Essay about The Criminal Justice System - 753 Words

The Criminal Justice System The Criminal Justice System is one of the most important tools available to society for the control of anti-social behavior. The criminal justice system needs to prove a balance between punishing the guilty and protecting the innocent being found guilty; however it is not as easy to convict those who are guilty of committing crimes. There have been many miscarriages to justice where innocent people were sent to prison. Many people have been affected by crime, this is due to statistics, which show the various number of crimes committed in particular areas. Crime statistics are compiled differently by different forces which is notoriously unreliable. There are two†¦show more content†¦Under the new rules, officers must record a crime anything that is reported as a crime. In the past, if an officer thought that someone was lying (hoping for compensation perhaps) or thought that the crime was not as major as murder for example, then he or she did not nee to record it. If the Government do succeed in the new system of compiling statistics then crime statistics may become increasingly reliable. This is because all crime is recorded, no matter how big or small the crime is. However the statistics may not necessarily be entirely true, as many people may not report their crime to the police. The majority of the crime not being reported is due to the fear within oneself, or victims may not think that the crime they have been involved in was minor. Victims who are scared are more likely to be those involved in domestic violence or ot her sort of abuse. If there was a couple, and the husband regularly abused his wife, the wife would get scared to report this to the police as she may believe that if her husband find out then he will take revenge and might abuse her even more which may sometimes lead to extents such as murder. Or there maybe cases where teenagers have been abused by bullies in school. They might be frightened to tell an adult, let alone the police asShow MoreRelatedJustice Systems And The Criminal Justice System Essay1248 Words   |  5 PagesThe criminal justice system is a complex and often uncoordinated system that operates by enforcing the law and seeking justice across countless jurisdictions. It is comprised of many separate agencies including agencies at the federal, state, and local level. Each agency has its own function and goals while operating at different levels of government. The agencies also represent different concerns and values of the public, creating a fragmented system rather than a monolithic, unified system. A monolithicRead MoreCriminal Justice System1524 Words   |  7 Pagesfor the Criminal Justice System is to reduce the crime and the fire of crime. In order to achieve this it is using different agencies and the major of them are the Police, Prosecution, Courts, Prisons and Probation. They all are operating in synchrony for achieving their legal responsibilities and particularly for reducing the level of crime. The aim of this essay specifically is to discuss the functions of the police and how they actually fit with the objectives of the Criminal Justice System as aRead MoreThe Criminal Justice System1308 Words   |  5 Pagesï » ¿Criminal Justice System The criminal justice system refers to the way in which a society chooses to handle all aspects of crime and punishment. In the Western world, particularly the United States, the criminal justice system is an official governmental system that focuses on crime and punishment, though some societies still incorporate a significant amount of informal social controls into their criminal justice systems. The criminal justice system covers everything from crime-prevention andRead MoreThe On The Criminal Justice System984 Words   |  4 PagesGarland (2001), view on â€Å"the criminal justice system in America was created to keep communities safe, to respect and restore victims, and to return offenders who leave prison to be self-sufficient and law-abiding. Treatment simply did not work either by therapy or broader social programs and became is a monumental failure that our states and nation can no longer afford† (p.61) Garland (2001) stated â€Å"that the collapse of faith in our correction system began a wave of demoralization that underminedRead MoreThe Criminal Justice System1667 Words   |  7 PagesThe criminal justice system has for long been faced by a lot of caseloads, an issue which has been heaping a lot of pressure on the stakeholders.  Ã‚  The cause of increased workload is lack of adequate resources to deal with the caseload. Some people have argued that the only way to deal with the overloads is to provide more money to the criminal justice systems so that everyone involved will be able to do the required tasks and in so doing reduce the number of cases while scholars think that the onlyRead MoreThe Criminal Justice System720 Words   |  3 Pages Victims usually adopt a subsidiary role in the courts, compared to the accused or offender (Booth, 2016). Victim-focused law reforms are open to many jurisdictions throughout Australia, and majority of systems which follow the adversarial nature of proceedings (Garkawe, 2007). The justice system aims to enforce a therapeutic structure, however, in some instances this fails to be upheld for the victim. In a sentencing hearing, an offender’s mitigating factors may reduce their sentence, thereforeRead MoreCriminal Justice System1308 Words   |  6 PagesNorways criminal justice system is doing something right. The few citizens that go to prison usually only go once. How does Norway achieve this? The country relies on a method called restorative justice, which aims to repair the harm caused by crime rather than punish people. This system is purely focused on rehabilitating prisoners. The United States, on the other hand, places focus on incarceration and incapacitation. This is w here the methodologies clash: should the criminal justice system be responsibleRead MoreThe Criminal Justice System1597 Words   |  7 PagesThe purpose of the criminal justice system is explained by three definitions: Control crime, Prevent crime, and provide and maintain justice. This sense of criminal justice has been the same since pre-civilized communities, where the elders of a tribe enforced the laws of the village. The criminal justice system has changed drastically from the times of kinship systems to today’s system of laws. As time has passed criminal justice has change in many ways, for example: the way they dress, arrest,Read MoreThe Criminal Justice System1454 Words   |  6 Pages Our Criminal Justice System is far from perfect but it has fulfilled its design by becoming a living system so to speak. Our system is predicated upon discretion from start to finish whereas the first step in the process lies with the contacting officer. Once lawful presence has been established and probable cause for contact can be clearly articulated, the decision to make that contact rests solely with that officer. Of course, each department utilizes a form of controlled discretion, ensuringRead MoreThe Criminal Justice System1305 Words   |  6 PagesThroughout this course, I have learned about the many segments of the criminal justice system. The criminal justice system is made up of three main elements which process a case from initiation, through trial, to punishment. First a case starts with law enforcement officials, who investigate crime and gather evidence to identify and use against the assumed suspect. The case then proceeds to the court system, which evaluates the evid ence to decide if the defendant is guilty or innocent. If the defendant

Alfred Marshall The Father Of Standard Microeconomics

Alfred Marshall: The Father of Standard Microeconomics Today, in our society, everything is handled with small green papers that are called â€Å"dollars†, and people give ridiculous amounts of value to this meager resource. Money can get someone a gargantuan mansion, a lustrous limousine, and many other commodities others can only dream about. In a sense, a person can buy their life and everything within it. Without money, a person cannot have access to basic facilities or live a comfortable life, and society looks down on them, recognizing them as â€Å"money-wasters† or â€Å"homeless people†. However, if it weren’t for one person, the world of economics would be very different from what it is now. This man wrote various books that helped people in the past see what economics is about and how to deal with it and saw the world of money very differently from what people see today. He also created the curve that illustrated two terms that he created: consumer surplus and producer surplus. He is Alfred Marshall , one of the most influential economists ever. According to Robert Palasik, Alfred Marshall was one of the most prominent economists of the Marginal Revolution, where economists began to think about marginal utility and approached mathematics more easily (Palasik). During his lifetime, he created various tools that would aid the economy during those times and in the distant future. Some of them were his books titled Economics of Industry. These books, mainly written by Marshall’sShow MoreRelatedAlfred Marshall And His Contributions839 Words   |  4 PagesAlfred Marshall was born on July 26, 1842, in London, England. He was raised by his father William Marshall, a cashier at a bank in England and his mother, Rebecca Oliver. He also had four siblings: Charles William Marshall, Walter Marshall, Agnes Marshall, and Mabel Marshall. His family was middle class who encouraged Alfred to be a clergyman. His father strongly encouraged him to attend Oxford University when Alfred received a scholarship; however, he attended St. John ’s College against his father’sRead MoreInternship Report on Milkvita14316 Words   |  58 PagesMarket Economy Adam Smith (1723-1790), the ‘father of modern economics’ and author of the famous book ‘An inquiry into the Nature and causes of the wealth of Nations’ spawned the discipline of economics by trying to understand why some nations prospered while other lagged behind in poverty. Others after him also explored how a nation’s allocation of resources affects its wealth. The definition set out at the turn of twentieth century by Alfred Marshall, author of ‘The principles of Economics’ reflectsRead MoreManagement Challenges for the 21st Century.Pdf60639 Words   |  243 Pagesdiscipline—with its own university departments, its own terminology, its own career ladder. At the same time—and for the same reason—what had begun as a study of management in the rapidly growing hospital (e.g., by Raymond Sloan, the younger brother of GM’s Alfred Sloan) was split off as a separate discipline and christened â€Å"Hospital Adm inistration.† Not to be called â€Å"management† was, in other words, â€Å"political correctness† in the Depression years. In the postwar period, however, the fashion turned. By 1950Read MoreContemporary Issues in Management Accounting211377 Words   |  846 Pagesunderstandings of both conceptual and practical issues, in recent years providing a voice of reason amidst all the consultancy excitement of seemingly new ways of costing the business world. He has played a similar role in the area of accounting standard setting, both taking forward the British tradition of the economic analysis of financial accounting and, of possibly greater significance, providing some very original analyses of the possibilities for meaningful accounting standardization. With

