Diabetes And Other Non Communicable Diseases Sciences Essays

Diabetes And Other Non Communicable Diseases Sciences Essays Diabetes And Other Non Communicable Diseases Sciences Essay Diabetes And Other Non Communicable Diseases Sciences Essay Today, diabetes and other non catching diseases ( NCDs ) that portion the same hazard factors represent a taking menace to wellness and human development. An estimated 8 to 14 million people die prematurely every twelvemonth in developing states due to preventable NCDs chiefly cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, malignant neoplastic diseases, and chronic respiratory diseases. These people are deceasing excessively immature as a consequence of increased exposure to the common hazard factors for NCDs: unhealthy diets, physical inaction, baccy usage and the harmful usage of alcohol. ( WHO ) . Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus consequences from insulin opposition, a status in which cells fail to utilize insulin decently, sometimes combined with absolute insulin deficiency. ( Wikipedia ) . Diabetes is recognized as a group of heterogenous upsets with the common elements of hyperglycaemia and glucose intolerance, due to insulin lack, impaired effectivity of insulin action, or both ( IDF ) . Epidemiology of T2DM Diabetess mellitus is one of the most common hormone upsets impacting about 6 % of the universe s population. [ 1 ] Etiology of Diabetes mellitus The causes of diabetes mellitus are incompletely understood. It has now been widely accepted that the cause of diabetes mellitus is multifactorial and that both familial and environmental factors play a conducive function. [ 1 ] Asiatic populations are multiracial and have multi factorial causes of type 2 diabetes. The mechanisms implicit in development of the disease are complex and varied, even within these populations. The major aetiologic constituents of type 2 diabetes are impaired insulin secernment and impaired insulin action, which are aggravated by the presence and grade of glucotoxicity. Both constituents might besides be genetically predetermined. [ 2 ] Definition of T2DM The definition of diabetes may be given in different footings but the significance of the definitions is the same, as diabetes has become an endemic Non catching disease non merely in developed states but besides increasing prevalence in developing states. This displacement in the from traditional Healthy diets to western The Indian nutrient points are usually rich in fats and the method of the readying of a individual nutrient point differs from one individual to the other. The street nutrient peddling units and the wont of eating outside the place has mostly affected the normal nutrient forms in India. The street nutrients which include get downing from breakfast point like vada, poori etc has increased ingestion in the Indian population to the tiffin points and flushing bites which include mirch bajji, aloo bonda and confab bhandar nutrients has increased ingestion due to miss of clip to fix clip at place households are largely depending on the nutrient available outside the place . ( besides the Indian fast nutrient is bad: think of Vada-Pav ) fast nutrient diets, deficiency of regular physical activity, unable to keep a normal organic structure weight and increasing usage of baccy both in work forces and adult females are the nucleus causes for diabetes happening. I truly can non notice on this statement as I read it in one of the below listed articles ( Do you truly believe so? ! Where have you read this? Not right ) . Ethnicities Harmonizing to the Journal article of Nepal Medical Association by Battarai MD [ 3 ] , Ethnicity is considered to be an of import factor in diabetes development with higher rates being reported in Asians, Hispanics, African Americans and autochthonal peoples of the USA, Canada, Australia and Pacific parts ( IDF ) . However the term ethnicity appears to transport the impression of prevailing familial component, which we can non alter. With increasing fleshiness, diminishing physical activity, and lifting life anticipation of population, prevalence of diabetes additions. Prevalence of diagnosed diabetes in the USA increased increasingly from 0.9 % in 1958 to 5.9 % in 2006. Beginning: Center for disease control and prevention The universe broad statistics of diabetes from different cited articles suggests that, In Canada age adjusted addition in prevalence was from 4.4 % in 1986 to 6.6 % in 1991.11 Similarly in Iceland the prevalence in males was 2.8 % in 1970-1972, 4.5 % in 1979-1984 and 5.0 % in 1985-1990. The comparative diabetes prevalence estimations for 2007 in North America and Europe are about 4-9 % . ( IDF ) . In the USA there is progressive addition in fleshiness and an estimated 66 % of grownups were fleshy or corpulent in 2003-2004. ( NCHS ) . Similar rise in fleshiness was seen in Europe. ( WHO ) The grownup average organic structure mass index ( BMI ) degrees of 20-23 kg/m2 were found among the general population in Africa and Asia, while degrees were 25-27 kg/m2 across North America and Europe in 2002. The proportion of entire estimated figure of people with diabetes in 2007 in 20-39, 40-59 and 60-79 age groups are 7-10 % , 36-45 % , and 46-57 % in European and North American parts severall y and 23-33 % , 42-52 % and 25-30 % in African, South-East Asian and Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East parts severally. ( Bhattarai MD ) Prevalence of diabetes among grownups above 20 old ages in urban India was about 1 % in 1960 which increased steeply making to about 12 % by 2005. Similarly, analysis of old tendencies of age adjusted prevalence rates of diabetes in different urban countries reveals 7.7 % in 1990 and 8.9 % in 1995 in Hong Kong, 8.1 % in 1993 in Singapore and 11 % in 1995 in Taiwan ; 4 5 % in 1994 in urban Sri Lanka, 9.7 % in 2004 in urban Cambodia and 4.5 % in 1997 and 8.1 % in 2005 in Dhaka 9.5 % in Latinos and 13.3 % in Africans in 2005 in the USA and 15.2 % in Bahrain and Qatar and 19.4 % in the United Arab Emirates in 2007 ( Bhattarai MD ) GENETICS OF T2DM Type 2 diabetes is a disease characterized by impaired b-cell secernment of insulin, in combination with opposition to insulin in its mark tissues. Both insulin secernment and insulin sensitiveness are influenced by familial and environmental factors. [ 4 ] Although monogenic signifiers of diabetes have been found ( Table 1 ) [ 5 ] , the bulk of instances of type 2 diabetes do non demo heritage as a Mendelian trait, but instead as a genetically complex upset in which familial discrepancies predispose persons to develop the disease. The environmental factors, such as extra nutrient and limited physical activity. The rapid rise in diabetes prevalence over the last few decennaries strongly suggests that familial discrepancies involved in type 2 diabetes are interacting with environmental factors. Table 1.Genes Associated with Diabetess: Overview of their Target Tissue1, Function2, and Related Medication3 Diabetess Gene Proposed Diabetess Target Cell Type / Tissue1 Monogenic Diabetess4 Type 2 Diabetess5 Proposed Function ( s ) for Gene Product2 Drug ( s ) Affecting theSame Pathway as theDiabetess Gene3 ABCC8 Pancreass b-Cell Ten B-cell ion homeostasis and insulin secernment ; ATP-binding cassette transporter that modulates ATP sensitive K channels and insulin release Sulfonylurea derived functions ADAMTS9 Unknown Ten Cleavage of proteoglycans Unknown CDC123 Pancreass b-Cell Ten Cell rhythm ordinance Unknown CDKAL1 Pancreass b-Cell Ten Growth and development Proinsulin to insulin transition Unknown CDKN2A Pancreass b-Cell Ten Cell rhythm ordinance Unknown CEL unknown Ten Glycoprotein that is of import in ordinance of cholesterin Metamorphosis Unknown Terrorist organization hypothalamus Ten Associated to fleshiness Unknown GCK unknown Ten Catalyzes reaction from glucose to glucose-6- Phosphate Unknown HHEX Pancreass b-Cell Ten Growth and development ; written text factor Unknown HNF4a Pancreass b-Cell Ten Growth and development ; written text factor Unknown IDE Pancreass b-Cell Ten Termination of the response to insulin Unknown IGF2BP2 Pancreass b-Cell Ten Growth and development Unknown JAZF1 Pancreass b-Cell Ten Cell rhythm ordinance ; transcriptional represser Unknown KCNJ11 Pancreass b-Cell Ten Ten B-cell ion homeostasis and insulin secernment Sulfonylurea derived functions KCNQ1 Pancreass b-Cell Ten B-cell ion homeostasis and insulin secernment Sulfonylurea derived functions KLF11 unknown Ten unknown Unknown NEUROD1 Pancreass b-Cell Ten Growth and development ; written text factor that activates several cistrons including insulin and is of import for early b-cell development Unknown NOTCH2 Pancreass b-Cell Ten Growth and development ; written text factor ; receptor for membrane edge ligands Unknown PDX1 Pancreass b-Cell Ten Growth and development ; atomic protein that acts as a transcriptional activator of several cistrons including insulin and is of import for early b-cell development Unknown PPARG Adipocytes Ten Nuclear receptor ( transcription factor ) that regulates adipocyte distinction Thiazolidinediones SLC30A8 Pancreass b-Cell Ten B-cell ion homeostasis and insulin secernment ; cellular outflow of Zn2+ ions Proinsulin to insulin transition Sulfonylurea derived functions TCF1 Pancreass b-Cell Ten Growth and development ; Transcription factor that forms a complex with the merchandise of TCF2 of import for Wnt signaling Unknown TCF2 Pancreass b-Cell Ten Ten Growth and development ; written text factor that forms a complex with the merchandise of TCF1 of import for Wnt signaling Cell rhythm ordinance Unknown TCF7L2 Pancreass b-Cell Ten Wnt signaling Proinsulin to insulin transition Unknown THADA Pancreass b-Cell Ten Apoptosis Unknown TSPAN8 Unknown Ten Glycoprotein involved in the mediation of signal Transduction Unknown WFS1 Pancreass b-Cell Ten Ten Apoptosis ; Endoplasmic Reticulum emphasis tract activation Unknown Other T2DM susceptibleness cistrons TCF7L2 joins a instead short list of cistrons that have been reproducibly associated with T2D. The strongest extra campaigners for this list include the E23K discrepancy of KCNJ11 and the P12A discrepancy of PPARG. Both of these associations have been replicated in several samples, and the cumulative grounds has long surpassed genome-wide significance. The past two old ages have witnessed an acceleration in our apprehension of both monogenic and multi factorial signifiers of diabetes. There are really strong evidences for believing that the following moving ridge of fresh diabetes-susceptibility discrepancies will flux from the genome-wide association surveies that are presently underway. As with TCF7L2, we can anticipate these to present important new penetrations into the pathogenesis of T2D and the allelomorphic architecture of complex traits in general. [ 6 ] Genome-Wide Association Studies ( GWAS ) Recent progresss in genotyping techniques and the aggregation of big, type 2 diab etes patient cohorts have made it possible to execute hypothesis-free genome-wide association surveies ( GWAS ) to place common familial discrepancies that increase susceptibleness to type 2 diabetes. It has been estimated that, in a Caucasic population, measuring 500,000 SNPs will observe around 80 % of the common familial fluctuation. The genome-wide attack has been really successful for type 2 diabetes, taking to the designation of over a twelve common familial discrepancies associated with the disease lying near cistrons that had non antecedently been associated with a diabetic phenotype. [ 4 ] WC Cut-offs for Asiatic Indians: Action level 1: Work force: 78 centimeter, adult females: 72 centimeter. Any individual with WC above these degrees should avoid deriving weight and maintain physical activity to avoid geting any of the cardiovascular hazard factor. These action degree 1 cut-offs demand to be researched farther. Action level 2: Work force: 90 centimeter, adult females: 80 centimeter. Capable with WC above this should seek medical aid so that obesity-related hazard factors could be investigated and managed. [ 7 ] Diet and T2DM Dietary fat and insulin opposition Dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids ( PUFAs ) :An impressive organic structure of grounds has established the nexus between dietetic lipoids, membrane lipoids and insulin opposition in carnal surveies. Overall, surveies have shown that dietetic? -3 PUFAs addition EPA and DHA content of phospholipids membrane, better lipoid profile and have either a good or no consequence on insulin sensitiveness. Dietary saturated fatty acids ( SFAs ) :Intake of SFAs is a important independent forecaster of fasting and postprandial insulin concentrations. Overall consumption of dietetic SFAs is positively related to insulin opposition. Replacing SFAs with MUFAs or PUFAs in dietetic fat may be a utile dietetic intercession to forestall metabolic impairment. Dietary glandular fever unsaturated fatty acids ( MUFAs ) :Overall, high MUFAs diets have shown good consequence in direction of T2DM but its influence on insulin opposition, although appears good, is still inconclusive. Dietary trans fatty acids ( TFAs ) :Dietary TFAs consumption has been found to be associated with dyslipidaemia and addition hazard of T2DM and CVD, but the relationship between dietetic TFAs and insulin opposition has been ill investigated. Overall, limited informations suggest that dietetic TFAs consumption, although associated with dyslipidaemia and addition hazard of T2DM and CVD, may non impact insulin sensitiveness particularly in healthy persons. Conjugated linoleic acid ( CLA ) :CLA is a mixture of positional and geometric isomers of LA ( 18:2n-6 ) normally found in beef, lamb and dairy merchandises. Overall, limited informations suggest that dietetic TFAs consumption, although associated with dyslipidaemia and addition hazard of T2DM and CVD, may non impact insulin sensitiveness particularly