Obama and the Presidency Essay Example for Free

Obama and the Presidency Essay It has been said that every presidential election is historical, and for all intents and purposes that is correct. But that particular statement could not have been more apt than now, with the election of Barack Obama to the presidency. The past presidential election is crucial to our country, primarily because these are extraordinary times. Along with economic recession –which has seen more and more loss of homes and jobs – there are likewise problems left by the preceding government that cannot be ignored. These factors are the root of Barack Obama’s win, and have made him the best candidate for the post. Polls conducted prior to the November 4 elections have seen Americans in the working class leaning towards Obama’s camp, and for good reason. Coupled with a clear, plausible, and practical plan which addresses the recession is the fact that Obama is someone that the average American can relate to. We’ve all heard of his life story, his background; we are aware of the obstacles he has and could have faced. There is a feeling of kinship that arises when we hear him talk of his childhood in Hawaii and Indonesia, of being raised single-handedly by his mother. As such, the average American will likely see him as not only a Harvard-educated politician, but someone who understands the plight of the less fortunate. He is seen as someone who can respond to the country’s problems skillfully and more importantly, aptly. Obama will be taking the helm of a problem-riddled government, and this is not just pertaining to the economy. The Bush administration will be leaving him with the huge responsibility of restoring not only the image of this country but more importantly, restoring peace and strengthening foreign relations with the war waged by Bush in the background. These are not easy tasks, surely; but the future seems bright for the newly-elected President. Already, foreign countries have expressed satisfaction over his election, with some even going as far as saying that his victory has been foreseen long before the beginning of the elections. Such a positive feedback is refreshing, and we can expect that with Obama at the forefront, our ties with other countries will be stronger and for some, renewed. With regard to the war, it is a good thing that at last, our brothers who are laying their lives on the line will be coming home. The war the previous administration has waged has yield nothing but negative results, and it is about time that the troops be pulled out before more blood is shed for a futile undertaking. Scores ago an African-American president would have been unthinkable; and until now, there are still traces of discrimination in this country that boasts of freedom as its most valued treasure. Obama’s historical ascent to the White House is a landmark of change and hope: change, in that he has broken the African-American stereotypical images that are still very much prevalent in society; hope, in that with his election, the remaining buds of racial discrimination will be nipped. On a grander scale, Obama’s presidency does not only signal the beginning of change (or â€Å"change we can believe in†) – it IS a symbol of change. This symbolism could not have come at a better time, not only for the American people but perhaps, for the world. On a smaller scale, Obama’s election is monumental for members of the minority – who came to this country with dreams of leading better lives – and for African-Americans, both of which are still fighting for equality in this country. It may be argued that the United States has come a long way from its history of slavery, and that racial discrimination is not as prevalent now as it was before. But it can likewise be argued that inequality is still there. With Obama’s election, the invisible barrier that has prevented these people from dreaming big and living their dreams has been shattered. How? With the mere act of electing him into office, the African-American stereotype was lifted: African-Americans can now dream of leading the most powerful country in the world – a vision that has remained unimaginable until now. And for other members of the minority – immigrants from Asia, and other countries – the election of Obama is more than welcome, what with his plans of rewriting immigration laws to see past race and country, and to look more into the abilities of those who seek refuge and chase dreams in the United States of America. As for the rest of the world, Obama’s presidency is also a hallmark of change. As said, his election to office has been welcomed by other countries, and has been met with celebration in all corners of the globe, not only for the American people but for countries that look to the President of the United States for leadership. There has not been much to look up to in the previous administration a fruitless war was waged, and bigger problems like the recession and climate change remained unanswered, or if answered, well, they were addressed unsatisfactorily. With Obama, it might be a different story. It has been reported that even hard-to-please academic analysts have hailed his election, and have provided positive feedbacks with regard to his ability to lead the nation and the rest of the world. He is not a superhero, of course, but if he follows through with his campaign promises, at least one or two of the bigger problems we – and the rest of the world – are experiencing can be solved. And that is good enough. In his speech in Chicago, Obama told more than 200,000 people gathered in Grant Park in celebration: If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible, who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time, who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer. Indeed, with Obama’s election to the office of the president of the United States, history was made. More importantly, when he formally takes office on the 20th of January, he will make history. He has, after all, been dubbed as the â€Å"extraordinary man for extraordinary times†.

