Government Intervention Of The Internet Essays (1559 words)

Government Intervention Of The Internet During the past decade, our society has become based solely on the ability to move large amounts of information across large distances quickly. Computerization has influenced everyone's life. The natural evolution of computers and this need for ultra-fast communications has caused a global network of interconnected computers to develop. This global net allows a person to send E-mail across the world in mere fractions of a second, and enables even the common person to access information world-wide. With advances such as software that allows users with a sound card to use the Internet as a carrier for long distance voice calls and video conferencing, this network is key to the future of the knowledge society. At present, this net is the epitome of the first amendment: free speech. It is a place where people can speak their mind without being reprimanded for what they say, or how they choose to say it. The key to the world-wide success of the Internet is its protection of free speech, not only in America, but in other countries where free speech is not protected by a constitution. To be found on the Internet is a huge collection of obscene graphics, Anarchists' cookbooks and countless other things that offend some people. With over 30 million Internet users in the U.S. alone (only 3 million of which surf the net from home), everything is bound to offend someone. The newest wave of laws floating through law making bodies around the world threatens to stifle this area of spontaneity. Recently, Congress has been considering passing laws that will make it a crime punishable by jail to send vulgar language over the net, and to export encryption software. No matter how small, any attempt at government intervention in the Internet will stifle the greatest communication innovation of this century. The government wants to maintain control over this new form of communication, and they are trying to use the protection of children as a smoke screen to pass laws that will allow them to regulate and censor the Internet, while banning techniques that could eliminate the need for regulation. Censorship of the Internet threatens to destroy its freelance atmosphere, while wide spread encryption could help prevent the need for government intervention. The current body of laws existing today in America does not apply well to the Internet. Is the Internet like a bookstore, where servers cannot be expected to review every title? Is it like a phone company who must ignore what it carries because of privacy? Is it like a broadcasting medium, where the government monitors what is broadcast? The trouble is that the Internet can be all or none of these things depending on how it's used. The Internet cannot be viewed as one type of transfer medium under current broadcast definitions. The Internet differs from broadcasting media in that one cannot just happen upon a vulgar site without first entering a complicated address, or following a link from another source. The Internet is much more like going into a book store and choosing to look at adult magazines. (Miller 75). Jim Exon, a democratic senator from Nebraska, wants to pass a decency bill regulating the Internet. If the bill passes, certain commercial servers that post pictures of unclad beings, like those run by Penthouse or Playboy, would of course be shut down immediately or risk prosecution. The same goes for any amateur web site that features nudity, sex talk, or rough language. Posting any dirty words in a Usenet discussion group, which occurs routinely, could make one liable for a $50,000 fine and six months in jail. Even worse, if a magazine that commonly runs some of those nasty words in its pages, The New Yorker for instance, decided to post its contents on-line, its leaders would be held responsible for a $100,000 fine and two years in jail. Why does it suddenly become illegal to post something that has been legal for years in print? Exon's bill apparently would also criminalize private mail, ... I can call my brother on the phone and say anything--but if I say it on the Internet, it's illegal (Levy 53). Congress, in their pursuit of regulations, seems to have overlooked the fact that the majority of the adult material on the Internet comes from overseas. Although many U.S. government sources helped