Summary Response Discrimination Free Essays

JUST WALK ON BY Have you ever been obsessed by the fear of being different from other people? People usually give the wrong perception on the others based on their appearance, or their skin. In the article â€Å"Just Walk on by†, the author Brent Staples tells a story about his own experiences, which are how he was discriminated because of his appearance: a black man. We will write a custom essay sample on Summary Response: Discrimination or any similar topic only for you Order Now The story begins when the author was mistaken for a criminal due to his black skin by a white woman. Although Brent Staples was just a graduate student, every time he went to the public, almost everybody, especially the women tried to run away from him. Simply, he is black, and they considered that a black man could be a rapist, a mugger or worse. The readers can picture how a young black man is isolated from the public through the author’s experiences: being perceived as dangerous on the street, or being mistaken for a burglar at work. At the end, he found out that he was not able to change the bad perception on his black skin, so he learnt to get use to it and tried to be successful. In response to the essay, there are three points that crossed my mind after read the article; specifically, these are the discrimination, the compassion and ways to get over the obstacles. Related essay: On Compassion Summary To begin with, discrimination is the first issue which was pointed out very clearly in the article. Discrimination has lasted for many decades. There are many kinds of discrimination, such as skin colour, religion, national origin, and gender. Although many laws, controversies, demonstrations have exploded to against the discrimination, a lot of people are still suffering from that issue. The victims often receive the bad perceptions of the others on their own appearances, and as the results, they are not trusted by anybody or even be considered as a criminal, and worse for the society. For example, the author was mistaken for a burglar at his workplace just because he is the black. He finally chose trying to be successful as a way to overcome the discrimination. However, how many people who are discriminated can be optimistic to get over their obstacles as Brent Staples did? The victims of discrimination usually feel stressed, depressed, and insulted, so it’s very hard to think of a positive way to overcome it. Some of them choose to suicide or kill any people who hurt them. Obviously, they become worse as a result of discrimination. When we were born, nobody was able to choose our parents, skin colour or gender, so we have no rights to evaluate or give any poor perception on other people based on their appearance. Another point that I want to share after reading the article is the compassion. Being discriminated by other people is the worst feeling in the world. As a person who comes from a poor country, I am often affair of being discriminated. I’m not black, but some people gave me the bad perception because they thought that I come from a poor country which means I have a poor education. Everything I have is worse than theirs. Moreover, I used to be discriminated by a Vietnamese who was born in the America. He usually makes fun of me because I’m not good in English. As the results, I’m often reluctant and feel shy when talking with a stranger in English. Back to the article, the author’s story about discrimination reminds me of a poem I read many years ago: COLOURED When I born, I Black, When I grow up, I Black, When I go in Sun, I Black, When I scared, I Black, When I sick, I Black, And when I die, I still black, And you White fella, When you born, you Pink, When you grow up, you White, When you go in Sun, you Red, When you cold, you Blue, When you scared, you Yellow, When you sick, you Green, And when you die, you Gray, And you calling me Coloured ? This poem was written by an African child. Eventually, discrimination exists everywhere in the world. The black is usually distrusted in both workplaces and society. In Brent Staples’ story, even though he had a good job in Chicago, he was still considered as a burglar. Not all coloured people are bad and aggressive, and not all the white are good. Therefore, as coloured people, we should show the talents and prove our values to the world that everything white people do, we can do it, and even better. The final thing i learnt from the article is the ways to get over the discrimination. I really admire Brent’s spirit when he faced to his obstacles. He chose to avoid misunderstandings and tried to be successful as ways to against discrimination. Actually, in life, we can see a lot of coloured people who used to be discriminated proved their own values to the world. For example, Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey and many other celebrities have showed their talents and been admitted by the millions people in the world. Plus, recently, Barack Obama is the first coloured president of America. Nevertheless, beside positive sides, there are some people choosing negative ways to overcome the discrimination. They suicide as a way to escape, or they kill anybody who hurts them. Sometimes, being friendly and optimistic is a good way to solve problems rather than being aggressive and pessimistic. Our skin colour doesn’t make any senses; the way we perceive and get over our obstacles will make our own values. In conclusion, I’m strongly against the discrimination, but I also sympathize with the author in the article, and I admire the ways he chose to get over the discrimination. There should have more laws and organizations to support and protect people who are discriminated. Moreover, nobody have rights to evaluate or comment, especially discriminate other people based on their appearances. This world might be peaceful and happy if everyone lived by such tenets as â€Å"Never cause discrimination between human and human†. How to cite Summary Response: Discrimination, Essay examples

