Democracy in America Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Democracy in America - Essay Example If the headlines and pundits are to be believed, the American government is a wreck. The reality of the situation is the American government is alive, well and working much the way it was designed by the gentlemen that crafted it over two hundred years ago. The system of checks and balances keeps any one branch of the government from bullying the other, personal liberties are vigorously defended each day and an amazing amount of services, from safe food to national defense, are provided ceaselessly to the American people. Considering the often touted inefficiencies of our democratic government and the wonderful things that are actually accomplished and achieved each day, it is clear that there are certain aspects of the constitution that could be changed or updated. This is clear when one looks at many of the social issues that face the nation at this time. The changes do not need to be profound, but as in any system, when you make a change to one part of the system, you may see nega tive effects in other parts. As we examine the parts of the out governmental structure, it becomes apparent that our modern society requires some changes to how people are elected to government, how the departments of government works, the relationship of the executive to the other branches of government and even some of the personal liberties enjoyed in the Bill of rights. ... I would increase the length of term for a member of the House of Representatives to four years. As it stands now, most of the House of Representatives spend their time running for re-election and not running the country. Elections every two years are a huge distraction to these members of congress. Running an election is more complicated and expensive than it was when the constitution was established. For this reason, members of the house should have longer terms. The House of Representatives should have 25% of its members being elected each year. This means that some of the members will always be running for office, but it also ensures that there will be constant turnover if people are not pleased with the way the House of Representatives is running the nation. These changes will result in more focused legislators and a more responsive House. The second change that should be made concerns the role of money in the electoral process. The entire process of getting elected now focuses o n having enough money to get your message out, hire staff and run negative advertisements against your opponents. The only donors that can give enough money to really influence a national campaign are the ultra-wealthy and large corporations. The Supreme Court has recently ruled that corporations can make unlimited, anonymous contributions to political parties and individuals though Political Action Committees (Liptak, 2010). This ruling is very dangerous for our democratic process. The Court reasoned that money is the same as speech, as protected in the Bill of Rights. The justices ruled that if the government curtailed the spending of money in the political process, then it would be the same a curtailing

The Quantum Brain: Theory or Myth? :: Biology Essays Research Papers

The Quantum Brain: Theory or Myth? The study of neurobiology has long involved the actions and interactions among neurons and their synapses. Changes in concentrations of various ions carry impulses to and from the central nervous system and are responsible for all the information processed by the nervous system as a whole. This has been the prominent theory for many years, but, now, there is a new one to be reckoned with; the Quantum Brain Theory (QBT). Like many new theories, the QBT has merits and flaws. Many people are wholeheartedly sold on it; however, this vigor might be uncalled for. Nevertheless, this could prove to be a valid and surprisingly accurate theory of brain function. One of the most convincing arguments of the QBT is its explanation of how reality is conceived by the brain. Classically, reality should always be changing, even by the slightest notion, and the brain should be aware of these changes as they occur. According to quantum mechanics, this would be impossible; there is no time during which something is changing. Therefore, the brain cannot be in a state of change, it must be in one state or another, there is no in between. The QBT states that our brain takes in reality one moment at a time, it is never in a state where it is observing something change. It observes reality before the change and then after the change and then fuses these two images together in order to make sense of them. One question about the QBT comes when reality itself is considered; "why can't reality be a quantum system?" Well, there are a few explanations. One is that quantum systems are usually very small. Quantum mechanics cannot be used to explain the universe as a whole in all venues, however, can explain the movements of an electron, or the actions of a black hole. Another reason why reality cannot be explained by quantum mechanics is that quantum mechanics call for a holistic interpretation of the system. Reality, then, is much too large for all of it to be encompassed in one interpretation. Non-locality, another feature of quantum mechanics, prevents reality from being explained by quantum mechanics. Non-locality means that distance is not an issue in the effects of one part of a system on another. For example, curtains might not be blowing because your window is open and there is a wind, they might be blowing because somewhere in Russia, a woman is beating her rugs. The Quantum Brain: Theory or Myth? :: Biology Essays Research Papers The Quantum Brain: Theory or Myth? The study of neurobiology has long involved the actions and interactions among neurons and their synapses. Changes in concentrations of various ions carry impulses to and from the central nervous