The Death Penalty Shall Stay

The United States is known for its big capital punishment or death penalty mentality. However, passions in the U.S. are sharply divided, and equally strong among both supporters and protesters of the death penalty. The death penalty in this country should not be eliminated though. First, death is the only just punishment for murderers. Second, life without parole is far more expensive than a death sentence. Lastly, capital punishment serves as a deterrent for future potential criminals. All in all, it is important that the death penalty remains in the United States. When a murderer is executed, the message to the criminal and society is that the crime he committed is so heinous; he forfeits his own right to live. Justice for All states that juries do not impose the death penalty loosely. They continue to explain that the death penalty is imposed with a sense of protection and justice, not revenge (Social Issues: Justice for All). The death penalty punishment is earned as a result of the pain and suffering the criminal has caused on the victim and the victim’s loved ones. â€Å"For some crimes, it represents the only just punishment available on earth† (Sharp). Also, our society has nonetheless steadily moved to more humane methods of carrying out capital punishment. Many opponents of the death penalty argue that the cost of capital punishment is about twice as expensive as life without parole punishments. Although the upfront costs for the death penalty are in fact higher than the costs for life without parole cases, this concept flips as the years pass. Justice for All states that life without parole cases will cost $1.2 million-$3.6 million more over time than equivalent death penalty cases (Sharp). Another factor that opponents of the death penalty fail to recognize is the cost that branches out of life imprisonment. Keeping these criminals alive in prison costs money whether it’s for the food, space, water for the showers, etc. So, why spend the money for murderers who don’t deserve it? Lastly, common sense later followed by piles and piles of statistics has proven that criminals often plead for a life in prison rather than death. In the past it was believed that the death of murderers 1) prevents future crime or misbehavior from the murderer and 2) discourages other future and/or potential murderers from committing crimes. In the present, Paul Rubin, a professor of economics and law at Emory University uses detailed statistical analysis of the available data on the deterrent effects of capital punishment. He and his colleagues concluded that each execution led to an average of eighteen fewer murders (Rubin). Not only has the death penalty rid us of criminals but it has the future effect of reducing the crime rate.