Moral and Ethical Problems of Euthanasia free essay sample

In the USA, the drama that was watched by many countries came to an end. On March 31, in a hospice in the state of Florida, Terri Schiavo died. She was in a coma for 15 years, because of an irreversible defect of the brain. Her husband said Terri did not want to live in a helpless condition, and through courts he achieved that the patient be disconnected from a life-support system (Wikipidia). PINELLAS PARK, Fla. With her husband and parents feuding to the bitter end and beyond, Terri Schiavo died Thursday, 13 days after her feeding tube was removed in a wrenching right-to-die dispute that engulfed the courts, Capitol Hill and the White House and divided the country. Cradled by her husband, Schiavo, 41, died a calm, peaceful and gentle death at about 9 a. m. , a stuffed animal under her arm, flowers arranged around her hospice room, said George Felos, Michael Schiavos attorney (Chachere). Before thinking about questions concerning euthanasia, I would like to say some words about general problems in medicine, from the moment it started, till now days of technical progress, undoubtedly, captured medicine. The basic task of medicine is a treatment of the patient and easing his/her suffering. During the hundreds of years till now, millions of physicians from different nationalities and creeds engaged in these noble actions. Graduating from medical schools, they all give a Hippocratic Oath and follow it in their work. There are a lot of sick people, and there are a lot of diseases. Among those diseases, there are absolutely easy, or very acute, and sometimes incurable deceases. But the medical science developing from year to year achieves enormous successes, and what seemed inconceivable yesterday becomes real today. Recently, many forms of oncological diseases were considered cureless, but now people who are suffering from those diseases are free from them, because of achievements of medicine and pharmacology. The problem of euthanasia has arisen not today and not suddenly. The chronology begins in extreme antiquity, and already then it caused numerous disputes among physicians, lawyers, philosophers and so on. The attitude to deliberately accelerate the approach of death, even with the purpose of the termination of the patient’s suffering, never was unequivocal. â€Å"Francis Bacon (1561~1626) who was an English philosopher said, A doctor has two duties consisting of restoring a patients health and reducing a patients suffering, and used the term euthanasia (from greek euthanasia, eu it is good, thanatos death). This term means a beautiful, favorable and peaceful death, so it sounds soft and gentle† (Kudo). Though the idea of euthanasia has been long debated, since of Hippocrates’ time and till now traditional medical ethics include an interdiction: I will neither give a deadly drug to anybody who asked for it, nor will I make a suggestion to this effect(Hippocratic Oath). However, since recent time, doctors in increasing frequency have a readiness to resort to this practice, at least when the patient himself/herself asks for death. How should we react to this tendency? Is it a clearing of out-of-date interdictions or it is a certain permissiveness, which is simultaneously incorrect from the moral point of view and is dangerous in practice? It is necessary to say that the term euthanasia complicates unequivocal interpretation and it causes a terminological mess. Approach to the problem of euthanasia changes with changing definitions of the term. â€Å"There are various kinds of euthanasia, such as active and passive euthanasia. There can be euthanasia in cases where we are certain the person does not want to die (involuntary euthanasia) and in cases where we are certain he does want to die (voluntary euthanasia). There can also be euthanasia where here is a doubt whether the person wishes to die or not (nonvoluntary euthanasia)† (Russel 278) Passive euthanasia is expressed when the medical aid directed on life prolongation is stopped, accelerating the approach of natural death (a good example of it could be the Terri Schavo case). Active euthanasia means using any medicinal or other means or other actions to cause painless death. â€Å"It [Euthanasia] is considered active if death is deliberately caused through such direct means as administering a lethal injection. It is considered passive if death is deliberately hastened by the omission of actions that might have prolonged life, such as performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation when cardiac arrest occurs, or administering antibiotics to combat acute infection†(Warren186). Active euthanasia can be in the following forms: 1. Euthanasia committed out of mercy occurs when relatives or the doctor, seeing painful sufferings of a hopeless sick person, and being unable to help him/her, inject or enter a super dose of an anesthetizing drug, therefore there comes fast and painless death. The question on the consent of the patient in this case is not put at all, as he/she is not capable of expressing his/her will. 2. The second form of active euthanasia is physician-assisted suicide, occurs with the consent of the patient, the doctor only helps him/her to commit suicide. . The third form is actually suicide occurs without the help of the doctor. The patient himself/herself uses the device, which leads him/her to fast and painless death, simple suicide. (Warren 187-200) We talk about euthanasia only when we deal with deliberate murder. In one case the life of a hopeless, fatally sick person is taken away in order to relieve him/her of superfluous sufferings or by means of direct intervention like lethal injection, or having left him/her to die by stopping to feed the patient( as in the Terry Schiavo case). In the other case of a newborn child with heavy physical defects, the parent of such child could be spared the pain of watching their child suffer â€Å"In 1938 the newly born infant of a family named Knauer served as the pretext for Hitler to set in motion the program of euthanasia he had intended to institute. The Knauer baby, sex unknown, was apparently born with severe handicaps. The exact nature of its affliction cannot be reconstructed with certainty, but testimony does seem to agree that it was born with a leg and part of an arm missing. Some evidence suggests that it was also blind, and the physicians also diagnosed it as an â€Å"idiot. † But its blindness was not noted by all observers, and the diagnosis â€Å"idiot† was not definite. In addition, the baby apparently suffered from convulsions† (Friedlander 39). There kinds of cases show euthanasia to be intentional; the intentional taking of lives that could be sustained through life-support technology. We speak about euthanasia only when there is an intention to put an end to a life of the patientor to speed up his/her death. We don’t speak about euthanasia when trying to facilitate the suffering of any person who is in the last stages of terminal illness, appointing him/her medicines which in only indirect ways can speed up the physiological process of dying. In this case, the purpose is not to help the patient die, but try to reduce his/her pain by means of preparations which only as a by-product are capable of speedy the approach to the end The death here is not provoked purposely, but is a possible consequence of anesthetizing therapy. It is possible to put euthanasia in a line of various medical methods: )Euthanasia is present at hat case when the preparation causes death and also if the patient is deprived of all that is necessary for his/her life (oxygen or food), or all that is good for him/her (intensive care units, where the patient can get better and life without life-support equipments, or such treatment, which will improve the patient health conditions) 2) Euthanasia is not present in a case when such treatment stops which would have adverse effect on the patient, for example, treatment that only would prolong a life in inhumane conditions; 3) Euthanasia is not present in cases of the discontinuance of life support when the condition of cerebral death is irreversible. Any treatment that does not facilitate suffering, does not give any chance of further recovery, but only continues agony and brings intolerable suffering to family and disproportionate charges to the state; 4) Euthanasia is not present in a case of badly degenerated newborn child, or in a heavy pathological case, if it is terminal when it is only artificial it is possible to continue a life, without hope for improvement and for reoccurrence of independent existence; Euthanasia is not present if the fatally ill patient was allowed to die naturally. It is possible only in a case when any therapy would allow prolonging a life only for a short time in intolerable conditions. Two questions arise when we speak about euthanasia: morally, what can we say about a person’ character who commits euthanasia, and legally, whether such actions should be forbidden by the law? Some people assert that though euthanasia is immoral, it is not necessary to forbid it in the legislative order. Three reasons which usually result as arguments against application of criminal sanctions are: first is realizing individual autonomy, second is reducing needless pain and suffering, and third would be providing psychological reassurance to dying patients (Emanuel 637). Others assert that though euthanasia is not wrong in all cases, it should not be allowed by the law. One variant of this argument asserts that euthanasia is morally allowable only in rare cases, but even there it is necessary to forbid it as its practice is easy to abuse, that legalization of euthanasia will bring more harm, than goods. Another variant says, that legalization puts patients in inconvenient positions of choice: whether to continue to live in suffering, or to cut one’s life short. This is a position in which nobody can be put. The value of a human life induces struggle, even to the point of becoming contrary to objective edical laws and in the most hopeless situations as the medical science and practice are rich with cases of healing of the most hopeless patients. Strong pains also are usually the reason of the request of the patient to speed up the approach of death, that is why she/he is compelled and insincere. Here, the doctor should resist them, and suggest the use of anesthetizing means, which the medicine today has available instead of following patient wishes. It is necessary to state firmly once more that nothing and no one can in any way permit the killing of an innocent human being, whether a fetus or an embryo, an infant or an adult, an old person or one suffering from an incurable disease, or a person who is dying. Furthermore, no one is permitted to ask for this act of killing, either for himself or herself or for another person entrusted to his or her care, nor can he or she consent to it, either explicitly or implicitly, nor can any authority legitimately recommend or permit such an action. For it is a question of the violation of the divine law, an offense against the dignity of the human person, a crime against life, and an attack on humanity (Robert, Gorman 158). Other cases when, for example, the person is in a long time coma and his/her consciousness is already lost irrevocably, and progressive medical technologies allow carrying out life-support treatment indefinitely. There is a question: whether or not this is necessary? Unfortunately, there are not unequivocal answers. Many scientists are afraid, that the formal sanction euthanasia can become the certain mental brake for search of new more effective means of diagnostics and treatment of seriously ill patients, and also to promote unconscientiousness in rendering medical aid to such a patient. Resuscitator’s help for his/her demands not only big material input, but also a huge pressure of physical and sincere forces of serving medical staff. Absence of appropriate treatment and care can stimulate requirements of the patient to speed up a fatal outcome that will allow the doctor to completely stop any treatment and care of the terminal patient. And in it one more of the reasons of necessity of legal regulation of the given question. (Keown 37-70) One strong argument against euthanasia is that killing of innocents is always morally evil. Therefore, euthanasia is morally evil. There is no way of disproving the principle: ‘It would always be wrong to kill an innocent human, whatever the consequences of not doing so’† (Steinbock 168). Supporters of euthanasia can appeal to the fact that the above-stated conclusion means distinction between justified and unjustified killings. On what basis is this distinction is made? If some kinds of killings are justified, why it is impossible to justify even in some circumstances voluntary euthanasia? Two kinds of murder are accepted even by many of the most zealous opponents to euthanasia -self-defense and punishment. Either of these is not unfair; as a matter of fact, they are not evil. It is possible to consider voluntary euthanasia as the third kind of justified killing? Lets try to resolve the argument of euthanasia as being beyond unfair murder on the basis of two key statements. First of all, the terminal condition of some people is such than it is better to let them die than to continue to live. A good example of such situations are those patients who suffer from strong pains or are doomed for a life in humiliating dependence on others even in satisfaction of the most elementary needs. Here, as benefiting euthanasia, frequently include the fatally sick and those who are in a constant vegetative condition. Second, helping someone in order to improve his/her health or moral condition is always morally allowable. If killing will improve someones condition, and the person himself/herself wants to die, then how such killing can be considered harmful to this person? How is it possible to consider this act unfair? How can it be wrong? And what then is voluntary euthanasia, if not that? This argument has serious flows, especially when it is used in the justification of the standard sanction. It is necessary to ask, whether or not it is the best way for all those patients, and even if it is so, whether or not their killing is a better alternative to inactivity? First of all it is not clear if fatally sick patients and those in vegetative conditions, benefit from early death. Second, there is a question that can be raised; is really the disgust from dependence on others for the last years of their life based on consciousness of their own advantage instead of on false arrogance? Finally, there are always other ways to dispose of pain. Speaking about euthanasia, it is necessary to face the concept of incurability. When is it possible to say with confidence that the patient is incurable? It is widely known, thatmistakes happen when doctors examine sick persons. Actually, the majorities of doctors remain true to their Hippocratic Oath and prefer to operate as professionals, instead of sympathizing. Suffering causes people to feel sympathy: kill a dog, that is suffering from a pain and doomed to death. Is it possible to give up such an act of mercy? But this pity already itself is ambiguous. Of course, frequently, the pain is intolerable, but quite often it becomes even more intolerable for those near to the patient. Relieving the patient from a pain, we frequently relieve our own suffering. It freedom of a choice of the patient really observed in that case? A call for help is answered by a mortal blow. To cause death first of all means to relieve those close to the patient from the necessity to hear this call: kill me, share my pain and help me! It is more difficult and more humane to accompany the patient in his/her suffering, than to destroy him/her. In conclusion, I would like to say, first, euthanasia (the example of killing innocent) is a moral evil and it should not be allowable by law, even in the cases specified in the standard sanction. Second, the standard sanction on euthanasia is threateningly unstable. One argument for its advantage supposes killing not only on the basis of standard medical reasons, but also in case of depression, shame and self-sacrifice. Another argument supposes euthanasia not only for those who want to die, but also for those who are not competent physically and/or emotionally to make that decision.