system and are responsible for all the information processed by the nervous system as a whole. This has been the prominent theory for many years, but, now, there is a new one to be reckoned with; the Quantum Brain Theory (QBT). Like many new theories, the QBT has merits and flaws. Many people are wholeheartedly sold on it; however, this vigor might be uncalled for. Nevertheless, this could prove to be a valid and surprisingly accurate theory of brain function. One of the most convincing arguments of the QBT is its explanation of how reality is conceived by the brain. Classically, reality should always be changing, even by the slightest notion, and the brain should be aware of these changes as they occur. According to quantum mechanics, this would be impossible; there is no time during which something is changing. Therefore, the brain cannot be in a state of change, it must be in one state or another, there is no in between. The QBT states that our brain takes in reality one moment at a time, it is never in a state where it is observing something change. It observes reality before the change and then after the change and then fuses these two images together in order to make sense of them. One question about the QBT comes when reality itself is considered; "why can't reality be a quantum system?" Well, there are a few explanations. One is that quantum systems are usually very small. Quantum mechanics cannot be used to explain the universe as a whole in all venues, however, can explain the movements of an electron, or the actions of a black hole. Another reason why reality cannot be explained by quantum mechanics is that quantum mechanics call for a holistic interpretation of the system. Reality, then, is much too large for all of it to be encompassed in one interpretation. Non-locality, another feature of quantum mechanics, prevents reality from being explained by quantum mechanics. Non-locality means that distance is not an issue in the effects of one part of a system on another. For example, curtains might not be blowing because your window is open and there is a wind, they might be blowing because somewhere in Russia, a woman is beating her rugs.

Disorder Analysis

â€Å"Me Myself and Irene† is a movie about a Rhode Island State Police trooper named Charlie Baileygates who has a mental disorder. The disorder that can be evidently seen in the movie almost creates the whole essence of the story. Charley Baileygates' (Jim Carrey) is found to have a Dissociative Identity Disorder or more commonly known as multiple personality. In the movie, Jim Carrey's character changes from Charley to Hank, who is the other personality, that somehow is the complete opposite of Charlie.During the course of the movie, this Dissociative Identity Disorder of Charley terrorizes his condition and his interaction with other people, especially with Irene (Renà © Zellweger). As the movie assessed Charlie's condition, it showed that this disorder was caused by the anger that has been kept inside for years due to other people who took advantage of him. Raising three African-American kids that are sons of his wife and a black dwarf limo driver, who eventually stole h is bride, Charlie accepted it but has kept this unconscious anger deep inside him.This eventually led to Hank, who is the other personality inside his brain. Hank is the rude, violent and cocky persona that is completely the opposite of Charlie.DISSOCIATIVE IDENTITY DISORDERAs defined by the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), â€Å"Dissociative Identity Disorder is a psychiatric diagnosis that describes a condition in which a single person displays multiple distinct identities or personalities, each with its own pattern of perceiving and interacting with the environment.†(American Psychiatric Association, 2000).The requirements of the diagnosis suggests at least two personalities consequently gaining control with regards to a person's demeanor and actions. With regards to its possible causes, epidemiology, appearance across cultures, and existence, this disorder is controversial. Interaction of several factors are c auses that lead to Dissociative Identity Disorder. Possible symptoms that suggests a demonstration of Dissociative Identity Disorder ranges with wide variations during the course of time.Symptoms that can be included are distortion or loss of subjective time, depersonalization, depression, amnesia, headaches and other body pains. People with this condition may even suffer auditory hallucinations with regards to the two personalities' discussions and might even result to misdiagnoses that may falsely conclude a psychotic issue. People with DID often display an array of indications that can match those of other mental health disorders and many physical disorders as well. Chronic and potentially disabling or fatal, patients with Dissociative Identity Disorder are prone to harming themselves.There are various treatment methods to cure this disorder such as Psychotherapy, medications and behavioral treatments. A psychiatrist or psychologist may use specially designed interviews such as t he SCID-D and personality assessment methods to evaluate an individual with Dissociative Identity Disorder. Integrating the personalities into a single personality is the main goal of treatments. Drug therapy can alleviate some particular symptoms but does not heal the disorder itself. Psychotherapy on the other hand is emotionally painful and difficult.In general , two or more psychotherapy meetings a week for at least 3 to 6 years are essential. Helpful also may be Hypnosis.CONCLUSIONAs seen in the movie, this condition is not actually a psychotic disorder. But despite this, there is danger among people with this condition, as seen in Charlie and Frank's battles, if not properly treated. Integrating the personalities might be hard, but keeping them in tune and coexisting might help. Psychotherapy is the best option for treatment of DID.

