...Should Drug Testing be Mandatory to Receive Welfare Benefits? BCOM/275 Should Drug Testing be Mandatory to Receive Welfare Benefits? Thanks to our ancestors, America is a country built from a foundation of hard work and perseverance. This pioneering spirit has paved the way for many opportunities, as well as rules to be set along the way. This includes mandating laws and acts starting with the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. With these guidelines America humbly started as a nation where every citizen was entitled to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. These laws stressed the simplest of privileges which included freedom of religion, freedom of speech, protection against enemies, and restriction against monopolies (America's Freedom Documents, 1996-2011). These were all expressions of the American mindset long ago. Fast forward to current America and we find problems we must confront now that are more complicated. These problems have evolved through history that has now made our present day precedence in relation to laws and rules. We now have the freedom to vote, be active in our government, and have an opinion. Our opinions are shaped by the physical world around us and the controversy we have created as a people. However, The United States as an ideal presents a uniquely contradictory set of principles that is generally not openly discussed. This includes the tendency to accept government officials, network...
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...will avoid repeating them in the future. The same can be said for a nation. Past history is littered with wrong decisions and unfair bias toward individuals who deserved nothing less than equality. Which is why policies such as the Affirmative Action and The Americans with Disabilities Act are placed within our historic timeline to begin to the process of never having to repeat past wrongdoings. The Affirmative Action was introduced in the 1960s’ as a type of positive discrimination with the intention to combat “injustices caused by our nation's historic discrimination against people of color and women, and for leveling what has long been an uneven playing field” (American Civil Liberties Union, n.d.). Before this act was passed, ethnic minorities and women faced extreme barriers with higher education and employment. It was because of the recognition of the injustice toward these minority groups that began the fight to promote equality and encourage same opportunities as the more privileged population. Within my own research, the best description was that of a metaphor of a foot race. In the United States, the “American dream is framed as a race in which the swiftest runners win” (American Civil Liberties Union, 2008). Those that disapprove of the Affirmation Act say that this policy of offering support to ethnic minorities and women giving some runners an unfair head start in what would typically be a fair race. Opposite of that, are the people that encourage this...
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...drinking alcohol in public places, with alcohol consumption in the home being mostly unregulated. Some countries also have different age limits for different types of alcoholic drinks. PRO Lowering Drinking Age 18 is the age of adulthood in the United States, and adults should have the right to make their own decisions about alcohol consumption. Turning 18 entails receiving the rights and responsibilities of adulthood to vote, smoke cigarettes, serve on juries, get married, sign contracts, be prosecuted as adults, and join the military - which includes risking one's life. [5] [6] CON Lowering Drinking Age The right to drink should have a higher age of initiation because of the dangers posed by drinking. Many rights in the United States are conferred on citizens at age 21 or older. A person cannot legally purchase a handgun, gamble in a casino (in most states), or adopt a child until age 21, rent a car (for most companies) at age 25, or run for President until age 35. Drinking should be similarly restricted due to the responsibility required to self and others. [24] EUTHANASIA refers to the practice of intentionally ending a life in order to relieve pain and suffering.[1] PRO Euthanasia or Physician-Assisted Suicide CON Euthanasia or Physician-Assisted Suicide 1. Right to Die PRO: "The right of a competent, terminally ill person to avoid excruciating pain and embrace a timely and dignified death bears the sanction of history...
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...This document is to provide more instruction for the team debate outlines. Remember this is an academic debate. The debate is not a summation of opinions. You must have a cited source for every pro or con argument. With the topics picked in this class, you will find many options to support either side. Keep in mind - this is not your opinion. You can not write/debate anything without a published source stating it. The published source must come from the UOPX library. This is a research intensive assignment/project and is designed to improve your research skills. And... it is fun! Laughing Debate Topic Should mothers be drug tested while pregnant? Con Arguments Con Argument # 1 Thirty of them were arrested, and two were sentenced to prison. Ten of the women who were arrested sued for violation of their constitutional rights. They were represented by the American Civil Liberties Union. Nine of the 10 were black. All were poor. Six had been arrested at the hospital, shortly after giving birth. (Annas, 2001) Some would say that the drug testing would primarily focus on the poor and minorities. Con Argument # 2 Con Argument # 3 Con Argument # 4 Ethical Issues Ethical Issue # 1 Ethical Issue # 2 Ethical Issue # 3 Legal Issues Legal issue # 1 Legal issue # 2 Career Competencies Career Competency # 1: Career Competency # 2: Career Competency # 3: References Annas, G. J. (2001, May). Testing poor pregnant women for cocaine--physicians...