China and Machiavellis element of power and authority

Introduction Political power can be basically described as the ability of one person to influence another to do something1. Many past and present scholars have written theories describing different forms of power. Machiavelli produced political writings in the Roman republic during the 16th century2. In his writings, he adopted the Weber’s definition of politics that describes struggle as being the essence of politics.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on China and Machiavelli’s element of power and authority specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Machiavelli describes politics in his writing, The Prince, which envisions the United National State in times when there were unending struggles for power3. The story elicits a social conflict and the notion of â€Å"who is fighting whom† to gain control and the ways being used to maintain the control4. According to Machiavelli, love and fear are necessary to maintain the power, with fear playing a greater role. What comes out is that an authority can remain in power when the middle class and the Citizens support and favor their ruling. The preferences of power as expressed in Machiavelli’s theory can be witnessed in contemporary political systems. This paper is interested in identifying how Machiavelli’s theory applies to the political situation in China. The People’s Republic of China (PRC) is currently facing inevitable political and economic changes. The country is shifting from strict socialism to socialist-capitalistic market economy. The paper will specifically address the in-depth correlation of Machiavelli’s power theory with China. The analysis will include the steps that should be taken by the Chinese regime to sustain their political power. China political situation The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has ruled the country for more than six decades, a longevity that can only be compared to that of th e Communist party of the Soviet Union5. The CCP came to power in 1949 after defeating the forces of Chiang Kai- shek Nationalists in a civil war. The Chiang Kai-shek moved their republic of China seats to Taiwan, leaving the CCP to rule mainland of China. The CCP later named the country as People’s Republic of China (PRC). Since then, China’s political institutions and political culture have changed significantly6. The CCP’s readiness to adapt can be partly used to explain why it has maintained control on power. The various strategies employed by the CCP can be referred to Machiavelli’s political theory.Advertising Looking for essay on political culture? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Many analysts consider the Chinese political system to be monolithic or hierarchical, even though the CCP is committed to holding onto power and does not tolerate those who question right to remain in power7. Currentl y there are several instances where conflicts arise between institutional leaders, particularly those representing different sets of agenda. Fierce differences are being witnessed even among the nine members of the Politburo Standing committee and the 25- member Politburo8. The two represent the highest decision making organs in China. Competition and conflicts also exist among different ministries; between ministries and provincial administrations, which are bureaucratically ranked equal; between different provinces; and between the various service units of the military. It is common when the military disagree with the foreign ministry. On various occasions, the delegates of the National People’s Congress (Weak legislature) try to track back on the government’s decisions, the courts and the prosecutor’s office9. This can be depicted as modest forms of political pluralization that are beginning to take place in China. Moreover, there are other political actors w ho are increasingly influence policy debates. Such actors are now able to join forces and push for a particular cause, they include an increasingly independent media, both private and state owned corporations, official and quasi-official research institutes, officially sponsored societies and associations, universities, and grassroots and non-governmental organizations10. Historically, a political system is usually tested by the ability to manage political transitions. The CPC will hold its 18th National congress later in the year and it is expected to appoint new leadership11. Xi Jinping currently holds the fifth position in the party’s official rank and is expected to assume the position of CPC’s generally secretary from Hu Jintao, who is going into retirement12. The CPC has done all it could to portray the transition as a routine practice that cannot be avoided. Historically, only two transitions were relatively incident free. The first was from Deng Xiaoping who ca n be identified as China’s last supreme leader, to a collective leadership led by a party general, Jiang Zemin, following Xiaoping’s death13. The second peaceful transition was from Jiang Zemin to Hu Jintao in the year 2002.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on China and Machiavelli’s element of power and authority specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More This year’s transition particularly tricky mainly due to the challenge posed by the ousted of CPC Politburo member and Chongqing Municipality party secretary Bo Xilai14. Bo Xilai represents a potentially serious rift in the CPC’s leadership, it has raised concerns about the unity of other Poliburo leaders, and, as due to his association with senior officials in the military, raised concerns regarding the loyalty of sections of the military to CPC’s inner circle. Analysts from within and outside China doubt whether the current Chines e political system can remain viable in the long-term, especially in regard to the perceived black box leadership politics, all powerful party, and constrained civil society and free speech rights15. The outgoing premier, Wen Jiabao has expressed the need for political reforms in China, including reform in the leadership style. He has warned that without proper political reforms, the country cannot undertake structural economic reforms. Many other analysts have raised concerns regarding China’s risk of losing the developments gained through a cultural revolution if urgent steps are not taken to resolve fundamental political issues. Analysis of China’s political system’s consistency with Machiavelli’s theory As described earlier, Machiavelli’s theory mainly pertains to the strategies advanced by the ruling class in their bid to create a unified state. This, according to him, is an important step in the creation of a stable republican system. He obse rves that authority can remain in power as long as the middle class and other citizens provide support to their ruling. In the description of the political situation in China provided above, it is evident that the ruling party (CPC) is in tricky situation due to a looming loss of support from the middle class and other citizens16. The collective leadership that is currently practiced by the CPC was a strategic move, consistent with Machiavelli’s theory to consolidate support from majority of the Chinese people. The system was specifically designed against the excesses that might occur when power is taken by one person. It was meant to prevent a repeat of events that were witnessed during the era of PRC’s founding father Mao Zedong.Advertising Looking for essay on political culture? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More It also guards against the emergence of figures such as Mikhail Gorbachev, who was largely blamed by the Chinese for the collapse of the Soviet Union17. The collective leadership has fostered the unit through consensus building. This partially explains why the party usually slowly responds to events that spill into the public domain. For instance, in case of the disgraced former party secretary of Chongqing, Bo Xilai, the need for consensus may offer an explanation as to why, after his deputy attracted international headlines for seeking asylum at a United States diplomatic mission in February 2012, the party took six weeks to remove Bo from the office, and a further four weeks to relieve the party position he held18. The transition that will come at the end of the year will provide a real test to the willingness of the Chinese Citizens to continue offering support to the current political system. The 18th National congress of the CPC will see major replacements in the three most im portant bodies in the leadership of China. The â€Å"Politburo Standing Committee, the State Council, and the central Military Commission are required to replace about three quarters of their members due to age and other factors†19. The country’s principle institutions that are directly responsible for the political affairs, economic administration, military operations and foreign policy will be largely made of new officials. In consistent with Machiavelli’s theory of power and politics they new leadership may still enjoy popular support from Chinese citizens due to its large number of newcomers. However, in the cause of the next two years or so the watching community will pay attention to the policies of the new leaders, particularly the successors of the PRC president, Hu Jintao and the premier Wen Jiaboa 20 For the larger international business community, a proper assessment of the coming political changes in China is needed in the planning of future engageme nts with the country. In a bid to maintain its popularity among the country’s citizens, the CPC has made some important changes regarding policy and politics in the country. The country has witnessed an improvement in the access to information. There are various sources of information available on the internet even in regard to the military affairs. Various Chinese websites freely provide extensive information on the people’s liberation Army (PLA) activities including detailed information on the backgrounds of its officers, military strategies, development objectives and weapons21. Other mechanisms have also been advanced to suppress popular uprising against the CPC in the PRC. No legal political opposition groups exist in the country as it is principally run by the CPC. There are also political parties that are called democratic. These parties are known to take part in the People’s Political Consultative conferences. However, they are mostly known to endorse po licies outlined by the CPC. There country has witnessed to move toward liberalization by allowing Congress elections to be held in villages and towns22. As described by Machiavelli’s theory, the CPC constantly enforces its rule by suppressing political dissidents while at the same time trying to reduce dissent through economic growth and allowing people to express the grievances provided they are not affiliated to any organization23. Challenges however still exist in the CPC’s endeavor to maintain an absolute control of the affairs of the country. For instance, one of the main political concerns touch upon such issues as gap between the poor and corruption within government ranks24. The extent to which the CPC enjoys support from the public is not clear due the fact that the CPC dominates all the national elections, additionally, there are no opposition parties25. Candidates who run on independent tickets are too scattered and disorganized to provide any considerable c hallenge to the CPC. An independent study carried out in Hong Kong, an area that enjoys higher levels freedom, revealed that current CPC leaders enjoy significant levels of support. Conclusion and recommendations This paper sought to identify how Machiavelli’s theory applies to the political situation in China. The People’s Republic of China (PRC) is currently facing inevitable political and economic changes. The country is shifting from strict socialism to socialist-capitalistic market economy. The paper has specifically evaluated the in-depth correlation of Machiavelli’s power theory with China’s regime. The analysis has revealed that China is at cross roads due to the major political changes that will be made later in the year. However, in consistent with Machiavelli’s theory, the ruling party (CPC) has taken necessary steps to ensure that it continues to enjoy support from Chinese Citizens26. The political future of the country is however uncer tain as analysts continue to cast a pale shadow on the viability of the CPC’s political system. Thus, as much as there are no significant threats in the short term, steps should be taken to ensure that future governments continue to enjoy support from the citizens. This may include a move towards democratization, reduction in corruption cases within government ranks and reduction of the gap between the poor and the rich27. Bibliography Bonner, Preston. A battle of politics :Machiavelli Vs Marx. 2011. Accessed from http://prestonbonner.hubpages.com/hub/A-Battle-of-Politics-Machiavelli-vs-Marx. Chang, Eddy. Perseverance will pay off at the UN. Taipei: Taipei Times, 2004. Dana, Dillon, and John Tkacik. â€Å"China’s Quest for Asia.† Policy Review, 134 (2006): 12-18. Holler, Manfred J., Niccolo Machiavelli on Power.† in Perspective in Moral Science, 2009, ed. M. Baurmann B. Lahno, 335–354. http://www.rmm-journal.de/ Lawrence, Susan. Understanding China ’s Political System. Washington D.C: Congressional Research Service, 2012. Li, Cheng. New Challenges in Predicting China’s Upcoming Political Succession. Accessed from https://www.chinabusinessreview.com/public/1011/commentary.html. Nurmi, H. â€Å"Measurement of Power, Probabilities, and Alternative Models of Man.† Quality and Quantity, (2009): 33-46. Skinner, Q. The Paradoxes of Political Liberty, The Tanner Lectures on Human Values,. Harvard: Harvard Universty Press, 1994. Xingzu, Pu. The State Military System in The Political System of the People’s Republic of China. Shangai: Shanghai People’s Publishing House, 2005. Yang, Dali. Remarking the Chinese Leviathan. Stanford: Stanford University Press, 2004. Footnotes 1 Preston Bonner, A battle of politics :Machiavelli Vs Marx. 2011. Accessed from http://prestonbonner.hubpages.com/hub/A-Battle-of-Politics-Machiavelli-vs-Marx 2 Manfred J. Holler, â€Å"Niccolo Machiavelli on Power.† in Perspec tive in Moral Science, 2009, ed. M. Baurmann B. Lahno, 335–354. http://www.rmm-journal.de/ 3 H. Nurmi, â€Å"Measurement of Power, Probabilities, and Alternative Models of Man.† Quality and Quantity, (2009): 33-46. 4 Preston Bonner. A battle of politics :Machiavelli Vs Marx. 2011. Accessed from http://prestonbonner.hubpages.com/hub/A-Battle-of-Politics-Machiavelli-vs-Marx 5 Eddy Chang. Perseverance will pay off at the UN. (Taipei: Taipei Times, 2004). 6 Susan Lawrence. Understanding China’s Political System. (Washington D.C: Congressional Research Service, 2012). 7 Cheng Li. New Challenges in Predicting China’s Upcoming Political Succession. Accessed from 8 Susan Lawrence. Understanding China’s Political System. (Washington D.C: Congressional Research Service, 2012). 9 Dali Yang. Remarking the Chinese Leviathan. Stanford: Stanford University Press, 2004. 10 Li, Cheng. New Challenges in Predicting China’s Upcoming Political Succession. Acces sed from https://www.chinabusinessreview.com/public/1011/commentary.html. 11 Pu Xingzu. The State Military System in The Political System of the People’s Republic of China. (Shangai: Shanghai People’s Publishing House, 2005). 12. Susan Lawrence. Understanding China’s Political System. (Washington D.C: Congressional Research Service, 2012). 13 Cheng Li. New Challenges in Predicting China’s Upcoming Political Succession. Accessed from https://www.chinabusinessreview.com/public/1011/commentary.html. 14 Susan Lawrence. Understanding China’s Political System. (Washington D.C: Congressional Research Service, 2012). 15 Cheng Li. New Challenges in Predicting China’s Upcoming Political Succession. Accessed from https://www.chinabusinessreview.com/public/1011/commentary.html. 16 Q. Skinner, The Paradoxes of Political Liberty, The Tanner Lectures on Human Values,. (Harvard: Harvard University Press, 1994). 17 Dali Yang. Remarking the Chinese Leviathan. (Stanford: Stanford University Press, 2004). 18 Susan Lawrence. Understanding China’s Political System. (Washington D.C: Congressional Research Service, 2012). 19 Cheng Li. New Challenges in Predicting China’s Upcoming Political Succession. Accessed from https://www.chinabusinessreview.com/public/1011/commentary.html 20 Susan Lawrence. Understanding China’s Political System. (Washington D.C: Congressional Research Service, 2012). 21 Pu Xingzu. The State Military System in The Political System of the People’s Republic of China. (Shangai: Shanghai People’s Publishing House, 2005). 22 Li, Cheng. New Challenges in Predicting China’s Upcoming Political Succession. Accessed from https://www.chinabusinessreview.com/public/1011/commentary.html. 23 Susan Lawrence. Understanding China’s Political System. (Washington D.C: Congressional Research Service, 2012). 24 Dana Dillon, and John Tkacik. â€Å"China’s Quest for Asia.† Policy Review, 134 (2006): 12-18. 25 H. Nurmi, â€Å"Measurement of Power, Probabilities, and Alternative Models of Man.† Quality and Quantity, (2009): 33-46. 26 Susan Lawrence. Understanding China’s Political System. (Washington D.C: Congressional Research Service, 2012). 27 Cheng Li. New Challenges in Predicting China’s Upcoming Political Succession. Accessed from https://www.chinabusinessreview.com/public/1011/commentary.html. This essay on China and Machiavelli’s element of power and authority was written and submitted by user Ezra Burch to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