Brigadier General David McMurtrie Gregg in the Civil War

Brigadier General David McMurtrie Gregg in the Civil War David McM. Gregg - Early Life Career: Born April 10, 1833, in Huntingdon, PA, David McMurtrie Gregg was the third child of Matthew and Ellen Gregg.   Following his fathers death in 1845, Gregg moved with his mother to Hollidaysburg, PA.   His time there proved brief as she died two years later.   Orphaned, Gregg and his older brother, Andrew, were sent to live with their uncle, David McMurtrie III, in Huntingdon.   Under his care, Gregg entered the John A. Hall School before moving on to nearby Milnwood Academy.   In 1850, while attending the University of Lewisburg (Bucknell University), he received an appointment to West Point with the aid of  Representative Samuel Calvin.    Arriving at West Point on July 1, 1851, Gregg proved a good student and an excellent horseman.   Graduating four years later, he ranked eighth in a class of thirty-four.   While there, he developed relationships with older students, such as J.E.B. Stuart and Philip H. Sheridan, with whom he would fight and serve with during the Civil War.   Commissioned a second lieutenant, Gregg was briefly posted to Jefferson Barracks, MO before receiving orders for Fort Union, NM.   Serving with the 1st US Dragoons, he moved to California in 1856 and north to Washington Territory the following year.   Operating from Fort Vancouver, Gregg fought several engagements against the Native Americans in the area.    David McM. Gregg - The Civil War Begins: On March 21, 1861, Gregg earned a promotion to first lieutenant and orders to return east.   With the attack on Fort Sumter the following month and beginning of the Civil War, he quickly received a promotion to captain on May 14 with orders to join the 6th US Cavalry in Washington DCs defenses.   Shortly thereafter, Gregg fell gravely ill with typhoid and nearly died when his hospital burned.   Recovering, he took command of the 8th Pennsylvania Cavalry on January 24, 1862 with the rank of colonel.   This move was facilitated by the fact that Pennsylvania Governor Andrew Curtain was Greggs cousin.   Later that spring, the 8th Pennsylvania Cavalry shifted south to the Peninsula for Major General George B. McClellans campaign against Richmond. David McM. Gregg - Climbing the Ranks: Serving in Brigadier General Erasmus D. Keyes IV Corps, Gregg and his men saw service during the advance up the Peninsula and ably screened the armys movements during the Seven Days Battles that June and July.   With the failure of McClellans campaign, Greggs regiment and the rest of the Army of the Potomac returned north.   That September, Gregg was present for the Battle of Antietam but saw little fighting.   Following the battle, he took leave and traveled to Pennsylvania to marry Ellen F. Sheaff on October 6.   Returning to his regiment after a brief honeymoon in New York City, he received a promotion to brigadier general on November 29.   With this came command of a brigade in Brigadier General Alfred Pleasontons division. Present at the Battle of Fredericksburg on December 13, Gregg assumed command of a cavalry brigade in Major General William F. Smiths VI Corps when Brigadier General George D. Bayard was mortally wounded.   With the Union defeat,  Major General Joseph Hooker assumed command in early 1863 and reorganized the Army of the Potomacs cavalry forces into a single Cavalry Corps led by Major General George Stoneman.   Within this new structure, Gregg was selected to lead the 3rd Division consisting of brigades headed by Colonels Judson Kilpatrick and Percy Wyndham.   That May, as Hooker led the army against General Robert E. Lee at the Battle of Chancellorsville, Stoneman received orders to take his corps on a raid deep into the enemys rear.   Though Greggs division and the others inflicted substantial damage on Confederate property, the effort had little strategic value.   Due to its perceived failure, Stoneman was replaced by Pleasonton. David McM. Gregg - Brandy Station Gettysburg: Having been beaten at Chancellorsville, Hooker sought to gather intelligence on Lees intentions.   Finding that Major General J.E.B. Stuarts Confederate cavalry had concentrated near Brandy Station, he directed Pleasonton to attack and disperse the enemy.   To accomplish this, Pleasonton conceived a daring operation which called for dividing his command into two wings. The right wing, led by Brigadier General John Buford, was to cross the Rappahannock at Beverlys Ford and drive south toward Brandy Station. The left wing, commanded by Gregg, was to cross to the east at Kellys Ford and strike from the east and south to catch the Confederates in a double envelopment.   Taking the enemy by surprise, the Union troopers succeeded in driving the Confederates back on June 9.   Late in the day, Greggs men made several attempts to take Fleetwood Hill, but were unable to compel the Confederates to retreat.   