Preparing For Our Deaths :: essays research papers

Preparing for Death   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  A lack of preparation for our deaths is a serious problem whether it is because we don’t know the exact time or just don’t want to face death. In a article in time magazine by John Cloud he writes â€Å"We will spend more time getting ready for two weeks away from work than we will for our last two weeks on earth† (Cloud,2000,p.60). We should prepare for our deaths to show our wishes concerning treatment and life support as well as other aspects. We should make choices while we are still well, so that we are treated properly before we die. Frank Ostaceski said â€Å"we have more preparation for how to operate our VCRs than we do for how we die†(Cloud,2000,p.60).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In today’s society we all try to prolong life as long as possible. Technology is finding new ways that we can stay healthier and lead productive lives longer. Governor Lamm said â€Å"we should be careful in terms of our technological miracles that we don’t impose life on people who, in fact, are suffering beyond our ability to help†(Collins,1991,p.540). That is the real issue at hand; are we in fact over stepping our boundaries by keeping people alive who are maybe beyond our help. â€Å"Machines can extend the length but not always the quality of life† (Cloud,2000,p.62). As doctors, they need to think about the well being of the patient and if any methods could really help the situation.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  It is hard to let someone that is close to us die, but we need to look beyond the fact that you will miss them. You need to think about what is best for the patient and if they are terminal; prolonging their life is not the best thing. It is important to prepare for our own death and make our wishes known. A living will is one way of doing that. A living will is a document explains to your doctor what types of treatment you want if you become terminally ill. A living will only works when you are terminal, it does not come into effect if you are in an accident and need emergency treatment. Some people may feel that a living will is not for them, when in fact everyone should have a living will. Most people assume that a living will means that they are refusing treatment, which is not true. A living will just explains your wishes.