Ethics and Corruption

What is corruption? Corruption is the abuse of entrusted power for private gain. It is damaging to a country because decisions are taken not for the public benefit but to serve private interests. Corruption undermines good governance, fundamentally distorts public policy, leads to misallocation of resources, and particularly hurts the poor. There is a case in 29th July 1995, where the collapse of the Sampoong Superstore in Seoul, South Korea, represents an example of a structural collapse attributed in large part to corruption. The collapse of this structure left 937 people injured and had a death toll of over 500 innocent lives. Due to that, Engineer’s integrity and ethical standard will be put to test when involving project worth millions dollars. As the saying goes, â€Å"money is the root of all evil,† it is not unusual to find engineers who are tempted by the amount of money that they are entrusted with; whether to fully utilize the money in the project or to fulfill their individual greed. Hence, engineers need to be truthful. The level of truthfulness in engineering is very high, much higher in everyday life. It imposes what many consider an absolute prohibition on deception, and in addition it establishes a high ideal of seeking and speaking the truth (Martin & Schinzinger, 2005). Being truthful keep the engineers away from corruption and cutting corner. One of many ways to prevent corruption and unethical practice of cutting corner in engineering field is the development of honest and ethical engineering culture by creating or increase awareness of ethical practice among engineers since large amount of money or projects are often being handled by engineers. This is important in a sense that engineers must aware of the types of corruption as well as the punishments and consequences for involving in corruption. Punishments such as retracting the title of engineer and blacklisting the particular individual in the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM) and more severe punishments such as imprisonment, confiscating of properties and summonses. When engineers aware of the punishments subjected, then corruption can be prevented. Besides, awareness among engineers towards corruption can be created by implementing subjects or courses concerning engineer’s ethical issues into engineering course in university. Students that vow to become an engineer must first be taught of the ways to become an ethical engineer. Furthermore, BEM can include seminars or talks about ethical issues into Continuous Professional Development (CPD) programs for local engineers. Seniors engineers are compulsory to participate to gain points in CDP. By doing so, senior engineers that left university for long could still be educated on ethical issues. Therefore, self-awareness is a long term strategy in curbing corruption and unethical practices. When corruption is involved, competitions are not fair anymore. People will find various methods to undercut competition. Instead of using a well-organized process for contracting based on technical criteria to judge bids and firms, it is decentralized and is subject to monopoly power plus discretion minus accountability. Some political appointees have the discretion to let contracts without competition or technical reviews. Therefore, tendering process must be more transparent and have strict control over project variation. Handling of tenders should be fair and just where the project should only be awarded to the bidder who offers lowest price on the project without ignoring the quality of materials and services as well as the customers’ requirements. Any conflict of interest or bribes should be notified by the engineer to the corresponding company during the process of evaluating all the offers made by the bidders in order to ensure an outcome of decision which are fair, just and also the best for the company. By doing so, the opportunity of the engineer to work together with the bidders in falsifying the receipts or offers to gain profit without alerting or the knowledge of the company can be decreased or at some point, being completely eliminated, to avoid putting the lives of workers, employees and publics at risk due to corruption. Advantage or authority given to the engineers must not be misused in unlawful deeds, engineers should report to their company for how they handle or use the given authority to complete the project in order to prevent falsification and exaggeration of the project funds. Corruption usually occurs because a certain individual or organization has too much power and authority. Engineers themselves should always alert toward orders they get from company or requirement from customers. Any conflicts of the order or requirement with the codes of ethics should be advised by the engineers to the customer or company. If the advice failed to change their mind, then the engineers have the responsibility to carried forth the case to corresponding authority. Besides, in order to eliminate the unnecessary power and authorities, the administration approval process should be optimized. A complete supervising system should be implemented to prevent any corruption and this supervising system should allow the officials to work without administrative interference at the same time protecting the innocent public. Besides, institution of regular and random checks is important to review the conduct of the officials involved in engineering, project or construction industry. These checks include detailed review of the entire procurement process on selected projects. It must be fair and done by an anti-corruption body. The checks should not single out any individual official or company. Consequently, officials are less likely to participate in corrupt conduct or deliberate maladministration as they cannot be confident that their conduct will not be detected by detailed scrutiny of supervisory officials. As a consequence of these random and regular reviews or checks, may be a pattern of misconduct can be identified at one or more specific stages during the construction process. Furthermore, hot lines or whistle-blowers protection is another measure in curbing corruption and unethical practices of cutting corners. Hot lines improve accountability by enlisting workers and public to report corrupt acts. The government office