The Women in My Last Duchess Essay Example

The Women in My Last Duchess Essay Example The Women in My Last Duchess Essay The Women in My Last Duchess Essay The Women in My Last Duchess and La Belle Dame Sans Merci Represent Two Very Different Kinds of Personality. Through a Comparison of Both Poems, Explain What These Differences are and What Effect the Women Have on the Men Around Them. Although two very different poems, there are many similarities as well as differences between My Last Duchess and La Belle Dame Sans Merci. In this essay I am going to compare and contrast the two poems written by Robert Browning (My last Duchess) and John Keats (La belle dame sans merci). I am also going to examine what affect they have upon their lovers and the men around them. There are many noticeable differences between the Duchess and the Belle Dame. Firstly, they both have very different kinds of personality. The Duchess tends to be quite sweet and unprovoking. She is also very unaware of the feelings she generates between her and other men :- The bough of cherries some officious fool broke in the orchard for her. The Duke, to whom she is married to in this case seems to think she is flirtatious in this respect, however, Browning shows us that, although that may seem the case, she is so nai ve that she doesnt realise she is doing that. The character of La Belle Dame is very different. She is very mysterious and powerful. This gives the impression that she may not be real and could, in fact be a fairy. As well as having this powerful side, the woman, or faery as she is called, seems very sinister and inconsiderate. It seems as if she is bewitching any man she finds, under the spell of her desire for a short romance, costing them their life. However, as well as having differences in character, they both have similarities with one another. They are both young and beautiful from what we can tell, and are aware that they appeal to men. They are both flirtatious though it seems the Duchess is far too shy and unaware to realise this. They both, also, appreciate the power and simplicity of nature and not for wealth and status which rules the Dukes thoughts. This is shown in the following quote from La Belle Dame and the quote above from My Last Duchess:- She found me roots of relish sweet and honey wild and manna dew. There are also many differences in what has happened to them both. The Duchess was killed by the Duke mainly for her lack of interest in him and his wealth, possessions and status. The Belle Dame however, simply vanishes, but also seems to be killing off her ex-lovers by bewitching them with her love. The knight who falls under her spell in the poem describes his visions of these ghostly figures from his dreams after meeting this woman :- I saw pale kings and princes too, death pale were they all. The Duchess was also in love with only one man- the Duke (though he thought otherwise), whilst La belle dame fell in love with many. The Belle Dame is very aware of her beauty and uses it as a lethal weapon against any man who ventures near her. The Duchess is completely the opposite though. Being very shy, she doesnt realise her true beauty and appeal to men other than the Duke. Both women, however, have maddening effects on their lovers. The Duchess by making the Duke so jealous of her appeal to other men, that he murders her, and the Belle Dame, by sending the Knight so insane that he simply ventures around the meads alone and palely loitering.

Case study - analysis company's economic issue and expansion of Essay

Case study - analysis company's economic issue and expansion of solution - Essay Example They are the proprietors who take the advantage of their position in ranking to exploit the employees and strain the gains of a firm for their personal gains. One key aspect of these vulture capitalists is that they invest in a firm, shows quick returns but the firm is bound to collapse and as such, the capitalist seizes part or the whole of the assets of the firm. Such is the case as described by John Nichols about the Hostess Brands Inc. These investors then cover up by laying blames on the employees and the workers unions. Hostess Brands Inc, the collapsing maker of Twinkies, Wonder Bread, vast range of snack cakes and other breads is one such a company to have severely been hit by the wave of the unscrupulous vulture capitalists. She has closed her 33 plants around the United States and has now embarked into liquidating the assets in a bid to offset the huge amount of debts outstanding. The company’s employees went on a strike joining the rest of the union’s members over the alleged exploitation by the proprietors and the top management distributions. Neoclassical economists have studied the optimal production of a firm by focusing on distribution of income among other aspects of major importance. This is well illustrated by the analysis of supply and demand and maximization of utility by individuals who are constrained on income matters and the study of firms that are constrained in terms of costs. According to the proponents of the neoclassical thoughts, people are always rational in thinking, and have rational preferences when it comes to value based outcomes. It is worth noting that firms maximize profits while persons maximize utility. As regards relevance in information, people act independently. However, according to analysts, individual persons lack competence in negotiations and bargains. This necessitates unions of persons with like interests or grievances. This can explain the formation of the BCTGM, a workers union that serves the hostess workers, however, the workers of the firm did not ask for better pensions as individuals or also through their union and this would better explain that the union was in no way responsible for the crisis. In fact, as a matter of fact, the company employees have a record of good working relations with the proprietors and have had working benefit and wage concessions. Adjustments to new demands in the industry and technological advancements have dominated the firm in the past. Farber defines labor unions associations of workers who bargain collectively and has the employers regarding the terms laid down for employment. The BCTGM was formed to serve the following purposes as is the role of all other labor unions: as a maximizing agent, as a bargaining body for the wages, as an arbitrator in times of conflicts and strikes and basic amongst all the roles, as a determiner of membership (Farber, 2001, 1). Nevertheless, Hostess collapsed as a result of the vulture capitalist’s nature of the management team. The team laid off 20% of the workforce and while the workers bore all the burden of the collapsing corporation, the management engaged more in looting the company’s assets and funds. According to the classical economics, human beings are assumed to be rational and that they make decisions on the best way for personal gains. This explains the nature of the vulture ca

Damage awards should be capped for product liability suits Research Paper

Damage awards should be capped for product liability suits - Research Paper Example This implies that if consumers are injured or suffer because of a product they purchase and use, they should possess a defective products claims. One of the key aspects of a product liability claim is determining the amount and the type of damages that a consumer suffers after using a product. Due to the complexity of determining the compensation, it is imperative for consumers to estimate their damages up front. For instance, if the consumer suffers minor injuries and the financial losses incurred are insignificant, then it implies that it is unnecessary to initiate a claim. In the same way, consumers who suffer fewer damages have a less chance of finding a lawyer as compared to those who incur significant damages. Customers who suffer significant damages are advised to catalog and list the damages at the beginning of their lawsuit (Kinzie and Mark 21). The responsibility for a defective product lies with a manufacturer or anyone who supplied the product. On the part of the manufacturer, he is responsible for producing the product that causes damage to the consumer. In the same way, the initial design of the product may be of poor quality, thus resulting to the defects during the production process. Additionally, poor marketing by the manufacturer, making of misleading claims and lack of providing the correct information regarding the product makes the manufacturer to be responsible for a defective product. Once the products are distributed from the manufacturer to the retailers, the retailer can also be held responsible. It is important to note that if a manufacturer is no longer operating his or her business or it becomes difficult to identify the source of a defective product held by a retailer, consumers can seek for compensation from the retailers. This implies that all the members of the distribution channel have an obligatio n of ensuring that products they handle are safe (Moore and Michael 26). Despite that consumers are the major

International Trade Logistics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