in healthy persons. Dietary saccharide consumption and insulin opposition Sucrose/fructose:high sucrose/fructose diet additions organic structure weight and hazard for T2DM and its influence on insulin sensitiveness, although appears hurtful, is still inconclusive. Low glycaemic index nutrients:Prospective surveies have shown that ingestion of low dietetic GI nutrients is associated with a lower hazard of T2DM, proposing a preventative function of low GI diets. [ 8 ] . A low GI diet improves blood glucose control as manifested by lowered day-long glycaemia, lowered glycosylated haemoglobin concentration and improved glucose tolerance. A retrospective meta analysis of randomized controlled clinical tests comparing low and high GI diets in the intervention of T1DM and T2DM. They found that low GI diets globally reduced HbA1C by 0.43 per cent points compared to high GI diets in surveies with both T1DM and T2DM topics. [ 9 ] Whole grain consumption:In drumhead, whole grain consumption is associated with lower prevalence of the metabolic syndrome, BMI values, entire cholesterin, and LDL-C degrees and improves insulin sensitiveness. Asiatic Indians in India consume comparatively more saccharides ( ~60-67 % of the energy consumption ) as compared to the migratory Asiatic Indians in UK ( ~46 % of the energy consumption ) and USA ( ~56-58 % of the energy consumption ) . Sevak et Al found that carbohydrate consumption ( as a per centum of entire energy ) was reciprocally correlated with insulin sensitiveness ( i.e. , entire saccharide and sucrose were positively correlated with insulin opposition ) , with a stronger correlativity for sucrose than for amylum. The same form was seen for fasting insulin, but the correlativity was weaker [ 10 ] . Data suggest that dietetic? -3 PUFAs addition EPA and DHA content of phospholipids membrane, better lipoid profile and may hold good consequence on insulin opposition. Dietary SFAs consumption is positively associated with insulin opposition. Replacing dietetic SFAs with PUFAs or MUFAs can hold positive effects on insulin sensitiveness. High sucrose/fructose diet addition organ ic structure weight, and hazard for T2DM, and may hold hurtful consequence on insulin sensitiveness. Evidence suggests that high saccharide diets increase concentrations of plasma triglycerides and diminish HDL-C and LDL-C and do postprandial hyperinsulinaemia. However, it is still non clear from the available informations whether the clinical public-service corporation of increasing the fibre content or diminishing the GI of low-fat/high-carbohydrates diets is preferred to merely replacing saturated fat with unsaturated fat and diminishing saccharides intake to diminish insulin opposition. [ 10 ] Familial sensitivity, dietetic wonts, quickly altering life style, physical inaction and migration are conducive factors for high prevalence of insulin opposition in Asiatic Indians compared with white Caucasic and in-depth probes on these issues are required. Asiatic Indians and South Asians have higher consumptions of saccharide and? -6 PUFAs, lower consumptions of? -3 PUFAs and fi ber, and higher? -6/ ? 3 PUFAs ratio as compared to white Caucasians. Recently, our group has reported that dietetic? -6 PUFAs consumption is signifi cant independent forecasters of fasting hyperinsulinaemia in immature Asiatic Indians. ( Change in wonts ) MANAGEMENT OF TYPE 2 DIABETES The corner rock for diabetes direction still lies in diet and exercising [ 11 ] . There is besides a easy spread outing list of drugs being used to handle type 2 diabetes, all of which act through one of the tracts of import in diabetes pathophysiology. However, neither alterations in lifestyle nor the usage of medicine are sufficient to bring around diabetes, although both intercessions can detain the patterned advance of disease. [ 12 ] There is hence an pressing demand to develop new medicines or schemes to counter the immense addition in instances expected in the hereafter. Since the direction of type 2 diabetes with either lifestyle alterations, medicine or both, is more effectual when started at an early phase, bettering the techniques for early diagnosing and the chances for early intercession will greatly better the effects of current ways of pull offing type 2 diabetes. IMPLICATIONS FOR PREVENTION AND TREATMENT Familial Screening for Prediction and Prevention The effectivity of current type 2 diabetes direction is greatly improved when it is started at an early phase of the disease. If familial testing could be used to foretell type 2 diabetes, preventative steps could be taken and diabetes could potentially be managed more easy. However, the discrepancies associated with type 2 diabetes that have been identified so far merely explicate a little per centum of the entire familial fluctuation that is thought to be present [ 13-14 ] . It is hence non yet possible to execute accurate prognostic familial testing but, in the close hereafter, research should supply more penetration into the chances for such testing. Common discrepancies in type 2 diabetes cistrons associating to cell rhythm events and programmed cell death, and stand foring different allelomorphs than those associated to type 2 diabetes, are besides associated with assorted malignant neoplastic diseases. [ 4 ] . ( This above artic le from mention 4 ) In the survey by Leitzmann M F, et Al, revealed that diabetes was reciprocally associated with early phase prostate malignant neoplastic disease but it showed no relation with aggressive prostate malignant neoplastic disease. But there was an association between diabetes and aggressive prostate malignant neoplastic disease in the subgroup of work forces with a low BMI. [ 15 ] Both a high proportion of organic structure fat and a predomination of cardinal fleshiness are associated with insulin opposition. A high proportion of Asiatic people have both these features, and might besides hold pancreatic ?-cell secretory defects. [ 16 ] Diabetess and other complications because of diabetes A epidemiological survey estimated the prevalence of anaemia to be 12.3 % in persons with type 2 diabetes mellitus, above the age of 40 old ages ; no gender differences were observed. Persons with anaemia were 1.80 times more likely to develop diabetic retinopathy than persons with no anaemia. In work forces, the hazard of developing diabetic retinopathy increased to 2.05 times. A salient determination was the association between the continuance of diabetes and the prevalence of anaemia. Persons with continuance of diabetes of more than 5 old ages have 1.56 times higher hazard of developing anaemia than those with diabetes for less than 5 old ages. These observations suggest that anemia rating should be considered in the everyday direction of individuals with diabetes and should be treated to minimise the hazard of microvascular complications such as nephropathy and retinopathy. ( Anemia and Diabetic Retinopathy in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Padmaja Kumari Rani ) T2DM Is a Familial Disease: Classical Evidence The spectrum of T2DM prevalence in different cultural groups The prevalence of T2DM varies widely among populations, but the disease prevalence varies well among cultural groups that portion a similar environment supports the thought that familial factors contribute to disease sensitivity. Familial collection: Other than cistrons, households portion environments, civilization and wonts, yet familial collection of the disease is another beginning of grounds for a familial part to the disease. Twin surveies:Multiple surveies of duplicate harmony rates have been undertaken in T2DM. Estimates for harmony rates have ranged from 0.29 to 1.00 in monozygotic ( MZ ) twins, while in dizygous ( DZ ) twins the scope was 0.10-0.43. In malice of several cautions in duplicate surveies, the high harmony in MZ twins and the 50 % autumn in DZ twins provides compelling grounds for a familial constituent of T2DM. Heritability of intermediate phenotypes:Insulin sensitiveness and insulin secernment deteriorate in analogue in most human T2DM. Oxidative Metabolism and the Pancreatic ?-Cell Insulin secernment by the pancreatic ?-cell is modulated by multiple stimulations. Oxidative mitochondrial metamorphosis and adenosine triphosphate ( ATP ) coevals is indispensable to glucose stirred insulin secernment. The increased ratio of ATP to adenosine diphosphate ( ADP ) in the ?-cell triggers a series of events: suppression of the cell s ATP/ADP-regulated K channel ( KATP, encoded by cistrons KCNJ11 and ABCC8 ) , plasma membrane depolarisation, gap of a voltage-gated Ca channel, Ca inflow, and conveyance and binding of insulin granules to the cell surface [ 17 ] . The ATP/ADP ratio is in bend altered by UCP2, an built-in mitochondrial membrane protein that permits protons to leak across the mitochondrial inner membrane, therefore decoupling of glucose oxidative metamorphosis from ATP production. By diminishing the sum of ATP generated from glucose, UCP2 look negatively regulates glucose-stimulated insulin secernment. Over-expression of UCP2 in ?-cells in vitro lessenings glu cose-stimulated insulin secernment [ 18 ] . Glucose homeostasis:the cardinal nervous system. Degrees of glucose in the blood are regulated by a complex interplay between the visual aspect of glucose from both enteric soaking up and hepatic production and its disappearing through insulin-dependent and insulin independent glucose consumption in a assortment of tissues. After the nightlong fast, glucose is mostly produced by animal starch dislocation and gluconeogenesis. About 80 % of this glucose released by liver is metabolized independent of insulin by encephalon and other insulin-independent tissues ( intestine, ruddy cells ) . The median hypothalamus, a major planimeter of nutritionary and hormonal signals, plays a polar function non merely in the ordinance of energy balance but besides in the transition of liver glucose end product. The ?-Cell and Type 2 Diabetess Damage of insulin secernment from pancreatic ?-cell is besides a major constituent of T2DM pathogenesis. Analysis of mutants involved in six different adulthood onset diabetes of the immature ( MODY ) cistrons have revealed the of import function of written text factors in the insulin secernment. Many mechanisms lending to T2DM may trip ?-cell programmed cell death and decreased ?-cell mass or ability to counterbalance for insulin opposition [ 19 ] Cost of diabetes in India. Figure 1-Expenditure incurred by urban and rural topics in relation to the figure of complications. The x-axis shows the prevalence of complications, and the y-axis shows the outgo incurred in Indian Rs. In a survey Ramachandran A et Al, [ 20 ] indicated that the economic load of diabetes care on households in developing states is lifting quickly, even after accounting for the rising prices. The highest addition in per centum of family income devoted to diabetes attention was in the lowest economic group ( 34 % of income in 1998 vs. 24.5 % in 2005 ) . There was a important betterment in urban topics in medical reimbursement from 2 % ( 1998 ) to 21.3 % ( 2005 ) . So the survey concludes that Urban and rural diabetic topics spend a big per centum of income on diabetes direction. The economic load on urban households in developing states is lifting, and the entire direct cost has doubled from 1998 to 2005. [ 20 ] High Prevalence of Diabetes and Cardiovascular Risk Factors Associated With Urbanization in India This survey studies alterations in diabetes prevalence based on population studies in Southern India. The prevalence of diabetes in the metropolis and the town was similar. IGT decreased in all countries, most markedly in the metropolis, accompaniment with an addition in diabetes. High prevalence of diabetes in the metropolis and the town and a rapid addition in the PUVs could mostly be due to urbanisation. Urbanization in India is expected to make 46 % by 2030 ( WHO Demographic tendencies ) ; hence, in the hereafter a larger part to the diabetic population would be from rural countries. The most unexpected findings in the survey were the pronounced addition in prevalence of diabetes in the PUVs and a crisp decrease in IGT in all countries. One of the restrictions was that comparings were made of surveies done in different PUV locations. Therefore, temporal alterations and geographic differences could hold contributed to the differences. Demographic and population features of the sur vey populations were similar in these country [ 21 ] In a survey by Ramachandran A et Al fleshiness, female sex, parental history of type 2 diabetes, and pubertal age appeared to be strongly associated with the disease in Asiatic kids. Unlike in the kids with type 1 diabetes who had acute oncoming of the disease with terrible symptoms and ketoacidurias, thin organic structure weight, and deficiency of familial collection, the type 2 diabetic kids showed characteristics similar to authoritative grownup onset type 2 diabetes. Obesity was present in lone half of the probands seen by them. Insulin opposition is a common characteristic even in nonobese Asian-Indian topics. Type 2 diabetes in kids is an entity that needs to be recognized and looked for, particularly in corpulent kids of diabetic parents in India. Asymptomatic nature may detain the diagnosing in many as it normally does in grownup type 2 diabetic topics. [ 22 ] Treatment of T2DM A survey by Knowler WC, et Al revealed that Lifestyle alterations and intervention with Glucophage both have reduced the incidence of diabetes in individuals at high hazard. It besides stated that lifestyle intercession was more effectual than Glucophage. [ 12 ] In the farther surveies by Molitch M E, et Al, showed the incidence of diabetes was reduced by 58 % with the lifestyle intercession and by 31 % with Glucophage, compared with placebo. These effects were shown to be similar in work forces and adult females, and in all