responsible for investigating such acts often operates a hot line. For example, in Hong Kong, the Independent Commission Against Corruption runs a hot line and guarantees that every allegation is investigated. It also protects those who make reports by granting file access to officers on a â€Å"need to know† basis only. However, in cases where anonymity cannot be guaranteed, those who protest corruption often place themselves at risk. In many countries, whistle blowers are often fired or punished, subjected to administrative harassment, and exposed to violence. For this reason, anti- corruption efforts need legislation to protect whistle blowers from official sanctions or even to reward them. Although whistle-blowing is not desirable in a company as it will affect the reputation of the company, but it is an essential way in combating corruption. With every engineer practicing whistle-blow, others will not even consider unethical practices such as corruption and cutting corners. Thus, effectively preventing misbehavior among engineers and subsequently safeguarding the good image of the engineering profession. Professional engineers should aware that it is important to conduct the duty assigned to them responsibly and professionally especially when it involves he confidential information about certain project because bribery and cutting corner can also occur in such way that the information is used by other company to compete in an unfair condition. The professional engineers will never disclose the confidential information of their client or companies to others in order to maintain their professionalism and they must also knows that the consequences of revealing those info rmation can be a great risk for themselves and companies, such act is punishable and will affects their reputation as an professional engineer. Furthermore, transparency of a project progress can reduces as well as avoids corruption to occur as the activities of the project are visible to all and the engineer can hardly alter it for cutting corner purpose. The transparency of a tender progress or engineering project can be made clear or enhanced by doing the publication of the procurement procedures. Procedures involved in the projects shall be clearly defined and stated so that the publications are understandable and clear to public, details such as stating how and where the supplies originated from shall be included. Through this step, the procedures made in the projects are transparent to the public and the chance for the engineers to corrupt would be greatly reduced. The publication can be made through media such as newspaper, internet, and magazine at which these media are easily reached by the public. According to the BEM code of ethics, a registered engineer shall conduct himself honorably, responsibly, ethically and lawfully so as to enhance the honors, reputation and usefulness of the profession. This code should always be abided by the engineer and keep in mind that one should be avoiding from corruption, bribery and also cutting corner and have to be very well aware that these are the actions punishable by the Board of Engineers or court of law and also might risk the safety and health of the public. Every engineer should aware of their own responsibility toward the company, client and public which includes preserving the reputations of company and themselves. They should do everything lawfully to increase the reputations of their company and engineers. Reputation of an engineer is very important in order for them to be employed and keep their professions as an engineer. Engineers also should uphold their professionalism in order to honor and enhance their usefulness in the field. Failing to abide the codes might result in drop in reputation, being fired, the license of engineer being revoked or the worst is, might end up in jail. Based on the first principle of BEM Codes of ethics, a registered engineer holds paramount the safety, health and welfare of the public. The engineer should always make the public as his first priority because in the profession of engineering, the whole community is the ultimate client rather than the individual client. Corruption and cutting corner always put the safety of public at the edge of risk as the bidders always tend to make more profits from the project, hence they might altered the materials for the project to lower quality materials in order to save cost and this might lead to disastrous consequences such as collapse of buildings and dangerous behaviors of machines due to malfunction or system breakdown. Engineers have the responsibility to report to corresponding authority if their client or company failed to fulfill the instructions of the engineer that abide the code. Even though engineers have their own responsibility toward their client, but the first code of ethics erases this responsibility if their clients or company fail to follow what have been set by the engineers which did not against the codes of ethics. Failing to abide the first code might result in disciplinary action to be taken or the license as an engineer to be revoked because they put the lives of public in danger, even though at the end no harm or loss of life occur. The first code of ethics is also applicable to the case with other professions at which the general public’s safety is the main consideration to be made before others. In conclusion, engineers should always take consideration and action according to the codes of ethics. Any action that might lead to bribery, corruption or cutting corner should be avoided. Prevention methods for unethical practice have to be carried out by engineers and the importance of upholding the professionalism in engineering field has to be kept in mind in order to create an honorable, responsible, ethical and lawful profession. The impression or reputation of engineers can be improved through actual practice of the codes of ethics and avoiding corruptions. Engineers should always remind themselves that not only the project, reputation, and wealth are in their hands, but also the safety and life of public, therefore, it is important for them to make safety issues as the main priority of making consideration. In addition, the integrity of the country also can be improved through such practice as the corruptions, briberies, and cutting corners are reduced.