Though Pleasonton withdrew at sunset leaving the field in Stuarts hands, the Battle of Brandy Station greatly improved the Union cavalrys confidence. As Lee moved north towards Pennsylvania in June, Greggs division pursued and fought inconclusive engagements with Confederate cavalry at Aldie (June 17), Middleburg (June 17-19), and Upperville (June 21).   On July 1, his compatriot Buford opened the Battle of Gettysburg.   Pressing north, Greggs division arrived around midday on July 2 and was tasked with protecting the Union right flank by new army commander Major General George G. Meade.   The next day, Gregg repulsed Stuarts cavalry in a  back-and-forth battle east of town.   In the fighting, Greggs men were aided by Brigadier General George A. Custers brigade.   Following the Union triumph at Gettysburg, Greggs division pursued the enemy and harried their retreat south. David McM. Gregg - Virginia: That fall, Gregg operated with the Army of the Potomac as Meade conducted his abortive Bristoe and Mine Run Campaigns.   In the course of these efforts, his division fought at  Rapidan Station (September 14), Beverly Ford (October 12), Auburn (October 14), and New Hope Church (November 27).   In the spring of 1864, President Abraham Lincoln promoted Major General Ulysses S. Grant to lieutenant general and made him general-in-chief of all Union armies.   Coming east, Grant worked with Meade to reorganize the Army of the Potomac.   This saw Pleasonton removed and replaced with Sheridan who had built a strong reputation as an infantry division commander in the west.   This action rankled Gregg who was the corps senior division commander and an experienced cavalryman. That May, Greggs division screened the army during the opening actions of the Overland Campaign at the Wilderness and Spotsylvania Court House.   Unhappy with his corps role in the campaign, Sheridan obtained permission from Grant to mount a large-scale raid south on May 9.   Encountering the enemy two days later, Sheridan won a victory at the Battle of Yellow Tavern.   In the fighting, Stuart was killed.   Continuing south with Sheridan, Gregg and his men reached the Richmond defenses before turning east and uniting with Major General Benjamin Butlers Army of the James.   Resting and refitting, the Union cavalry then returned north to reunite with Grant and Meade.   On May 28, Greggs division engaged Major General Wade Hamptons cavalry at the Battle of Haws Shop and won a minor victory after heavy fighting.   David McM. Gregg - Final Campaigns: Again riding out with Sheridan the following month, Gregg saw action during the Union defeat at the Battle of Trevilian Station on June 11-12.   As Sheridans men retreated back towards the Army of the Potomac, Gregg commanded a successful rearguard action at St. Marys Church on June 24.   Rejoining the army, he moved over the James River and aided in operations during the opening weeks of the Battle of Petersburg.   In August, after Lieutenant General Jubal A. Early advanced down the Shenandoah Valley and threatened Washington, DC, Sheridan was ordered by Grant to command the newly-formed Army of the Shenandoah.   Taking part of the Cavalry Corps to join this formation, Sheridan left Gregg in command of those cavalry forces remaining with Grant.   As part of this transition, Gregg received a brevet promotion to major general.   Shortly after Sheridans departure, Gregg saw action during the Second Battle of Deep Bottom on August 14-20.   A few days later, he was involved in the Union defeat at the Second Battle of Reams Station.   That fall, Greggs cavalry worked to screen Union movements as Grant sought to extend his siege lines south and east from Petersburg.   In late September, he took part in the Battle of Peebles Farm and in late October played a key role in the Battle of Boydton Plank Road.   Following the latter action, both armies settled into winter quarters and large-scale fighting subsided.   On January 25, 1865, with Sheridan set to return from the Shenandoah, Gregg abruptly submitted his letter of resignation to the US Army citing an imperative demand for my continued presence at home. David McM. Gregg - Later Life: This was accepted in early February and Gregg departed for Reading, PA.   Greggs reasons for resigning were questioned with some speculating that he did not wish to serve under Sheridan.   Missing the wars final campaigns, Gregg was involved in business activities in Pennsylvania and operated a farm in Delaware.   Unhappy in civilian life, he applied for reinstatement in 1868, but lost out when his desired cavalry command went to his cousin, John I. Gregg.   In 1874, Gregg received an appointment as US Consul in Prague, Austria-Hungary from President Grant.   Departing, his time abroad proved brief as his wife suffered from homesickness.   Returning later that year, Gregg advocated for making Valley Forge a national shrine and in 1891 was elected Auditor General of Pennsylvania.   Serving one term, he remained active in civic affairs until his death on August 7, 1916.   Greggs remains were buried in Readings Charles Evans Cemetery.      Ã‚   Selected Sources Civil War Trust: David McM. GreggSmithsonian: David McM. GreggOhio Civil War: David McM. Gregg