Why the Department of Homeland Security Was Created

Why the Department of Homeland Security Was Created The Department of Homeland Security is the primary agency in the U.S. government whose mission is to prevent terrorist attacks on American soil. Homeland Security is a cabinet-level department  that has its  origins in the nations response to the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, when members of terrorist network al-Qaeda hijacked four American commercial airliners and intentionally crashed them into the World Trade Center towers in New York City, the Pentagon near Washington, D.C., and a field in Pennsylvania. Unified, Effective Response to Terror President George W. Bush  initially created Homeland Security as an office inside the White House  10 days after the terrorist attacks. Bush announced the creation of the office and his choice to lead it, Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge, on Sept. 21, 2001. He will lead, oversee and coordinate a comprehensive national strategy to safeguard our country against terrorism and respond to any attacks that may come, Bush said. Ridge reported directly to the president and was assigned the task of coordinating the 180,000 employees working in the nations  intelligence, defense and law  enforcement agencies to protect the homeland. Ridge described the daunting role of his agency in a 2004 interview with reporters. We have to be right a billion-plus times a year, meaning we have to make literally hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of decisions every year, or every day, and the terrorists only have to be right once, Ridge said.   One lawmaker, citing the biblical story of Noah, described Ridges  monumental task as trying to build an ark after the rain has already started falling. Creation of Cabinet Department Bushs creation of the White House office also marked the beginning of a debate in Congress to establish a Department of Homeland Security in the broader federal government. Bush initially resisted the idea of moving such an important responsibility into the Byzantine bureaucracy, but signed onto the idea in 2002. Congress approved the creation of The Department of Homeland Security in November 2002, and Bush signed the legislation into law that same month. He also nominated Ridge to be the first-ever secretary of the department. The Senate confirmed Ridge in January 2003. 22 Agencies Absorbed  By Homeland Security Bushs intention in creating the Department of Homeland Security was to bring under one roof most  of the federal governments law-enforcement, immigration and anti-terror-related agencies. The president moved 22 federal department and agencies under Homeland Security, as one official told The Washington Post, so we are not doing things in stovepipes but doing it as a department. The move was portrayed at the time as the largest reorganization of the federal governments responsibilities since World War II. The 22 federal departments and agencies absorbed by  Homeland Security are: Transportation Security AdministrationCoast Guard  Federal  Emergency Management Agency  Secret Service  Customs and Border ProtectionImmigration and Customs EnforcementCitizenship and Immigration ServicesCritical Infrastructure Assurance Office of the Department of CommerceNational Communications System of the Federal Bureau of InvestigationNational Infrastructure Simulation and Analysis CenterEnergy Assurance Office of the Department of Energy  Federal Computer Incident Response Center of the General Services AdministrationFederal Protective Service  Office of Domestic PreparednessFederal Law Enforcement Training Center  Integrated Hazard Information System of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric AdministrationNational Domestic Preparedness Office of the FBIDomestic Emergency Support Team of the Department of JusticeMetropolitan Medical Response System of the Department of Health and Human ServicesNational Disaster Medical System of the Department of Health and Human ServicesOffice of Emergency Preparedness and the Strategic National Stockpile of the Department of Health and Human Services Plum Island Animal Disease Center of Department of Agriculture Evolving Role Since 2001 The Department of Homeland Security has been called on numerous times to handle catastrophes other than those caused by terrorism. They include cyber crimes, border security and immigration, and human trafficking and natural disasters such as the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in 2010 and Hurricane Sandy in 2012. The department also plans security for major public events including the Super Bowl and the presidents State of the Union Address. Controversies  and Criticism The Department of Homeland Security came under scrutiny almost from the moment it was created. It has endured stinging criticism from lawmakers, terrorism experts and the public for issuing vague and confusing alerts over the years.   Terror alerts: Its color-coded alert system, developed under Ridge, was widely ridiculed and criticized for not being more specific about how the public should respond to elevated threats. The system used five colors - green, blue, yellow, orange and red - to inform the public in real-time about the threat of terrorism.Appearing on the  Tonight Show  with Jay Leno in November 2002, Ridge was pressed by the comedian:  Im sitting at home in my underpants watching the game and, boop, were in yellow. What do I do now?  Ridges response: Change shorts. Nonetheless, the color-coded alerts were a source of frustration among Americans who were being told  to be on alert, but werent sure about what to look for.Duct tape: So, too, was the departments 2003 directive that Americans stock up on  duct tape and plastic sheeting to seal the windows and doors of their home in the event of a terrorist attack.Harold Schaitberger, general president of the  International Association of Fire Fighters, told the  Chicago Tribune: Most of the suggestions, I dont believe, are effective at all in really helping to protect anyone from many of these biological and chemical threats.  I mean, duct tape and plastic? Wheres the good air coming from? Hows it going to be recirculated? Beyond the fact that we already know, for nerve gas and other elements, the plastic is totally ineffective.Quipped Leno: This means the only people who are going to survive an attack are serial killers. Who else has duct tape and plastic sheeting in their car? Going global: Homeland Security has also caused friction between the United States and some European countries for deploying about 2,000 special agents and immigration workers to more than 70 countries, as The New York Times reported in late 2017. The United States under President Donald Trump was accused of trying to export its immigration laws, the newspaper reported.Katrina: Homeland Security came under the most intense fire, however, for its response to and handling of the devastation wrought by Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the costliest natural disaster in American history. The agency was hammered for not developing a national response plan until two days after the storm hit.If our government failed so utterly in preparing for, and responding to, a disaster that had been long predicted and was imminent for days, we must wonder how much more profound the failure would be if a disaster were to take us by complete surprise, said Republican Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, who called Home land Securitys response  alarming and unacceptable.   Department of Homeland Security History Here is a timeline of key moments in the creation of the Department of Homeland Security. Sept. 11, 2001: Members of the terrorist network al-Qaeda, acting under the direction of Osama bin Laden, orchestrate a series of attacks on the United States after hijacking four airplanes. The attacks killed nearly 3,000 people.Sept. 22, 2001: President George W. Bush creates the Office of Homeland Security in the White House, and chooses then-Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge to lead it.  Nov. 25, 2002: Bush signs the Congress-passed bill creating the Department of Homeland Security in the federal government. We are taking historic action to defend the United States and protect our citizens against the dangers of a new era, Bush said at the ceremony. He nominated Ridge to be secretary.Jan. 22, 2003:  The U.S. Senate, in a  unanimous, 94-0 vote, confirms Ridge as the first secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. Bush issued a prepared statement afterward that read: With todays historic vote, the Senate has demonstrated our shared commitment to doing everything we can to s ecure our homeland. The department initially has about 170,000 employees. Nov. 30, 2004: Ridge announces he plans to step down as secretary of Homeland Security, citing personal reasons. I just want to step back and pay a little more attention to personal matters,  he told reporters. Ridge served in the position through Feb. 1, 2005.Feb. 15, 2005: Michael Chertoff, a federal appeals court judge and former assistant U.S. attorney general credited with helping investigators link the terrorist attacks to al-Qaeda, takes over as the second Homeland Security secretary under Bush. He departed at the end of Bushs second term.Jan. 20, 2009: Janet Napolitano, the governor of Arizona, was tapped by incoming President Barack Obama to serve as Homeland Security secretary in his administration. She resigned in July 2013 to become the head of the University of California system after becoming embroiled in the debate over immigration; she was accused both of being too harsh in deporting those living in the United States illegally and not acting forcefully enough to sec ure the nations borders. Dec. 23, 2013: Jeh Johnson, a former general counsel to the Pentagon and the Air Force, takes over as the fourth Homeland Security secretary. He served through the remainder of Obamas tenure in the White House.Jan. 20, 2017: John F. Kelly, a retired Marine general,  and incoming President Donald Trumps pick, becomes the fifth Homeland Security secretary. He served in the position through July 2017 and became chief of staff to Trump.Dec. 5, 2017: Kirstjen Nielsen, a  cybersecurity expert  who worked in the Bush administration and as a deputy to Kelly, is confirmed as Homeland Security secretary to replace her former boss. The department has grown to 240,000 employees, according to published reports.