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...our individual differences. These can be along the dimensions of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age, physical abilities, religious beliefs, political beliefs, or other ideologies. It is the exploration of these differences in a safe, positive, and nurturing environment. It is about understanding each other and moving beyond simple tolerance to embracing and celebrating the rich dimensions of diversity contained within each individual. Back to Diversity Initiatives Home Page Pros to Affirmative action: The Pro-Affirmative Action Side: It is a Fair and Necessary Program Proponents of Affirmative Action say that it is necessary to ensure that minorities have a fair opportunity in employment and education. The American Civil Liberties Union Briefing Paper #17 lists a number of reasons why Affirmative Action remains vital; among the statistics shared: Read more at Suite101: The Pros and Cons of Affirmative Action: Neccessary for Equal Opportunity or Reverse Discrimination http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/diversity/11063#ixzz0qJ1IKDN7 The Anti-Affirmative Action Side: It is Reverse Discrimination Opponents to Affirmative Action believe that the process leads to reverse discrimination, and that it leads to hiring people based on race, gender, etc., rather than merit. They argue that...
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...In a country with its fundamentals based on liberty and equality, America always has struggled with those very concepts. Throughout history, Americans have been challenged to make decisions that have oppressed and freed certain groups of people. The political fight for same-sex marriages is a perfect example of this notion. This relation between spouses has created a major controversy that is creating history in our nation. A series of protests, acts and political scandal has opened America to discuss a topic that had been in “the closet” for a long time. This discussion asks questions that have caused a visceral reaction in society. Same sex marriage opens the door to a new unnatural purpose that could detrimentally influence the fragile generations to come. Tradition is a strong component in the institution of marriage. The ideal American dream usually involves the perfect fairy-tale wedding with the gorgeous white wedding dress for the bride, the matching bridesmaids, the well-arranged bouquet and, the numerous rituals that compose this well thought-out event. Usually it requires a spectacular amount of planning, devotion and dollars to make the important day memorable. Family and friends come together to rejoice in the vows that will bond the two lovers into a lifetime journey of love, commitment and fidelity. Both persons in the relation is expected to have a role in this institution. According to Judith Wallerstein and Sandra Blakeslee, “In the idealized form of the...
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...Affirmative Action By Holly R. Allen 5.29.2010 HRM/240 “Affirmative action” means positive steps taken to increase the representation of women and minorities in areas of employment, education, and business from which they have been historically excluded. When those steps involve preferential selection—selection on the basis of race, gender, or ethnicity—affirmative action generates intense controversy. In 1972, affirmative action became an inflammatory public issue. True enough, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 already had made something called “affirmative action” a remedy federal courts could impose on violators of the Act. Likewise, after 1965 federal contractors had been subject to President Lyndon Johnson's Executive Order 11246, requiring them to take “affirmative action” to make sure they were not discriminating. Your company should hire people based on talent, experience, skill level for the job they are applying for. Your hiring shouldn’t be based on if the man or woman is black, white, mexican, asian or some other race or ethinicity. A person should be able to go apply for a job and not have to worry if they are being discriminated against. If they have all the training and experience to do the job correctly and you say, no we cant hire you at this time and you don’t give them a good answer of why they werent considered for the job, this can cause a load of problems and could even lead to lawsuits. If a minority...
