard of masculine heauty. (171-182). Gilgameshs heroism and transformation are such a joy to witness and he sets out on his journey.