International Trade Logistics - Essay Example If it is the case of recycling, the process includes what is beyond the final consumer. The international management of logistics involves the movements of goods, services and people also. It depends on the nature of transport. For example, in case of airlines, the movement of people dictates the movement of aircraft and thus the movement of cargo. The movement of the people beyond the borders in search of employment also can be termed as a part of international logistics. This is because they are the human resource for the companies and they move towards the company. Yet times not only the goods, even people move towards the goods. This also can be considered as logistics operation. If the borders of any two nations are peaceful, the people cross the border in search of employment, livelihood and bargains that are unavailable at home. 1 One cannot define to pin point logistics or its systems. At present the logistics is seen as the activities that facilitate the different cycles in the supply chain. They are customer order cycle, the replenishment cycle, the manufacturing cycle, and the procurement cycle. The international logistics involves the movement across the borders of different countries. Naturally the movements between any two countries are complex in nature when compared to domestic movements. These movements when involve ships need to move through port and being at sea is time consuming. Some companies and people prefer this because this is the cheapest mode of transport. When the time taken for the transport is more, the differences between the time zones will make the movements a bit complex. The documentation required for the international shipping adds to the complex nature of the movements through ships. The documentation required for international movement involves the need of employment of experts regarding the documentation. This is due to the inventory in transit management involved in the transportation. The inventory in place increases the information management complexity and demands of international logistics. The company involved in international business should have an international logistics department that is responsible for the management of communications. The department will plan for the communications, control of the logistics activities. 2 3. International Transportation and Trade Facilitation The international transportation and trade facilitation is facing many challenges due to the explosive growth in trade between the nations. As a result the transportation is being faster and flexible to facilitate trade. This involves the fast moving container ships and improved container handling practices along with intermodal systems. This resulted in privatization of transport and information industries and this is a need for the interna

Ecumenism

Ecumenism Introduction In the following study, the researcher considers the Church teaching that the Holy Spirit invokes a desire within the followers of Christ to unite in one flock under one shepherd. The ways that this call to unity has related to the evangelical mission of the Church is also analysed in the light of this statement. The paper begins with a short reflection on the scriptural vision of unity, and some of the historical dilemmas which have damaged that unity. The theological issues which are at the heart of the Ecumenical Movement and the ways that the Magisterium of the Catholic Church has responded to these issues are then briefly addressed. Finally, some of the practical ways that the whole Church can work for unity are discussed. Church Unity and Division In the Gospel of John (17:20-26) Jesus prays that the witness and unity of the apostles would foster faith in his mission, and that the Church of believers would be united. He gives the Blessed Trinity as the perfect model of unity where he says: May they all be one, just as, Father you are in me and I am in you (Jn 17:21). St Paul emphasises the need to break down the barriers to unity that were prevalent in the early Church, when he wrote in his letter to the Galatians that no distinctions should be made between human beings regardless of gender, race or status in life, because all people are one in Christ Jesus (Gal 3:28-29). In the Great Commission given at the close of Matthews Gospel, the apostles are commanded to go out and make disciples of all nations (Mt 28:16-20). Nonetheless, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (DJ 2) states that although the Church has carried out this mandate over the centuries, its mission is far from completion. They offer the words of St P aul as an imperative: Preaching the Gospel is not a reason for me to boast; it is a necessity laid on meNeuner Depuis states that the Church is sent into the world to bring humanity to a unity of faith, hope and love which spans all divisions. However, many issues have caused disagreement and separation amongst Christians down through the ages. For example, heresies like Docetism and Arianism that emerged in the early Church, but were resolved by the Council of Nicaea in 325, to the severing of relations between the Churches of the East and the Church of the West which escalated in 1054, and the sectarian divisions that resulted from the sixteenth century Reformation. These historical and doctrinal differences still prevent full communion amongst all Christians today. Nonetheless, Vatican II expresses a renewed ecclesiology which sees its approach to ecumenism in a different light. It no longer takes the view that all believers must become Catholic, but instead starts from the divi ne plan for humanity, and looks to develop areas of commonalityThe Second Vatican Council (LG 15) recognises the number of differences in dogma and tradition which exist between Christians, but also knows that all believers are joined in many ways through baptism. The Apostolate teaches that all Christians are united in a real sense to the Catholic Church through the gifts and graces of the Holy Spirit who: stirs up desires and actions in all Christs disciples in order that all may be peacefully united, as Christ ordained in one flock under one shepherd'(LG 15). Whilst it is difficult to imagine that all Christians will ever see themselves as being united under one flock, there are many things which they have in common and have the potential to bring them together. For example, there are those who believe in the Trinitarian God, honour the sacred scriptures, and have a devotion to Our Lady. Furthermore, the Catholic Church is working as part of the ecumenical movement to foster good relations with other churches and ecclesiological communities. The Ecumenical Movement Hulmes (2002, p.18) suggests that although it is believed that the ecumenical movement began in the twentieth century, it has a history that reaches back to very beginnings of Christianity. A number of disagreements developed about the mission and nature of Christ as the Gospel spread throughout the Roman Empire. The ecumenical movement could be seen as a reaction to anything that threatened unity amongst the newly baptised. Evidence to support this claim can be found in various scriptural passages. For example, St Paul warned the Corinthians about the dangers of allowing rivalry and jealousy to develop amongst them (1 Cor 3:1-5). There were also problems between Jewish and Gentile Christians regarding circumcision (Acts 15:1-2). Nonetheless, this matter was raised and resolved at the Council of Jerusalem (circa AD 49). In Peters address in the house of Cornelius, he makes it clear that no distinction is made by Christ between Jew and Gentile, as long as they follow his teachings.Hul mes (2002, p.7) states that the scandal of the division that exists amongst the baptised, weakens the impact Christianity has on the secularised world. Nonetheless, this disaster has been reduced somewhat by the ecumenical movement. He also believes that this intra-faith movement has been established because people have listened to the Word of God, and allowed the Holy Spirit to work through them (ibid). Although Catholic involvement in this initiative was limited before the Second Vatican Council, this changed considerably after the promulgation of, Unitatis Redintegratio, the Decree on Ecumenism, in 1964 (ibid 8). This document reflects a considerable development in the Magisterial thinking about the teachings of the Catholic Church, regarding relationships with other Christian denominations (ibid 9). In other words, the Decree on Ecumenism sets out a framework for meaningful and genuine dialogue between the Catholic Church, and other Christian churches and ecclesial communities. The Magisterium (UR 3) teaches that all people who have been baptised are put in some, though imperfect communion with the Catholic Church. However, the differences that exist between the Church of Rome, and these separated brethren in terms of doctrine, discipline and structure, create considerable difficulties. Nonetheless, the ecumenical movement is working continuously to overcome these obstacles. The Sacred Council not only recognises the baptised brothers and sisters of other denominations, but also hopes that one day they will be restored to full and perfect communion with the Catholic Church, to which Our Lord entrusted all the blessings of the New Covenant (ibid). Furthermore, the faithful throughout the world are urged by the Apostolate to participate in the work of ecumenism. They should strive hard through prayer, word and actions to bring about the fullness of unity amongst Christians which is desired by Christ, and is influenced by the Holy Spirit (UR 4). Nonetheless, interior conversion within the Church, involving a renewal of thinking (Eph 4:23) and of attitudes, is required if ecumenism worthy of the name is to be experienced amongst believers.Bliss (2007, p.77) wrote that: there is little doubt that the Orthodox Church and the Catholic Church are one in the essentials, although each has developed certain distinguishing features. Vatican II (UR 15) addresses the relative positions of the Eastern Churches, which have maintained valid sacraments and orders, and the Church of Rome. The Magisterium states that the Church of God is built up in stature when the Churches in the East celebrate the Eucharist. The Sacred Council also highlights a number of other liturgical and traditional similarities which exist between the Catholic Church, and the Churches of the East. For example, Eastern Christians honour the Mother of God in hymns of praise, and give homage to the saints, which include the Fathers of the Universal Church. Catholics are encouraged by the Apostolate to avail themselves more often of the spiritual riches of the Eastern Fathers in contemplative prayer. The Decree on Ecumenism also emphasises the importance of preserving the spiritual heritage of the Eastern Churches, and the hope of reconciliation between Christians in the East and West (ibid). This commitment was renewed when Pope Benedict XVI and the Patriarch Bartholomew I, made a joint declaration in Turkey in November, 2006, to continue to works towards achieving full communion.The Second Vatican Council (UR 19) makes particular reference to the churches, and ecclesial communities which were separated from the Apostolic See during the 16th century Reformation. Amongst these is the Anglican Communion, in which some Catholic traditions and institutions sill exist. The Magisterium recognises the desire for peace between all Christians, and hopes that the ecumenical spirit will increase without obstructing the way of divine providence (UR 24). However, there ar e very weighty differences between the Catholic Church, and the breakaway churches of the Reformation. Nonetheless, the desire still exists to find ways that allow meaningful ecumenical dialogue to take place. In the conclusion (UR 24) of the Decree on Ecumenism, the Sacred Council acknowledges that achieving unity amongst all Christians is beyond human power, and places its hope in Christ. Nonetheless, the faithful still have an important role to play in bringing about the healing of historical wounds, and working towards reconciliation (Lk 17:3-4).Bliss (2007, p.1) states that spiritual ecumenism or private prayer for Christian unity (UR 8) was an important prelude to the official entry of the Catholic Church into the ecumenical movement at the Second Vatican Council. Nonetheless, Catholic ministers worked along with clergy from other denominations to promote ecumenical initiatives such as the World Week of Prayer for Christian Unity long before the publication of the Decree on Ec umenism. Bliss (ibid) also believes that prayer is the essential element for all those interested in developing Christian unity today. Cardinal Kasper (2007, p.10) said that it was very significant that Jesus did not express his desire for Church unity in a commandment or teaching, but rather in a prayer to his father in Heaven (Jn 17:20-21). The Cardinal (2007, p.11) also said that prayer for unity is the royal door of ecumenism which enables believers to face hurtful memories courageously, whilst deepening the bonds of communion. Nonetheless, spiritual ecumenism also requires a change of heart and holiness of life that is born out of the call of Christ for conversion (ibid). Hulmes (2002, p.38) suggests that the Catholic Church has not always been as enthusiastic about the promotion of ecumenism as she is today, particularly when it involved other world religions. It was extremely difficult to build good relations with men and women of different beliefs through the Churchs rigorou s application of the extra ecclesiam non est salus (outside the Christian Church there is no salvation) doctrine. Nonetheless, the Second Vatican Council outlined a new approach to inter-faith dialogue in its Declaration on the Relation of the Church to Non-Christian Religions in 1965. The Sacred Council (Nostra Aetate 2) urges the faithful to engage in dialogue, and collaboration with members of other faiths. Furthermore, it rejects nothing of what is true and holy in these religions. Therefore, Christians should: acknowledge, preserve and encourage the spiritual and moral truths which are held by people of different faiths. Nonetheless, they should not make doctrinal or ethical concessions for the sake of developing easier relations with those of other belief systems. Catholic Church Working for Unity Bliss (2007, p.2) suggests that the Catholic Church has shown a deepening commitment to achieving Christian unity since entering the ecumenical movement. This is demonstrated in the many theological debates which have taken place between the Church of Rome and other churches. A considerable number of magisterial writings have also been issued on the subject of ecumenism. For instance, in 1995 Pope John Paul II (Ut Unum Sint) reiterated the call of the Second Vatican Council for all Christians to unite. He states that the unity of all divided humanity is the will of God, this is why Jesus was sacrificed on Calvary (US 5). He also says that love has the power to bring individuals, and communities into perfect communion (US 21). He gives a reminder that when Christians of different traditions gather in common prayer, they invite Christ himself to be with them: where two or three meet in my name, I am there among them (Mt 18:20). In the same year, John Paul II (Orientale Lumen) also said that it was time for the Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church to deepen their level of communion. The Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity (PCPCU) contributed significantly to the ecumenical movement with the publication of the Directory for the Application of Principles and Norms on Ecumenism in 1993. This Directory (4) was aimed not only at ministers of the Catholic Church, but also at all believers who have been called to pray and work for Christian unity. The Pontifical Council (19) states that Christians should not be satisfied with the divisions or forms of communion that exist within the Church at present, because this disharmony weakens its evangelical mission. Nonetheless, people of faith have been impelled by grace to work towards building a new communion of love through prayer, repentance and by ecumenical dialogue (ibid). The document also recommends that ministers and laity within the Catholic Church, experience ecumenical formation, so that they can play their part in the quest for ecclesial unity (ibid 55). A certain amount of reciprocity is encouraged in the sharing of spiritual activities and resources, for the growth of harmony amongst Christians (ibid 105). The Directory also welcomes the increasing cooperation that is taking place between the Catholic Church and other Church Councils (ibid 167). Nonetheless, participation in these Councils must be compatible with Catholic teachings, and must not obscure its identity (ibid 169) Conclusion In this study, the researcher considers some of the ways that the Churchs call to unity has related to its evangelical mission. It seems that there has been a need to work for unity amongst Christians since the early days of the Church. This is evident from the writings of St Paul (1 Cor 3:1-5) where he calls for the Corinthians to abandon the jealousy and rivalry that was developing amongst them. Nonetheless, a considerable number of schisms and disputes have separated Christians over the centuries. The Ecumenical Movement recognises the need for co-operation and dialogue to take place so that the divisions and wounds of the past can be healed. The Catholic Church has not always been enthusiastic about the ecumenical movement. However, it became more committed to working for Christian unity after the promulgation of the Decree on Ecumenism at the Second Vatican Council. This is demonstrated by the large number writings which Catholic bishops have produced on the subject of ecumenism , and the amount of dialogue which they have entered into with other Churches and ecclesial communities since the Scared Council closed. Furthermore, these discussions have reached beyond the boundaries of those of the Christian faith. The Church also realises the importance of fostering good relations with people of different religions. Finally, it is hard to imagine a world that is united in the same belief. Perhaps the way forward is to make this pilgrimage together hand-in-hand as John Paul II suggested at the Mass in Bellahouston Park in 1982.