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...As a little girl growing up in America I have always dreamed of raising my own family and getting married but American culture has grown accustomed to not so traditional ways. According to Merriam Webster Dictionary marriage is the state of being united to a person of the opposite sex as husband or wife in a consensual and contractual relationship recognized by law. Marriage is no longer just about a man and a woman committing themselves to each other for life, it now encompasses, gay and lesbians as well, as they pledge to love, honor, and trust each other all the days of their lives . Today same-sex marriage is one the biggest controversies and it seems like no one could ever come to a common agreement. Personal characteristics such as upbringing, culture, religion, ethnicity all play a major role in determining ones feelings on a given controversial issue. Although gays, just like any other human being have a right to a life of dignity, pursuit of happiness, people against homosexuality term such unions as unnatural. In this essay I will persuade the reader why same-sex marriage should be allowed to get married and what civil unions like LGBT are doing to fight back. One of the most arguments against gay marriage is that if they are legalized, the institution of marriage will lose its significance. Traditionally, we think of marriage as a union between a man and woman recognized by law. However the definition of marriage varies different meanings for different cultures but...
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...Should drug testing be mandatory to receive welfare? Americans face tough challenges in life, and some may have to apply for financial aid for federal or state funding through rough times such has lost of job or current job not providing enough money pay the bills. Those who do receive assistance, should they be drug tested? There are several Americans who will agree with the drug testing because they feel their tax dollars are being wasted on those who do not qualify for assistance. The welfare program is there to help those in need. The ones that are suffering due to lack of employment or lay off should be receiving the assistance. There are several families out there struggling but the parents are causing their struggle because of drugs. Many people decide that drugs are more important than their families because they are so addicted to the drug. If drug users can afford to pay for their drugs, than why can’t they also afford their own food? A person should put their own life and safety and as well as their family before they purchase any drugs. If they decide to buy drugs, than they are not in much need for TANF, food stamps, or any other federal or state assistance. If they take a drug test and fail the test, the state should have their own laws and take action for the safety of the family. This could mean more children in foster or shelters due to the parents lack of judgment of what is important. One in six Americans are relying on government anti-poverty programs to...
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...CAPITAL PUNISHMNET: THE RIGHT TO KILL Capital Punishment: The Right to Kill Debra Gonzalez University of Phoenix Axia Capital Punishment: The Right to Kill Capital punishment has been a source of debate since its inception; the public continues to dispute this highly controversial issue. A struggle exists between Americans who are fighting for a safe and secure society and those individuals who want to abolish the death penalty. Capital punishment may be a controversial subject; however, it is a critical issue that must be addressed in today's violent society. Many people can not decide if the death penalty provides the necessary punishment and deterrent effect that is needed for criminals but, capital punishment is an aspect of criminal sentencing that needs to be evaluated. The United States Supreme Court judgment in Furman vs. Georgia in 1972 came to the decision that the death penalty was a violation of the eight amendment because of the inconsistent manner by which it was carried out. However, in the 1970s, 34 states across the nation ratified new legislation on capital punishment that met the standards set by the Supreme Court. The most significant change in the history of death penalty cases transpired when United States legislators and the Congress passed what is now know as the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act .This made a capital punishment sentence possible for various federal crimes. Across this Nation there were approximately...
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...found them. It was a family member and you will never see them again. Capital punishment has been a topic of debate for a very long time and it still has no certain solution. The Supreme Court, in 1972 said that it was unconstitutional and had made it legal after the Furman v. Georgia case. They said that it was in violation of our eighth and fourteenth amendment citing cruel and unusual punishment (Shaw, 2001). They then reinstated the death penalty after the Gregg v. Georgia case in 1976 (Shaw, 2001). As of September 2010, fifteen states that do not have the death penalty ("Death penalty information center," 2010.) Today about seventy percent of Americans who support the death penalty (The pros and cons of the death penalty in the USA, 2011). While thirty percent are against the death penalty (The pros and cons of the death penalty in the USA, 2011). When seeking the death penalty, it is something not done very often and it not taken very lightly. The reason is because the cost it accrued overtime A typical death row trial usually goes as follows: The District Attorney’s office will seek the death penalty in cases they feel it is the appropriate punishment. The case will be in front of a jury and if they decide, the defendant is guilty of capital murder....