Northern Perspectives

It is prudent at this juncture to define the northern territory as a way of introduction. The northern territory (NT) is much of a political territory, which shares geographical location with north Australia. This is the main distinctive feature. However there are several differences In terms of the social and cultural orientation within the geographical region of north Australia.The northern territory exists as a self-government territory. However the territory derives its right to govern from the federal parliament. This means that the supreme authority is still the federal parliament. If follows that the decision reached at the northern territory legislative assembly is subject to the approval of the federal parliament. This happens to be what separates the self-governing territory of the Northern Territory from the rest of Australia. The political structure in the larger Australia is such that the states are sovereign and only come together under the federal government.The northe rn territory self-government act of 1978 gave a new status to the northern territory. In this act the northern territory was granted authority that could help it become a self-autonomous entity, usurping a few roles from the commonwealth. A few of responsibilities and duties initially carried out by the common wealth were transferred to the northern territory. A superficial glance at the territory and comparison with the other states indicates almost a complete similarity. However, the territory suits a shoulder below the rest in terms of authority and the structure of the government. It leaves more towards being a self-autonomous territory as opposed to the usual states in the common wealth.Although all the states in the common wealth are independent and value sovereignty, the 1978 act to self-given presents the biggest difference between these and the northern territory. The government in northern territory can make and enforce its own laws, but should the federal government wish to overturn or override it, it can achieve this through the parliament. An example in point is the euthanasia legislation passed by northern treaty but overridden by the national parliament ().In the place of a governor, the northern territory has administrator who wields executives’ power. He leads with the help of an executive council. The territory too has its representative in the federal legislature comprising of two representatives and two people in the senate.The territory has a legislative assembly consisting of members that are elected to speaker and the member of the executive council or the ministers. The northern territory also has local governments and authorities with some full administrative powers in Darwin, the capital city as well as in other large towns, these administrative centers provide essential services to the people ranging from housing to health among others.  Northern territories have a fully-fledged legal system with the Supreme Court as the hig hest court in the land.There is a chief minister who leads the self-autonomous government while the premier leads the state government. These two are appointed by the administrator who in turn is appointed by the governor-general of Australia.  In the national scene, the parliament is made up of the senate and the house of representative it deals with matters affecting almost all the states like foreign affair or the issue of protecting the nation as is the case in the United States. The territory’s representation in these two organs is a bit lower to make up for special status that it enjoys with an autonomous government.Broad responsibilityThe northern territory government is charged with the responsibility of managing the affairs of the territory save for those that are national in nature like the world heritage areas and national parks located within the territory (Strelein L (2000). This is done to avoid conflicts between the two levels of government. Areas that fall w ithin the northern territory government share of responsibility include but not limited to; education, health, and issues, administrative matters, infrastructure and local government. In order to perform these duties the NT government receives funds from the federal government.Relationship with federal governmentIt is clear that the two levels of government are mutually dependent. The federal government looks up to the territorial government to facilitate the implementation of laws and policies. Additionally the federal government expects to receive money remitted by the territorial government in order to reach its own objectives. On the other hand, the territorial government receives funds from the federal government to meet its budgetary obligations. This has for long time been a subject of much debate and controversy not only in the northern territory but also elsewhere in Australia and also in the world.The federal government in Australia has to perform a balancing act in order to achieve some kind of equity. Equitable distribution of resources is a thorny issue here. This balance is important for stability of any nation. An example of inequality is between the State of California in the US and the Mississippi between which a huge economic disparity exists. There has existed a general discontent especially from richer states in the way the national government distributes money contributed by these states.One of the important areas of development that lie within the responsibility of the NT government is cultural development. Culture is a very important composite of any society. However, in the modern world, rarely would any society share in all aspects of a common culture. According to Martin C (1995), this is mainly because of the historical backgrounds that are as varied as the trends of the modern lifestyle. It is therefore important to understand the basics of cultural dynamics before any form of cultural development can be contemplated.Cultural develo pment can be defined as the process through which the full potential of cultural diversity can be achieved for the common good. Culture is a most valuable symbol of identity and should not be lost either through assimilation or neglect. Cultural diversity brings out the uniqueness of the northern territory community (CUC107 Northern Perspectives. Cultural expansion and change (2007). One of the unique characteristics of the responsibility that the territorial government has in conserving and developing cultural diversity springs from the history of the people of the Northern Territory.The earliest inhabitants of the northern territory were the indigenous people. These people had and still have a rich culture and customs by which they lived. However, when the European immigrants settled in Australia, they sought to undermine this culture terming it as backwards. They also sought to force their own ways, which they viewed as superior. For many years this opinion has dictated the natur e of interaction between the indigenous people and the settlers. It has also influenced public opinion as well as dominant ideologies (Eckerman T. et al 1992).Upon this background, the territorial government must work to alter this perception and opinion that is based against the culture and custom of the aboriginal people as well as the Torres-strait islander people. The long enduring opinion is narrow and ill informed. It is full assumptions and biases that view some cultures and practices as more superior than others. Cultural development begins with the understanding of the uniqueness of the self. It is the responsibility of the Northern Territory government to promote understanding, acceptance interest and most of all harmonious existence among people of different cultural affiliations. The goal should be for the entire population to appreciate other cultures and to nurture rather than to kill diversity. The goal should also be to create a strong sense of belonging through cult ure where the population is proud of being who they are.Killing cultural diversity is tantamount to killing own individual identity. The study of culture has somehow increased awareness among those who take time to give thought to the wisdom those studies. However the world is still at a point where the western definition of what is superior and what is mediocre is widely embraced. Against this background many cultures have lost invaluable parts that were part of the whole thus becoming diluted (Hunter, E. (1993). This presents the main challenge to the Northern Territory government in its management and development of culture.The Northern Territory government must work from a seemingly â€Å"point of weakness† because many of the cultural practice and customs have lost so much already which cannot be recovered. Elements of culture such as language have also changed greatly. The way people talked as well as the content of these talks has changed overtime. Among the indigenous people for instance, folk tales were used to impart knowledge as well as to pass traditions from one generation to next. However folk tales have today found replacement in technology and the consequences are a lost method of passing culture to generations (CUC107 Northern Perspectives. Cultural expansion and change (2007).These are among the challenges that the Northern Territory government faces. Capitalistic ideologies and economic power has placed some countries at a position where they can dictate the direction the rest of the world takes. This includes dominating cultures. The disadvantaged, minorities and marginalized population have little choice but to tow the line appropriately (Alder, C. 1999). Economic development in the Northern Territory, which ironically must be encouraged, can only serve to diminish any gains on the cultural diversity front. This is a challenge to the Northern Territory government cultural development plans. It is easy to see here that the sacrifices that must be made are economic prosperity or the conservation of culture. With the world being the way it is today the Northern Territory government is hard pressed to make a decision to promote economic prosperity at the expense of culture.The Northern Territory government can however produce a win-win situation, by embracing innovative thinking to ensure sustainable development both economically and culturally.It is unfortunate that despite the fact that an opportunity clearly exists in the northern territory to develop ways of achieving sustainable cultural development, not much good seems be coming out of the processes. This can be attributed to the fact that the focus of the main stakeholders is wrong. The Northern Territory government has loudly cited scarcity of funds as the main obstacle in achievement of sustainable cultural development.This has denied these stakeholders from seeing the other methods and avenues open to them to exploit the opportunity (Ames, R et al 1989). The Northern Territory government has tried to develop a framework upon which to build its plans. One has been the involvement of women and the aboriginal people in decision-making process. Their representation has however not always adequate which has worked against this plan.The NT government has also sought to promote culture by supporting cultural activities like road shows and festivals especially in Darwin. These attractions have served to showcase some of the diverse cultures that exist in Northern Territory. The events are increasingly becoming popular though at a very slow pace.  The budget for cultural development has also been increasing steadily over the past few years (Christie, M. 2000).While the efforts of the NT government to involve the local communities especially the aboriginal and Torres-strait islander people together with women and other minority groups are laudable. This paper suggests that more can be done in order to speed up the process and consolidate g ains achieved so far. Wide consultations have a way of fostering ownership. It is therefore important that the NT government seek to improve participation of the local communities in decision-making.Representation should be increased in the decision-making organ. Additionally, in order to increase coercion the NT government should develop a holistic approach that includes educating the people at all levels of the society to appreciate their cultures as well as other cultures within this society. This can be done formally in small community groups as well as through other contemporary media.Another laudable gesture that should be developed further is use of cultural events and festivals. Cultural events have succeeded elsewhere as tourist attraction and consequently served to preserve the practice. In Spain bullfighting is a cultural even that is unique to this part of the world. It has gained a cult like following and has also been used as a tourist attraction. In Brazil, street car nival where people showcase there cultural dances such as samba have also become an eye catching event that is widely accepted all over the world. Similarly events could be organized regularly to showcase the NT diverse cultures.The Northern Territory should also explore the use of cultural ambassadors in other parts of Australia and the world in order to advertise the culture and to promote cultural tourism.ConclusionWhile plans are underway to confer full powers of statehood in the Northern Territory, the territorial government must increase ensure sustainable development in all areas of development. It is the responsibility of the Northern Territory government to promote understanding, acceptance interest and most of all harmonious existence among people of different cultural affiliations. The goal should be for the entire population to appreciate other cultures and to nurture rather than to kill diversity. Cultural diversity must never be sacrificed in the altar of economic deve lopment.ReferencesAlder C (1999) The Aboriginal art market: challenges to authenticity, on-line at:http://www.aboriginalartonline.com/resources/articles6.php, (Accessed: 3/2/05)Ames, R. Don Axford, Peter J. Usher, Ed Weick, George Wenzel, and John Merritt. (1989)Keeping on the land: A study of the feasibility of a comprehensive wildlife harvestsupport programme in the Northwest Territories. Ottawa ON: Canadian Arctic ResourcesCommittee.Christie M 2000 ‘Greek Migration to Darwin, Australia, 1914-1921' Journal of NorthernTerritory History, 71, pp 1 -14.Eckerman T. Dowd, M. Martin, L, Nixon R. Gray E. Chong, Binan Goonj (1992). BudgingCultures In Aboriginal Health, . Armidale NSW: Printery, University Of England.. 23-58.Hunter, E. (1993). Aboriginal Health and History. Power and prejudice in remoteAustralia. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, New York, Melbourne.38Strelein L (2000) Aboriginal land rights in Australia, Native Title Research Unit, AustralianInstitute of Aborigi nal and Torres Strait Islander Studies, Canberra.

Ammonium Nitrate Facts and Uses

Ammonium nitrate is the nitrate salt of the ammonium cation. It may be considered the ammonium analog to potassium nitrate or saltpeter. Its chemical formula is NH4NO3  or N2H4O3.  In pure form, ammonium nitrate is a crystalline white solid that readily dissolves in water. Heat or ignition readily cause the substance to ignite or explode. Ammonium nitrate is not considered toxic. Options for Obtaining Ammonium Nitrate Ammonium nitrate may be purchased  as a pure chemical or  collected from instant cold packs or some fertilizers.  The compound is most commonly prepared by reacting nitric acid and ammonia. Its also possible to prepare ammonium nitrate from common household chemicals. While it is not difficult to make ammonium nitrate, it is dangerous to do so as the chemicals involved can be hazardous. In addition, it can easily become explosive when mixed with fuels or other chemicals. Ammonium Nitrate Uses and Sources Ammonium nitrate is a chemical compound used in agriculture as a fertilizer, to make pyrotechnics, as an ingredient in cold packs, and for science demonstrations. Its also used to create controlled explosions in mining and quarrying. It was once mined as a natural mineral (niter) in the deserts of Chile, but it is no longer available except as a man-made compound. Because ammonium nitrate may be misused, it has been phased out in many countries.