Computer Science Essay

Internet Information Services (ISS) has become one of the mostly used technologies in the Information Systems to handle Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) requests. However, hackers have greatly targeted these IIS. Moreover, some viruses such as the Nimbda and Code Red have caused severe damages on IIS servers. This paper highlights on the various steps which IIS administrators ought to put into consideration in order to ascertain security for their corporations’ IIS servers by locking down their IIS web servers. Securing the IIS Web Servers The IIS is used to create, manage and secure websites and is included in the Windows New Technology Operating Systems. To ensure that the IIS server is secured, firstly, the IIS administrator must make sure that he has the system installed with latest updated service pack and the most current IIS packets. Additionally, other packets that are necessary for Windows 2000 must also be availed. In order to maintain the server operating steadily, the administrator has to register for the automatic security updates. Afterwards, the HiSecWeb package has to be unpacked in order to configure the computer well for IIS security. The IIS configuration settings are located in metabase, which is a data storage area. The metabase has a hierarchical organization structure, which depicts the IIS installation structure. After successful installation of the latest updated operating system and the IIS, the process of securing then gets on the move. This process begins at the network layer (Novick, 2010). In order to lock the network, the router, firewall and switch have to be configured to specifically allow external networks’ traffic pass to the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) port. In the web server’s Internet Protocol (IP) address, the TCP is port 80 but when using the Secure Socket Layer (SSL), it is port 443. This configuration, though not complicated, bars the attack of the web server by any malicious external intruders. Securing the network only protects the web server. Therefore and as aforementioned, after testing the security updates of the operating system and the IIS patches, automatic updates is scheduled. In adding security and removing vulnerabilities to the IIS application, the administrator has to rename, disable or delete the IUSR account and recreate it. The IUSR account refers to an anonymous user in the web. For faster and straightforward securing of this account, the IIS Lockdown Tool, which is a product from Microsoft, is run. This tool uses the New Technology (NT) and IIS existing facilities in protecting the IIS server from the earlier mentioned viruses and other known and mysterious attacks. The use of this tool qualifies the account to become a member of the local group of the web anonymous users. Moreover, the Lockdown tool involuntarily dispenses the web anonymous users’ local group Deny Write or Deny Execute authorizations to the corporation’s directories on the web. Likewise, adding these group users to be members of the local group will give the same results. UrlScan Security tool is also found within the Lockdown tool and it helps, in conjunction with the former tool, in eliminating web extensions that are considered to be dangerous and of no consequence and checking any attempts to run EXE, IDA and HTA file extensions that are restricted. Furthermore, they put a ceiling on the HTTP request types to be processed by the IIS server (Novick, 2010). Disabling socket pooling also plays a pivotal role in IIS securing. The technique of connection pooling allows many sites to share TCP sockets. Consequently, disabling this enhancement will ensure that the IIS server is not in a position run services that are using ports with similar port numbers. Since the socket pooling option is by default enabled, the administrator renders it inoperative by configuring the DiasbleSocketPooling, an option in the llisWebServer classes and llsWebService. The IIS web server can further be secured by implementing various logon methods by applying basic authentication realms. For instance, web server user privileges. This strategy assigns a user name and password that ensures only the users having them are the ones who can physically access the server. Another logon procedure is the use of password pass through. The server only authenticates the user after having entered his/her credentials which have to be entered for each subsequent page in the web (Kozicki, 2003). To further the security of the server, an encryption connection may also be used. However, this option of securing the IIS server has some loopholes since the username and the password are passed over the internet in each log in thus becomes exposed to hackers. Therefore, in order to increase the security levels of the IIS server, modification can be made. These include employment of authentication methods that are interactive, application authentication and authentication of the network that has the capability to preserve the user credentials. Since IIS servers are highly exposed to public internet, the IIS security checklist provided by Microsoft is also reliable. This provides an extensive security function to the server through the numerous steps of installation and application settings for maximum functionality. However, most of the implementation procedures and steps are more or less similar to those of the UrlScan and the IIS Lockdown tool.