Essay on Utopian Societies in Literature - 2192 Words

Utopian Societies in Literature A Utopian Society is based on the idea that all governmental tactics, laws, and social conditions are ideal to perfection. The relationship between authority and citizen coincide creating endless stability. Any abrupt disagreement regarding a radical idea can shift the equilibrium off balance, causing the population to become a threat to officials that could lead to a revolutionary plan. In the novels A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess and 1984 by George Orwell, both authors discuss the power and ability the governments hold to preserve order over their citizens. In both situations, the authorities go to great lengths in hope to reach Utopianism by the process of spying, monitoring, and†¦show more content†¦Underneath the simplicity of the name Alex lies other suggested meanings. When split apart the letter a acts as a negative prefix, and the word lex means an absence of law and a lack of words. It is evident that Alex clearly expresses both ideas. He lives his li fe on the basis of no rules, with a careless destructive attitude towards others. The lack of words concept relates to his lack of; . . . attempt to explain or justify his actions in terms of abstract ideas or goals such as liberty or stability. . . . Instead, he simply experiences life directly, sensuously, and, while he is free, joyously.(Bloom, p 118) Orwells motive to write 1984 relates to England during the 1930s. The novel converts the social injustice, sexual repression and xenophobia . . . into the rigid class system, sexual puritanism, and permanent state of war in Oceania [the city in which 1984 takes place in].(Lee, p 136) 1984s atmosphere was inspired by Orwells life. He said; It wouldnt have been so gloomy . .Show MoreRelated Literary Utopian Societies Essays1747 Words   |  7 Pages Literary Utopian Societies â€Å"The vision of one century is often the reality of the next†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Nelson 108). Throughout time, great minds have constructed their own visions of utopia. Through the study of utopias, one finds that these â€Å"perfect† societies have many flaws. For example, most utopias tend to have an authoritarian nature (Manuel 3). Also, another obvious imperfection found in the majority of utopias is that of a faulty social class system (Thomas 94). But one must realized that the flawsRead MoreKirstie Williams. Benson. English 271 Distance Education.1481 Words   |  6 Pagesreligious freedoms, and dystopia/utopia similarities throughout More’s literature. I. Introduction A. Imagine you are a sailor, sailing the vast emptiness of the ocean. B. To your dismay, the storm thrashes waves against your boat. C. You find yourself on the island of Thomas More’s Utopia D. Some facts about Thomas More II. Common Law / Commonplace / Customs A. The commons in Thomas More’s Utopia are drastically different from the society in which he lived. B. Thus, More spent most of his lifetime scrutinizingRead MoreThe Paradox Of Thomas Mores Utopia As An Adjective?1441 Words   |  6 Pagesmost, if not all men have bravado. And, all men, and women suffer from their own vanity. Even within the confines of their own relationship of the utopians with their higher power, who they call Mythras, where man lives only to serve mankind, the highest of Mythras servants would not see himself as lowest of men.