Research Paper ( Fine Art) Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

( Fine Art) - Research Paper Example This therefore implies that art is relative and differs greatly with the region either of origin or of representation. The metropolitan Museum in New York therefore stocks artifacts from diverse cultures among the most common of the current exhibits are The Sleeping Eros, Birds in the art of Japan and Plain or Fancy among many others. The above artifacts have unique features that set them apart from the rest. Additionally, the creators of such works employ different artistic features to ensure that the above artifacts communicate effectively and draw the attention from their audiences. Each of the three artifacts has specific placing and draw relevance to specific cultures. However, the modern society is integrated and culture therefore is increasingly difficult to distinct between the different social groupings. This requirement by the modern consumers of art works dictates the use of familiar and modern features that best earn the artifacts familiarity with the modern audience. Owi ng to such features as time and the social stratifications, the different artifacts possess distinctive features, which readily set them apart in terms of both their time of production thus their target audience. The Sleeping Eros for example is an iconic artifact in the museum, one of the oldest and among the finest. Set during the Bronze Age in the human history, the artifact consists of pure bronze. Man had identified a number of metals throughout the evolution history. The discovery of bronze was an integral period in the development of man since with bronze, man could make very strong and durable (Semper and Harry 33). Bronze was therefore the only essential tool man had, he artifact is therefore also made of bronze and set in the early times. The sleeping Eros is a simple artifact, which simply depicts a sleeping male child with curly white hair lying on his left arm but with a wing. The simplicity of the creation makes it easier to understand and is typical of the timing of t he artifact. At such early periods, man had not developed sophisticated features that could influence the development of more sophisticated artifacts. However, in its simplicity owing to the use of bronze, which was arguably easier to manipulate, the artifact conveys complex social features of the early Greek society. The hair of the Eros among other pertinent features sets it to the early Greek culture. Its other intricate features such as the wing and the missing left arm set it in the supernatural world thereby earning it some elements of divinity. Plain or fancy is yet another beautiful artifact, which just as the name depicts a comparison of two iconic artifacts bound into one. It is a painting of two different jugs. One of the jugs is earthen while the other is metallic. The difference between the jugs is conspicuous yet it becomes increasingly difficult to select which is more beautiful. In such a simple creation, the artist manages to conceal his intended meaning in the cont ours of his creation. The relativity in the comparison of the two jugs is also applicable in the analysis of the message that the artist communicates in his artifact (Foster and Judith 51). It is evident that the artifact compares a number of features of both the earthen jug and the metallic one. In the history of man, the use of earthenware was characteristic of the

Book Review on the book The Underground Railroad From Slavery To Essay

Book Review on the book The Underground Railroad From Slavery To Freedom (A comprehensive History) by Wilbur H. Siebert - Essay Example Siebert’s narrative is based on a comprehensive research expanding over fifty years. The book is an interesting compilation of various forms of writings such as speeches, letters, biography as well as direct narratives. The author begins with a detailed description of the various sources - articles in periodicals, contemporaneous documents, and collections of reminiscences - that have been used to write this book. As many locals were aiding the escape of slaves, the author chronicles the events that led to the draft of the Fugitive Slave Law in 1793, by which helping slaves escape was declared as an offence. This high level of ill-treatment resulted in the deep desire among the slaves to attain freedom. At this time, they also began to hear about the favorable condition in Canada. Soon, the Underground Railroad system began to develop in Ohio, Iowa and Illinois. The author further talks about the abduction of slaves from the south and how the local people assisted in helping t he slaves escape and lead a better life in a place where they have enough freedom. The operations of the Underground Railroad were also done through innovative ways like midnight service and the passing on of cryptic messages.Slaves hid in hiding places and resorted to disguises. Committees of vigilance were formed in places like Boston and Philadelphia and supplies for passengers were also arranged. The Underground Railroad soon became a much formalized process as people took up the responsibilities of being the Underground Agents, Station Keepersor conductors. Here, the author also gives credit to those who stepped forward as Underground helpers and commends the efforts of people like Gerrit Smith and Elijah P. Lovejoy, Seth Concklin, Charles T. Torrey, Calvin Fairbank and so on. As Canada was considered to be the safest haven for the escaped slaves, author moves on to chronicle the life of colored people in Canada, where the refugees had better circumstances than what they have u ndergone.The natives in Canada were receptive and open to these refugees and welcomed them to share their land and resources. To give this compilation a comprehensive view, the author brings into light, the concepts of denial of jury, arrest without legal process and the penalties for aiding the fugitives. The author tracks the subject of Underground Railroads in terms of political aspects by looking at the rules of extradition, the demand for slave laws, slave agitation, anti-slavery movement and so on. The proclamation of emancipation of slaves as well as the repeal of the anti-slavery laws is also discussed in detail. In the end, the writer proceeds to unearth facts about the loss faced by the slave owners, the census reports on the fugitive slaves, the fugitive slave controversy, and how all this led to the Civil War that ultimately to the abolition of slavery in the United States of America. It presents a poignant account of the slaves lives and conditions and elucidates the st ruggles and the vigour with which the Underground Rail was used during the highly politically volatile environment of the times. The book is therefore a useful documentary on the growth and spread of the freedom spirit among the slaves and meticulously details the antecedent conditions that led to the great Civil War. THE ABOVE SECTION IS SUMMARY AND IS 501 WORDS OR 2 PAGES THIS SECTION BELOW IS INCLUDED IN YOUR INSTRUCTIONS Criticize or comment on each of the following about the book: †¢ Organization – The book is organized into 11chapters with each chapter dealing with a critical aspect of the Underground Railroad. The book has been organized with clarity, according to chronology as well as according to particular context. For example, the author

Global Green Case Study Essay Example for Free

Global Green Case Study Essay Throughout the world people are always talking about global warming and how the world has become so polluted. People often want to do something about it, they just don’t know what. That’s where Global Green USA comes into play. Global Green USA is a national environmental organization. The mission of Global Green USA is to foster a global value shift toward a sustainable and secure future. In order to do this the organization must understand if they have the right strategy and culture to perform as a highly innovative organization, potential conflicts within stakeholders, and positive impacts they can have on the natural environment. Positive impacts and sustainability often separates companies from success and failure. With that being said, Global Green USA has many activities and initiatives which appear to make a difference optimistically for the environment. One of the ideas that Global Green has going for them is the way they use celebrities to help get their points across. For example, they collaborated with actor Brad Pitt, who acted as jury chairman. By using a famous actor it draws more attention to the company and people are more likely to buy into the idea. In other words, Brad Pitt speaking out for the company is going to draw a lot more attention and success then if I were to get up and speak. This is just a simple idea that helps make a difference for a company like Global Green USA. More importantly, Global Green is rebuilding destroyed homes affected by natural disasters. At first glance people may think, big deal they are building something up that could have been done by any other company. The reason they are different is because they rebuild houses a certain way, the green way. This has such a positive impact on the community because not only are they saving people money, but they are helping clean up the environment with regards to toxic waste like carbon dioxide. In addition to rebuilding houses, Global Green has also done much work on local schools. After completing the Silver Wilson School, a project where they used non-toxic materials and solar panels, 4,500 people have come to Global Green looking for ways to improve energy efficiency in their own homes. People have seen what Global Green can do and want to translate that into their own personal homes. Finally, if New Orleans was rebuilt according to the green standards, residents would save $38 to $56 million in energy bills every year. This would also eliminate over a half million total tons of carbon dioxide; the equivalent to taking 100,000 cars off the road. To put in the simplest terms, Global Green USA is doing many things that are creating a positive impact on the natural environment. With just a glimpse of the evidence provided above I would say it is very safe to say that Global Green USA has the right strategy and culture to perform as a highly innovative organization. When it comes to the culture it is clear they are in the right place doing the right thing. For example, when Hurricane Katrina struck the people of New Orleans were devastated. They lost cars, homes, and even loved ones. While you cannot replace some of those items Global Green stepped in and attempted to return the safety net of a house that was secure to their family and them. They drew support not only from the people’s houses they built back up, but people from all across the country and nation. They opened the eyes of many people and showed them what they can do for a community/culture. Switching gears, Global Greens main reason for being around is to help clean up the environment and make houses and buildings safer for people to live in. By using the correct equipment, they are helping protect children from respiratory and other diseases. As a direct result from green schools being opened, thousands of students are now attending classes in healthy classrooms in energy- and water-saving buildings. According to the article, these greener schools are helping raise students test scores, reduce sick days, and save money. In my opinion, if this isn’t considered the right strategy and good enough reason to perform as a highly innovative organization, then many organizations will not and should not be around. With many other strategies and the choice of a proper culture, I believe Global Green USA does indeed have the ability to continue performing as a highly innovative organization. Within an organization there are often times many different stakeholders. First of all we must understand that stakeholders are persons, groups, and other organizations that are directly affected by the behavior of the organization and that hold a stake in its performance. This is true for Global Green USA. Global Green USA major stakeholders are many of the bigger energy plants along with various climate solutions. If I were to be an advisor of CEO, Matt Petersen, there would be a few things that I would point up as possible conflicts to the different stakeholders. The first one would be the choice of homes you are choosing to rebuild. It said that over 50,000 homes were rebuilt in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina; this is definitely a positive gesture but what might some people think if you choose not to rebuild their house. Sure you are doing a great thing by helping out people that need it but what about the people you couldn’t help out. These people could have a lot of anger and influence a lack of support on the organization. More in depth, if there are multiple natural disasters and different places in the world are you going to treat them both equally. More importantly, are you going to use your idea of a greener place and help both populations? Next, Global Green says they are working on the issue of Sea-dumped chemical weapons. This is a nice idea but do they have a plan on what to do with the weapons once they remove them from the sea. You do not want to clean up the pollution in one area and put it in another. There are many other possible conflicts, but the best way to deal with them is to make sure all stakeholders stay involved and informed on what is going on with the organization. On the whole, Global Green USA is continuing to improve lives, educate masses, and help live up to their mission set out by CEO Matt Peterson. Even to this day Global Green is taking steps into making as many building as possible live up to the green standards set by the design and competition. They remain inspired and are constantly coming up with new ideas on not only ways to improve houses and buildings, but motorcycles and automobiles as well. Best put, Global Green USA is an organization that has sustainability on the environment and is constantly thinking of new ideas to remain a highly innovative organization.