The Beauty of Dulce et Decorum est Essay -- Dulce et Decorum Est Essay

The Beauty of Dulce et Decorum est    Owen's terrific use of diction brings the poem Dulce et Decorum Est to life. Vivid imagery is prevalent all throughout the poem. His tone is of depression, lack of hope and of course sadness and it reveals his message without writing pages of verse. He accomplishes his message very quickly in the poem, and makes the reader feel like they are actually experiencing what the narrator is going through. Through vivid imagery and compelling metaphors, the poem gives the reader the exact feeling the author wanted. The poem "Dulce et Decorum Est," an anti-war poem by Wilfred Owen, makes great use of various poetic skills. This poem is very effective because of its excellent manipulation of the mechanical and emotional parts of poetry. Owen's use of exact diction and vivid figurative language emphasizes his point, showing that war is terrible and devastating. Furthermore, the utilization of extremely graphic imagery adds even more to his argument. Through the effective use of all three of these tools, this poem conveys a strong meaning and persuasive argument. The poem's use of excellent diction helps to more clearly define what the author is saying. Words like "guttering", "choking", and "drowning" not only show how the man is suffering, but that he is in terrible pain that no human being should endure. Other words like writhing and froth-corrupted say precisely how the man is being tormented. Moreover, the phrase "blood shod" shows how the troops have been on their feet for days, never resting. Also, the fact that the gassed man was "flung" into the wagon reveals the urgency and occupation with fighting. The only thing they ca... ...orum est pro partria mori" means: "It is sweet and becoming to die for one's country." Owen calls this a lie by using good diction, vivid comparisons, and graphic images to have the reader feel disgusted at what war is capable of.he tries to tell us that war is an ugly, brutal and nightmarish business, and not a glorious affair that society seems to beilieve. Most will not have seen the war of Owen's experience. But through his vivid words, his gruesome portrayal we know that we do not wish to .Poetry does not have to be pretty, however some poets do not seem to realize this fact. The language chosen in many poems about grisly subjects flows beautifully and elegantly from the page, leaving one feeling less pain about the subject matter of the poem than one really should. What is so beautiful about this poem is its ability to move the reader.