(Forward 2) Rather, the humble Utopian, would have to see himself as higher to the mankind that he, himself, has set   about serving. In short, even in Utopia, the average citizen wouldRead MoreAnalysis Of Aldous Huxley s Brave New World 1250 Words   |  5 PagesAldous Huxley published a Brave New World in 1932 in which he depicts a society in which babies are born in bottles, the concept of an individual cell does not matter as people do not believe in intimacy, science is used as a form of control, subjugation and conditioning, and drugs as well as sex are forms of escaping the horrors of reality. Or as Laurence Brander (1970) put it, â€Å"Affection and loyalty are unnecessary, beauty is a synthetic product, truth is arranged in a test tube, hope is suppliedRead MoreThe Ones Who Walk Away From A Utopian Or Dystopian Society?1302 Words   |  6 PagesFrom Omelas: Is Omelas a Utopian or Dystopian Society? How does one know if Omelas is Utopian or Dystopian? This is the topic that will be explored, within a literary analysis of the short story by Ursula K. Le Guin: The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas. The narrator depicts a society that appears to simulate the Garden of Eden. The citizens of Omelas are seen to have a euphoric state of mind, which helps describe them as a happy society, which appears to be almost Utopian. However, the narrator deceivesRead MoreBrave New World - Utopia or Dystopia?783 Words   |  4 Pagesdystopia, however Brave New World by Aldous Huxley could be seen as either. There are many aspects of this society which are perfect and completely cancel out many problems with our real world, nevertheless along with these are effects which could be seen as the opposite. This essay will discuss these aspects and effects and whether the Brave New World society is a utopia or a dystopia. A utopian society is one which is perfect (Mastin (2008), What is a Utopia?). In the case of Brave New World: everyoneRead More Humanities’ Irrational and its Effects on a Utopian Society1690 Words   |  7 Pageshuman psyche is divided into rational and irrational drives. Courtesy of Sigmund Freud, it is divided into the id, ego, and super-ego. According to Freud, although the super-ego controls the other two to present ourselves in a rational state within society, the id often tends to be out of complete control by the conscious, making it an unconscious action. For Freud, it’s the recognition that the irrational is there, that it must be controlled to take over. Man’s aggressive nature does tend to overpowerRead More Comparing Margaret Cavendish’s The Description of a New World, Called the Blazing World and Sir Tho1706 Words   |  7 PagesMore’s Utopia The so-called Utopia – the quasi-perfect society – flourishes in Margaret Cavendish’s â€Å"The Description of a New World, Called a Blazing World† and Sir Thomas More’s Utopia. While the former is a dreamlike account of fantasy rule and the latter a pseudo-realistic travelogue, both works paint a picture of worlds that are not so perfect after all. These imperfections glitter like false gemstones in the paths of these Utopians’ religious beliefs, political systems, and philosophicalRead MoreThe Impossible Utopia Essay828 Words   |  4 Pagesambition, delineates from the original utopian dream to one of abject oppression, completely controlling the food and power of the farm. By the conclusion of the book, Napoleon is indistinguishable from the humans, and the punishments, deficiency of food, and general destitution for the regular farm animals make the farm an even worse place. Will humans, or animals, ever be able to live in a perfect w orld? As shown in George Orwell’s Animal Farm, utopian societies like the one Old Major envisioned willRead MoreThemes Of Fahrenheit 451 And The Portable Phonograph724 Words   |  3 PagesThroughout someone’s life, no matter their age, gender, or sociality, every person is bound to encounter some form of literature. Inside every piece of literature the author always has a purpose. It may not be clear to all, but everything has a lesson, suggestion, and a central message. The central message the author is trying to convey is also known as the theme. In the books Fahrenheit 451 and â€Å"The Portable Phonograph† the possible themes are not crystal clear. It is up to the reader to draw conclusions