The Countless Sounds Heard in a Day :: Personal Narrative Essays

The Countless Sounds Heard in a Day As a musician, I always related to sounds in terms of musical application. The only sounds I paid attention to were those involved in creating and performing music. Musical sounds were the most important to me. Well . . . actually, as a traveling musician, any troubling sounds my car made were almost as important. The only other sound I appreciated was silence - something I valued after six nights of rhythmic and melodic saturation and the babble of three hundred or so party drunks. Since I've settled down and become a family man, however, I have discovered a whole new world of sounds that give me more pleasure than music ever did. Something I never thought possible. I would like to describe for you the world of sound that I experience in a typical day. My morning always begins around seven o'clock when I am awakened by a sweet, gentle, little voice calling . . . "DADDY, I GO F'RIDE!" This is followed by a dainty smack of tiny lips on my cheek, then another smack of Mom's lips on my lips. A few minutes later, the front door slams shut and I slip back into a slumber. The next thing I hear (a few hours later) is the bloodcurdling, screaming caw of a pterodactyl about to swoop down and pluck me right out of my bed. Actually, it's only my alarm clock. I don't dare hit the snooze button, as I do not even want to hear that again. From here, my morning ritual begins, rich with the sounds of water: the galoosh of the toilet, the soft spattering of the shower, and the gurgle of coffee brewing in the kitchen. It's the coffee maker that totally captivates me, for I cannot begin to function mentally until I've had my cup of "go juice." I'll sit in a total stupor until that gurgling stops - my cue that it's ready. Before that, noting else matters. After a sip or two, I step under the whispering water of the shower and, if never fails, the phone rings. At least, I think it is ringing. Actually, it is just a subtle overtone, an aural hallucination that is produced by the shower. The Countless Sounds Heard in a Day :: Personal Narrative Essays The Countless Sounds Heard in a Day As a musician, I always related to sounds in terms of musical application. The only sounds I paid attention to were those involved in creating and performing music. Musical sounds were the most important to me. Well . . . actually, as a traveling musician, any troubling sounds my car made were almost as important. The only other sound I appreciated was silence - something I valued after six nights of rhythmic and melodic saturation and the babble of three hundred or so party drunks. Since I've settled down and become a family man, however, I have discovered a whole new world of sounds that give me more pleasure than music ever did. Something I never thought possible. I would like to describe for you the world of sound that I experience in a typical day. My morning always begins around seven o'clock when I am awakened by a sweet, gentle, little voice calling . . . "DADDY, I GO F'RIDE!" This is followed by a dainty smack of tiny lips on my cheek, then another smack of Mom's lips on my lips. A few minutes later, the front door slams shut and I slip back into a slumber. The next thing I hear (a few hours later) is the bloodcurdling, screaming caw of a pterodactyl about to swoop down and pluck me right out of my bed. Actually, it's only my alarm clock. I don't dare hit the snooze button, as I do not even want to hear that again. From here, my morning ritual begins, rich with the sounds of water: the galoosh of the toilet, the soft spattering of the shower, and the gurgle of coffee brewing in the kitchen. It's the coffee maker that totally captivates me, for I cannot begin to function mentally until I've had my cup of "go juice." I'll sit in a total stupor until that gurgling stops - my cue that it's ready. Before that, noting else matters. After a sip or two, I step under the whispering water of the shower and, if never fails, the phone rings. At least, I think it is ringing. Actually, it is just a subtle overtone, an aural hallucination that is produced by the shower.

Why is math important

Many times in life you will probably hear the quote â€Å"actions speak louder than words†. You'll probably hear it from your parents, your teachers, and maybe even your lover. Your parents will get mad at you one day because you came home at 3:00 A. M. For the 3rd time this week and you promise to never, ever disappoint them again and they'll say, â€Å"Actions speak louder than words! I'll believe it once I see it†.You'll tell your teachers that you're going to start getting better grades and stop being late to lass and they'll tell you â€Å"actions speak louder than words†¦ I'll believe it when I see it† and one day, your girlfriend will get mad at you because you forgot your 2nd month anniversary and you'll swear to her that you'll never forget again because you love her so much and she's important to you and you don't want to lose her and then she'll sigh with slight disbelief and sluggishly say â€Å"actions speak louder than words†¦ I'll believ e it once I see it†.Point is, no matter what you say, how you say it, or even how much you mean it, other people will never see the true value in your words, until hey see you doing things to prove that you really mean what you say. Coming home early to show your parents that you are willing to change Just to avoid disappointing them again, will convince them that you do seek change, trust, and forgiveness. Getting good grades and perfect attendance will show your teachers you're completely dedicated and you're 100% true to your word about doing better in school.Taking your girlfriend on a date to Six Flags for your 3rd month anniversary will show her you have changed, and you're willing to remember the little things that re important to her. You're doing things to prove a point to someone, without saying one word. Symbolic speech in America, is pretty much the same thing. People want to prove a point without saying anything because actions do speak louder than words, and they make you feel things about a certain issue that words cannot.In the United States, acts of symbolic speech should be protected by the first amendment because it is an extreme form of expressing your point through specific actions that represent and express the way you feel. Actions speak louder than words, and listening with our eyes is far more powerful than hearing with your ears. Symbolic speech is a very powerful way to represent the way you feel about a certain issue, without saying anything at all. For example, back in March 31st, 1966 David Paul O'Brien was arrested for burning his military draft card.Why would he burn his draft card? Simply because he was against the war. Things became complicated not because he burned his draft card, but because it was illegal to burn your draft card due to the Selective Service Act which prohibited the desecrating or destroying the draft card. The reason why the government didn't want these men burning their draft cards not because it rep resented them being against the Vietnam War, but because it would seriously derail the government's efforts to enlist soldiers in the war.O'Brien felt that the Selective Service Act was going against the First Amendment because he was trying to send the message that he didn't care for the war by destroying his draft card, and the government was making that illegal. He was totally against it and burning his draft card was a way of showing he didn't want anything to o with it. O'Brien knew well how important the draft card was to the government because of the war, and that's why he burned it. His message was very strong, powerful and clear.He shouldn't have been punished for putting his message out in the open. Words, or actions, they still took his right of freedom of speech away, regardless how he chose to say it. There are many ways you can express the way you feel. The most common way is through art. Through art you can express yourself, while still sending some kind of message at the same time. Symbolic speech is omitting like art, you don't have to say anything in order to express the way you feel about something, and still send a clear message.In 1984, Gregory Lee Johnson poured kerosene on an American flag and set it on fire. Many Americans would be appalled by this unacceptable behavior, but little would actually understand the meaning and reasoning behind it. He was a member of a private company who promoted the communist movement. He lit the flag on fire to protest capitalism and the way the government was being run. Johnson was expressing his anger by setting he flag on fire because he knew it was a powerful way of showing disrespect towards the country.The American flag is a immensely respected object in the U. S. And burning it is a clear way of saying that this country means nothing to him if it isn't being ran the way the people Monsoon and his private company) want it to be ran. Even though the ways symbolic speech is used can be offensive, it s hould definitely be protected under the First Amendment. It is a simple, but powerful way to express an idea and there's nothing wrong with that as long as it causes no harm to others.In conclusion, the acts of symbolic speech should be protected under the First Amendment because it is a strong, way to represent and express what you feel and believe. In the U. S. It should be okay to say what you want to say how ever you want to say it, whether it's through letters on a paper, words coming out of a mouth, or a silent action. In life you are going to hear a lot of things that you don't like, and you're going to see a lot of things that you don't like, but does the government protect you from that? Of course not.In life, we should be able to say, think, believe and do what you want because that's what this country is all about. Freedom. Freedom to be your own person, with your own points of views and perspective, and to share that with other people, regardless in what form it's share in, should be protected by the First Amendment (as long as it doesn't cause harm to others mentally/physically). Actions speak louder than words. Expressing and representing those actions should not be a crime Just because you chose to say it in a different way, silently but truly, powerfully.