Success and Failures of Low-Cost (Rdp) Housing Post- Apatheid.South Africa

Introduction According to Tonkin (2008), low –cost housing is dwelling units whose total housing costs are deemed affordable to a group of people within a specified income range, low cost housing includes social housing and low income housing. In South Africa these houses have been provided through the Reconstruction Development Program (RDP). Since 1994, the government has been implementing this program to address the housing backlog which is continuously increasing. The post-Apartheid has era has been enlightened by different successes and failures of low cost housing.Some of the successes include provision of housing to the poor at affordable rates and failures include that it promotes continuous segregation of people in accordance with economic class and race (Tonkin, 2008). The main purpose of this paper is to identify and discuss the successes and failures of low cost housing (RDP). The Successes of Low-Cost housing in Post-Apartheid Low cost housing has brought attentio n of excellence to South Africa by different countries in the world. South Africa has been classified as the world‘s leading country in relation to the provision of houses and its inspiration to eliminate informal settlements.Researchers have suggested that South Africa by 2011 had build-up 2 million houses for the poor. South Africa has been identified on the international arena as a country leading by example in relation to the initiatives it takes to provide low cost housing (Tonkin, 2008). Furthermore, Tonkin (2008) suggests that low-cost housing has managed to provide housing to the poor who could not afford housing on the market. The market forces could not provide for choice and selection for these people to have housing of their preferred choices. Low cost housing has played a role of making equitable selection for those who cannot afford housing.This has helped in improving the living conditions for these poor households. In addition, jobs have been created due to the low cost housing provision process. Low cost housing has played the role of job creation strategy. South Africa has been hit by massive unemployment rates since 1994, which has made most to survive on nothing, due to no shortage of employment opportunities (Tonkin, 2008). Moreover, Tonkin (2008) indicates that the historically black population, which has been supressed by the apartheid system, have been catered for, by low cost housing.Back under the apartheid blacks were not allowed to have accommodation especially in towns. Exclusionary zoning was the ordinance which dominated the housing allocation, favouring those with money and those who are racially deemed acceptable. Low cost housing has been a catalyst in addressing this issue. Lastly, low cost housing has made availability of cheap labour especially in areas, where low cost housing is located near heavy industries. The availability of the labour has made industries to operate on low cost strategies and help them utilize th eir resources more efficiently and effectively.In addition expenses for these industries reduce especially in relation to wage expenses (Tonkin, 2008). Failures of Low-Cost housing in Post-Apartheid On the other hand, Low cost housing has had its failures . One of the failures of low cost housing is that a small number of the population have benefited from the program. In South Africa a larger share of the total population lives in informal self-built houses. In reality low cost housing has failed to benefit large groups of people (Zhang, 2008).To add more, Zhang (2008) clarifies that low cost housing has even made lives of the poor to become more difficult, this is because the (RDP)s have been characterised by the issue of being of low quality. Reports have made variously about their lack of quality by occupiers. Some of the issues raised include that the roofs in some instances are always leaking when it rains, another issue has been of the material used which can be easily get da maged by wind or other elements of nature. Furthermore, low cost housing has been responsible for the failure to link efficiently and effectively people to employment areas (Zhang, 2008).Land near the central business district is mainly expensive, therefore cheaper land is found in the outskirts of towns and that’s where low cost housing is built. This has made people to travel longer distances to their employment areas, eventually people will be forced to fork out large sums of money. Tonkin (2008) has highlighted that most (RDP) houses have become residential dormitories because most beneficiaries choose to rent their homes and move back to informal settlements or other housing closer to work. In addition, Tonkin (2008) suggests that low cost hosing has een unable to create or provide integrated development. Segregation of the poor households still exists and in some racial segregation is also present. Therefore this perpetuates marginalisation of the poor and does not cont ribute to the compaction, integration and restructuring of the apartheid city (Zhang ,2008) This segregation has made South African cities to be identified as some of the least dense cities in the world and eventually in the end low cost housing does not allow mixed housing as an alternative solution.According to Zhang (2008), (RDP) housing in some instances has promoted violent clashes amongst different groups of low cost housing recipients, the main reason is that housing has not been adequately distributed effectively enough to cover the whole section of those who cannot afford it. Housing delivery process has been poor. It is estimated that the 2million+ houses which were built by the government, only offered accommodation to 5 million people out of the total of the total 12million people who have been identified to have no proper housing (Tonkin, 2008).In addition, the major part of the land where the houses for RDP are built was once used as mainly farm land (Zhang, 2008). Pro duction in the agriculture sector has been affected because land as a factor of production has been reduced. Food production has been affected by this move. The country has been forced to go through a lot of expenses to balance this situation. The use of genetically modified technologies which promote quick growth of food crops, in the same time being harmful to the human body have been adopted as options by the government (Tonkin, 2008).Low cost housing has been responsible for this effect in agriculture production. Moreover, low-cost housing has failed to leverage growth in the economy. The main reason is that government has been the main actor alone in the delivery and the private sector has only put in little effort. The Gross Domestic Product has not benefited much from the low cost housing, because of lack of investments and clarifications of the benefits of low cost housing entrepreneurship (Tonkin, 2008).Lastly, low cost housing has not been able to combat crime but rather h as promoted the rate of crime to increase (Zhang 2008). The main reason is that the services within the vicinity of the housing have not been distributed efficiently and effectively . Another cause of crime is that most people are overcrowded and do not have ways to sustain their lives. Statistics in South Africa suggest that areas associated with low cost housing are prone to crime and that’s were the highest crime rates are situated in the country (Tonkin, 2008). ConclusionIn a nutshell, low cost housing has been a controversial issue where it has been characterised by successes and failures. The main drawback which makes RDP housing to be a failure is the legacies of the post-apartheid system which hinder success. RDP housing has been helpful in providing accommodation for the poor and at the same time it has been of low quality making lives even difficult for the users. Reference page Guy, A 2000, The New South Africa, Macmillan Press, London. Tonkin, A 2008, Sustainable Medium Density Housing: A Resource Book, Development Action Group, Cape Town.Tonkin, A & Muthambi, L 2012, ‘’ Challenges for interest groups and their advocacy campaigns: The case of sustainable medium density housing† , in Thuynsma H A (ed. ), Public Opinion and Interest Groups Politics: South Africa’s Missing Links? , Africa Institute of South Africa, Pretoria. Watson, V 2002, Change and Community in Spatial Planning: Metropolitan planning in Cape Town under political transition, Routledge, London. Zhang, X Q 2008, Housing Finance System in South Africa, UN-HABITAT, Nairobi. Success and Failures of Low-Cost (Rdp) Housing Post- Apatheid.South Africa Introduction According to Tonkin (2008), low –cost housing is dwelling units whose total housing costs are deemed affordable to a group of people within a specified income range, low cost housing includes social housing and low income housing. In South Africa these houses have been provided through the Reconstruction Development Program (RDP). Since 1994, the government has been implementing this program to address the housing backlog which is continuously increasing. The post-Apartheid has era has been enlightened by different successes and failures of low cost housing.Some of the successes include provision of housing to the poor at affordable rates and failures include that it promotes continuous segregation of people in accordance with economic class and race (Tonkin, 2008). The main purpose of this paper is to identify and discuss the successes and failures of low cost housing (RDP). The Successes of Low-Cost housing in Post-Apartheid Low cost housing has brought attentio n of excellence to South Africa by different countries in the world. South Africa has been classified as the world‘s leading country in relation to the provision of houses and its inspiration to eliminate informal settlements.Researchers have suggested that South Africa by 2011 had build-up 2 million houses for the poor. South Africa has been identified on the international arena as a country leading by example in relation to the initiatives it takes to provide low cost housing (Tonkin, 2008). Furthermore, Tonkin (2008) suggests that low-cost housing has managed to provide housing to the poor who could not afford housing on the market. The market forces could not provide for choice and selection for these people to have housing of their preferred choices. Low cost housing has played a role of making equitable selection for those who cannot afford housing.This has helped in improving the living conditions for these poor households. In addition, jobs have been created due to the low cost housing provision process. Low cost housing has played the role of job creation strategy. South Africa has been hit by massive unemployment rates since 1994, which has made most to survive on nothing, due to no shortage of employment opportunities (Tonkin, 2008). Moreover, Tonkin (2008) indicates that the historically black population, which has been supressed by the apartheid system, have been catered for, by low cost housing.Back under the apartheid blacks were not allowed to have accommodation especially in towns. Exclusionary zoning was the ordinance which dominated the housing allocation, favouring those with money and those who are racially deemed acceptable. Low cost housing has been a catalyst in addressing this issue. Lastly, low cost housing has made availability of cheap labour especially in areas, where low cost housing is located near heavy industries. The availability of the labour has made industries to operate on low cost strategies and help them utilize th eir resources more efficiently and effectively.In addition expenses for these industries reduce especially in relation to wage expenses (Tonkin, 2008). Failures of Low-Cost housing in Post-Apartheid On the other hand, Low cost housing has had its failures . One of the failures of low cost housing is that a small number of the population have benefited from the program. In South Africa a larger share of the total population lives in informal self-built houses. In reality low cost housing has failed to benefit large groups of people (Zhang, 2008).To add more, Zhang (2008) clarifies that low cost housing has even made lives of the poor to become more difficult, this is because the (RDP)s have been characterised by the issue of being of low quality. Reports have made variously about their lack of quality by occupiers. Some of the issues raised include that the roofs in some instances are always leaking when it rains, another issue has been of the material used which can be easily get da maged by wind or other elements of nature. Furthermore, low cost housing has been responsible for the failure to link efficiently and effectively people to employment areas (Zhang, 2008).Land near the central business district is mainly expensive, therefore cheaper land is found in the outskirts of towns and that’s where low cost housing is built. This has made people to travel longer distances to their employment areas, eventually people will be forced to fork out large sums of money. Tonkin (2008) has highlighted that most (RDP) houses have become residential dormitories because most beneficiaries choose to rent their homes and move back to informal settlements or other housing closer to work. In addition, Tonkin (2008) suggests that low cost hosing has een unable to create or provide integrated development. Segregation of the poor households still exists and in some racial segregation is also present. Therefore this perpetuates marginalisation of the poor and does not cont ribute to the compaction, integration and restructuring of the apartheid city (Zhang ,2008) This segregation has made South African cities to be identified as some of the least dense cities in the world and eventually in the end low cost housing does not allow mixed housing as an alternative solution.According to Zhang (2008), (RDP) housing in some instances has promoted violent clashes amongst different groups of low cost housing recipients, the main reason is that housing has not been adequately distributed effectively enough to cover the whole section of those who cannot afford it. Housing delivery process has been poor. It is estimated that the 2million+ houses which were built by the government, only offered accommodation to 5 million people out of the total of the total 12million people who have been identified to have no proper housing (Tonkin, 2008).In addition, the major part of the land where the houses for RDP are built was once used as mainly farm land (Zhang, 2008). Pro duction in the agriculture sector has been affected because land as a factor of production has been reduced. Food production has been affected by this move. The country has been forced to go through a lot of expenses to balance this situation. The use of genetically modified technologies which promote quick growth of food crops, in the same time being harmful to the human body have been adopted as options by the government (Tonkin, 2008).Low cost housing has been responsible for this effect in agriculture production. Moreover, low-cost housing has failed to leverage growth in the economy. The main reason is that government has been the main actor alone in the delivery and the private sector has only put in little effort. The Gross Domestic Product has not benefited much from the low cost housing, because of lack of investments and clarifications of the benefits of low cost housing entrepreneurship (Tonkin, 2008).Lastly, low cost housing has not been able to combat crime but rather h as promoted the rate of crime to increase (Zhang 2008). The main reason is that the services within the vicinity of the housing have not been distributed efficiently and effectively . Another cause of crime is that most people are overcrowded and do not have ways to sustain their lives. Statistics in South Africa suggest that areas associated with low cost housing are prone to crime and that’s were the highest crime rates are situated in the country (Tonkin, 2008). ConclusionIn a nutshell, low cost housing has been a controversial issue where it has been characterised by successes and failures. The main drawback which makes RDP housing to be a failure is the legacies of the post-apartheid system which hinder success. RDP housing has been helpful in providing accommodation for the poor and at the same time it has been of low quality making lives even difficult for the users. Reference page Guy, A 2000, The New South Africa, Macmillan Press, London. Tonkin, A 2008, Sustainable Medium Density Housing: A Resource Book, Development Action Group, Cape Town.Tonkin, A & Muthambi, L 2012, ‘’ Challenges for interest groups and their advocacy campaigns: The case of sustainable medium density housing† , in Thuynsma H A (ed. ), Public Opinion and Interest Groups Politics: South Africa’s Missing Links? , Africa Institute of South Africa, Pretoria. Watson, V 2002, Change and Community in Spatial Planning: Metropolitan planning in Cape Town under political transition, Routledge, London. Zhang, X Q 2008, Housing Finance System in South Africa, UN-HABITAT, Nairobi.