Not Just Entertainment Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Not Just Entertainment - Assignment Example A main topic of colonization seemed to be a dominant issue in several of the films. Female oppression and gender categorization was another situation discussed in several of the films. Cultural traditions and beliefs were intertwined throughout many of the films as each group practiced traditions in various ways from Western culture and traditions. Some cultural traditions have made their way into Western society as people have immigrated to Europe, America, Canada, and South America. Traditions that seemed acceptable by the mainstream society were openly practiced, while others were kept confidential because of their unacceptable practices (WHO, 1996). The film Keita carried the issue of education by the government to be the most important part of a young person’s life (Kouyate, 1995). In comparison to mainstream cinema, Brooks (1955) depicted how education is handled in an inner city all boys school in the film titled Blackboard Jungle. In La Bataille d’Alger the rule s the government were placing on the people were portrayed as the only acceptable way of life, even though the people of Algiers had their own traditions and beliefs that they had been practicing for generations (Pontecorvo, 1966). The comparison to how the Indians were treated by the government in the film titled Dances with Wolves is not much different. One group is trying to coerce the other group into something that is not wanted (Costner, 1990). The traditions in the film Moolaade that had been carried out for generations were being questioned and dismissed by some, while completely supported by other members of the community (Sembene, 2004). The oppression of women was depicted in a similar fashion, but not to the extreme in the film Maid in Manhattan (Wang, 2002). In each of these films, one group was trying to force another group to accept something that was different from the other group or individual’s belief. The similarities and differences can be determined in th e opinion of the viewer. Many mainstream films are created for and considered entertainment, while African cinema seemed to expose oppression, injustices, and real world experiences that may have remained hidden knowledge from the rest of the world. The function and art of the traditional griot portrayed in the film Keita was the teaching of the youth of the community through stories passed down through generations (Kouyate, 1995). It was the griot’s responsibility to make sure that everyone learned the history and origin of their family and community. A comparison between the African filmmakers and the griot could be that both have a job to disseminate the truth about the history and traditions of a community according to the culture and beliefs of that people. The difference between the filmmakers and the griot is that the filmmakers try to provide different opinions of the situation and allow for the view to decide how to interpret the outcome of the film. A griot taught t he story from knowledge passed down from generations and allowed the person being told the story to choose their own beliefs, without providing any other scenarios or versions of the story (Kouyate, 1995). A good example of the opposing views of a story from a filmmaker is provided in La Bataille d’Alger. In this film, the police were shown as one way and the script was written to

Ethics andPublic Administration Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Ethics andPublic Administration - Essay Example The author of the paper "Ethics and Public Administration" assumes that morality defines the way in which one differentiates their intentions, how they arrive at their decisions and choose actions that their consciousness perceives to be right over what is wrong (Kakabadse, Korac-Kakabadse & Kouizmin 2003). Politics, on the other hand, entails the practice of structured control over people on an individual or civic level by those in governance positions. The functions of politics range from making laws to negotiating with opposing political views in order to promote one’s views, to exercising force against enemies (which may include warfare). On the social level, politics is practiced from family units, clans, tribes and societies. On a broader scale, it is inherently present in local governments, institutions, states and international levels (Kakabadse, Korac-Kakabadse & Kouizmin 2003). In view of morality and politics, Machiavelli, an Italian writer, humanist, philosopher, d iplomat and politician of the renaissance period, argued that the requirements of the two are not compatible. Although there are upright, incorruptible politicians, it is common knowledge that most require help from influential individuals or corporate bodies to get past the preliminary stages of elections. However, this help is more often than not to be paid back, which forms the basis of argument of this paper, which will support the argument that the requirements of a moral and political life are incompatible.... When factional conduct is pursued, it always compromises the goal of common welfare which politicians are ideally meant to achieve. Evidently, factions are, therefore, the results of both public and private corruption among the citizens. Machiavelli believed that to avoid the corruption, one had to choose between two sets of virtues. Whoever chose personal morality would have to give up any vision of an unwavering and prosperous society where everyone flourishes on what is rightfully earned. On the other hand, whoever chose politics would have to give up all hopes of quenching personal anxiety. One sees that Machiavelli’s thinking shows that although the ultimate goal of personal morality and politics may be the same, they are driven by entirely different sets of values that contradict each other and may lack rational, achievable solutions (James 2003). After officiating in the Florentine Republic as secretary to the chancery and being responsible for military and diplomatic a ffairs, Machiavelli’s arguments must have been informed by actual experiences. One of his popular writings, The Prince, was done after the recovery of power by the Medici, who were not in power during the time he served as secretary to the chancery. From The Prince, one can draw a picture of Machiavelli’s view of political rule without influence of ethics or morals, where the politicians are completely conscious of the institution of politics in exercising power effectively. Like many political philosophers, Machiavelli believes there is a correlation between authority and moral uprightness. However, he goes further to point out that the relationship is different when it comes to â€Å"legitimate† authority. Exercising political power can