Islam Religion and Cultural Diversity Essay

Introduction Practices of the Muslim religion have become of great concern in the contemporary society especially in issue of world peace. Islam values and beliefs have raised controversy between followers and non-followers where the latter criticize the religion as threat to peace. This paper will explore teachings of the Islam religion to provide understanding of beliefs, values and practices in effort to resolve the controversy. This will be achieved by discussing the main pillars of Islam: Shahada, Salat, Sawm, Zakat, Hajj, Islamic law (Shariah) and Jihad (Pecorino, 2001) as well as showing application in cross cultures and nations. The paper will also show how Islam is contrasted form Christianity and Judaism. Further, it will outline how understanding of Islam would impact interactions or communications between Muslims and non-Muslims. Eventually, the paper will summarize main arguments. Muslim Teachings and Pillars Practiced Across Cultures There is diversity in Muslims and several core beliefs are held to bring unity in the religion all over the world. There are five main practices described in Quran for Muslims to observe and are commonly regarded as pillars of Islam. The first one is the declaration of faith (Shahada) that requires Muslims to bear witnesses as well testify for only one God, Allah, and His messenger Muhammad (Esposito, 2002). This declaration is needed for anyone to become Muslim and has two aspects. One part affirms absolute monotheism, oneness of God, and that associating other things to God is idolatry which is unforgivable sin. This would serve to correct Muslims on  deviating from the right path of believing in one God. The second part asserts that Muhammad is both a prophet as well as God’s messenger and hence forms the highest revelation of God’s messages to Muslims. Moreover, Muhammad life is an example that serves as role model for Muslims to emulate. The second pillar of Islam is the prayer which as known as Salat and require Muslims to worship God by praying five times in day, that is, in the morning, noon, mid-afternoon, sunset and in the evening. In many places prayer times are alerted to Muslims through mega speakers at mosques’ minarets. This serves to remind believers of God’s presence in their daily activities and hence need to reaffirm dependence on Him. The prayers are accompanied by rituals and were established by Muhammad though are not in Quran. However, prayers consist of citations from the Quran and movements observed such as bowing, kneeling, and touching ground with the forehead signify expression of humility and God’s adoration. Muslims can pray anywhere such as places of work, houses, and mosques though preferably in groups for solidarity and should face Mecca that is regarded a holy city. The prayers are orderly with same start and ending. The third pillar is the Zakat that means purification and requires Muslims to worship and give thanks to God by supporting the poor. All things are believed to be owned by God and Muslim believers are required to give 2.5 percent of all they possess every year so as to support the poor, orphans, widows and those needy (Esposito, 2002). Zakat is observed as a social security in Islam and was developed about fourteen hundred years ago. In some Muslim groups, believers also contribute religious taxes out of their incomes to religious leaders and are used to support the poor. The fourth pillar is observing the fast of Ramadan (Sawm) during the ninth month of every year according to Islamic calendar. This month is regarded as Ramadan and is observed since was the time when Muhammad received first revelation of the Quran from God. During the month-long fast believers are required to abstain from foods, drinks, and sexuality between dawn and sunset. Ramadan consists of special prayers cited and foods served only during this period. In the 27th day Muslims commemorate the night of power when Muhammad received God’s revelation and the Ramadan ends with celebration of Eid al-Fitr to break the fast and give gifts (Esposito, 2002). Ramadan is meant  to stimulate reflection of believers on dependence of God, spiritual values and responsibility to care for less fortunate. The fifth pillar is the Pilgrimage also known as Hajj to Mecca in Saudi Arabia and requires all able adult Muslims worldwide to visit the city at least once in their lifetime. It follows Ramadan and requires sacrifices of time, things and comforts hence making Muslims pilgrims in God’s service. There is also lesser pilgrimage called umrah that that involves visits to other holy sites during other periods of the year. There are other teachings of Islam practiced worldwide and are more shaped or shape cultures in which they are applied. These include Jihad that is regarded as the sixth pillar and the Islamic law. Jihad is explained in Arabic as meaning to struggle or exhaust one’s efforts to exalt God though is interpreted to mean holy wars in some cultures (Pecorino, 2001). Within Islam, Jihad can be applied to lead virtuous life, charity works, preaching and fighting to defend Muslims. The Islamic law defines Islam as submission to God and hence Muslims have moral responsibility and observe Jihad in the path of God also known as Shariah. The law provides guideline for relations and interaction of believers with God as well as with amongst themselves (WGBH. 2014). Islamic law on regulation of social life include prescription of dressing codes, rituals in marriages, divorce, inheritances and behaviors that would connect all Muslims all over the world. These provisions are applied to varied magnitudes over varied cultures. This has been influenced by interactions of people due to globalization and modern law incorporates integrated cultural practices (UTA, 2009). The requirement of Muslims to exercise moral responsibility in legal, political and economic practices is also shaped by cultural practices in diverse geographic and historical contexts. Similarly, the Islamic laws influence social frameworks. There are varied practices of Islamic teachings as observed in low Islamic conviction is western nations compared to high levels in countries to the East. America and Great Britain regard Islam as strange religion compared to other religions and has expressed little support for values advocated by Muslims in national structures (PRC, 2012). However, Muslim converts are growing in the two nations and followers observe the pillars of Islam and  other teachings. Middle East, India, Pakistan and other Asian nations show strong support for Islam and have large Muslim populations that observe teachings of the religion. These countries have frameworks that reflect teachings of Islam, for instance, in their laws, political, economic activities and social practices such as behavior, marriages and support for the needy among their populations. Contrasting Islam from Christianity and Judaism The teaching of the Islam indicated above compare or contrast with some in Judaism and Christianity. Some of the contrasts include the oneness of God that is inconsistent with Judaism and Christianity that also advocate for monotheism and believe in trinity: God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. God in Islam is not associated with other things that contrast with some Christians and Judaism followers that have some representation for God (Esposito, 2002). Muslims worship God through Muhammad who is God’s messenger and prophet unlike in Christianity and Judaism that worship God through Jesus who is regarded the son of God. Muslim religion believes Muhammad was the last prophet send by God to human beings and shows acknowledgement of other divine figures send to Christianity and Judaism in the Quran whereas the latter do not acknowledge other religions, for instance, Muhammad send to Islam. There are several denominations in Christianity and Judaism unlike in Islam that has single denomination practiced worldwide. The Muslim religion is allowable to polygamy in the marriage laws unlike followers of Christianity and Judaism who believe in pure monogamy. Muslim religion is more restrictive such as in dressing code especially for the women that is not observed through the teachings of Christianity and Judaism. Muslims have fixed prayer and fasting schedules that are not observed in the other among Christians and Judaism followers who set prayer and fasting events. Influence of Islam on Interactions of Muslims and Non-Muslims There are different understandings of Islam teachings that influence how Muslims and non-Muslims interact or communicate. Muslims belief of Jihad has been conceived among non-Muslims as allowable to wars that has been strongly linked to the increased terrorist activities all over the world (  2002). In addition, the contributions raised in through Zakat are misunderstood as avenues for financing war activities rather than benefiting the less fortunate. This has sparked rivalry among people since Muslims are considered as threat to world peace. This has been witnessed in conflicts based on religious inclination in some countries such as Nigeria. This rivalry would also be said of conflicts of America and nations with majority Muslims such as Afghanistan. This perspective has misconceived the aim of Jihad and would be overcome through advocating for moral value of peace possible through tolerance of religious diversity by both sides. Islamic laws regulate behaviors, communications and modes of dressing that create disconnection with other practices in the world and this hinders interactions such as marriages and talks that include education. Varied practices related to religious faith does not allow free environment to interact and hence limit integration. This would be minimized through enhanced understanding of practices for both sides since ignorance of values observed by different religions induces misconceptions that limit interactions. Conclusion Muslim religion has induced controversy among followers and non-followers in contemporary society especially when world peace is considered. This paper has discussed Muslim teachings practiced over the world in attempt to resolve the controversy. Muslim practices are embedded in pillars developed following the Quran. These pillars are Shahada, Salat, Zakat, Sawm, Hajj, Jihad and Shariah. Provisions of this pillars aim at worshipping one God and are carried out all over the world though are shaped or shape cultures. Western nations show little support of Islam in aspects of life when compared to nation to the East. Islam contrasts Christianity and Judaism through belief in oneness of God and Muhammad, acknowledging other religions in Quran, single denomination, allowed polygamy and more restrictive behavior and dress codes. Different understandings of Islam by non-followers negatively impact interactions and communication with Muslims and this has led to religious conflicts. References: Esposito, J. L. (2002). Ten Things to Know About Islam. Teach Mideast. Retrieved 8 May 2014, from: http://www.teachmideast.org/essays/35-religion/58-ten-things-to-know-about-islam Pecorino, P. A. (2001). Religions of the World: Islam. Retrieved 8 May 2014, from: http://www.qcc.cuny.edu/socialSciences/ppecorino/PHIL_of_RELIGION_TEXT/CHAPTER_2_RELIGIONS/Islam.htm PRC. (2012). The World’s Muslims: Unity and Diversity. Pew Research Center. Retrieved 8 May 2014, from: http://www.pewforum.org/2012/08/09/the-worlds-muslims-unity-and-diversity-executive-summary/ UTA. (2009). Muslim Histories & Cultures. The University of Texas at Austin. Retrieved 8 May 2014, from: http://sites.la.utexas.edu/mhc/tag/islam/ WGBH. (2014). Islamic belief, Law, and Practice. PBS Frontline. Retrieved 8 May 2014, from: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/muslims/themes/beliefs.html