Health and safety at work Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Health and safety at work - Case Study Example Some of the employments by nature are hazardous and both the employer and the employee should be aware of the dangers involved in such employments. Definitely there are inherent risks of the employment and they vary in degrees depending on the kind of work, material used, mode of work and ultimate work achievement. If we go through some of the cases over the years, it is easy to find how difficult it is to avoid danger in certain jobs. Cases like Thomas v Quartermaine (1887), Smith v Baker & Sohs (1891), Paris v Stepney Borough Council (1951), General Cleaning Contractors Ltd. V. Christmas (1953), Ellis v. Ocean S.S. Co. Ltd (1958) show us the varied dangers that are inherent in different employments. But according to the modern law the employer is responsible for a duty of care towards his employees and the weight squarely rests in him. "Under the general law of tort, a duty of care arises when two persons are so closely and directly related that the activities of them may involve appreciable risk of injury to the other: Donoghue v. Stevenson [1932]" Munkman (1975, p.82). The Health and Safety Act is a landmark in the history of labour and employment, because it provides maximum safety and care to the workers and this is one act where the employer's responsibility is of major gravity in looking after the health and safety of his employees. "The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act (1974) is the most important statute for industry and commerce ever to have been passed through Parliament. Unlike the Industrial Relations Act, this one is here to stay. It affects companies, firms and individuals, employers, from Boardroom to shop floor; manufacturers, designers, importers, suppliersoccupiers, builders, erectors, installers," Mitchell (1976, p.xv). The employer, under the legal compulsion, must make all the attempts and take reasonable care not to expose his employees to any kind of avoidable and unnecessary risk. This responsibility is a personal responsibility and cannot be transferred to othersi. In Peter's case ABC cannot be held responsible to a very large extent, because they have provided all kinds of protective necessary clothing and mask. Safeguarding the health and safety of the employees is the duty and responsibility of the employer and ABC has done so. So, if the position of ABC is assessed from that angle, they cannot be held responsible for Peter's accident. All the injuries that occur during the work are not due to employer fault. Some of them could be because of the carelessness and easygoing habits of the employees like Peter. Still there is a possibility of a court ruling that it is vicarious responsibility of the employer because the employer is responsible for providing a safe workplace for his employee to work. It was not safe enough for Peter, because the chemical was insufficiently diluted by another employee causing grievous damage to Peter. ABC will have to answer for the insufficient dilution of the chemical by another employee. There is no doubt that Peter was at mistake because he did not wear the mask that has been provided for his safety by the ABC. Unfortunately for him, he thought, as his manager did, that the risk involved was very small. The risk involved w

Cost Estimate and the State Of Work Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Cost Estimate and the State Of Work - Assignment Example The IGCE statement is also very important in government reference and file keeping. It is a document when well kept can give the future generation the way the projects were carried and the amount of cash that they utilized for project completion (Federal government, 2009). It is also very important in countrymen taxation and government budget making for the year of the project. It also helps the government in the revenue allocation and in implementation of the governments’ strategic plans (Kinzie, 2010). This will lead to job creation, growth and expansion of the countries industrialization. Therefore a well documented IGCE statement safeguards the government’s properties through internal controls and audit trials for the government’s final project price. Reasons for Confidentiality The reasons why the IGCE should be kept a major secret is because the countries ethics and integrity must be retained and should be above reproach in business dealings with the government (Schwalbe, 2011). This will build the people’s confidentiality in the government hence creating harmony in the country (Federal government, 2009). The contracting officers must go to an agreement with the contracting officer representatives on the confidential financial disclosure report. This report is very crucial in avoiding conflicts between the official duties and the private affiliations. This report is also very vital in curbing away bribery from the public sector.

Team Work Essay Essay Example for Free

Team Work Essay Essay Team work is defined as the process of working collaboratively with a group of people in order to achieve a goal. A successful team involves individuals who can work well together, trying their best in any circumstance to achieve that one main goal that they have set out to achieve. Teamwork means that people will try to cooperate, using their individual skills and providing constructive feedback, despite any personal conflict between among themselves. In every team, all members should possess qualities such as honesty, dependability and accountability. Team work may sometimes be challenging because every team has their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (S.W.O.T), but for team work to be effective, each team should aim for S.M.A.R.T, this means they should aim at goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, and realistic and spend time to perform the tasks necessary for the success of that team’s goal. Teams that possess individuals who are honest, dependable and accountable are teams that are more likely to strive. Team members should be honest towards their colleagues, because honesty is a good key characteristic of a good team member, being honest can only uplift a group, same goes for being able to accept constructive criticism. Honesty builds trust and strong bonds among team members allowing for them to be able to work together in a friendly environment. Dependable team members have a strong sense of responsibility, being dependable means that you should be available and reliable. Any individual whom is unable to provide the work they are selected to do by their due date, is classified as an individual who is not dependable, it therefore means each team member should be proactive and consistent. If you cannot depend on a team member all of the time, you cannot depend on them any of the time. Having the ability to take responsibility for your own action, rather than blaming others is one quality that many persons whether in or outside of a team should learn, accountability. Being accountable means that you acknowledge your mistakes and decisions, who will be held accountable for any mishaps or failures? The best teams hold themselves accountable, every single team member and not just the leader. Every team should create S.M.A.R.T goals in order to achieve optimal success. Having specific goals are easier to achieve than general ones, to know if your  goals are specific they must answer the six â€Å"W† questions, these are who, what, where, when, why and which. Measurability involves the team’s effort to measure their progress, to stay on track, they need to make dates on which they will complete a specific task and ensure they meet those target dates. Goals that are measurable answers the questions of how much, how many and how will I know when it is accomplished. It is possible for teams to plan for something that is unattainable as such team members should think about whether are not their goals can be achieved if they work hard enough taking in consideration the time that they have to achieve something. In order to set attainable goals they must also be realistic, a realistic goal is based on your abilities, interests, needs, and desires they should be attainable and it should be something you really want to achieve. Never leave work to last minute, time management is key, as such every project should have been completed before hand to be checked and corrected if needed, it therefore means that a time frame should be established for team members if there is no time frame set then there will be no efforts to get the work done. S.W.O.T is what is used to describe a group’s internal and external aspects, with strengths and weaknesses being internal and opportunities and threats being external. There is always going to be strengths in every team, what someone might be strong at in one category may be weak in another and as such, this leads to team members doing specialized work, meaning every team member can contribute to the final work by doing what they are good at doing. As well as strengths there is weaknesses also, not everyone will be able to do what each member is expected and as such it is the team’s duty to allocate a task to that individual in which he/she can manage. It is not the team’s duty to complain and discourage their team members, instead help and encourage. Opportunities include the chance for progress or advancement, this means if members are given the chance to improve the work given then they should take it and make the best use of it. If one group member is given a task and has the opportunity to add to the work aside from what he/she was given to do or decided to do, then he/she should take the initiative to do so. In many cases there will be threats to the work or to team members that could cease the process of completing the work or temporarily stopping the completion of the work which will defeat the purpose of being time-bound. In such a case the thing or person that is  likely causing danger or damage should be discussed among team members and each should come up with a conclusion as to how best to deal with the situation and how to execute their work differently. The success of every team is dependent on individuals who have the drive to achieve the same goals. Team work requires everybody’s efforts and time to plan S.M.A.R.T goals and stick to those goals. Teams need to be grounded on trust as such honesty is always the best policy, colleagues should be there for their team members as best as they can and be able to be held accountable for their own mistakes. Team work should be less about ‘me’ and more about ‘we.’ Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses and as such team members should make it their responsibility to uplift and encourage each other. Through multiple personalities teams can enhance great ideas and everyone’s opinions and views must be respected. Threats are always a problem in team work but with communication that can be defeated.

M-16 :: essays research papers

The development of the M16 rifle began with the research conducted at John Hopkins University in September of 1955. Research was conducted to question infantrymen, who fought in Korea, about their battle experiences as they pertain to firing their weapon. It was found that 95% of their firing was within 300 yards. Also, there were just as many lethal hits from un-aimed shoots as from aimed ones (it so happens that most of the interviewed were soldiers of the US Army, which may explain the inaccuracy). This information led the military to the conclusion that a .22 caliber rifle capable of selective fire would be most conducive to current battle tactics. The small caliber provides more control, and selective fire would enable a soldier to better control their RPM. With this information the military went to Eugene Stoner, a Marine Corps Veteran who started to design rifles after being decommissioned, and asked him if he was interested in designing a weapon based on their research. This was one of the better decisions that Uncle Sam made; get a Marine to make a rifle that even Army boys can shoot. The requirements for the new weapon were that it had to weight less than 6 pounds loaded, it had to be a .22 caliber, it had to be selective fire capable and it had to be able to penetrate a steel helmet out to 500 meters. The rifle the military was using up to that date, the M14, was a heavy, .308 caliber, selective fire capable rifle. The benefits of a large caliber like the .308 NATO, which are longer range and greater penetration, were no,longer needed for close combat. The rifle has actually some major disadvantages (other than the fact that it weighed about as much as a bicycle). Due to its large caliber, when fired in full-automatic mode, the rifle recoils so much, that only the first one or two bullets hit the target. Secondly, the large caliber means that the ammunition itself is quite heavy and large compared to an M16 round. This proved to be very heavy for the individual carrying the weapon. Its large size and heavy weight make it difficult for soldiers to use during combat situations. The M-14 isn’t all bad, though, it could literally blow somone’s head off, if you could hit him. It was very popular among soldiers due to its great reliability, It could be compared to an old t ruck; loud, powerful, but damn hard to live with.

The Agee Pyrex Advertisement Is a Reflection of the Social Attitudes

The Agee Pyrex advertisement was aimed towards the general public of the late 1940s, indicating a reflection of the social attitudes of that time period. The content of the advertisement expresses and clearly implies the values and principles that existed during the mid-20th century. Notable aspects include the role of the sexes in society, the prosperous post-war economic boom and the logical nature of gift. Men and women had their standard roles in society and they were clearly specified in the Agee Pyrex advertisement.As we note in the image, the lady is in a kneeling position looking up at the gentleman who assumed a dominant and assertive stance with hands in his pant pockets. The late 1940s household structure and societal norms depicted males as the carer, provider and generally the head of the household, while the woman took up the role as the domestic caretaker of the children, the food and the housekeeping. The illustration portrayed the Pyrex dish being the gift to the wom an from the man.This indication brings us back to the male being the supplier and the woman as a housewife (Pyrex dish for cooking), reflecting the social attitudes of the late 1940s. Immediately following the Second World War, a huge economic surge to the West, most notably the United States, provided a boost in consumerism. Also known as the Golden Age of Capitalism, the States experience unusually high and sustained financial growth.The Pyrex advertisement, which advertises kitchenware, would’ve been very common and extremely reflective of the public outlook at that time. The context of the advertisement states that Pyrex dishes would make excellent gifts, and without monetary stability, gifts would’ve been very uncommon, if not rare. Again, we can deduce this advertisement is an exceptional representation of the 1940s society. There are also many minor details and factors in the Pyrex advertisement that suggests the social attitudes of the late 1940s.The most signi ficant being the attire of the lady and gentleman. We observe that their clothing is very conservative, formal and quite sensible. A chequered suit with a shirt and tie would most definitely express a common gentleman of the mid-20th century, as would the female’s dark coloured dress with pearl necklaces convey a standard lady of that era. Another aspect noted is the pipe and the cigarette. The late 1940s would demonstrate that smoking was for the people with class.Yet we cannot help but notice that the woman has a filtered cigarette while the man puffs on an old-school pipe. This further narrows down to the late 1940s, where this would’ve been common among the public. The roles of the sexes in the advertisement are portrayed to the late 1940s in the advertisement. The post-war prosperity, positivity and sensibility is also shown in the advertisement. It is now apparent that through the visualisation and the context of the Agee Pyrex advertisement is a reflection of th e social attitudes of the late 1940s.