Explain how the twenties were and were not so roaring Essay

Explain how the twenties were and were not so roaring - Essay Example s facilitated by influx of money in to the economies by soldiers from US and Canada who had just returned from War hence the production industry was forced to expand to meet the increased demand of goods. In 1921, President Harding signed the Emergency Tariff of 1921 which was aimed at reducing the tax rates, reducing the national debt and protecting the interests of the farmers. Overconfidence in the boom economy contributed to stock price speculation and excessive credit in the economy which led to the stock market crash and the Great Depression. The federal expenditure was increased in order to create new job opportunities and help the industries which were collapsing. The roaring twenties saw the development of transport system and other communication technology advancements (Kenney 115). There was development of electricity manufacturing power and by 1929 all the main industries relied on electricity. Steam power provided much of the energy needs at the onset of 1920s but this was overtaken by electricity power as the decade progressed. Mechanization of manufacturing industries progressed through the roaring twenties where new processes and methods of production were implemented. The roaring twenties also experienced mass production in the automobile industry and mass broadcasting medium invention like the radio and television. Sound recording was later invented hence businesses conducted mass advertisements through these new mediums (Kenney 116). Massive government expenditure was invested in railway construction, electrification and upgrading the highways in the hope that these new infrastructure was reap benefits in future. Most of the local governments were in huge debts. Urbanization increased in cities and demand of white collar jobs was high. Most of the States ratified Nineteenth Amendment which gave women the right to vote thus further sparking a series of women movements who demanded more rights for women and Blacks. The twenties also were marked

Inportance of HR Policy and Other Factors in Employee Engagement Essay

Inportance of HR Policy and Other Factors in Employee Engagement - Essay Example The findings of this research will provide insight of Human Resource (HR) department that has earned a fundamental status in any organization in the recent history. It facilitates the formation of an effective infrastructure in which employees can excel and achieve goals in accordance with the vision of the company. HR functions encompass the art of providing an environment for the managers such that they are able to engage their employees and achieve desired results. Alfres, Truss, Soane, Rees and Gatenby defined employee engagement as the presence and active participation of the employee in the happenings of the organization, alongside maintaining effective and meaningful relations with the colleagues. Lockwood stated that the employees who possess greater levels of commitment with the organization tend to perform 20% better than the others and there are 87% less chances of them leaving the organization. Therefore, it can be said that better organizational results can be linked to greater employee engagement. A performance driven environment that is fuelled by competent employees is achieved by the presence of effective HR policies. Humane, flexible and clear HR policies ensure a fair and amiable working environment that helps to engage employees by protecting their rights and interests. However, the formulation of valuable HR policies is not the only factor that is used to attain employee engagement in the organization.... Figure 2: Managers’ practices influence the level of employee engagement and ultimately the business results (Vance, 2006) Alfres, Truss, Soane, Rees, and Gatenby (2010) considered the following factors to bear great relevance when employees rate their line managers; communication, trust and level of fairness. Along these lines, the managers are expected to assign tasks in a fair manner in accordance with the skills and expertise of the employees. The employees expect clear and unambiguous guidelines from their managers so that the employees can direct their efforts in a consistent direction and produce results according to the expectations of the managers. Vance (2006) discussed the job characteristics model from the 1970s that increased the attention on the relation of job design with job satisfaction. This model promotes the consideration of the following aspects; skill variety, clear identification of task, relevance of task, independence to perform the task and feedback o f the performance. Line managers are also responsible for ensuring that the efforts of the employees are rewarded in an according manner. 2.2 Team Cohesiveness and Mutual Support Mutual understanding and cohesiveness are important traits of any team since these factors work towards the enhancement of employee engagement. Albercht (2010) stated that exchange of knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) helps the employees to improve their work performance and stay directed towards the achievement of the goals of the team. Mutual support promotes an amiable environment in the team which develops personal relations within team members; such relations provide the feeling of belonging to a specific establishment.