Trade War Between China and US Analysis Essay

Trade War Between China and US Analysis Essay Trade War Between China and US History Analysis Essay Example Trade War Between China and US History Analysis Essay Example The trade relationship between the USA and China are going through a difficult period. Over the last decades, the United States was a trade leader in the world market. Despite this, China is steadily gaining momentum and in just a few decades has become one of the major trade rivals of the United States of America. In the conditions of the globalization, US-Sino trade operations have reached the huge turnovers, and their commercial ties expanded significantly. Whats at stake in US-China trade war The trading volumes between 1979 and 2010 have increased from $2 billion to $457 billion. China is the third largest market for exports and the largest importer to the United States. Since the growth rate of Chinese imports in the US was much higher than the growth of US exports to China, the US trade deficit with China rose from $10 billion in 1990 to $273 billion in 2010 (Morrison, 2011). There are numerous issues concerning the US-Sino trade relations that disturb many politicians and American citizens. However, Chinese citizens and politicians are also wary of the US actions. Nevertheless, the US-China trade relations are officially recognized as a mutually beneficial partnership. In fact, the trade cooperation flows smoothly into a trade war, which is conducted under the elegant cover of tolerance, cooperation, and community. Therefore, this paper attempts: to address the causes of a trade war between the US and China; to analyze the main points of conflict between the studied countries; to assess the one who acts dishonestly and whose actions are forced. A methodology of the analysis and synthesis will be applied for given research. The paper will disclose a theme of the trade war between China and the USA in the context of several issues, find the reasons and the consequences of the actions on each issue and sum up the results of the analysis into the conclusion. The sources with the variety of points of view will be used in the study, and the analysis of some of them will be conducted. On the basis of the analyzed sources, a unanimous opinion on the US-China trade relations will be formulated and comments given on this issue. The Reasons and Premises of Occurrence of the Conflict There has always been, is and will be the winners and the losers, the leaders and the outsiders in the politico-economic game. As in any other game, leaders will always try to maintain their position, and their nearest rivals to oust the favorites to add the championship. Today, the economic situation in the world is that the United States is a leader, and China is a rapidly developing rival, who is rapidly approaching the leader and causes many inconveniences. The peculiarity of the Chinese economy is that it remains at the stage of the rapid growth. Based on the enormous resources that China has, this growth has reached the global proportions. The nature of the development process is that it is practically impossible to maintain the status quo for a long time. A subject develops or is degraded. There is no third. Therefore, China has to expand its activities not to have their development reversed. It is a natural process, and it should be understood. In turn, the United States is at the stage of the maturity. It means that the development is slowed down, and the task of the US is to hold the accumulated power. These two states can be compared to the tiger and the elephant. China looks like a tiger – fast, strong and agile. The US reminds an elephant – large, powerful, and dangerous, but hulking. Under these conditions, the conflict between the US and China is inevitable. For China, the United States is a hindrance to develop ment. For the US, China is a dangerous competitor, threatening the present state of affairs. Sensing a potential threat, the United States began to act in the post-war period. Until 1972, the US was trying to contain and isolate China. It made the following steps to reach the goal: the United States established a trade embargo against mainland China; the United States supported the development of the Japanese army (a strategic adversary of China); the USA intervened in the Korean War; the USA supported the regime of Chiang Kai-shek in Taiwan; American government supported Tibetan guerrillas, who tried to get out of the Chinese control (Nathan Scobell, 2012). In general, a conflict arose due to the objective reasons, and the ways out of this situation depend only on the decisions of the leaderships of both countries. Bilateral economic relations have always been a source of beneficial collaboration for both sides, but with time, the relationship between China and the United States are becoming increasingly lopsided. China uses its advantages and monetary policies to increase exports. It opens access to its domestic market in exchange for the foreign technology. In addition, Chinese companies are participating in the mass theft of the intellectual property (Friedberg, 2012). Economic relations between Washington and Beijing are quite complex. Fast-growing Chinese population and a rapidly growing economy have made China a great market for the US exports. In the recent years, China has been the fastest-growing export market for the United States. In turn, the US imports cheap Chinese goods that bring benefits to end consumers by increasing their purchasing power. Both US import and export are growing, but the US trade deficit with China is increasing rapidly. American firms also use the Chinese market for the manufacture and final assembly of its products. It helps to reduce costs and offer competitive prices in the world market. At the same time, many American manufacturers complain of â€Å"unfair† competition on the part of Beijing, which is the understatement of the price of Chinese products. They argue that China contributes to the displacement of production capacity of American companies in Asia. As a result, thousands of Americans are losing their jobs (Morrison, 2011). Many politicians also express their fears that China buying the US securities for nearly one trillion dollars can serve an instrument for affecting the United States by Beijing. In the process of economic and political development in China, the country has not fully switched to a free market economy. Too many sectors of the economy in China are still controlled and regulated by the government. It causes the negative comments of many politicians and economists , as well as the supporters of a free-market economy. In addition, this fact more and more increases the friction between Beijing and Washington on many issues (Morrison, 2011). Among them are the following: the issue of fixing and understating of the Chinese currency, the requirements allow the Yuan to rise to the real market level; the issue of partial compliance with Beijings WTO obligations; the issue of piracy is rampant in China as well as the lack of security of intellectual property; the issue of Chinas industrial policy and policy of public procurement, in which the Chinese government protects Chinese firms by the discrimination of foreign companies Perhaps one of the most vulnerable areas of the US economy to the impact of the Chinese offensive is the labor market. Ordinary Americans primarily benefit from cheap Chinese imports, but at the same time, they are the first to suffer from it indirectly. The relocation of the US companies on the Chinese market, on the one hand, allows reducing the price of products that Americans are more advantageous to buy, but, on the other hand, Americans are losing their jobs. Local American labor markets are forced to confront the Chinese imports. The most sensitive areas of industry to the impact of cheap Chinese products are manufacturing of footwear, textiles and furniture (David, Dorn, Hanson, 2013). Allegations of unfair Chinese trade deal with many important sectors of American industry, including high-tech and eco-technologies. In 2011, the Solar World and six other US manufacturers of solar batteries and modules sued Chinese companies producing similar equipment. The plaintiff argued that the defendant had received unfair subsidies from the Chinese government, which allowed them to understate the price for the products of the transformation of solar energy greatly and sell it to the American market at the â€Å"unfair† value. The plaintiff argued that it could seriously harm the American solar manufacturing industry, which is already going through hard times. As a result, the US Commerce Department and International Trade Committees approved the import duties on Chinese solar processing production from 31% to 250%. This trial has brought discord into the US solar manufacturing industry. Hardware manufacturers consider duties necessary to protect American industry. Howe ver, installers disagree with it. They argue that such measures would hinder the installation sector. Others do not believe that the measures taken will effect on the Chinese producers since they still have options for delivery of their products, using a loophole in the law. They could collect the modules from foreign units of solar cells and deliver them to the United States duty-free (Darby, 2014). Today, China produces about forty percent of furniture sold in the United States. In addition, certain types of metal are sold by China at low prices. It made the United States establish anti-dumping duties with the aim to protect domestic producers. Speaking of the textile industry, there are about 30 thousand exporters of textile products in China. The textile industry was the first in China where the Internet was used for sale transactions. After the US producers complained that Chinese products are destroying the American market, the US Department of Commerce has established safe limits on imports of Chinese textile products. At the same time, there is also an issue of extensive piracy of intellectual property in China. This problem entails the loss by American companies from 2.5 to 4 billion dollars annually. Although the law on the protection of intellectual property exists in China, its implementation is not properly controlled. As a result, Chinese companies massively use tra demarks, patents, copyrights and technology, the rights to which they did not purchase. In China, the penalty for such crimes is too soft to be effective (Hughes, 2005). One of the examples of Chinas global trade policy is the purchase of IBM by the biggest Chinese computer maker Lenovo Group. This trading operation had a great psychological effect on Americans, as IBM has been the icon of the American business for a half a century. Although, Lenovo Group with the purchase of IBM has not acquired significant new technologies, this operation has caused a suspicion in the American politicians. They concern that China is trying to gain control of the key assets and technologies and that the 1.76 billion IBM-Lenovo deal is one of the many Chinese acquisitions committed to obtaining this control (Hughes, 2005). While China attacks, the US has to take the defensive measures Among other complaints, the United States filed a lawsuit at the WTO on the following issues: subsidizing of Chinese companies involved in wind energy; the introduction of the laws by Beijing that protect domestic manufacturers; imposing the restrictions on the electronic payment services. Some US politicians argue that, given the high unemployment and low pace of development of the US economy, Chinas economic policy should not be left without countermeasures. Strict measures are needed to force China to moderate its pace and abandon policies that harm the US economy. If China continues its policy of a rapid increase in exports, it can cause more tension in the US-Chinese conflict and lead to harmful consequences for both sides (Morrison, 2011). Henry Kissinger (2012) argues that the struggle between the US and China for domination is inevitable, if not already started. At the same time, the US-China cooperation appears outdated and even naive. Even though the results of the negotiations of the Doha Round of the WTO admit that the relations between Washington and Beijing continue to deteriorate. The number of complaints from both sides increases rapidly. Trying to protect their domestic producers, the US introduces measures of protectionism. Namely, in 2009, China filed a complaint with the WTO in response to the US plans to impose duties on imports of Chinese tires in America (Loridas, 2011). The US invited China to join the Trans-Pacific Partnership but under the conditions of change of the internal structure of the Chinese economy. Probably, the United States is trying if not to isolate but at least contain the rapid growth of the rival. Under the conditions of joining the Trans-Pacific Partnership, the US requires to mak e Chinas economy not export-oriented but focused on consumption (Kissinger, 2012). Analyzing the above-mentioned sources, their basic idea can be summarized in the following statement. China is a country with a booming economy, which is actively expanding its business scope, conquering the world markets and often using dishonest methods to attain its goal. The USA is a leader in the world trade and, at the same time, it positions itself the worlds police officer who tries to tame China and force it to play by the rules. The strength of these sources is a clear description of the aggressive actions of Beijing, as well as the countermeasures of the USA. A weakness is a superficial, factual analysis of the US-China relations. These sources did not sufficiently deeply penetrate into the reasons of origin and development of the conflict. In addition, there is a certain degree of bias in these sources as China seems to be the culprit and the United States are presented as a victim. Analysis of the Issue The Americans believe that China is stealing their jobs, understating the Yuan and selling their products at unfairly low prices. These aspects certainly have a negative impact on the employment of Americans, but misunderstandings on both sides cause a trade war between China and the United States. However, China is not stealing American jobs. Foreign companies, most of which are American, produce almost 60% of China’s exports to the United States. These companies have relocated their production capacity in response to the competitive pressure to reduce the production costs and, thereby, to offer the best price on the market and higher dividends to its shareholders. Thus, it becomes obvious of who is accusing China of unfair competition, increase exports, and reduced prices. They are the US importers, American consumers who buy Chinese products at low prices, and shareholders of the US companies stationed in China who get their share of the import operations. A long trade war between the US and China will significantly harm all of these categories of the population (Hughes, 2005). Some critics of Chinas trade policies argue that China has huge foreign reserves as a result of direct investment and trade surplus. They believe it is a proof that China understates the Yuan. Therefore, foreign companies that invest in Chinas economy make it solely because of cheap labor and cheap currency. Moreover, when binding Yuan to the dollar, the Chinese currency undervaluation provides an unfair export advantage. This unfair advantage, according to critics, is the main cause of the US trade deficit with China. However, foreign business is in China for a very long time. This country has the worlds largest national market and allows the development of any multinational companies (Hughes, 2005). The reason for such a situation in China is not so much in the manipulating the exchange rate, as in the tight control of the prices and capital. With a free economy, exchange rate pegs to the dollar, and substantial accumulation of foreign currency would lead to a sharp increase in the money supply and inflation. Because the Chinese government regulates the prices of key industries in China, it does not happen. The increase in foreign investment and money supply stimulates the growth of production more and more, leading to overheating of the economy. However, thanks to the control, this process does not trigger inflation. Maintaining a stable Yuan exchange rate is an important task for Chinas economy. Therefore, Chinas currency does not increase as expected, not because of the artificially low rate by the Chinese government but thanks to the strict control of prices and capital in the key sectors of the economy (Hughes 2005). Many blame China in the US trade deficit, arguing that the Asian dragon lowers its currency, as well as product prices, causing an excessive demand for Chinese goods in the United States. However, Leightner J.E. (2010) believes that the United States is also guilty (if not more guilty than China) in this. He believes that the problem of the US trade deficit is excessive consumption of Americans. In contrast, one can observe the excessive savings in Chinese. In this case, one satisfies another. Speaking about the ways of the conflict Cai, Yan, Lian, Xin, (2013) consider that the protectionism of the US should be canceled. The authors state that the US and China should increase the trade cooperation. In that case, the cost of the conflict would be too high. However, this opinion seems to be biased and naive. After all, the current conditions of the US-China trade relations are the cause of the conflict. There are several ways to overcome the US-China conflict. Some support the policy of interaction, cooperation, and dialogue. Others prefer mixed methods, namely the use of dialogue when it can be effective in combination with invasive procedures of the WTO. There are also supporters of punitive measures against China as the only effective method to force China to play by the rules (Morrison, 2011) The United States and China are big world players competing for leadership. The motives of both countries will inevitably lead to a conflict. The USA is still the leader and has a great impact on the world market including China. However, China also has the leverage over the US. Countries that finance the US trade deficit take the US currency and hold it. Thus, the size of the Chinese foreign exchange reserves of $1 trillion corresponds to Chinese goods and services of one trillion dollars in the US market. These $1 trillion dollars is a potential lever of the influence of China on the US economy. If China suddenly decides to sell all of its foreign assets, it will cause a depreciation of the dollar by 44 percent in Asia and Europe. In addition, China may harm the United States in another way. It can cause significant inflation in some sectors of the US economy by using its dollar reserves to buy US goods and services. This advantage of China is due to the fact of the excessive consu mption of Americans. Enjoying consumption today, American citizens risk the well-being of future generations who may have to pay for the excessive consumption of its predecessors (Leightner, 2010). To avoid disastrous consequences of the US-China trade war, it is necessary that at least one player would step back if the reaching of the compromise would be failed.