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...victim found them. It was a family member and you will never see them again. Capital punishment has been a topic of debate for a very long time and it still has no certain solution. The Supreme Court, in 1972 said that it was unconstitutional and had made it legal after the Furman v. Georgia case. They said that it was in violation of our eighth and fourteenth amendment citing cruel and unusual punishment (Shaw, 2001). They then reinstated the death penalty after the Gregg v. Georgia case in 1976 (Shaw, 2001). As of September 2010, fifteen states that do not have the death penalty ("Death penalty information center," 2010.) Today about seventy percent of Americans who support the death penalty (The pros and cons of the death penalty in the USA, 2011). While thirty percent are against the death penalty (The pros and cons of the death penalty in the USA, 2011). When seeking the death penalty, it is something not done very often and it not taken very lightly. The reason is because the cost it accrued overtime A typical death row trial usually goes as follows: The District Attorney’s office will seek the death penalty in cases they feel it is the appropriate punishment. The case will be in front of a jury and if they decide, the defendant is guilty of capital murder....
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...(procon.org, 2013). According to the U.S. News website “Support for the ruling has grown since polls began tracking public opinion on abortion in 1989, with 70 % of Americans now believing the ruling should stand” (Debate club, 2013 Should Abortion be Legal, para 1). Whether people are for it or against it, there are many reasons and justifications for why it should remain legal as well as many other reasons for why it should not be. For example, in the case of a late term abortion, rape, unfit mother who may be using drugs, or life and death risk of the mother or child. Prochoice groups argue that abortion is a right that should not be control by government or religious authority. Pro-life groups give emphasis to personhood and that it begins at conception. Unborn babies are human beings with the right to live, and it is immoral to kill innocent human being. Through the research and study pros and cons of abortion, the legal ramifications, and the effects it may have on women and the unborn child will be discuss to determine if abortion should it remain legal. Life Starts at Conception After the Roe v. Wade case, two main groups emerged, Pro-life to oppose the Court’s decision about abortion and Pro-choice to support the Court’s decision in giving the woman the right to choose to end an unwanted pregnancy. Pro-life supporters believe human life starts at conception. Life “starts in the womb when the sperm meets the ovum” (Aksoy 86). Once the male sperm fertilized a mature...
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...Euthanasia: Live and Let Die April 11, 2013 Euthanasia: Live and Let Die In 2004, Pope John Paul II said “A man, even if seriously sick or prevented in the exercise of its higher functions, is and will be always a man… he will never become a ‘vegetable’ or an ‘animal’. The intrinsic value and personal dignity of every human being does not change depending on their circumstances” (Pope John Paul II, 2004). Euthanasia or assisted suicide is the deliberate action of ending a life in order to relieve unstoppable suffering. Euthanasia is legal in Albania, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Switzerland, as well as some US states. In some of these countries, euthanasia is generally executed by a medical professional taking into account his patient’s needs and desires; but sometimes a medical professional can dispense the last medication ending his patient’s life without the patient’s consent. However, euthanasia and assisted suicide is forbidden in the majority of countries and could be penalized by a fourteen years prison sentence. (“Euthanasia and assisted, intro”). Legalizing euthanasia is extremely controversial moral and legal issue throughout the world, but achieving that goal is extremely necessary. Although legalizing euthanasia could cause negative effects for society, the positive side of this controversy indicates that asking for death is important for those patients who have decided that after a certain point, the pain has exceeded the desire of living. On the one hand...
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...Muniz was proven innocent because the footage from the body camera showed he didn’t do anything wrong. But in some cases, privacy is an issue in the release of footage. Because the trust in police officers is becoming non-existent, police body cameras are a rising solution that may have pros and cons. The attention of police body cameras has increased since the death of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri in August of 2014. Darren Wilson, a police officer in Ferguson, Missouri, was found not guilty in the death of 18-year-old Michael Brown and Michael's family is begging for...
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