Whats a Bad ACT Score

What's a Bad ACT Score SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips When it comes to your college applications, you probably aren’t too worried about your ACT scores- unless, that is, you think your scores will be too low. Don’t panic just yet! Like most things in life, ACT scores are all relative- there’s no such thing as a bad ACT score in a vacuum. In this post, I’ll talk about what it means to have a â€Å"bad† score in relation to the entire US, your general peer group, your prospective colleges, and (maybe most importantly) yourself. Before We Start, a Note on Percentiles Understanding percentile scores is an important part of understanding ACT scores. Before Italk about different types of bad scores, I'll briefly explain what percentile scores are and why you should care about them. A percentile score is different from a percent score, even though the two mathematical concepts are related. Essentially, a percent score would tell you what portion of the ACT exam you got correct; a percentile score, on the other hand, tells you how you did on the exam compared to everyone else who took it.For example,a percent score of 90% would mean you got 90% of the questions right, whereas a percentile score of 90 would mean you scored better than 90% of the students who took the exam. Percentiles are more meaningful than percents when we talk about ACT scores because what’s important is how you score when compared to other students. A percentage score in isolation doesn't tell you how well you performed on a test or how difficult it was. You can get a low percentage score on a test and still do very well in comparison to other students, earning a high percentile score- this is an example of the difference between percentages and percentiles. Low ACT Scores for the General US Population Let's just say we're starting big. We're starting with the biggest possible comparison group - understanding how you do in relation to all other people who take the ACT is the first step in understanding these unique exam scores. First, the basics: the ACT is scored out of a possible 36 points.A score of 36 is rare enough that when it happens, local newspapers sometimes write about it - just google the name of your town and "perfect ACT score." The national average composite score is 21 out of 36 points. The top 25% of scorers, or those who are at or above the 75th percentile, receive scores of 24 and up. The 75th percentile is a reasonable cutoff for what could be considered "excellent" scores. The bottom 25% of scorers, or those who are at or below the 25th percentile, receive scores of 16 and below.You may very well have your own ideas about what a reasonable â€Å"bad ACT† score cutoff should be. For the general population, scores of 16 and below (so, scores that are lower than those of 75% of the population) could reasonably be considered low. Here are some important percentile cutoffs and corresponding scores for quick reference: 10th percentile composite score →13-14 25th percentile composite score→16-17 50th percentile composite score→21 75th percentile composite score→24 90th percentile composite score→28 Low ACT Scores forYour Peer Group We're starting to get a bit more personal. Knowing what your peers and classmates tend to score on the ACT will give you a more sophisticated understanding of where, exactly, you stand. Comparing yourself to the rest of the country (with a wide range of backgrounds, educations, resources, opportunities, target schools, etc.) is less helpful than comparing yourself to people who are similar to you in important ways, like geography or education. Here's how to get information on what your peers score: Get your hands on your school report. This report will give you aggregated information on the score distribution for your particular high school. You may already know how to gain access to this. If you don't, try googling "[Your High School Name] ACT score report." This information will be particularly easy to find in states with mandatory testing. Check in with your guidance counselor. If you don't have access to a school report, your high school guidance counselor should have an idea of what low ACT scores will look like at your school. Ask your peers or classmates. As a last resort, you could ask around to see what other students are scoring. Just make sure to be respectful if your classmates don't want to discuss their scores. If you want to get an idea of a more competitive score range, check in with honors students at your school. Once you have this information, here's how to use it effectively: Consider how your peers' score distribution compares to national scores? Do students at your school tend to score higher or lower than you’d expect based on the national average? If your peers have scores that are higher/lower than the national average, you could adjust your idea of what a bad ACT score is accordingly. For example, if your school's average ACT scores are lower than those of the national average (21),a â€Å"bad† ACT score cutoff at 25th percentile might be unreasonably high. Conversely, if your school has very high ACT scores, your understanding of a bad ACT score should be higher than the national 25th percentile score (16). Low ACT Scores forYourTarget Colleges Ultimately, a low ACT score for a particular college is a score that won’t get you in. Schools don't tend to publish hard ACT score minimums, but they do offer information about the ACT scores of their students. We can use current students' scores to infer what scores colleges expect from applicants. If you know the 25th and 75th percentile scores for a particular school, you know what that school considers to be â€Å"low† and â€Å"excellent† ACT scores. If your scores (current or future) fall within that range, it’s likely a good target school for you. But what if you're at the edges of, our even outside of, that 25th-75th percentile range? If you're close to the bottom end of the range, it doesn't mean it's impossible for you to get into that school. Colleges may accept students with lower ACT scores for any number of reasons- they might consider students strong applicants if they have a high GPA or impressive community service experience. Colleges may also take into consideration if students' high schools underperform on standardized tests or if they're athletes or legacies. Regardless of the strength of the rest of your application, you could apply to a college with higher ACT scores as a reach school. In fact, most students who apply to colleges with extremely competitive ACT requirements consider them reach schools. If you're scoring close to or above the 75th percentile score for a particular school, chances are you'll have a strong application. If this is the case, you may consider this one of your safety schools. Make sure you're applying to schools with more competitive ACT scores as well- you don't want to miss out on a high-ranking school! Here's how you get information on what schools consider bad ACT scores (it's pretty easy!): Google â€Å"[school name] PrepScholar admissions requirements." Look on the page for the 25th and 75th percentile scores That’s it! You can even use the page’s built-in tool to estimate your chances of getting into that school Low ACT Scores for Yourself It's time for some good, old-fashioned self-reflection (although I don't think Barack is thinking about his ACT scores). All these other comparisons won’t do you much good if you don’t take unique personal factors into account when figuring out what counts as a bad ACT score.Achieving goal scores may come easier for some students than others.For someone who struggles with key concepts or with test-taking anxiety, going from the 40thto the60th percentile is no less an achievement than going from the 70thto the90th for someone who doesn’t struggle with these issues. Conversely, even a student with relatively high baseline scores has room for improvement and can bring her scores up even higher with adequate preparation. Pushing yourself on the ACT, even if your scores are already objectively good, can open up some amazing opportunities. So how do you figure out what a bad ACT score is for you personally? Get a baseline score. Study for about 10 hours for test familiarity and quick content gains, then take a full practice test. There will definitely be room for improvement after you take this baseline - consider this first real practice test a soft â€Å"bad ACT score† cutoff. Work to improve. Students usually reach a personal maximum score after 40-80 hours of studying. You can expect to improve 3-4 points from baseline, but it's definitely possible to improve your scores by a wider margin. Getting that much prep in will mean you are dedicating yourself to excellence by your own standards. How Do You Improve Low ACT Scores? Worried that you have low ACT scores when compared to your peers, your target schools, or your own score potential? Your plan of attack will depend on how much time you have to study. Get started by reading our guide onhow long you should study for the ACT.Don't have a lot of time? Read our last-minutetipsandstrategiesor our10-day study plan. Are you in it for the long haul?Read ourstudy schedulefor students who have one year or more to prepare. Next, work towards a concrete goal after making a list of target,reach, andsafetyschools. Get instructions on how to set a goal score in ourACT score guide. Are you dissatisfied with anything but perfection? Read our famous guide to getting a perfect ACT score. What's Next? At this point, you may be getting sick of reading about the ACTs. Maybe the SATs are more your style. If you're still deciding between the two tests, find out which one may be the better fit for you. You can also learn more about what counts as an "excellent" or "bad" SAT score. Want to improve your ACT score by 4 points?We have the industry's leading ACT prep program. Built by Harvard grads and ACT full scorers, the program learns your strengths and weaknesses through advanced statistics, then customizes your prep program to you so you get the most effective prep possible. Check out our 5-day free trial today: